Navigating the crucible: The search for visionary leadership in Sri Lanka’s crucial moments
By Major General (Retd) Dr Boniface Perera Sri Lanka, once envisioned as a potential economic powerhouse in South Asia, has navigated a tumultuous path since its independence in 1948. The narrative has shifted from one of high promise being second only to Japan in economic metrics post-independence to one dominated by economic mismanagement, deep-seated corruption, [...]
Sri Lanka’s green-digital generation: How young entrepreneurs can shape a sustainable future
By Sulochana Dissanayake, Prof. Bablu Kumar Dhar, Prof. P R Weerathunga and Mihiri Wickramasinghe Across Sri Lanka, a new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging: young, tech-savvy, and ambitious. Their energy and creativity signal a powerful shift in how the country works, learns, and innovates. Yet a key question remains: will this digital wave translate into [...]
A new UN chief must either be subservient to US —or get vetoed
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS – As a financially stricken UN is looking for a new Secretary-General, who will take office beginning January 2027, the world body is suffering an unprecedented crisis in its 80-year-old existence. The current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is facing a daunting task battling for the very survival of the UN, with [...]
Prof Neil DeVotta dissects ‘US-China rivalry’ at RCSS dialogue
Professor Neil DeVotta has said the recently announced US National Security Strategy 2025 downplays the hitherto supposed threat from China, needlessly disparages Europe, and unduly emphasises the Western Hemisphere while aping Russian talking points and disregarding US soft power. He said President Trump has had a destabilising effect on US politics and foreign relations, which [...]
Remembering Meezan Hajiar: An Inspiring entrepreneur and philanthropist
By Latheef Farook A book on Meezan Hajiar – businessman, real estate developer, philanthropist and founder of schools – will be launched on December 13 at the BMICH. In its preface, the book notes that it began as a labour of love and effort to preserve the life and legacy of Meezan Hajiar as a [...]
St Sebastian’s Church to host sing-along
St Sebastian’s Church, Rukmalgama will host a musical sing-along evening at the Galadari Hotel on January 10, 2026, as part of its fundraising drive for the renovation and expansion of the parish church. The event, to be held at the Galadari’s main ballroom, is being organised in partnership with GOLD FM, the official media partner. [...]
The Story of Furniture in SL
‘The Story of Furniture in Sri Lanka’, a coffee-table book published by the National Trust of Sri Lanka is available at an introductory price of Rs 7,200. The book by Ayesha Abdur-Rahman traces the history of religious, secular and domestic furniture from 3BCE to 18CE and has hitherto-unseen images from the author’s research. The book [...]
“On the Edge” to address rising climate threats
“On the Edge” – an expert forum aimed at delivering urgent, practical solutions to address rising climate threats facing Sri Lanka’s plantations will be held on December 17 at 5 pm at Genesis. Presented by Biodiversity Sri Lanka, Dilmah Conservation and Genesis, Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future, “On the Edge: Climate-proofing Sri Lanka’s Plantation [...]
‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka’ to support Cyclone Ditwah relief
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi hosted the launch of “Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka” a charming and visually rich book by Dr Anthony Vipin Das and Vidushi Duggal, celebrating Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage, landscape, and beauty – all captured through souvenir magnets collected during their travels. The event [...]
Sovereignty over compute: How global AI governance could work
By Jayant Sinha, PROJECT SYNDICATE, EXCLUSIVE TO THE SUNDAY TIMES IN SRI LANKA By Jayant Sinha LONDON – Ahead of the AI Impact Summit in India in February, it is clear that most countries still lack a workable model for governing the technology. While the United States leaves matters largely to market forces, the European [...]