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Rising prices spark struggle to feed children-by Buwanaka S. Perera Source:Ceylontoday The economic crisis of 2022 marked the most severe downturn Sri Lanka experienced since gaining independence. It ushered in widespread price hikes across various essentials, including vital medicines, school supplies, fuel and a slew of taxes. With food inflation skyrocketing to an unprecedented 95%, the crisis profoundly impacted food prices and the nation’s food security.  The policy banning chemical fertilisers, imposed by the ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, exacerbated the agricultural sector’s woes, leading to consecutive harvest failures with yields plummeting by over 50%, further undermining Sri Lanka’s food security. As access to food dwindled, foreign reserves depleted and the government defaulted on foreign debts, many ordinary Sri Lankans struggled to secure three meals a day, with children bearing the brunt of the crisis. Has the situation changed in 2024? According to a recent report by the World Food Program ...

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Conquering Sri Pada Three Times in 24 hrs   Source:Ceylontoday Retired Naval Officer Rear Admiral Princely Liyanage has once again demonstrated his remarkable endurance and determination by achieving a feat few dare to attempt.  On 15 February 2024, Rear Admiral Liyanage embarked on a daring adventure to climb Sri Pada not just once, but three times, conquering the mountain from three different routes within an astonishing 24-hour timeframe. Liyanage’s journey began at the break of dawn, leaving his residence in Panadura at 4:45 a.m. and arriving at Palabaddala by 7:00 a.m. With steely resolve, he commenced his first ascent at 7:27 a.m., braving the elements and the challenging terrain. Despite encountering cold weather in the morning and scorching sunshine during mid-day, he persevered, facing unexpected rain showers as he neared his destination.  ...

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Drums of Devotion-by Pooja Ranasinghe Colombo’s dazzling Gangaramaya Navam Maha Perahera celebrates community spirit Source:Dailynews Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, situated in the heart of Colombo, has served a preeminent role in society, memories of which will be evoked in any reader. On the one hand the Navam Maha Perahera and the ‘Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ provide an opportunity for the communities to unite in celebration. On the other hand, the Jinarathana Technical College and the Kataragama Retirement Hall offer continuous service to society. The strength behind these accomplishments is the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, Venerable Galboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thera, who is fondly known among the lay followers as Podi Hamuduruwo. Moreover, the support given by the community of monks led by the Deputy Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera has tremendously facilitated its journey to success. The student monks’ continuous commitment with ...

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“Karlsruhe Bungalow” …. Today … Yesterday-by Avishka Mario Senewiratne Source:Thuppahis The Karlsruhe Bungalow was the final abode of Sri Lanka’s greatest Burgher, C. A. Lorenz. The origins of Karlsruhe are not clear. Lorenz purchased it from Drs. Vam Beck and Dickman in 1870, but lived there only for a few months till his untimely death in 1871. Lorenz bestowed this valuable property opposite the Welikada prison to his loyal housekeeper. Later, in the early 1900s the Methodist Church brought this property to site Wesley College. The bungalow famous for its fine pillars and coloumns as well as the long verandah has been well preserved to date by Wesley College. The Satinwood Screen (separating the sitting and dining room) however is the highlight of the bungalow. Special thanks to Avanka Fernando, Principal of Wesley College for letting me survey and photograph this heritage site. The YOUNG CEYLON Circle, a literary and political agit-prop collective working in the ...

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Colombo’s most popular caricaturist in a bygone era-by Avishka Mario Senewiratne   Source:Island With the passing of time, Lorenz did not have the time he would like to dedicate to the arts as before. The demand on his time in other fields such as in law and politics necessitated him to mainly if not totally focus on those aspects. However, his pencil and sketchbook never left his side. When inspiration struck him, out came a fine caricature. It has been over 150 years since his death and most of his once famous caricatures have been lost. A few have been reproduced as plates in some important publications over the last 100 years and preserved for posterity. Caricatures have always been endearing pieces of art which have commented on sophisticated matters. In the dynasty of Lankan caricature artists such as J. L. K. van Dort, Bevis Bawa, Aubrey Collette, W. R. ...

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Charles Ambrose Lorenz: an unsung artist of the 19th century-by Avishka Mario Senewiratne Source:Island “Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso Though forgotten by the present generation, it is no understatement to say that Charles Ambrose Lorenz was Ceylon’s most beloved son of the 19th century. The whole colony mourned his premature death in his prime in 1871. He was loved by people from all walks of life. This most accomplished and colourful personality wore several hats in lifetime. He was well-known as one of the earliest Ceylonese appointed to the Legislative Council where he fulfilled his duties with zeal and integrity. Being a lawyer, he stood for justice, never compromising his principles for glory or monetary gain. Though Burgher by race, the Sinhalese called him as Lorenz Hâmuduruwwô, for he stood for all irrespective of caste, creed and race. A pioneering ...

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Good News From Jayam – March 1, 2024 Pls Scroll Down 35 items Source : goodnewsfromjayam Tourism Sector Earns Record Rs.7 billion in 45 Days Amid a rejuvenated focus on revitalising Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour in Tangalle and Galle, underscoring the Government’s commitment to enhancing tourist facilities. President Wickremesinghe’s visit came in the backdrop of record earnings from tourism this year (45 days) alone, which amounted to Rs.7,000 million from 306,708 tourists. The tourism surge in Sri Lanka is evident from the unprecedented 106 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals, with around 9,000 visitors daily. Key US Official Donald Lu Hails Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery as Greatest Comeback story US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu says SL is a different place a year on since crisis began. Praises SL as successful example of US administration’s Indo-Pacific ...

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St. Antony feast Katchatheevu-by Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunarathne Source:Island The Jaffna Divisional Secretary informed the public, well in advance, that St. Anthony’s Feast in the Kachchativu island had been cancelled this year due to the Covid- 19 pandemic. The decision was well understood by devotees of both Sri Lanka and India. This annual feast on a tiny island closer to the India-Sri Lanka International boundary line (IMBL) was an annual meeting place, especially for fishermen of both countries. Last year (2020) the feast was attended by more than 10,000 devotees. For the first time, Sri Lankan devotees out-numbered the Indians. Anticipating such a situation, the Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Justin Bernard Ganapragasam had invited Bishop of Diocese of Galle, Rt. Rev Raymond Wickramasinghe as well. The mass last year was conducted in all three languages – Sinhala, Tamil and English. ...

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