New world opens up for Sri Lankans attending Hecker’s Science Workshop!

Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka organised a science workshop on September 27 which was attended by a group of schoolchildren who ....

Sri Lanka: The killing field of elephants?

Eleven deaths within 36 hours. That is the alarming rate at which Sri Lanka’s elephants were killed several weeks ago. On September 27, six elephants were killed in two separate train collisions – four elephants died after colliding with a night mail train travelling from Colombo to Kankesanthurai, while another female tusker and a calf succumbed to injuries after colliding with the Meenagaya Train en route from Batticaloa to Colombo. While the n

“Paththara Kala Kaw Silumina”

“Paththara Kala Kaw Silumina” is a collection of tributes paid to Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara, a scribe who stuck resolutely to journalistic principles at a time when politicians heavily depended on leading newspapers for their propaganda. For his non-compromising stance, Thilak was sacked twice from the editorial chair of the leading newspaper he worked for, ignoring his role in the elevation of standards that boosted its sales records. He wa

Sri Lanka – The next Narcoland?

Harmful use of heroin is a psychiatric condition according to the WHO (International Classification of Diseases ICD – 10) and the American Psychiatric Association (Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of mental illnesses). World Drug Report of UN (UNODC) recommends METHADONE, LAAM, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone for the treatment of Heroin addicts. Heroin addicts are the most maltreated patients in our society. Heroin causes many altered brains and aff

‘It won’t happen to me Until it does: Zonta Club II of Colombo initiates activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One of the most common types of cancer prevalent among women, and a sizable number of men is breast cancer. However, over the years, healthcare professionals and groups advocating for the prevention....

Sri Lankan seas still disturbed by Indian bottom trawling menace

The industrial practice of bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters is a persistent problem that hasn’t ceased to date. Hence it has resulted in a failure by the authorities to protect the marine...

Sri Lankan academics provide solutions to fight climate change

Secretary Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe presented his views regarding climate change at the conference. “In Sri Lanka we have been experiencing a continuous rise of ambient temperature. This is very important. If you take the last several decades there was an increase in droughts and floods, high intensity rain, landslides, intense lightning and the total number of dry days. So this is the impact of climate change that we are already

Social Platforms & ‘Kele-Pattara’: Unmasking the Hidden Motives of Online Safety Bill

In my childhood during the early 1950s, I have fond memories of the “Andabera-karaya” (tom-tom beater) who would beat his drum at the street corner, announcing important events. Additionally, during...

VINCO ’23 - JOSEPHIAN COMMERCE DAY

Vinco’23, the Commerce Day of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, organized by the Commerce Union, was recently held at the Bonjean Memorial Hall. Highlights of the event

Ananda College emerges National Champions in English debating

The English debating team of Ananda College emerged National Champions at the 18th Sri Lanka School’s National Debating Championship organized by the Debating Society and Moot Court of the Faculty of Law....

In celebration of the 74th China’s National Day - Toward Greater Progress of China - Sri Lanka Friendship

Since the restoration of its independence, Sri Lanka has established friendly relations with China. The relations between the two countries have developed steadily, especially in the fields of culture and trade....

‘Memories of Jothipala’ to be staged on Monday

Some evergreen songs, sung by H. R. Jothipala, the most popular playback singer of Sinhala cinema will bring the hall alive at the BMICH on October 2.

PRIDE AS CONCEIVED IN BUDDHISM

In Buddhism, the word “mana” (Pali) connotes the idea of pride, arrogance, vanity, or conceit etc. Although these words are used synonymously and interchangeably, subtle differences in meaning...

Sri Lanka successfully conducted ‘Asia Pacific Scout Growth Coordinators’ Meet’

In a symbolic display of unity and resilience the ‘Asia Pacific Regional Scout Growth Coordinators’ Meet’ commenced on September 13 at the Morven Hotel in Colombo and concluded...

‘Thehettuma Nimesheka’ to be launched today

“There have been many long nights, spent in isolation. And thanks to these moments, many emotions were penned down in words. The sorrows of owing every comma, full stop and punctuation mark...

Why Sri Lanka’s children continue to be victims of sexual exploitation

On September 8, a shocking news item revealed that a nine-year old girl from Mawathagama, was reportedly severely abused...

Govt’s Online Safety Bill: A regressive overreach stifling investment, freedom of speech

In a fiery speech delivered in Parliament recently, MP Harsha de Silva, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, passionately criticised ,,,,

Prophet Muhammad: An example for all people of all times

Reading biographies is the best way to learn life lessons because it is a record of practice. The life of Muhammad (SAS) is one of the best ,,,,

‘Arundathie man manamalai’ at Lumbini: Sugath targets schoolchildren, pregnant mothers for his new drama

Journalist, author and drama producer Sugath Shantha Moragahakumbura is all set to show his sixth stage drama titled “Arundathie man manamalai” ....

Social protection vital instrument to safeguard vulnerable communities

The dire need for having strong social protection systems in developing countries in Asia-pacific region- specially after the Covid 19 pandemic followed by Russia-Ukraine war- was highlighted at the Asia-Pacific Social Protection (APSP) Week 2023 which is organised by Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines on September 26 (Tuesday). “The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our world, exposing the vulnerabilities in so

Medics put Sri Lanka in low risk category in combatting Nipah virus

A press conference was held on September 22 to spread awareness of the Nipah virus. Dr. Saranga Sumathipala, a consultant virologist at Apeksha Hospital and Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, discussed the Nipah Virus focusing on the main question ‘Is Nipah virus a threat to Sri Lanka’. ‘Nipah’ is a virus structurally similar to Measles and Mumps. The natural reservoir of the virus is known to be several b

ACM Walter Fernando Trailblazing sky journeys of an innovative thinker

In the dominion of documenting the remarkable lives and contributions of individuals, timing often plays a pivotal role. Today, we stand at a unique juncture, a moment when Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Walter Fernando is not only with us, but continues to inspire, influence, and shape the younger generations. This is my endavour in publishing this article. First and foremost, ACM Fernando’s lifetime affords us the invaluable opportunity to celebrate h

MAZENOD COLLEGE AT ANURADHAPURA

Being missionaries of the poor and the disadvantaged and ministering for many years in the North Central Province (NCP), the Oblate Fathers, in the spirit of St. Eugene de Mazenod, the Founder of the Congregation of the Oblates, felt empowered and energized by his words, “Love embraces all; for new needs it invents new means when necessary”, to respond to the needs of the families for education of their children in the District of Anuradhapura by

Rotaract Club Colombo West celebrated Golden Jubilee

Rotaract Club of Colombo West marked their 50 years on August 10. The Logo of the 50th year was unveiled at the event, which preceded the inaugural address of the 50th President of the club.

Annual Induction Ceremony of Fellows of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka

The National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka (NASSL), an NGO incorporated by an Act of Parliament (1988), consists of eminent scientists elected as Fellows.

Nostalgic journey to North

Dr Niththyanantham’s autobiography, known to many as ‘Nithy’, is a revealing insight into the experience of the first wave of Sri Lankan migrants to Britain in the 1960s.

Prema Jayamanna – the sparkling, jovial, ratiocinator and mimic

On the 15th of July 2023 I received a message on whatsapp, that Prema Jayamanne , had passed away. The sad news came from her beloved husband Max.

19th CMA National Management Accounting Conference: Sustainability and Value Creation in an Economic Turmoil

The recently concluded 19th Certified Management Accountants National Management Accounting conference shed light on the theme of Sustainability and Value Creation in an economic...

Does livestock sector in Sri Lanka lead to a dead end?

As humans, our bodies cannot synthesise some amino acids (essential amino acids) and it is important to get these from food sources. Consumption of meat and eggs is essential for us to intake the much-needed essential amino acids. Consumption of livestock products (red/white meat, fish, milk eggs etc.) provides us with proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals. If we avoid eating meat, we won’t be able to meet the daily requirements of nutrients.

Challenges faced by international Law due to a digital transformation

The following are excerpts of a statement made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry on the importance of knowing the challenges to international Law in the wake of digital transformation at a recent event of the KDU In this era of rapid technological advancements, the digital transformation has brought about unprecedented opportunities and challenges to various sectors, including the realm of international law. Digital transformation refers