“Don’t dis-Able me” – The fighter with no arms no legs
Excerpts of aninterview withJanis McDavid By: Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera Janis McDavid was born with no arms no legs and many find it off-putting. Despite these limitations, he has embarked on university studies, drives a (modified) van, travels the world extensively and is an impressive motivational speaker. He looked up at me, extended his [...]
“Prep Walk and Fun Fair”: A walk down memory lane
By Tarini Pilapitiya Looking into investing in a healthier new year and to finally do justice by those already forgotten ‘be active’ resolutions? join the St. Thomas Preparatory School community made up of old boys, students, teachers and supporters who will be taking to the streets of Colombo on January 28 celebrating their “Prep Walk [...]
Young talent to shine at Cockrell Fringe Festival
Authors, poets, artists, musicians, fashion designers and performing artistes will be performing live at the Cockrell Fringe Festival which unfolds in Galle on January 13 and 14. Author Dom Mee founded the event supported by poet Grace Wickremasinghe. Workshops will be held in drawing, graphic design, poetry and acclaimed writer Prof. Neluka Silva will be [...]
British author Dinah Jefferies will not attend FGLF
British author Dinah Jefferies was suddenly taken ill on Wednesday January 4 evening and will not be attending the Fairway Galle Literary Festival. In her keen desire to attend the FGLF, she held off cancelling in the hope her doctors would still permit her to travel. Unfortunately, by Thursday night, her doctors, after careful consultation [...]
Lasantha memorial service at graveside
The eighth anniversary of the assassination of The Sunday Leader Founder Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge, which falls today (January 8). It will be marked with a service at his graveside. Family, friends, former colleagues and others, including those from political and diplomatic circles, will gather at the General cemetery, Borella at 9 a.m.to mark the anniversary [...]
Remembering a Dhamma proponent
Former president of Servants of the Buddha Dr. Kosala de Silva places flowers in front of the portrait of Deshabandu Alec Robertson, well known proponent of the Dhamma and former parliamentarian, at an event to mark his 15th death anniversary. Pic by Nilan Maligaspe
Youth loans from Merci Lanka Foundation
Merci Lanka Foundation, the pioneer interest-free non-profit micro finance organisation has launched a National Reconciliation and Integration Week to express solidarity with President Maithripala Sirisena’s initiative to promote and strengthen peace, harmony and fraternity among all religions. Youth between the ages of 25 to 40 will be eligible to apply for loans under the scheme [...]
Schoolbags for underpriviledged children
The National Human Resource Development Council of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Tourism Minister’s office and Lions Club of Wattala distributed over 350 school bags, books and other items to needy children in the Gampaha District. The Minister of Tourism, Lands and Christian Affairs John Ameratunga, Chairman NHRDC Dinesh Weerakkody, Education Director Catholic Schools [...]
Positive Living with PD – support group meeting
‘Positive Living with PD’ – a secular, non-profit support group, that hopes to break through the stigma that surrounds Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and uplift the quality of life for all people living with PD, their care-givers and families will have their next meeting on Wednesday, January 11 at 6.30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church [...]
Turkey in Europe and Asia: A regional leadership role
By Satharathilaka Banda Atugoda Turkey which has been the bridge between Asia and Europe was at the centre-stage of global politics, as had always been, in 2016 as well. There was an army coup in July of 2016, Turkey served as the stepping stone for Syrian and Middle Eastern refugees to Europe. Turkish people themselves, [...]
Does Sri Lanka need a new constitution?
By Yoshitha Fernando The cost of living, cost of development and various other costs are what everyone talks about today in Sri Lanka. Basic survival has become a heavy burden on the average citizen. Eking out a meagre living in very trying circumstances in a country recovering from a close to three decade war on [...]
Europe’s new “indispensable nations”
By Joschka Fischer BERLIN – After the shock of the United Kingdom’s Brexit referendum and Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States in 2016, this will be a decisive year for Europe. Upcoming parliamentary elections in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and possibly Italy will decide whether the European Union will hold together, or [...]
Weeramantry cites Lanka’s ancient environmental wisdom
The famous dissenting judgment in the Gabíkovo–Nagymaros Dam case before the ICJ The Gabíkovo–Nagymaros Dam is a large barrage project on the Danube. It was initiated by the Budapest Treaty of 16 September 1977 between Czechoslovakia and Hungary. The project was aimed at preventing catastrophic floods, improving river navigability and producing clean electricity. Only a [...]