Can Rationalists Awaken the Sleep-walking Lankan Nation?
Assorted charlatans and religious zealots across the island of Sri Lanka must have heaved a collective sigh of relief when they heard that Dharmapala Senaratne was no more. He had made it…
Religion and faith
The Citizens’ Commission on the Expulsion of the Muslims from the Northern Province by the LTTE in October 1990
In October 1990, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) expelled the entire Muslim population of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Within a period of 2 weeks the LTTE systematically chased…
Authoritative Ethical Realist Reads Rajapaksa’s Role
The Pope with Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith Though my political approval of and personal liking for Mahinda Rajapaksa, (certainly in relation to his competitors and immediate predecessors) are shared by nine out of ten…
The rich man in his castle, The poor man at his gate
Photo courtesy JDS This was a part of well-loved hymn I would love to sing during the early years of my school career. I cannot actually remember whether these words were omitted…
Sinhala Buddhist Rationale In An Omnivorous Society
Photo courtesy Ada Derana My new neighbour, a quiet middle class, young Sinhala Buddhist professional from beyond Matara, who started constructing his own house, brought down a “”. This is no isolated…
Osama, Prabhakaran and Me
Photo from The Atlantic I have a bone to pick with these two. In fact maybe an entire rib cage. One of them caused me to question my nationalism and my identity…
In the midst of the Adi Vel festival
All photos by Iromi Perera 9.30am Saturday morning. I was walking on the pavement in Bambalapitiya when I found myself in the midst of the Adi Vel festival. I had passed it…
The Power of Graciousness: Treading the middle-path in post-war Sri Lanka
Photo courtesy The Economist, I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people Einstein This government inherited…
Spirtuality, Religion and Human Conflict
Image credit NowPublic Spirituality The desire for the triumph of good over evil is an inherent human spiritual need and consequently it is the underlying theme of all religious teachings. It is…
Buddhism and its impact on governance
Image from Travel Blog Today, Wesak is the most revered day in the Buddhist calendar. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, the celebration is led by a small group of apparently sanctimonious humbugs followed…
Vesak and Violence Against Women
Original photograph REUTERS/Damir Sagolj I have not hidden my increasing disdain for the way Buddhism is practiced and promoted in Sri Lanka. To say the least, we have not only forgotten what it…
The burka ban: Europe and Muslims on collision course?
‘I think someone forced you to wear this. I will help you. Here is a fine of €200’. Sounds stupid? Well that’s the bizarre logic of the French rescue plan/law to help…
Launch of Moving Images: Stunning documentaries and photo essays from Sri Lanka
Moving Images is a series of stunning short-form documentary and narrated photographic portraits on facets of life in post-war Sri Lanka. These high-definition productions, the country’s first, range from portraits of resilience…
Political Opposition in a Nihilistic Sinhala Society: Responses and clarifications
[Editors note: This response by Kusal is to the intense and interesting debate generated by recently.] To all who read and commented and did not comment, “Thank you”. Comments by and large,…
Female deities of Theravada Buddhism: Kannagi and Pattini
[Editors note: Once published, does not change the heading of an article. On this post, the author concedes to a point made by Chandula Kumbukage that it would have served her intent…
