Lighting of a ‘Peace Candle’ for peace in Palestine

On December 11 the Embassy of Palestine held its traditional Christmas commemoration at the embassy premises. This year amid the ongoing ruthless mass-killing of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, the indiscriminate targetting of buildings including hospitals, schools and the destruction of even the oldest Church in Gaza, Palestine, the Ambassador, his staff and friends of Palestine in Sri Lanka felt it was not possible to celeb

“Christmas in the Air” by The Thomian Society

The Thomian Society held its annual Christmas family Get-together “Christmas in the Air” for members of their families and friends after a lapse of three years. The event was held under its new President elect Sudath Jayasundara at the Grand Oriental Hotel’ Rainbow Ballroom recently. Christmas carols were sung, there were prizes and surprises with fabulous prizes and music for dancing too with a sumptuous Buffet Dinner. Music was by “Ledger Line

‘Cosmic Rays’ to perform on New Year’s Eve at Berjaya Hotel

The Popular musical band ‘Cosmic Rays’ which counts nearly 40 years of experience in versatile music and is enriched with pop, reggae, Latin American styles and modern retro music and blending with Sinhala and English songs of 60s and 70s and Baila will perform ‘Live’ on New Year’s Eve at a Gala Dinner Dance at Berjaya Hotel. Mt. Lavinia. There will be Baila competition and an entrance ticket draw with lavish prizes to be won. And of course there

Dr. A.N. Hanifffa Memories from the diary of two doctors

Dr. Ahamed NaszHannifa, who had a peaceful death recently, was my friend from 1956, when we entered the Faculty of Science, Colombo, of the University Ceylon for the first MB. We entered the Faculty of Medicine (the only Medical Faculty in Ceylon then) in 1957. We were seated next to each other throughout the six years of medical training. He was a soft-spoken helpful gentleman. He travelled by scooter. Whenever we had to go out of Colombo for o

Freedom of movement in Sri Lanka and Human Rights Commission

On December 8, 2023, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) determined that the Navy had violated my right to freedom of movement by blocking me from travelling to the remote Iranaitheevu island in Kilinochchi district on March 5, 2021.

An accomplished editor who didn’t lose the common touch

The curtain came down on Gamini Weerakoon, one of the last of the great English language editors of Sri Lanka in the sad month of November, 2023. Gamini Weerakoon’s passing ends a career that spanned 57 years of superlative journalism. He was 82 at the time of death.

When death denied us a dear friend

I first met him when I was doing my field work in Kandy and he was the Assistant Curate at St. Paul’s Church, Kandy.

Tribute to a loving wife and a precious mother

In the cradle of her tender embrace, A haven of love, an endless grace. A tribute to a wife, a mother dear, Whose presence brings joy, ever near

Christmas memories of an angel in heaven

There’s a special place Beyond the skies above Somewhere very peaceful That is full of light and love.

Prof. Stanley Wijesundera: Commemorating the life and times of an erudite scholar

Internationally renowned visionary educationist Prof. Stanley Wijesundera had been the livewire behind the setting up of the University of Colombo. His legacy has inspired many academics and....

Speakers at ‘Fight for our lives’ focus on dwindling HR practices

“The Northern part of this country was also a Palestine,” said Brito Fernando Chairman of the Families of the Disappeared at a public gathering titled ‘Fight for our lives’ which was held recently....

Rainforest Alliance: Championing sustainability in Sri Lanka’s tea sector

The introduction of tea as a crop to Sri Lanka transitioned the pace at which the country’s export economy was growing. However since the introduction of tea to the island since the 1800s....

Actor Hemasiri to be felicitated

Award winning actor Hemasiri Liyanage will be felicitated for his long contribution to Sri Lankan theatre, television, and cinema. A film retrospection and a book launch are organised on December....

20th Death Anniversary of Ven. Soma (on Dec. 12th) A virtuous Buddhist monk who won the hearts of youth

Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Nayaka Thera of Asgiriya stated, “Gangodawila Soma Thera always tried to correct the society. He explained the threat of extinction of the Sinhalese race, the great harm caused by political division and the opportunistic and hypocritical behaviour by them. He emphasised the strength of unity towards creating a righteous society and the importance of political truth in the ruling system.

Giant Black Bees guarding Aukana Buddha Statue

The Aukana Buddha Statue has been given ‘Natural Protection’ by a group comprising giant black bees. With these insects making hives, people have been prevented from acts that are detrimental to this standing Buddha statue. The Aukana Buddha Statue is said to have been carved by two brothers. But, the younger brother had not agreed with his elder sibling; hence he is reported to have left home and made another statue. In recent times, it is rep

Sri Lanka’s Kithul Industry Is Ailing, But Authorities Have Other Plans

K. Jayaratne (74) from Molkawa, a scenic village in the Bulathsinghala Divisional Secretariat has been a kithul tapper since....

Suminda Sirisena: The Sage of Kokilana

On 7th of December 2023, we bade farewell to our father Suminda Sirisena. He was, however, much more than the patriarch...

Deaf Children To Showcase Art Skills At Exhibition

The School for the Deaf, Ratmalana has organised an art exhibition titled ‘Nihanda Sithuwam’ (‘Silent Creations’) which will be held....

A prime opportunity for export-oriented SMEs

The Department of Business Economics at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura will host J’PURA EXPO 2023 for the second consecutive year at the university premises on December 14.

In memory of our mother Sheila Ruth Webster

In whispered nights and morning light, A mother’s love, a beacon bright, Through trials faced and victories won, Her strength, a tale by time spun.

The Chan I knew

Life is like a journey by train. Who you meet during your lifetime is a part of this journey. They get onboard at some point in your life and get off when the time comes; never to be seen again, leaving behind only memories.

The remarkable journey of Dr. Mary Srikanthi Handy

Dr. Mary Srikanthi Handy, a name that will be forever etched in the annals of selfless service and philanthropy, left an indelible mark on the world through her unwavering commitment to the welfare of humanity. Born in 1935, she was the cherished daughter of Dr. George Rajanayagam Handy and Kanmanie Handy. Her extraordinary journey of compassion and academic brilliance continues to inspire generations.

Fearless fighter Freddy honoured with ‘Order of Timor-Leste’

Sri Lankan journalist and human rights activist Freddy Gamage was honoured with the highest award of Timor-Leste, “the Order of Timor-Leste” by President José Ramos Horta last....

Maj. Gen. G. A. Chandrasiri: Guiding Sri Lanka’s aviation triumph

In the world of aviation, where challenges soar as high as the planes themselves, the leadership of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri RWP VSV USP ndc psc has been nothing short...

Rodney Writes On Henry Merryll’s Adventurous Cycling Trip from Lanka to London

Veteran writer and journalist Rodney Vidanapathirana’s latest book, ‘Papediyen Lankawe Sita Landanayata’ (‘From Sri Lanka to London by Bicycle’) written based on Henry Merryl Fernando’s cycling...

Samantha Yahampath Appointed to State Cinema Advisory Board

Our sister paper, Lankadeepa’s Features Editor and also the Editor of the ‘Rasavindana’ - Cinema and Art Supplement, Samantha Yahampath was appointed as a member of the State Cinema....

Dialog Leads Fishermen To A Safe Sail

It is estimated that around 500,000 families are dependent on Fisheries in Sri Lanka. Therefore, in order to safeguard the lives of fishermen, Dialog Axiata PLC together with the Ministry of Fisheries...

Medics, health professionals warn of rapid growth in dengue

Dengue is a viral infection that spreads through mosquitoes to people and is prevalent during the North East monsoon period. Dengue mosquitoes prefer to breed in clean, stagnant water. As a result, during this period, the irresponsible ways of disposing waste could lead to the collection and stagnation of water; simultaneously fostering a favourable environment for dengue mosquitoes to breed. Therefore, identifying and eradicating potential breed

Investment Opportunities with UDA Unveiling Sri Lanka’s urban potential

In an era marked by dynamic growth and transformative urban landscapes, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) stands as a beacon of progress, unveiling a myriad of investment opportunities across the island. The Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Nimesh Herath shares insights into the exciting ventures that beckon both local and international investors. The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is a government agency in Sri Lanka that is res

Trinity College OBA Colombo branch Stages Carol Service

The Old Boys Association of Trinity College Kandy (Colombo Branch) will be hosting its inaugural carol service on December 7 (Thursday). As the College turns 150 years, its past pupils are getting....