Is there a Christian way to vote? – Prof. Priyan Dias

Prof. Priyan Dias reflects on these key questions and others and shows us how the scriptures can guide us in our decision making.

Continue Reading October 23rd, 2019

Can the gospel of Jesus be an answer to a divided nation?

In a country so divided, I see the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only way in which all the communities can find true healing and reconciliation with each other. I pray that our Christian fellowship is a witness to that truth.

Continue Reading Add comment October 23rd, 2019

The Real Threats to Free Education – Dr Vinoth Ramachandra

If university students, medical doctors and the JVP are really committed to free education, they should identify and help dismantle the real threats and not vent their fury on “soft” targets such as SAITM.

Continue Reading October 20th, 2019

A TARGUM ON MARY’S MAGNIFICAT (Luke 1:46-55)

During the Second Temple period with the Jewish community scattered in different regions and the spoken language being in transition, the Jewish Rabbis used a number of techniques to teach the Jewish Scriptures to the people. One such technique was a Targum (or Targumim). In a Targum the text of the scriptures would be read together with spoken paraphrases, explanations and expansions so that the text would become clearer and relevant to the listeners.

Continue Reading October 10th, 2019

Has Faith got anything to do with Science? – Priyan Dias

As part of his exploration about the use of faith in the field of Science, FOCUS graduate Priyan Dias, states that

“…the most interesting bits of science are the seemingly wild speculations that are made by scientists, completely ‘out of sync’ with everyday experience (or empiricism). It is through such bold conjectures that science grows…”

Read the entire article here http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=143441

Add comment April 10th, 2016

The Western Megapolis and National Unity – Priyan Dias

As Sri Lanka moves towards a phase of infrastructure development after the conflicts of the previous years it is important that developers reflect on the wider implications of their plans and projects. Taking the Western Megapolis idea as an example, FOCUS graduate Prof. Priyan Dias asks whether the proposed project will escalate regional inequality and sow the seeds for yet another conflict in the years to come.

See the full article at http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=141281

Add comment March 3rd, 2016

Proposal For New Constitution: University Academics’ Submission

The process for the formulation of a new constitution for Sri Lanka is now underway. Constitution making is an important chapter in the history of the country as it sets the legal framework for the country. As the process begins it is important for the public to be engaged in the discussions surrounding the drafting of the constitution as it will affect the lives of the people for years to come.

Recently, a collection of university academics submitted some preliminary observations that should be taken into account as we being this process. A significant number of these university academics are Christians from a FOCUS background who have taken into account lessons from our history as well as current realities in presenting these ideas to be seriously taken into account when drafting the new constitution. The full text of their submission can be read here – https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/proposal-for-new-constitution-university-academics-submission/.

Let us keep the whole of this process in our prayers at this crucial juncture of our nation’s history.

Add comment March 1st, 2016

To ETCA Or Not To ETCA: What Is The Question? – Ruvan Weerasinghe

The Sri Lanka Government’s resolve to sign an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India has generated much discussion in recent times. FOCUS graduate Ruvan Weerasinghe helps us to ask the right questions as we analyse the cost/benefits of the ETCA.

https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/to-etca-or-not-to-etca-what-is-the-question/

February 17th, 2016