Matara hospital rocks parents’ world misplacing stillborn

Kavindya Madushani and her husband Sajith Chathura from Kotawila, Weligama were anticipating the birth of their firstborn with much hopes and dreams. But their world came to a standstill after May 22, when the hospital staff at the New District General Hospital, Matara, popularly known as ‘Labeema’ failed to show them the body of their stillborn child. Contradictions and communication gaps in mentioning what happened to the infant’s body complica

A home-grown solution to energy and waste management

A resident of Miriswatta, Balangoda claims that he could develop a method to convert bio-degradable organic waste into flammable gas and nutrition-rich fertilizer.

Sacred Sri Pada dirtied by growing garbage crisis

Summiting the sacred Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak may sound like a fun adventure to many. This is exactly how this writer....

‘Vietnamese Monastery’ in Sri Lanka marks 10 years

It was morning on Vesak Poya day and I made my way to the monastery. There is no bus service to this religious place....

The miraculous art of healing through acupuncture

Arthritis is a common condition plaguing the elderly, making even the easiest daily tasks unthinkable. Most patients resort to taking....

Sarath Dikkumbura’s latest drama: ‘Katharagama Prema’ can give ‘oxygen’ to this depressed island

During an era when an uprising by the people was squashed by the government, Drama Director Sarath Dikkumbura has decided to rekindle the past and give hope to the youth who are....

Best performers of AIESEC honoured at Tribute ’24

Amidst a backdrop of celebration, reflection and recognition, AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) recently held its annual awarding ceremony titled Tribute ‘24....

Let’s make Vesak meaningful by living teachings of Buddha

Sri Lanka stands out as a predominantly Buddhist country that has celebrated Vesak in a dignified manner ever since Buddhism was introduced to the country. History records Buddhism was the main religion in the land and had the patronage of the Kings who did everything possible to spread the religion. Even during the administration of the foreign powers, most Sri Lankans lived their religion, and thanks to them up to the present generation Buddhi

Risen Lord Community marks 40 years of blessings with thanksgiving

The Risen Lord Community (CRL), a catholic lay community functioning under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka marks its 40th anniversary this year. Celebrating this long amazing journey filled with God’s love and faithfulness witnessed through many who have been a part of the community, the CRL has organized a prayer and thanksgiving service, a life-transforming experience under the theme of “Remembering with Thanksgivi

Five steps to address mental health in Asia and the Pacific and beyond

Mental health issues are an increasingly large part of the global burden of diseases and a leading cause of disability. This disturbing trend was made most evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, which contributed both to a sharp rise in mental health disorders and a disruption in critical mental health services. The most common types of mental health disorders include anxiety and depressive disorders, but many such disorders impact people’s lives,

“Mystery” behind mindfulness Do you become what you think?

The above is the essence of Gautama Buddha’s teaching and one of the salient themes of the Dhammapada - mindfulness. Buddha has emphasised that human beings often live in a state of unawareness which is driven by desires, attachments and distractions, that results in perpetuate suffering. The way we think and perceives the world around us eventually shapes our experiences and outcomes. Even though externalities undertake a central role in the pla

Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers conducts AGM

The Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO) was founded by the late General Deshamanya Denis Perera in 1996. The 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association took place on May 18, 2024, at the Organization of Professionals Association. The AGM was attended by 85 members, including former commanders of the three services. ARFRO consists of officers who have held senior appointments in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with ranks of

Delegation of Thai Monks Arrives in Sri Lanka for World Peace

A delegation of 100 Thai monks, who are on a foot pilgrimage through Buddhist countries around the world, wishing for world peace, recently arrived in Sri Lanka. It is noteworthy that they travelled around Sri Lanka on foot for 20 days; having only one meal a day.

Vesak thoughts Foster and foremost the Dhamma the Buddha Way

In 1948, D.S. Senanayake encountered pressure from leading Buddhist clergy to include a special clause for Buddhism in the newly independent nation’s Constitution. The two Mahanayake Theros of Asgiriya and Malwatta threatened to boycott the inauguration ceremony in Kandy.

Sangharaja Weliwita Thera must be honoured for instilling ‘Upasampada’

The time has come for the state to give due recognition to a priest without whom there would be no Buddhism in this country. That figure is none other than Sangharaja Weliwita Asarana Sarana Saranankara of Tumpane.

A drama that shows vulnerability of parents and strength of LGBT male

Sugath Shantha Moragahakumbura’s drama ‘ Arundathie Mama Manamalai’ continues to pull at the heartstrings of the audience. He is set to show another series of his drama on June....

‘Pin Mullivaikkal’, the unfinished battle of Northerners

All ears were tuned in to hear from the reviewer of the latest book of Rev. Fr. Elil Rajendran (SJ) from the Northern Province titled ‘Pin Mullivaikkal’ (post-Mullivaikal in English) launched on May....

‘IF’- Imaginary Friends coming alive

Hollywood fantasy comedy ‘IF’ or “Imaginary Friends” released in Sri Lanka simultaneous to the worldwide release on May 17 is now being screened in theatres. Written....

‘Lasting solution to North East is a mirage’-Mullivaikkal residents

The constant battle of the people in the North to survive each day and live with freedom and dignity is a far cry from what is perceived....

Appreciation on Gamini Bulankulame: Quiet and dignified to the very end

Sooriyakumara Wannisinghe Gamini Bulankulame was my father’s first cousin. I met him for the first time when my parents took....

Sri Lanka’s most important blue carbon ecosystems are now under threat

The Vidattaltivu Nature Reserve nestled in the Northern coast of Sri Lanka has been identified as home to some of the most important blue carbon ecosystems. This is why it was gazetted....

Review of ‘My Red Comrade’ A film where critical thinking breaks sense of reality

Sudath Mahadivulwewa, the producer of the film ‘My Red Comrade’, is well-known for his various feature films, documentaries, theatre work and social awareness campaigns, in Sri Lanka. His latest film is openly political and experimental. A major aspect of the film is a debate between the old view of revolution and a more modern one which is construed to be more inclusive. The film conveys a message “think simple as a child, and do not make things

‘The Fall Guy’ Dangerous leap of a stuntman

American comedy thriller ‘The Fall Guy’ narrates around a down-and-out stuntman who must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend’s blockbuster film. Based on the 1980s TV series about stunt performers, the film, directed by David Leitch, is now being screened in theatres around Colombo and few other theatres around the country. Scripted by Drew Pearce, the film stars Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Tere

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

Nallusamy Seethaletchami, an estate worker from Bogawantalawa worries about being paid a minimum salary for her work. Female workers like Seethaletchami comprise a greater percentage of the economically active population within the labour force. Sometimes they are the sole breadwinners in their families and have to brave many social and economic challenges to provide a stable environment for their children and sometimes their spouses, who also de

No excuse for RPCs says Thondaman

Staying true to his promise, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman did succeed in convincing the authorities- including the Wages Board- to increase the estate worker’s salaries from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1700. “The daily wage of Rs. 1700 was agreed upon following consultations between trade unions and workers,” he said speaking to the Daily Mirror. “We also benchmarked this on the recommendation of Fair Trade

Human Rights scholars demand Sri Lanka halts plans for proposed TRC

A group comprising transitional justice and human rights scholars from across the world have come together in an effort to express its concerns on the current efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to establish a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation (CTUR). The release is as follows:

‘The First Teacher’ turned into Sri Lankan play: A lesson on a teacher-student relationship

Based on world renowned Russian writer Tchinguiz Aitmatov’s novel ‘The First Teacher’ (Guru Geethaya), a stage play derived from the novel and directed by Prof. Mangala Senanayake will have....

‘People’s Forum for Reforms’ launched to catalyse positive change

A momentous event unfolded last Saturday at the Auditorium of JAT Holdings Thalawathugoda as the ‘People’s Forum for Reforms’ was officially launched. The forum, hailed as a beacon of hope for Sri Lanka’s future, saw an assembly of distinguished guests from various sectors, all unified in their commitment to fostering a stronger civil movement for national progress. Prof. Prathibha Mahanamahewa, the esteemed keynote speaker, delivered a stirring

Gayathri gives the voice for Eve in Haydn’s ‘Creation’

Internationally awarded musician and a leading composer from Sri Lanka Gayathri Khemadasa has been commissioned to set the song for Eve in the choral....

Prasanna’s film ‘Paradise’ wins international acclaim in Spain

Seasoned filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage’s latest film ‘Paradise’- an Indo-Sri Lankan production- won the Audience Jury Awards at the recently concluded Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain. This cinematic creation was put up honours at the 23rd Film festival which had creations from all five continents. Prasanna’s film revolves around a couple who visit Sri Lanka at a time of economic and political turmoil. The film com