Rescued from hell! A Sri Lankan recalls the darkest days inside a Myanmar cyber slave camp

“All these transactions are done using cryptocurrency. We help customers to transfer money from eBay to their wallets in various cryptocurrencies. From that we help them to transfer the money into their bank accounts and they send us screenshots. From that we get to know their bank balance as well. Our target is to earn 15,000 USDT every month. But that’s an impossible target. One month I achieved 38,000 US$ perhaps because it was Ramadan

Plastic crisis a threat to health and environment

The local market is awash with low-quality plastic products despite measures introduced to curb their import.

Thai Pongal: The celebration of the Sun God

Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal means prosperity, flourishing, growth and abundance in work, business and life.

Thai Pongal: The celebration of abundance, joy and community

This is the harvesting season of Paddy. Farmers feel happy about a bountiful harvest. So they celebrate the occasion.

Impressions ‘24 Celebrating the Thomian spirit with art

Impressions’24, the annual Art Exhibition organized by the Art Club of S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia concluded recently.

SL College of Surgeons welcomes its 43rd President

The inauguration ceremony of the 43rd President of the Sri Lanka College of Surgeons was held recently.

Sri Lanka’s First-Ever Certificate Course in Hindi launched on World Hindi Day

In a historic step towards promoting Hindi education in Sri Lanka, the country’s first certificate course in Hindi through open and distance learning was launched recently.

The Art of Dealing with Self-Sabotage

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the same loop? You set goals, you get excited, but somehow, you find yourself back where you started—or worse, not even starting at all. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been there, staring at a blank page or avoiding the thing I said I wanted the most. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and let’s be honest—annoying as hell.

Promoting a culture of inclusivity with therapeutic horse and pony riding

In a bid to bring about a culture of inclusivity through therapeutic horse and pony riding, the Garden of Eden Centre for Autism in collaboration with the Ceylon Riding Club, Royal Turf Club and The Edwards Collection recently held an event to celebrate the connection between children, horses and ponies at the Royal Turf Club in Nuwara Eliya.

Non-violence, a fundamental principle in Buddhism

The word “Ahimsa,” derived from Sanskrit, means non-harm or non-injury and is often translated into English as non-violence.

THE MOST COLOURFUL LOW - COUNTRY PROCESSION OF KELANIYA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA

The colourful Duruthu perahera of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is held annually on the pre-full moon poya day in the month of Duruthu (January) to commemorate Buddha’s third visit to Sri Lanka.

Paradise plugs in: Can Sri Lanka become Asia’s next ‘Digital Nomad Hub’?

Sri Lanka, with its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable living, is perfectly positioned to attract the growing wave of digital nomads seeking a blend of work and wanderlust.

The memory of Sister Mary Lidwina lives on

When Sister Lidwina came to my Priestly life, it was like a shooting star and as a marker of her flamboyant personality, it enhanced my life. It is her ardent zeal that I admire, which was in the service of the Lord and also her vibrant personality radiates a regal aura. The service she provided to her Congregation and the church at large is unparalleled and I feel that the congregation will not easily find a substitute.

Transboundary air pollution : For how long should Sri Lankans suffer due to poor air quality levels?

On certain days, Colombo’s skyline is almost invisible. While some may find it similar to the mist, it is in fact called ‘particulate matter pollution’ and by definition it is a mixture of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in air.

The world in focus through the power of Photojournalism

Marking a significant milestone in the art and media scene in Sri Lanka, the World Press Photo Exhibition will open doors to the public today (January 10th) at the Arcade Independence Square after over two decades.

“Healthy and low-cost” Alcohol Product, faces criticism from Medical experts

Medical experts and organisations including the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) have expressed concerns over proposals to introduce a ‘healthy and low-cost’ alcohol product.

Plight of women in poverty beneath the façade of Colombo’s splendor

Throughout the festive season, Colombo dazzled with its embellished houses and malls aglow with blinding lights. Yet, such grandeur seems to mask the harsh reality of those who have succumbed to poverty.

Lasantha Wickrematunge A national hero’s enduring legacy

January 8 marked a dark and somber day in Sri Lanka’s history, as our thoughts went back to Lasantha Wickrematunge, the fearless journalist and an indefatigable champion of human rights, who fell victim to a brutal assassination.

Petroleum Corporation’s bonus payments stir controversy

A letter dated December 23, 2024 and signed by Secretary to the Treasury, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, was sent to the chairmen of commercial corporations, statutory boards and government owned companies regarding the payment of bonuses for the year 2024. The letter, issued under reference number PE/COP/POLI/Circulars, provides details on the bonus payments for these institutions.

Ratmalana Airfield: The Dangerous Wall that raises eyeballs amongst experts

Let us revisit the whys and wherefores behind constructing the wall at Ratmalana Airfield. To the best of my recollection, this wall was built in 2005/2006 to protect the aircraft and runway from potential LTTE attacks. During the conflict, Ratmalana airfield served as the main transport hub for military aircraft, housing planes that delivered troops, warfighting equipment and rations to air-dependent military units in the North and East. With ti

Setback in Sino-Indian relations due to fresh territorial and water disputes

Last year, regional rivals India and China reached an agreement on border patrolling, reducing tension in the Eastern Ladakh sector.

Memorial service on Jan 8 to honour media legend Lasantha

On January 8, 2009 Sri Lanka mourned the death of former Sunday Leader Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge who was assassinated while he was driving to office.

Gideon Levy and Israel’s ‘Zone of Interest’ in war-battered Gaza

Gideon Levy is a courageous, conscientious and outspoken Israeli journalist. He writes for the Israeli daily ‘Haaretz’ and is on its editorial board. When he talks about Israel’s ‘Zone of Interest’ in Gaza Strip, he’s referring to British filmmaker and screenwriter Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning 2023 film ‘The Zone of Interest’ which focuses on the life of German concentration camp commandant Rudolf Hoss and his family during World War II.

HOW TO GET PROPERTY TAXES RIGHT?

Regarding the recent announcement about the proposed implementation of a property tax, I would like to make the following comments and suggestions towards implementation of the property tax.

Sri Lanka signs MoU with India to rehabilitate the Karainagar Boatyard

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for rehabilitation of the Karainagar Boatyard in Northern Province of Sri Lanka was signed and exchanged by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E. Santosh Jha and the then High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India H.E. Kshenuka Dhireni Senewiratne with grant assistance from Government of India to the tune of SLR 290 million

Remembering Namal Wickremage

As I sit down to write this about my Dearest Aunty Namal, I am filled with the wonderful memories of her, which time and space can’t erase. She was one of my Dearest childhood friends, Diko’s (Indika) mum and I knew her for over 40 years!

WHAT A MIRACULOUS FRIEND YOU HAVE BEEN

There is a miracle called Friendship that dwells within the heart and you do not know how it happens or when it even starts. But the happiness it brings to you always gives a special lift and you realise that friendship is God’s most precious gift.

Is environment unsuitable for UNHRC to help Rohingya people in Sri Lanka?

“There is still no basis to consider them as refugees yet. For now, this is regarded as a case of human trafficking.

“Traditional schooling can cause harm to children and most parents understand that” - Pathanjali

In January 2024, the Independent Collective School (ICS) became Sri Lanka’s first formal educational establishment for alternative education.

Power struggle: Villages split over planned mini hydro project in Kotmale

A proposed mini hydro plant has stirred a rift between two villages in Kotmale, each with a contrasting vision for their future.