A terrorist group’s plot to create a radioactive ‘dirty bomb’
A small video camera stashed in a row of bushes silently recorded the comings and goings of the family of a Brussels-area man with an important scientific pedigree last year, producing a detailed chronology of the family’s movements. At one point, two men came under cover of darkness to retrieve the camera, before driving away [...]
Review the mega project to build 65,000 houses and save billions
After reading Namini Wijedasa’s two articles in the Sunday Times of February 1 and March 20 about the battle between Mittal and Local Builders, to construct 65,000 houses for displaced people in the North and the East, I thought of sharing my views and expertise on the matter in a bid to stop a scandalous [...]
Pakistani ‘tiger’ in police net for smuggling South Asians into HK
The Pakistani mastermind of a human smuggling syndicate was arrested in an operation involving police in China and Hong Kong, authorities announced this week. Law enforcement agencies announced that the Pakistani was known by his nickname, ‘Lofu Chai’, or ‘little tiger’. He had links to Hong Kong and was named as the kingpin of one [...]
UN begins talks on treaty to protect marine resources
UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations has begun negotiations for a new legally binding treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological resources in the world’s oceans – nearly 64 per cent of which lie beyond national jurisdiction. Elizabeth Wilson, Director of International Ocean Policy for The Pew Charitable Trusts, told IPS the [...]
Why Britain should remain European
WASHINGTON, DC – On June 23, the United Kingdom will hold a referendum on whether to leave the European Union. On the economic side of the “Brexit” debate are three main questions: Do European rules impose growth-stifling regulation on the UK? Would leaving the EU increase opportunities for British exports? And what would be the [...]
Mummified tales of Lanka’s ghostly diplomacy
UNITED NATIONS – When successive Sri Lankan governments – of all political stripes – continued to appoint a rash of retired army officers as our envoys overseas, a senior career diplomat famously remarked: “if retired army generals can be ambassadors, why cannot retired ambassadors be army generals.” Perhaps there was pure unadulterated logic to it [...]
Visiting journalists capture Canon’s vision From Lakhsman Gunatillake in Japan
Media personnel from several countries, including Sri Lanka, were given an overview of Canon cameras and other Canon products during a recent tour of Japan. The journalists visited the Canon Museum at Canon Inc.’s Headquarters in Tokyo and saw all the Canon products produced since the company’s inception in 1934. Among the exhibits were cameras [...]
AMS AGM
The annual general meeting of the Association Medical Specialists (AMS) was held in the Neuro-trauma Auditorium of the National Hospital on Sunday morning with a record number of members, 170 participating. The earlier Executive Committee was re-elected this year too. AMS Secretary Dr. Ravi Dayasena announced that of the 1,570 medical specialists under the Health [...]
Inspired by Anne Frank
An air of fear hangs over Brussels and Berlin following the recent explosions. Solidarity is flooding digital media as bloggers, designers and illustrators band together encouraging residents of the affected cities to have hope. Penned in what was perhaps the darkest time for Europe in modern history – during World War 2, the story of [...]
CCPSL to launch healthy menu booklet
The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) will launch a booklet regarding healthier menu options for meetings. This event being held for World Health Day will be a collaboration between the CCPSL and the World Health Organisation. The event will feature displays of healthy food choices for meetings according to the directions of [...]
Opening of new Sri Wickremasingharamaya building
The new building of the Sri Wickremasingharamaya at Dematagoda in Colombo was opened recently during the annual Daham Pasal certificate presentation ceremony. Western Province Councillor and Pragna Pradeepa founder Jayantha de Silva is seen here lighting a candle at the ceremony.
Nishan Silva appointed General Manager at Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre in Dubai
Sri Lankan Nishan Silva has been appointed General Manager in one of the most recognizable hotel brands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Hotel & Residence is part of Accor Hotels – a world’s leading hotel operator. Nishan Silva will lead the five-star property located in the heart of Dubai Creek. [...]
Constitutional reform: Lessons from the safeguards in the Spanish constitution
Spain, like Sri Lanka has at least one region which has from time to time and with some regularity wanted to cede from it. It is the region of Catalonia which lies in the North Eastern corner of Spain. It also borders France. Its principal city is Barcelona which hosted the Olympic games around 20 [...]
Parched India takes action to prevent unrest
A water crisis is becoming so severe in parts of India that one city has banned gatherings of more than five people around water storage points to prevent possible riots as water levels plummet in reservoirs. Drought has been declared in nine out of India’s 29 states. Hardest hit has been the western state of Maharashtra, [...]