From Japan with Love- Envoy brings new hopes for the New Year | Message By Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by challenges and resilience, I extend heartfelt wishes to the people of Sri Lanka for a prosperous....

Appreciation of Deshabandu Alec Robertson: Christian Burgher turned Buddhist scholar

I consider it an honour and privilege to write an article of appreciation in commemoration of the 21st death anniversary of Deshabandu....

“Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice”

This immortal and inspiring song written by American songwriter Septimus Winner as far back as 1868, was one of the favourite songs of my beloved sister Therese Jayachandra (Nee Benedict) who passed away on January 1, 2023

Leema Creations wins excellence award in Interior Design and Décor, 2023

Leema Creations, the most celebrated interior solutions provider in Sri Lanka, was recognised by the interior and furniture industry both locally and internationally during the past two decades.

Dr. Malika Karunaratne elected as SLCM President

Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists (SLCM) had its annual general meeting in October and elected an executive committee which will serve as its new set of office bearers for the period 2023/2024. Dr. Malika Karunaratne was elected as its new president.

The Josephian Christmas Carols was simply overwhelming

The Annual Josephian Christmas Carol Service was held recently at Rev. Dr. Stanley Abeysekara Sports Complex cum Auditorium at St. Joseph’s College recently. The carol service was organised by the St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. The Josephian Christmas Carol was titled ‘JesuSalvator Mundi’; which means “Saviour of the World”. It is for many of us, the most wonderful time of the year. “Christmas Cheer” is that thing which

Death of former Temple Trees photographer

Renowned press photographer and former Temple Trees official photographer K.P. Navaratne (84) passed away at his Maharagama residence recently. As a photojournalist Navaratne had immensely contributed to both local and foreign media for over five decades. During former Premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s regime he was appointed as the Temple Tress, official photographer. He was the husband of Mrs. Gunawathi Navaratne and father Nalaka, Late Kokila,

A year of cost cutting And starvation predicted for 2024

Various opinions have been formed regarding the 2024 Budget Presentation. According to the budget, the allocation of funds to each sector requires close scrutiny; with particular emphasis on funds directed towards agriculture and food. The budget allocates 250 million rupees for food security, 1950 million rupees for fertilizer subsidies, 100 million rupees for farmer insurance, 1800 million rupees for the World Food Programme and 5386 million ru

A ‘Green Revolution’ that hoodwinked a prime minister

‘Corrupt officials hamper Food Drive’ a headline in an article published in the ‘ Daily Mirror’ said. This gave this writer the impetus to write more about this absolutely factual story; even several years after it was published. Journalists working at that and were young scribes are still in the publishing trade and if they read such factual stores they may wish to respond. It was the time of Late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake. My News Edit

Ferrin Careem I knew

With deep sadness, I pen this tribute to my beloved boss, Ferrin Careem, who passed away on December 8 at the age of 83. He was a remarkable personality with whom I associated for many decades. His passing away is a significant loss to all of us in the Careems family and, indeed, to the entire country. He was unmatched and possessed a pleasing personality and profound knowledge along with a focused, methodical, and visionary approach. When I firs

Can a male cop search my handbag? Apparently the answer is yes!

The ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation was launched on December 17 with the objective of cracking down on drug peddling and organised crimes that have plagued the country. So far, over 13,000 suspects have been arrested by the Police under this operation launched by Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles recently announced that the security forces have been given an ultimatum to complete the operation- in other words ap

How Galgiriya Mountain supports a rich tank system

The Galgiriya Mountain situated in the Ahetuwewa Divisional Secretariat within the Galgamuwa Electoral Division of the Kurunegala....

Media miserably failed to cover Israeli genocide in Gaza

Sri Lanka’s mainstream media has miserably failed to highlight the ongoing US-European-backed Israeli genocide of Palestinian civilians...

BOOK REVIEW | Rata Sabhawa of Nuwarakalaviya: Unraveling the secrets of Rural Conflict Resolution

In antiquity, Sri Lankan Kings wielded authority not only as sovereigns but also as architects of legal frameworks and systems of justice. Their edicts....

Scientific aspects of Buddhism

We live in a scientific age, in which science has influenced practically every aspect of our lives.Science has had a profound impact, both positive and negative on society, Although, both buddhism and science follow two paths many Buddhist scholars believe they have a great deal in common.They believe that science and buddhism are not incompatible as they have more similarities than contradictions and core aspects of buddhism align well with mode

How Christmas got commercialised

It is true that Christmas has been far more commercialised than any other religious holiday worldwide. There is a positive aspect to it though, as well, since there are a tonne of imaginative and colourful greetings posted by firms worldwide. Do you find the word Xmas, as an abbreviation for Christmas, offensive? Many people do, but the origin of this controversial term might change your mind. You won’t find Xmas in church songbooks or even on m

From innocence: The journey of a betrayed woman” - How a Soft Toys Expert stitched back into place A Broken Soul

Dilani de Silva is one hell of a woman. I write in the first person when penning this piece on Dilani and her maiden book ‘From Innocence: The journey of a betrayed woman’ because she is a dear....

The Meaning Of Christmas For Us

Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem in a very poor environment and brought up in a social environment (Nazareth) which had not received...

The Saga Of The Lamb In The Stable

It was a most unusual night.... An aura of celestial light..... Lit up the wide expanse Of grassland.....

The Birth of the Nazarene

It was the night of nights. Cold - freezing, bitterly, cold. The star-spangled inky blue sky had an aura of unsurpassed peace and tranquility that permeated the atmosphere. But in Bethlehem there...

A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION

Beyond the crib is the cross. The Child born in the manger when there was no room in the inn was born to be the Saviour of the World. That is why...

Nanda Malini’s poignant Christmas song continues to inspire

Sung first in the distant 1984, Sri Lanka’s nightingale singer Nanda Malini’s, Christmas song “Jesu Swami Daruwane” never fails to inspire us still. Moreover, it challenges those who seek to celebrate the yearly festival of Christmas lavishly. Composed by Maestro Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne and set to music by musician Stanley Peiris, the song questions our distorted attitude towards the birth of Lord Jesus in a stable.

May your Christmas be blessed by giving generously

Jesuits in Sri Lanka have worked through the organization called ‘Tireless Warriors of Compassion’ to raise funds and contribute to causes such as funding programmes for eight universities, preschools, montessories and teachers. The organization believes in wielding education as its weapon against ignorance and despair. It makes a humble request to open your wallets and support such worthy causes. The following is a release sent by ‘Tireless Warr

In remembrance of Nesaranee Rutnam

Wife, sister, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, passed away two months ago (October 24th), but will always be in our minds and hearts.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATES THE INCARNATION OF JESUS

John 3:16 is probably the most well-known Bible verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This passage shows us how Saul (Paul) of Tarsus found room in the “whosoever” word the Lord used, and how he turned it into great zeal to proclaim the name of the Lord who saved him.

Short film ‘Christmas Gift’ A family reunion made possible through forgiveness

Author, journalist and stage drama director Sugath Shantha Moragahakumbura has made plans to release a YouTube video (short film) with the aim of sending a strong message to the society....

Can Kandakadu serve justice to drug offenders anymore?

Back in 2019, during one of his visits to the Philippines, the then President Maithripala Sirisena praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s approach to control the drug menace; an approach that had allegedly led to thousands of extrajudicial killings at the time. Sirisena not only said that it had set an example to the world, but said that he should consider adopting similar approaches to eradicate the drug menace in Sri Lanka. Since then t

Longest mountain in Sri Lanka: How Saliya-Asokamala shaped the history of Galgiriya Mountain

The 11 km long Galgiriya Mountain is known as the longest mountain in Sri Lanka. The mountain is situated in the Ahatuwewa Divisional Secretariat of the Galgamuwa Seat and comes under the purview....

Sri Lankan Elilini Hoole among delegates at COP28

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) was held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12. The focus was on Climate Justice, Climate Finance, Climate Adaptation, Loss and Damage, Climate Technology, etc. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, accompanied by three ministers and two opposition MPs, was joined by twenty young participants. This was the largest-ever Lankan delegation at a climate summit. His technical delegation consisted of 15 negotiato

‘Sri Maha Bodhiya’ lay trustee families offer merit to ancestors

Descendant family members of the Nuwarawewa Suriyakumara Wannisinghe Bulankulame family, who are the lay trustees of the Sri Maha Bodhiya at Anuradhapura, held a Pinkama at the Adhahana Maluwa Gedigei of the Asgiriya Temple facilitated by the Upali Thera recently. This was to commemorate and offer merit to their ancestors who protected the sacred tree after the Bo-sapling was brought to Sri Lanka in 3rd Century BC by Sanghamitta Theri, the daugh