SLITHERING SOCIETAL SNOBS II
As I mentioned last week when speaking about the snobbery we see in language and cuisine choices, it is unfortunately far from limited to those arenas. There are always the small-minded individuals who thrive on the “see-saw syndrome,” believing that for them to rise, someone else must fall. This is nothing more than a reflection of their own insecurities, their craving for validation, and their deep-seated desire to be accepted into societal str
Embassy of Switzerland and Swiss Circle Host Literary Evening Featuring Ameena Hussein
The Embassy of Switzerland, together with the Swiss Circle, hosted a special Literary Evening at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador in Colombo. The event featured celebrated Sri Lankan writer Ameena Hussein, who shared readings from her works reflecting journeys between Colombo and Geneva. Guests enjoyed a moderated discussion with the author, followed by a casual apéro, making for an engaging and memorable celebration of literature and cultur
Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) Life, Influence, and a Killing That Shook U.S. Politics
Charlie Kirk, the combative conservative activist who built a youth-driven political machine around Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a public appearance at Utah Valley University on
Women Who Changed Wars The Overlooked Female Figures Who Shaped Global Conflicts
History often remembers war in terms of generals, kings, and male soldiers, but in the shadows and sometimes on the frontlines, women have always been there as strategists, spies, nurses,
Loyalty vs. Distractions The Hiring Dilemma in Sri Lanka
If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may have seen one of my videos go viral, where I said something that made a lot of employees uncomfortable. I basically told the truth: as a business owner, I’d rather pay
Indian Kitchen
If you are a fan of Indian cuisine and love trying new flavors, Indian Kitchen at 357, RA De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03, is a must-visit. This restaurant offers a variety of Indian dishes that are full of flavor, making
The Social Media Supplement Surge Do You Really Need That Vitamin Pill?
Across the world, vitamin and dietary supplement use has been steadily rising. In many countries, pills, powders and capsules promising better health are no longer just for those with diagnosed deficiencies.
Soft Power, Strong Future: Why Sri Lanka’s Story Matters.
There is something magical about Westminster on a crisp London evening. Last week, as I walked past the historic buildings glowing in the soft light, I felt the hum of global conversations taking place all around me. Diplomats, academics, journalists and policymakers were gathering for the launch of the Foreign Policy Centre’s latest report on soft power, and I was lucky enough to be in the room. As I listened to the discussions, it struck me tha
From Coding to Canonization: The Story of Carlo Acutis.
On a warm September morning in St. Peter’s Square, tens of thousands of pilgrims, many of them teenagers clutching smartphones, witnessed a moment that marked a historic shift in the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old gamer and tech prodigy who died of leukemia in 2006, to be considered as a saint - the first of the millennial generation to be canonized. The crowd erupted into applause, some livestreaming the cerem
Building Strength, Inside and Out: A Conversation with Adrian Jesuthasan.
In March 2023, entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast Adrian Jesuthasan launched Ndurance in Nugegoda, a space designed to inspire people to get stronger, healthier, and more consistent in their wellness journeys. With a decade-long personal passion for fitness, a background in marketing (BBA and ACIM), and business experience as a Director at Micro Bytech International (Pvt) Ltd, Adrian has fused professionalism with purpose. Ndurance is more than
Cuppacreme: A Dessert Shop That Wins Every Heart
Some desserts are made just to fill your stomach. But some desserts are made with so much love and care that they stay in your memory long after you finish eating them. Cuppacreme, founded by Aaliyah Mansoor in 2011, belongs to the second category. For more than a decade, this dessert shop has been making sweet moments for people in Colombo. Located at No. 210 Park Road, Colombo 5, it has become a trusted place where dessert lovers can pick up th
Worried about your memory? Should you get a memory screening?
Once you get to a certain age, it is a given that you will schedule regular medical examinations. These physical exams focus on preventive care and management of health; medical professionals look for underlying conditions for symptoms, if any, and make recommendations on how you can maintain optimal health. The doctor may order additional testing if issues of concern arise.
Embassy of Indonesia Hosts 80th Independence Day Reception in Colombo
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Colombo hosted a grand reception to mark the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. The reception, held at the official residence of the Ambassador, brought together distinguished guests, diplomats, media representatives, and friends of Indonesia in Sri Lanka The evening highlighted the strong bilateral ties and deepening cultural understanding between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Guests enjo
Kushlani Perera Leading with Purpose and People
In today’s fast-evolving corporate world, leaders are increasingly called upon to blend business acumen with empathy, innovation, and a commitment to social good. Few embody this balance as seamlessly as
THE GREAT BETRAYAL PART I THE KANDYAN CONVENTION AND THE LOSS OF SOVEREIGNTY
On March 2, 1815, a group of Kandyan chiefs gathered in the Royal Audience Hall in the precincts of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy to sign what would become one of the most consequential documents
Nepal’s Fragile Democracy and the Crackdown on Children
The tear gas drifts slowly, almost lazily, before it burns. In Kathmandu’s narrow streets, where vendors usually sell fruit and schoolchildren trail home with worn satchels, the air this week has been carved by
The Death of Traditions? How Globalization is Changing Ancient Practices
Walk through any major city today, and you will see fragments of the world stitched together: sushi bars tucked between Italian pizzerias, Indian yoga classes marketed alongside American fast-food chains, and
Another Success for Tamil Cinema Madharaasi
Madharaasi, a 2025 Tamil-language psychological action thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss, marks a powerful return for the filmmaker known for blending mass appeal with meaningful storytelling. Produced
Chandra Wickramasinghe Celebrates 50 Years in Tourism
An elegant evening was held recently to celebrate Chandra Wickramasinghe’s 50 years in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, bringing together longstanding partners, colleagues, and well-wishers to mark the
Sri Lankan Brand Expands to Australia and Joins the Australian Fashion Council
On Saturday, September 6, the fashion world marked a defining moment as internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan designer Amilani Perera unveiled her latest collection, Kahawanu, at the grand opening of her pop-up store on Chapel Street in South Yarra, Melbourne.
Fashion’s Eternal Return
Polka dots are back. Again. Animal prints? Honestly, did they ever even leave? This is like the 20th time, give or take that I’ve watched these same “trends” reappear in my years in fashion.
The Truth That Came Too Late: A Mother’s FGC Testimony
Disclaimer: This story contains graphic descriptions of female genital cutting practices. It is based on a real survivor’s account and her mother’s testimony, shared with full consent. Names have been changed to protect their identity.
ELOCUTION IN SRI LANKA: ART FORM OR ACADEMIC RACKET
In many Sri Lankan homes, there exists a quiet desperation, the urgent need to “speak proper English.” Not just any English, mind you.
Big Bump Energy Serving Looks, Flexing for All
Some things used to be hidden in plain sight; until now, the baby bump refuses to be ignored. Scroll through your Instagram feed and you can’t miss them; glowing, styled, photographed and flaunted.
Sri Lankan Designer Amilani Perera Unveils ‘Kahawanu’ in Melbourne
Renowned Sri Lankan designer Amilani Perera unveiled her highly anticipated new collection, Kahawanu, at the opening of the Amilani Perera Pop-Up Store on Chapel Street, South Yarra, Melbourne.
Anusha David
Fame Game, the popular talk show hosted by Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Dias, has always been a platform for extraordinary individuals with unique stories to share. In one of its most engaging episodes, the spotlight was on Anusha David, a woman whose tireless work for animal welfare has touched countless lives, both human and animal. J
The Global Mahjong Boom How a 19th Century Tile Game Became a 21st Century Obsession
Clack, shuffle, snap. The satisfying sound of 144 tiles sliding across a table has long been a soundtrack of Chinese tea houses and family gatherings. But in 2025, Mahjong is no longer just a beloved pastime of East Asia; it’s a global phenomenon. From chic lounges in London and rooftop bars in New York to college dorm rooms in Sydney and Tokyo, Mahjong has stepped into the spotlight, uniting generations and cultures with its distinctive mix of s
SEASON TWO EPISODE THREE HAK IT Sakshi Chhabra Mittal in Conversation with Sadie Frost
In the third episode of the insightful series HAK IT, Sakshi Chhabra Mittal, the visionary CEO and Founder of FoodHak, engages in an intimate and inspiring conversation with Sadie Frost, an iconic figure in the realms of film, fashion, and wellness.
The Side Eye
When I joined an international service organization a few years ago, I was interviewed by two older men. They praised me for my CV and asked me if I was married. The question took me by surprise. I asked if being married was a prerequisite for joining such an organization. They said no. They stopped short of asking me why I was not married. In the years since, it has become obvious that the married status is increasingly seen not only as a statu
