‘Sinhe Le’, ‘Marraka Le’: Should we shed any more ‘le’?
Photo from Asian Mirror One year in to Yahapalanaya, the dice has been cast for the renewal of the hostile hate campaign of the Rajapaksa era with the spraying of graffiti “Sinha…
Religion and faith
Shadow and Light
A song posted on the You Tube comparing President Maithripala Sirisena with ancient kings of Pollonnaruwa gave rise to a storm of social-media protests and was removed within hours. Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra…
Prophet Muhammad and his Message
Image via Today marks the death anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. It is an appropriate time to ponder over the man and his message. The edifice of Islam is built upon the basic…
Death penalty in Islam
Featured image courtesy TheDailyJournalist Many Muslims I have spoken to are opposed to the death sentence imposed on the unnamed Sri Lankan housemaid in Saudi Arabia. The death penalty, in my view,…
Sobitha Himi: Servant of the Dhamma – Gift to us all
Prologue There was a time when Sobitha Himi did not appeal to the minorities the way he did at the time of his death. Some may still have reservations about some aspects…
The courageous role the Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero played should continue to the future!
Picture courtesy SithTV We are deeply saddened by the demise of the Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, the chief incumbent of the Kotte Naga Maha Vihara. He contributed immensely as the Convener and…
Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero (1942-2015): The Monk Who Ended Sri Lanka’s Decade of Darkness
Image courtesy Omlanka For someone who never belonged to any political party in Sri Lanka, Maduluwawe Sobitha thero (1942 – 2015) led an extraordinarily political life. The fearless and politically engaged Buddhist…
From Self-Scrutiny to Social Integration: A Reflection
Image courtesy Jesus used parables to convey the essence of His teaching. On one occasion He taught on the importance of self-scrutiny through a parable that contrasted two men at prayer. Of…
These Four Walls
We like to admit that we’ve moved past that and are moving forward but conflict scars a nation in ways that can’t always be healed. Our places are beautiful – sea, lagoon,…
Kartel: an evolving mixed Muslim heritage in Slave Island
Branching from a walking tour of Slave Island conducted at Colomboscope 2015, the following article is a collection of ideas and stories shared over the festival backed by a personal interest…
Stooping to Rise: An Easter Reflection
Why Jesus died Jesus did not die by accident. He was killed through a conspiracy by those whose oppressive ways were exposed by his dual thrust of compassion and truth. But death…
Pride with a difference
Photo courtesy Maithripala Sirisena Facebook page There are times in one’s life when one becomes very proud of one’s country. For many it is when we win in cricket or in war.…
Pope Francis and struggle for human rights in Sri Lanka
Photo courtesy CNS News Pope Francis is set to arrive in Sri Lanka, on 13th January, despite several appeals by Catholics including me, to postpone the visit. He will arrive few days…
Remembering Lasantha six years on: Launch of photo-essays on Sri Lanka
Photo by Abdul-Halik Azeez Journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge‘s murder on 8th January 2009 was utterly horrible and yet, even more unforgettable was the Rajapaksa government’s reaction to it. Lasantha’s last editorial, published posthumously, didn’t mince…
Towards an Enlightened Nation: An Epiphany Reflection
Photo from Nuklearfishing Epiphany is the festival of enlightenment. It commemorates the visit of the wise-persons from the east to the Christ child and is observed on the 6th of January. The…