Roma de Zoysa My thoughts on a very special sister

Roma left us on the 20th of June and I had to accept that my sister, a very special person, was no more. I would like to share my thoughts on Roma, an undoubtedly beautiful, but even more importantly a person who was kind and generous to a fault. As kids, Roma, Alfie and I were very close as our mother was a single parent. Roma was always there for me and my ‘Akki’ (‘big sister’) would even join me for doll’s tea parties. On the weekends ‘Daddy’

‘My Heart to Yours’- book review Poetry as letters revealing secrets of life

‘My Heart to Yours’ is a book of poetry which is the personification of a teenage girl’s mind bleeding onto paper. Kavishanee Shangar aims to convey a message and tell a story. This book is a collection of poems written in the voice of a teenage girl living in a country that has yet to outgrow prejudice. Each poem is written in the form of a letter. The recipient is not named; rather, she invites all those who feel the same way to read. For exam

Beyond borders: Sri Lanka’s journey with Indonesia

Sri Lanka, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, boasts of a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Positioned as a key nation in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is at a pivotal juncture for growth and development, drawing invaluable lessons from Indonesia’s dynamic trajectory.

Dancesport Championships 2024 TO BRING DANCE ACADEMIES on TO ONE FLOOR

The seventh Dancesport Championship 2024 Sri Lanka will strive to unite leading dance academies under one umbrella and promote ballroom dance as a sport in the country and in the international arena, renowned dance guru Kevin Nugara opined.

Would saner counsel prevail? Proposed illegal bus route via Wilpattu National Park

For any nature lover, a path off the beaten track is an adventure on its own. An occasional call of a Malabar hornbill, a leopard’s footprint and elephant excreta add more depth to the lush terrain along this scenic route via the Wilpattu National Park. Hence, environmental groups have been fighting to protect this route, known as the Puttalam-Marichchikadai route or B379 from being vulnerable to further destruction and chaos. But the Daily Mirro

cross-border divorces binding in sri lanka

In today’s interconnected global legal landscape, the enforcement of foreign judgments plays a pivotal role in facilitating international legal cooperation, ensuring justice, and upholding the rights of parties involved in cross-border disputes. Sri Lanka, guided by its legal frameworks and international commitments, provides a structured approach in recognising and enforcing foreign judgments, including those arising from divorce cases. This es

Budget Black Hole: Billions Lost in Transparency

“89% of funds allocated to the budget proposal shows no progress,” pointed out Verité Research; providing,....

The Sacred City of Kandy concept has become a sham of sorts: ‘Sacred City’ in name only

Kandy is not only a Sacred City, but also a Heritage City, accepted by UNESCO. However, this Heritage City ....

Running, panting and showing perseverance: ‘Flower Boys’ promote Sri Lankan hospitality in the hills

The windy roads that meander through Sri Lanka’s hill country are home to the ‘flower boys’ who gained popularity....

Dr Mal Weerasinghe: Anaesthetist who relieved pain of many

Dr. Malini Padmalatha Weerasinghe, or Dr. Mal as she was popularly known to her friends....

Prathapa Wethasinghe: A gentleman par excellence

A unique personality of our generation (1965 -2024), Mahendranath Prathapa Wethasinghe bid farewell to all of us, three months....

Presidential polls: Strategic alliances, political maneuvering amid uncertainty

As the presidential elections draw near, uncertainty still looms large over the possible contenders except for two prospective....

Suwa Arana For healing, inspiring hope, embracing life

Death is a universal experience; it is the only certainty that accompanies our birth. Birth brings joy, yet death brings sorrow.....

An epic journey through love, passion and family values

Veteran Film Director Priyantha Colombage has made his stunning come back to the film industry with his latest movie, Mandara which depicts love....

A tribute to Roma De Zoysa: Roma, a Lankan icon, passes away in Los Angeles

Roma de Zoysa was a flawless aristocrat who was the subject of many discussions around the ‘Los Angeles....

‘Dear Ariyasinghe’: Envisioning a future of solidarity and mutual understanding

Letters have been written for various reasons throughout history and they occupy a specific and special place....

Memories at St. Joseph’s: A writer’s experience at a hallowed educational institute

St. Joseph’s College Colombo10 is one of the leading Catholic Schools in Sri Lanka and has produced many esteemed students who are now holding positions....

Ex-Navy chief’s writ petition fixed for trial in September

Several family members of the 11 youth who were abducted and allegedly killed in the ‘Navy 11’ case staged a protest in front of the Appeal Court on June 24 and 25, 2024. The two days coincided with the first hearing of the writ petition filed by Former Navy Commander, Admiral of Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda by a newly appointed five-member judge bench. During their protest, the parents demanded the Attorney General to name the Ex-navy chief as the

Jaishankar’s visit: Lessons from India

Last week, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka; his first in the region since his reappointment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet. Though the one-day visit was a routine affair and meant to appraise the Southern neighbour of New Delhi’s commitment to the bilateral relationship, Dr. Jaishankar reportedly took stock of the progress of the Indian-funded development projects and, more importantly, underscored the

Just say ‘Upali’ and there’d be ‘light’ in the theatre

Light is indispensable in every aspect of our lives,; especially in the theatre where it plays a crucial role. Even under natural sunlight, additional lighting effects are required on stage to enhance the performance. Lighting in theatre is not just about illumination; it involves creativity to complement and enhance the artistic expression. This necessitates the expertise of skilled light designers and creative light operators. Among them, Upali

Rodney returns to cinema with ‘Sudu Appachchi’

“Sudu Appachchi”(Dear Granddad), the newest film directed by veteran journalist, editor, writer and teledrama and film director Rodney Widanapathirana is now being screened in selected theatres around the country. Playing the cameo role, yesteryear theatre and teledrama star Gamini Samarakone makes a comeback as ‘Sudu Appachchi’ a 70-year-old elderly man who lives in a rural village. Others in the stellar cast are Ishara Wickramasinghe, Rupa Pat

Rajitha’s ‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’ at Punchi Theatre today, June 28

Rajitha Dissanayake’s play ‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’ (A Man Much Needed) will be performed at the Borella Namel-Malini Punchi Theatre today at 3.30 pm and 6 pm. Nethuwa Beri Minihek revolves around the family of Jayantha, a Sinhala nationalist businessman who worries about his future in the transformed political climate with the newly elected regime in 2015. Jayantha’s son returns from London with a Tamil friend who is in search of his mother who we

President speaking on debt restructuring says “International confidence in our country is reaffirmed”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the nation on Wednesday (26 June) via television regarding the current economic situation in the country and the much spoken about and severely debated topic of restructuring of foreign debt. The full speech: “Today marks a significant milestone in the recent history of our country; a special juncture reflecting the hard work and dedication of our efforts. Our country is now reaping the positive results

‘Denary Odyssey’ at Lionel Wendt Ten ‘artists’ put life’s wonderings into work of art

The Denary Odyssey Group has pooled its resources together and will come out as a strong team comprising ten artists when it showcases 40 pieces of art and sculpture at the Lionel Wendt on June 29 and 30. The exhibits will be open for public viewing each day from 9 am to 8 pm.

How healthy wetland ecosystems could reduce risk of dengue

When Nirmala Priyanthi’s daughter (L. D Randima Gimhani, 13) succumbed to dengue in 2015, she said that life....

10th International ‘Day of Yoga’ started on Poson

The High Commission of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka, celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga as a 10-day Yoga Mahotsav, starting yesterday....

The pivotal IMF program target is indefensible

Between 1990 and 2019, real income per capita (per person) in Sri Lanka quintupled, a world-leading astonishing success. Alongside, most social indicators....

‘Battling the Deluge’ Medical experts offer advice on preventing disease, injury during floods

Continuing rains and certain areas being submerged have left many dead and scores of people missing. In this backdrop the Daily Mirror spoken to medical experts to obtain their views on how to combat diseases and prevent accidents during such challenging times. “Dengue and rat fever disease can spread when floods are controlled and decreasing. Without sticking to a certain place, one should clean all the areas affected by the flood,” said Consul

The radiant Poson festival

“Sabba Papassa Akaranan – Kusalassa Upasampada Sachitta Pariyo Dapanan - Etam Buddha Sasanan” (To cease from all evil, to cultivate good. To purify one’s mind is the advice of the Buddha) Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrate the annual Poson Festival to signify the arrival of Arahant Maha Samana Mahinda, from Jambudeepa, 2332 years ago. When Devanampiyatissa was the king of Sri Lanka, emperor Dharmasoka, was the Ruler of Maha Bharatha. The duo wer

A look at consumerism from Buddhist perspective

Consumerism has grown exponentially over the last few decades, becoming an ingrained part of our culture. It is a culture of its own that rests on the belief that the happiness and prosperity of mankind hinge on the abundance and acquisition of more and more material goods and services. In a consumerist culture, the spiritual dimension of life is forgotten. Our modern life is so overwhelmed by a culture of consumerism that it has become a religio