Peradeniya Slowly Losing Its Luminaries - Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne

Peradeniya, the historic town in Sri Lanka has long been synonymous with the esteemed University of Peradeniya. However, recent events have brought to light the gradual loss of the luminaries who have brought glory to this renowned academic institution and the town itself. Yesterday, the passing of Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne, a distinguished figure in academia and diplomacy, marked another sombre moment in the diminishing presence of Perade

An Evening of Grace and Tradition to commemorate India’s 75th Republic Day

Celebrating the 75th Republic Day of India, which falls today (January 26th), the High Commission of India in Colombo organized a dance ensemble on wednesday the 24th titled: “Sringar” – Tapestry....

Speeding Towards Safety: How To Lower Road Travel Speed and Save Lives

Improving the management of road travel speeds will decrease traffic deaths and injuries in Asia and the Pacific. Policies focused on enforcement, road design, vehicle technology and urban....

Cries of frustration from those affected by VAT

For Sri Lankans the New Year didn’t bring any hope. Due to the prior announcements made by the government the country’s people stepped into 2024 with a fear of taxation and VAT implementation. They stepped into 2024 with a bothered mindset about their economy. In the 2024 budget speech, President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed a tax increase starting January 1. He underscored the need to boost state revenue to meet international debt and interes

‘What I Heard’ A book that explores the power of dialogue

In his new book, ‘What I Heard’ journalist Nilantha Ilangamuwa explores the fundamental role of conversations in shaping human civilization. Highlighting the backbone of societies, the book (ISBN: 9798876040527) draws from ancient sources, emphasising the preservation of knowledge through dialogues in literature, politics, religion, and linguistics. Ilangamuwa argues that without memory, civilization faces internal decay and self-destruction. The

National Hospital receives Rs. 35 million worth care equipment

“Sri Lankan health system is extremely recognised in the world and one of the best in South Asian region,” said Secretary of Health at the Ministry of Health Dr. P.G. Mahipala at a media conference which held recently at the auditorium of the National Hospital. This media event was held to inform the public about a project that is being held in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Hamamtsu South - Japan and Rotary Districts 3220 and 2620 togeth

The Meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspective

“Man is born: to live, to suffer and to die, and what befalls him is a tragic lot. There is no denying this in the end”. This pithy saying of great poignancy, attributed to a great American novelist, Thomas Wolfe, sums up the lot of mankind on this earth. It carries a profound insight and a deep philosophy of life. In the face of this statement, the question arises. What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? Why were we born if we were to suf

The Religious Significance of the first Buddhist event in the calendar year - Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day

Duruthu poya usually falls in January which is the first month of the year and hence the observance of Duruthu poya is the first Buddhist event of the calendar year. It was on a day like this, exactly nine months after The Enlightenment that Gautama Buddha, the Eminent One, set foot on this land, Sri Lanka. Significant Events that took place on Duruthu Poya Day Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka after directing the arrogant Kassapa brother

Human lives at stake… When protectors of the law become predators

On Thursday (January 18), a sub-inspector attached to the Narammala Police Station opened fire at a civilian. The civilian, identified as K. A Roshan Kumarasiri succumbed to injuries instantly. The reason....

SL Bhikkhu Association in Europe to host annual assembly in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will be the host country for the Annual Assembly of the Sri Lanka Bhikkhu Association in Europe, scheduled to be held on January 29, at the BMICH. The assembly will be held for the first time...

Elected President of Ceylon College of Physicians Commeth the hour, commeth the man, Dr. Upul Dissanayake

In a country of cosmetic changes where ‘new faces’ deliver disappointment or worse, it was indeed heartening to learn that Dr Upul Dissanayake has been elected as the President of the Ceylon College of Physicians. I first met him years ago, but it didn’t take that long for me to understand why he is so popular among patients. He struck me as an exceptionally charismatic physician. His sincerity and willingness to listen to patients set him apart.

Third month Death Anniversary Sonia de Silva was a true friend to me

The news that Sonia de Silva (Aunty Soni) had passed away three months ago on October 17, 2023 came as a shock to me. I had spoken to her only a week ago and I never thought that it would be the last time I would talk to her. She was someone I was close to and we shared a strong bond and friendship despite the fact that she was a few years older to my late mum. I first got to know Aunty Soni- this is how I called her- when we were roommates in th

Kodagoda to deliver keynote at film event in Dhaka

The 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) promises a dynamic blend of discourse and celebration. Renowned journalist, film critic and curator, Anuradha Kodagoda, will deliver the keynote at the Tenth Dhaka International Conference on Women in Cinema which will be held on January 21 and 22 at the Dhaka Club Samson Lounge, Shahbag, Dhaka. The event will explore the nuanced representation of women in Sri Lankan cinema, aiming to move beyon

‘Bharathanatya Arangetram’ of Treashia on Sunday

The ‘Bharathanatya Arangetram’ event of Treashia Ashvini Ignatius will be held on January 21 (Sunday) at Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo 3 starting at 5.30 pm. Treashia is a disciple of “Nadamani” Smt. Shanthy Ganesharajah. The chief guest at the event will be ‘Sri Lanka Sikhamani’ K. R. Ravindran. The Guests of Honour will be Bishop of Trincomalee Rt. Rev. Dr C. Noel Emmanuel, ‘Kalasuri’ ‘Aacharya Kala Sagara’ ‘Kalaimamani’ Smt. Vasugy Jeg

Music Workshop in Memory of Maestro Khemadasa

An Opera Workshop will be conducted at Ananda College on January 21 commemorating the 87th birth anniversary of the late Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa - popularly known as Master Khemadasa....

Micro-finance and Credit Authority Bill: Crying for Govt. help from under a heap of loans!

Several people affected by obtaining loans from mico-finance companies stages a protest recently at the Fort Railway Station demanding from the government to remove the Micro-finance and Credit....

Rising carrot prices haunt consumers already hit by VAT!

On Tuesday (January 16), stocks of carrot harvests in Sri Lanka indeed made history. Priced at Rs. 2000 a kilo, the price of carrots experienced an unprecedented surge owing to various reasons. Consumer associations and farmer organizations blamed the reduction in supply and heavy rainfall as main causes for the spike in vegetable prices. The price of carrots reached Rs.2000 at Pettah Market Yesterday (16th) “We don’t think that the prices of car

‘The Long Lost Princess’ A book filled with fun, adventure, suspense and intrigue

The author of the book “The Long Lost Princess” Aneeqa Aniff was pleased to be able to publish her first book on January 12 (Friday) at a hotel located in Colombo in the presence of the Bishops’ College Principal Chemali Goonetileke Herath and the school’s Vice Principal Chrishnika Galbadage who was the Guest of Honour. “I wrote ‘The Long Lost Princess’ when I was 10 years old during the year 2020. However, the mere reason it’s been published no

Freshwater fishing industry along Madu River in jeopardy

Fishermen fear that the freshwater fishing industry, that was operated along Madu River in Balapitiya, will not sustain in time to come. Although the river once had a large number of ja-kotu or shrimp fishing kraals today less than twenty-five of them remain. Fishermen claim that this reduction is due to the spike in mechanical boats that carry local and foreign tourists daily. The fishermen also say that the situation has been exacerbated by sev

English Speaking Union amplifies efforts to promote English literacy in Sri Lanka

During their visit to the British Council office while in Sri Lanka, HRH Princess Anne and Sir Tim Lawrence spent ...

Research on sex work during Lankan civil war: Sex workers and their faint cries to access basic rights

A broken pair of rubber slippers kept on a display caught this writer’s eye as she walked into the ICES auditorium to witness....

Newlywed Sri Lankans forced to remain childless

The ongoing economic crisis in the country is not only impacting the availability of food, but has also had a significant effect on population growth. This is evident in the fact that the majority of individuals who married in the years 2021-2022-2023 are choosing not to have children, according to data provided by the Department of Census and Statistics. Consequently, compared to previous years, the number of new births has decreased by about 10

Thai Pongal – A Thanksgiving Ceremony: Love and Peace are the Central Themes of Thai Pongal

The Tamil festival of Thai Pongal is essentially a harvest festival supposed to have originated from the time when humans started settling down along the banks of rivers with fertile soil. Some historians....

Celebrate Thai Pongal Festival with Ebullience

“Pongal means to “boil over” or to “flourish” and the word Pongal was derived from the Tamil word, “Pongu”. Thai Pongal is an important festival with religious, social, cultural and mythological....

civil society demands GoSL for a principled stand on Gaza

Around forty civil society organisations in a statement have urged Sri Lankan government to take a principle stand on Gaza issue. The statement follows; ‘‘We theundersigned civil society organisations, networks and collectives support the application filed by South Africa, as a State party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, instituting proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice.

‘Memories of the 70’ to hit the stage this January

Music lovers will be in for a treat this January as the Lions District 306A-1 in collaboration with DK Promotions is getting ready to stage ‘Memories of the 70’, a show to relive memories of the greatest hits of the ‘70s. The show will feature a blend of veteran and talented young artistes including Annesley Malewana, Keerthi Pasquel, Chitral Somapala, Pawan Mallawarachchi and Falan Andrea. One of the highlights of the show is the performance by

Unveiling Opportunities: BSc Honours in Agricultural Technology and Management

Are you an Advanced Level Biology student and curious about where your passion for science could lead you? The Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya invites students to explore a transformative educational experience with our BSc Honours course in Agricultural Technology and Management. The Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya which is celebrating 75 years of excellence stands at the forefront of innovation in t

Helakumara Epasinghe He taught us Physics, life and how to use common sense

The name Helakumara Epasinghe remains etched in the memory of most Josephians who had the opportunity of knowing him; largely as a teacher, friend and a guiding light. No Josephian would ever permit another to speak or even whisper ill of him. Affectionately known to generations of Josephians as ‘Epa’ ; he was an icon of goodness to all those who were fortunate enough to have stepped in to the hallowed educational institution called St Joseph’s C

NICD presently at Polgolla: Will the only Cooperative Development Center be moved to Colombo?

National Institute of Cooperative Development (NICD) was formally called the Cooperative School. NICD is the only institute in Sri Lanka that offers training and education in the Cooperative....

Paramedics and docs in tug of war over raise in DAT allowance

On Tuesday (January 9), staffers in the paramedic services launched an unannounced token strike that crippled the country’s already ailing healthcare sector. The strike was launched in wake of the government approving to double the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance for doctors by Rs. 70,000, but refused the same for technicians, laboratory workers and other staffers employed in the paramedic services sector. As a result publ