Journalists behind bars: China, Israel and Myanmar the worst offenders in 2024
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IPS)— The year 2024 has been one of the most devastating for journalists covering conflicts worldwide—with 361 behind bars, the second highest since the global record of 370 imprisoned back in 2023. According to a new report released on January 16 by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), [...]
Two Lankan gems hold Guinness World Records
A Lankan gem dealer became the first to obtain two Guinness World Records for two gemstones. Hailing from a family well known in the gemstone business community, he (name withheld for security reasons) explained that one of the gemstones which held the Guinness World Record had been in possession of his family for generations. He [...]
Narada receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Divaina Chief editor Narada Nissanka received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for nearly five decades of dedication to journalism. The award was presented at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka 2024 awards ceremony held at the Taj Samudra, on Monday, December 6. Mr Nissanka was seen sharing a light moment with actor Sanath Gunatilleke during the event.
SLSPC’s silent revolution in estates from 1978 to 1992
By Rajitha Perera My work in the Ministry of Health began as a medical officer (estate) in Kalutara. The ministry’s Family Health Bureau recruited ten medical officers (estates) for 10 plantation areas under Dr. N.W. Vidyasagara. The Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation had about 30 estates in the Kalutara District. I was given a van [...]
As Trump returns, Sino-Indian relations are changing
By Debasish Roy Chowdhury, Project Syndicate, Exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka HONG KONG – Weeks before his return to the White House, US President-elect Donald Trump issued a pointed warning to the BRICS countries. “Go find another sucker,” he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, threatening the group’s nine members [...]