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....

Gamini Jayawickrama Perera: A True Statesman and A Man Loved By All

Once again, a beloved figure and a role model for the entire nation has departed. Mallawaarachchige Gamini Jayawickrama Perera’s passing away serves as a poignant reminder to the Sri Lankan....

The Chinese New Year dawns giving Energy, Wisdom, Protection & Good Luck to the World

The Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) dawned on Saturday the 10th of February. The year 2024 is special as it is recognized as a world holiday for the first time by the UN, and since China....

‘Warna’ showcased Sri Lankan craftsmanship and revived old economic memories

A colourful cultural pageant titled ‘Warna’ depicting different facets of Sri Lankan lifestyle and an exhibition demonstrating the socio- economic conditions of the Sri Lankan people and customs....

Old girls return to Ananda Balika Vidyalaya for Knowledge sharing

The ‘Knowledge Sharing Wing’ of Past Pupils of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Colombo hosted a workshop recently, which comprised of presentations and coaching sessions conducted by them in response to a request from Ganga Kumuduni, the present Principal of the school. The sessions were designed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed for success in their years spent doing studies for the A’ Levels and beyond. The presenters were from vari

Legal crisis hindering justice for Sri Lanka’s vulnerable children?

On February 13, a suspect, who proved guilty over the murder of a nine-year old girl from Atulugama, was sentenced to 27 years of rigorous imprisonment following a verdict issued by the Panadura....

Human activities come under check as experts share knowledge on climate change

“There is a crisis. Climate change is a crisis. There is no disagreement on that. In any part of the world, everyone would agree that a major crisis is taking place. Hence the main question here is; if there is a crisis happening, are we up to that standard to combat this crisis,” questioned Professor of Climate Change Impacts and Coastal Risk Dr. Roshanka Ranasinghe when he delivered the Keynote address at the 08th International Conference on Cl

Empowering Education

On February 9th 2024 a remarkable initiative was accomplished as the 1978 Science Faculty alumni batch of the University of Peradeniya came together to make a lasting impact on education in a rural area. They raised funds and embarked on a mission to donate a fully-equipped computer lab with personal computers to Katumuluwa Junior School, Kanaththewawa in Wariyapola. The project, which cost Rs. 1.2 million, represents not just a donation of ha

YES FM bids Adieu to ‘Spy 007’

The very famous Ashan Fernando aka ‘Spy 007’ from Yes FM 89.5 is no more with us. Rest in Peace Ashan/Spy. Your voice will certainly linger in the Air forever! The Former Radio Personalities who worked with him through the years will always remember and cherish him forever. Phat David - Former Assistant to the Programme Director and Radio Personality of Yes FM. For the few that understand the radio industry, there is much sorrow for the loss o

Sri Lanka recognised by UN for rebuilding mangrove ecosystems

The year 2024 marks a landmark achievement in the world of conservation with Sri Lanka being declared as a UN World Restoration Flagship in recognition of the nation’s vital efforts to rebuild...

Young Josephians to showcase creativities

The students of the primary section of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 have organised an educational exhibition titled ‘Dreams to Reality’ which will be held on February 16 Friday) from 8.00a.m....