O/Level tuition classes to cease on Sunday View(s):All tuition classes, workshops and seminars related to the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination 2025 scheduled to commence next week have been prohibited from Sunday midnight, the Examinations Department said. The examination will be conducted from February 17 to 26, at 3,545 examination centres countrywide. A spokesperson for the department said they have already sent the admission cards for school candidates through the relevant zonal education offices to be distributed through the principals. Most principals had collected the admission cards by Friday and handed them over to students. Private candidates are receiving their admission cards via post.

Talks with WB team to revive stalled projects View(s):A World Bank delegation visiting Sri Lanka next month will discuss plans to revive a string of projects that were stalled due to the 2022-23 economic crisis. Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath told the Sunday Times that stalled projects—including those in education, highways, and other infrastructure—as well as new projects, would be discussed with the visiting WB team, with the intention of completing them in the next five years. The team is expected to discuss devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and the assistance required by the country. In December, the World Bank assessed Sri Lanka’s cyclonic disaster damages at US$ 4.1 billion. The IMF is expected to take up the fifth and sixth reviews of the Extended Fund Facility with Sri Lanka.

Buddha relics draw devotees to Gangaramaya View(s):Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees from across the country are visiting Colombo’s Gangaramaya temple to pay homage to sacred relics of the Buddha brought from Gujarat, India, as part of an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The relics, discovered during excavations in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, will remain at the temple until February 11. Pic by Indika HanduwalaShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

Separate IT Board for start-ups By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):Prompted by the interest from start-ups, the capital market authorities are seriously considering a separate IT board, an initiative that is part of a broader strategy by them to modernise market infrastructure and support digital transformation. Setting up a dedicated board will allow businesses to access capital markets and improve visibility without the stringent requirements of larger boards, a startup owner noted at the forum. SEC is also developing a plan to assist start-ups and venture capital funds in raising capital via the stock market, Prof. Dissabandara said. “Such a board will enhance the visibility of local start-ups and provide a formal platform for venture capital funds to raise capital.”He said that more and more start-ups are now attracted to go public, noting that reporting actual numbers promptly is essential for them to start this process. The board aims to cater to IT companies and start-ups facing challenges with existing platforms like “Empower” and “Diri Savi.” Its objective is to enable capital market access, enhance visibility, and foster growth by avoiding rigid listing requirements.

SSC ready for Day–Night Cricket View(s):DIMO has completed the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a state-of-the-art floodlighting system at the Singhalese Sports Club, positioning it as Colombo’s second and the country’s fifth cricket venue capable of hosting international day–night matches. The SSC is also one of the three venues selected to host matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup this year, DIMO said in a media release. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

La Chocolata: The temperature of love View(s):By Joanne JosephOn a humid Colombo afternoon while the city churns at its relentless pace, there’s a different rhythm unfolding inside a family compound off Sir James Peiris Mawatha. This is where La Chocolata lives; and in their atelier this year’s Valentine’s collection isn’t only about hearts and red boxes, but about creating something more personal. Founded in December 2017 by retired principal Ms. Firdous Jabir, La Chocolata is a family-run operation built on discipline, patience and togetherness. In 2023, La Chocolata received the Best Chocolatier Gold Award at theSri Lankan Iconic Awards. “It says what words sometimes can’t.”Check out La Chocolata on WhatsApp 077 787 8896 | Instagram @lachocolata_slShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

National unity: The missing links View(s):It was refreshing to hear President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Independence Day address to the nation acknowledge the freedom fighters who braved 450 years of colonial rule to usher in freedom in 1948. Equally, no one would fault the President for focusing on other key priorities in making Independence more meaningful, such as the economy, advanced human capital, economic progress, the rule of law, ecologically sustainable development and national unity. This was followed by a call for ‘national unity’, a theme his government is actively pursuing. They need to check who is fanning these communal embers, as a result of which ‘national unity’ can fly out through the window. The rhetoric of national unity also wears thin when there is a growing perception that the Government’s drive against corruption is merely masked as fulfilling an ‘election pledge’.

Feature - Celebrating 78 Years of IndependenceNewsBy Timothy A. EdwardThis week we celebrated our 78th Independence. Sri Lanka too has elected new presidents and prime ministers during difficult times, proving that leadership ability is the lid on effectiveness. As we celebrate independence, it is worth reflecting on our nation’s top 20 per cent priorities and channelling resources toward them. History shows that when national leaders present compelling visions suited to their times, those visions lead the nation forward. Our Role in Leadership TodayAs we celebrate 78 years of independence, we honour the leaders who have guided this nation.

SL’s accountancy profession hails historic appointment of first ever Female Auditor GeneralNewsThe Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), as the national body of accountants has hailed the historic appointment of Chartered Accountant, Ms. Samudika Jayaratna, as the country’s first female Auditor General. CA Sri Lanka President, Tishan Subasinghe, said that the appointment constitutes a pivotal achievement for both the profession and the country. Vice President of CA Sri Lanka, Ms. Anoji de Silva hailed the historic saying that Ms. Jayaratna assumes her role not only as a guardian of public finance but as a trailblazer who has turned a historic page. "To have a woman leading the National Audit Office fortifies the integrity of our institutions and makes our democracy stronger for all. This is a victory for capability and a new chapter for accountability in Sri Lanka,” she said.

The Boy on the Bus at JaffnaFeaturesSri Lanka added another feather to its cap of International Endorsements for 2026, winning the People’s Choice Award in the Travel Photographer of the Year awards. This was for a captivating image of the boy on a bus in Jaffna. Sri Lanka was also the destination chosen for the rising talent mentoring programme taking place this May in Galle and Yala, with accommodation provided by Jetwing Hotels an iconic name in the hospitality and sustainability sector of Sri Lanka, along with the Sri Lankan Tourism Bureau who are sponsoring these fantastic first place prizes. The People’s Choice Award for the boy on the bus was a clear winner as everyone voting was captivated by the relatability of the Jaffna boys’ sparkling eyes. Here is what he had to say‘As the sun began to fade, I decided to venture out to Jaffna Bus Station in Sri Lanka.

President says benefits of economic achievement should reach the peopleNewsPresident Anura Kumara Dissanayake today said an economy’s success is not measured by data alone and the benefits of economic achievements must reach the people who form the foundation of that prosperity. However, I believe that the true fulfilment of independence lies in the extent to which we can achieve economic freedom. Therefore, the path to rebuilding Sri Lanka lies in strengthening our firm connection with the motherland. This is not a development model that severs our roots or erodes our national character, but one that builds a new Sri Lanka upon them. Therefore, I believe that the responsibility of rebuilding Sri Lanka upon the valuable foundations of the past lies with all of us.

President inaugurates Sacred Devnimori Relics expositionNewsPresident Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the exposition of the Sacred Devnimori Relics of the Buddha at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo today, February 4, 2026. The relics will be open for public worship from February 5 to February 11, 2026, from 6.00 a.m. daily. The Sacred Devnimori Relics were discovered during excavations in the 1960s at the Devnimori site in Gujarat, India. These relics have never before been taken outside India, making this a rare opportunity for Sri Lankan devotees. The relics arrived in Sri Lanka today via the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, and were taken to the Gangaramaya Temple under special security arrangements.

Former President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake was today remanded until February 11 by the Fort Magistrate in relation to the case where former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is alleged to have misused Rs. 16.6 million in state funds during a visit to the UK to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton.

Two women arrested over attack on lawyersNewsThe Nugegoda Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau has arrested two women who were part of a group that allegedly attacked two lawyers near the Gamsabha Junction. The incident took place as the lawyers were leaving the Nugegoda Magistrate's Court. A group had blocked the car and attacked it, directing death threats at the two lawyers inside. The suspects were arrested last evening (2) in the Puhulwella area within the Hakmana police division. They are due to be produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate's Court today (3).

Russel’s (Pvt) Ltd Celebrates Excellence at Annual Awards CeremonyBusinessRussel’s (Pvt) Ltd held its Annual Awards Ceremony on 31st January 2026 at the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Auditorium, Colombo, recognizing excellence, commitment, and outstanding contributions of its employees. Senior representatives of Russel’s (Pvt) Ltd highlighted the importance of employee recognition as a key driver of long-term organizational success and a strong corporate culture. Award winners with the managementDuring the ceremony, several staff members were honored for exceptional performance and dedication throughout the year. The Best Outstanding Stewardess award was presented to Sithara Kumari, and Jude Krishantha was honored as Best Outstanding Steward. The Annual Awards Ceremony reaffirmed Russel’s (Pvt) Ltd’s commitment to honoring its people while fostering a workplace culture that values excellence, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.