Will a two-state solution include Palestine as a UN member state?
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – The Biden administration, once again displayed its political hypocrisy by denying UN membership to Palestine, while continuing to advocate a “two-state’ solution” to the crisis in the Middle East. But one lingering question remains: will the two-state solution include– or exclude– Palestine as a full-fledged UN member state? [...]
A peace of jazz
By Shehan Ratnavale Jazz is not immediately synonymous with peace but that is the objective behind International Jazz Day which falls on Tuesday, April 30. Now increasingly celebrated worldwide, this UNESCO-established commemorative day is described by Wikipedia as promoting ‘peace and intercultural dialogue,’ and to ‘highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in bringing together people [...]
The conditioned ‘SELF’ and its current reality
By Dr Channa Ratnatunga The Self we all are aware of and feel. Dubbed as awareness, consciousness, I, me, it needs no further clarification on its existence. Over the centuries it’s been interpreted in protean ways. It is probably the single-most subject that man has consistently conjectured on. Man has been preoccupied with what happens [...]
Children’s book festival promises much fun, education
LPF Schools and Bridge2Peace Foundation brings BOOKAROO Children’s Literature Festival to Sri Lanka for the first time. The first edition of Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival in Colombo will be held on May 10-11. The Colombo edition is being presented by LPF (La Petite Fleur) Schools to celebrate 30 years of service to the child. Founded [...]
Pakistan’s National Day reception held in Colombo
The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan hosted a National Day Reception at BMICH, Colombo, which was attended by a large number of participants including Lankan political leadership, diplomatic corps, senior defense officials, Government representatives, prominent business personalities and Pakistani diaspora. The High Commissioner of Pakistan Faheem Ul Aziz HI (M) in his [...]
Bangladesh High Commission celebrates Bengali New Year in Colombo
The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo marked the Bengali New Year (Pôhela Boishakh), which is celebrated on April 14, with a cultural event at Bangladesh House this week. Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Tharaka Balasuriya and other guests were present [...]
Ranjith Obeyesekara shortlisted as AusSpace24 finalist
Mr Ranjith Obeyesekara has been shortlisted for the AusSpace24, Australian Space Awards. He has been named as a finalist for the awards. The AusSpace24 Australian Space Awards celebrates the achievements of individuals and businesses that have been instrumental in driving the development of Australia’s space sector. The finalists list announced earlier this month features over [...]
Enlai Foundation grants 100 scholarships
This friendship entered through the fabulous and traditional silk routes from ancient China to this land many centuries ago. “In any disaster China has been among the first to offer Sri Lanka assistance. China has assisted Sri Lanka in numerous ways, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the present economic crisis,” says Jinith de Silva, [...]
Pelawatta Sugar get-together
The founder staff members of Pelawatta Sugar Company have organised a get-together to refresh memories spread over 40 years. The event is being held at DreamWorld Studio off the Old Kesbewa road, Rattanapitiya today.
Fifty years of immunisation success call for 50 more
By Sania Nishtar, Project Syndicate, Exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka GENEVA– There is a good chance that you know one of the 154 million people who over the past 50 years have been saved from a preventable death by routine immunisation. You might even be one. In fact, surveying the past half-century, [...]