The government presented the Economic Transformation Bill and the Public Financial Management Bill to Parliament yesterday (22). Chief Government Whip Minister Prasanna Ranatunga presented the two Bills to the House. According to the governemnt, the Bills seek to ensure Sri Lanka will not face an economic crisis once again by introducing several laws and regulations […]

Thursday 23rd May, 2024 Vesak Full Moon Poya Day falls today. Elaborate preparations have been made for grand celebrations complete with thoran, dansel, magnificent lanterns and other such illuminations, in most parts of the country, despite the prevailing economic crisis. The government has evinced a much keener interest in Vesak celebrations this year than in […]

At first blush, it could be said that the outpouring of grief in Iran and other parts of the Islamic world over the passing away of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi recently, under tragic circumstances, is of phenomenal proportions. Very understandably, a considerable number of Iranians and other sections that are supportive of the Iranian theocratic […]

Fifteen years after the eradication of the LTTE, unsubstantiated allegations regarding the number of dead civilians, LTTEers and missing persons persist. Forced disappearances, as alleged by the UN, remains a major issue, with the concerned demanding accountability on the part of Sri Lanka. How many of those who had been categorized as missing are living […]

SJB member Rehan Jayawickrema yesterday (21) filed a contempt of court application before the Supreme Court against unseated State Minister Diana Gamage, alleging she had committed the offence of contempt of court through her statements at a media conference held on May 9. Former Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council, Rehan Jayawickrema, in his petition […]

…demands truth and justice for all war victims Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard has alleged that a slew of new laws such as the Online Security Act and the proposed NGO law were evidence of the dangers currently confronting Sri Lanka’s vibrant civil society. Callamard said so at the conclusion of her five-day visit […]

By Ifham Nizam   The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is set to host the inaugural rally and public meeting of its new political alliance on 08 June at Ambalantota, in the Hambantota District. The event has been organised by Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and the Senior Vice President of […]

Wednesday 22nd May, 2024 Elections are the season of bounty for politicians, with funds pouring into their campaign war chests from all over the world. The approach of a presidential election has made moneybags loosen their purse strings, causing a feeding frenzy among politicians with an insatiable thirst for funds. One of our columnists, in […]

Inspired by the teachings of the Buddha, India is taking new initiatives for global welfare Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. This important day falls on the full moon in April or May and is a […]

The Russian Embassy in Colombo in a statement yesterday observed double standards of international personalities and organisations in respect to human rights matters in Sri Lanka. The Embassy said that it had taken note of the increased external pressures on Sri Lanka by numerous Western political figures, diplomats and foreign human rights organisations criticizing it, the statement […]

Marking 15 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s three-decade-long conflict, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has said the United States will remain a steadfast partner to the Sri Lankan people, including those who continue seeking justice, equal rights, and access to opportunities. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Chung said her country stands […]

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia today (20), highlighting the stark contrast between global funding priorities, pointing out the willingness of the Global North to fund death and destruction in Ukraine while showing reluctance to finance measures to combat climate change. Accordingly, President Wickremesinghe proposed a 10% levy […...

Since its separation in 1947 from India, entire Pakistan and its leadership have been surviving because of Anti-India sentiments. While India is on its path to becoming the top superpower of the world & the fourth largest economy, Pakistan is struggling to even provide food to its nationals. The current protests in various parts of […]

With the Elections Commission now on formal record that the forthcoming presidential election must be held on a date between Sept. 17 and Oct. 16, 2024, the attention of both the media and the electorate will inevitably become more focused on the upcoming contest. While incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is serving former President Gotabaya […]

by Rajan Philips The attempted assassination of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has sent shivers down western spines. In a rare moment of unity, both Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin condemned the shooting. The identity of the arrested shooter has not been made public, but he is believed to be a 71 year old poet […]