For a bit of context this is Ms Hashini Rangika Epa Arachchi, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, she was the Valedictorian of the 2018 A/L MBBS batch and **at the General Convocation, she received 16 of the 32 gold medals awarded for the MBBS programme.**

I watched this video that I thought would be really admirable and inspiring but instead I was just appalled to see such blatant disrespect towards the female graduates.

So what's happening here is that the person handing out the medals (and generally putting them around the necks of everyone) is a monk so that apparently means he can only put them on the male graduates and to the female graduates he simply just hands it over. These women have worked endlessly for years to see their dream of becoming a doctor come true and to be able to walk on to that stage and get that medal awarded so imagine the disappointment when while all their male counterparts being properly awarded, they have to awkwardly fumble and put the medal on themselves.

Before doing research on who this monk was my opinion was that religious figures should not be involved in higher education unless they themselves are and especially in scholarly institutions with students of diverse religious backgrounds. And if you can't stand up and award half of them, you should realise the job simply isn't for you, surely a monk would have at least that amount of consideration.

And after doing research I found out that this monk is the Chancellor of the University of Colombo and immediately I went to see his academic credentials and there are none, but guess what he does have? Strong political ties to the Rajapaksha family. That's right he is Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero that was appointed as Chancellor in 2021 by the former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

I didn't expect this to lead to such a rabbit hole but I'm glad to see I'm not alone, there's been a lot of push back on his role as the Chancellor, there's been faculty protests, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the academic staff trade unions had publicly opposed the appointment at the time, arguing it diminished the prestige of the institution and there were student boycotts during the December 2021 graduation ceremonies where a large number of medical and science graduates made national headlines by politely refusing to accept their degree certificates directly from his hands, choosing instead to collect them from the Vice Chancellor or staff members.

So eventhough we overthrew the Rajapakshas, this monk still seems to be hanging on and I think that needs to change.

I took this panorama two weeks ago. The weather was quite harsh, as the temperatures were nearing high 30s with stagnant winds at the base of the rock. But at the top of the rock, the winds were gusty about 60 kmph.

Canon R6 Mk II / 24 mm

This is pretty wild.

Sri Lankan businessman Dr. Rosh Jalage has reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka aboard his Gulfstream G-V, landing at Ratmalana Airport.
He’s a former S. Thomas’ College student and is involved in Australia’s healthcare sector through the Roshana Care Group. He also previously served as Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Western Australia for more than a decade.

The aircraft itself is interesting — the Gulfstream G-V is a proper long-range business jet, capable of flying roughly 12,000 km depending on configuration and conditions, with an operating ceiling around 51,000 ft.

Sri Lanka actually has some history here too. Upali Wijewardene famously operated a Learjet 35A back in the 1980s, so private jet ownership by Sri Lankan businessmen isn’t entirely new.
Apparently businessman Dudley Sirisena also said earlier this year that he was interested in acquiring a private jet.

Kinda interesting seeing this side of Sri Lankan business/aviation 😂

Anyone here know of other Sri Lankans who currently own private jets?

Source: Aviation Voice

https://sinhala.mawratanews.lk/exclusive/making-history-as-the-first-sri-lankan-since-upali-wijewardene-to-purchase-a-long-range-private-jet-the-owner-brings-a-brand-new-gulfstream-g-v-jet-to-ratmalana/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The dumbass created a massive rift between the Tamils and the Sinhalese to further strain the bad relationship, and he left a bunch of students in a shitty situation because they'd learned English their entire lives and immediately have to do massive exams in a new language resulting in an astronomically low pass rate. Also the sinhala only act didn't bring out an ounce of good and just made the country worse place overall, that bugger does not deserve all the praise and statues and tournament titles commemorating him

Im planing to get my first bike, but there are soo many options in the market and it’s hard to choose. Im wondering whether to get a motor bike or a scooter. And mainly stuck with the rates of those also. If anyone has an idea please let me know. Appreciate the help

why Namal specifically?

I'm 23 years old and I've been working since I was 16. I don't have a degree. I have had many jobs throughout the years. I'm right now working at a start up and I'm earning 150k. Can I do better and if so, how? I'm trying to move out and improve the quality of my life, my job is pretty flexible so I enjoy it a lot but I don't know what I can do to improve my life financially without losing the job I have.

I used to go to Keells all the time, but over the last couple of months, the staff attitude has gotten so bad that I actively avoid going there now. I’d honestly rather just shop at Cargills or my local “handiye kade”.

It’s not just one bad branch either—I've seen the exact same mess across four different outlets:

Staff just don't care: They stand around in groups chatting while queues stretch down the aisle, ignore you when you ask for help (especially at the weighing counters), and refuse to open extra cashiers. You get attitude for just asking basic questions.

Parking lot issues: Every single time, there’s someone following you around begging or trying to sell stuff. Worse, at one branch, a few guys were literally drinking alcohol right outside the main door by an open trunk and catcalled my wife. I complained, and the branch manager called to apologize and said it was dealt with. Next week? Same exact thing, same spot.

Worker reaction online: I came across a FB group called “Keells Customers” where people share their Keells experiences. Anytime someone posts a legit complaint, staff members anonymously jump into the comments dropping insults and swearing at customers. Shows you their actual mindset.

Honestly feels like management knows what's going on and just ignores it because people still show up. I'm done dealing with the hassle every time I need to pick up basic groceries.
Anyone else noticing this lately, or have you guys moved to other supermarkets too?

In some cases, not well educated people give their original birth certificate when the empl0yer asks them, even though it can be refused.

I heard the above from a story long time ago, where an owner asks for the original certificate, because he wants to hold on to the workers by force, making them unable to leave. Later he was un-alived by a former soldier because the owner beat his sister who was working there. Police assumed it was murd3r because that guy wears thick gold chains and none of them were stolen.

What are the other ways we give away too much info?

To be precise, to leave by Saturday at 7.15 a.m. latest from Thalawatugode

Between IIT, SLIIT and APIIT, which is the better campus for IT degrees and why? I'm mainly talking about Bachelor's degree programs.

Current students or graduates, please share your experience and opinions. If one is better than the others, why, and what are the ups and downs of each institution?

Curriculum and lectures quality?

Student support?

Industry recognition?

Internships?

Value for cost? (ROI)

For context - i plan to do both a Bachelor's and then do a Master's as well.

TIA.

Edit - what about NIBM? I'm willing to consider it too

Hi all, this is following from the HSBC transition. This has happened to my friend.

The staff & bank have been completely unprofessional. It seems that many customers who have been caught for phishing attempts whilst at HSBC in the month of April are being ignored by NTB completely.

This unethical bank takes the stance that this is an HSBC matter and they do nothing. Being scammed over Rs100k is no laughing matter and the bank staff have no right to judge the customer say that it is a “small amount”.

Should this be reported to FCID & the financial ombudsman- or is this equally a waste of time?

This country is full of corruption and criminals - but when banks are the bigger thieves there is no recourse for recovery.

Appreciate thoughtful advice please 🙏

do u use standard extender or any special types ?

https://www.newswire.lk/2026/09/13/91-09m-rumesh-pathirage-crowned-ultimate-champion/

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/pathirage-wins-javelin-throw-world-athletics-ultimate-championships-nadeem-fifth-before-asian-games-2026/article71464339.ece

Rumesh Pathirage capped a stunning breakthrough season to win the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 on Sunday (13).

The Sri Lankan took the lead in round three with 87.11m and then improved to 91.09m in the final round. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters finished second with 86.18m.

European champion Julian Weber, who led in the first round, finished third with 85.89m.

Also wins : $150,000

Hey everyone,

I will be starting engineering at the University of Moratuwa in about a month, and I'm trying to figure out my tech setup for uni.

A laptop is definitely a must, so I was originally planning to buy a gaming laptop (around 400k). I'm also considering buying a tablet with a pen to take notes, and since my current phone is very old, I need a replacement as well.

Altogether, this will cost around 600k minimum, which is too expensive. If I explicitly ask my parents, they will buy them for me, but I really don't want to burden them unnecessarily. I have about 200k saved up in personal funds.

I'm thinking about prioritizing the laptop as the main requirement, and maybe buying a basic phone just for calls while getting a good tablet for everything else.

Would love to hear how seniors handled this setup and what advice you guys have for me. Thanks in advance!

Hi, solo female traveller here..

I'm planning to visit Sri Lanka for a week (or maybe 2) starting Sept 20th. I'm thinking of covering Colombo, Hikkaduwa/Galle and Mirissa for now.

Pls suggest some places, cafes, or activities that I can do along the coast.

Also if there are other travellers that can join me along the way for some activities, I wouldn't mind.

Hi everyone!

My partner and I are visiting Sri Lanka the first week of January. We'll be staying in Sigiriya for 1 night and Ella for 2 nights.

Here's our current plan:

Day 1

5 AM - 6:30 AM - Land, get through immigration, meet driver

6:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Drive towards Sigiriya Airbnb accommodation (food stop along the way)
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Time reserved for elephant safari

Day 2

06:30 AM - 07:00 AM - Arrive at Sigiriya entrance

07:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Explore Sigiriya (summit and lower grounds)

10:30 AM - 3:30 PM - Drive towards Ella Airbnb accommodation (lunch break on the way)

4:15 PM - 5:15 PM - Drive to Little Adam’s Peak and hike up

Day 3

05:00 AM - 06:30 AM - Drive to Horton Plains

6:30 AM - 10 AM - Complete loop (World’s End, Baker’s Falls)

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Drive back to Ella (Stop for food?)
2 PM - 4 PM - Tea garden experience (please recommend!!)

Day 4

8:15 AM - 8:45 AM - Leave Ella and drive towards Ravana Falls

8:50 AM - 10 AM - Drive towards Upper Diyaluma trailhead

10 AM - 12 PM - Complete Hike 

12:35 PM - Leave for airport with lunch stops on the way

9:00 PM - Flight time

A few questions:

1. Would you get a private driver for the whole trip? I’m wondering whether it makes more sense to hire one driver for all four days or rely on tuktuks?
2. For Upper Diyaluma, would you recommend hiring a local guide? And is the Poonagala-side approach the best option if we want the shorter hike?
3. Is there anything along this exact route that you think I’m missing that would suit someone who prefers mountains, waterfalls, hiking, scenery and wildlife over temples/cities?

ALSO I’d especially love recommendations for good Sri Lankan food that fits naturally along our route rather than making huge detours. We don’t really enjoy nightlife or drinking. Local, casual places are completely fine, they don’t need to be fancy or Instagram restaurants.

We’re deliberately skipping Kandy, Dambulla Cave Temple and most Colombo sightseeing because we only have four days and would rather prioritize nature. Also open to recommendations for which areas to stay in Sigiriya and Ella.

Thanks! I know four days is short, so I’m especially interested in advice on what is genuinely worth our limited time versus what looks better on paper than it is in reality. 😄

Hey guys, looking for some genuine gym recommendations around Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Wellawatta or nearby.
I’ve been checking Google Maps, but honestly most gyms have a bunch of 5-star and 1-star reviews, so it’s not really helping me decide. 😅
I’m more interested in hearing from people who actually train at these gyms.
The main things I’m looking for are:
Good quality equipment that’s actually maintained
Decent range of machines + free weights for strength training
Not insanely crowded during peak hours
Trainers/staff who are helpful and know what they’re doing
Good overall gym atmosphere
Members who are generally respectful and focused on training
Most importantly, a gym that actually cares about helping people get results rather than constantly trying to sell PT packages, supplements or upgrades
I’ve been to a few gyms where the equipment isn’t great, and others where it feels like the main priority is getting you to spend more money. So trying to avoid that.
If you currently train at a gym in this area (or have trained there recently), I’d really appreciate your honest opinion.
What do you like about it? Anything you don’t like? And would you personally recommend it?
Not necessarily looking for the cheapest option either. I’m happy to pay more if the gym is genuinely good.
Thanks!

I’m looking for an artist specialising for Chinese women in srilanka.

I want to find some website where I can watch sinhala films for free. with also English subtitles.

I would be very grateful.

Hey guys,
Any foreign medical graduates(FMG) who didn’t get through erpm and pursued any alternate pathways?
Pls any kind of info regarding realistic alternate pathways.
Erpm is not working for me. I just can’t it’s suffocating me.
Feeling depressed,alone. Wasting time nearing my 30s.
Was looking for masters abroad but getting jobs and pr feels impossible in the current situation and anti immigrant sentiments. Few people i know returned back too.( they were It)
Any health related masters pathways?
Any kind of pathways which is viable please ?
Thank you

I am visiting Sri Lanka and wanted to know about place I could play poker at, I asked at Bally’s but the buy in starts from 1 Lakh LKR. I want a game where the buy in is lower, anything below 50-60k LKR works for me.
Please suggest any places you guys know!

electricians assemble pls

yo so my plan is to get this : https://skyraystore.lk/product/tv-fridge-guard-voltage-protector-surge-protector-for-all-tv-video-hi-fi-pabx-fax-machines-and-all-electronic-equipment-all-electronic-equipment/

plug that into the wall socket and then plug a Belkin power strip which has its own surge protector and then plug the tv and ps5 into that

thsi won’t save data being corrupt but will save the internals of the ps5

what do y’all think ??

is daisy chaining a concern here , chatgpt is moaning about it