Dhamma is Not an Academic ‘Apparatus’

The Buddha’s path, or Dhamma, is universal and non-sectarian. It rejects blind faith and emphasises results, inviting individuals to “come and see.” The Buddha taught, “Do not believe until you practice and experience the teaching.” Rather than merely explaining the meaning of sickness, the Dhamma guides individuals on what needs to be done. It focuses on present-moment actions in birth, life, and death. While the past cannot be changed, the futu

Sri Lanka hosts less refugees as worldwide refugee population increases

In 2023, the number of refugee and asylum seekers (those with pending refugee applications) in the world increased from 45.9 million to 50.3 million (about 8.75%), according to statistics of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But Sri Lanka’s contribution to address this increasing global crisis dramatically declined in last 15 months, by around 45%. According to UNHCR statistics, Sri Lanka was hosting about 845 refugees an

Suwaseriya Foundation recalls ambulance: Police instructed to apprehend all culprits

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of medical officers attached to the Suwaseriya ambulance service following a recent incident of assault that had transpired in Thabbowa. On June 14, officers attached to the Suwaseriya ambulance service, stationed at the Karuwalagaswewa police station had received a call regarding an incident. This call was received at around 12.56am. By 1.00am the ambulance had reached the location. However there h

Bon Voyage ceremony for Sri Lanka Scout Commissioners and Rover Scouts

With a vision to enhance the capacities and leadership among Scout Commissioners, 54 Commissioners from the Sri Lanka Scout Association will attend the DC Conference and Educational tour from June 19-24 in Malaysia. In addition, five

Initiative by Wijeya Newspapers: Lighting up Thanthirimale to mark Poson Poya

Sri Lanka is a country where the 12 poyas remind us that Buddhist practices must continue despite changing....

Forthcoming election provides a historic opportunity to resolve ethnic conflict

Sri Lanka is witnessing a positive transformation of electoral politics in relation to its long standing ethnic conflict that commenced....

Sri Lanka Sumithrayo celebrates 50 year milestone in suicide prevention

“Talking helps. Listening heals. We are here for you. Choose life.” This is a tagline that Sri Lanka Sumithrayo has stood by for the past 50 years, offering support to many people....

THE SPIRIT OF HAJJ

Today, Muslims all around the world celebrate the Hajj Festival at a time when the world is torn into various power blocs and has been....

Taking charge of environmental safety on Lanka’s beaches

Sail Lanka Charter joined forces with The Serendipity Collection Sail Lanka Charter and The Serendipity Experiences on World Ocean Day, June 8th, for an impactful....

Australian Gold Medalist joins ‘Ride for Ceylon’ 2025

Cyclists from around the world are arriving in Sri Lanka to participate in the fundraising event known as Ride for Ceylon. The 2025 ride will be the 9th annual campaign....

Remembering our Mum and Dad on their Birthdays in Thy Kingdom of God

In the whisper of the morning breeze, And in the night’s soft, gentle peace, We feel your love, though you’re afar, Shining down like a guiding star. Today, we celebrate yo

‘Ran Goyama’ initiative ANC’s Rotaract Club through collaborative boosts domestic agriculture

Colombo—In a ground-breaking initiative ‘Ran Goyama’- aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Rotaract Club of the American National College (ANC) and partnering with the Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute- aims to boost domestic agriculture, foster economic growth and promote sustainability. This commendable project, primarily focusing on SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth- has paved the way

‘Guru Geethaya’ ‘The First Teacher’ comes to Tower Hall

Sinhala stage play, ‘Guru Geethaya’, based on Russian writer Tchinguiz Aitmatov’s novel ‘The First Teacher’ will go on the boards today (June 15) at 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm at Tower Hall Theatre in Colombo. Written and directed by Prof. Mangala Senanayake and produced by Jude Srimal, the cast of the play includes Jayani Senanayake, Anuradha Mallawaraachchi, Sudharshana Krishantha and Maali Jayaweerage. First published in 1962, the story of the novel

Eng. Lakshitha Weerasinghe The beautiful life of a virtuoso

My first recollection of Lakshitha Weerasinghe is of him being a gifted batsman. That, and his height; he was close to 2 metres tall. He was a fresher at the University of Moratuwa, while I was about to graduate, but friendships are not limited to one’s batch and some friendships persist with mature and inscribe indelible memories. Lakshitha had that unforgettable quality about him and I am afraid I am one of the many who could say this. He st

Sri Lanka Summit explores newer approaches to Eradicate Modern Slavery

The Bali Process Government and Business Forum (GABF)– Sri Lanka Summit witnessed the participation of politicians, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders in a bid to exemplify efforts to eradicate human trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery. The GABF provides a strategic platform for collaboration between the private sector and Bali Process Member States to address forced labour and human trafficking challenges.

Sri Lankan pollsters: Don’t be like India’s

Observers and Opposition party activists in India heaved a sigh of relief that the election had finally saved democracy and pluralism in the world’s largest democracy.

Pradeepanjalee XVIII A Wonderful Experience of sitar music

The opportunity to listen to Prof. Pradeep Ratnayake and his friends in concert, at Pradeepanjalee XVIII staged at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on May 21 was truly a delightful experience for me.

‘My Red Comrade’ A Sinhala film by Mahaadivulwewa not to be missed

Sudath Mahaadivulwewa, with his new film My Red Comrade has broken a lull of nineteen years. Watching the film one feels that he has not been idling during these 19 years, for, the rich theatre experience that the film gives us, is no doubt the result of his long and serious involvement with research into all aspects of film production during this period.

Plants distributed to celebrate ‘World Environment Day’

Among the guests who attended the event was Prof. Janak Vidanarachchi, Senior Treasurer of IAAS, officers from the Young Farmers’ Club Headquarters, Department of Agriculture, and officers from Provincial Department of Agriculture, Central province.

Philosophical insights for teachers and trainers A compact book tracing the history of thought

The need of the hour for all involved in teaching and training is to transform themselves first into sages imbued with wisdom.

Easter Attack could have easily been avoided if SIS and DMI hadn’t misled CID - Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne

Five years after the Easter attack, former Senior DIG, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Ravi Seneviratne in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, said that he and his most senior officers could have avoided the attack if the State Intelligence Services and Directorate of Military Intelligence provided accurate information to the CID without misleading them. Seneviratne further said that his team could have concluded the investigat

India’s universities soar in QS World Rankings

In a resounding testament to India’s growing prowess in higher education, the latest QS World University Rankings report has unveiled a remarkable surge in the rankings of Indian universities. This milestone achievement has not only garnered accolades from the CEO of QS Quacquarelli Symonds Nunzio Quacquarelli, who congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership, but has also drawn praise from PM Modi himself, who commended the coll

IMF reforms extremely impacts citizens, SMEs, women and the poor in SL-International Economic Experts

Internationally renowned economic experts who gathered in Colombo ruled that the burden of economic reforms imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) disproportionately impacts ordinary people, small and medium enterprises, and specially women from low-income households. Indian economist and International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) co-founder Prof. Jayati Ghosh made this observations when she addressed a public seminar under

DWC spearheading efforts to treat injured elephant in Madunagala

An image of a wild elephant taking refuge at a lake in Madunagala, reportedly with a gunshot injury, is being shared widely on social media. According to the comments, social media users claim that their attempts to contact the Department of Wildlife Conservation proved futile. However the Daily Mirror learned that the veterinary surgeons are already treating the elephant and that plans are underway to relocate the elephant to a safer location.

Spotlight on Kalpitiya Illegal bottom trawling ban a victory for small-scale fishermen

For Kingsley Croos, a fisherman from Palgahathurai, one of 14 islands that shapes the Kalpitiya peninsula, illegal bottom trawling has been a curse that wreaked havoc in his life. As populations of shrimp, sea crab and other fish species found along the sensitive Puttalam estuary declined, Croos and fellow fishermen knew that their livelihoods would be threatened forever. It was after January 2021, that these fishermen breathed a sigh of relief w

Captivating Buddhist Heritage Unravels in Pakistan

Pakistan is uncovering a remarkable past: a once-thriving Buddhist civilization. Excavations reveal ancient universities and stupas, like Jaulian with its university ruins and Bhamala with the world’s oldest Nirvana statue. This newfound heritage is drawing international interest, making Pakistan a destination for history and spiritual exploration

At first-ever Workers’ Tribunal: Judges recommend govt. to uphold dignity, rights of plantation workers

Plantation workers in tea and rubber estates have lived a life of discrimination and exploitation for over 200 years. Devoid of basic...

Asia’s Human Rights Journey: ANNI Report 2023 maps progress and pitfalls across the region

Human rights play a vast role in an individual’s life. In today’s divisive world, human rights play a major role in offering....

A march organised to flag down tobacco menace

Calling attention to the tobacco epidemic and the attempts made by the tobacco industry to lure children and youth....

Dr. Siri Kannangara: A friend who taught us all the strokes that matter in life

Lord Buddha, elaborating on the notion of sorrow (dukkha) in the first sermon he delivered after attaining Enlightenment....