The Harm Reduction Philosophy Sri Lanka Ignores
In Sri Lanka, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and those struggling with addiction to either substances or behaviours are often caught in-between a binary of use and abstinence where the medical and…
Colombo
Protecting and Preserving Sri Lanka’s Urban Wetlands
Photo courtesy of Chethika Gunasiri Urban wetlands are the often overlooked ecosystems that sit, quite literally, between land and water on the margins of development and destruction. In 2018, Colombo was named…
Multiple Threats to Sri Lanka’s Freedom of Religion or Belief
In Sri Lanka, where a tapestry of religions weaves through its landscape, the promise of religious harmony at times masks a reality marked by religious intolerance and unequal protections. Despite constitutional guarantees…
Celebrating the Beauty and Fragility of Oceans
To celebrate World Oceans Day passionate ocean lovers, photographers, artists and activists gathered at the Curado Art Space in Colombo. The exhibition is a collaboration between Parley Sri Lanka and All About…
The National Media Policy: Why, by Whom and for What Purpose?
On May 27 the Ministry of Mass Media convened a discussion on the National Media Policy, which is will be presented by the NPP government. Copies of the document were provided in…
The People Must Be Partners in Environment and Wildlife Protection
Not just Sri Lanka but the world is in crisis; an environmental crisis. Open most newspapers and the examples pour forth of natural disasters, global warming, rising sea level and increased pollution…
The Real Costs and Benefits of Migration for Migrant Mothers
A recent IPS study brings out the reality of Sri Lankan Female Migrant Workers (FMWs), particularly those engaged in domestic work across the Middle East. These women juggle multiple roles across various…
Malani Fonseka’s Film Career and Politics
The queen of actresses, Malani Fonseka, who graced local cinema with her acting talent for six decades, passed away at the age of 78. Born in Kelaniya, a haven for popular artists,…
Pathum Sameera Portrays Village Women as Everyday Heroes
Contemporary artist and picture book illustrator Pathum Sameera will hold an exhibition titled at the Barefoot Gallery from June 6 to June 28. Through his captivating cartoon-like illustrations, Sameera considers the lives…
Rediscovering Martin Wickramasinghe
The Martin Wickramasinghe Collection at the National Library in Colombo contains over 5,000 books. Most of them are worn out and dusty, although well preserved. Some are recent additions. The oldest among…
Trapped, Still
May 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of the ending of the long Eelam War. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana presided over the annual “war heroes” commemoration. Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was among the…
The Unseen Ordeal: What Happens After a Child Speaks Up About Sexual Abuse
When a child speaks up about sexual abuse, the world often reacts to the story only at its most tragic endpoint – when it’s too late. But what I need the public…
Ragging and Sadism in Sri Lanka
The Rajagiriya police arrested Sathsara Nimesh and publicly humiliated him by removing his trousers. At Sabaragamuwa University, seniors tortured Charith Dilshan to death for wearing shorts. Dilshi Amshika, who was sexually abused…
Breaches Of Fiduciary Trust And Duty Of Care
The tragic loss of a young girl called Amshi in recent weeks has caused a great deal of grief and anger in the community. But will this lead to changes in law…
A Missing Path Towards Unity and Reconciliation
May is a month of deep reflection and complex emotions in Sri Lanka. It marks two significant and contrasting commemorations: Mullivaikal Remembrance Day on May and Sri Lanka’s Victory Day on May…