Spotlight on Uda Walawe National Park Jumbos starve due to scarcity of fodder, grazing cattle

It was a little past noon when we reached the Uda Walawe National Park. We were excited to see elephants in their natural habitats, but serious concern was bothering everyone of us at the same time. In the backdrop of battling with an aggravating human-elephant conflict, environmentalists have speculated whether elephants at the Uda Walawe National Park are starving due to a massive shortage of food. As we entered the Park, we noticed speculation

YMWL celebrates 50 years of community service

Inaugurated on July 3, 1973 the Young Muslim Women’s League (YMWL) was established with a vision to serve underprivileged people across all communities. From humble beginnings the members have raised funds with numerous fundraisers such as musical shows, charity bazaars, fashion shows and sometimes standing on roads with tills to collect money. Some of their notable projects include setting up a crèche in Kirulapana where parents in less privileg

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other essential goods, books were spared for all these....

A Tribute to Professor C.C. De Silva — Sri Lanka’s First Professor of Paediatrics. My Father, My Role Model and My Mentor

Now in the twilight zone, as each day dawns, it seems I miss my father more; he was a compassionate man, brilliant as a doctor and writer. It was none other than my father who instilled the love of reading and writing in me, which still remain as my favourite pastimes. He was born on February 25, 1904, and was four years old when his father, the late Dr W.H. De Silva passed away. The latter was the first Ceylonese to qualify as a fellow of th

Privy Councillor, H. Sri Nissanka’s 70th Death Anniversary Remembering a Great Humanitarian and Statesman

In the pre-independence era, mother Lanka was blessed with several iconic leaders dedicated to the upliftment of civil society in the long run. Privy Councillor, Herbert Nissanka Mendis (H. Sri Nissanka) was an unsung contemporary, but undoubtedly the par excellence. Though being educated in Europe, he preferred the common village man’s simple way of life. His own was a lifestyle inspired by the Buddhist way of simplicity, purity and humility –

SLFUW celebrates International Women’s Day with Ambitious Programme

The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) launched an ambitious programme to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) well ahead of March 8, with a series of projects in line with this year’s UN theme of “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” President of SLFUW, Colonel Dr. Udula Krishnaratne, explained that in practical terms this means, ‘Inspire the Inclusion of Women in Every Field’ to forge a better world. This conveys the need to ‘pr

Health Camp at Welikada Prison Hospital for Cataract Surgery

Towards ensuring the well-being of inmates at the Prison Complex in Welikada, the Prison Hospital conducted a successful health camp for cataract surgery for the third time on February 23 at the Welikeda Prison Hospital Premises. This initiative was aimed at providing and improving the inmates’ health and quality of life. The surgeries were conducted by Consultant Eye Surgeon, Dr. M.D.S. Gunathilaka, and the medical team of the National Eye Hospi

STC Old Boys’ Centenary Group elects Executive Committee for 2024/25

S. Thomas’ College Old Boys’ Centenary Group held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 2, and the following members were elected to the Executive Committee for 2024/25. Eddie Appathurai will head the Committee as President, while Dr. Nihal De Silva will serve as the Immediate Past President. Wg. Cdr. (Rtd.) Ranjan Samarasinghe and Ranjith Ranasinghe were elected as the two Vice Presidents. Lokendra Seneviratna was elected as Secretary an

MahaShivaratri: A festival to shun darkness and ignorance

“Maha” means most significant. “Shiva” means Lord Shiva and “Ratri” means night. “MahaShivaratri” is a spiritual and religious festival celebrated fervently and with enthusiasm....

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s context. For centuries, women have been at the forefront in managing energy in households. Perhaps....

188th birth anniversary of Charles Henry De Soysa Scholars, academics and students honour visionary leader

The celebration honouring the enduring legacy of Charles Henry de Soysa, the esteemed founder of the De Soysa Hospital for Women, Lunawa Hospital, and Prince and Princess of Wales’ Colleges, took place on Sunday (March 3) in commemoration of his 188th birth anniversary. Family members of the late philanthropist, the Charles Henry De Soysa Commemoration Committee, and Principals, staff and students of Prince and Princess of Wales’ Colleges gathe

Ven. Bujjampola Dhammavisuddhi Nayaka Thera New Sanghanayake for Negombo and Kurunegala

Chief Incumbent of Sri Visuddharamaya at Bujjampola in Dankotuwa, Ven. Bujjampola Dhammavisuddhi Thera has been appointed as the Chief Sanghanayake of the Amarapura Mulawanshika Nikaya, for the Negombo and Kurunegala regions, by the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of the Amarapura Mulawanshika Nikaya. The Sannas Patraya in respect of this appointment will be presented to Ven. Dhammavisuddhi Nayake Thera at a ceremony to be held at Ambarukkharamaya at W

Yasmin Azad’s ‘Stay, Daughter’ From the Quran to comics: This is a gem of a memoir

As written earlier in this column, I stopped writing book reviews because my own fiction writing was getting neglected; there wasn’t enough time left to write and edit my own work after reading all those books sent to me for reviewing. But, after Yasmin Azad sent me a copy of ‘Stay, Daughter,’ a biographical work narrating her childhood in a conservative Muslim community in the 1950s and 60s, I knew I’d be committing a great injustice if I didn’t

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan. For Muslims, Ramadan is not merely a ritual fast from sunrise to sunset, but a time for spiritual revival, sharing and thanksgiving. It is a time where families, friends and neighbours stand side-by-side during night-long prayers or huddle together over Iftar (fast-breaking meal) get-togethers. However, has the high cost of living in Sri Lanka deflated the Ramada

Autobiography of Imtiaz: A classic handbook for aspiring politicians

I started reading the manuscript of this autobiography in a context where the country was facing numerous challenges....

Calling applications for Vidarshana Literary Prize 

The latest literary appreciation added to the Sri Lankan literary process from 2024 is the Vidarshana Literary Prize. The Literary Price....

In memory of Admiral Basil Goonesekera One of a kind

Once a Naval officer in uniform A gallant young man, his motto ‘Perform’ Handsome one they called him...

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC), elephant-train....

Charles Henry de Soysa’s 188th Birth Anniversary A philanthropist who gave regardless of caste, religion and ethnicity

The 188th birth anniversary of Warusahennedige Charles Henry De Soysa (1836- 1890) takes place on March 3, 2024. De Soysa goes down in history as the greatest Sri Lankan philanthropist of all times. “A grateful public” erected his statue, which stands at the center of the De Soysa Circus opposite the old Eye Hospital in Colombo, in 1917. It is the first statue of any Sri Lankan erected in the city of Colombo. For the past 106 years, without a bre

Will the Mannar wind power project kill ecological treasures?

In February 2023, Adani Green Energy (Sri Lanka) Ltd was given provisional approval for two wind power projects of 250 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn. The proposed project site in Mannar spans....

Chronicle of a Proud Heritage and Fraternity

As we stand at the threshold of our journey’s culmination, eagerly anticipating the 94th traditional cricket encounter between Ananda and Nalanda, known as the “Chronicle of a Proud Heritage....

Global Media Space and its Impact on Democracy

In January 2024, the Parliament of Sri Lanka passed another draconian law titled the “Online Safety Act” (OSA), which many stakeholders claim is an attempt to further suppress Media Freedom and the Freedom of Expression. US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Elizabeth Allen, during her recent visit to Sri Lanka, acknowledged journalists’ commitment to seek the Truth even amidst a challenging era, at a Press Club even

Imthiaz to Launch Autobiography on March 5

The autobiography of senior MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar will be launched on March 5 at the Kularatne Hall of Ananda College, Colombo. The autobiography covers various stages of his life including his childhood, student life, political career and family life, in nineteen chapters.

In Remembrance of Sega Nagendra

To celebrate a man’s life is the greatest tribute one can ever give! As we recollect his departure two years ago, a myriad of beautiful...

CDB “Sisudiri” Scholarship Felicitates 150 High Achievers

150 high achieving students who excelled at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and the GCE Ordinary Level Examination were felicitated...

Will Rubber Plants Be Impacted By The Disease Spreading?

“Normally we used to cease tapping rubber in February, but this year we had to stop from December 2022 due to the disease....

188th birth anniversery of Charles Henry De Soysa on March 3rd His Generosity in the Field of Philanthropy is Unparalleled!

It was a great blow to Ceylon as it was called then in that era when the late Charles Henry De Soysa died. He was and still is undoubtedly the greatest philanthropist in our nation’s history as his record of extraordinary largesse remains unparalleled. March 3rd this year marks his 188th birth anniversary. He is a legend, whose memories live on not only in the hearts and minds of his descendants, but in the many institutions including hospital

Presidential Poll; Will It Happen?

President Ranil Wickremesinghe while presenting the 2024 budget on November 13 last year told Parliament that both the next Presidential and Parliamentary elections would be held this year. Nine days later, he, while making a special statement in Parliament on the economic situation of the country, reiterated the point. Apparently relying on the President’s remarks in Parliament, Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman, Dr Bandula Gunawardena also

Gangaramaya Navam Maha Perahera: A religious and cultural pageant bringing blessings to people

Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya situated in the heart of Colombo has played a preeminent role in society; memories of which will be evoked in any reader. On one hand, the grandest of Buddhist festivals....

Relevance of Buddism in the contemporary world

Buddhism is a teaching expounded by Buddha who lived in northern India between the mid-6th century and mid-4thcentury BCE. However, there is a disagreement among some scholars as to the exact....