After Assad: Is Syria the New Libya in the Mediterranean? is a provocative and unrelenting dissection of a nation’s catastrophic descent into turmoil. Journalist Nilantha Ilangamuwa crafts a compelling narrative that examines the seismic aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s fall. The book does more than recount events—it compels readers to confront the intricate web of foreign interventions, regional ambitions, and internal fractures that have turned Syria into a theatre of devastation.

“I penned this brief reflection on Syria, driven by curiosity and compassion, but shaped by personal experiences that linger heavily in my thoughts. My encounters with Syrian journalists, politicians, and social activists during workshops and international seminars in cities such as Beijing, Tehran, Cairo, Doha, and Florence brought profound insights into a nation disintegrated by war and greed,” Ilangamuwa writes, adding, “If you travel at night from Tehran to Doha at lower altitudes, the contrast becomes brutally clear: one side sparkling with skyscrapers and lights, the other cloaked in darkness, a stark symbol of neglect and the endless weight of conflict. This image offers a haunting reminder of disparities and how ambitions have torn apart a once vibrant region.”

The book draws haunting parallels between post-Assad Syria and Libya following Gaddafi’s collapse. “The looting, territorial gains, and competing military interventions currently unfolding paint a grim picture of Syria’s precarious future,” the author writes, comparing the destruction of Syria’s institutions to Libya’s infamous descent into chaos.

What makes this work particularly impactful is the way it contextualises Syria’s tragedy within the broader dynamics of global power. The author is unsparing in his critique of foreign players. “Turkey’s strategic ambitions—particularly its desire to remove Kurdish autonomy—mirror its actions during the Syrian refugee crisis,” he notes, highlighting calculated geopolitical manoeuvres that prioritise power over humanitarian concerns. Similarly, Israel’s incursions into the Golan Heights and the United States’ shifting alliances are scrutinised with incisive detail. The author does not hesitate to label these actions as part of a broader strategy of exploitation. “Syria is not merely a battleground between Assad and his opposition. It is the epicentre of competing strategic goals,” he declares.

The book also examines internal struggles that exacerbate Syria’s plight. The rise of extremist factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the fracturing of opposition forces, and the manipulation of local conflicts by external actors are portrayed as symptoms of a deeper malaise. “What began as a cry for dignity and justice has now devolved into a battleground for dominance,” the author observes, driving home the tragic irony of Syria’s uprising. The 112-page book is available on Amazon (https://a.co/d/0CJlhDx). After Assad is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of post-Assad Syria. It is a masterfully written, deeply thought-provoking work that demands to be read and reckoned with.

NSBM Green University, the premier degree awarding institute in Sri Lanka, commenced its annual General Convocation Week for 2024 yesterday (9th December). This ceremonious celebration of NSBM’s graduating Class of 2024 is scheduled to extend until 11th December, encompassing 9 distinct sessions at the NSBM Auditorium with renowned guests, scholars, parents, and students serving as distinguished patrons. During Convocation Week, the university ceremonially confers degrees to over 1500 graduands representing its faculties of Business, Computing, Engineering, Science and Postgraduate Studies.

Day 1 of the ceremony featured 3 sessions where graduates of the Business and Computing degree programs offered by NSBM Green University, as well as those earning degrees in affiliation with University College Dublin, Ireland, were conferred their degrees. Each session was honoured by the presence of distinguished Chief Guests, who delivered inspiring and motivational addresses that brought encouragement and insight to the graduates and the audience.

The first session was graced by Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Session 2 was honoured by Mr. Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, while the third session saw the distinguished presence of Dr. Harsha Cabral, President’s Counsel.

Adding to the glamour of the day was the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of NSBM, Prof. E A Weerasinghe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chaminda Rathnayake, Head of Academic and Quality Assurance, Prof. J. Baratha Dodankotuwa, Deans, Heads, and Academics of NSBM.

The festivities of NSBM Convocation Week 2024 are set to continue in grandeur. In the days ahead, the ceremony shall confer the well-deserved degrees to students who undertook undergraduate degree programs at NSBM Green University in affiliation with prestigious foreign universities: University of Plymouth, United Kingdom, and Victoria University, Australia. Distinguished dignitaries, renowned academics, foreign diplomats and representatives of the foreign partner universities are invited to grace the upcoming sessions with their courteous presence.

Please contact Mr. Venura Colombage- Head of Marketing, for further information.

Email: [email protected] | Mobile: 0715837369

December 10, Colombo (LNW): US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung recently held separate discussions with Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, focusing on climate adaptation, energy transition, and sustainability.

In her meeting with Minister Patabendi, Ambassador Chung emphasized collaborative efforts to address shared priorities, including agricultural sustainability and energy transition. She highlighted USAID-supported programs aligned with Sri Lanka’s goals, aiming to strengthen climate resilience and mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

“Collaboration is essential as climate impacts continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities,” the Ambassador stated in a post on ‘X’.

Meanwhile, discussions with Minister Jayakody centered on advancing affordable, sustainable, and secure energy solutions for Sri Lanka. Ambassador Chung reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting local initiatives that promote climate resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

Additionally, the Ambassador highlighted ongoing initiatives in waste management, circular economy practices, and green finance, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches to achieving sustainability goals.

These engagements underscore the deepening partnership between the US and Sri Lanka in addressing climate challenges and fostering sustainable development.

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to fully exercising his authority to combat fraud and corruption, stressing that laws are meaningless if those in power fail to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Under the theme “Let us be exemplary pioneers of a proud nation,” the event brought together stakeholders to address the pressing issue of corruption. Addressing the event, the Head of the State highlighted the inefficiency of existing mechanisms.
2. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office has issued a statement, claiming that the former President did not issue any liquor licenses in violation of the rules and regulations of the Excise Department. The statement further highlighted that the government has received a revenue of over Rs. 3.1 billion during the first nine months of this year through the new liquor licenses issued during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as the President.
3. Medical experts have emphasized that the unnecessary and incorrect use of antibiotics poses significant harm to human body by fostering resistance in the body, which reduces the effectiveness of these drugs.
4. The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung has emphasized commitment to assist Sri Lanka’ s energy future as well as the collaboration for climate adaptation, energy transition, and agricultural sustainability in the country.
5. The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called on the government to ensure proper payment of allowances for principals and teachers assigned to the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination duties. Speaking at a press conference, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin highlighted confusion caused by recent circulars issued by the Commissioner General of Examinations regarding transportation allowances for examination staff.
6. The latest statistics of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) revealed a total of 1,804,873 tourist arrivals so far this year, bringing the count much closer to the target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals set for 2024. The recent report revealed 184,158 tourist arrivals in the country between November 01 and 30. During the third week of last month, 42,376 tourist arrivals were recorded as the highest number of arrivals.
7. The former Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), ASP Nevil Silva has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
8. The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two former Sri Lankan officials for their involvement in significant corruption. Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, is accused of accepting bribes to ensure the airline purchased overpriced Airbus aircraft. Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, allegedly orchestrated a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force.
9. The Freedom People’s Congress (Nidahasa Janatha Sabhawa) alleges that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s action to postpone the election without any justifiable reason is a “political abortion committed after a mass corruption as well as an economic murder committed financially”.
10. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to seek public opinion regarding a proposal by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to maintain current electricity tariffs for the first six months of next year. PUCSL Chairman Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal said that public consultations will begin in two weeks. The Commission has also initiated a special study on the CEB’s proposal.

December 10, Colombo (LNW): Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata handed over emergency relief supplies to Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha on Saturday (7) to support victims affected by recent floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka.

The ceremony, held at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), was attended by Major General Udaya Herath, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka, and Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office.

The relief items donated include 230 tents, 1,300 sleeping pads, and 30 rolls of tarpaulin sheets. Ambassador Isomata expressed his condolences to those affected and reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka during this challenging time.

Additionally, Japan has provided urgent life-saving kits to women in the Northern and Eastern Provinces through a UNFPA project funded by the Japanese Government. JICA has also distributed hygiene products and essential medicines in the Mannar District of the Northern Province to address immediate needs during the ongoing disaster.

This assistance underscores Japan’s commitment to extending solidarity and aid to Sri Lanka in times of crisis.