Have archaeologists discovered Buddha’s remains in China?
Skull bone found in 1,000-year-old shrine could belong to the enlightened one Archaeologists made the find at a temple in Nanjing, China The parietal bone was found in a tiny gold chest contained within a shrine Engravings say the skull belonged to Siddhartha Gautama By Ryan O’Hare A discovery found hidden inside a 1,000-year-old Chinese [...]
Will Brexit have political ramifications at the UN?
UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – The much-ballyhooed British exit (Brexit) from the 28-member European Union (EU) is likely to have political ramifications at the United Nations – both in the short and the long term. If Scotland and Northern Ireland eventually decide to break away, as expected in the not-too-distant future, the United Kingdom (UK), as [...]
Dealing with drug addiction: Educating professionals
By Tay Bian How United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that a total of 246 million people, or one out of 20 people between the ages of 15 and 64 years, used an illicit drug in 2013. Approximately one out of ten people who use illicit drugs is suffering from a drug use [...]
Links between Sri Lanka,India and economic diplomacy
The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies seminar on Sri Lanka-India Relations on 16th June, generated perhaps, a re-think on our age-old links with Jambudhweepa. It coincided with Poson Poya and the sacred month of Poson when Thambapanni and Jambudhweepa built a firm foundation for future relations with the meeting of the most venerable Arahant Mahinda [...]
Fragile states index: Whither Sri Lanka?
In 2015, long-simmering crises crossed borders, even continents, in a reminder that it takes very little for regional instability to go global. This is particularly true when those who are caught in the fray of violence will stop at little to save themselves and their families. Turmoil from Syria to Nigeria spiraled outward last year, [...]
Tax and debt crisis of the Yahapalana Government
The following is the text of a speech by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the “Tax and debt crisis of the yahapalana government”. The speech was delivered at the Battaramulla office of the Joint Opposition on Wednesday 29 June. Venerable members of the Maha Sangha, clergymen of other religions, Members of Parliament, and distinguished guests, [...]
Light Rail Transit may not be right now
By Dr. Amal S. Kumarage It has been announced that Light Rail Transit or LRT has been proposed for Colombo. It will certainly provide modern, fast and comfortable transport for those who can afford it. However LRT is an expensive mode of urban transport. In fact it will cost Rs 7 billion for each km [...]
Professor Stanley Wijesundera Memorial lecture key feature at 8th Annual Scientific Sessions
The memorial lecture to commemorate the life and times of Late Prof. Stanley Wijesundera, Vice Chancellor of University of Colombo was held at the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IBMBB) of the University of Colombo on 27 May 2016. Professor Stanley Wijesundera Memorial lecture was one of the key features in the programme [...]
Sri Lanka tea promotion in New York
Recognising the importance of ever increasing tea market in the United States, Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tea Board organised roadshows in New York and Washington to promote Ceylon Tea with special focus on Brand Promotions and distinguishing the difference in flavour, strength and aroma of the different agro climatic [...]
Diary of the Dutch Governor of Ceylon translated into English
‘The Travel Diary of Isaac Augustine Rumpf, the Dutch Governor of Ceylon ( 1716-1723)’, will be launched at the auditorium of the Department of National Archives on July 4 at 2 p.m. The orginal Diary in Dutch has been translated into English by Prof. K.D. Paranvitarne. Minister of Education Akila Vijay Kariyawasm and Ambassador for [...]
SLMA annual Health Run and Walk
The annual Health Run and Walk, one of the highlights of the anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) will be flagged off on Sunday, July 17 at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. Comprising a 3.8 km competitive run for registered participants and a 2.9km walk open to members of the public, the [...]
Sri Lanka-China Buddhist Friendship Association conference
A conference on the Historical Buddhist Relationship between Sri Lanka and China, organised by the Sri Lanka-China Buddhist Friendship Association, was held in Colombo recently. Media and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka is seen here handing over a plaque to the Head of the Chinese Delegation and Vice-President of the China Buddhist Association, Most Ven. [...]