Don’t DIS the ability of the largest minority
Securing a brighter future requires building a new Sri Lanka, founded on the values of democracy, social justice, equality and accountability. For a formidable and sustainable national economy, it is imperative to arrest the colossal economic and social waste that plagues the country in untold proportions. Two prerequisites here are: (i) Mobilising human potential to [...]
Sri Lanka: Championing the AIDS response
The World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December every year (since 1988), raises awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and mourns those who have died of the disease. It inspires me to recall how AIDS killed millions of people around the world causing a substantial impact on the health and economy of many nations. The advent of [...]
The healing power of music: Symphony for a longer life
This was one of the last unpublished articles of the veteran editor Rex de Silva who passed away on November 16. When he began journalism in the 1960s Rex began with pop music. Later he evolved into the higher dimensions of music therapy, especially for those who are lonely and the elderly “If music be [...]
Rule of law: A role for everyone
The following is the text of the opening address by Attorney General Y.J.W. Wijayatilake, P.C. at a ceremony on Tuesday at the BMICH to felicitate Judge C.G. Weeramantry on his completion of 50 years in the judiciary It is a privilege and a pleasure to deliver the opening address on this auspicious occasion to felicitate [...]
Fairway National Literary Award shortlist announced
The shortlisted entries for the Fairway National Literary Award 2016 were announced on Friday at a press conference held in Colombo. The inaugural Fairway National Literary Award was initiated by Fairway Holdings to encourage writers from Sri Lanka and will recognise the best novels in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages published in 2014/15. The five [...]
Islam and the judicial process
This is the fourth and last part of a series of articles written by eminent jurist C.G. Weeramantry, former Vice President of the International Court of Justice, on the influence of religious thoughts on the judicial process. The series began with an article on ‘Buddhism and the judiciary’ in the November 8 edition. The articles on [...]
St. Sebastian carols: ‘Christ our Hope’
‘Christ our Hope’, a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols organised by the Western Choir of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, will be held next Sunday, December 6, at the College Auditorium, at 6.30 p.m. This 13th consecutive Carol Service of the college will be graced by the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel [...]
Inter-religious service for national unity
In a major move towards religious unity, the Catholic church on Nov 23 held a memorial service of thanksgiving for the prophetic life and work of the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Hamuduruwo who played a powerful role in the silent people’s revolution of January 8. The Service was held at the Kotte St Thomas’ Church which [...]
New Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Singapore presents credentials
The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Nimal Weeraratne presented his credentials to His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore on Thursday, November 26. The ceremony was held at the Istana, the office and the official residence of the President of Singapore where [...]
Keynote address by Weeramantry at anti-crime forum
Justice Christopher Weeramantry, former Supreme Court Judge and former Vice President of the International Court of Justice, will deliver the keynote address at the Annual General Meeting of the Asia Crime Prevention Foundation on December 5 at the Police Families Welfare Association Hall, Joseph Frazer Avenue Colombo-05 at 7 pm. Its members are senior officers, [...]
Book launch: ‘Kularatne of Ananda’
‘Kularatne of Ananda’ — The Life and Work of P. de S. Kularatne by Kamalika Pieris, the first comprehensive English biography of this leading educationist will be launched on Thursday, December 3 at 5.30 p.m. at Kularatne Hall, Ananda College, Colombo. Illustrious alumni Prof. J.B. Disanayaka and Prof. Sudharshan Seneviratne will provide their perspectives on [...]