Sri Lanka’s Muslims are heirs to a rich culinary tradition which has its ultimate origins in Arabia, India and the Malay world. Their cuisine is in a sense ‘international’. Here’s a brief survey of some of their more prominent foods and drinks and their origins. Buriyani – A favourite rice dish which figures prominently in local Muslim feasts is the buriyani, …

Dozens of Spanish film stars, directors, musicians and writers, led by Oscar winners Penelope Cruz and her husband Javier Bardem have denounced Israeli incursion into Gaza. In an open letter published on Tuesday, they described Israel’s actions as "genocide." They also called on the European Union to "condemn the bombing by land, sea and air against the Palestinian civilian population …

Hate-mongering Buddhist extremists in Sri Lanka have set off the country’s worst wave of anti-Muslim violence in years. A bloody rampage on June 15 in and near the southern city of Aluthgama left four Muslims dead, at least 78 people injured, and Muslim homes and businesses destroyed. The attacks followed an anti-Muslim rally organized by the Bodu Bala Sena, which …