Courtesy The Daily Mirror
One of the mostly viewed photos available on the internet of Zahran Hashim Whatever Gammanpila's critics may say, it is indeed a fact that Zahran Hashim played a pivotal and pre-eminent role in the Easter bombings of April 21, 2019, perpetrated by suicide bombers. Zahran Hashim may or may not have been the mastermind, but he certainly was actively involved in the dastardly exercise ‘Pasku Praharaye Mahamolakaru Soyayema (In Search of the Mastermind of the Easter Attacks)' is the title of a book written... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/04/26)
Times Of India
China has strongly condemned recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them a violation of international law. Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the attacks lacked UN authorization and targeted civilian infrastructure, urging all sides to return to dialogue to avoid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The remarks came hours after U.S. airstrikes destroyed the B1 Bridge, also known as the Karaj Suspension Bridge, near Tehran. Iranian state media reported casualties, claiming the second strike hit while emergency crews were already responding. Washington has defended the attack, stating the bridge was... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/04/26)
Entangled News
https://youtu.be/fB_3HrkQOrA... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 04/04/26)
Shenali D Waduge
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) must undertake an independent review and verification of the statements made by Mohammed Hanzeer alias Azad Maulana concerning the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka on 21 April 2019, which killed 270 people, including 45 foreign nationals and 5 American citizens, and injured more than 500. Azad Maulana publicly alleged, through Channel 4 in August 2023 and later statements made in Geneva, that Maj-Gen (Retd) Suresh Sallay, former Director of Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service, orchestrated and coordinated these attacks. He has not produced any documentary, digital, or witness evidence to support these allegations,... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/04/26)
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
During the 1990s, particularly under the government of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK), Sri Lanka moved toward privatization and foreign investment. The Colombo Gas Company, which handled LPG distribution, was privatized. Shell plc entered Sri Lanka by acquiring a controlling stake. This was part of a broader policy shift to bring in foreign expertise, capital, and technology. It was an unsolicited proposal aligns with how many privatizations and BOI-era investments were structured at the time. 2. Infrastructure Development – Storage & Engineering
... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/04/26)
By Sarath Obeysekera
The global economy is increasingly shaped by conflict-driven disruptions—energy shocks, food insecurity, and supply chain fractures. For a small nation like Sri Lanka, survival demands not ideology, but adaptation. When Lee Kuan Yew took charge of Singapore in 1965, he inherited a poor, divided society. His solution was not abstract theory—it was discipline, housing, jobs, and food security. Sri Lanka today faces a similar inflection point. 1. From Welfare to Productivity: A Social Contract Reset Sri Lanka must shift from a consumption-driven welfare model to a productivity-linked social contract.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/04/26)
Courtesy Adaderana
The World Bank Group and the Government of Sri Lanka today (03) launched a new five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to support Sri Lanka’s continued recovery, help achieve its 7% medium-term economic growth target, and support job creation. “We are committed to building on the continued macroeconomic stability, strengthened governance and revenue-based fiscal consolidation that we have already achieved. Our goal is to confidently steer our economy towards strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. We are working towards an economic growth rate of over 7% in the medium term,” said President of Sri Lanka Anura... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/04/26)
Hiru News
A total of 30,898 candidates failed all subjects according to the results of the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, Commissioner General of Examinations A. K. S. Indika Kumari Liyanage says. This group includes 19,301 school applicants and 11,597 private applicants.... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 03/04/26)
By Raj Gonsalkorale
Failure of the UN system is a failure of member States to maintain and foster its objectives. Inequality of the powers of member States, and the partiality shown by some States in decision making have contributed to the overall impotence of the system. Erosion of objectivity to uphold the charter approved by Member States appears to be the main cause of this impotence. Decline of the UN system is a manifestation of the impermanence of all things. However, a system vacuum in the world order is not the answer as it could lead to anarchy... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Shenali D Waduge
Consider the chronology given below: count how many warnings, attacks, and radical activities directly linked to Zahran Hashim prior to Easter Sunday 2019? From the repeated intelligence reports, the public preachings, the recruitment of associates, the Sufi attacks, to the growing network of potential operatives — the pattern is unmistakable. If these incidents were visible to the highest offices of government and security, why was decisive action not taken to neutralize the threat? The failure to respond to repeated signals by those seated in top positions raises questions about prioritization, awareness, and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Source: https://caricomreparations.org/
https://caricomreparations.org/the-global-reparations-movement/:~:text=Since%20the%20launch%20of%20the%20CARICOM%20Reparations,similar%20formations%20in%20Canada%20and%20Great%20Britain. Ever since slavery was abolished in the Caribbean in the 1830s and in the broader Americas in the 1860s and 1880s, the victims of slavery and their progeny have been struggling for justice to repair the damages wrought by this most horrific of crimes against humanity. This struggle has ebbed and flowed over the decades of the 19 th and 20 th centuries but has always been consistent in the demands for restitution and recompense for the crimes of chattel slavery in the Western Hemisphere. Reparations has been part... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Senaka Weeraratna
https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2024/03/01/sri-lanka-artefacts-dutch-government-returns-stolen-treasures/ Attorney-at-Law Senaka Weeraratna has called for the sharing of revenue earned by Western colonial countries from exhibiting stolen artifacts with former colonies, particularly within the context of the 2023 repatriation of stolen artifacts from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka . Key Details of the Call and Context: Context: The call was made in relation to the return of six colonial-era artifacts stolen from Sri Lanka (including Lewke's cannon, a Golden Kasthane, a Silver Kasthane, a Sinhalese Knife, and two guns) which were returned by... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
By Senaka Weeraratna Hony Secretary, German Dharmaduta Society
බුදු දහමේ හරය වටහාගත් ජර්මනියේ සහ ශ්රී ලංකාව’’˜‘Divaina’, June 10, 2025 උදේශ් සංජීව ගමගේ, zදිවයින කතෘZඅංක : 223, බ්ලූමැන්ඩල් පාර, කොළඹ 13. මහත්මයාණනි,වර්ෂ 2025 ජුනි මස 10 වෙනි දින දිවයින පුවත්පතේ කතුවැකිය පිටුවේ (4 වැනි පිටුව) පුජ්ය රඹුක්වැල්ලේ දේවානන්ද හිමි විසින් ලියන ලද —බුදු දහමේ හරය වටහාගත් ජර්මනියේ සහ ශ්රී ලංකාව˜ යන මැයෙන් පළ වු ලිපිය හා බැඳේ. මෙම ලිපිය සකස් කර ඇති පූජ්ය ආචාර්ය රඹුක්වැල්ලේ දේවානන්ද හිමි (1992 1998 කාලය) ජර්මනියේ බර්ලින් විහාරයේ නේවාසික භික්ෂුවක් ලෙස වැඩ සිටියහ. එම කාලය තුළ එම භික්ෂුවගේ... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
⚓ Strategic Opportunity: Sri Lanka as a Neutral Maritime Services Hub
My experience at Colombo Dockyard with Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines shows three critical truths: War-affected fleets always need repair capacity outside conflict zones Neutral देशों (like Sri Lanka) become trusted service points Margins are high when capacity is scarce Why This Opportunity Will Re-emerge
If tensions ease or reconstruction begins: Iran will need: Tanker fleet refurbishment Naval auxiliary vessel... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
War economies don’t just enrich weapons manufacturers. A whole ecosystem benefits: logistics, reconstruction, energy, finance—and yes, pharmaceutical and 1. Do drug companies profit from war?
Yes—but indirectly, not in the same obvious way as arms companies. They benefit from: Treatment of wounded soldiers and civilians Increased demand for: antibiotics painkillers trauma care drugs vaccines (especially in conflict zones) Post-war: rehabilitation drugs mental health treatments (PTSD, depression) disease... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
YOHAN PERERA Courtesy The Daily Mirror
Colombo, April 1 (Daily Mirror) - Those who pasted posters calling for the execution of late President J. R. Jayewardene in the 1980s have failed to change the policies of Mr. Jayewardene though they have remained in power for more than a year, a senior media personality said. Regional Advisor (Asia) International Media Support Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya who was speaking at a launch of the book. “The J.R. I Disliked” penned by former Minister Imthiaz Bakeer Markar said those in power in Sri Lanka... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Courtesy The Daily Mirror
Oceanic Pivot: As Diego Garcia becomes a frontline target, Washington turns its gaze toward Colombo’s strategic neutrality
“Iran’s apparent use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the attack has startled the West, showing a reach far longer than the medium-range capabilities previously assumed.” The shifting tides of the Indian Ocean have placed Sri Lanka at the heart of a high-stakes geopolitical gambit. As Iran’s intermediate-range ballistic missiles successfully challenge the perceived invulnerability of the UK-US base at Diego Garcia, the Pentagon faces a crisis... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Courtesy The Daily Mirror
Russian Deputy Energy Minster’s visits will provide positive results Russia mostly transact in national currencies instead of US dollar: if there is a will, there is a way Russia’s natural resources are not also unlimited, There is quite a line of countries who want to have access to our crude oil and energy Ready to start talks on nuclear power if requested International dynamics keep changing in the present climax. The countries’ roles fast evolve. Sri Lanka is making fresh... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Courtesy The Daily Mirror
The new reality is that the war has de facto created a gas and oil hegemon who now controls 20% of Gas and oil as we read this, with significant impact on the fertilizer industry as well. The reality is that no matter how many bombs each party has, disruption is only going to keep the strait shut and the price of oil and gas high If there was one thing that was sure to happen as an external factor that would affect the economy... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Udaya Gammanpila
https://youtu.be/rSJYLF-EU-8... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 02/04/26)
Eva Golinger June 3, 2010
“Make the economy scream,” wrote Henry Kissinger in a note to CIA forces involved in efforts to oust President Salvador Allende in Chile in the early 1970s. The same strategy was applied in Venezuela in 2002. A coup d’état that briefly succeeded, but then failed, was followed by an economic sabotage that shut down the oil industry and depleted the nation of basic consumer products, causing more than $20 billion USD in damages to the economy, but failing to remove Chavez from power. The business, labor, media and political groups backing... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
Senake Weeraratne
The Reply of David Becker (Head of Legal, ICC) to Senaka Weeraratna was dismissive, disrespectful and patently wrong in the interpretation of law. The reply of the South African lawyer David Becker (Head of Legal, ICC) to Senaka Weeraratna in May 2010 on the question of the intellectual property rights over his brainchild ‘Player Referral’ which was rebranded by the ICC as the UDRS (Umpire Decision Review System), was dismissive, disrespectful and patently wrong in the interpretation of law. The legal doctrine of Constructive Notice was overlooked in Becker’s response. Constructive Notice acts as a legal... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
Senaka Weeraratna
The Netherlands occupied parts of Ceylon from 1658 - 1796 as a Dutch Colony. Its legacy as an occupying power is a mixed bag. Ceylon was administered by the Dutch from Batavia (Indonesia), until the British replaced the Dutch in 1796. As a Colonial power the Dutch vandalized the treasures of the native Sinhala people, including the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, which was plundered by the Dutch led by the Dutch Governor Baron van Eck. A notable artifact seized was the ornate "Cannon of Kandy," which was later sent to the Netherlands... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
Ansari and The Briefing w. Ansari
https://youtu.be/T0OyE1idhGA... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
AI Overview response
https://share.google/aimode/MQDf4i4KoSTdvPHrq The question of whether the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have acted within the Spirit of Cricket regarding the ownership of Decision Review System (DRS) intellectual property (IP) is a subject of significant debate and public criticism, particularly within Sri Lanka. While the ICC maintains that it followed internal processes to adopt the technology, critics and legal representatives of the claimant argue that the current handling of these rights lacks fairness and transparency. Core Claims and Allegations Original Concept: Sri Lankan... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
Ada Derana
https://youtu.be/AD9ivwQ8aMM... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
National Development Bank PLC
National Development Bank PLC (NDB) has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, securing the 1 overall domestic ranking among local banks. This prestigious recognition determined through votes from corporate clients underscores the confidence placed in NDB by businesses across the country and reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s trade and export ecosystem through innovative, future-ready financial solutions. Presented by Euromoney, a globally respected authority in banking and financial market intelligence, the award reflects direct feedback from corporate clients, exporters, and... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 01/04/26)
e-Con e-News
Posted byee ink.March 28, 2026Posted inUncategorizedTags:history, India, Iran, news, politics blog: https://eesrilanka.wordpress.com ‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’ e-Con e-News 22-28 March 2026 * ‘The [USA] wanted to bring 2 warplanes armed with 8 antiship missiles from a base in Djibouti… We turned down the request to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutrality’, he added to applause… Dissanayake said he had received another request that same day, on Feb 26, from Iran to seek permission for 3 naval vessels to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
Sri Lanka should initiate following project in Trinco in parallel with the proposed development of Oil Tanks in Trincomalee A. Deep Water Oil Jetty (POP Model)• Public–Private Partnership with “Plug-in Operator Participation (POP)”• Capable of handling VLCC / ULCC tankers• Linked via subsea or onshore pipelinesInvestor appeal:• Long-term throughput guarantees• Strategic location near East-West shipping laneB. Slop & Residue Processing HubThis is actually a high-margin niche often ignored.• Reception of:• Sludge• Tank bottom residues• Oily water mixtures• Processing into:• Recovered fuel oil• Waste treatment productsWhy it works:• Environmental regulations (IMO) force ships to... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
AI Overview
The "slave mindset" within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is a phrase frequently used by critics, fans, and former players to describe a perceived culture of subservience, systemic incompetence, and lack of professional dignity within the administrative structure, rather than the players themselves. According to various commentaries and reports, this mentality is characterized by the following: Administrative Subservience and Politicization Dependency on Foreign Power Dynamics: Critics have argued that SLC sometimes behaves as a "slave to the BCCI" (Board of Control for Cricket in India), bowing to the influence of... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge, M.D. PhD
The prolonged 30-year armed conflict in Sri Lanka has left many military veterans and former members of the LTTE grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many individuals suffering from PTSD remain undiagnosed and without treatment. The individuals affected by the conflict carry deep psychological wounds and haunting memories of war-related violence. There is a tendency for these PTSD victims to engage in violent acts. Police reports suggest that former soldiers and some ex-members of the LTTE are involved in criminal activities and exhibit social aggression. The involvement of former military... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Ministry of Defence - Media Centre
A discussion on expanding foreign employment opportunities for retiring Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel in the shipping and marine sector was held today (30 Mar), co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo. The discussion focused on the lack of internationally recognized professional qualification certificates required for employment in the global maritime industry and the need to establish a mechanism to help retiring... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Courtesy: AI Overview
The claim that Senaka Weeraratna , a Sri Lankan lawyer, is the original architect of the Decision Review System (DRS) centers on his 1997 proposal for a "Player-Referral" system. While this concept is now a cornerstone of international cricket, both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have faced significant criticism from Weeraratna and his supporters for failing to formally acknowledge his role. The Basis of the Claim Original Proposal (1997): Weeraratna first published his idea in a letter to The Australian on March 25, 1997. He proposed... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Courtesy: Al Hakam, London.
The US-Israel war against Iran is already being felt far beyond the region. In both the West and the East, the effects are showing up in everyday life – most immediately in our wallets, as rising oil and gas prices push up fuel and energy bills. For more than two decades, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) ), the current Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, warned of the growing risk of a global war – often dismissed as pessimistic. Today, however, talk of “World War Three” is no longer fringe;... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Sarath Wijesinghe
13th FEBRUARY, 2024You may find below a rendition of the speech was delivered at a seminar hosted by the Immigration Practitioners Association, focusing on the complex nature of immigration law and practice, with a special emphasis on Sri Lanka's context. The speaker highlighted the significant emigration trends from Sri Lanka, mainly driven by employment opportunities abroad, particularly in the Middle East, and the diverse reasons people leave, including education and family reunification, mainly towards Western countries. The speech detailed the intricacies of visa processes and the challenges faced by Sri Lankans, such as dealing with the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
1. The Agreement Context
Under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, there were implicit and explicit understandings about Trincomalee: It should not be used in a way that threatens India’s security Strategic assets (like the oil tank farm) would involve Indian consultation or participation In simple terms: India secured a “strategic veto influence,” not an automatic development obligation. 2. Why Didn’t JR Push India Immediately?
A. India Was Seen More as a Security Pressure Than a Partner At that... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 31/03/26)
By Nikita Sharma*
Mar 27, 2026 An allied diplomat at the United Nations resigned from his positions on Friday and levelled allegations against the international body, claiming that it was preparing for a scenario of “possible nuclear weapon use”. Mohamad Safa alleged that he received criticism when he expressed his concerns and different perspective after October 2023. Featured Image: Mohamad Safa announced his resignation through a post on X accompanied by a letter detailing his reasoning behind the decision. (X/
mhdksafa) Mohamad Safa was the main representative of Patriotic Vision or... -Full Story-
(LankaWeb - 30/03/26)
Security
Amid worsening shortages, rationing has intensified, protests have erupted in cities like Khomam, and the overall social climate has grown increasingly volatile i24NEWS Thunderstorms ALAIN JOCARD (AFP/Archives) An Iranian water resources specialist has accused the United States and Israel of manipulating regional weather patterns to intensify Iran’s severe drought. According to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Mohsen Arbabian claimed in a July 30 interview on the Iranian YouTube channel Khateh Energy that both nations have been "deliberately diverting clouds" away from Iran for over... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 30/03/26)
Sports
The reply of the South African lawyer David Becker ( Head of Legal, ICC) to Senaka Weeraratna in May 2010 on the question of the intellectual property rights over his brainchild 'Player Referral' which was rebranded by the ICC as the UDRS (Umpire Decision Review System), was dismissive, disrespectful and patently wrong in the interpretation of law. The legal doctrine of Constructive Notice was overlooked in Becker's response. Constructive Notice acts as a legal presumption that a person has received notice, even if they actually have not, provided the information is public or easily accessible. Furthermore Becker's... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 30/03/26)
Concept and Query: Senaka Weeraratna
Query from Senaka Weeraratna (concept) Answer Primary source The Place of Animals in Buddhism Francis Story (later known as Angarika Sugatananda) https://www.bps.lk/olib/bl/bl023_Story_The-Place-of-Animals-in-Buddhism.pdf https://share.google/aimode/UdTXYKfBukOIegpTO Answer supplied by Chat GPT The discourse on human rights in Buddhist-majority countries (such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar) often grapples with a distinct, foundational tension: the conflict between modern, anthropocentric human rights frameworks and the traditional Buddhist, ecocentric focus on all sentient beings. While modern human rights focus on the rights of the... -Full Story- (LankaWeb - 30/03/26)
