‘Finding her Indus’ as a writer
Reading Alice Albinia’s books ‘Empires of the Indus’ and ‘The Britannias’ is like going on an epic adventure – you never know what the turning page will bring. It’s not surprising thus when she tells us that the genesis of a book, like those unexpected paths she takes on her journeys, can be very mysterious, [...]
Place a seed in a child’s hand, teach them to grow food
One in three children in Sri Lanka is undernourished and it reflects a daily reality in which many children arrive at school hungry. In several communities across the North, the meal served through the Government Noon Meal Scheme is often the most reliable food a child receives during the week. By the weekend, many return [...]
Letters to the Editor
We survived, we worked, now we are struggling We are over 70. We have worked hard all our lives. We paid our debts, saved, and lived honestly. We have survived wars, strikes, political unrest and decades of hardship. We respected the law. We contributed. We were careful. We never asked for handouts. Yet today, we [...]
APPRECIATIONS
We will hold on to her strong values and her caring, unwavering friendship DR. PREMINI AMERASINGHE It is a privilege to write this heartfelt eulogy on Dr. Premini Amerasinghe who departed after a brief illness in February 2026. Premini was a friend and neighbour of our family – we lived on the opposite side of the [...]
Educated but segregated
Sri Lanka is often praised for its achievements in education and health, rooted in one of the country’s most far-sighted post-independence decisions: the introduction of free education and free healthcare. For generations, these policies opened doors for girls across social classes, making Sri Lankan women among the most educated and healthiest in South Asia. In [...]
Heart surgery: How to prepare with confidence
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. In Sri Lanka too, thousands of patients undergo cardiac surgery each year for blocked arteries, damaged heart valves, and other heart conditions. If you or a loved one is awaiting heart surgery, understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you [...]
A serene visual journey into the living art of bonsai
The Sri Lanka Bonsai Association (SLBA) will host its annual bonsai exhibition, ‘Reflections 2026 – Living Images’ on March 13 and 14 at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. The exhibition promises a serene visual journey into the living art of bonsai, showcasing meticulously trained miniature trees created by its members. [...]
On Queens, teachers, and the women who quietly build the future
There is something about Sri Lanka and strong women. Through war, through multiple financial crises, through chaos, they have never stopped making decisions — even when the sky looks uncertain and the sea looks restless. For example, we grew up hearing about Viharamahadevi. A young woman placed in a golden boat and set adrift to [...]