Stephanie Siriwardene Beyond the Crown: Reform, Controversy, and a Vision for Dignity
When Sri Lanka first encountered Stephanie Siriwardene on the pageant stage, winning titles, captivating audiences, and representing the island with poise, few could have predicted that her most consequential work would extend far beyond beauty and glamour. Today, Stephanie is no ordinary celebrity advocate.
From Corporate Suits to Creative Freedom: Preethi Nair on Storytelling, Identity and Courage.
I first met Preethi Nair on a cold Autumn, London evening, alongside The Sun (Daily Mirror) columnist, Farzana Baduel, during a night out at Soho Theatre. We were there to watch comedian Hasan Al-Habib’s sharp and subversive Death to the West Midlands, but before the lights dimmed and the laughter began, the conversation unfolded over pizza and wine. It was one of those pre-show dinners that unexpectedly becomes the main event. We spoke about her
Illuminating the Path from Awareness to Hope In Conversation with Amila Attygalle, Deputy Chairperson, Sri Lanka Cancer Society
For nearly eight decades, the Sri Lanka Cancer Society has quietly stood alongside those confronting one of life’s most profound challenges. Since 1948, it has grown from a modest care provider into a national beacon of hope, awareness, and unwavering compassion. Its impact is not measured in headlines or statistics, but in the intimate moments it shapes: a patient guided gently through treatment, a family reassured that their loved one will not
Unmasking the Epstein Files Transparency Fight What the 3.5 Million Document Release Reveals and Why the Controversy Has Exploded
The department characterized this as bringing total production to nearly 3.5 million pages of documents, although critics argue this represents only about half of potentially responsive material identified internally. The disclosure represents one of the largest single releases of law enforcement material in modern history and has rapidly become a global headline story. It has also sparked fierce controversy, vehement protests from survivors and
Muslim Ladies Study Circle to Hold Annual General Meeting in Colombo
The Annual General Meeting of the Muslim Ladies Study Circle will be held in Colombo, bringing members together to review activities, discuss future plans and strengthen organisational engagement. The meeting will take place in the evening and is expected to be attended by members and invitees, providing a platform for reflection, dialogue and collective decision-making.
A NATION OF STORYTELLERS WHY SRI LANKA’S NEW PR BODY SIGNALS A COUNTRY RECLAIMING ITS NARRATIVE
Travel teaches you things no classroom can. Not just about countries, but about yourself. When I arrived at the Sheraton in Colombo, to speak on risk, resilience and crisis communications, I expected earnest
World Cancer Day Cancer Isn’t Just Physical Caring for the Mind During the Cancer Journey
Cancer is often thought of as a disease of the body, a battle fought in hospitals with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and medications. Yet, beyond its physical impact, cancer profoundly affects the mind
Samarakkodige Vijitha
Vijitha Samarakkodige’s journey is one defined by resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From navigating early personal loss to excelling across insurance, marketing, corporate training, and
One of the Must-Visit Restaurants at CCC Food Court PappaRich Brings Malaysian Flavours to Colombo
Colombo City Centre (CCC) has become a hotspot for food lovers, offering everything from quick bites to international cuisines under one roof. Among the many options at the food court, PappaRich stands out as
Letting Kids “Just Play” Sounds Great But Is It Fair?
You’ve likely heard the mantra, repeated in parenting forums, trendy Instagram posts, and even some educational circles: “Just let them play. Academics can wait until seven.” It’s a seductive notion, promising
From Stress to Gratitude Why Meditation Matters More Than Ever
There was a period in my life when meditation stopped being a wellness practice and became something much more indispensable. The shift occurred at a time when my focus wasn’t on
“Plucking the Stars” Exhibition by Arulraj Ulaganathan Opens in Colombo
A reception and exhibition tour of “Plucking the Stars”, a solo exhibition by artist Arulraj Ulaganathan, was held at Curado Art Space, Colombo. The exhibition presents a new body of work exploring plantation
Sri Lanka at 78 Freedom Was Won, But the Work Continues
Sri Lanka turns seventy-eight this February as an independent nation. The anniversary returns each year with flags, parades, and ceremony, yet it now arrives with an unease that is difficult to ignore.
BEYOND LOVE, PART I: WHEN LOVE TURNS INTO POSSESSION
At the start, attraction is effortless. Independence is admired. A busy schedule is interpreted as ambition. A full life suggests confidence and self-worth.
The Story Behind Sri Lanka’s Independence Day
Independence Day is one of the most meaningful national occasions in Sri Lanka, observed each year on 4 February.
Living Healthy, Fighting Cancer: How Everyday Choices Can Lower Your Risk
Cancer is one of the world’s most widespread health challenges, touching millions of lives every year.
YAGA
Sri Lanka’s relationship with electronic music has been uneven. For years, it appeared in pockets rather than structures.
A legacy of 125 years
Moments from the School Day celebrations at St. Bridget’s Convent on 2nd February 2026, marking the inauguration of our 125th Jubilee year
Melania A Carefully Curated Portrait of Power Image and Silence
The documentary film Melania released worldwide in January 2026 arrived with extraordinary anticipation and unprecedented financial backing. Centred on the current First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, the film promised rare access, personal insight, and an intimate portrayal of one of the most enigmatic figures in modern American political life. Instead, its global debut has ignited fierce debate, not only about its subject but about t
Beyond February 14th: The Everyday Magic of Love
Every year, as February 14th approaches, the world suddenly turns pink and red. Shops overflow with heart-shaped chocolates, teddy bears hold tiny love notes, restaurants advertise candlelit dinners, and social media feeds become a highlight reel of couples showing off bouquets and surprise gifts. Valentine’s Day feels like a global reminder that love exists, and while that’s beautiful, it also raises an important question: why do we limit celebr
Parenting Guilt: When It Helps and When It Holds Us Back
Parenting guilt has a way of creeping into almost every corner of daily life. Whether it’s about not spending enough time with our children, losing our patience, working too much, resting too little, or comparing ourselves to other parents, guilt often feels like an unavoidable companion in modern parenting.
THE SUSTAINABILITY MYTH WE ALL BOUGHT INTO AND WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS NOW
For the past decade, fashion sold us a comforting story. That we could keep shopping, as long as we chose better. Better fabrics. Better labels. Better intentions.
The Thyroid Problem We Keep Missing
The thyroid is one of the smallest organs in the human body, yet its influence reaches almost every system that keeps us alive and functioning. Shaped like a butterfly and located at the base of the neck, this modest gland plays a central role in regulating metabolism, energy production, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, reproductive health, and cognitive function. It produces two key hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which act as
Buddhi Batiks Unveils New Men’s Wear Collection
Buddhi Batiks successfully launched its latest Men’s Wear Collection at its One Galle Face Mall outlet, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The event showcased a refined range of men’s apparel that blends traditional batik artistry with contemporary design, reflecting Buddhi Batiks’ commitment to craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.
The Great Shame of Nalanda College
By the time a school becomes a punchline, something far larger than a scandal has already taken root. The recent controversy surrounding Nalanda College in Colombo has been discussed endlessly across social media, WhatsApp groups, and dinner tables. Videos have circulated.
Some Things Can’t Be Saved The Harsh Reality We Have To Accept
There comes a point where effort stops feeling productive and starts feeling heavy. You try to hold things together, wait for improvement, and invest more than you should have, yet nothing really changes. The same patterns repeat. Promises lose meaning. That is usually when the realization sinks in that some things just can’t be saved. Not every relationship, situation, or dynamic is meant to survive, no matter how much you care or try. This is d
Built or Broken
“Social media can build you or break you; it is up to you to let it build you.” This simple sentence holds a powerful truth in today’s digital world. For many of us, social media has become a daily habit, sometimes even the first thing we check in the morning and the last thing we see at night. It connects us with friends, news, inspiration, and opportunities. At the same time, it can create pressure, comparison, anxiety, and self-doubt. The diff
From Batik to the World Stage Sonali Dharmawardena’s London Moment
In a week dominated by conversations about the future of fashion, Sonali Dharmawardena’s work stood apart for its quiet authority. There was no spectacle and no trend chasing. Instead, there was batik, hand process, and a depth of storytelling rarely afforded space within contemporary fashion education.
East Meets West at the Royal Academy of Arts, London
The Royal Academy of Arts has long served as a bridge between artistic traditions from across the globe, but with The Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle, the institution directs its focus more intentionally toward South Asian creativity, reframing modernism as a truly global phenomenon. The exhibition explores the roots of the Indian modernist art movement while challenging the dominant Euro-centric narrative that has lo
ITC Ratnadipa Welcomes Bukhara Maestro Chef J.P. Singh for Father Son Culinary Showcase at Peshawri
ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo, is set to host a landmark culinary showcase celebrating heritage, mastery, and the timeless spirit of North Indian frontier cuisine from 23 January to 1 February 2026.
