U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said, “We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick McNamara as the new Executive Director of our United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission. Under the leadership of Dr. McNamara, the Commission is entering a new era cultivating exchanges, educational partnerships, and mutual understanding between our two nations. We expect…
– Shamindra Ferdinando Sole Communist Party (CP) MP Weerasumana Weerasinghe broke ranks with dissident SLPP MPs on January 09 to vote for the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Bill. Having contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket, the Matara District MP aligned himself with the Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya (ULS) strongly opposed…
Civil society organizations and women’s groups in Sri Lanka have called for the immediate removal of Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, citing his involvement in torture and other human rights violations. In a statement released today, the groups condemned Tennakoon’s appointment and tenure, highlighting a recent Supreme Court judgment that held him personally…
Chennai, January 26, 2024 In a sorrowful turn of events, renowned playback singer Bhavatharini Raja, daughter of the legendary music maestro Ilayaraja, breathed her last in a hospital in Sri Lanka after battling a prolonged illness. The 47-year-old singer, who had been receiving treatment in Sri Lanka, passed away ahead of the scheduled concert by…
Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe In recent days, Sri Lanka has witnessed a concerning trend in government actions, particularly with the introduction and debate surrounding the Online Safety Bill. While the government claims these measures are aimed at addressing online fraud, abuse, and false statements, it is evident that these legislative moves have wider implications, especially for…
Hatch, recognised as a leading organisation in Sri Lanka’s innovation and entrepreneurship domain, welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal to their co-working space during her official visit to Sri Lanka. The tour of Hatch offered her an immersive experience into the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of Sri Lankan startups. In conjunction with the…
By C. A. Chandraprema Whenever we hear the term Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), what comes to mind is the body by that name established in South Africa in 1995, headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The South African TRC may not have been the first of its kind, but it was undoubtedly the one that…
In a saddening announcement that resonated deeply nationwide, the passing of Dulika Marapane’s mother, a central figure in a significant legal case, has been revealed. Her legacy, however, endures, leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lanka and beyond, a testament to her strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. The story traces back to…
Fathima Rikaza and her four children found refuge in Sri Lanka, leaving behind a heart-wrenching decision and their Palestinian husband in war-torn Gaza. Rikaza and Abdul Lateef, a scholar who met and married in Sri Lanka, had built a life in Gaza surrounded by Abdul’s family. But with Israeli airstrikes turning their days into a…
This is the postage stamp ceremoniously issued by India to commemorate the 200-year history of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. BJP national president JP Nadda released the stamp, in late December, at the BJP central office, marked by speeches highlighting the community’s hardships and the Modi government’s commitment to their welfare. The timing of the…
