Keeping a tab on China, India and Sirisena’s travels

Sri Lanka is at a crossroads whether to support the USA in a trade war against China or whether to stand firm and support the rising tide created by two Asian superpowers.

Global expansion of ISIS and its impact on Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans had many lessons to learn from the Easter Sunday terror attacks. One lesson was that state security isn’t something that should be taken for granted.

Singling out of Rishad Bathiudeen as a political target

The orchestrated political campaign by the Mahinda Rajapaksa-led opposition in association with sections of the Buddhist clergy and mainstream media against three prominent Muslim politicians has ostensibly succeeded. The said aim of the campaign was to secure the dismissal, resignation and/or arrest of two Provincial Governors and a Cabinet Minister. Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah and Western Province Governor Azath Salley have bo

Carpentry industry goes into panic mode

Undertaking the theme ‘Minimising of air pollution through sustainable forest management’ on ‘World Environment Day 2019’, President Maithripala Sirisena made a quite a surprising statement at a ceremony held at BMICH. He said that his government would soon ban carpentry sheds popularly known as ‘wadu maduwas’ and thus instructed carpenters and sawmill

Why Sri Lankan politics needs variety

There is much debate going on in Social Media as to who should represent the country’s people in parliament. Most potential candidates for the presidency have already shortlisted the members of their probable cabinets while dreaming of a better and prosperous Sri Lanka. This is why this year and the following year are important; hence Sri Lankans must use their votes

The man who foresaw the Easter Sunday attacks

Recently we visited the house of Mohamed Razik Mohamed Thasleem (37) in Danagama Mawanella. He is one of the first victims of Zaharan’s killing spree and is currently recovering from gunshot injuries. We visited him to inquire into his present condition. The vandalism on Bu

Mass Resignation of Nine Govt Ministers and Muslim Politics Undercurrents

Sri Lanka once again hurtling towards another orgy of anti-Muslim violence. Buddhist monk Ven. Athureliya Rathana Thera who is also a Member of Parliament was on a ‘fast unto death’ in the vicinity of Dalada Maligawa(Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) hallowed by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Delving into 'Sterilisation Story'

This article is written based on an interview with Professor Hemantha Senanayake, Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and Former Chairperson of Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Healing from Hurt

For an island known for its smiling faces, kind people and their idyllic lifestyle, Sri Lanka has been tormented with a past of loss and grief. Whether this island’s people are from the North, South, East or West, they have all suffered through periods of ethnic and political violence. Each community has a story of how they coped and rebuilt, stories of how some lost their families,

On the trail of a fasting monk

Ven.Rathana Thera became a rebel during a four-day fast where he shed his role as a survivor in politics. This priest, who has the habit of clinging on to individuals with power for his benefit, suddenly saw throngs of people supporting his cause. The prelate laydown in protest and staged a fast near the ‘Temple of the Tooth’ demanding the resignations of the Governors of

TWISTS AND TURNS in the Dr. Shafi controversy

The sterilization charges against Dr. Seigu Shihabdeen Mohamed Shafi from the Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala have become the main topic in the country at present. It has created a huge controversy which is taking new turns and spreading its flames in the country. His wife Dr. M.N.F. Imara, holding an MBBS degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, is working in the Nephrology Unit at the Teaching Hospital in Kurunegala. Their three

Playing politics with Terrorism

Media, both mainstream and social, and certain politicians have completely diverted the attention of the country and the authorities from the terrorism that wreaked havoc on Easter Sunday on April 21.

Anti-Muslim attacks: Process of compensation causes trickle of unease

Violence inflamed by racism and extremism make the individual and the society as a whole incur heavy costs. Despite Sri Lanka, having learned through unpleasant experiences relating to inter-community violence since at least the late 19th century, the country is still witnessing increasing ethno-religious tensions.

Spotlight on Ven.Gnanasara When patriotism blurs spiritual vision

Ven.Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera’s early release from prison, thanks to a presidential pardon, has given the monk celebrity status. One television channel even went to the extent of giving a live coverage of his release. Whether the monk should receive such attention is a matter for debate in a country where values in humans are fast deteriorating.

Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) An in-depth look at ISIS

As the people and Government of Sri Lanka reel with shock and grief in the wake of the suicide bomb attacks over the Easter Sunday killing more than 250 innocent civilians including 40 foreigners and wounding more than 500 others and the country is forced to confront some important lessons. And whilst the horrors of the attacks are uniquely personal to the people of Sri Lanka

SUFISM The Forgotten Facet of ISLAM

In the aftermath of the terror that was unleashed in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, by a group purporting to be followers of Islam, there is an understandable degree of probing about what ‘Islam’ actually is. One sees a cacophony of voices attempting to provide answers, from diverse perspectives. Much of the discussion and debate on Islam, is focused on the interpretations of the ‘Shariah’ (the laws of Islam) based on the teachings of Ibnu Wahab,

A ‘symbolic’ arrest

Recently a Muslim woman was arrested for wearing a dress with a picture that apparently resembled the Dharmachakra- the wheel of dharma. Social media was abuzz criticizing the arrest as many believed that the picture was that of the helm of a ship.

Reflecting on the refugee crisis in Sri Lanka Refugees plead to expedite their cases and resettle them in third countries

Following the Easter Sunday massacre more than 1000 refugees and asylum seekers were evicted from their rented houses in Negombo and they had to seek refuge in two mosques and the police station in Negombo. With barely minimal possessions and minimum facilities, the once persecuted group of people live in much uncertainty and fear. They plead for their cases

EASTER SUNDAY BOMBINGS AND their IMPACT

A series of bombings struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday killing more than 250 people including 40 foreigners and wounding more than 500 others following the Easter Sunday suicide attacks that also devastated the livelihood of the entire nation.

A war victory that brings tears!

Sri Lanka marked 10 years after defeating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) on May 19, making the island nation reflect on what a deterrent an armed conflict can be to a country’s progress.

No Agreement for Permanent US Base in SL - US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz in her first interview with the print media after the Easter Sunday attack exclusively told the ......how the United States is committed to aid Sri Lanka to combat and defeat terrorism on the request of the Sri Lankan Government and how President Donald Trump offered the necessary resources in the aftermath of the Easter

“President doesn’t trust anybody other than Namal Kumara,” SF

Former Army Commander, the first Field Marshal and the 2010 Presidential Candidate, Sarath Fonseka in an interview with the Daily Mirror airs his views on how to fight a war and battle terrorism. One of the most experienced Army Commanders in the world, Field Marshal Fonseka, describes how and why Sri Lanka failed to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks. Fonseka, who marshalled his troops to win the 26-year-old war against Liberation Tigers of Tami

A WAY TO LIVE AND A WAY TO DIE

What is Buddhism? Is it a religion or a philosophy?A true Buddhist would accept the basic Buddhist analysis of life as one that accommodates the teachings of the Buddha. It involves no dogmatism, no form of worship. One could say it is a code of morality, a way of life as it were.

Cinnamon Grand bomber’s copper factory case takes a new turn

Wellampitiya Police OIC Gamini Senarath Hewawithana had complained to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) early this week demanding an inquiry against Colombo Magistrate Court Judge Priyantha Liyanage over the release on bail of nine employees of the copper factory in Wellampitiya.

Riots in Minuwangoda: Pasta company owner says ‘yes to law and no to divisions’

As mob violence erupted in Minuwangoda on May 13, fire ripped through the country’s largest pasta manufacturing facility, endangering the lives of seven employees present at the time. Diamond pasta, a sister company of the PMM Group of companies....

Anti-Muslim attacks question security coordination

Tears in the eyes of the families mourning the loss of Easter Sunday terror victims had not dried up when Sri Lankans heard that another group of citizens- Muslims- had come under attack by angry mobs on Monday (May 13).

An island now ‘hoping for the best’

Going by the recent spate of violence in certain areas in Wayamba and western Provinces one is left to think whether Sri Lankans truly value peace. There is an old saying which comes to my mind at this juncture, ‘you need two people to start a fight’.

Outside hand suspected in Kuliyapitiya violence

Daylight in Wayamba gives its residents the opportunity to assess the situation of their neighbourhood, following a grim and fearful start to the holy Vesak week. The Police curfew enforced early Monday (May 13) evening in the North Western Province however, prevents them from setting about their daily work.

The ‘Martyrdom’ Myth

Submerged in our current encounter with terrorism, devastation and anger provoke us to impulsively ascribe suicide bombing to the lunacy of the bombers themselves, or to something inherent in the ‘ideals’ of the bomber’s ethnic or religious group- which to those of us on the outside is blatantly brutal, inhumane and regressive. The world

Wahhabism and radicalization of local Muslims Fix it For Good

Intelligence-driven kinetic means can only do so much. The acid test would be to prevent the recurrence of the monstrosity that surfaced on the Easter Sunday. A good part of that responsibility lies with the local Muslim community. Their contribution to the success of intelligence operations has so far been crucial. However, confronting the ideology that is at the heart of Islamic terrorism needs greater perseverance and introspection, because of