In post-war Sri Lanka, a robust policy on diaspora engagement remains critical to domestic stability and international relations, writes Salma Yusuf, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s three-decade-long conflict was externalized due to a combination of factors ranging from the presence of an active expatriate community abroad, the involvement of foreign facilitators in …

“A policy on engagement for Sri Lanka's diaspora ” Read More »

Spring is the New Year for many South East Asian countries, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, who says celebrating the glamour and traditions of Sri Lanka’s New Year is a way to promote national culture and history. As Sri Lankans, we could celebrate Sinhala and Hindu New Year …

"Celebrating the new year and harvests in April" Read More »

Civil war and modern human resources policies have impinged on the role of trade unions, writes Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, but he argues that they remain crucial to labour rights. Every year when Labour Day comes the trade unions get active; there will be parades and meetings, the city turns in to …

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The World Conference on Youth was not all policy and resolutions, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka. Her behind the scenes view as a delegate describes how it also gave  young people opportunity to experience the culture and landscape of Sri Lanka. The World Conference on Youth held in …

"The shine of the WCY – from one delegate's eye" Read More »

Sri Lankans are embracing World Environment Day as part of their crowded calendar of special events, says Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, but while the growing environmental awareness is an encouraging first step much work remains to be done. Sri Lanka is a land where people have so many religious …

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A national award identifies and promotes leadership qualities, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, who describes the program as an effective way to identify and empower upcoming youth leaders. Sri Lankan youth have a refreshing opportunity designed to encourage them to take a more dynamic step in shaping of the country’s …

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Living in an island nation brings a wealth of beach opportunity, says Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, as he describes some of the enticing options available to residents and visitors. It was last January that I received a random Facebook notification that I have won a free whale watching tour. …

"The land of beaches – Sri Lanka is calling you!" Read More »

Sri Lanka is making strides in development, but Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 26, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, argues that investment in the education system is a crucial step if the country is to achieve its goals. Though Sri Lanka has entered the new post-war development era of its history, still some parts of the educational system …

"A long way to go for education in Sri Lanka" Read More »

Videos of people taking the ice bucket challenge are everywhere on social media, but Madusha Erandi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, asks whether other causes aren’t equally deserving of the awareness and money being raised. As all of us know by now that the Ice Bucket challenge has been viral on social media and …

"Ice bucket challenge – is it really that 'awesome'?" Read More »

Salma Yusuf, a Sri Lankan based human rights lawyer, lecturer and Commonwealth Correspondent, outlines from a youth perspective how to achieve a socially cohesive society, and why it is critical for young people to be on board. She notes that this can be done through inter-ethnic and inter-faith exchanges, as well as empowering women to …

“Sri Lanka needs an equal and equitable society” Read More »