In what the New York Times declared as a “dark day for the rule of law” on December 11, 2012, HSBC, the world’s second largest bank, failed to be indicted for extensive criminal activities in laundering money to and from regimes under sanctions, Mexican drug cartels, and terrorist organizations (including al-Qaeda). While admitting culpability, and with guilt assured, state and federal authorities …

Numbers or people? Migrants at Lampedusa. Credit: Ilaria Vechi/IPS UNITED NATIONS, Dec 13 2012 (IPS) – The United Nations will commemorate its annual International Migrants Day next week amidst reports of a rising tide of anti-migrant sentiments – primarily in Europe. The dramatic increase in hatred towards migrants has been triggered by several factors, including the economic crisis in Europe, the …

  Praise be to Allaah and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger and upon his family and companions.   The Muslim student puts his trust in Allaah when facing the tests of this world, and he seeks His help whilst following the prescribed means, in accordance with the words of the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): …

  Praise be to Allaah.    In Islam there is an etiquette for eating, which is divided into four categories:    1 – Etiquette before eating:  1 – Washing the hands before eating. The hands should be washed before eating, so that they may be clean when a person eats with them, and so that he will not be harmed by …

Sri Lanka’s Rifti Muhammed Rizwan, who came first in the international Holy Quran recital contest, held at Mecca in Saudi Arabia recently, returned to the country on Wednesday. Eighty six countries participated in the event.   This is the first time that a Sri Lankan had secured the top slot in this prestigious international contest.   The Deputy Minister of …

Applications are invited from Sri Lankan students for nomination to undergraduate course in Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Medicine (MBBS) and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) under the Self-Financing Scheme for the academic year 2013-14 against the reserved seats of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India.   2.       As per revised guidelines applicable from the academic session …