A mission without vision?
In T20 World Cups between 2014 and 2021, Perera scored 248 runs in 14 innings at an average of 19.07. His strike rate of 134.78 looks respectable in isolation, until weighed against his inconsistency and long absence from sustained international impact. “We know that experienced players are very valuable in a World Cup,” Shanaka said ahead of the England series. Charith Asalanka, often spoken of as a middle-order pillar, actually owns the strongest World Cup record among the current group. Sri Lanka keep picking and unpicking the same names because they are unsure what they are trying to become.
Source:Sunday Times
February 01, 2026 01:34 UTC
Why culture and values must anchor Sri Lanka’s education reform
Education reform must therefore respond not only to global ideals but also to global realities. This plural religious and cultural heritage has been one of Sri Lanka’s greatest strengths. Primary students could learn about Sri Lanka’s ancient irrigation systems and construction wonders, alongside modern environmental science, linking heritage to innovation. Sri Lanka’s kindness, simplicity, and peace-loving reputation — widely recognised worldwide — are rooted in its cultural, religious, and historical values. That is why culture and values must remain at the heart of education reform.
Source:Sunday Times
February 01, 2026 01:34 UTC
Kamindu back in WC frame; DDS, Madushan laid off
Kamindu back in WC frame; DDS, Madushan laid off cricket View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup preparations took another late twist on Friday night as selectors made last-minute changes to the squad before the deadline, leaving Dhananjaya de Silva and Pramod Madushan out in two decisions that underlines the uncertainty surrounding the side on the eve of the tournament. The right-arm seamer had been included in the ongoing England series purely as injury cover for Dushmantha Chameera and was never considered a certainty for the World Cup. The more significant call, however, was the exclusion of Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka’s Test captain and one of the most experienced figures in the national set-up. It is a familiar move, rooted as much in hope as in necessity, as Sri Lanka continue to search for reliable solutions. Probable Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad 1.
Source:Sunday Times
February 01, 2026 01:34 UTC
Pottery as both craft and reflection
Pottery as both craft and reflection View(s):‘Shadows of a Pre-Renaissance Era’, an exhibition by master potter Ajith Mohan Perera, highlighting the cultural and artistic significance of pottery as both craft and reflection on society will be held at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams on February 2 and 3. With decades of experience behind him, Ajith Mohan Perera, sees the art as more than functional or decorative. “Pottery is not just about making objects,” he explains. Cinnamon Life, home to over 1,000 commissioned artworks and a platform for hundreds of Sri Lankan artists, continues to foster creativity across its spaces. Shadows of a Pre-Renaissance Era is on display at Cinnamon Life from February 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cumulus Ballroom.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:42 UTC
Agriculture Ministry’s ‘magic maize’ foil farmers
Agriculture Ministry’s ‘magic maize’ foil farmers View(s):By D. Ganasiri HettiarachchigeA model maize cultivation in Alikanda area in Manthottama, Ampara, has been completely destroyed after the farmers tried out a hybrid variety of corn given by the Agriculture Ministry. The farmers lamented that five acres of maize had failed, as they were unable to obtain a harvest from the crop which they cultivated. They explained that the Agriculture Ministry introduced the new variety of seed for the first time, and they had cultivated it expecting a better yield. The crops that grew did not yield harvest and those that did yield harvest, produced no seeds, they complained. They called on the Agriculture Department to provide them with a solution to the issue and accept the responsibility of their actions.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
Gangaramaya Perahera attracts large crowds
Gangaramaya Perahera attracts large crowds View(s):The 47th annual Navam Perahera of Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple was held yesterday, with religious observances preceding the colourful pageant that attracts a large number of devotees, tourists and locals. The highlight was the placement of the casket carrying sacred relics on the Perahera’s lead tusker. Pushpa KumaraThe best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
A cosy new nook on Marine Drive
Sandwiched in between mammoth buildings down Marine Drive, this vertical café has a heady ambience. Opened just recently, the place has four floors – downstairs dedicated to a bar and a pastry shop while the first floor has a French-looking café. The second floor is shisha lounge dominated by exorcist masks- massive yakkas looking down from black walls. The cafe’s co-founders Shazi Salim and Rumaiz Ramzy have created a relaxing nook to sip (and smoke) and lounge (and laze). Ceylon Stories is at 9/6A 16th Lane, Marine Drive, Colombo 3.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
SCB says rupee to remain stable, growth at 3.5 %
SCB says rupee to remain stable, growth at 3.5 % By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):The Sri Lanka Rupee is anticipated to remain stable this year, supported by rising tourism receipts and remittances, alongside improved foreign exchange results, and a projected current account surplus of approximately US$600 million. The growth forecast is conservatively set at 3.5 per cent, influenced by the impacts of cyclone Ditwah, top economists said. The external debt requirement going down next year will assist in building reserves up to $7.5 billion, he added. The strategic importance of the Port City and logistics sector was also underscored, with a call for Sri Lanka to leverage its geographic position to benefit from the growing South-South trade corridor. He also said that the discussions around exporting energy need to be taken head-on with renewable energy as an export pillar for the country.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
Legal basis to be laid for weaning children away from digital addiction
Legal basis to be laid for weaning children away from digital addiction View(s):By Nidarshani WickramasingheA proposal to ban social media for children under the age of 16 has been handed to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs by the National Child Protection Authority and is being studied. We have already identified the need to regulate social media for children and are preparing for broad discussions,’’ he said. In Asia-Pacific, Malaysia plans to introduce a social media ban for children under 16 years by July 2026. Florida has banned social media accounts for children under 14 years, while Virginia has limited children’s social media use to one hour per day. “These steps should work together withSri Lanka’s digital governance systems and child protection laws, especially the Personal Data Protection Act.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
Navam Perahera illuminates Colombo
Navam Perahera illuminates Colombo View(s):The Gangaramaya temple’s 48th Navam Perahera took place yesterday with colourful new dance items and floats depicting important Buddhist historical events. The perahera is one of the country’s main Buddhist cultural events and attracts large crowds. This year’s perahera had dance items by eight Indian, Burmese and Chinese dancing teams apart from local dance segments representing Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic cultures. There was also a variety of traditional dances stepping in tune alongside majestic elephants including the temple’s tusker, Ganga. Pix by M A Pushpa KumaraShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
FIT removal threatens RE companies
FIT removal threatens RE companies By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):The proposed National Electricity Policy raises concerns over the abolition of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for Renewable Energy Developers, potentially undermining investments, industry experts say. The Renewable Energy Developers Association (REDA) urged immediate government intervention and supportive policies to retain energy security. The proposed removal of the FIT system, which currently supports approximately 92 per cent of renewable projects under 10 MW, is seen as a threat to small- and medium-scale local entrepreneurs, a REDA Member told the Sunday Times Business. Competitive bidding is considered impractical for certain renewable energy technologies, such as rooftop solar, mini-hydro, and biomass. The removal of FIT, paired with mandatory time-of-use tariffs for rooftop solar and the potential for rupee-only contracts, renders significant financial risks to developers.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:41 UTC
Colombo Uni, CCNU discuss collaboration
Colombo Uni, CCNU discuss collaboration View(s):The University of Colombo and a visiting delegation from Central China Normal University (CCNU), China, have discussed bilateral collaboration. Comprehensive discussions were held with Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University, focusing on strengthening bilateral collaboration between the two universities, the university said. Key areas proposed for cooperation included establishing joint laboratories, offering postgraduate study opportunities, facilitating academic staff mobility, and conducting joint research projects. Dr Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office, also participated in the discussions. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:37 UTC
Independence Day reflections
Independence Day reflections View(s):The coming Wednesday (February 4) marks the 78th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence from over 450 years of foreign rule, and yet, the country continues to be confronted with the challenges of modern nation-statehood in all its complexities. While Sri Lanka regained her Independence, her sovereignty, both internal and external, however, has been compromised in the process of nation-building and aspiring to be a pluralistic, economically and socially advanced democratic state. It was only in the early years after 1948 that Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was on its own feet. It is only perpetuating the north-south divide, the very antithesis of ‘national unity’. The anti-Sri Lanka human rights campaigners at the UN Human Rights Council have already pounced on an earlier statement the President made in the north on “the politics of nationalism”.
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:37 UTC
National Audit Office undergoes major changes
National Audit Office undergoes major changes By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):The National Audit Office (NAO) is undergoing a major transformation with the enhancing of capacity in governance, audit planning, and specialised audits, the Auditor General’s Department announced. This programme is being implemented under the public financial management strengthening project, supported by the World Bank, European Union (EU), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The main objective of the project is to address the shortcomings in the management of public finance that caused the economic crisis. 1,050 million, he said, adding that the project will strengthen the NAO to deliver on its enhanced audit mandate. They are Risk Based Audit Methodology, Procurement Audit, Environment Audit, Citizen Participatory Audit and Performance AuditShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:35 UTC
Maligawa’s veteran servitors felicitated
Maligawa’s veteran servitors felicitated View(s):By L B SenaratneFor the first time in known history, those who have been serving the Sri Dalada Maligawa for more than fifteen years were given tokens of appreciation. 452 personnel, coming under four categories, were felicitated: those working in the inner shrine, the outer shrine, the dancers and those working in the offices of the Maligawa. He added that without the Maha Sangha, none of the rituals and ceremonial activities can be carried out, and therefore a token was also presented to all sangha. Ms. Madhawee Dela, the wife of the Diyawadana Nilame, was also present at the felicitation ceremony. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 31, 2026 19:35 UTC