‘ENOUGH’: A campaign by World Vision to eliminate child hunger

In early March, Sri Lankan health authorities including the Health Ministry and the Family Health Bureau rejected an alarming report published by The Lancet – the British medical journal, which revealed that the country’s child malnutrition levels are at their worst. But previous reports published by international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UNICEF also indicated similar trends. Statistics further su

Passan Singing at St. Anthony’s Church, Collpity

A Spiritual Passan Singing Program was organized and conducted by the Sri Lanka University Catholic Student’s Movement to reflect on the Christian faith during the Lent season. The programme was held on March 9 at St. Anthony’s Church, Collpity, Colombo. The students presented their passan singing, with their evincing interest in reviving the Catholic culture and traditions. Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, the Chairman of the National

Uda Walawe ETH: A home away from home for baby jumbos

As the clock struck 10.15 am, groups of visitors had already taken their positions at the pavilion. Filled with loud chatter and laughter...

Erskine May, Robert’s Rules : Mahinda Yapa & Coup Conspiracy

Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice says, the Speaker is required to relinquish any party or group affiliation upon appointment....

Air Chief Marshal Bulathsinghala to be feted by SAFN

The South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN) in Washington, D.C., has invited Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala to be an honorary....

Transforming coastlines: Maris Eco Friends spearhead beach cleaning programME

In an endeavor to combat coastal pollution and preserve marine ecosystems, Maris Eco Friends recently undertook a commendable initiative in collaboration with Goldi Sands Hotel....

Police mark 160th ‘remembrance day’ of fallen heroes

Officer Sabhan’s name occupies the topmost place in the annals of Police Heroes as the first full-fledged police officer to make the supreme sacrifice with courage whilst on duty. The officer Sabhan’s life was taken on 21st March 1864, two years prior to the statutory establishment of Police. Mr. E. R. Saunders, who was appointed the Second Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka, during his tenure as the Government Agent of the Kegalle area, er

Sri Lanka unites against hate speech: A call for unity amidst rising extremism

In the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka, a nation known for its rich cultural tapestry and diverse communities, a troubling trend has emerged - the proliferation of hate speech.

Calling on CDS General Shavendra Silva on Mar 18

The Core Committee of the ARFRO EXCO called on the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva at his office on March 18, 2024. In an atmosphere of togetherness and calm, in addition to what is being done now, what more can be done by ARFRO, from a national security standpoint, for the sustained betterment of all three forces and what they in turn expect from ARFRO were discussed. The conversation centred around the meetings ARFRO already ha

International Day of Forests ‘Sri Lanka lagging behind’ in embracing new technology in forest conservation

Forests, the lifeblood for the maintenance of ecological balance and human existence, move down the priority list when money does the talking. The triple bottom line: People, Planet and Prosperity could be a slogan for profit-driven entities hell-bent on maximising return on investments. However, this year’s International Day of Forests which falls today (March 21) draws the world’s attention towards being smarter with technology to conserve the

Lenten Choral presentation by St. Cecilia’s choir of St. Joseph’s

The much awaited choral presentation involving over 300 singers will take place at the Chapel of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 on Palm Sunday (March 24) at 6.00 pm. According to a release issued by the organizers of the event the multifaceted choral renditions will trace the last days of Jesus of Nazareth, culminating in his resurrection. These include Christ’s defiant entry into Jerusalem that provoked a riot, his poignant Last Supper w

The journey to Sri Lanka and back… ‘Tracing bird migration’ positively impacts bird watching, conservation efforts

Annually, as Sri Lankans eagerly await the return of migratory birds to this island, there comes an opportunity to witness a nature’s ....

Don’t get duped by job agency fairy tales, promised land

When we were in primary school back in the 60s, we were taught a poem about an English boy called Dick Wittington...

St. Joseph’s College Colombo turns 128

Today March 19, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 one of Sri Lanka’s leading schools celebrates its 128th anniversary. Founded....

Debut vocal recital of Shenuk Wijesinghe

‘’My Tribute’’ will be presented today at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.15pm. ‘’My Tribute’’ is a collaboration with Soundarie David....

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

A recent post on social media revealed that three purple-faced langurs near the Thalangama Lake were shot at; allegedly...

Evidence of pre-historic civilization found in Polonnaruwa

The finds included the archaeological remains of ponds and several buildings which were indicative of a sophisticated society in Polonnaruwa area Archaeologists carrying out excavations in the historic Polonnaruwa city have found evidence of a civilization that dates back to a period before the Polonnaruwa period recorded in history. Prof. Prishantha Gunawardene of the Archaeological Studies Division of Kelaniya University said that evidence of t

Kidney Walk to prevent kidney disease

“March 14 is World Kidney Day. There are more than 850 billion people. It will result in over 3.1 million deaths globally in 2019,” said Prof. Eranga Wijewickrama. These comments were made by Prof. Wijewickrama at a press briefing conducted by the Sri Lanka Society of Nephrology and held at the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on March 12 to educate the public about World Kidney Day and also on an upcoming ‘walk’ scheduled on

World Kidney Day and dangers of disregarding kidneys

World Kidney Day (WKD), observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March, is a global health awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of kidneys and aims to reduce the frequency....

Event held at Nalanda College: Calls to protect women echo on Women’s Day

In a world painted with vibrant strokes of significance, Women’s Day emerges as a radiant sunbeam, into the spirit of every woman. Women’s Day was named as a special day to develop a society....

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....