Aswesuma Double Payment Error: A Costly Administrative Error or Symptom of Deeper Systemic Issues?
Aswesuma Double Payment Error | The Finance Ministry and the Welfare Benefits Board have admitted to a significant blunder in the Aswesuma welfare programme. In April 2026, thousands of beneficiaries received double payments due to an “accidental” duplicate upload of payment files while processing additional festive allowances ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. […]
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: What Sri Lankans Need to Know About This Rare but Serious Threat
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with seven cases identified as of early May 2026, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and three deaths. One passenger who disembarked tested positive in Switzerland and is receiving medical care. The specific strain is Andes hantavirus, which is known […]
Are Sri Lanka’s Agriculture Sector & Farmers Ready for Climate Change?
Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector & farmers, the backbones of rural livelihoods and food security, stands at a critical crossroads. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is actively reshaping farming landscapes through erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, intense floods, and rising temperatures. From devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025 to recurring dry […]
Why Honking Has Become a National Habit – The Daily Reality of Noise Pollution on Sri Lankan Roads
Do you also have these daily reality of noise pollution experiences? Every day, millions of Sri Lankans endure a constant assault on their ears and nerves while commuting. The moment traffic slows even slightly, the chorus begins sharp, impatient blasts from cars, aggressive honking from tuk-tuks, and roaring engines from buses and lorries. Even when […]
Sharks International 2026: A Historic Milestone for Marine Conservation in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is set to host one of the world’s most prestigious marine science events in May 2026. Sharks International 2026, the largest global scientific conference dedicated to sharks, rays, and chimaeras (elasmobranchs), will take place in Colombo from 4 to 8 May 2026. Hosted by the Blue Resources Trust, this marks the first time […]
Fuel Prices Surge Again in Sri Lanka: Another Blow to Household Budgets and Economic Recovery
Fuel Prices Surge Again in Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s consumers woke up to yet another fuel price increase as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) announced revisions effective from midnight on 2 May 2026. Auto Diesel rose by Rs. 10 to Rs. 392 per litre, Super Diesel increased by Rs. 15 to Rs. 458 per […]
Moringa: Sri Lanka’s Ancient Superfood with Deep Roots Across South Asia
Moringa oleifera, widely known as Murunga in Sri Lanka and Sajjan or Drumstick tree in India, has been a cornerstone of traditional diets and healing practices in both countries for centuries. This fast-growing “Miracle Tree” thrives in tropical climates and has long been celebrated across South Asia for its exceptional nutritional value and medicinal properties. […]
Can Sri Lanka Build a More Inclusive Economy for People with Disabilities?
Sri Lanka’s economy is recovering, yet one in every eleven citizens remains largely excluded from its opportunities. Approximately 8.7 percent of the population around 1.6 million people with disabilities, with women comprising 57 percent of this group. Only 29 percent of persons with disabilities are engaged in economic activities, far below the national average, leaving […]
Can Sri Lanka’s Education System Foster Critical Thinking or Is It Just Exam-Focused?
Sri Lanka education system has long been a source of national pride, delivering near-universal literacy and strong foundational knowledge. Yet it is increasingly critiqued for its heavy emphasis on high-stakes examinations, the Grade 5 Scholarship, G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L), and Advanced Level (A/L), which shape teaching, learning, and student aspirations. Rote memorisation and content-heavy syllabi […]
The Hidden Risks of AI in Legal Practice: Lessons from a Recent High-Profile Court Filing Incident
The Hidden Risks of AI in Legal Practice – A prominent international law firm recently submitted a court document in a complex Chapter 15 bankruptcy case that contained fabricated legal citations and inaccurate analyses of U.S. bankruptcy statutes. The errors stemmed from artificial intelligence tools that generated nonexistent case references and misquoted or invented judicial […]