A courageous call for fresh search for historical Ashoka
In his opus on Ashoka, Daya has given us a literary work of significance and a historical work of considerable importance. When there are hundreds of books in multitude of languages on Ashoka, why, you may ask, is the necessity for one more? While all the rest describes the life and times of Ashoka, Daya [...]
Reforming the Criminal Justice System and bringing it closer to the people
Fifty years ago, when I was a public servant in the Kurunegala district, we went on circuit to a remote village. This was the time when the government had embarked on a food production drive assuring farmers of guaranteed prices, supply of seeds and fertilisers and other inducements to increase food production. We had a [...]
Sri Lanka Press Association appoints new officials
Sri Lanka Press Association held its 64th annual general meeting at the Western Province Aesthetic Resort Auditorium last week. The AGM was graced by Information Director General Nalaka Kaluwewa. Prof. Ajantha Hapuarachchi of the University of Colombo delivered the keynote address on media development. Following members were appointed as new office bearers. Chief Patron Muditha [...]
Peace, stability and imperative prosperity in South Asia
The Pakistan High Commission organised a seminar titled “Peace and Stability – An Imperative to Prosperity in South Asia” at BMICH Colombo on February 5. Various impediments towards regional peace and prosperity were highlighted. The panel comprised Graham Jones, ex-member of the United Kingdom Parliament, Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan, ex-Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, [...]
Proud moment for Batticaloa Toastmasters Club
Batticaloa Toastmasters Club hosted ‘Inception’ the charter club officer installation ceremony on January 25 at KiriBojan, Batticaloa. It was a proud moment for Batticaloa Toastmasters as they joined Toastmasters International, the world leader in communication and leadership development where the worldwide membership is more than 358,000 spread among 16,800 clubs operating over 143 countries. At [...]
Lively literary discussion at the launch of “Sith Mal Dam”
Poetry modernism vs traditionalism was the theme for the launch of “Sith Mal Dam”, written by Lt. Col. Albert Petikiriarachchi at the Gampaha Town Council auditorium on January 11. The evening began with the blessings of the Maha Sanga, conducted by the Ven. Wettewe Pannarama Nayaka Thera of the Galahitiyawa Sugatha Subhadrarama Temple and Ven. [...]
New President’s Counsel
Legal Draftsman Deepani Sandya Kumarajeewa recently took oaths as a President’s Counsel at the Supreme Court before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and other Supreme Court Justices. Ms Kumarajeewa, who joined the Legal Draftsman’s Department as an Assistant Legal Draftsman, is a past pupil of Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo. She obtained her LLB from the Colombo University [...]
Prashantha Robertson at global telecom meet
Prashantha Robertson, a telecom industry stalwart, was invited to speak at the Customer Experience Management in Telecoms Global Summit at Novotel West, London from January 27 to 29. Prashantha is among the handful of speakers from South Asia at this global event which attracted 500 participants from Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific. A renowned [...]
Free seminar/interactive workshop on breast and gynaecological cancer
The CAN SUR VIVE Trust is sending out an open invitation to all cancer survivors and patients currently receiving treatment to attend a free seminar/interactive workshop on breast and gynaecological cancer on February 29 (Saturday) at 8 a.m. at the Lanka Hospital auditorium (10th Floor), Colombo 5. Please call 0713161616 for registration.
School kids, seniors invited to take part in Scrabble Bash 2020
The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation will hold its annual Scrabble Bash 2020 on February 29 at the Foundation at 110, Ketawalamulla Lane, Colombo 10. The tournament is organised by Shaila Amalean, a former National Player and her team. The tournament comprises two categories and players can decide which category to participate in. Schoolchildren are invited to [...]
Bias attitude of UNHRC and other UN-affiliated bodies towards Lanka
On March 15, 2006, the United Nations set up the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to promote and protect human rights around the world. It seeks the assistance and cooperation of States and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to monitor, report, advice and contribute best practice to ensure that it’s impartial vision is untainted and objectively [...]
Procrastination: The cause of UNP debacle
There are various reasons given for the defeat of UNP presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa. Some even said it was the lack of support from the Buddhists. Well Sajith managed to get over five million votes and a majority who voted for him, would have been Buddhists. There were so many Buddhist monks who supported him [...]
SdeZ: A strict disciplinarian and role model
Many a past police officer have become legends due to their efficiency, prudence, humour, courage, controversy and even bravado tinged with foolhardiness. (Some of these references have appeared before in Retired Police Officers’ magazines.) The first name that comes to mind is Sydney de Zoysa (SdeZ) who retired prematurely in the rank of DIG: There [...]
Stop the rape of Senkadagalapura
Another few gentle green giants that cleanse the toxic air in and around Senkadagalapura or “Mahanuwara” or Kandy, are being prepped for being turned in to a dining table. This is the sad site that greets us when reaching the Buddhist Publication Society and D.S. Senanayake College end of the lake now. Large billboards announce [...]
Where is the world for the Palestinians?
AMMAN – It should come as no surprise that the proposed US peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians bears all the hallmarks of a real-estate transaction. This supposed “Deal of the Century” certainly embodies none of the ingredients of successful conflict resolution, including talking and listening, accommodation of core interests, and a compromise solution [...]