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View all(52)🎨 Sky Gallery Hosts 'Hands That Speak' Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition
The Sky Gallery of the Fareed Uduman Art Forum has launched ‘Hands That Speak’, a curated exhibition showcasing the diverse, expressive work of 11 contemporary Sri Lankan sculptors. Running from July 3 to July 5, 2026, the event highlights local artistic innovation and talent. • Exhibition Overview: Features a rich spectrum of contemporary sculpture, ranging from intimate pieces to bold conceptual statements. The collection utilizes diverse mediums including copper, stone, metal, wood, dolomite, fibre, cement, and recycled materials. • Artist Demographics: The 11 featured sculptors represent the emerging and inclusive nature of Sri Lanka's creative sector, including four women artists and four architecture students, boosting talent development in the creative industries. • Thematic Focus: Material Reuse & Sustainability: Multiple artists focus on turning recycled and discarded metals into expressive art (e.g., 'rustique edge' metal art), highlighting sustainable practices within the arts and crafts sector. Socio-Economic Commentary: Artworks address national themes such as the shifting economic and cultural conditions of society, commercial pressures faced by modern youth, and the universal struggles of motherhood. • Economic Context: Organized by the Fareed Uduman Art Forum, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for both established and emerging local artists, promoting the cultural economy, accessible public art, and creative entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
🎨 Jagath Weerasinghe’s Solo Exhibition Opens at Saskia Fernando Gallery
A new solo exhibition by pivotal contemporary Sri Lankan artist Jagath Weerasinghe, titled "Trapped in a Broken Dream, I Still Think of You," is open until 19 July 2026 at 41, Horton Place, Colombo 7. The collection presents a critical, visual exploration of systemic violence, disillusionment, and geopolitical conflicts. • Key Series & Themes: • Fury: Focuses on the "mothers of the disappeared," capturing the 20-year grief and rage of women waiting for loved ones since the end of the civil war. • Insistent Threat: Uses hurried ink gestures reflecting a brief local political climate that echoed the island's 1980s violence. • Shiva: Reimagines the deity to critique global righteousness that ideologically justifies modern violence. • Sleep of Reason: Depicts figures trapped in unreason and flawed systemic structures. • Artist Profile: Weerasinghe has been a driving force in Sri Lankan art since the early 1990s. His work is housed in major international collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Fukuoka Art Museum, and Devi Art Foundation. _Note: This summary is based on promotional exhibition data._
🎵 Soul Sounds Returns to Lionel Wendt with ‘The Pop Era’ on 12 July
Sri Lanka’s premier female vocal ensemble, Soul Sounds, will return to the Lionel Wendt Theatre stage on 12 July 2026 at 7.30 p.m. for its latest musical production, 'The Pop Era'. • Event Highlights: Directed by renowned music director Soundarie David Rodrigo, the concert will feature a journey through decades of global pop classics, reimagined via the ensemble's signature rich harmonies and dynamic arrangements. • Economic & Cultural Context: Soul Sounds represents a key pillar in Sri Lanka's creative economy and cultural diplomacy. Comprising young women from diverse backgrounds, the ensemble drives local high-quality theatre productions and international representation. • Track Record & Achievements: • Former Holy Family Convent Senior Choir, now an internationally acclaimed independent ensemble. • Multi-award winning group: Secured two Silver Medals at the World Choir Games in China and two Gold Medals at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand (2024). • Extensive global footprint with concert tours across the US, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. • Leadership: Directed by Soundarie David Rodrigo, a Royal College of Music graduate, international jury member, and recipient of the SAARC Woman of Achievement, Zonta, and Bunka awards.
🎬 US Embassy Celebrates 250 Years of Independence via Cinema in Colombo
The US Embassy in Colombo celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence (semiquincentennial) under an American cinema theme, emphasizing liberty, democracy, and freedom of expression. • Key Highlights: • Dignitaries Present: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attended as the Chief Guest, alongside government officials, business leaders, and diplomats. • Theme & Visuals: US Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell noted that films inspire global creativity and open expression. The Embassy grounds featured displays on the 1776 Declaration of Independence and screenings tracing the evolution of Hollywood. • Performances: The event concluded with a fireworks display and a musical performance by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band from Okinawa, Japan. • Bilateral Context: • The Embassy reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States, highlighting continued cooperation across trade, investment, education, and security.
🚨 Court Remands Three Suspects Till 17 July Over Rs. 120 Mn Bribery Case
• Legal and Political Figures Detained: Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered that Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapakshe, SJB Horana Organiser Charitha Wasantha Kumara Abeysinghe, and former Airport and Aviation Services Director Varushahennadige Aruna Sri Chathuranga be further remanded. • The Allegations: The three suspects were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). They allegedly demanded and accepted a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka (_Harak Kata_) to secure benefits for him. • Bail Refused: The Magistrate rejected the oral bail applications, noting that no exceptional circumstances were presented to justify release. The court remains open to reviewing a future written bail application if exceptional facts are filed.
🚨 Dengue Cases Reach 57,668 with 36 Deaths in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has reported a severe spike in dengue infections and fatalities this year, triggering urgent public health interventions. • Overall Figures: A total of 57,668 dengue cases have been recorded island-wide so far this year, with the total death toll rising to 36. • Worst-Affected Regions: The Western Province remains the primary hotspot, accounting for the highest volume of infections. Health authorities noted an upward trend in cases specifically within the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Badulla, Kurunegala, and Puttalam. • National Response: The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has launched nationwide vector control campaigns. Health officials stress that community-led source reduction and the regular elimination of mosquito breeding sites are critical to curbing the rising infection curve.
⚖️ HRCSL Rules Withholding of Hijab-Wearing Candidates' Exam Results Violated Fundamental Rights
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issued a final recommendation regarding the withholding of 2024 Advanced Level exam results for approximately 70 Muslim female candidates from Zahira College, Trincomalee. • The Incident: Results were initially withheld by the former Commissioner General of Examinations over allegations that the candidates' religious attire (loose headshawls) violated rules requiring ears to be visible. • The Findings: The HRCSL found that the Department of Examinations failed to prove any rule violation or conduct a proper inquiry. Witnesses confirmed the candidates' ears were visible. The Commission ruled the decision an unnecessary, disproportionate, and unreasonable limitation on the freedom to manifest religion. • Constitutional Violations: The actions violated fundamental rights to the freedom of religion (Articles 10 and 14(1)(e)) and equality and non-discrimination (Articles 12(1) and 12(2)). • Resolution: The Department has since released the results and allowed applications for re-scrutiny. Key HRCSL Recommendations: • Conduct an impartial inquiry and take disciplinary action against officials who misrepresented facts or acted in bad faith. • Issue a clear circular ensuring the examination rule is not interpreted to restrict religious manifestation. Instructions must specify that adapted religious attire (like a loose shawl) keeping ears visible is satisfactory. • Review and ensure the adequate assignment of female invigilators, specifically including Tamil-speaking female invigilators, to exam centres in the future.
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⚖️ Sri Lanka's Criminal Cases Take Over 10 Years to Conclude on Average
A single cycle of a criminal case in Sri Lanka takes an average of 10 years and two months to conclude, highlighting deep-rooted delays in the country's justice system, according to Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda. • Systemic Caseload: More than 1.1 million cases are currently pending before the country’s courts. • Infrastructure Deficit: The massive caseload is handled by just 333 courts nationwide. If distributed evenly, each court would be responsible for managing more than 3,300 cases. • Court Breakdown: The 333 courts comprise 80 magistrates’ courts, 2 child magistrates’ courts, 64 district courts, 94 combined district and magistrates’ courts, 53 High Courts, 5 commercial High Courts, 23 civil appellate High Courts, alongside the Court of Appeal (7 judges) and the Supreme Court (5 divisions). • Impact on Economy & Reforms: The limited capacity of judges, legal officers, and support staff directly impacts the speed of justice. Citing a 2013 survey, Justice Kodagoda noted that a burglary reported today would only see its first phase conclude by August 2036, emphasizing an urgent need for structural reforms to improve efficiency, which is vital for the country's legal infrastructure and overall business environment.
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Legal Sector Ethics: Prioritizing Client Dignity and Integrity ⚖️
An op-ed by a Sri Lankan Attorney-at-Law calls for a critical reflection on professional integrity within the country's legal sector, emphasizing that justice must be measured by empathy and ethical conduct rather than material gain or cases won. • The Core Challenge: The article highlights a growing disconnect where clients—often facing extreme vulnerability like domestic violence, criminal allegations, or grief—frequently leave consultations feeling confused, unheard, and humiliated by unnecessary delays and prolonged disputes. • Socio-Economic Impact: For ordinary citizens, every postponed hearing translates into lost daily wages, additional loans taken to cover legal fees, and prolonged emotional distress, heavily impacting families and children. • Impact on Children and Victims: Highlighting cases involving minors and crime victims, the author notes that prolonged litigation forces children to miss school and absorb adult conflict, while victims risk carrying deeper trauma if legal professionals lack empathy. • Call to Action: The author urges the legal profession to shift from a focus on personal gain to upholding the Supreme Court Rules of Sri Lanka. True professional integrity must be lived as a habit, choosing honesty, choosing reconciliation over litigation where possible, and treating every human being with dignity.