A Group of professionals with ‘Restricted Ability’ contest Parliamentary Elections
For the first time in history, a group of professionals and intellectuals with restricted ability will contest the August 17 Parliamentary elections. They will contest as independent candidates for the Colombo and Gampaha Districts. An estimated 20 percent of our population with “limitations in their ability” form the country’s biggest minority. But, political parties find [...]
Throwing caution to the wind: Queries over claims by Anti-Narcotics chief
“There is little one can do to prepare oneself adequately for the unknown, when there are forces out beyond one’s own circle of family and friends, which are ever threatening and which are stronger than any single individual.” – Patricia Hurst “If vicious people are united and form a power, honest men must do the [...]
A white-vanned journalist’s story behind the headlines
It’s a breezy afternoon and the wind blows a pleasant sense of freedom over the paddy fields where we sit down to have a chat with Poddala Jayantha. From under his cap we see a wrinkled face that can afford to smile again, but his eyes do not burn with the same passion of a [...]
Political power and a little bit of publicity to serve the people
His day starts at the break of dawn, attired in a crisp white national, Jayantha de Silva opens the doors to his Borella office by 5 o’clock. Soon it is thronged by residents who’ve come to tell him of their woes. “The first thing I do is to offer them a cup of tea,” he [...]
Oppression of minority shareholders through failure to declare dividends
On November 9, 2010, a landmark order was made by Justice E.A.G.R. Ameresekera in the Commercial High Court in Case No. HC (Civil) 19-2007 (CO). The petitioner was myself and the respondents were Ace Cargo (Pvt) Ltd (a subsidiary of Aitken Spence & Co Ltd) and 10 others, including the Holding Company Aitken Spence & [...]
Doors to the Colours of Paradise
Photographer, artists’ best friend, and maestro di color Dominic Sansoni has dedicated his life and work to the pursuit of beauty, writes Stephen Prins Doors Scraped. Peeled. Unfinished. Old, colonial doors. Closed but wide open. Waiting to open. Tap. Push. Enter. Open Sesame. Before you is a vision of rainbow radiance. The colours are overwhelming. [...]
Samukka, the story of a young man in revolt
Book launch by Jayani PinnawalaJayani Pinnawala’s third novel, “Samukka”, will be launched at the Mahaweli Auditorium in Colombo 7 at 3 p.m on August 7. The plot revolves around a young man named Wickrema who is different from others of his age group. He is an introvert and deep thinker who prefers solitude and silence. [...]
Lecture to mark Wimala de Silva’s 95th birth anniversary
The 95th birth commemoration of Deshabandu Dr. ( Mrs ) Wimala de Silva will be marked with a lecture delivered by Deshabandu Jezima Ismail on ‘A Vision for Education’ at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 7 on Friday, August 7 at 5 p.m. The event has been organised by ‘The Friends of Dr. Mrs. [...]
Prof. Kodagoda memorial lecture
Deshamanya Professor Nandadasa Kodagoda’s 18th Memorial Oration on the ‘Medical Profession and the Current Challenges of the Health Sector’ by President Maithripala Sirisena will be held tomorrow at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute auditorium at 5.30 p.m. The second revised edition of a book authored by Consultant Physician Dr. Manilka Sumanathileka on diabetes (a handbook [...]
Metho sing-along to raise funds for Restarick BungalowBy Vinusha Paulraj
The Restarick Bungalow stands firm in the memories of past pupils of Methodist College, Colombo 3. For some in the batch of 1987, it was the home of their principal and her family, others remember the few classes they had there. It was also where they had hearty sessions of singing. Currently putting together ‘Come [...]
A prayer for the nation
In view of the forthcoming General Elections, a time of Prayer for our Nation has been organised at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo 07, on Friday, August 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship. All are welcome.
Polio’s last stand
GENEVA – It has been a tough year for Nigeria. In the last 12 months, the country has suffered attacks by child suicide bombers and brutal massacres by Boko Haram. The vast majority of the 276 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok last year are still missing. And yet, during this time, despite such horrors, Nigeria has [...]