Pope Leo XIV: First American Pontiff Makes History
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has made history as the first pope from the United States, now known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The 69-year-old Chicago native greeted thousands of cheering faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening with the words: “Peace be with you all.” In his inaugural address, Leo paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis while outlining his vision for the Catholic Church. “We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue,” he declared in Italian, calling on people to “show our charity” to others “and be in dialogue with love.” Leo’s selection came swiftly, just two days after 133 cardinals gathered in conclave, suggesting he quickly earned the confidence of his peers during the secretive process. Observers expect him to continue building upon Francis’ reforms while potentially establishing his own distinct papal style. Background and Experience Prior to his elevation, Prevost headed the influential Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, where he assessed candidates for episcopal appointments. He simultaneously served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, reflecting his deep connections to the region. As a member of the Augustinian order, Prevost spent over a decade as its prior general, managing operations across the globe. His missionary work took him to Peru for ten years, and he later served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023, even becoming a Peruvian citizen in 2015. During his first address as pope, Leo notably switched from Italian to Spanish to address his “beloved diocese” in Chiclayo. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte celebrated his election as a “historic moment for Peru and the world,” noting how he “sowed hope, walked alongside the most needy, and shared the joys of our people.” In the United States, President Donald Trump called the news a “great honor” for America, while Vice President JD Vance expressed that “millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.” A Global Perspective Vatican analysts suggest Prevost’s extensive international experience helped overcome traditional reluctance to select an American pope. “He’s somebody that, even though he’s from the West, would be very attentive to the needs of a global church,” noted CNN Vatican analyst Elise Allen, who described him as “calm and balanced” and “evenhanded” in leadership. Prevost’s educational background includes a bachelor’s in mathematics from Villanova University and theological training at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. He later studied canon law in Rome and taught the subject in Peru. In a previous interview with Vatican News, Prevost emphasized his missionary identity: “I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.” Challenges Ahead The new pontiff faces significant challenges, including navigating the Church through the upcoming jubilee year while determining whether to continue Francis’ more progressive approach to social issues. His papacy begins amid ongoing global conflicts, rising populism, and the Church’s unresolved sexual abuse crisis. Regarding the inclusion of women in Church governance, Prevost has previously stated: “There is a real, genuine, and meaningful participation that they offer at our meetings when we discuss the dossiers of candidates.” On addressing clerical abuse, he acknowledged: “There are places where good work has already been done for years and the rules are being put into practice. At the same time, I believe that there is still much to learn.” As Leo XIV begins his papacy, he inherits both the transformative legacy of his predecessor and the responsibility to guide the Catholic Church through complex global challenges while addressing internal reforms that remain incomplete.
Pakistan minister warns of possible Indian military strike in 24-36 hours
Pakistan’s minister for information and broadcasting says Islamabad has “credible intelligence” that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, as tensions between the two countries escalate following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. In a social media post early on Wednesday, Attaullah Tarar accused India of using last week’s attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists, “as a false pretext” to potentially strike Pakistan. The minister did not provide any concrete information to back up his claim, and the Indian government did not immediately comment publicly on the allegations. “Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response. India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region,” Tarar said in the post on X. Pakistani Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif also told the Reuters news agency on Monday that a military incursion by India was “imminent”. Islamabad is on high alert but will only use its nuclear weapons if “there is a direct threat to our existence”, Asif said. India’s Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency on the latest remarks from Tarar. Tensions between the two countries have been rising after India said there were Pakistani elements linked to the attack on April 22 in the mountain resort of Pahalgam. It was the deadliest attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir in more than two decades, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to pursue the attackers. A statement issued in the name of The Resistance Front (TRF), which is believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. But Islamabad has denied any role in what happened and called for a neutral investigation. After the attack, the neighbours unleashed a raft of diplomatic measures against each other, including visa revocations and the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines. India also suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries between the two countries. The move spurred protests in Pakistan, and the Pakistani government has said it is preparing legal action over New Delhi’s decision. Fire also has been exchanged along the Line of Control (LoC), the 740km (460-mile) de-facto border separating Indian- and Pakistani-controlled areas of Kashmir, prompting international calls to de-escalate tensions. On Tuesday, the United States urged the two countries to work towards a “responsible solution”. “We are reaching out to both parties, and telling … them to not escalate the situation,” a Department of State spokesperson told reporters, quoting a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The spokesperson added that Rubio would speak to the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan on Tuesday or Wednesday and encouraged other foreign ministers to do the same. The United Nations also said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and “underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences”. (Al Jazeera)
Young student earns Top Results in Both O/L & A/L Exams in 2024
Ranuli Wijesirwardhana, a student of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, has achieved remarkable success by completing both the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations within the same year. In May 2024, Ranuli sat for the 2023 (2024) G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination, earning 8 As and 1 B, with the B in English Literature. Just a few months later, in November 2024, she took the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the Physical Science stream, securing 3 As and achieving an impressive island rank of 963. While completing her Grade 10 studies, Ranuli simultaneously prepared for the A/L curriculum. Since students below a certain age are not permitted to sit for the A/L examination through school enrollment, she withdrew from formal schooling and completed the exam as a private candidate. Her father, a teacher with 20 years of experience, emphasized that Sri Lanka’s education system should provide greater flexibility for gifted students to advance faster. He noted that while graduates in Sri Lanka typically enter the workforce at 26 or 27 years old, graduates in other countries often do so by 21 or 22, and that accelerating educational pathways would benefit both individuals and the national economy. Ranuli’s extraordinary achievement has reignited discussions on the need for reforms to better support and nurture exceptionally talented students.
Massive Waste Surge Hits Kandy Following Sacred Tooth Relic Exposition
Following the prestigious ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ special exposition, an overwhelming 625 tonnes of waste has accumulated at Kandy’s Gohagoda landfill, creating significant environmental challenges for the historic city. During a recent inspection of the increasingly strained facility, Kandy Municipal Commissioner Indika Kumari Abeysinghe announced plans to collaborate with the Colombo Municipal Council to incinerate the massive waste buildup. The sacred Tooth Relic exposition, which lasted 10 days and marked the first such ceremony in 16 years, was organized at the request of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event attracted thousands of devotees to Kandy, resulting in heavily littered streets that prompted numerous public and private organizations to volunteer for cleanup efforts. This waste management crisis compounds Kandy’s existing disposal challenges, as the city continues to struggle with limited landfill capacity. The infrastructure for managing waste disposal faced unprecedented pressure due to the scale of this significant cultural and religious event.
A/L 2024: Despite School Disruption from False Allegations, Dr. Shafi’s Daughter Achieves Medical Dream
The daughter of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen, who was at the centre of a widely publicized false sterilisation allegation in 2019, has earned admission to a state medical faculty after achieving outstanding results at the 2024 GCE Advanced Level examination. Despite being forced to leave school due to the intense public scrutiny and mental pressure faced by her family during the controversy, she showed remarkable resilience and determination, sitting for the exam as a private candidate. She achieved 3 As in the Science stream, securing a district rank of 12 and an island rank of 357, earning her place at a state-run medical faculty. Earlier, she had excelled at the GCE Ordinary Level examination as well, securing 9 As, and had publicly expressed her dream of following in her father’s footsteps by becoming a doctor to serve the people. The case against Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen was later dismissed after investigations found no evidence to support the allegations. His daughter’s remarkable achievement stands as a powerful testament to her perseverance and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Siri Dalada Wandanawa Concludes Tomorrow
The Siri Dalada Wandanawa, began at 11:00 AM today as well, and concluded at 5:30 PM. At the request of the President, the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” is being held under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, and under the direction of the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. The veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which resumed on April 18 after a lapse of 16 years, is scheduled to conclude tomorrow. A large number of devotees participated in paying homage during this period. Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela confirmed that the veneration period will not be extended beyond tomorrow. Meanwhile, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta repeated his appeal to the public to avoid traveling to Kandy for the veneration, noting that many devotees are still present in the city. Several dansals were organized to support the visiting pilgrims.
why viewing hours of the Sacred Tooth Relic cannot be extended.
The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple (Sri Dalada Maligawa) responds to questions about why viewing hours of the Sacred Tooth Relic cannot be extended. Here is the detailed explanation provided by the Dalada Maligawa: Even Kings Were Denied Entry: Why Can’t the Sacred Tooth Relic Be Shown All Day? Many people ask why the Sacred Tooth Relic is only displayed from 12:00 to 5:30 PM. “Why can’t it be shown all day? Can’t it be shown at night too?” some argue. This is not possible. This is the tradition of the Sacred Tooth Relic that has been maintained with great reverence since royal times until today. These traditions cannot be changed arbitrarily. The Sacred Tooth Relic is regarded as the living Buddha himself. Therefore, it is attended to with the same reverence. There are three ritual services (Thewawa) for the Sacred Tooth Relic: From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, there is meal time for the monks. Between these services, the longest continuous period available for worship is from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. That is why this time is specifically allocated for public veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This tradition was not changed even for the kings during royal times. Once the service was completed and doors were closed, they were not reopened even for the king of the country. After the evening service when the doors to the inner chamber were closed, they were not reopened even for King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha. In the past, there was only one evening service. Because of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha, a second service was established. The king would visit daily to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic. One day, the king arrived late for worship. A messenger was sent to inform the chief monk responsible for the service about the king’s delay, but by then all ritual services had been completed, the inner palace had been purified, incense had been burned, fragrant water had been sprinkled, and the doors had been closed. The chief monk stated that once the service was completed and the doors of the inner palace were closed, they should not be reopened under any circumstance. The king arrived but was not angered by this. Instead, he requested permission from the chief monk to conduct a second offering of medicinal porridge (Gilanpasa) going forward. This was approved, and from that day until today, this tradition continues with an additional Gilanpasa offering. This incident shows that after the evening service of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the doors to the chamber were not opened even for the king of the country. The service of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a tradition that has been carried out with great reverence by our Buddhist clergy. These cannot be changed for any reason now. Therefore, there is no use in arguing about the viewing hours of the Sacred Tooth Relic. We must respect and submit to these traditions. No one is forced to visit the Sacred Tooth Relic. If standing in long lines is difficult, one may stay home without blaming anyone. Rather than standing in line for days and developing negative feelings while worshipping the Sacred Tooth Relic, it would be better to worship the Tooth Relic as best as you can without looking for faults. That merit will be yours. If you misuse words and suffer throughout samsara, that suffering will also be yours. Therefore, do not look for faults. Worship the Sacred Tooth Relic during the available viewing hours as best as you can. Read about the traditional details of the ritual services. Reading them will help you understand what kind of reverence and offerings are made to the Sacred Tooth Relic.
A Nation Still Healing: Remembering the Easter Sunday Attack in Sri Lanka
On the peaceful morning of April 21, 2019, as families dressed in their Sunday best and gathered in churches across Sri Lanka to celebrate Easter—a day symbolizing hope and resurrection—terror tore through the heart of the nation. Coordinated suicide bombings struck three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, claiming the lives of over 250 innocent people, including children, and injuring hundreds more. What was meant to be a day of joy turned into a national tragedy, one that left permanent scars on the soul of the island nation. The shock was immediate. The sorrow was unbearable. The fear was real. For a country that had only recently emerged from a brutal civil war, the Easter Sunday attacks were a painful reminder of the fragility of peace. Families who had gathered to celebrate life were instead torn apart in seconds. Survivors watched in horror as loved ones were lost, churches collapsed, and the joyous hymns were replaced by cries of pain and confusion. St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, and Zion Church in Batticaloa—places of worship and sanctuary—became scenes of devastation. The images from that day remain etched in the minds of millions: shattered glass windows, blood-stained pews, and candles still flickering amidst the rubble. This was not just an attack on a specific community or religion. It was an attack on humanity, on the idea that faith should be free and safe. Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims all wept together that day. The grief was shared across all religions, across every region of the country. In the aftermath, Sri Lanka came together in mourning. Vigils were held. Black flags waved over homes. People of different faiths held hands in prayer. The silence that fell across the island was one of deep respect, heartbreak, and unity. But beyond the grief, questions arose. How could such an attack happen again in a country that had already suffered so much? Who failed to act on the intelligence? Where was the accountability? Even today, justice feels elusive to many families who lost everything. There are still wounds that haven’t healed—questions that remain unanswered, and a deep, aching need for closure. The pain is personal, yet collective. For the victims, justice is not just about punishing the perpetrators, but about ensuring that no one else ever suffers such a loss again. And yet, amid the sorrow, stories of incredible courage emerged. Strangers who rushed into burning churches to rescue the wounded. Doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to save lives. Religious leaders who called for peace instead of retaliation. Survivors who forgave, choosing love over hate. The Easter Sunday attacks tried to break Sri Lanka, but instead, they reminded the world of the country’s enduring spirit. A spirit forged through pain, resilience, and a hope that peace will always prevail, even in the face of unimaginable darkness. As we remember that black Sunday, let us honor the victims by standing for peace, by demanding justice, and by choosing unity over division. Because the most powerful way to defeat terror is not through fear—but through love. We remember. We mourn. We stand together.
Walampoori or seven and a Half Dreams by Lakmal Darmarathna.
Photo Caption: “In this film, my ‘Koombio’ viewers might get upset with me. Take Jehan for instance, he’s a larger-than-life hero. But if you take Sidney, that’s not the case. He’s an ordinary man.” By now, you may have heard the song “Bambaru Andanna” from Lakmal Darmarathna’s debut film. Lakmal is the director of the highly popular local TV series “Koombio” (Ants). His first cinematic creation, “Walampoori or Seven and a Half Dreams,” is scheduled to screen across the island from April 25, and will also be released in “more than 15 countries” simultaneously. The TV series “Koombio” features a storyline about “a player from Colombo’s lower class who plays games for the upper class.” The film “Walampoori” is also based on a similar story of 8 people born in villages far from the capital, who abandoned education and seek various “shortcuts” to make ends meet. They are all engaged in temporary jobs. The team leader is Sidney Dias. He makes a living by helping patients find blood, kidneys, and accommodations for patients’ families near a major hospital. Another person sells wooden Buddha statues to foreigners near Sigiriya Rock, claiming they are antique statues. Among them are also a circus deadly pit announcer, a barber, a swami, and a police officer. “Akka” (Sister) whom you meet in the film is “a former mistress of a wealthy man in Colombo who now struggles intensely in the battle of life, expending all forms of labor, sexual and non-sexual.” They come together “to somehow sell a Walampoori for millions and achieve happiness and comfort in their lives.” The cast includes actors Priyantha Sirikumara, Dilhani Ekanayake, Sarath Kothalawala, Wasantha Moragoda, Thumindhu Dodantenna, Dharshan Dharmaraj, Anjan Premaratna, Ashan Dias, Udayanthi Kulatunga, King Ratnam, and Niroshan Wijesinghe. “We have a shortcut life, you know. We buy lottery tickets morning and evening. Or we earn commissions. The reason is, we can’t live life on the right path upwards like this. So we’re always looking for alternative routes. Our whole life is built with alternatives. Some find their Walampoori. Others don’t. This is the metaphor we use, and that we are each other’s villains at all times. We always think that in films, the villain needs to come from outside, the hero needs to be larger than life,” said ‘Walampoori’ director Lakmal Darmarathna to BBC Sinhala, commenting on his debut film set for release. He mentioned that some viewers of the ‘Koombio’ TV series might be upset with him because of the ‘Walampoori’ film. “In this film, my ‘Koombio’ viewers might get upset with me. Take Jehan for instance, he’s a larger-than-life hero. But if you take Sidney, that’s not the case. He’s an ordinary man. He mostly gets beaten up. He’s a super hero who gets beaten up,” he said. “I think what Walampoori the film is really about is the journey of people who exist below the standard societal agreements, trying to find heaven in their lives, and the true exhaustion that comes with it,” Lakmal added.
Matheesha Pathirana – Next Malinga
In the ever-evolving world of cricket, Sri Lanka has consistently produced world-class talent. From the unplayable Yorkers of Lasith Malinga to the wizardry of Muttiah Muralitharan, the island nation has made a lasting impression on the global cricket stage. Now, a new name is making waves—Matheesha Pathirana, a young fast bowler dubbed by many as the “next Malinga.” Early Life and Background Born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana grew up with a passion for cricket. From a young age, he was recognized for his unusual slingy bowling action—reminiscent of his idol Lasith Malinga. His unique style quickly gained attention in domestic circuits and junior cricket tournaments, earning him the nickname “Baby Malinga.” Pathirana first rose to prominence during the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he represented Sri Lanka. Though his appearances were brief, his raw pace and unorthodox action caught the eye of scouts and analysts around the world. IPL Breakthrough The turning point in Matheesha’s career came in 2022 when he was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Initially brought in as a replacement player, Pathirana stunned fans and pundits with his toe-crushing yorkers and deceptive slower balls. Under the mentorship of MS Dhoni and the CSK coaching staff, his game matured rapidly. During the 2023 IPL season, Pathirana emerged as one of CSK’s key bowlers in the death overs. His ability to deliver under pressure earned him comparisons not only to Malinga but also placed him among the top emerging fast bowlers in the world. International Career Pathirana made his T20 International debut for Sri Lanka in August 2022. While still early in his international journey, his performances in franchise cricket have made him a strong contender for regular inclusion in the national squad across formats. With Sri Lanka looking to rebuild and strengthen its pace attack, Pathirana offers a promising future. His ability to bowl consistently above 140 km/h, coupled with a deceptive slower delivery, makes him a potent weapon—especially in T20 and ODI cricket. Style and Strengths What sets Matheesha Pathirana apart is his slinging action, which creates awkward angles and makes it difficult for batters to pick the ball. His strengths include: The Road Ahead As of 2025, Matheesha Pathirana is considered one of Sri Lanka’s brightest cricketing prospects. With franchise experience under his belt and increasing international exposure, he is poised to become a mainstay in the Sri Lankan bowling attack. If nurtured well, Pathirana could carry forward the legacy of Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling greats and lead the team into a new era of cricketing excellence.