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View all(24)📖 New Novel 'Noor' Explores Intelligence Beyond Exam Results
Sri Lankan author Maryam Hussain has launched her debut novel, _Noor_, a 90-page coming-of-age story challenging conventional academic standards and how society defines brilliance. • Key Themes: The novel targets readers aged 11–18 but resonates with parents and educators. It explores identity, self-worth, family expectations, and academic comparison through a 14-year-old protagonist struggling under traditional grading systems. • Local Education Context: The book highlights the emotional pressure on youth within the education sector, advocating for children whose diverse talents fall outside traditional exam metrics. • Endorsements: UK education lecturer Dr. Mohammed Francis praised its depth, noting it speaks directly to students sidelined by higher education demands. Mr. Ramzeen Azeez, senior English teacher at Hejaz International School Colombo, endorsed it as an ideal book to encourage students adept at non-academic pursuits. • Availability: Published via Jam Fruit Tree Publications, limited-edition and signed copies are available directly through the author's Instagram (@maryamhussainauthor).
⚖️ BASL Warns Against Raising Apex Court Judges' Retirement Age
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over reports that the government plans a constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges. • Core Objections: BASL argues the change is arbitrary, unnecessary, and undesirable. It warns that an ad hoc amendment risks eroding public confidence in the legal system, undermining the rule of law, and creating perceptions of political interference with judicial independence. • Current Cadre & Capacity: The association highlights that under the 20th Amendment (2020), the Court of Appeal cadre increased from 12 to 20 judges, and the Supreme Court from 11 to 17 judges. Given this enhanced capacity, BASL states there is no actual workload-related justification to extend the current retirement ages (63 for Court of Appeal; 65 for Supreme Court). • Precedent & Governance: BASL cautions that proceeding with this move sets a dangerous precedent for future governments to manipulate judicial functions through ad hoc constitutional changes, which impacts Sri Lanka's broader institutional stability and governance environment. The BASL has formally urged the President to drop the proposal to safeguard the integrity and perceived impartiality of the republic's judicial pillars.
🧘♂️ Spiritual Program in Colombo to Feature Kriya Yoga Public Lecture
The Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) will host a special public lecture titled “Kriya Yoga: The Key to a Happy and Successful Life” in Colombo to address growing public interest in stress management and mental well-being. • Event Schedule: The main public lecture is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at the Buddhist Cultural Centre, Colombo 05. It will be delivered by Swami Suddhananda Giri, a senior YSS monk. • Follow-up Sessions: A subsequent two-day meditation and spiritual learning programme will take place on June 6 and 7, 2026, at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (High Commission of India), Colombo 07. • Focus & Impact: While not an economic indicator, programs focusing on mental resilience, clarity, and wellness/harmonious living support human capital by helping individuals navigate the demands of modern professional and daily life. • Key Facts: The event is free of charge and open to all faiths. YSS was founded in 1917 by Paramahansa Yogananda, author of _Autobiography of a Yogi_. _Note: Summarized based on the official event press release._
📈 Vesak Celebrations Highlight Sri Lankan Resilience & Solidarity
A post-Vesak analysis underscores the resilience of Sri Lankans amidst global and domestic turbulence, emphasizing a shift toward social cohesion and economic recovery through communal synergy. • National Context & Unity: Despite socio-economic challenges, the post-Vesak period demonstrated rare grassroots unity and "Apekema" (_SriLankanness_), bypassing traditional political divisions to foster national stability. • Socio-Economic Pillars: • Serenity: Achieving inner stillness and focused, unbiased perspectives is highlighted as essential for constructive social engagement. • Synergy: Emphasizing mutual interdependence where creative co-operation and valuing diverse strengths can drive collective progress. • Solidarity: Active collaboration over mere political utterances is identified as the critical driver for sustainable national prosperity. • Way Forward: For holistic socio-economic and religio-cultural upliftment, the nation must transition from temporary crisis-led unity to institutionalized collaborative action. Private sector professionals and leaders are urged to bridge trust deficits, ensuring employment environments and community spaces champion "oneness" to guide Sri Lanka's long-term revival.
⚖️ Malwathu Chapter Suspends Pallegama Hemarathana Thero Amid Legal Proceedings
• Administrative Action: The Malwathu Maha Viharaya Sangha Sabha has suspended Pallegama Hemarathana Thero from the post of Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwarakalaviya with immediate effect. The suspension remains active pending the final verdict of ongoing court proceedings regarding allegations against him. • Interim Appointment: Ven. Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thero has been appointed to temporarily oversee the duties of the Atamasthanadhipathi. He currently serves as a committee member, the Chief Sanghanayaka of the North Central Province, and the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Seya. • Governance & Process: The decision was finalized during a Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha meeting on May 30, following an inquiry where relevant parties were summoned. The directive was officially issued by the Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter.
✨ Vesak Beauty Dansala Draws Over 5,000 Participants
• Event Overview: A unique Vesak-themed beauty 'Dansala' was held yesterday (30) at the Maharagama Youth Services Council premises and island-wide. • Services Offered: The event provided free grooming and skincare services to the general public. • Participation: Over 5,000 individuals participated in the initiative across the island _(based on provisional event reports)_.
India-Sri Lanka Celebrate Shared Buddhist Heritage at National Vesak Festival 2026 🪷
• Event Overview: A special photo exhibition titled ‘Buddhist Heritage of India’ was inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha at Midellawela Purana Viharaya, Matara, as part of the National Vesak Festival 2026. The exhibition runs until June 2, showcasing sacred Buddhist sites, ancient monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites across India. • Bilateral & Cultural Context: The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the Government of India to promote shared cultural and spiritual ties with Sri Lanka. It follows major milestones, including the public exposition of sacred Devnimori relics (announced by PM Narendra Modi in April 2025), which drew over one million devotees. • Financial & Infrastructure Support: Indian Grant: A US$ 15 million special grant was allocated by India to strengthen bilateral Buddhist ties. Solar Energy Project: Under this grant, a key ongoing project is providing free electricity to approximately 9,000 Buddhist viharas and pirivenas island-wide through a solar power plant, supporting local communities and infrastructure. Urban Development: During the April 2025 State visit, India also committed financial assistance for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex Project.
Buddhism is for Consenting Adults: The Case Against Child Ordination 📋
• Overview of Monastic Demographics Based on research data, an estimated 60,000 children currently reside as novice monks across more than 12,000 monasteries in Sri Lanka. While historically rare in early Theravāda traditions, child ordination has become a modern mechanism tied to preserving monastic property within bloodlines and providing upward social mobility for economically disadvantaged families. • Arguments for and Against the Practice Traditional village temples defend the practice to sustain the monastic education (pirivena) system and groom future religious leaders. Conversely, critics highlight that children lack the autonomy to make life-altering decisions. The most critical argument against the practice is the systemic failure to protect young novices, with documented risks of institutional and sexual abuse. • Sector Shifts & Contemporary Trends Modern structural shifts show a clear divergence in how contemporary Buddhist movements handle ordination: New Buddhist Movements: Groups such as Mahamevnawa, Waharaka, and Umandawa completely exclude child monastics, drawing educated adults (often STEM graduates) who view renunciation as a mature, conscious decision. The Forest Tradition: Major orders, including the forest monastic branch of the Rāmañña Nikāya, strictly enforce a minimum age requirement of 18 years, refusing ordination to minors regardless of their perceived meditative capabilities.
🚨 WHO Chief Warns Ebola Outbreak Outpacing Response; Suspected Deaths Reach 220
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a public health emergency of international concern, warning that the epidemic is currently outpacing response efforts due to delayed detection. • Current Toll: There are now 220 suspected deaths and more than 900 suspected cases identified so far, based on provisional data as surveillance efforts scale up. • Regional Spread: The outbreak is centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Nearby Uganda has reported two additional cases, bringing its total number of confirmed cases to seven. • Urgent Action: The WHO is urgently scaling up operations and advising all countries bordering the DRC to take immediate preventative action. _Note: Ebola is a severe viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing organ failure and internal bleeding._
Historic Drama Script Collection ’Rata Barayi Numbata Puthe’ Debuts 🎭
• Cultural Contribution: The book "Rata Barayi Numbata Puthe", edited by Jagath Chandralal de Silva, was formally presented to veteran dramatist Padmaseela de Silva. The publication serves as an important resource for students and researchers in dramatic literature. • Historical Milestone: The book compiles four dramatic scripts alongside a critical review by literary critic Thilak Rajapaksa. It commemorates the 1971 stage play "Rata Barayi", which was the first production by an out-of-Colombo dramatist to win major awards at the State Drama Festival. • Legacy & Talent: Produced during Padmaseela de Silva's early career as a teacher at Induruwa Maha Vidyalaya and Sri Devananda Vidyalaya, the original play introduced prominent local actors Jayasri Chandajith and Chandrasoma Binduhewa to the Sri Lankan theatre industry before the playwright transitioned into the Sri Lanka Administrative Service.
National Shoora Council Calls for Recognition of Sri Lankan Muslims' War-Era Contributions
• Political & Historical Context: The National Shoora Council (NSC) welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s pledges at the 17th National War Heroes Day against racist extremism. The NSC urged the State to recognize the sacrifices of Sri Lankan Muslims and international support in resisting the 30-year separatist conflict. • Domestic Sacrifices: Sri Lankan Muslims firmly resisted the division of the country. In October 1990, the LTTE forcibly expelled 90,000 Northern Muslims. In the East, over 1,000 Muslims were killed and agricultural lands seized, including massacres in Kattankudy (147 killed) and Eravur (121 killed). Malay Muslims also served critically in key armed forces units. • International Economic & Military Aid: Muslim-majority nations provided vital assistance during crucial war stages. Pakistan and Iran supplied critical military assistance. In 2007, Iran secured US$ 525 million for the Uma Oya multi-purpose project (120 MW electricity and agriculture infrastructure for 5,000 hectares) and US$ 105 million for rural electrification. Starting January 2008, Iran provided a US$ 650 million interest-free rolling credit facility for crude oil purchases, easing severe wartime financial constraints.
Women MPs Form Subcommittee to Oversee Anuradhapura Child Abuse Case & Reform Laws 🏛️
• Action Taken: The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, chaired by Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, has appointed a dedicated sub-committee to monitor legal proceedings regarding the high-profile child sexual abuse case in Anuradhapura. • Leadership & Committee: The subcommittee will be led by Deputy Co-Chairs MPs Samanmali Gunasinghe and Chamindrani Kiriella, alongside 10 other women Members of Parliament. • Key Objectives: The panel is tasked with ensuring the protection of the victim, examining ongoing legal proceedings, and recommending institutional and legal reforms aimed at eradicating violence against women and children. • Next Steps: A special high-level discussion is scheduled for June 5, 2026, bringing together the Sri Lanka Police, the Attorney General’s Department, the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), and the Department of Probation and Child Care Services to review case progress and strengthen protective legislation.