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

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.