A fresh voice in contemporary romance
A fresh voice in contemporary romance View(s):365 Days to Fall by Shania J., is the kind of novel that doesn’t simply entertain. Emotional, and deeply immersive, this striking debut by young author Shania J., introduces a fresh voice in contemporary romance. Each chapter pulls the reader deeper into a world where love and pain coexist. The novel explores love, pain, and redemption with a raw honesty that makes the story feel both intimate and universal. 365 Days to Fall is more than a romance, it is an emotional journey that will resonate long after the final page is turned.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 22:38 UTC
WNPS lecture
WNPS lecture View(s):‘The amazing biodiversity of Sri Lanka: An overview of the plants & animals on this magical island’ is the topic of this month’s Nations Trust WNPS lecture by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne on Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICHIn the first part of this talk, author-photographer Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne points out that Sri Lanka is disproportionately rich in species. He presents possible reasons for this and then makes the case that Sri Lanka is one of the best all-round wildlife destinations in the world. He uses this tour of life forms as a framework to showcase the richness of biodiversity in Sri Lanka. This lecture will be especially valuable for tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, policymakers, conservationists, students, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking to understand the true asset underpinning Sri Lanka’s future. The lecture is open to all, entrance free.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:04 UTC
THE NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION FAIR 2026
THE NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION FAIR 2026 View(s):The New Zealand Education Fair 2026 organised by Thames International Educational Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd in partnership with Education New Zealand (New Zealand Government Agency), held on Saturday 7th March at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo and Sunday 8th March at the Queen’s Hotel Kandy was a tremendous success! The Chief Guest on the 7th March was HE Mr David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives. HE Ms Gabrielle Isaak, Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka and Maldives was the Chief Guest on the 8th March. Education New Zealand has identified Sri Lanka as a high value international education market and we are proud of the trust and recognition placed in our organisation through this joint effort. We assure you of genuine guidance to support your study journey to New Zealand and make your New Zealand dreams come true.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:04 UTC
Fuel price increase begins to weigh on cost of living
Fuel price increase begins to weigh on cost of living View(s):By Kasun WarakapitiyaAmid assurances of continuing fuel supplies and adequate stocks, public concern has grown over the price increase and the cost of living. Pushaparaj Rajaratnam, 33, who runs an eatery near Fort Railway Station, has felt the impact of the fuel price increase when vegetable prices jumped. Making a living has become a tightrope walk.’’A resident of Wellampitiya, Sharmila Iranthi Hewapathirana, said the price increase is felt in the home kitchen. He asked the government to ensure fuel availability and create a mechanism to stop fuel queues. With the announcement of the price increase, fuel stations had sold the stocks at the revised, higher prices, the source said.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:04 UTC
‘Pearls of Sri Lanka’ to produce beauties for world pageants
‘Pearls of Sri Lanka’ to produce beauties for world pageants View(s):A new beauty pageant to prepare several young Sri Lankan beauties for a number of upcoming international pageant was launched recently by Pearls of Sri Lanka, a newly formed Pageant establishment. Headed by Dr. Asanka Weerasinghe, a medical practitioner by profession and formed with few of the leading names in the fashion and pageant industries, applications are now being called for three main pageants namely ‘Miss Tourism World’, ‘Miss Global International’ and ‘MS Sri Lanka Earth’. MS Sri Lanka Earth which is scheduled for July 2026 is a special opportunity for young ‘single’ females including those legally divorced. Even though beauty pageants are aimed at only spinsters, there should be an opportunity for those who live as singles even after wedlock’ said Dr. Asanka Weerasinghe, National Director of Pearls of Sri Lanka. Director Board of Pearls of Sri Lanka include Nirosha Mendis, Anusha Gunarathne, Charith Gunasekara and Isuru Gunasekara.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:04 UTC
IIHS Multiversity Showcases Global Healthcare Education and Launches MSc in Digital Health at Medicare 2026
IIHS Multiversity Showcases Global Healthcare Education and Launches MSc in Digital Health at Medicare 2026 View(s):The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) Multiversity proudly participated in the Medicare 2026 International Healthcare Exhibition as the Official Education Partner, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s continued commitment to advancing healthcare education and innovation in Sri Lanka. The IIHS stall attracted considerable interest throughout the three-day exhibition, drawing a large number of school leavers, healthcare professionals, parents, and industry stakeholders eager to learn about international healthcare education pathways. He stated, “IIHS is a premier Global Health University that has added value not only to Sri Lanka but across South Asia. With its vision of becoming a global hub for healthcare education, IIHS Multiversity continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders who will contribute to improving healthcare systems and advancing medical innovation worldwide. The successful participation at Medicare 2026 and the launch of the MSc in Digital Health programme mark another significant chapter in IIHS’s journey as Sri Lanka’s Global Health University, committed to excellence, global collaboration, and the transformation of healthcare education.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:04 UTC
Sri Lanka steps forward: A blueprint for peace in the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka, through its actions and its message, is paving a way forward for the region. As global powers exchanged accusations and analysts debated rules of engagement, Sri Lanka kept its focus on compassion, neutrality, and duty. In doing so it realised the aspirations of smaller states to establish a peaceful framework in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan leaders have reiterated that stability in the Indian Ocean cannot be sustained through power projection, naval patrols, or unilateral military action. Sri Lanka has an opportunity to position itself not as a passive observer but as an active moral custodian of the Indian Ocean’s future.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:03 UTC
‘The Bride’ Companion of Frankenstein
‘The Bride’ Companion of Frankenstein View(s):Return of Frankenstein and his yearning to get a soul mate as a cinematic venture, ‘The Bride’ is now being screened in cinemas. Written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film is was inspired from the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein, which was based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. Set in 1930s Chicago, ‘The Bride’ unravels the story of groundbreaking scientist Dr. Euphronious who brings a murdered young woman back to life to be a companion for Frankenstein’s monster. Speaking from the afterlife, Mary Shelley says she has a story she wanted to tell after Frankenstein, but could not due to her death. Imported by Liberty Cinemas Ltd, ‘The Bride’ is now being screened at Kandy City Centre, Scope Cinema – Colombo City Centre, Scope Cinema – Havelock City Mall, PVR Cinema, Ram Cinema, Lite Cinemas and Regal Cinemas.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:03 UTC
Achilles of the White House has his heel in his head
Achilles of the White House has his heel in his head View(s):In the last couple of months or more, one has heard or read so much about the president of the United States. Naturally, President Trump’s capacity to emulate Aesop is too much to expect. That is not to say he cannot spin a quick tale or two in a couple of minutes, outclassing Aesop. Rather, the problem here is that Trump has been more erratic than a fast bowler and more unpredictable than Muralidharan with his doosra. Recent opinion polls by different pollsters have, several have confirmed, what commentators and analysts mainly in the US have claimed.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:03 UTC
Oil from India on G-G basis for two months, no tender
Oil from India on G-G basis for two months, no tender View(s):Fuel purchase requests receive positive responses from India, RussiaBy Damith WickremasekeraThe government plans to forego stipulated tender procedures to secure fuel supplies for April and May from India on a government-to-government basis, a senior minister said. The conflict has disrupted the global fuel supply chains and impacted production, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said. The proposal for the G2G fuel purchase will be presented to the cabinet shortly, he said. He has since been in touch with the Russian energy minister, who has said that arrangements will be made to provide the necessary fuel stocks. Sri Lanka’s ambassador in Russia, Shobini Gunasekera, will meet with Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister tomorrow to advance the talks, the Sunday Times learns.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:02 UTC
Sri Lanka legalises online betting, targets grey market
Sri Lanka legalises online betting, targets grey market By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is to bring online betting onboard under a structured, high-tax legal framework in a state of rapid transition from an unregulated “grey market”. Online betting is now legally recognised under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. While the GRA is still in the process of formalising all the licences, established online betting sites like STBet continue to lead the way in the local digital space. Sri Lanka is competing to become “India’s Macau,” using the luxury integrated resorts such as the $1.2 billion City of Dreams in Colombo to boost its associated betting and tourism revenue. The landscape of cricket betting in Sri Lanka has also seen a massive shift with the implementation of the new Act.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:02 UTC
Legacy of ‘The Eastern Degas’ to give life to creativity
These had been housed in three properties in Sri Lanka as well as in Beven and Wolfgang’s London house. “The Eastern Degas!” enthused the British press following his first solo exhibition (and indeed at his passing, broadsheets like the Guardian would carry obituaries). As for the Beven Foundation, Ian and Thomas state it is “committed to principles of driving creativity, building capacity, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging reciprocity. In its early days, the Beven Foundation will hold focus groups with a range of artists to assess unmet needs in their artistic communities. Beven the unassuming man George Beven was a Negombo lad, born in 1929 to Lorenz Beven who was the manager of a coconut estate and Kathleen Wright, a piano teacher.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:02 UTC
Poems of curse and blessing
Poems of curse and blessing View(s):Years ago, I lived in the suburbs of Colombo and commuted daily to the University of Colombo in a 45‑minute journey. Invoking blessingsIt is a common belief that poems or chants intended to curse, harm, or bring misfortune upon others can indeed have an impact. The underlying belief is simple: if people read such verses repeatedly, they will have an impact—whether intended as a blessing or a curse. It is not difficult to understand from the “fuel panic” described above how the concept of public speculation works. Maintaining stabilityIn conclusion, public speculation is one of the most powerful forces in macroeconomics because it shapes expectations—and expectations often drive real outcomes.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:02 UTC
A country ridiculed
A country ridiculed View(s):My dear Vijitha sahodaraya,I know am writing to you at a time when you have to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. To be honest, Vijitha sahodaraya, it did appear as if you were struggling to express yourself. Since then, Vijitha sahodaraya, there has been so much ‘analysis’ of those few minutes. Then, the country wouldn’t be ridiculed. Similarly, we got the impression that this lady journalist, well-known for her nationalist sentiments, was trying to save her country from the embarrassment of Uncle Sam sinking a ship that was a guest of her country.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:02 UTC
Exploiting the downtrodden
Exploiting the downtrodden View(s):With the West Asian conflict swirling around us, in addition to other distractions, some serious stuff confronting sections of the population seems to have been conveniently put on the back burner. So does it prevent the exploitation of the downtrodden? The intention of the Act is to regulate the money lending business and the microfinance business; to provide protection to the customers in the money lending business and the microfinance business but there is a serious contradiction. Thus, smaller finance companies and moneylenders, registered under another law can do what they please – allegedly harass and intimidate borrowers. They must extend a guiding hand, helping borrowers convert loans into livelihoods, and livelihoods into lasting prosperity,” he said.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:01 UTC