Mild Earth introduces ‘Wild Mist Water’
Mild Earth introduces ‘Wild Mist Water’ View(s):Sri Lanka may give the world another refreshing hot beverage, this one brewed from some of the country’s most iconic spices, that could, in time, match the country’s best-known export, tea, thanks to the vision of an enterprising young marketing professional. ‘Wild Mist Water’ unveiled at an appropriately styled ‘quiet reveal’ in Colombo 7 this week, is, in its creator Sohan Jayasena’s words, “a luxury wellness experience inspired by Sri Lanka’s botanical heritage.”Available initially in four variants, the Wild Mist Water mixes come in canisters, and their contents must be brewed just as tea is, with each canister containing a thoughtfully curated mix of local spices that have been associated for generations with physical and mental wellbeing, Mr. .Jayasena’s company ‘Mild Earth’ said in a media statement. The spices that go into the mix are drawn entirely from Sri Lanka’s botanical repertoire, with each blend combining coriander seeds with carefully balanced accents of nigella, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary and lemongrass. “Wild Mist Water is not about chasing trends or making claims,” says Mr. Jayasena, a marketer and brand strategist by profession. “It is about taking something deeply familiar to Sri Lankan life – the practice of brewing and drinking warm botanicals – and presenting it with discipline, clarity and respect.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:47 UTC
Sunshine Holdings’ revenue rises marginally in 9-M FY26
Sunshine Holdings’ revenue rises marginally in 9-M FY26 View(s):Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC has recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs. Healthcare remained the largest revenue contributor, accounting for 55.4 per cent of group revenue, followed by Consumer Brands at 29.7 per cent and Agribusiness at 14.9 per cent. Group earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased marginally by 1.2 per cent YoY to Rs. 7.5 billion, supported by improved operating performance in Agribusiness and Consumer Brands, which partly offset margin pressure in Healthcare. Commenting on the performance, Sunshine Holdings Group CEO, Shyam Sathasivam said, “The past nine months were shaped by sector-specific pressures and external disruptions, and we remained focused on disciplined execution of our priorities while investing selectively to strengthen the platforms that support our long-term growth.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:47 UTC
hSenidBiz achieves profitability milestone
hSenidBiz achieves profitability milestone View(s):hSenid Business Solutions PLC (hSenidBiz) has announced its financial results for the third quarter of FY2026, marking a transformative period as the company achieved profitability and surpassed the US$ 5 million exit Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) milestone. Subscription revenues comprised 86 per cent of the segment, reflecting the strength of the company’s recurring revenue model. Recurring revenues contributed 73 per cent of total revenue, reinforcing the quality and sustainability of the company’s revenue base. The company achieved an ARR of $ 5.2 million, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey as a leading HR technology provider in emerging markets. Commenting on the quarter’s performance, Founder and Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu stated, “Achieving the $ 5 million ARR milestone validates the progress we have made in building a sustainable, recurring revenue-led business.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:47 UTC
Mercedes-Benz Club displays world record 635 cars
Mercedes-Benz Club displays world record 635 cars View(s):The Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka recently successfully hosted a historic gathering of 635 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as officially verified and certified by BDO Partners Chartered Accountants, establishing a new benchmark for the largest gathering of Mercedes-Benz cars in the world in one location, at the Mercedes-Benz Pageant 2025 held in Colombo. The record-breaking ‘Mercedes-Benz Pageant 2025,’ organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka, was held on February 8 at the BMICH following a postponement due to natural disasters that affected the country at the end of last year. Mercedes-Benz owners from across the country united to celebrate the brand’s legacy, engineering excellence, and the strong camaraderie within the Sri Lankan Mercedes-Benz community. “This event reflects the passion, dedication, and unity of our members and the wider Mercedes-Benz family in Sri Lanka. The certification by BDO Partners Chartered Accountants underscores the credibility and precision with which the event was organized and conducted,” said Asgi Akbarally – President of the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:47 UTC
People’s Bank’s ‘draws’ with winning Bangkok Tours
People’s Bank’s ‘draws’ with winning Bangkok Tours View(s):People’s Bank recently conducted the weekly draws of its ‘People’s Remittance Vaasi Kotiyai 2025 – Send and Win Bangkok Tours’ campaign, selecting four winners for the period December 3 to 31, 2025. Simultaneously, People’s Bank conducted the ‘‘People’s Remittance Doo Daru Pranama Draw 2025’, recognizing minors who opened ‘Ethera Udana’ Minors’ Accounts between October 1 and December 31, 2025 and received eligible Remittance/ fund transfers to these accounts. Under the initiative, two winners were selected from each branch, with each winner receiving a ‘Ethera Udana’ school equipment set valued at Rs. People’s Bank also launched the ‘People’s Remittance Vaasi Kotiyai 2026’ campaign, aimed at honouring Sri Lankan expatriates who play a vital role in strengthening the national economy through their remittances, while uplifting the quality of life of their families. Through these initiatives, People’s Bank continues to strengthen its position as a socially responsible national financial institution, committed to empowering families, supporting migrant communities, and contributing to sustainable economic development across Sri Lanka.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:47 UTC
Cremation, burial within Colombo city to be free
Cremation, burial within Colombo city to be free View(s):Colombo Municipal Council Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar has approved cremation of bodies free of charge at crematoriums within city limits. This decision was taken during the council meeting held on Tuesday, February 10, in response to a request by United National Party council member Alfred Sampath. Accordingly the four crematoriums at Borella, Madampitiya, Jawatte and Kirulapone situated within Colombo City limits would offer free cremation services. Council member Sampath had made the request to wave off the charges for cremation at four council sessions. The proposal by Samagi Jana Balawegaya council member Roy Boghawatte to waive off charges for Muslim burials was also accepted.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:27 UTC
Portrayal of ‘lived realities’ of CC & health
Portrayal of ‘lived realities’ of CC & health View(s):2025 Report of the Lancet Countdown launched on February 2By Kumudini HettiarachchiWhat can we do as individuals and what can we do together with regard to Climate Change (CC) and follow-up action? This was the critical point raised by the Founding Director of the Center for Planetary Health (CePH) Prof. Tharanga Thoradeniya at the Sri Lanka launch of ‘The 2025 Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and CC: CC action offers a lifeline’ on February 2. Inadequate CC action is undermining livelihoods and straining economies – further harming health. Inadequate CC action is undermining livelihoods and straining economies – further harming health. 1 priority is not CC and Climate Action,” the expert said, explaining that when countries are facing an economic downturn, attention is taken away from CC.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:27 UTC
Love is a funny business
Love is a funny business View(s):Pix Priyanka Samaraweera and Eshan FernandoCustomers were seen purchasing flowers at roadside florists across Colombo yesterday, as Valentine’s Day was marked with the customary exchange of roses and floral bouquets. Vendors noted that red roses were the most sought-after choice among buyers looking to mark the occasion. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:27 UTC
Japan-backed trilateral corridor to drive Sri Lanka’s growth
Japan-backed trilateral corridor to drive Sri Lanka’s growth By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka is actively pursuing a transformation into a strategic export-oriented economic corridor designed to deeply integrate the country into South Asian and regional markets, with significant collaboration from Japan. The Trilateral Corridor Concept (Japan-Sri Lanka-India) proposal pushed by Japan envisions a “strategic pathway” for Sri Lanka, creating a seamless flow of technology and investment for export-oriented businesses, he said. This includes Japanese enterprises producing products in Sri Lanka, which will be exported to India and beyond. He said discussions have been ongoing between the two countries to make Sri Lanka an export-oriented economic corridor of strategic importance and integrate it with the South Asian market. The Cabinet of ministers has approved an Economic Policy Dialogue with Japan on Tuesday to boost these economic interactions.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 04:00 UTC
Four Colombo Port workers die within 14 months
Four Colombo Port workers die within 14 months By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):The Colombo Port has in the past 14 months recorded deaths of at least four of its workers with the latest incident reported this month. Officials at the port believe it to be due to the negligence of the vessel operators to maintain a proper protective fence. The incident had taken place soon after loading of the vessel had completed and Mr. Sandalal had given the signal to close the hatch cover of the container. Last year a container had fallen on a prime mover within the CICT terminal killing the driver. In another incident in December last year another prime mover driver been killed which was blamed on self- negligence.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 03:07 UTC
Failed tests and confidential documents: Heat over South African coal
Failed tests and confidential documents: Heat over South African coal View(s):By Namini WijedasaInternal documents from the Lakvijaya coal power plant show that samples from three consecutive shipments of South African coal, bought through India’s Trident Chemphar Ltd, failed quality tests. The official data proves that each coal shipment registered Gross Calorific Values (GCV)—which represents the heat released upon combustion—well below levels required to generate optimum electricity from the plant’s three units. This directly clashes with the internal report of the Lakvijaya coal power plant. There are other indications in the documents submitted to the SOC that the coal shipments from South Africa were problematic. “Never mind the load port report, this report, that report,” he remarked.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 02:58 UTC
Lights, camera, action…, the blockbuster is here!!!
Lights, camera, action…, the blockbuster is here!!! Beyond the packed stands, hundreds of millions are expected to tune in from India, Pakistan and across the globe, delivering a timely boost to the tournament’s momentum. The controversy escalated when Pakistan refused to take the field against the UAE in the Asia Cup, protesting the appointment of match referee Andy Pycroft. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Pakistan Cricket Board lodged complaints with the International Cricket Council. The dispute peaked in the final when India refused the trophy presented by Pakistan Cricket Board and Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, delaying celebrations.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 02:58 UTC
Refurbished Supreme Court complex to become best in region: CJ
Refurbished Supreme Court complex to become best in region: CJ View(s):By Ranjith PadmasiriSri Lanka’s newly refurbished Supreme Court complex will shortly be turned into one “which will not be second to any other court system in the region,” Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena said. Speaking during the ceremony held recently to hand over the refurbished Supreme Court complex at Hulftsdorp, CJ Surasena noted that the Supreme Court came back to this iconic building on January 26 this year and resumed its operation of dispute resolution in a manner much more vigorous than before. “We started shifting the Supreme Court to the nearby MCC building temporarily to allow the refurbish work to take place in this building for one year. “Now we have come back to our own glorious building with modernised court rooms and other paraphernalia. We will shortly turn this complex into one which will not be second to any other court system in the region.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 02:04 UTC
Banton powers England to victory over Scotland
Banton powers England to victory over Scotland T20 WC 2026 View(s): View(s):Kolkata, India, AFP: Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 led England to a five-wicket T20 World Cup victory over Scotland in Kolkata on Saturday that kept Harry Brook’s side on course for the Super Eights. Victory in their final Group C match against Italy on Monday at the same Eden Gardens stadium will see England safely into the next round. Scotland bowled tightly until Bethell broke the shackles by hitting McMullen for a six and two fours in the fifth over. Michael Jones (33) holed out to Bethell off Curran and Scotland were 42-3 at the end of the six-over power play and never threatened a competitive total. Rashid was the best of the England bowlers with 3-36 from his four overs, while Dawson took 2-34.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 01:49 UTC
Epstein’s contact Puri liaised with Prabhakaran for the 1987 accord
Epstein’s contact Puri liaised with Prabhakaran for the 1987 accord View(s):A former Indian Foreign Service officer and now India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, who is in the middle of a political storm after his name figured prominently in the Epstein files, is no stranger to Sri Lankans. Mr Puri, who served as the First Secretary (Political) at the Indian High Commission in Colombo from 1984 to 1988, was one of the main actors directly involved in the negotiations around the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord of 1987. He was tasked with negotiating the accord with LTTE leader V. Prabkharan, as revealed by the then Indian High Commissioner in Colombo, J.N. According to foreign media reports, in the email exchanges between Mr Puri and the convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein that began in June 2014, Epstein wrote to Mr Puri about Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, to arrange a visit by Mr Hoffman to India. Following an exchange of emails, Mr Puri wrote a detailed pitch for investment opportunities in India to Epstein and Hoffman, laying out economic plans in India under the newly elected Modi government.
Source:Sunday Times
February 15, 2026 01:48 UTC