Tamil Union outclass Nugegoda S&WC By M. Shamil Amit View(s): View(s):Tamil Union recorded an emphatic innings-and-141-run victory over Nugegoda Sports and Welfare Club in the SLC Major Club Plate encounter concluded at the Welagedara in Kurunegala yesterday. After resuming from their overnight score of 417-6, Tamil Union declared their innings, setting a massive target. Nugegoda S&WC, trailing by 329 runs, struggled in their second innings and were unable to bridge the gap, falling to the brilliant right-arm pace of Lahiru Samarakoon. Brief Scores At Kurunegala: Tamil Union beat Nugegoda S&WC by innings and 141 runs Nugegoda S&WC 88 all out (33.3) and 188 all out (88.3) at close (Akram Muthalib 57, Suwath Mendis 36n.o. ; Lahiru Samarakoon 6/46, Vijyayakanth Viyaskanth 2/60) Tamil Union 417 for 6 (123) decl (Navod Paranavithana 126, Minod Bhanuka 61, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 51n.o., Vihas Thewnika 46, Sachitha Jayatileke 37, Thulina Dilshan 33, Sineth Jayawardena 29; Suwath Mendis 3/71, T.M.

National Honour for Dr. Kavya Jayakody at WCIC Prathibabhisheka Awards View(s):In a moment of pride for Sri Lanka’s education and entrepreneurship sectors, Dr. Kavya Jayakody, Founder and Director of International Management Centre (Pvt) Ltd (IMC Campus), was conferred the National Award for Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Prathibabhisheka Awards, organised by the Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce (WCIC). The Prathibabhisheka Awards are recognised nationally for celebrating excellence and leadership, acknowledging individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contribution, innovation, and social impact in their respective fields. In recognition of this impact, IMC Campus was also awarded a Recognition Award at the ceremony,reaffirming its contribution to youth development and educational excellence. The presence of Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya at the awards ceremony further underscored the national importance of recognising women’s contributions to economic growth, education, and social progress. Looking ahead, Dr. Kavya views this milestone not as a culmination, but as a responsibility.

At Kurunegala: St. Anne’s beat De Mazenod by 8 wickets St. Anne’s 267 all out (67) and 114 for 2 (24.3) at close (Ishan Khan 50n.o., Dinuga Abeysekera 41) De Mazenod (75-3 o’night) 127 all out (42.1) (Sharith Sudeena 45, Dimeth Imendra 42; Nesad Weerasekera 5/29, Pamuditha Teshan 3/17, Yashmin Jayasundara 2/46) and 250 all out (54) (Sharith Sudeena 78, Savinu Chanthula 61, Kaveen Nethmina 44; Nesad Gunasekera 3/37, Sanuja Dissanayake 2/19, Yashmin Jayasundara 2/85) At Kotahena: First innings win for St. Benedict’s St. Benedict’s 270 all out and 215 for 3 (60) at close (Tehan Bitar 105n.o., Mario Fernando 79) Moratu MV (20-2 o’night) 182 all out (Visal Siriwardena 60, Sanjana Seneviratne 47, Sandun Suwaris 35; Mevan Dissanayake 4/58, Vihanga Ratnayake 2/36) At Campbell Park: First innings win for Richmond Wesley 136 for 8 (40) decl and 217 for 5 (35) decl (Sehandu Athauda 67, Rasheed Nahyan 62, Shamma Fernando 52; Tenura Dias 3/43) Richmond (81-3 o’night) 149 all out (51.2) (Risinu Rupasinghe 47, Bevin Jayawardena 21; Jeewahan Sriram 5/39, Kavindu Hettiarachchi 2/18, Adhyaan Zian 2/33) and 154 for 7 (42) at close (Bevin Jayawardena 51n.o., Ameesha Rasanjana 46, Risinu Rupasinghe 21; Dinuja Samararatne 3/64, Methnula Mayadunna 2/28) At Moratuwa: First innings win for Royal Royal (99-2 o’night) 301 for 9 (74.1) decl (Ramiru Perera 69, Vimath Dinsara 68, Udantha Gangewatte 61, Himaru Deshan 40; Oshan de Silva 5/58, Rusandu Silva 2/83) Prince of Wales 164 all out (54.5) (Oshan de Silva 36, Palingu Perera 23, Gawesha Fernando 20; Ramiru Perera 4/38, Himaru Deshan 3/48, Mahiru Kodituwakku 2/9) At Kurunegala: First innings win for Maliyadeva Maliyadeva 127 all out (37.5) and 232 for 8 (60) decl (Chandupa Abeysinghe 52, Dimath Aberysinghe 50n.o., Ranidu Amarasinghe 47, Thiwanka Pabasara 34, Sonal Ashwin 21; Mevindu Kumarasiri 4/96, Bihanga Silva 3/57) Sri Sumangala Panadura (130-9 o’night) 133 all out (40.2) (Sandeep Wijeratne 46, Neksha Iddamalgoda 29; Thaveesha Balasooriya 5/33, Dimath Abeysinghe 3/27, Nishuda Somnas 2/36) and 35 for 2 (13) at close At Ananda Mawatha: Match on Ananda 123 all out (50.3) and 172 all out (62.3) (Himira Kudagama 52; Aaron de Silva 4/49, Anheeth Paranavidana 3/36, Reshon Soloman 2/42) S. Thomas’ (51-3 o’night) 123 all out (53.2) (Reshon Soloman 37, Aaron Kodituwakku 28; Kithma Vidanapathirana 4/20, Sharada Jayaratne 2/17) At Ja Ela: Christ King lead St. Peter’s Negombo by 99 runs Christ King 288 all out (42) (Lahiru Lakmal 165, Rayan Sachintha 31, Chanidu Wenusara 20; Abdul Rahuman 4/53, Akesh Tissera 3/31, Ayon Mario 2/44) and 26 for 1 (6) at stumps St. Peter’s Negombo 215 all out (42.2) (Diluka de Silva 94, Abdul Rahuman 36, Akes Shan 34; Lahiru Lakmal 5/56, Chanidu Wenusara 2/5, Rashen Shashika 2/51) At Boyagane: Royal Panadura lead Kingswood by 32 runs Royal Panadura 81 all out (31.1) (Kenula Pihilianga 3/10, Chanul Kodituwakku 3/11, Kavija Gamage 2/33) and 90 for 6 (32) at stumps (Dinimuthu Perera 24, Udara Dhananjaya 24n.o. ; Kavija Gamage 3/33, Kenula Pihilianga 2/37) Kingswood 139 all out (34.1) (Kavija Gamage 30, Aadhel Sheriff 21; Yesara Nithil 2/25, Romal Wijeratne 2/30, Eruka Anudath 2/33, Dinidu Rashmika 2/33)

Ministry warns against collections for Grade 1 digital equipment View(s):The Education Ministry has warned schools against collecting donations from parents on the pretext of buying digital equipment for Grade 1 new school module. Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna said the government has provided whatever equipment is needed, and hence there is no need for parents to give money to buy such equipment. He said there is little digital equipment needed in Grade 1 under the new module. If schools want to obtain donations through the school development societies for other school activities, they can do so, he said. (DW)Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

APIIT International Research Conference 2025 Advances Interdisciplinary Research for a Resilient Future View(s):The Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) Sri Lanka, in collaboration with University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom, successfully hosted the APIIT International Research Conference (AIRC) on 14 January 2026 at the Commercial Credit Academy, Bolgoda. The session was moderated by Mr. Gamindu Hemachandra, Chief Academic Officer of APIIT Sri Lanka. The inauguration concluded with a panel discussion that explored the evolving landscape of research and development inSri Lanka. Complementing these reflections, Mr. Bandula Egodage, Chairman of APIIT Sri Lanka, highlighted the institution’s 25-year legacy of producing highly employable graduates and its strong reputation as a teaching-focused university. AIRC 2025 reaffirmed APIIT’s commitment to research excellence, interdisciplinary engagement, and the cultivation of a vibrant research culture responsive to national and global challenges.

Dalai Lama’s ‘gratitude’ at first Grammy win View(s):Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Monday he was grateful for his first Grammy, after bagging the top music industry award for audio book, narration and storytelling. He was announced as the winner at the Grammys ceremony in Los Angeles for his book ‘Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’. In his maroon robes, simple sandals and wide-rimmed spectacles, the Dalai Lama is an unlikely global celebrity. ‘Meditation: Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama’ features artists such as Rufus Wainwright, who accepted the award on behalf of the spiritual leader, and Maggie Rogers. Beijing, which condemns the Dalai Lama as a rebel and separatist, opposed his Grammy win, calling his work ‘anti-China political manipulation’.

Gen Z –struggle with self-imposed barriers View(s):Gen Z is defined term for the population born approximately between 1997 and 2012, following Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. Barrier (1) – Perfectionism disguised as “high standards”Many of Gen Z people will not commence something unless they feel that they can do it perfectly. Gen Z tend to treat themselves as ‘content to the media’, but not as ‘personality to the society’. Research indicates that 65% of Gen Z view themselves as content creators, using social media for self-expression, curation, and building personal brands. Gen Z, by contrast, is exposed to peers of the same age or younger—ordinary individuals who appear to be achieving extraordinary success—through continuous, algorithm-driven updates.

WADA shrugs off USA withholding dues of $3.6mn athletics View(s): View(s):Washington, United States, AFP: The United States has withheld $3.6 million in annual dues for a second consecutive year to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which says it remains financially strong despite the move. In a statement to AFP on Friday, WADA said it remains financially strong despite the US withholding of dues and noted WADA financial statements are independently audited each year. “Clearly, it is not ideal when a government voluntarily withholds its dues,” WADA said. If every government attached conditions to its WADA dues, it would lead to chaos,” WADA said in its statement. “ONDCP will continue to demand that WADA submit to an independent compliance audit to advance sports integrity and fairness of competition.

Universities (Amendment) Bill certified View(s):Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has certified the Universities (Amendment) Bill which was passed by parliament in January. The bill seeks to amend the Universities Act, No. The relevant gazette notification was published on 21.11.2025, and the bill was presented to parliament for its first reading on 03.12.2025, by the prime minister and minister of education. In addition, the act amends and clearly defines the procedure to be followed by the council when appointing a head of a department of study. (CK)Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

SLAEA reappoints Rajitha Jayasuriya as Chair for 2026 View(s):The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association held its Annual General Meeting recently in Colombo and reappointed Ms. Rajitha Jayasuriya as Chairperson for a second term. The newly appointed Executive Committee comprises Jeevith Senaratne as Deputy Chairperson, Hasib Omar as Treasurer, and Indika Liyanahewage as Immediate Past Chairperson, the association said in a media release. In her address, Ms. Jayasuriya pointed to the sector’s resilience in 2025, noting that apparel exports grew by 5.42 per cent to reach US$ 5.019 billion, with exports to the European Union rising 12.48 per cent and non-traditional markets recording a 4.8 per cent increase. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

Edible oil tax reform triggers industry and consumer concern By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s latest overhaul of taxes on imported edible oils has drawn sharp opposition from coconut oil producers and consumers, who say the move could create an unstable market and undermine several important reforms implemented over the last few years. The SCL, which has been in effect for nearly five years, levied a fixed tax on imported coconut oil, palm oil, and sunflower oil regardless of the declared value of imports. At the moment, import of raw coconut oil is subject to a flat rate of Rs.150,000 per tonne, while raw palm oil is charged Rs. Similarly, the total tax liability of importing palm oil, including VAT, will be around Rs. This is a major shift from the current system, where the tax liability of importing coconut oil will almost triple, while the tax liability of importing palm oil will be reduced substantially several edible oil producers and importers said.

New supplier to begin issuing licence plates By Dilushi Wijesinghe View(s): View(s):With nearly 400,000 official vehicle licence plates well overdue, the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is preparing to resume issuance following Cabinet approval to award the task to a private firm, Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Kamal Amarasinghe said. “The company has already begun its initial work process,” he told the Sunday Times, adding that the DMT has instructed the firm to start issuing licence plates soon. “We expect the issuance of number plates to begin within the next three months,” he said. Wootler clarified that motorists using printed paper licence plates in place of official government-issued plates will not be treated as violating the law, given the prevailing shortage. Responding to concerns about variations in temporary plates, he said that printed paper plates are expected to follow a standard format, typically with a white background.

Do not miss the AI bus: Lanka and the fourth industrial revolution View(s):By Yasantha Rajakarunanayake and Chula GoonasekeraOn a Sunday afternoon, a packed Zoom global audience (https://youtu.be/ISfnDoTJ5YI) listened as Dr Yasantha Rajakarunanayake posed a deceptively simple question: What if Sri Lanka didn’t arrive late this time? AI, he argued, offers Sri Lanka a rare chance to leapfrog—not inch—into global relevance. And for the first time, Sri Lanka may have the conditions needed to join it early. From architecture and agriculture to tourism and healthcare, AI tools dramatically increase speed, accuracy, and scale. For Sri Lanka, the question is no longer whether AI will change the world, but whether the country will be on board when it does.

The tough get going View(s):My dear Namal baby,It has been a while since I wrote to you last, but I thought I must do so again after seeing you being summoned to the CID last week, along with your mother who was asked to report to the FCID. They have happened before during the ‘yahapalanaya’ era, when you casually dropped in to their offices wearing a pair of shorts. Is there a better example of going from the sublime to the ridiculous? Yours truly,Punchi PuthaPS – They used to say that ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’. In your family though, it seems that when the going gets tough, they have already gone.

Devnimori relics draw thousands in their first visit beyond India View(s):By Ishu BandaraMarking their first ever international exposition, the Sacred Devnimori Relics of the Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka from India on February 4, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, and were placed at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo for public veneration. According to the special traffic arrangements, vehicles must be parked only in designated areas, and motorists are requested to obey traffic regulations. The public veneration of the Sacred Relics is being held with the support of the Government of India, following discussions between President Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Sri Lanka. The Sacred Devnimori Relics were discovered during excavations in the 1960s at the Devnimori site in Gujarat, India. These relics have never previously been taken outside India, making this a rare and historic opportunity for Sri Lankan devotees.