Theory and practice in foreign policy making
The foreign affairs debate in this country has been enlivened by critical comments on the rise of foreign “neo-conservative” forces which are apparently bent on turning this country into a “vassal” state according to the words of Tamara Kunanayagam. We wondered whether this was the same Tamara, feisty champion of Tamil rights who was a [...]
UN denunciation of starvation as war weapon needs tough enforcement, say experts
ROME (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – A United Nations vote condemning starvation as a means of warfare is historic but will be useless without concrete steps to help millions of starving people, top experts said on Friday. The 15-member Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Thursday that threatens sanctions on countries that obstruct efforts to [...]
Focus on preventive diplomacy to avert conflicts
STOCKHOLM (IPS) – In the paradoxical battle against military conflicts, is preventive diplomacy one of the political remedies that can help deter wars before they break out? Miroslav Lajcak, President of the UN General Assembly, points out that prevention takes many forms, and it must tackle conflict at its roots – before it can spread. [...]
Do children cause global warming?
COPENHAGEN – Across all cultures, raising a child is considered one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Yet a chorus of campaigners, scientists, and journalists suggest that everyone should think twice before procreating. The United States’ public radio broadcaster NPR asks, “Should We Be Having Kids in the Age of Climate Change?” [...]
Marine biologist from Sri Lanka wins at British Council’s first-ever global alumni awards
Marine biologist Asha de Vos has won the Global Alumni Award in the Professional Achievement category of the Study UK Alumni Awards. The announcement came following national awarding ceremonies hosted by the British Ambassador/High Commissioner in more than ten countries, and high-profile digital campaigns to celebrate 63 regional finalists and 21 regional winners. Making waves: [...]
Culinary Art Food Expo from June 1 to 3
In celebration of the fast growing Sri Lankan culinary and hospitality industry, the 18th edition of Culinary Art Food Expo – CAFE 2018 will be held from June 1 – 3 at the BMICH. Organized by the Chefs’ Guild of Sri Lanka, the exhibition will include demonstrations of food and beverage preparation for the public [...]
From days of yore to modern times: The spread of Buddhism
According to the great scholar monk Ven.Walpola Rahula Thera, Buddhism is neither a faith nor a belief ; it is a way of life. The way which is called the Noble Eightfold Path or the Middle Path. Buddhism not being an ethnocentric religion, transcends all ethnic or national limits. Till about the mid 20th century, [...]
Alaina Teplitz nominated as US envoy to Sri Lanka
The United States President Donald Trump has nominated Alaina B Teplitz as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka. She is currently the US Ambassador to Nepal. Ms. Teplitz is a senior career member of the United States Foreign Service, holding the rank of Class of Minister-Counsellor. Her nomination papers have been sent to the US [...]
Janagan appointed as DPF organising secretary
IDM Nations Campus Lanka Pvt Ltd chairman Janagan Vinayagamoorthy joined the Democratic People’s Front as its organising secretary recently. He is seen here receiving his letter of appointment from Minister and party leader Mano Ganesan.
Most Outstanding President 2017/18 Lions Clubs International District 306 A1
Rasika De Alwis, President of the Galkissa Lions Club, has been presented with the Most Outstanding President award for 2017/18. He was selected from 75 club presidents within the Lions Clubs International District 306A1. In 2012, Mr. De Alwis joined the Lions Club which was inaugurated in 1986. In 2014/2015 Rasika was appointed as the [...]
Double standards in commemoration of fallen members
In the past couple of weeks there have been divergent views expressed whether our brethren living in the North should be permitted to commemorate the deaths of their kith and kin and friends on the anniversary of the day that the LTTE was eliminated from our country. In this context, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna [ [...]
Can multiparty democracy work in multiethnic Malaysia?
PENANG – On May 9, Malaysia’s political canvas was redrawn with a single election. By returning the 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad to the job of prime minister, voters ended 61 years of uninterrupted rule by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). Within days, the ousted incumbent, Najib Razak, was under investigation for corruption, and the long-jailed [...]