Lankans at Oxford, Cambridge Unions: Controversy in another era
Lankans at Oxford, Cambridge Unions: Controversy in another era View(s):Yielding to pressure from Tamil diaspora groups, the Oxford and Cambridge student unions have withdrawn their invitations to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa to deliver talks. The controversy echoes a dispute from another era, when Lakshman Kadirgamar — laterSri Lanka’s distinguished foreign minister — served as Oxford Union president. In the censure motion Ceylon was to be coupled and compared with South Africa on the element of racial bias. The Oxford Union has always been noted for its intolerance of pomposity. The Irish Prime Minister was asked, and willingly agreed, to give up his own debate to accommodate the Prime Minister of Ceylon.
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
BASL’s top award for courageous service goes to Upul Jayasuriya
BASL’s top award for courageous service goes to Upul Jayasuriya View(s):The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) will confer the distinguished title of Honoris Causa on Upul Jayasuriya, PC, in recognition of his “exceptional and courageous service” to the association and to the country’s legal system during some of its most turbulent years. The proposal, put forward by the incumbent president of the BASL, Rajeev Amarasuriya, received unanimous approval. Yet, he remained publicly steadfast, insisting that the legal profession could not remain silent when the judiciary’s independence was at stake. The eventual restoration of Chief Justice Bandaranayake marked a defining moment in Sri Lanka’s constitutional trajectory. The case, closely watched both locally and internationally, reinforced his long-held position that public office must remain answerable to the law.
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
Govt hauled over the coals, finds breather in Sallay arrest
In the Channel 4 documentary, Moulana claimed that he had arranged a first meeting between Maj. Gen. Sallay and Zahran. “The arrest has been made based on clear evidence obtained through the outcomes of the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks,” the spokesman said. On Tuesday, the Energy Ministry announced the appointment of a seven-member committee to evaluate the current coal supply mechanism for the Lakvijaya coal power plant. Meanwhile, the LCC this week also called for bids for the supply of 300,000 MT of coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant under emergency procurement. The 900 MW Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant is critical for the country’s entire electricity supply.
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
SLC to hire foreign coach after Sanath Jayasuriya
SLC to hire foreign coach after Sanath Jayasuriya cricket View(s): View(s):With Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya expected to step down from his position, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has begun discussions with several foreign candidates to fill the impending vacancy. SLC confirmed that formal negotiations are currently underway and that an official announcement will be made once the process is completed. “We have been negotiating with a few foreign coaches,” confirmed SLC Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva. However, following Sri Lanka’s final World Cup game yesterday, Sanath Jayasuriya confirmed that he has decided to step down as Sri Lanka’s Head Coach, but will discuss the matter with Sri Lanka Cricket officials shortly. Sri Lanka suffered subdued defeats against England and New Zealand in their opening matches, performances that effectively derailed their campaign.
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
A resilient entrepreneurship strategy
A resilient entrepreneurship strategy View(s):A high-level discussion titled “Sri Lanka: Strategies for Resilient Entrepreneurship” hosted by Dilmah with the engagement of the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Colombo-based Centre for a Smart Future was held in Colombo on Monday. Picture shows the panel discussion (from left) – Prof. David Lewis, Dr. Luke Heslop, Anushka Wijesinha, Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, Animesh Jayant, Abhilash Puljal and Prof. Naufel Vilcassim. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
Chaos at BIA as war erupts in West Asia
Chaos at BIA as war erupts in West Asia View(s):With US and Israeli missiles fired into Iran, and Iran directing missile attacks on Israel and US bases across West Asia, chaos reigned at Bandaranaike International Airport yesterday as flights to and from West Asian countries were cancelled or delayed, while airline officials struggled to find alternate arrangements and accommodations for stranded passengers. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
ACL charting new territories
ACL charting new territories By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):Electric cable manufacturer ACL Cables PLC is big on export diversification and is scouting for new markets while setting sights on new product development, according to an official. “We are exporting to different markets, but we want to increase the number of export markets going forward. We are discussing with our partners in this regard to expand our export portfolio,” Mahesh Amarasiri (Chief Financial Officer, ACL Cables PLC told the Sunday Times Business. The cable company currently exports to Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, the US and the European Union. Having already invested in Resus Energy, a solar company, ACL Cable will also seize opportunities in the renewable energy sector, Mr. Amarasiri said.
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
‘Cricket does not reward impatience’
‘Cricket does not reward impatience’ cricket View(s): View(s):Sri Lankan cricket is in disarray. Today, players appear to search for boundaries before establishing control, and bowlers are happy to wait for mistakes. For us, representing Sri Lanka came with immense responsibility — a responsibility to over 20 million people of this beautiful island. Sri Lanka Cricket is not a financial institution. Cricket does not reward impatience.
Source:Sunday Times
March 01, 2026 02:35 UTC
Govt. accelerates rebuilding Sri Lanka infrastructure drive
accelerates rebuilding Sri Lanka infrastructure drive By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):The government has accelerated the structured disbursement of reconstruction capital and oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects making use of the money raised by the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund on the directions and the supervision of the 7-member Management CommitteeThe committee operates as a statutory body under the Presidential Secretariat. He revealed that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a digital reporting system for the fund free of charge, with technical support from Microsoft. 8.5 billion has been received by the fund from local businesses and citizens and international contributions, ministry data showed. 420 million from Dialog Axiata for healthcare and education infrastructure and Rs. 24.4 billion has been released from state funds as of late February for various relief measures in addition to the disbursement of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund for the reconstruction of devastated infrastructure and financial stimulus, ministry data shows.
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 21:13 UTC
Conflicting claims compound coal crisis
Conflicting claims compound coal crisis View(s):Operational data continue to show below‑par gross calorific value; plant output drops from 810 MW to 750 MWGovt. “There is a drop in performance [at Lakvijaya],” Energy Ministry Secretary K.T.M. Meanwhile, the Attorney General has advised officials to follow the agreement with Trident Chemphar, sources said. There are new questions now whether Trident Chemphar will be able to supply its total 25 shipments at the current rate of arrival. He could not say why Mr Jayasundara had provided Panaurora’s name as the local agent for Trident Chemphar, advising us to obtain that information from LCC.
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 21:13 UTC
An AI-Powered Platform set to redefine recruitment
An AI-Powered Platform set to redefine recruitment View(s):HiAcuity, in partnership with Radicle Solutions (Pvt) Ltd., recently announced the launch of HierTalent, an all-new AI-powered recruitment platform. The platform is designed to help businesses overcome the time-consuming and costly challenges faced when searching for the right talent when it is needed most. The HierTalent platform was created to address these issues and help organisations redefine recruitment into a function that supports growth. This provides HR teams and CEOs with an overall view of each potential candidate, removing the manual work that slows down recruitment. Sri Lankan companies that adopt a smarter, data-driven recruitment process will be better equipped to compete and grow in the future.
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 21:13 UTC
MasterChef: Top 20 are in
MasterChef: Top 20 are in Sri Lanka joins the global franchise with the popular show now on every weekend View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka officially steps onto the global culinary stage with the launch of MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 1, the local edition of one of the world’s most recognised cooking competitions. “MasterChef Sri Lanka is about more than competition, it’s a platform to celebrate the rich diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine and the incredible talent across the country. “Bringing a global format like MasterChef to Sri Lanka is no small feat. The winner of MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 1 will take home the prestigious MasterChef Sri Lanka trophy, a cash prize of LKR 3 million, and a BYD Sea Lion 5, a life-changing opportunity for the country’s most talented home cook. MasterChef Sri Lanka is flavoured by CBL Group as the Main Sponsor, featuring its signature brands Munchee, Sera and Ritzbury Professional.
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 21:13 UTC
Low-cost energy must remain Sri Lanka’s national priority
Low-cost energy must remain Sri Lanka’s national priority View(s):An open letter to the PresidentSri Lanka faces a critical moment in shaping its energy future. The Act mandates that the electricity policy align with a comprehensive National Energy Policy; however, no such overarching framework currently exists. The document’s reference to the 2019 National Energy Policy is inadequate, as developments over the past years have rendered that policy obsolete. We urge your leadership to ensure that Sri Lanka’s energy policy prioritises low-cost, resilient, citizen-powered electricity for the benefit of all. Chula Goonasekera – Coordinating LaypersonLakmal Fernando – Renewable Energy Entrepreneurand EconomistParakrama Jayasinghe – Mechanical Engineer and Renewable Energy PromoterOn behalf of the LEADS Forum (admin@srilankaleads.com)
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 21:13 UTC
A disgraceful knock
A disgraceful knock View(s):My dear Dasun and the cricket team,I am writing to you when cricket fans are shocked with your performance at the T20 World Cup. What has happened to the game 30 years after we won a World Cup is the talk of the town. In 16 days, it will be 30 years since we won that World Cup under Arjuna in Lahore. Here we are, exiting the next World Cup disgracefully, hearing the same ‘Shammi go home’ slogans all over again. If we don’t though, Aravinda who won our first world cup for us will never have his dream of seeing another world cup win come true!
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 21:13 UTC
Govt. ends senior citizens special 3 % interest scheme
ends senior citizens special 3 % interest scheme By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s senior citizen interest scheme’s landscape has shifted from direct government-funded high-interest subsidies toward a model of targeted social welfare and the settlement of past financial obligations. The specialised 3 per cent extra interest scheme for senior citizens, which was one of the cornerstones of the 2025 Budget, has closed its enrollment period on December 31, 2025 and being discounted in 2026. The government overhauled its senior citizen interest subsidy scheme by the end of 2025 following the discovery of significant fiscal mismanagement, including massive cost overruns and Rs. The government’s involvement in elderly interest rates has evolved through two distinct phases, according to ministry sources:The 15 per cent interest scheme was introduced in the 2015 Interim Budget where it mandated a 15 per cent interest rate for senior citizens’ deposits up to Rs. The second scheme was in July 2025 where an extra 3 per cent was given to senior citizens seeking to deposit a maximum of Rs.
Source:Sunday Times
February 28, 2026 20:30 UTC