Fathima Rikaza and her four children found refuge in Sri Lanka, leaving behind a heart-wrenching decision and their Palestinian husband in war-torn Gaza. Rikaza and Abdul Lateef, a scholar who met and married in Sri Lanka, had built a life in Gaza surrounded by Abdul’s family. But with Israeli airstrikes turning their days into a…
While traditional Jallikattu roars back to life in Tamil Nadu, history is being made across the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka, for the first time, is hosting its own bull-taming spectacle in Trincomalee, a testament to the shared heritage between the two regions. Over 200 bulls and 100 skilled tamers took centre stage on January 6…
Get ready for breathtaking hikes, pristine beaches, and elephant encounters – all at a fraction of the price! Sri Lanka has grabbed the spotlight, landing a coveted spot among the top 13 most affordable vacation destinations globally, as recognized by Fox News. This prestigious recognition isn’t just a feather in Sri Lanka’s cap; it’s a…
Kantale, Sri Lanka (January 4, 2024) – In a move likely to ignite further debate on public service recruitment, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to confirm the appointments of the multi-purpose development assistants (MPDAs) given by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa regime. Current President Ranil Wickrmasinghe has approved the permanent appointment of 219 MPDAs in Anuradhapura district….
In a long-awaited move, Sri Lanka has finally taken a concrete step towards reconciliation by announcing the establishment of a Truth Commission. Gazetted on January 2nd, the move aims to address the deep wounds of the three-decade war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and pave the way for healing and unity….
Sri Lanka has ignited a geopolitical firestorm by imposing a one-year ban on Chinese research vessels entering its ports and conducting research in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This move, announced on January 1st, comes after months of mounting pressure from India and the United States, both wary of China’s expanding research fleet in the…
Fear gripped roughly 100 Rohingya refugees in Sri Lanka as they protested outside the UN refugee agency’s office on Tuesday. With the agency’s closure looming at year’s end, their basic living allowance and prospects for permanent resettlement hang precariously in the balance. These refugees, mostly rescued at sea while fleeing Myanmar’s brutal crackdown, haven’t found…
India Drives Tourism Boom, While Russia Takes Second Place Sri Lanka’s tourism industry celebrated a strong 2023, welcoming 1,487,303 tourists despite falling just short of the ambitious 1.5 million target. This impressive figure marks a 106.6% increase compared to 2022, showcasing a significant rebound for the island nation. India emerged as the undisputed leader, sending…
Gulf Business’ Group Editor, Gareth Van Zyl speaks to Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. The wide-ranging discussion delves into the ongoing economic crisis and the looming climate crisis, as parties hash out a climate action deal. Watch the full interview here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTgZWQBaJAE
This is an article about elderly Sri Lankans and the decline of newspapers. It discusses the economic crisis and how it has affected the newspaper industry. As a result, many newspapers have folded or reduced publication. This has left many elderly Sri Lankans without a source of news and connection to their community. They are…
