The rice price trap: How maximum price controls create shortages and suffering
By Panduka Keerthinanda The imposition of maximum retail prices on rice, the nation’s staple food, has triggered a complex economic instability characterised by market distortions, supply shortages, and unintended social consequences. This article examines the multifaceted impacts of price controls through empirical evidence and economic analysis, drawing on recent data and historical context. The findings [...]
Saudi-Pak defence pact: A response to heightened regional tensions, culmination of partnership
By Fan Anqi Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a formal mutual defence pact pledging that any attack on either nation would be considered an attack on both, in a move that significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership amid heightened regional tensions. The enhanced defence ties come as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary [...]
How Britain’s contempt for the UN enables Gaza genocide
By Peter Obornne Several days have now passed since the United Nations issued its historic verdict that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. There’s been no reaction from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The reason is blindingly obvious: he disagrees. His government has been clear all along – reiterated as recently as this month – [...]
The day Sri Lanka outsmarted the UN at a General Assembly session
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS – When Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) addresses the high-level UN summit on September 24, he will be one of more than 150 world leaders commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Come September, virtually every Sri Lankan president or prime minister has routinely visited New York [...]
Nepal’s uncertain future: Can interim leader live up to Gen-Z dreams?
By Naresh Koirala from Kathmandu, especially to the Sunday Times On September 4, the government, ever anxious to suppress public criticism, arbitrarily banned social media platforms, alleging they have proliferated hate, spread fake news and online fraud. The ban deprived the people of their favourite communication channels and disconnected hundreds of thousands of the Nepali [...]
161st birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala marked with ceremonies in Sri Lanka, India and UK
Members of the Maha Bodhi Society of India commemorated the anniversary on September 17 at centres around India.
Marshad Barry re-elected President of SLMBC
The Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council (SLMBC) held its 31st annual general meeting at Hilton Colombo Residence. New office bearers were elected for the 2025-26 term. Marshad Barry of Amana Bank was re-elected as President. He is joined by Senior VP Tony Ganlath of Ganlath Timber and Transport Services, VP Wathsala Wijesinghe from International Scholar, and [...]
HC Nimal Senadheera calls on UK House of Commons Speaker
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to UK Nimal Senadheera called on the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Sep 10, the High Commission said. In a symbolic gesture, the Sri Lanka flag was flown in front of the House of Commons to mark the occasion. Discussions focused on strengthening Sri Lanka-UK [...]
Prof E A Weerasingha felicitated
An appreciation ceremony was held at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to honour Professor E. A. Weerasingha, founder and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of NSBM Green University, who was named ‘Sri Lanka’s Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year 2025′. Organized by the university’s Alumni Association, the event was held under the patronage of Chancellor Ven. Ittapane Dhammalankara Nayaka [...]
The drug menace in Sri Lanka: Trafficking routes fuel a growing crisis
Sri Lanka is facing an escalating crisis of drug trafficking and abuse, threatening public health, national security, and the well-being of future generations. Despite intensified crackdowns by law enforcement, narcotics continue to enter the country, aided in part by its position along key international trafficking routes. According to regional security analysts and law enforcement sources, [...]
Trump’s dangerous disregard for international justice
By Ruti Teitel, Project Syndicate, Exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka NEW YORK – Since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump has set his sights on slashing foreign aid. His administration has dismantled the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), cutting the number of programmes from more than 6,000 [...]