Northern women fall for bait of predatory microfinance practices

As more women in rural parts of Sri Lanka fall prey to predatory microfinance practices, significant efforts are being taken by civil society groups and independent researchers to ease women off the mounting debt burden.

‘Vicious poster campaigns’ condemned by Jaffna University Teachers’ Association

Recently, anonymous posters were put up within the premises of the University of Jaffna attacking fifteen academics of the University who had signed a statement. In this backdrop, the University of Jaffna Teachers’ Association issued a statement condemning this incident as well as other similar incidents that took place within the University of Jaffna noting that these should be understood as attempts to stifle freedom of expression within the U

Dealing with mental scars incurred in office!

The theme for this year’s celebrations to mark ‘World Mental Health Day’ is applicable for even the average office worker who is in sound mental condition. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day (Celebrated on October 10) is ‘Mental Health at work’. Over the years we have seen people overloaded with work, falling prey to stress; a mental condition if unattended to would lead to severe consequences.

From challenges to champions Empowering disabled youth through vocational training

According to the surveys conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sri Lankans experienced significant mental health difficulties; research figures indicating an increased from 2.9% to 6.1% during the years 2018 to 2022 respectively. This data highlight a noticeable rise in mental health challenges during this period, potentially influenced by factors such as social, economic, and environmental changes, including the

Saluting bravery and unwavering commitment Nation’s Defender Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

This year marks a historic milestone for the Sri Lanka Army as it celebrates its diamond jubilee —75 years of unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Since its inception on 10 October 1949, Sri Lanka Army stood at the forefront of national security, defending the motherland and its people against visible or invisible challenges.

80 bar permits issued during pre-election breaching law

It has been revealed that Members of Parliament who promised support to the former government in the run-up to the presidential election were granted liquor licences to sell foreign liquor as a reward for the loyalty promised.

Spotlight on Ulapane Wijeweera’s hideout now an NYC training centre

By a turn of fate, the followers of founder leader of the Jathika Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Rohana Wijeweera have been destined to take over the helm of the country’s rule; just 35 years after the comrade’s death.

Philosophical insights for teachers and trainers A must read book on the much neglected subject ‘philosophy’

To fulfill the high demand after the quick sale of the first edition, a revised edition of the publication ‘PHILOSOPHICAL INSIGHTS FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINERS’ is now out.

‘The Wide Robot’ Sci-fi animation on a robot lost in a jungle

Hollywood animation sci-fi movie ‘The Wide Robot’ based on the book series published under the title is now being screened across 16 theaters in Colombo and around the country.

The Kalalaya School to celebrate ‘Navarathiri’

The Kalalaya School of Dance and Music, which was established by the Sri Lanka Tamil Women’s Union on September 1, 1948, will be celebrating ‘Navarathiri’ at the Kalalaya Hall at No. 400/2 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, on October 9 (Wednesday).

What is Mucormycosis or black fungus?

Mucormycosis is a severe, fungal infection caused by a group of moulds belonging to the order Mucorales.

Are the Apex Court Judges retiring too early?

During the last few months or so, news items popped-up more often than not, on the appointment and non-appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal due to the retirement of judges in both courts.

Sri Lanka China Society signs three MOUs with Chinese Association

‘Sri Lanka China Society’ signed recently three Memorandum of Understanding with the following provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. This was confirmed by Jinith de Silva President of the Sri Lanka China Society.

Saravanapavan’s latest book Taking readers through the ‘Most Dangerous Moment in Ceylon’

TThe role of the Canadian Air Force to save Ceylon from an impending military disaster at the height of World War II has been brought to the limelight in author K. Saravanapavan’s latest book ‘The Most Dangerous Moment in Ceylon – Ceylon Aerial Engagement : Canadian Reconnaissance Vs. Japanese Bombers’. The book describes how the Japanese Royal Navy and Air Force attempted to ‘shatter the tranquility of Ceylon’ on April 5, 1942 and again on Apri

Family takes to living on tree house due to poverty

A family of three children have been living in a hut erected on a huge tree in Ethdatkalla in Mahawilachchiya in Anuradhapura for want of land to build a house. They said that they were battling different odds to survive and that the threat of wild elephants was a serious danger they face. The breadwinner of the family S.H. Susantha Kumara said that his family didn’t have a fixed abode or a permanent income; hence they are compelled to build a hu

Remembering our beloved teachers on Oct 5

This article is penned to pay tribute to our teachers. Teachers are respected till eternity, but there is a day dedicated to them so that students can show their love to these mentors. That day is today (October 5).

‘The Legacy of English in Sri Lanka’ by Dr. Ajith Perera

Across South Asia, one of the most populous and densely populated geographical regions in the world, English is widely seen as the language of social mobility, academic opportunity, employability, international business and effective dialogue.

Manuscripts Accepted for “Publication Assistance Project”

The National Library and Documentation Services Board has announced that the acceptance period for manuscripts under the Publication Assistance Project will be from 1st of September to 15th December 2024.

World Animal Day Stop being cruel to voiceless friends

Today is World Animal Day. We are blessed to live in our home Sri Lanka, with so many species of animals both wild and domestic.

World Heart Day Free screening for heart disease at Fort Railway Station

To mark the World Heart Day that fell on September 29th, the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit of the Ministry of Health organised a screening programme for the public at the Fort Railway Station on September 30 (Monday).

16 years and counting…. Parents, families of disappeared protest in memory of Dillon

On September 18, 2008 Jamaldeen Dillon and 10 other youth went missing. Since then the parents of these 11 youth have been staging protests, going back and forth from numerous campaigns to seek justice for their beloved sons. September 18 marked 16 years since Dillon went missing and in view of this incident, his parents along with civil society activists and parents of other youth who were abducted and subjected to enforced disappearances in the

Forest School Colombo : Where nature prepares children for a better tomorrow

South Asia’s First Forest School recently opened its doors to the public, ushering in a novel educational experience for children. Located in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka, overlooking the pristine Bolgoda Lake, Forest School Colombo is a pioneering educational initiative that introduces the concept of nature-based learning for children.

The 5th edition of Priyanjan Suresh de Silva’s ‘Awasan Wisaduma’ Priyanjan presents a World class book on Nazi Germany and Holocaust

The fifth edition of the book ‘Awasan Wisaduma’ (Die Endlosung) written by veteran journalist, photographer and writer Priyanjan Suresh de Silva was released recently.

Sri Lankan receives two accolades for designing world’s first smart drain

Urban innovator Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena recently received two accolades at the recently concluded 2024 Australia Good Design Awards; the Gold award in the Engineering design category and ‘Best in Class’ award, for building the world’s first dual-layer, clog-resistant smart storm drain.

Spotlight on Education Dishonest tutoring puts scholarship exam, students in jeopardy

In 1931, the Donoughmore Constitution granted more authority to the natives over internal governance for the first time. As a result, Sri Lanka became the first country in Asia to be granted universal franchise in the same year. Representatives of the Constitutional Council were elected through voting. Under the State Council system, education was managed by an executive committee, with the chairman of this committee serving as the Minister of Ed

Prof. Buddhima Indraratna feted in Australia

Distinguished Prof. Buddhima Indraratna (Director of Transport Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney) and Member of Order of Australia (AM), received the pinnacle recognition of Australian Civil Engineering: Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year 2024 on September 19, 2024, at the Institution of Engineers Australia Awards and dinner held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.

‘World No Alcohol Day’ is on October 2 Alcohol dependence and consequences in Sri Lanka

World Children’s Day falls today LET’S CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE for CHILDREN

Science has made a tremendous impact on human welfare. It has developed the world to near perfection with instant comforts.

Celebrating Children’s Day With a Purpose An Analysis of Sri Lanka’s National Child Protection Authority’s Performance

As Sri Lanka celebrates Children’s Day on October 1, this year’s event takes on added significance with the country’s newly elected President and Prime Minister, the latter of whom also serves as the Cabinet Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs.

‘Pink Month’ To Raise Awareness On Breast Cancer

October is globally recognised as the ‘pink month’, in an initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer, the leading cancer among females.