10 Years After the War: Violence in a Time of Peace
Although the war ended a decade ago, the ethno-political and social fractures from conflict endure. On no other day are they more apparent than on May 18. Often, what we see, read…
Author: Groundviews
2019: A Recap
Photo courtesy The last year of this decade, 2019 is possibly a turning point in Sri Lankan history. When looking back on the year that passed, what looms above all else is…
Where are we now? Reflections on the International Human Rights Day 2019
The focus of 2019’s International Human Rights Day is on a celebration of “the courage, clarity, and principle of women, men, and young people who are rising up peacefully to create greater…
Of a Disciplined Society
Photo courtesy Lesley Barnes On the day that marks a week since a new era of Sri Lankan politics dawned, the country that voted for a hinted at during the Mahinda Rajapaksa…
New Co-Editor
is pleased to welcome Minoli Wijetunge as the platform’s new co-editor. Minoli is an academic, trainer and researcher. Her studies primarily focused on education and its many intersections such as gender and…
6 points for a first-time voter after 2019’s Presidential Election
Photo courtesy Editors note: The following was sent to by a regular contributor, who wished to remain anonymous. It was written by the contributor for a young, first-time voter who had been…
On Resilience and Bridging Division
The devastating attacks on Easter Sunday widened existing rifts between religious communities. There have been reports of attacks on Muslims and Christians, as well as of arbitrary arrests, and in some instances,…
Building Resilience: A Conversation On Security and Withstanding Political Turbulence
Almost four months after the Easter Sunday bombings, Sri Lanka continues to operate under a State of Emergency. National security has once again become a central topic. The Easter Sunday bombings revealed…
INFOGRAPHIC: What Can Rs. 17 Billion Buy?
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the operations of Sri Lankan and Mihin airlines has revealed corruption, malpractice and political interference. Pulling no punches, the Commission in its final report made a…
Held to Ransom: Capturing Fallout of a Fast Unto Death
On May 31, Parliamentarian Athuraliye Rathana Thero began a death fast in front of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. His demand: the resignation of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Governors Azath Salley…
On the Presidential Pardon: Reactions to Gnanasara’s Release
The photos, depicting a saffron-robed Gnanasara Thero, received thousands of reactions on Facebook. “He has been freed” they read. commenters posted on the Facebook Pages of mainstream media like Neth FM and…
Easter Sunday Attacks: Key Updates
April 21, 2019 A series of coordinated bomb explosions killed hundreds in Sri Lanka as they congregated for Easter Sunday mass. As at 8.20 am on April 22, 2019, 290 were reported…
Challenging a Culture of Secrecy
While the Sri Lankan State maintains a culture of secrecy cemented through legislation like the Official Secrets Act, the Right to Information Act, operationalised in early 2017, is now used by citizens,…
Budget 2019 – A Round Up
On March 5, 2019, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera presented the Budget in Parliament. spoke to economists for their reactions. Here’s what we asked: W A Wijewardena – Former Deputy Governor Central Bank…
The Language Barrier
Sitting on Editor Selvaraja Rajasegar’s desk is a thick envelope containing details of elephant deaths on the railway track. The information took him over a month to receive, because he made the…