TONIK sets the Benchmark for a New Era of Story-Led Hospitality in Sri Lanka
TONIK sets the Benchmark for a New Era of Story-Led Hospitality in Sri LankaBusinessA fresh chapter in Sri Lankan travel is unfolding as TONIK unveils a renewed vision that places culture, storytelling, and design at the heart of exploration. The brand represents the Group’s commitment to elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism with depth, global insight, and long-term purpose. ‘Sri Lanka’s tourism story is rich, diverse, and waiting to be told in ways that resonate with the world’s most discerning travellers. Our island holds an abundance of untouched potential, stories waiting to be discovered, traditions waiting to be preserved, and experiences waiting to be shared. As global travel trends shift toward intentional, slow, and meaningful experiences, TONIK is designed to meet this demand head-on.
Source:Sunday Times
January 12, 2026 05:38 UTC
The Zombie World of International Law and Order
The Zombie World of International Law and OrderOpinionProf Janek RatnatungaAI generated photographIn a dramatic turn of events that could only be missed by those truly living under a rock, the eruption of a metaphorical "Supernova" in early January 2026 has signified the collapse of the world law and economic order as we know it. This seismic shift, originating from a series of aggressive unilateral actions by the United States, has sent shockwaves through the international agencies tasked with enforcing rules-based law and order. Yet, this was merely the opening salvo in a series of events that would further destabilize the global order. The operation, lacking UN Security Council authorization, self-defence justification, or consent from Venezuela, highlighted the erosion of the rules-based international order. A Fractured Global Order: The Fallout of U.S. UnilateralismThe U.S.'s recent actions have accelerated the decline of the international rules-based order, effectively transforming global governance institutions into powerless entities—Zombie Agencies.
Source:Sunday Times
January 12, 2026 04:21 UTC
Of AI hallucinations and AI bias
Of AI hallucinations and AI bias View(s):Salesforce, touted as the world’s no. 1 AI CRM company, on Wednesday announced the upcoming launch of the Salesforce Start-up Programme in Sri Lanka to foster growth and innovation for the country’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. He also referred to AI hallucinations and AI biases which are also addressed by grounding the data. AI hallucination refers to a situation where an AI model generates outputs that are nonsensical, factually incorrect, or entirely fabricated while AI bias refers to the tendency of AI systems to produce outputs that unfairly favour or disadvantage certain groups, according to published and accepted Internet sources. Giving an example of AI bias, he said if nine out of 10 applicants are males applying for a particular job, AI will select the male applicant even though the sole female applicant has better credentials.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 21:24 UTC
Chef Saman Perera: A Journey from Global Kitchens to Ayurvedic Wellness
Chef Saman Perera: A Journey from Global Kitchens to Ayurvedic WellnessBusinessBy Sanath WeerasuriyaSet amid the palm-fringed calm of Weligama, at Ayurvie, Thema Collection’s wellness-driven sanctuary, food is far more than a sensory pleasure. Returning to Sri Lanka, Chef Saman continued his upward journey, serving over a decade as an Executive Chef, while also contributing to the broader culinary fraternity. Today, at Ayurvie Weligama, Chef Saman presides over a kitchen unlike any other. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Saman plays an active role in guest engagement. Leading a dedicated and professional culinary team, Chef Saman sees his role as one that extends well beyond food preparation.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 20:27 UTC
Cinnamon Hotels grows female leadership within the group
Cinnamon Hotels grows female leadership within the group View(s):Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its commitment to gender inclusion across its portfolio, with female participation now at 19.5 per cent, marking a healthy trajectory toward its 2030 goal of achieving 30 per cent workforce representation. Women currently hold 22 per cent of leadership positions across the group, the company said in a media release. As a leading hospitality brand, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts aims to challenge these outdated perceptions by making hospitality a sector where women can excel and prosper, reinforcing the message that the industry is a safe, secure, and empowering place for women to work. Ms. Mudiyanselage, the group’s second female Resort Manager, rose to influence from humble beginnings in Welimada. A graduate of the Ceylon Hotel School and a scholarship recipient in Germany, she has advanced through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ leadership pathways.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 16:34 UTC
Dunsinane Estate leads the way in tea, tradition and sustainability
Dunsinane Estate leads the way in tea, tradition and sustainability View(s):Dunsinane Estate, spanning 790 hectares since its establishment in 1879 in the Nuwara Eliya District has nearly 494 hectares under tea cultivation and remains one of the largest and most historic tea estates in the country. Since then, it has become a benchmark for premium high-grown CTC teas, earning and maintaining the No. Beyond tea, Dunsinane is deeply intertwined with the well-being of its surrounding communities. The estate actively supports the welfare of plantation families through a wide range of community development initiatives. Dunsinane Estate is also playing a leading role in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy future through Elpitiya Plantations’ ambitious green energy initiatives.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 09:33 UTC
PM Harini to lead Sri Lanka delegation to World Economic Forum in Davos
PM Harini to lead Sri Lanka delegation to World Economic Forum in DavosNewsPrime Minister Hairni Amarasuriya will lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the World Economic Forum‘s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland later this month. The Prime Minister will hold several bi-lateral meetings during the visit and discuss investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and well as discuss ways to increase tourist arrivals. The Davos gathering which brings together World leaders from government, business, civil society and academia will meet in Davos from 19–23 January 2026. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that Sri Lanka was not represented at last year’s meeting as the government had just taken office and hence this time a high level delegation led by the PM will head there. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to be among the attendees at the World Economic Forum.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 09:20 UTC
Train drivers refuse night time runs without elephant detection tools
Train drivers refuse night time runs without elephant detection tools View(s):The Locomotive Operating Engineers Union said it will not operate trains, including the night mail, in areas where elephants roam in the northern and eastern tracks, particularly the Trincomalee and Batticaloa routes. In 2025, there were 21 elephant deaths from train accidents out of a total of 438 deaths. It is imperative that some early detection devices be fitted on the trains. Railway employees explained that once officers of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) travelled in train engines to alert train drivers to elephants near tracks. Railway authorities said that the night train operations in the northern, Trincomalee and Batticaloa lines were halted after the Dithwa cyclone.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:55 UTC
EDEX Expo 2026 Edition – Your Gateway to Education, Skills, and Careers
EDEX Expo 2026 Edition – Your Gateway to Education, Skills, and Careers View(s):Sri Lanka’s largest education exhibition and job fair, EDEX Expo 2026, makes its highly anticipated return this January, offering unparalleled opportunities for students, parents, professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to shape their futures with confidence. Through initiatives such as EDEX Careers, EDEX Job Fair, EDEX Think Green, EDEX Sithuwam and EDEX Nenapahana, the Expo creates sustainable pathways for education, skills development and career advancement. EDEX Expo 2026 is endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Environment, further reinforcing its national significance. EDEX Nenapahana, the Expo’s flagship social responsibility initiative, continues to focus on sustainable development in education, society and the environment. EDEX Sithuwam continues its commitment to nurturing creativity through its 2026 All-Island Art Competition, conducted with the endorsement of the Ministry of Education.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:55 UTC
When Exams Shift, Higher Education Plans Shouldn’t
Across countries with strong higher education planning models, academic progression does not pause for administrative delays. Sri Lankan parents are seeking higher education pathways after A/Ls that provide continuity, structure, and global relevance. This system, called “Enrollment under the Pending Results” scheme, enables them to begin their higher education journey without losing valuable time due to exam delays. That is how the Japanese higher education model works. Planning Forward, Even When Timelines ShiftAs exam schedules continue to evolve, parents are approaching higher education planning with greater care.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC
Bid to develop surgeons with a conscience
Bid to develop surgeons with a conscience View(s):Vision of new CSSL President Prof. Ajith Malalasekera to shape tomorrow’s surgeons on pillars of academia, integrity & accountabilityBy Kumudini HettiarachchiThe promise came with fervency – to shape tomorrow’s surgeon on the three unshakeable pillars of academia, integrity and accountability. Due to the foresight of the surgeons and administrators of that era, Sri Lanka now delivers first-world technology in stone management, hindered probably and only by waiting lists. Prof. Malalasekera concluded with a call for accountability when considering the investment made on surgeons and their training. World Health Organisation statistics indicate that the healthcare provided by workers in Sri Lanka is among the most cost-effective in the world. The sacrifices made by our surgeons are often unbelievable,” said Prof. Malalasekera.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC
National Audit raises red flags over costly e-procurement delays
National Audit raises red flags over costly e-procurement delays By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s long-promised shift to electronic government procurement, a reform positioned at the heart of public financial management modernisation, stands at critical crossroads. While officials describe the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) project as being in an “advanced stage of implementation,” Auditor General’s Department findings and implementation data reveal significant bottlenecks that continue to delay its full realisation. 30 billion digitalisation envelope to expanding electronic procurement and payment systems. However the Auditor General’s Department, in its latest report, paints a more sobering picture. Currently, procurement notices and awarded contracts are available online through the PROMISe.lk (Procurement Management Information System) portal.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC
Hatch-Singapore makes its first investment
Hatch-Singapore makes its first investment View(s):Hatch Fund Singapore has made its first investment, backing Cultive8, a fast-growing agri-technology start-up with Sri Lankan roots and a rapidly expanding regional footprint, ploughing in approximately US$650,000. Beyond capital, Cultive8 will gain access to Hatch’s global accelerator platform, which supports early-stage companies through follow-on fundraising, strategic partnerships, and market entry. This milestone investment reflects Hatch’s commitment to supporting high-potential early winners originating from South Asia and scaling them to global markets, the company said in a media release. With the investment from Hatch Global we are excited to take this Sri Lankan tech to the Asian markets and beyond. Commenting on the investment, Jeevan Gnanam, Co-founder of Hatch and the Hatch Fund, said: “The early signs of globally scaling start-ups from Sri Lanka are extremely encouraging.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC
Vavuniya University Goes Full Digital
Vavuniya University Goes Full Digital View(s):Vavuniya University has completed a full digitalisation of its bursa officers, salary payments, registration and other processors of the university which means that the university would not have any cash payments paid to it allowing the university to save funds and for stakeholders to save time and money. This information was conveyed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya Senior Professor Arulampalam Atputharaj. “All the processors of the University would be hundred percent digitalized, which means the payment of teachers and other staff members would be made online together with the registration of students for classes as well as examinations.” The Vice Chancellor also highlighted that Vavuniya University was the first university in the country to go fully digital and mentioned that the university is happy to demonstrate the software to other universities and companies. The Senior Professor explained that most of the individuals who come to the university are adept with the technology. Additionally, a full study conducted by Mr. Ram Ramanan by sending emails to the university emails of students and staff found that everyone accepted the online system.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC
Trump’s Hobbesian world order
Trump’s Hobbesian world order View(s):By Shlomo Ben-Ami, PROJECT SYNDICATE, EXCLUSIVE TO THE SUNDAY TIMES IN SRI LANKATEL AVIV – One year into his second presidency, Donald Trump has established himself as the most revolutionary US president in recent history. But, in Trump’s view, they are not; China’s presence in Latin America is increasingly seen as a strategic threat. Beyond oil, Venezuela might possess significant stores of critical minerals, including rare-earth elements, which are vital to numerous high-tech industries, including semiconductors. He has also set the stage for more illegal US military actions in Latin America and beyond. If the world is to prevent the dawn of a new Hobbesian age of international relations, condemnations will not be enough.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC