STORYSPHERE: In Search of Work
As part of a series marking 150 years of tea production in Sri Lanka, used StorySphere, an immersive storytelling platform created by Google to showcase 360 degree imagery. Here, Principal Sivayoga of…
Author: Groundviews
STORYSPHERE: The Daily Journey
As part of a series marking 150 years of tea production in Sri Lanka, used StorySphere, an immersive storytelling platform created by Google to showcase 360 degree imagery. Here, Vice Principal of…
STORYSPHERE: Education at Risk
As part of a series marking 150 years of tea production in Sri Lanka, used StorySphere, an immersive storytelling platform created by Google to showcase 360 degree imagery. Here, Vice Principal Thiruchelvam…
The Gloves Are Off: Reactions to Ben Emmerson’s Statement on Torture, Counterterrorism
On July 14, 2017 the Special Rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, Ben Emmerson released a statement at the end of his visit to Sri Lanka, where he met with detainees, activists,…
What You Need To Know: Facts on the Enforced Disappearances Bill
Why is there a need to criminalise ‘enforced disappearances’? Sri Lanka has had a history of allegations of ‘enforced disappearances’, white van abductions etc. This is evidenced by the numerous commissions of…
Buddhist Imagery and Clothing: An Unwritten Code
On July 17, 2017, Deepam and her niece were subject to a bizarre and frightening experience. The family was grocery shopping at the up-scale Crescat Shopping Centre, in the heart of Colombo,…
Full Statement by Ben Emmerson, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, at the conclusion of his official visit
Preliminary findings of the visit to Sri Lanka Colombo (14 July 2017), The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Mr. Ben…
Exploring “Contempt” – An upcoming reading by Floating Space
Manoeuvring power relations and negotiating the language of legal discourse – these are central themes of “Contempt” a reading presented by Floating Space, to be held this Saturday (July 15th, 2017) at…
Disinformation in Sri Lanka: An overview
Fake news became a buzzword around the 2016 US Presidential election campaign. However, it’s something we have been grappling with in Sri Lanka for years. Fake news, is news created with the…
Champika, Rathana Thera, Gnanasara Thera and the Streisand effect
Discovered through a tweet this morning that the article ‘Champika, Rathana Thera responsible for Gnanasara Thera’s actions’, published in print and on the website on 16th June 2017, has been deleted. No…
#FloodSL: Key Accounts to Follow
Sri Lanka is experiencing flooding after what is said to be the most torrential rains since 2003. Despite being beset with heavy flooding in 2016 as well, the country was still unprepared for this…
Stemming the Tide
Iqram Siyadhu works at a store selling rexine carpeting in Wijerama. A fire broke out on May 22 under suspicious circumstances. “The police came and made an entry about the incident,” Iqram said….
By the Votive Candle
Machan, I wish I could give you another poem but even poetry does not console enough before the loss of a dream. You were just in Sri Lanka and visited the North….
Victory over Remembrance: A day of division
On May 18, 2009, Sri Lanka ended a decade long civil war. The day after, May 19, has traditionally been celebrated as “Victory Day” and marked with military parades. That is, until…
The Price Of Ideas: Father of “Disobedient Writer” Yameen Rasheed Calls For Justice
Even as a child, Yameen Rasheed was an avid reader who had his own opinions, his father Hussain says. A self-described “disobedient writer” Yameen was writing by the time he was in…