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....

SLBC salutation for ‘Khemadasa Master’

‘Khemadasa Master’, an evening of music, will be performed at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) to mark the 87th birth anniversary of the late music maestro Premasiri Khemadasa....

ICCSL initiates conducting workshop on trade finance

The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) is proud to present a workshop on Trade Finance, focusing on the application of UCPDC, URDG, and ISBP, along with an overview of Trade Digitalization. According to a press release issued by ICCSL the event will take place on February 17 at Ramada Hotel Colombo. The workshop will be held from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. As the domestic chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based

Roadworthiness test to take black smoke emitting vehicles off the road

Sri Lankans breathe the least polluted air compared to most South Asian countries, according to IQAir’s 2022 World Air Quality Report. However, the air quality levels of the island are still not at recommended levels– and vehicular emissions are a major contributor to this condition. With measures such as annual Vehicular Emission Tests (VET) and roadside tests introduced to manage this issue, one could wonder why some vehicles continue to emit b

Serious Environmental Concerns on Proposed Mannar Wind Farm

Mannar is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka dating back to the maritime Silk Road and the trade routes between India and Sri Lanka. It also has some of the most important wintering wetlands for migratory birds in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a signatory nation for the United Nations Convention of Migratory Species (CMS). Hence, we have a global responsibility and binding to protect about 15 million birds (of 250 species) visiting Sri Lanka from

‘The Healing Cut: Extraordinary Surgical Triumphs’: A surgeon’s notebook dotting events of a selfless service

Not every day do we come across doctors who have rendered an extraordinary service to their country and its people. Doctors who....

RTI reveals… Budget allocated to conduct one election in 2024

The Presidential and General elections are two much anticipated events in Sri Lanka’s political calendar this year (2024). The lack of funds to conduct an election has been one of the key factors that supposedly delayed the local government elections for four consecutive years. While it seems like President Ranil Wickremesinghe had already begun his campaign, defections among key figures in major political parties indicate that an election is lik

Does India see NPP a major political force in shaping Sri Lanka’s future?

The five-day visit of National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his three comrades to India last week has drawn a flurry of attention in the political arena in Sri Lanka. It is commonplace Sri Lankan politicians making visits to India and vice versa, but this time the visit of the leaders of the NPP to India has a special significance. Dissanayake and his comrades were officially invited by the Government of India for di

Media organizations show concern regarding attempts to stifle media

In a letter addressed to the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeygunawardena, the Media Organizations Collective, comprising several leading media organisations in the country, has expressed concerns on attempts by MPs to use Parliamentary Powers and Privileges to stifle media freedom. The letter: Attempts to suppress media activity using Parliamentary Powers and Privileges law against journalists When Parliament met on February 08, Member of Parliament D.

Sesquicentennial Celebrations inaugurated Wesley OBU honours iconic Alumni

In a splendid event full of memories, the Wesley College Old Boys Union headed by Capt. Navin de Silva, organised a special celebration to honour its esteemed and Iconic alumni, signalling the commencement of the much looked forward to sesquicentennial festivities. The event was rolled out at the charming 164-year-old Principal’s Bungalow, which majestically glorified Karlsruhe’s Gardens magnificent history. The highlight was a Classic Lawn Cere

Ramzi Rahaman – The Master Craftsman! (Hairdresser, Fashion Designer, Beautician par Excellence)

It is said that a woman’s crowning glory is her ‘hair’, and it’s the crown she never takes off! For centuries, ‘hair’ is seen as a symbol ....

Prof. M. Sornarajah to deliver Dr. A.M.A. Azeez’s Memorial Oration

The Dr. A.M.A. Azeez Commemoration Meeting and the Memorial Oration will be held on February 17 (Saturday) at 9.45 a.m. at the Ghaffoor Hall, Zahira College, 406, Orabi Pasha Mawatha, Colombo 10. Prof. M. Sornarajah, Emeritus Professor of Law, National University of Singapore, will deliver the Oration on the subject “The Law in the Speeches of Senator Azeez, the Muslim Tamil Leader of Ceylon, and its Present Significance”. Capt. A.G.A. Barrie, I

Everyone likes to Park in the Shade, but who wants to Plant the Tree?

The number of vehicles in use worldwide is projected to double by 2040, leading to an increase in demand for car parks. Sri Lanka too faces a similar situation due to a poor public transport....

Sri Lanka has the highest electricity charges in South Asia: PublicFinance.lk

Colombo, 08 February 2024- Sri Lanka currently has the highest electricity charges in South Asia, with householders paying 2.5 to 3 times more for electricity than the average price paid by households...

ASIA FOUNDATION to train 5,000 SMALL BUSINESSES on DIGITAL SAFETY

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is providing $ 15M to The Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cybersecurity Fund in partnership with the CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance....

Sri Lanka’s War with Elephants

The discovery of an elephant carcass in Giribawa on February 6 raised the total count of elephant deaths to 21 for this year. In 2023, Sri Lanka made history as the country with the highest number of elephant deaths, hitting a record high of 400 or more. Elephants are frequently at the receiving end of the ever-aggravating human-elephant conflict (HEC) that was created more than 50-60 years ago, when people moved into elephant territory sans any

Changing vulnerable lives through theatre

The BELL Theatre Festival organized by the Stages Theatre Groupwas recently staged at the Sudarshi Main Hall, Colombo 7. Children from Bogawanthalawa, Kahapola, Galle and Colombo participated in this theatre festival directed by veteran playwright and theatre director Ruwanthie de Chickera. It started with a performance by children from Galle. Initially there a group of children performed to a heart melting song. This play mainly focused on the

Independence Day protests An independence suppressed by state power

Sri Lanka witnessed its 76th Independence Day celebrations which were held with much pomp and pageantry. But this independence ceremony was staged in a backdrop where people are being burdened by heavy taxes and at a time when poverty levels are soaring. This year’s celebrations were out of bounds for citizens owing to security reasons. For some this is a laughable fact given that the country is struggling to escape a debt trap while lawmakers co

‘Bel-Canto’; Western Operatic Singing on Belt and Road

The staging of an imaginative selection of opera last week at the Lionel Wendt was laudable for a number of reasons. In a country familiar with political soap opera pinning down a population....

Old Boys of Maris Stella College present EDURA Fair

A major global education and career festival, EDURA 2024 is being held at Maris Stella College premises in Negombo. The education festival....

Reconciliation cannot be achieved through a ‘Majority Vote’

The manner in which the Online Safety Bill was passed in Parliament is a matter of grave concern. The bill was passed without taking a vote at the third reading even though the Opposition...

Premasiri Sumanasekera (1937 – 2006) Teacher, scientist and entrepreneur

Eighteen years have passed since the death of Premasiri Sumanasekera, affectionately remembered by his pupils, friends and staff members of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda who were there in early 1960s. He was a proud product of Mahinda College Galle and an Honours Graduate in physics from the University of Ceylon. After graduating, Sumanasekera taught physics first at Mahinda College Galle for a brief period and then at Dharmasoka College, Ambal

A regal 110 years inside the Royal boxing ring!

Last year Royal College celebrated 110 years in boxing. This sport is is one of the oldest disciplines practised at Royal College, Colombo. According to the “History of Royal College– 1985 – 2010”, written by a distinguished old boy, Larlasri Fernando, the school founded in 1835 by Rev. Joseph Marsh, was first known as the Hill Street Academy and housed on Wolfendall Street, Colombo. It became the Colombo Academy in January 1836, when it was shif

Sri Lankan vessel ‘Lorenzo Putha IV’ Heroic rescue in a sea troubled by Somalian pirates

On January 27, ‘Lorenzo Putha IV’ - a multi-day fishing vessel set out on its maiden voyage from the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour towards the Arabian Sea. Its crew, a group of six fishermen....

Govt’s tax plans can leave career journeys of youth derailed

This article has been compiled on youth unrest in Sri Lanka in keeping with an analysis made by former Director of Agriculture K.B Gunaratne based on data from the Department of Census and Statistics and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on certain programmes carried out by the Government of Sri Lanka. These programmes have left Sri Lankan youth in an unsettled state and not forgetting the damage caused to the country. Addressing the issues faced by