(Excerpted from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of 15th March 2026) The arrest and detention of the former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, over his alleged links to the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks have continued to draw criticism, with critics calling it a witch-hunt. On Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) …

Continue reading ‘Maj-Gen Suresh Sallay’s wife Writes to IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya on March 7 over the ‘Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment’ to which her husband is being subjected while under detention.’ »

(Excerpted from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of 15th March 2026) As the war in West Asia widened into its second week, the shocks came thick and fast for many countries, with Sri Lanka no exception. The first blow for the public came at midnight on Monday (9), with a substantial increase in fuel prices across …

Continue reading ‘Ordinary Sri Lankans Affected by Shortages and Rising Prices after Middle-Eastern War. Public Anger Over Cost of Living Increase Directed not just at the NPP Govt but also President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Himself.’ »

By Namini Wijedasa The price bids of four companies competing to sell 300,000MT of emergency coal for the Lakvijaya power plant were examined this week, but the tender went unawarded, official sources said. Meanwhile, problematic coal supplier Trident Chemphar—which won the ongoing 2025-26 term tender—has again submitted an updated schedule to Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) …

Continue reading ‘Tender to Supply 300,000 Metric Tonnes of Emergency Coal for Lakvijaya Power Pl ant unawarded Despite Competing Bids Being Examined due to problematic coal supplier Trident Chemphar submitting Revised schedule at US $112 per MT to Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd (LCC).’ »

Internet Media Action (IMA) has expressed its profound concern regarding the arrest of veteran journalist and Lanka e News website Editor Sandaruwan Senadheera on Wednesday at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, following nearly 16 years of political asylum in the UK. IMA said Senadheera was compelled to flee Sri Lanka during the Rajapaksa Government, having faced …

Continue reading ‘” Lanka e News” Website Editor Sandaruwan Senadheera who Returned to Sri Lanka from Britain after 16 years arrested at Katunayake Airport:Internet Media Action (IMA expresses Profound Concern.’ »

By Ranjith Padmasiri The Colombo High Court has issued notice to Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody ordering him to appear in court on March 27, when indictments in his corruption trial are to be served on him. The notice on Mr Jayakody has been issued on the order of High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela. Mr Jayakody …

Continue reading ‘Colombo High Court issues notice to Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody ordering him to appear in court on March 27, when indictments in his corruption trial are to be served on him.’ »

By Ranjith Padmasiri The Colombo Fraud Bureau (CFB) has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that it has yet to receive advice from the Attorney General on whether to name Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe and two others as suspects in the case involving the alleged fraudulent leasing of a building belonging to the National Workers’ Congress …

Continue reading ‘Colombo Fraud Bureau Tells Mt.Lavinia Magistrate That advice from Attorney -General is still being awaited on whether to Name Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe and Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal as suspects in the National Workers Congress Dehiwela Building Fraudulent Leasing Case’ »

By Wijith De Chickera (The writer is Editor-at-large of LMD, and has a Post-graduate Diploma in Politics and Governance) Crossroads such as The Silk Route have their own legends about countries, characters and caravans. But it is chessboards that may have some elements that are far more relevant to the state of play in the …

Continue reading ‘The Middle East resembles today a black and white board where the pieces are moving faster and unpredictably:Sri Lanka has no pieces in the Middle Eastern theatre, yet its strategic position on the game board itself is increasingly hard to ignore.’ »

By Raj Retnanandan (The author is an energy sector regulatory consultant based in Calgary, Canada. He has been involved in economic development initiatives in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province and has a long-standing interest in regional development, infrastructure planning, and sustainable economic growth) The recent Financial Times column proposing a “Northern Gateway Initiative” presents an ambitious …

Continue reading ‘Major economic strategies for the Northern Province should be developed and implemented through collaboration between the Sri Lanka Govt, Northern Provincial Council, local authorities, and regional economic stakeholders.’ »

BY Wasantha Rupasinghe-wsws On March 4, a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lankan waters, killing 108 sailors on board. The attack without warning occurred in international waters as the vessel was returning from multinational naval exercises hosted by India. This act of mass murder, thousands of kilometres from …

Continue reading ‘Despite positive claims by President Dissanayake regarding the Iranian Ships,in reality, the Sri Lankan government functioned as a compliant intermediary for the diplomatic and strategic objectives of the US and Israel as dictated by their diplomatic envoys.’ »

Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Maj. Gen. (Retd) Suresh Salley is facing three main allegations in connection with investigations related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told the Fort Magistrate’s Court. Presenting a further report to court, the CID said Salley had been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism …

Continue reading ‘CID tells Court that Ex-Intelligence Chief Maj-Gen Suresh Salley is Detained Under the PTA over three Allegations Relating to the Easter Bombings Investigation;Case Fixed for Hearing on March 25th’ »

By Dr.S.Wijeyamohan (Dr.Wijeyamohan is a senior lecturer in Zooology at the Vavuniya University) Deep within the Vanni, Sri Lanka’s “green lung” is being systematically drowned in the name of progress. The Kivul Oya project, a vast irrigation scheme cutting across the island’s northern reaches, promises agricultural prosperity but threatens an ecological suicide. As 2,600 hectares …

Continue reading ‘The Kivul Oya project will inundate an area of 26 square kilometres of thick prime jungle in the Wanni. Preserving this existing forest is essential not only for the Northern Province but for the entire country.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray There can be no auspicious moment to celebrate life, foster humanity and work towards peace or prosperity. Sadly, we live in times where the energies of violence unleashed have sent tremors of anxiety and foreboding to all corners of the world even as they maim, kill and destroy. One can only …

Continue reading ‘After 147 years, the Royal–Thomian remains one of the most remarkable traditions in Sri Lankan life; a celebration of youth, camaraderie and the enduring bond between Royalists and Thomians.’ »

Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over the alleged acceptance of a USD 2 million bribe linked to the Airbus aircraft procurement deal. Chandrasena arrived at the Bribery Commission this morning to provide a statement, and after recording a …

Continue reading ‘Ex- SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over the alleged acceptance of a USD 2 million bribe linked to the Airbus aircraft procurement deal’ »

By Tharushi Weerasinghe The sinking of the IRIS Dena by a US submarine just 19 nautical miles from Sri Lanka’s shore in its Exclusive Economic Zone has forced Colombo to navigate one of the most complex diplomatic and legal crises in its recent history, with pressure mounting from Washington not to repatriate Iranian survivors and …

Continue reading ‘The Dramatic Tale of Three Iranian Ships,US Belligerence and Sri Lanka’s Humanitarian Approach While Delicately Balancing Neutrality and International Legality.’ »

By Maj-Gen Dr. Boniface Perera The history of warfare is littered with the hubris of technologically superior powers who underestimated the resilience of a civilization state. On February 28, 2026, the world watched as a decapitation strike, intended to trigger a regime change in Tehran instead ignited a firestorm that threatens to consume the global …

Continue reading ‘While technology wins battles, it is the human will and a clear “end-state” that win wars. The current US-Israeli campaign against Iran is missing both; In contrast, the Iranian population,views this as a war for national survival.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் வாசகர்களுக்கு ஒரு மன்னிப்புக்கோரலுடனும் விளக்கத்துடனம் இந்த கட்டுரையை தொடங்குகிறேன். இந்த பத்தி கடந்தவாரம் நான் எழுதிய கட்டுரையின் ( ஜனாதிபதி திசநாயக்கவின் சிம்மாசனத்தின் பின்னால் இருக்கும் சக்தி ஜே.வி.பி.யின் பொதுச் செயலாளர் ரில்வின் சில்வா? ) இரண்டாவதும் இறதியானதுமான பாகமாக இருந்திருக்க வேண்டும். ஆனால், இந்த வாரம் பெரும் பரபரப்பை ஏற்படுத்தியிருக்கும் அரச புலனாய்வு பிரிவின். முன்னாள் தலைவர் மேஜர் ஜெனரல் சுரேஷ் சாலே கைது மற்றும் தடுப்புக்காவல் பற்றி எழுதவேண்டியதாயிற்று. ரில்வின் சில்வா …

Continue reading ‘ஈஸ்டர் ஞாயிறு குண்டுத் தாக்குதல்கள் : அசாத் மௌலானாவின் குற்றச்சாட்டுகளும் மேஜர் ஜெனரல் சுரேஷ் சாலேயின் கைதும்’ »

By Namini Wijedasa Energy officials this week received a strong directive from an all-party Parliamentary committee to commission “without further delay” a third independent accredited lab to test coal samples from the Trident Chemphar shipments. On Tuesday, the Lakvijaya coal power plant (LVP) switched completely to South African coal imported via India’s Trident Chemphar. This …

Continue reading ‘Parliament’s Special Oversight Committee wants a third independent accredited lab to test coal samples from the Trident Chemphar shipments “without further delay”’ »

By Namini Wijedasa Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd (LCC) has extended its bid closing date for the emergency procurement of 300,000MT of coal, as an emergency hasn’t yet arisen, authoritative sources told the Sunday Times. The tender was floated on February 25, 2026, with a closing date of March 6. This has now been extended …

Continue reading ‘Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd (LCC) has extended its bid closing date for the emergency procurement of 300,000MT of coal,:speculation in the industry that “genuine bidders will not take part”’ »

By Prakash K.L. The ongoing marital dispute between Tamil actor and politician Vijay and his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam has taken a fresh turn, with his estranged wife filing a new petition in court seeking maintenance and residential rights amid their pending divorce case. The development comes two days after the TVK founder spotted with his …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Actor -Politico Vijay’s estranged wife Sangeetha files Interim petition in Chengalpattu court seeking maintenance and residential rights for hersef and their two Children amid their pending divorce case.’ »

The United States is pressing Sri Lanka’s government not to repatriate the survivors from the Iranian warship it sank this week, as well as the crew of a second Iranian ship that is in Sri Lankan custody, according to an internal ⁠State Department cable seen by Reuters on Friday (March 6, 2026). A U.S. submarine …

Continue reading ‘The United States is pressing Sri Lanka’s govt not to repatriate the survivors from the Iranian warship it sank this week, as well as the crew of a second Iranian ship that is in Sri Lankan custody, according to an internal ⁠State Department cable states News report by Reuters’ »

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has filed indictments in the Colombo High Court against Power Minister Kumara Jayakody over an alleged act of corruption linked to his previous role at Lanka Fertilizer Company Limited. According to the indictments, the charges relate to a period in 2016 when Jayakody served as Deputy …

Continue reading ‘Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption files Corruption charges In Colombo High Court against Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody under Section 70(a) of the Bribery Act for Offence Allegedly Committed in 2016 while working as Deputy Procurement Manager of State-owned Lanka Fertilizer Company Ltd’ »

By Jeevan Thiagarajah The “Northern Gateway” Initiative transforms the Northern Province of Sri Lanka into a strategic economic powerhouse. The Government of India (GoI) should with the Government of Sri Lanka launch the “Palk Strait Corridor Excellence Program.” This initiative replicates the high-growth, industry-driven models of Southern Indian states to leverage India’s finance and markets, …

Continue reading ‘The “Northern Gateway” Initiative transforms the Northern Province of Sri Lanka into a strategic economic powerhouse.The Northern Province must be reimagined as a Frontier Province, serving as a living laboratory for Growth-Led Development.By leveraging its proximity to the trillion-dollar economy of Southern India, the North can pioneer a Sub-national Economic Corridor.’ »

By Col R Hariharan Will the arrest of Sri Lanka’s former intelligence chief Major General Suresh Salley in the last week of the month, in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed nearly 270 people, bring to a closure of cases pending for the last seven years? I am not too sure …

Continue reading ‘Comparing and Contrasting the Follow Up Action Taken By India and Sri Lanka After the 26 November 2008 Mumbai Attacks and the 21 April 2019 Easter Attacks.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Let me begin this article with an apology and explanation to readers. This week’s column should have been the second and final part of last week’s article (Is JVP Gen-Sec Tilvin the power behind President Dissanayake’s throne?).However this week’s column would be about the sensational arrest and detention of former Intelligence chief Maj-Gen …

Continue reading ‘April 2019 Easter Bombings, Arrest of Maj-Gen Suresh Sallay and the Allegations by Azad Maulana on Channel 4 TV.’ »

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said Sri Lanka will adhere to a neutral foreign policy position in response to the ongoing regional conflict. Addressing developments involving the Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr located near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, the President said arrangements had been made to disembark the ship’s crew at the Port of Colombo.= He …

Continue reading ‘President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Says Sri Lanka will adhere to a neutral foreign policy position in response to the ongoing regional conflict.:appeals to all stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid exploiting the situation for political advantage, emphasising the importance of measured conduct during a sensitive period.’ »

BY Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka is evacuating 208 crew members from an Iranian naval ship — IRINS Bushehr — stranded near its territorial waters, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Thursday (March 5, 2026), a day after a U.S. submarine torpedoed another Iranian warship off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, killing at least 84 sailors and …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Will Evacuate 208 Sailors from Iranian Naval Ship “IRINS Bushehr” Stranded Near Island Territorial Waters; Ship will be Docked at Trincomalee Port While Crew would be taken to Colombo Announces President Anura Kumara Dissanayake E.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Amid growing concern over regional implications of the war in West Asia, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath arrived in New Delhi on Thursday (March 5, 2026) to attend ‘Raisina Dialogue’, the high-level annual global forum hosted by India on international and strategic affairs. While neither New Delhi nor Colombo has directly …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath arrived in New Delhi on March 5, 2026 to attend ‘Raisina Dialogue’, the high-level annual global forum hosted by India amid growing concern over regional implications of the war in West Asia,’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Hindu”of March 2nd 2026 Under the heading “Imperial war: on the war against Iran”) Donald Trump came to the White House promising to end America’s endless wars. That promise now lies in ashes in West Asia. The far-right Republican, who, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an …

Continue reading ‘Blood is on the hands of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu: one a mercurial hard nationalist who is turning America into a rogue superpower, and the other, an expansionist ethnonationalist wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.The war machines of the imperial duo have already wrecked the region. Such thuggery cannot be accepted in the international system- “The Hindu”’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The U.S. has “perpetrated an atrocity” at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores, and will “bitterly regret” the move, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said. The official reaction from Tehran comes a day after a U.S. submarine attacked the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which sank in the Indian Ocean …

Continue reading ‘The U.S. has “perpetrated an atrocity” at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores, and will “bitterly regret” the move warns Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an Official Response to the sinking of Iranian Warship IRIS Dena by the US off Sri Lnka’s Southern Coast’ »

By Meera Srinivasan A U.S. submarine attacked an Iranian warship, which sank in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, on Wednesday, bringing the West Asian conflict closer to the Indian subcontinent. At least 87 people were killed in the torpedo attack. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike at a press …

Continue reading ‘Torpedo Attack by US Submarine Sinks Iranian Frigate “IRIS Dena” 40 Nautical Miles Off Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast: Two Lankan Navy Vessels Respond to Dawn Distress Call and Rescue 32 Iranian Sailors Admitted to Galle Hospital;87 Bodies recovered by SL Navy.’ »

A second Iranian warship is heading towards Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, the same area where a US submarine destroyed an Iranian frigate yesterday. Sri Lanka’s media minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the warship, reported to be carrying more than 100 crew, is just outside Sri Lankan waters. The statement comes after Sri Lanka’s cabinet ‌spokesperson said …

Continue reading ‘Second Iranian Frigate Heading Towards Sri Lanka’s Southern Territorial Waters Where an Iranian Warship Sankk after being Attacked by a US Submarine Torpedo.’ »

Iranian sailors who survived a U.S. submarine ​strike in the Indian Ocean were recovering at ‌a hospital in the Sri Lankan ​port city of Galle, authorities said ⁠on Thursday (March 5, 2026), a day after at least 87 were killed in the attack. Authorities at the National Hospital ‌in Galle and navy sources said 87 …

Continue reading ‘32 Sailors from the Iranian Navy who were Rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy after the Iranian Frigate “IRIS Dena” Sank in the Waters off Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast in a Torpedo attack by a US Submarine Receive Medical Treatment at Ward No 58 of the Galle National Hospital’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj “Loku Ayya” Tilvin Silva’s 70th Birthday on February 26th. “Power behind the throne” is a phrase that is generally used to refer to someone who does not hold an official leadership position but is actually one who effectively wields control. The phrase is generally used in the context of politics and/or governance to …

Continue reading ‘Is JVP General-Secretary Tilvin Silva the Real Power Behind President Dissanayake’s Throne?’ »

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday assured Parliament that Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks at present, despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and outlined a schedule of incoming shipments to ensure uninterrupted supply. Addressing the House, the President said diesel stocks are adequate for 33 days under prevailing consumption levels, while petrol inventories …

Continue reading ‘President Anura Kumara Dissanayake states in Parliament that Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks at present despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East:Diesel cover for 33 days, petrol 28 days (rising to 40 days), and aviation fuel 49 days,Crude oil for 26 days’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “An evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes” – Attributed to Sun Tzu Little girls died first. Over a hundred of them. Felled by a missile on a warm sunny morning. On the first day of Israel-America’s illegal war against Iran. The Shajareh Tayyebeh …

Continue reading ‘The Illegal and Unprovoked war against Iran makes no sense from a global, American or even Israeli point of view, but it does from the point of view of Binyamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.’ »

By Callistus Davy Besieged coach Sanath Jayasuriya has found himself trapped or poised to backtrack after telling the media he will throw in the towel after the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan last Saturday and then deciding to stay on for talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that has become the fiefdom of a …

Continue reading ‘The baffling inaction of current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in not making changes at Sri Lanka Cricket despite being a vocal critic against the conduct of cricket officials when he was an Opposition MP’ »

BY Dr. Jehan Perera President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been investing his political capital in going to the public to explain some of the most politically sensitive and controversial issues. At a time when easier political choices are available, the President is choosing the harder path of confronting ethnic suspicion and communal fears. There are …

Continue reading ‘President Dissanayake has recognised that Sri Lanka’s long term political stability and economic recovery depend on building trust among communities that once peacefully coexisted and then lived through decades of war.’ »

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has directed its officials to prepare the indictment papers to be filed on allegations against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody on the misappropriation of funds while he was serving at the Fertiliser Corporation in 2015. Earlier the minister had requested permission for his counsel to call …

Continue reading ‘Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) directs its officials to prepare indictment papers to be filed against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody for the alleged misappropriation of funds in 2015 while he was working at the Fertiliser Corporation’ »

By Namini Wijedasa Operational data from Lakvijaya in Norochcholai continued to show this week that South African coal imported under the ongoing 2025-26 tender does not allow the plant to generate the required amount of energy. However, both load port and discharge port reports from two separate accredited foreign laboratories also still indicate that every …

Continue reading ‘Operational data from Lakvijaya in Norochcholai shows that South African coal imported under the 2025-26 tender does not allow the plant to generate the required amount of energy. Plant Output Drop from 810 MW to 750 MW’ »

By Kumudini Hettiarachchi As illegal development activity on Mandaitivu linked to the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was halted by the country’s environmental watchdog, a powerful call went out from conservationists to cancel the project forthwith, as it was the “worst” site, with a disastrous fallout economically, environmentally and on the …

Continue reading ‘International Cricket Stadium and Sports City Project by Sri Lanka Cricket in Northern Mandaitheevu Should be Cancelled as it would be an Economic and Environmental Disaster Affecting the Livelihoods of People Living There’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Tamil Nadu state chief minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham leader MK Stalin celebrated his 73rd Birthday today(March 1st). Dtalin has been the Tamil Nadu chief minister from May 2021. Elections to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will be held in a few months. The DMK led Alliance under Stalin is expected to win …

Continue reading ‘“Tamil and Tamil Nadu are our life, and it is our duty to save them” states Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Celebrating his 73rd Birthday.’ »

By Arun Janardhanan A divorce petition has been filed before the District Court at Chengalpattu seeking dissolution of marriage between Sangeetha Vijay and actor-politician Vijay (née C Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar) under Sections 27(1)(a), (b), (d) read with Sections 36 and 37 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954. In her petition, Sangeetha, 48, states that the …

Continue reading ‘Leading Tamil Film Actor Vijay’s Sri Lankan Tamil Wife Sangeetha Files for Divorce; Alleges Husband Vijay is Involved in Adulterous Relationship with an Actress’ »

With International Women’s Day falling on March 8, less than two weeks away, labour rights activists are warning that women in Sri Lanka continue to face gender-based violence; not only at home and in public spaces, but also in the workplace. Activists highlighted particularly in the garment sector, where systemic harassment, excessive production targets and …

Continue reading ‘Commercial and Industrial Workers’ Union (CIWU) President Swasthika Arulingam in Media Briefing Speaks Out on Plight of Women Garment Industry Workers and Death of Pushpalatha Sivakumar in Avissawela’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) arrested former intelligence chief Major General Suresh Sallay in connection with the deadly Easter Sunday bombings of 2019 that killed around 270 people and injured several hundred, the police said. Speaking to The Hindu, a senior official confirmed that the arrest was …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department(CID) arrests former intelligence chief Major General Suresh Sallay in connection with the deadly Easter Sunday bombings of 2019; the arrest “a major breakthrough” was made under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), “based on adequate evidence”.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் உத்தியோகபூர்வமாக தலைமைத்துவப் பதவியை வகிக்காமல் ஆனால், அதேவேளை மெய்யாக முனைப்புடன் அதிகாரத்தைக் கொண்டிருப்போரை குறிப்பிடும்போது ” சிம்மாசனத்துக்கு பின்னால் இருக்கும் சக்தி ” என்ற சொற்தொடர் வழமையாக பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. அரசியல் அல்லது ஆட்சிமுறையின் பின்புலத்தில் நடைமுறையில் உத்தியோகபூர்வமாக தலைவராக இருப்பவருக்கு நிகராக செல்வாக்குடன் தீர்மானங்களை மேற்கொள்வதில் பெருமளவு கட்டுப்பாட்டைக் கொண்டிருப்பவரை வர்ணிப்பதற்கு இந்த சொற்தொடர் பொதுவில் பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. வெவ்வேறு நாடுகளில் வெவ்வேறு கால கட்டங்களில் வெவ்வேறு தலைவர்கள் அதிகார பீடங்களுக்கு பின்னால் வெவ்வேறு அதிகாரங்களுடன் …

Continue reading ‘ஜனாதிபதி அநுர குமார திசநாயக்கவின் சிம்மாசனத்துக்கு பின்னால் இருக்கும் மெய்யான சக்தி ஜே.வி.பி.யின் பொதுச் செயலாளர் ரில்வின் சில்வாவா?’ »

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya Former State Intelligence Services (SIS) Chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay has been arrested in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, Police Spokesman ASP F.U Wootler said. He said Sallay was taken into custody early this morning in Peliyagoda by a team of officers from the …

Continue reading ‘Former State Intelligence Services (SIS) Chief Major General (Retd) Suresh Sallay arrested by CID at Peliyagoda in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks says Police Spokesman ASP Wootler’ »

BY Ilangovan Rajasekaran The year was 1995. Four villagers had been brutally murdered in the erstwhile V.O. Chidambaranar district of Tamil nadu, now Thoothukudi, on a single day. One of the victims was Annasamy, aged 84, who was the father-in-law of R. Nallakannu, the then State secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Annasamy …

Continue reading ‘Comrade Nallakannu:The CPI leader from Tamil Nadu was an iconic figure whose life was defined by personal sacrifice, ideological conviction, and an enduring commitment to social justice.’ »

A statement issued commenting on Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe being summoned to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigations Division for an investigation of political nature, alerts the authorities to uphold due process with fairness and proportionality. The statement urges the authorities to ensure that these investigation actions avoid unwarranted harassment, intimidation or reputational harm to independent …

Continue reading ‘Prof.Maithree Wickramesinghe Being Summoned by FCID: Authorities Urged to Ensure that Due Process is Followed and that Investigators must avoid unwarranted harassment, intimidation or reputational harm to independent academics. “Academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the protection of scholars from political victimisation are essential pillars of a democratic society,” says statement signed by 85 Persons’ »

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has spoken out after both the Oxford Union and the Cambridge Union withdrew invitations for him to address their debating societies, following objections from Tamil student groups and activists. In a statement posted on social media, Rajapaksa said he regretted that the events could not proceed, attributing …

Continue reading ‘“I would have welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with critics, including those who strongly oppose my views, because meaningful reconciliation and progress can only emerge when differing perspectives meet in open conversation.” says Namal Rajapaksa MP after Cancellation of Oxford and Cambridge University Events’ »

The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) on Saturday, February 21, announced its list of candidates for all 234 constituencies in the state, with party chief Seeman declaring that he will contest from Karaikudi in Sivaganga district. The announcement was made at the Maatrathai Virumbum Makkalin Manadu (People for Change Conference) held in Alampattiputhur village in Tiruchy. …

Continue reading ‘The Naam Thamilar Katchi which Regards LTTE Chief Veluppillai Prabhakaran as its ideological leader to Field 117 Males and 117 Females in all 234 Electorates Tamil Nadu State Elections’ Party Coordinator/head Seeman to Contest in Karaikudi Constituency of Sivaganga District’ »

By Munza Mushtaq COLOMBO — For its $15 billion Port City Colombo project, Sri Lanka has launched a new campaign aimed at global investors, offering major tax breaks and full foreign ownership as it tries to position the complex as a hub for finance and trade in the region. In recent months, Sri Lankan authorities …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Launches Outreach Campaign to Attract Foreign Investment for Colombo Port City Project Offering Full Foreign Ownership and Major Tax Breaks; Steps up Roadshows from London to Bangkok following High Profile events in Dubai and Singapore.’ »

A Sangha convention titled “Maha Sangha Convention” was held on February 20th at the headquarters of the Buddhist Maha Sammelanaya with the objective of informing the public about the pressures currently being exerted on Buddhism and the Maha Sangha. At the convention, a Sangha Declaration was jointly proclaimed by all monks and Buddhist leaders in …

Continue reading ‘Ten Point Declaration Proclaimed by Leading Members of the Buddhist Clergy on Feb 20th at Maha Sangha Convention in Colombo to be sent to President Dissanayake’ »

By Swasthika Arulingam (English Text of the Sanmugathasan(Shan) Memorial Lecture Delivered by Trade Unionist.Lawyer and Activist Swasthika Arulingam at the Colombo Thamil Sangam,Wellawatte on 8th February 2026) Dear Comrades, I am going to refer to you all as Comrades today. I am going to imagine this hall is filled with people who are radical thinkers. …

Continue reading ‘And Fight we must Against the Status Quo for our Existence Because Today we are Choking and we can’t Breathe.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Whoever here (in this dispensation) lives a holy life, transcending both merit and demerit, and walks with understanding in the world – he is truly called a monk… Just as a blade of (kusa) grass wrongly grasped cuts one’s hand, so does monkhood wrongly practiced drags one to hell.” The Buddha (Dhammapada …

Continue reading ‘The birth of the political monk – of which Muruthethettuwe Ananda thero is an epitome – is a key reason for the degeneration of Lankan Sasana.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Ordered disorder, planned caprice,And dehumanized humanity…” Brecht (The Exception and the Rule) A group of monks, led by veteran trade unionist Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, is planning to hold a sangha convention on February 20. They feel insulted and ignored by the powers that be. And they want to save rata, jathiya, agama, …

Continue reading ‘Will Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero”s Plan to Convene a “Sangha Sabha” on Feb 20 Result in a second “Sinha Le”(Lion Blood)Movement?If so who is Grinding the Organ?’ »

By Methmalie Dissanayake “Language brings with it an identity and a culture, or at least the perception of it. A shared language says, ‘We’re the same.’ A language barrier says, ‘We’re different.’” South African comedian, writer, producer, and political commentator Trevor Noah makes this observation in his memoir ‘Born a Crime,’ reflecting on how language …

Continue reading ‘Tamil-speaking citizens face systemic exclusion in accessing State Services due to Chronic Shortage of Profcient Tamil Translators:Trilingual policy exists on paper, but not in practice’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Sunday Mrning”of 15th February 2026 under the heading “A nation on trial”) The verdict delivered on Wednesday (11) by the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar in the murder of former Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala marks one of the most consequential judicial moments in post-‘Aragalaya’ Sri Lanka. Twelve individuals have been sentenced …

Continue reading ‘Senior political figures of the current regime urged crowds that had already overrun the Presidential Secretariat, President’s House, and Prime Minister’s Office to march on Parliament and “finish the job”.’ »

By Vox Civis A democracy commits one of its gravest sins when it punishes integrity while rewarding deceit. When a public servant who has spent a lifetime upholding administrative discipline, ethical restraint and the rule of law is isolated, vilified, and incarcerated for a decision taken within an institutional grey zone created by political power …

Continue reading ‘The Unjust Arrest and Remanding of Respected Senior Public Servant and Former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake Under the JVP led NPP Govt of President Dissanayake.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Tissa Vitarana, leader of Sri Lanka’s leftist Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and a key figure in the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) formed in 2006 to develop a political solution to the island’s civil war, died in Colombo early Friday(Feb 13). He was 91. Drawn to politics in his student days, …

Continue reading ‘Tissa Vitarana, leader of Sri Lanka’s leftist Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and Former Cabinet Minister Dies In Colombo at the age of 91.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் பிரிட்டனிடமிருந்து பெற்ற சுதந்திரத்தின் 78 வது வருட நிறைவை இலங்கை 2026 பெப்ரவரி 4 ஆம் திகதி கொண்டாடியது. ஆனால், சில தமிழ்த் தேசியவாத கட்சிகளும் சிவில் சமூக அமைப்புக்களும் பெப்ரவரி 4 ஆம் திகதியை கரிநாளாக பிரகடனம் செய்து ஒரு நாள் துக்கதினத்தை அனுஷ்டித்தன. காலனித்துவ அடிமைத்தனத்தில் இருந்து விடுபட்டிருக்கும் எவருக்கும் சுதந்திர. தினம் மகிழ்ச்சிக்குரிய ஒரு தினமேயாகும். ஆனால் , பல வருடக்களாக பல இலங்கைத் தமிழர்களுக்கு அவ்வாறாக இருந்ததில்லை. பல …

Continue reading ‘கடந்த காலத்தில் பிர்டிஷாருக்கு எதிரான சுதந்திரப் போராட்டத்தில் தமிழர்களில் கணிசமான ஒரு பிரிவினர் முன்னணிப் படையாக நின்றார்கள் .சுதநாதிரத்துக்கான வேட்கையில் யாழ்ப்பாண இளைஞர் காங்கிரஸ் வகித்த முன்னணிப் பாத்திரம் இப்போது மறக்கப்பட்டுவிட்டது’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (Article Reposted to Commemorate Upali Wijewardene’s’s 88th B’day(Feb 17)and Day of Disappearance(Feb 13)43 years ago) Sri Lanka known earlier as Ceylon has produced several businessmen and industrialists of great repute over the years. There were however only a few who captured the popular imagination of the people. One such person was the industrial …

Continue reading ‘Upali Wijewardene : Sri Lanka’s Immensely Popular Indigenous Tycoon.’ »

By Thiruni Kelegama and Mick Moore More than a year in, the NPP government remains popular. There are several reasons for that. One of them is that the government has been deft in its handling of the major hot button political issues. These issues are typically more cultural than material, more abstract than immediate, deeply …

Continue reading ‘Kivul Oya Reservoir project has dubious economic benefits, serious environmental costs and the potential to reignite ethnic tensions : JVP led NPP Govt would be wise to pause and reconsider Instead of Falling Into a Political Trap.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan A telephone call between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (February 9, 2026) night appears to have been the game-changer in convincing Pakistan to play India in the scheduled T20 World Cup match in Colombo. Deciding to play peacemaker, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign …

Continue reading ‘Pakistan Agrees to Play T-20 World Cup Match With India in Colombo After President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Speaks to Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif in 30 Minute Telephone Call””It’s Cricket Diplomacy’Says Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Nagalingam Sanmugathasan known to many as ‘Shan” and/or “Comrade Shan” was a dynamic leader produced by the leftist movement in Sri Lanka. “Comrade” Shan was arguably the last great Maoist of Sri Lanka. His name was spelled in English as “Sanmugathasan” in his birth certificate. However in common usage his name was pronounced …

Continue reading ‘Unrepentant Communist “Shan” Sanmugathasan and his Political Perceptions of the LTTE and JVP.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj. Dr. Rohan Edrisingha in his illuminating essay “Federalism:myths and realities” makes the following observation–“ It is significant to note that long before Tamil political leaders advocated federalism, the young SWRD Bandaranaike in the mid 1920’s and the Kandyan Sinhalese representatives before the Donoughmore Commission in the late 1920’s were advocates of a federal …

Continue reading ‘One Hundred Years After SWRD Bandaranaike’s Clarion Call For Federalism.’ »

(English Text of News Release Issued From the Office of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan MPon 7th February 2026) Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan MP stated that the United Kingdom carries a historic and moral responsibility toward today’s Indian origin Malaiyaha Tamils and must exercise leadership among the international community and …

Continue reading ‘TPA Leader Mano Ganesan MP Urges the United Kingdom to Ensure Justice,Equality and Full Citizenship for the Indian Origin “Malaiyaha”Tamils Because the UK Bears a Historic,Moral Responsibility Towards Them.’ »

Sri Lanka is yet again confronted with renewed debates on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and replacement legislation with the latest being the introduction of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA). At the outset Justice for All questions the government’s failure to honour its campaign promise of repealing the PTA. …

Continue reading ‘“Justice for All “opposes the PSTA and reiterates its demand for the immediate repeal of the PTA.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் ” தமிழ் அரசியல் தலைவர்கள் சமஷ்டி ஆட்சிமுறைக்காக குரலெழுப்புவதற்கு நீண்ட காலத்துக்கு முன்னதாகவே 1920 களின் முற்பகுதியில் இளம் எஸ்.டபிள்யூ. ஆர்.டி. பண்டாரநாயக்கவும் 1920 களின் பிற்பகுதியில் டொனமூர் ஆணைக்குழுவின் முன்னிலையில் கண்டி சிங்களப் பிரதிநிதிகளும். இலங்கையில் சமஷ்டி ஆட்சிமுறைக்காக குரல்கொடுத்தனர். வடக்கு – கிழக்கு மாகாணம் ஒன்று உட்பட மூன்று மாகாணங்களுடன் சமஷ்டி இலங்கை யோசனையை கண்டிச் சிங்களவர்கள் முன்வைத்தனர். ” உண்மையில் கண்டிச் சிங்களவர்கள் தங்களை ஒரு தேசமாக (Nation ) …

Continue reading ‘100 வருடங்களுக்கு முன்னர் பண்டாரநாயக்க விடுத்த சமஷ்டி ஆட்சிமுறைக்கான அறைகூவல்’ »

| By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The resplendent Island of Sri Lanka celebrates her seventy- eighth anniversary of Independence from Britain today – February 4th 2026. However some Sri Lankan Tamil nationalist parties and civil society organizations have declared Feb 4th as a “Black Day” (Kari Naal) and a day of mourning. For anyone being free of colonial …

Continue reading ‘The Role of the Jaffna Youth Congress in the Freedom Struggle Against the United Kingdom.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Time will say nothing but I told you so…”WH Auden (If I Could Tell You) Martin Wickramasinghe was 83, and revered as the doyen of Lankan belles lettres when he wrote Bava Taranaya. He had long wanted to write a biography of the Buddha shorn of myths and might have regarded the …

Continue reading ‘If the public education system is not reformed and the tuition industry is not regulated, the call to save tax rupees by de funding public education might grow from a whisper to a shout.’ »

சமுத்திரன் கொழும்பில் இயங்கும் மார்க்சிய கற்கைகளுக்கான சண்முகதாசன நிலையத்தின் வெளியீடாக அண்மையில் எட்டுக் கட்டுரைகளின் தொகுதியாக வெளிவந்துள்ள ‘ தமிழ் தேசியவாத அரசியலின் எதிர்காலம் ‘ நூலில் இலங்கையின் வடக்குக் கிழக்கின் தமிழ்த் தேசியவாத அரசியலின் தற்போதைய நிலைமைகளை எதிர்கால நோக்கில் ஆராய்கிறார் வீரகத்தி தனபாலசிங்கம். நூலாசிரியர் நீண்டகால அனுபவமும் விமர்சனப் பார்வையும் கொண்ட பத்திரிகையாளர், எழுத்தாளர் மற்றும் பொதுவெளிப் பேச்சாளர். முன்னுரையில் ஈழத் தமிழ்த் தேசியவாத அரசியலின் இன்றைய நிலை பற்றி அவருடைய கணிப்பை அக்கறையுடன் …

Continue reading ‘தமிழ்த் தேசியவாத அரசியலின் எதிர்காலம்’ நூல் எழுப்பும் கேள்விகள்’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (This article is reposted to mark Dr.Neelan’s 82nd Birth Anniversary) Today (Jan 31) is the birthday of eminent constitutional lawyer, academic and politician Dr. Neelakandan Tiruchelvam. Neelan as he was popularly known would have completed eighty years , had he been among the living today. Born on January 31, 1944, Neelan Tiruchelvam was …

Continue reading ‘Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam: Foremost Intellectual was the Brightest Star In Tamil Political Firmament.’ »

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) has appointed Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam as its new Parliamentary Group leader, replacing Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan following an internal dispute over party positions and accountability. The decision was taken after Shritharan declined to step down from his position on the Constitutional Council, despite objections raised within …

Continue reading ‘Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi Removes Jaffna MP Sivagnanam shritharan as ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader and Appoints Young Batticaloa MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam as new Parliamentary Leader’ »

Ending a ten-month deadlock the Constitutional Council yesterday finally and unanimously approved the appointment of Senior Deputy Auditor General Samudika Jayaratne as the new Auditor General. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Constitutional Council chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and follows the retirement of former Auditor General Chulantha Wickramaratne in April …

Continue reading ‘Constitutional Council unanimously approves the appointment of Senior Deputy Auditor General Samudika Jayaratne as the new Auditor General.’ »

A large protest was held in Vavuniya today opposing the government’s decision to resume the Kivul Oya Reservoir Development Project. A large number of residents gathered to voice their concerns, with MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and other representatives meeting officials to warn the Divisional Secretary of Nedunkerny about the potential consequences of proceeding with the project.

(Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Sunday Morning”of February 1st 2026 under the heading “The supreme irony of a prosecution”) Few political figures in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history have remained as persistently visible or as polarising as Ranil Wickremesinghe. For nearly half a century, he has occupied centre stage – alternately vilified, vindicated, discarded, and …

Continue reading ‘Prosecuting Ranil Wickremesinghe :When a State fails to distinguish between investigation and spectacle, between jurisdiction and adventurism, and between accountability and vendetta, it is ultimately the State itself that stands trial.’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene Randomly picking up founding father of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew’s autobiography ‘From Third World to First’ in a recent whistle-top work visit to that country was an unspoken nod to a more temperate assessment of decades long questioning of his democratically sacrilegious – and heavily critiqued – opinion that ‘disciplined governance’ should …

Continue reading ‘Lee Kuan Yew’s Peoples Action Party (PAP) In Singapore and Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National Peoples Power (NPP) in Sri Lanka.’ »

. By Nirupama Subramanian South Asia watchers are mourning the passing of two veteran members of their tribe in the second week of January. Both were veteran journalists with storied careers, a vast network of sources and independent minds. The first name is that of N. Sathiya Moorthy, a prolific writer on Sri Lanka and …

Continue reading ‘Iqbal Athas and N.Sathiyamoorthy: Two veteran journalists with storied careers, a vast network of sources and independent minds’ »

By Chandani Kirinde (Veteran Journalist Sir Mark Tully Passed away on January 25th at the age of 90 in New Delhi. This article written by Chandani Kirinde for the “Sunday Times”in 2003 is posted here as tribute to the legendary BBC Correspondent known widely as the “Voice of India) Sir Mark Tully is a believer …

Continue reading ‘Sir Mark Tully: Legendary BBC Journalist was known as the “Voice of India”.’ »

By S.Rubatheesan For the past two months, Yogarasa Prakash, 28, and his close circle of friends had a ‘secret operation’ unfolding late into the nights on the beach of Valvettithurai. With the Northern coastal village in deep sleep mode and empty narrow lanes that lead to the coast of Palk Straits, they used to carry …

Continue reading ‘30 Feet Long Three Dimensional “Axolotl”Kite Designed by 28 year old Yogarasa Prakash Wins First Prize at the Popular Kite Festival in Valvettithurai’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene It is highly unusual—and worryingly so—that the primary gatekeeping associations of legal and judicial institutions in Sri Lanka have come together to tersely protest against what they see as an ‘unwarranted interference’ across social media in regard to the judicial and prosecutorial function in ongoing cases. Menacing assertions against critics …

Continue reading ‘Attorney -General in the eye of a “Public Intimidation”Firestorm with Social Media “Warriors” Baying for the A-G’s “Blood” .’ »

By Aniruddh Kanisetty (Anirudh Kanisetti is an Indian writer and author, most recently of Lords of Earth And Sea : A History of The Chola Empire) It’s 1000 CE – the heart of the Middle Ages. Europe is in flux. The powerful nations we know today – like Norman-ruled England and the fragmented territories that …

Continue reading ‘Temples, treasures and trade: The astonishing legacy of India’s Chola dynasty’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “The vain bhikku will yearn for recognition from others, yearn for leadership and authority in monasteries, yearn for honour among other families.” The Buddha (Bāla Vagga – Dhammapada) A listener should have been pardoned for dismissing it as an AI-generated parody. Except that it wasn’t. Walawahangunawave Dhammarathana Thero, chief incumbent of the …

Continue reading ‘The hasty and inefficient manner in which the NPP/JVP government launched its education reform has given political monks a new lease of life. Suddenly they are slithering out of the woodworks, mouthing obscenities and birthing new conspiracy theories.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj 109th Birthday on January 17th India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour. Among the Indian states, it is the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu that is closest to the island. Tamil Nadu meaning “Tamil Land/Country” is home to more than 72 million people. Since 1967, Tamil Nadu has been ruled by political parties …

Continue reading ‘The “ MGR” Mystique: Unique Phenomenon of MG Ramachandran in the Cinematic Politics of Tamil Nadu.’ »

Activists and media freedom organisations have objected to the promotion of a military intelligence officer named in the enforced disappearance case of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prageeth Ekneligoda’s wife Sandya Ekneligoda said she learned through media reports that Lt. Col. Erantha Radeesh Peiris had been promoted to …

Continue reading ‘Sandya Ekneligoda Writes to President Disanayake Stating her Objection to the Promotion of Military Intelligence Official Lt. Col. Erantha Radeesh Peiris Allegedly Involved in the Abduction of her husband Prageeth Ekneligoda.’ »

By P. Krishnaswamy After the Christmas and New Year festivities, the focus is now on the Pongal harvest festival, popularly known as Thai Pongal, celebrated in the first four days of the month of Thai in the Tamil-Hindu calendar. Traditionally, it is the festival of farmers who depend on Mother Earth, the sun, rain, other …

Continue reading ‘‘Thai Pongal’ the Harvest Festival of Tamils’ »

. By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Eelam People’s Democratic Party(EPDP) chief and Secretary-General, Douglas Devananda became the latest political leader to be arrested in Sri Lanka. The former Jaffna district MP and ex-cabinet minister was arrested by the Police on Friday December 26th in Colombo. Initially he was held by the Police for further inquiries on a 72 …

Continue reading ‘Arrest and Detention of EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda who Fought with the Sri Lankan Army Against the LTTE’ »

. By W.A. Wijewardena Sri Lanka’s greatest Sinhala writer, Martin Wickramasinghe, in a short story penned in 1932, has fictionalised a story about the Moon testifying to a murder many years after the gruesome crime had been committed.[1] In the story, a man lying in a paddy field in a moon-lit night and in the …

Continue reading ‘Asoka Handagama, through his latest cinematic creation, ‘Sandha Dadayama” (Moon Hunt, uses the inanimate Moon as the testifying witness to some crimes committed under the very bright moonlight’ »

By Srinivasa Ramanujam 2026 has not started off on a great note for Tamil cinema. Two much-anticipated Pongal releases – both Vijay’s Jana Nayagan and Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi – have faced issues due to some points raised by the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification). With Jana Nayagan hanging in balance,Parasakthihas released after the makers decided …

Continue reading ‘“Parasakthi” : Sudha Kongara’s new Film on the 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation in Tamil Nadu is a fine blend of political history and human drama’ »

The 17th anniversary of the assassination of The Sunday Leader founder Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge, which falls on 8 January, will be marked with a service at his graveside. Family, friends, former colleagues and others will gather at Borella Kanatte on Thursday at 9 a.m. to mark the anniversary and remember Lasantha. Assassinated on 8 January …

Continue reading ‘Graveside memorial service to mark 17th anniversary of Lasantha’s assassination On Thursday 8 January 9 a.m. at Borella Kanatte’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Extending the Blessings of Civilisation to our Brother who Sits in Darkness has been a good trade and has paid well… There’s more money in it, more territory, more sovereignty, and other kinds of emolument, than there is in any other game that is played.” Mark Twain (To the Person Sitting in …

Continue reading ‘Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world and its dense, sticky, tar-like crude oil is particularly suitable for US refineries. America wants that oil, as Donald Trump said, loud and clear.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the chief constituent of Sri Lanka’s ruling National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, on Sunday (January 4, 2025) “strongly condemned” the United States’ actions in Venezuela. “We strongly condemn the United States of America’s military aggression against the independent and sovereign State of Venezuela and the abduction of …

Continue reading ‘JVP Issues Sinhala Statement Strongly Condemning US Military Aggression In Venezeula and Abduction of President Maduro and Wife but Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry yet to Issue Statement; No Comment by Govt Members so far’ »

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has asked its MP Sivagnanam Shritharan to step down from the Constitutional Council following controversy over his support for the appointment of an army officer as Auditor General, party General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran said. Sumanthiran said the decision was taken by the ITAK politburo, citing concerns over Shritharan’s stance …

Continue reading ‘Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi(ITAK) Politburo Asks Sivagnanam Shritharan to Step Down from the Constitutional Council Following the Jaffna MP Siding with the AKD Govt Backed Nominees for Top Posts on Eight Occasions’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் ஈழமக்கள் ஜனநாயக கட்சியின் (ஈ.பி.டி.பி.) தலைவரும் செயலாளர் நாயகமுமான டக்ளஸ் தேவானந்தா கைதுசெய்யப்பட்டு விளக்கமறியலில் வைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கிறார். முன்னாள் யாழ்ப்பாண மாவட்ட பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினரும் அமைச்சருமான அவர் டிசம்பர் 26 வெள்ளிக்கிழமை கொழும்பில் பொலிசாரால் கைது செய்யப்பட்டு மறுநாள் சனிக்கிழமை கம்பஹா மாஜிஸ்திரேட் முன்னிலையில் ஆஜர் செய்யப்பட்டபோது 2026 ஜனவரி 9 ஆம் திகதிவரை அவரை விளக்கமறியலில் வைக்குமாறு உத்தரவிடப்பட்டது. அதற்கு முன்னதாக மேலதிக விசாரணைகளுக்காக பயங்கரவாத தடைச்சட்டத்தின் கீழ் பெறப்பட்ட 72 மணி நேர …

Continue reading ‘ஈ.பி.டி.பி தலைவர் டக்ளஸ் கைதும் பின்னணியும்; மஹர சிறைச்சாலையின் வைத்தியசாலையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் தேவானந்தாவுக்கு அடுத்து என்ன நேரப்போகிறது?’ »

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj Compliments of the Season everyone and best wishes for a bright and blessed 2026. I am beginning the new year by re-posting “The Hymn of Ceylon” on my Blog. The “hymn of Ceylon” was written by by Rev. W. S. Senior. Walter Stanley Senior was a scholar, pastor, teacher and poet who …

Continue reading ‘“Jehovah, Thou hast promised,,The isles shall wait for Thee,” – A Hymn for Ceylon- Written by Rev.W.S. Senior’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran known popularly as MGR ruled Tamil movidom for three decades until becoming Chief Minister of India’s Tamil Nadu State in 1977. MGR served as chief minister (CM) for ten years until his demise in 1987. His 38th death anniversary is being commemorated this week on December 24. MG Ramachandran entered …

Continue reading ‘Kandy-born MG Ramachandran (MGR) was Uncrowned King of Tamil Cinema and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu State’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Article Commemorating Rajinikanth’s 75th Birthday Friday 12th December 2025 was a special day for millions of Tamil movie fans. It was the 75th birthday of popular Tamil cinema actor Rajinikanth. The evergreen filmstar has in a film career spanning fifty years ,acted in 172 films. He is currently working on his 173rd movie. …

Continue reading ‘The Rajinikanth Saga: From Bengaluru Bus Conductor to Tamil Cinema Superstar.’ »

By Dr Reeza Hameed Somasundaram Nadesan, Queens Counsel, who died on 21 December 1986, was an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, a Barrister-at-Law of Lincoln’s Inn, and an Advocate of the High Court of Madras. He took silk in 1954 and was at one time Chairman of the Bar Council. He was …

Continue reading ‘Somasundaram Nadesan QC will be remembered for his brilliance as a lawyer, as an indefatigable fighter for human rights and for taking up public causes. He was an extraordinary human being.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (19th death anniversary on 14 December 2025) The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ‘Arasiyal Madhiuraignar’ (Political Adviser) Anton Stanislaus Balasingham passed away nineteen years ago at his South London residence on 14 December 2006.Bala ‘Annai’ (elder brother) as he was generally known among Tamils died of cancer at the age of 68 …

Continue reading ‘Anton Stanislaus Balasingham alias “Bala Annai” : An Up , Close and Personal. Account.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj. Chelliah Rajadurai a veteran politician of Sri Lanka – perhaps the oldest among former Parliamentarians – passed away on 7th December 2025 at the age of 98. Rajadurai hailing from Batticaloa was a colourful personality who served as an MP, Mayor,Cabinet minister and High Commissioner in an eventful political career. Such was his …

Continue reading ‘The “Rajadurai Amendment”: How President JR Jayewardene Amended his new Constitution Enabling TULF Batticaloa MP C. Rajadurai to Cross Over from the Opposition and Join the UNP Govt.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் இலங்கையின் முன்னாள் பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களில் மிகவும் முதிர்ந்த வயதுவரை வாழ்ந்தவரான முதபெரும் அரசியல்வாதி செல்வையா இராஜதுரை அவரது 98 வது வயதில் 2025 டிசம்பர் 7 ஆம் திகதி காலமானார். மட்டக்களப்பைச் சேர்ந்த வசீகரமான ஒரு ஆளுமையான அவர் பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினராக, மாநகரசபை மேயராக, கபினெட் அமைச்சராக, உயர்ஸ்தானிகராக குறிப்பிடத்தக்க நிகழ்வுகள் மிகப்பல நிறைந்த ஒரு அரசியல் வாழ்க்கைக்கு சொந்தக்காரர். எதிர்க்கட்சியில் இருந்து தொல்லையில்லாமல் இராஜதுரை அரசாங்கத்தில் இணைவதற்கு வசதியாக இலங்கையின் அரசியலமைப்புக்கு திருத்தச்சட்டம் …

Continue reading ‘“மட்டக்களப்பின் முடிசூடா மன்னன்” செல்வையா இராஜதுரை ஐக்கிய தேசிய கட்சி அரசாங்கத்தில் இணைவதற்கு வசதியாக அரசியலமைப்பை 1979 பெப்ரவரி 26 ஆம் திகதி திருத்திய ஜே.ஆர். ஜெயவர்தன’ »

by Krishantha Prasad Cooray It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of one of my dearests and most trusted friends of many years, Lakshman Balasuriya. He left us on Sunday morning, and with him went a part of my own life. The emptiness he leaves behind is immense, and I struggle to …

Continue reading ‘Lakshman Balasuriya was gentle and a giant in every sense of the word. A deeply civilised man, refined in taste, gracious in manner, and extraordinarily humble.He carried himself with quiet class and had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease.’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the Canadian Tamil Congress on 16 December 2025) The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) extends it’s sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada and to the people of Canada for their timely and compassionate humanitarian assistance in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. We acknowledge …

Continue reading ‘The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) extends it’s sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada and to the people of Canada for their timely and compassionate humanitarian assistance in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.’ »

Prof. G. L. Peiris offers a rare insider’s account of Sri Lanka’s peace talks with the LTTE As global attention focusses on high-stakes peace negotiations, a definitive Sri Lankan perspective on the promise and perils of negotiated conflict resolution comes to print At a moment when the world is closely watching peace efforts linked to …

Continue reading ‘“The Sri Lanka Peace Process: An Inside View” :New Book Written by Prof.G.L.Peiris provides a scholarly, candid and first-hand account of the peace process Between the Sri Lanka Govt and the LTTE through the lens of the man who led the Sri Lanka Govt Delegation in face-to-face talks with the Tigers’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) or People’s Liberation Front,founded and led by Rohana Wijeweera is not the same party of which Anura Kumara Disanayake is the current leader .For one thing the party is no longer a ‘lone wolf ” in politics now. The JVP is the chief constituent of the political alliance …

Continue reading ‘JVP General -Secretary Tilvin Silva’s Negative and Positive “Encounters” with Two Different Tamil Diaspora Groups in London.’ »

By V.Sriram During the height of the Tamil Isai movement, when Sabhas, musicians and patrons were daggers drawn and hurling imprecations at each other, the Madras Music Academy invited Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar to deliver a speech under the title ‘Sangita and Sahitya.’ This was during the 1941 annual conference and the talk was delivered on …

Continue reading ‘For a language that had almost a continuous association with music since the Silapathikaram, Tamil was sidelined in Carnatic concerts — until visionaries of the “Thamil Isai Iyakkam”(tamil Music Movement) revived it.’ »

By Mani Shankar Aiyar (Mani Shankar Aiyar served 26 years in the Indian Foreign Service, is a four-time MP with over two decades in Parliament, and was a Cabinet Minister from 2004 to 2009.) On November 17, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an audience saturated with Western education in the English language, accused his …

Continue reading ‘We accepted the English language and English education, but never became English “in taste, opinions, morals or intellect”.’ »

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday flagged off a massive consignment of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, which is reeling under the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. A total of 950 tonnes of essential relief materials were dispatched on board two Indian Navy vessels from the Chennai and Thoothukudi ports, marking one …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Flags off 950 Tonnes Of Massive Humanitarian Aid From Tamil Nadu State To Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram’d ninth death anniversary on Dec 5th) Alluring actress turned powerful politico Jayalalithaa Jayaram passed away at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on 5 December 2016. Her condition had been pronounced grave after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit following a cardiac seizure on Dec 4. …

Continue reading ‘Alluring actress turned powerful politico Jayalalithaa Jayaram reigned as the uncrowned Queen of Tamil cinema for a Decade’ »

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday told party leaders that the Government’s handling of the recent disaster exposed systemic failures, including the non-implementation of the Disaster Management Act and the abandonment of the National Disaster Management Plan 2023–2030, despite multiple workshops held this year to familiarise State institutions with its provisions. Addressing political party leaders and …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe accuses Govt of politicising the distribution of relief bypassing Parliament, the Cabinet, and the Disaster Management Centre, while establishing a parallel disaster relief fund without legal basis; State power during the Cyclone disaster was exercised from the JVP politburo in Pelawatte alleges ex-president’ »