Opinion
SCREEN ADDICTION: AN UPSHOT THAT IS EVEN WORSE THAN OUR WORST NIGHTMARES

by Dr B. J. C. Perera
MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD(Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hony. FCGP(SL)
Specialist Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Senior Fellow, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
All of us know for sure, and for that matter, even the entire world is quite well-informed, of the current scenario of a supposedly bankrupt Sri Lanka that has over the last couple of years gone through arguably the most difficult time in its history. Many a catastrophe has pummelled our Motherland in waves of unparalleled regularity and unprecedented fury. These included the COVID-19 pandemic, complete disruption of education, rampant inflation, depreciation of our currency, political instability, woefully poor governance, all kinds of economic cataclysms, mass protests in the streets by the common populace, total loss of law and order, galloping inflation, non-availability of essentials, drug shortages, paucities of fuel, food insecurity, starvation of the poor and the marginalised, as well as rampant malnutrition. Although some powers that be postulate that with the International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility that was awarded to Sri Lanka, we will reach the light at the end of the tunnel and the splendour of a promised land in a couple of years, it seems to be empty but pompous rhetoric.
In our quest towards recovery, we will have to jump deftly over many a hurdle and overcome countless adversities that lay in our path. All of us are well aware of the possible hard times ahead. Yet for all that, many people do not realise the looming danger of a terribly undesirable demon, perhaps quite unsuspected up to now, that is lurking in the background. That fiend that is thought to practically possess an individual is screen addiction. That phenomenon comes about when there is a compulsive dependence on using far too many of all kinds of electronic screens for far too long a time during a 24-hour day. This can be by watching too much television, excessive use of Smart Mobile Phones, playing video games, constantly scrolling through social media, watching YouTube videos, or using other Smartphone Applications; conversationally referred to as ‘Apps.’ In those affected, their lives revolve around screens; very often almost totally.
Using currently available scientific evidence the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that infants under one year of age should not be exposed to any type of screens, no more than an hour for those between 1 to 2 years with preferably lesser time allowed for it and for 3 to 4 or even 5-year-olds, just one hour a day, co-viewing with parents or siblings. In many other portals, the accepted latest recommendation is to limit the recreational screen time of children 5 to 18 years with the proviso that parents be their child’s ‘media mentor’; which means teaching the children how to use these devices as a tool to create, connect, learn, and develop their personalities most positively.
Although the following numbers might shock some people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Atlanta, Georgia, reports that the currently prevalent average daily screen time by different age groups is six hours for 8 to 10-year-olds, nine hours for 11 to 14-year-olds and seven and a half hours for 15 to 18-year-olds. These “leisure time” activities with all types of screens do not even include the time children spend on screens for their school work. However, the crux of the matter is that all these times are way over the recommended maximum amount of screen time for these ages.
In a recent study done in Sri Lanka in a sub-urban area with 340 randomly selected preschool children and published in the reputed journal BMC Pediatrics in 2022, the authors found that the vast majority, well over 50 per cent of the evaluated children were using screens for more time than the recommended time allowances.
One of the most undesirable consequences of screen addiction is that it drastically eats into the time that a child should be spending in exercise and playing, as well as time spent sleeping, all of which are essential components of growing up. The sedentary status that is an invariable accompaniment of screen addiction is a harbinger of many medical problems in later life. The undesirable effects of a sedentary lifestyle are well-known and should be taken to heart by all parents.
For years, we have been warned about the addictive and harmful impact of heavy smartphone and internet use, with physicians and brain specialists raising red flags regarding the cognitive price humans pay for unrestricted usage of these technologies. Many of us now recognise that we are addicts, often joking about it in an attempt to lessen the seriousness of this realisation. But what had been missing to drive home the fact of digital dependency, was an honest admission by those who design the technologies that such was their intended goal. This has now changed as a cadre of Information Technology (IT) Professionals recently broke their silence on the subject, revealing the subtle motivations behind the creation of some of the world’s most popular apps. Such revelations by IT professionals and social media executives confirm that their products were intentionally designed to “consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible.” As a fundamental human need and capacity, our attention is an invaluable resource for learning and reflection, which at the same time, makes us susceptible to manipulation and control. Understanding how this process works can help us avoid surrendering our minds for the profit of others and the cultural “run to the bottom.”
Research studies have also shown that being sedentary can have significant developmental consequences. The following are among them.
* Children are less likely to have the fine motor skills necessary for writing when entering kindergarten.
* Vocabulary, communication skills and eye contact are reduced.
* Developmental delays are documented with increased device use. Screen time, for instance, has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms.
* Attention, decision-making and cognitive control are reduced.
* Creativity also suffers. Screen time interferes with problem-solving.
* Psychiatric disorders have been reported with excessive screen usage.
* A premature thinning of the cerebral cortex, based on brain scans.
Screen addiction is a real phenomenon, and too much use can lead to health risks. From physical eye strain and increased risk for weight gain, to mental health consequences and sleep disturbances. Time spent with screen devices has tangible effects on the well-being of children. Whatever the reason, it should be clear that too much screen time poses certain health risks; both physical and mental.
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology (AACAP), too much screen time in children can lead to a myriad of problems. These include:
* Sleep problems.
* Lower grades in school.
* Weight problems.
* Mood glitches.
* Poor self-image and body image issues.
* Fear of missing out.
Also, the AACAP warns that screen time can often take the place of other worthwhile activities, which include reading books, engaging in outdoor physical activity, and spending time with family and friends. This last one severely interferes with socialising and developing sterling qualities while growing up.
A ground-breaking study by The National Institutes of Health of the USA is looking at how screen time affects children’s brains. The study is in its infancy, but early results suggested that kids who engaged in more than two hours of daily screen time showed premature thinning of the cerebral cortex; the area of the brain responsible for processing information and controlling functions like memory, thought, and voluntary movements.
Screen addiction can have tremendous effects on the psyche and the mind of children. Many children are now brought to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics with a plethora of problems which have a direct connection with screen addiction. Many issues seem to come up when parents try to restrict the excessive usage of screens. Some children and adolescents have become withdrawn, and sometimes even violent in those circumstances. There are problems with social interaction with family members and friends and misguided behaviour patterns as a result of the addiction. In many households, restriction of “screen time” often leads to “scream time.” In many ways, screen time acts as a stimulant, not unlike cocaine, amphetamines, or caffeine. It is also quite pertinent to point out that, through a complex interaction with many brain functions, screen addiction can mimic almost all psychiatric disorders. Psychologists as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists can unquestionably help in situations that lead to childhood behaviour problems which occur as a result of screen addiction.
If this trend continues it will be a disaster of monumental proportions. Screen addiction interferes with society’s total social fabric, with a telling negative influence on societal integration. We will go on to produce an unbalanced, maladjusted, intolerant, and even less intelligent Sri Lankan population in the not-too-distant future. This is the last thing we want; one which all of us need like a hole in the head. The time for action is now and action must be taken without any further delay.
I hope it is undeniably clear that screen addiction is a major problem for the future of our younger generations and our beloved Motherland. It is a plague a lot worse than anything that we have gone through so far. Hence the mesmerising title of this article should make everyone sit up and take note thereof.
Opinion
A reflection on discipline and perspective

Crime and Punishment are perennial, vexed, debatable matters that can aptly be applied to the current controversy on the appropriateness of corporal punishment by schoolteachers.
Much publicity has recently been generated by an alleged corporal punishment by a teacher in Royal College. In the midst of all this, we must also consider the ripple effect such public scrutiny may have on other teachers. Many might now hesitate to correct or discipline a student out of fear of being misunderstood or publicly shamed.
A possible likely outcome is that a growing number of teachers may simply choose to limit themselves to merely textbook teaching – doing only what is required of them and nothing more. But if most teachers take a step back, fearing a backlash, what happens to discipline? What happens to the values, the life lessons and the personal growth that come from being held accountable? We risk creating a system where young students grow up without boundaries, without guidance, and ultimately, without the character that true education is meant to build.
The Royal matter
Much has been said over the recent incident involving a teacher at Royal College, which has now gone viral on social media. This is now in the hands of the Child Protection Authority, and naturally, emotions are running high.
Let me start by saying categorically that I do not condone violence or abuse in any form. If a student has been harmed—physically or emotionally—there is a legal process in place, and it must take its course, fairly and justly, without bias.
However, I write not to justify wrong, but to offer some perspective—especially to those who may not know the culture and values that shaped generations of Royalists before them.
I’m not an academic, nor a brilliant thinker. What I am is someone who learned life’s greatest lessons on the playing fields of Royal. Discipline, resilience, respect—these were not just words; they were lived experiences, often taught the hard way.
During my time at Royal Primary (from 1945 to 1950), corporal punishment was the norm. We were mischievous, as young boys often are, and the cane was a regular visitor. I, like many others, was caned more times than I can count. We didn’t run home to complain. In fact, the one time I told my mother, I received two additional slaps from her! That was the thinking back then—it taught us to take responsibility for our actions.
Let me be clear: I’m not saying things must remain the same. Times have changed and so have the boundaries of what is acceptable. What I’m questioning is the way we are responding as if one or two incidents can define the entire teaching profession at Royal.
There are nearly 500 teachers at Royal College now. Most are committed educators who give their best every single day. Why must we paint them all with the same brush because of the actions of a few?
We seem to be caught between two extremes: we complain about student indiscipline—hooting, bullying, misbehaving—but then we condemn every teacher who takes a strong stand on discipline. We can’t have it both ways.
Yes, Royal too has its share of “rotten apples.” So does every great institution in the world. But let us not forget the thousands of students who have been shaped by the silent, committed service of teachers who never sought recognition or fame.
I’ve personally experienced forms of punishment that, by today’s standards, would be considered extreme. Yet, those moments, though harsh, taught me resilience. They instilled in me the values that made Royal College the respected institution it is today.
I urge you all not to excuse wrongdoing—but to look at this situation in perspective. Let justice take its course but let us not allow a single incident to overshadow the legacy of an entire institution or profession.
Let’s respond with fairness, wisdom, and above all, respect—for our students, our teachers, and the Royal values we stand for.
Lorenz Pereira by email
Opinion
Remembering Naval Officer we lost on Easter Sunday Attack 2019

WV, RWP& Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc (Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras), Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defense Staff, Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd, Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Former High Commissioner to Pakistan
Today, is 20 April 2025 the Easter Sunday. Six years ago on Easter Sunday 2019. SLCG Ship Suraksha, a 100 meter long Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), was getting ready for a 14-days Patrol. Her tanks were topped up with fuel, all victuals (required for 10 officers and 100 men crew for 14 days) loaded. Both cold and cool rooms were full with fresh fish/meat and vegetables. Ship was ready to sail at 12 noon on 21st April 2019.
A young lieutenant on board, who took over his new appointment as assistant logistic Officer a few days back, was working hard. It was a new appointment, new ship, new friends and new crew, for him. He was keen to impress them with his work. A call came from home around 7AM from his mother to say they are on their way to the village Church in Kochchikade, Negombo.
He was the second son of a devoted Catholic family.
He thought of one thing. I am going miss Easter Sunday Mass. He suddenly got an idea and quickly went up to the Commanding Officer’s cabin. He gently tapped on the door.”Yes” the Commanding Officer replied. “The door is open”. His Commanding Officer was a decorated former Naval Special Forces Captain. He had served with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard on a two year tenure as Commanding Officer of OPVs. The young Lieutenant requested the Commanding Officer’s permission to go to Church. Even though the Commanding Officer was a veteran decorated Naval Officer with a career of bravery and valour, he was very understanding.
After all, his young subordinate was requesting to go to church on Easter Sunday, an important holy day for Christians. He knew his junior was a Catholic. He himself also was a devoted Catholic and had attended midnight Easter Mass. He gave permission to the young officer to go to Church and also said a few words which he regrets today. “Sugath, the closest Church to us is St Anthony’s Church Kochikade here. It was customary for many Naval personnel, whether they are Catholics or not, to light a candle in this church when they get their new seagoing appointment. We turn our ships towards church before leaving Colombo harbour to get the blessings of St Anthony. Because as you are very well aware, St Anthony is the Saint who looks after seafarers like us. So, please go Son. Take the ship’s vehicle. Come back by 11. We are sailing at 12.”
The young Lieutenant quickly changed into his best civilian clothes and went to church. He was thinking of lighting a candle, praying and returning to the ship in the same vehicle. The time was 0830. He heard the announcement that the Tamil mass starts at 0840. The Church was full of devotees. Families with their children dressed in best Sunday dresses. They were happy, chatting to each other and eagerly waiting for Mass to start. Our young Lieutenant spoke and understood Tamil very well. So, he changed his mind. His CO had told him to come back by 11. There was enough time for him to attend the Tamil Mass. He told the Navy driver to go back. He told the driver “I will attend Mass and come back to the ship. I can get a three-wheeler. It’s not that far from here to the Naval Base”.
The Tamil Mass started at 0840 sharp. The suicide bomber walked into the Church at 0845 and detonated himself.
With the deafening sound the Naval Base by the Church was activated. News started to spread after the blast inside the Church. The CO of the SLCG ship Suraksha knew his subordinate was in church. He rang on his mobile while rushing to the scene. The young lieutenant’s Mobile was ringing, but no answer. Ship’s crew look out for their officer whilst helping casualties. CO rang the mobile of his subordinate officer again. This time someone answered! A female voice! She introduced herself as a nurse in Accident Ward of General Hospital Colombo. She said in a faint voice, “Sir, he is dead!”
The CO sat on the road curb with tears in his eyes. He was a battle-hardened Naval Special Forces man. He had seen enough deaths and grief in his life, but this loss hit him hard. He kept saying “my son! Why did I allow you to go to Church.”
Lieutenant (S) Sugath Nadeeshan Silva was born in Kochikade, Negombo on 23rd November 1991, the second son in the family. He had an elder and a younger brother. He had his early education at Thoppuwa St Philip Neri Sinhala Mixed School, Kochchikade and Mari Stella College, Negombo. He proved to be a brilliant student, excelling in studies and sports.
He joined Sir John Kotelawala University as an Officer Cadet on 17th September 2012.
Sugath excelled in cricket. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management in 2016 from KDU and successfully completed the Sub Lieutenant Logistics course at Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. He joined SLCG ship Suraksha as his first sea appointment when his untimely demise occurred caused by a terrorist attack. He was promoted posthumously to Lieutenant Commander and buried with full military honours. May he Rest in Peace!
At the going down and in the morning, we will remember him. Please remember him in your prayers.
By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne
Opinion
Remembering Lankan squash veteran Lakdasa Cooray

Five years ago today, the Sri Lankan squash fraternity bid farewell to one of its most dedicated and influential figures — Lakdasa Cooray.
Hailing from Moratuwa, Cooray entered the national squash scene representing Sri Lanka Army Squash in the early 1980s, not long after the establishment of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation. Being a former Defence Services Champion and Masters Player and talented all-round sportsman, he possessed a natural aptitude for coaching, which soon became his lifelong passion. Remarkably, many of the top squash players in the country rose through the ranks under his expert guidance, often provided without any remuneration.
Over a career that spanned more than three decades, Cooray served as Head Coach for numerous national teams on international tours. His reputation extended beyond Sri Lanka, earning him recognition across the Asian squash community.
He also contributed significantly to the development of the sport at the grassroots level. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation, he worked tirelessly to promote squash in schools, clubs and outstation regions throughout the country.
Beyond coaching, Cooray was a respected referee, known for his fearless decision-making that often silenced even the most vocal critics, be they passionate spectators or competitive players.
His influence extended to inspiring players from the tri-services to take up coaching themselves, many of whom have proven their calibre at the highest levels of the sport.
In his later years, his active role in the squash community somewhat diminished, especially following the tragic passing of his only son, skilled squash player Kavinda Cooray. Despite his declining health, his legacy endured.
Today, the squash community in Sri Lanka remembers Lakdasa Cooray not just as a coach or official, but as a true servant of the game: a man who gave his all and asked for nothing in return. A legend, never to be forgotten.Rear Admiral Palitha Weerasinghe (Rtd)
-
Business3 days ago
DIMO pioneers major fleet expansion with Tata SIGNA Prime Movers for ILM
-
Features5 days ago
Nipping the two leaves and the bud
-
News2 days ago
Family discovers rare species thought to be extinct for over a century in home garden
-
Features5 days ago
Avurudu celebrations … galore
-
Features4 days ago
Prof. Lal Tennekoon: An illustrious but utterly unpretentious and much -loved academic
-
Foreign News2 days ago
China races robots against humans in Beijing half marathon
-
Latest News7 days ago
Trump freezes $2bn in Harvard funding after university rejects demands
-
News5 days ago
Counsel for Pilleyan alleges govt. bid to force confession