Whither Sri Lanka’s paddy farmer?
By Dr. Parakrama Waidyanatha During the reign of King Rajasinghe II, the English sailor Robert Knox, in his book titled “An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon,” describes the social status and lifestyle of people. An oft-quoted statement from the book is, “Once the mud is washed off the paddy farmer, he is fit enough [...]
Blackouts: when will the CEB get its act together?
By M. N. Susantha Perera, Ph.D. Last Sunday’s total system failure was one more grim reminder that the country’s electricity supply infrastructure has a long way to go before it can reach the level of resilience and sustainability required of a modern power grid to make the transition to a green, clean, and sustainable energy [...]
Shutting down USAID threatens to endanger world’s poorer nations
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US government’s primary channel for humanitarian aid and disaster relief, is expected to have a devastating impact on the world’s developing nations. The 2025 Budget Request, under the former Biden administration, amounted to a [...]
A great lawyer, finance minister and dignified gentleman – Appreciation
K N Choksy K N Choksy was once compelled to defend a client in a criminal case (heard in camera in the High Court of Colombo). The indictment — for rape! The accused: a virile and religious philanthropist. Mr Choksy found several eminent senior criminal lawyers to appear, but the client insisted it had to [...]
A divine offering in Avissawella
Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram – A meditation and community service centre With profound devotion and a spirit of selfless service, we invite you to the inauguration of the Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram, Meditation, and Community Service Centre on Sunday, March 9, at 10 am at Elston Estate, Puwakpitiya, Avissawella. This sacred endeavor was envisioned by the [...]
New principal for Vidyaloka
Wattala Hendala Purana Raja Maha Viharaya Chief Incumbent and Wattala Sasanarakshaka Board Secretary, Justice of the Peace Ven Thihagoda Chandima Thera has been appointed Principal of Vidyaloka Maha Vidyalaya, Kerawalapitiya. He was the Deputy Principal of Kerawalapitiya Maha Vidyalaya, and has extensive knowledge of the school and its students.
SANASA wins at cooperative thrift society
Hemapala Ranaweera, president of the Nedalagamuwa Thrift and Credit Sanasa Co-operative Society is seen here with the trophy (second place) which they received in recognition of their 2022/23 performance at ‘Thirasara Abhiman 2022/2023 – the 102nd Co-operative Ran Sammana Ulela’. Mr Ranaweera is flanked by vice president Lal Dixon and treasurer H M Gamini. North [...]
Appeal for help
W A Nuwan Prasad from Delgoda, whom generous readers of the Sunday Times helped to retain the sight in his left eye, needs to return to India’s CODE Eye Care centre in Chennai, to sustain his sight. He is appealing for a little more financial help. Contributions could be made to: Account Name: W A [...]
The Global South needs to own its AI revolution
By Kate Kallot, Project Syndicate, Exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka NAIROBI – Artificial intelligence is reshaping global power dynamics, and those of us in the Global South—from Africa and the Caribbean to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America—must seize this moment to advance a community-driven approach to the ascending technology. Low- [...]