On the trail of dengue control: Three-day drive reveals gains and gaps
On the trail of dengue control: Three-day drive reveals gains and gaps View(s):By Sajeniya SathanandanA three-day mosquito control programme, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, ended on Friday with a string of measures implemented to stop the spread of dengue. The programme also included the conduct of health education and awareness campaigns at educational institutions—from pre-schools to universities—with dengue inspections also being carried out. On the last day of the programme, dengue inspections and source reduction were extended to state and private institutions. Dr Pricilla Samaraweera, Consultant Community Physician of the National Dengue Control Unit, said high-risk areas often include construction sites and areas like Cinnamon Gardens, where the proximity to major hospitals increases the “viral load” in the mosquito population. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) has volunteered to support the National Dengue Control Unit through an Early Action Protocol.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:28 UTC
CIPM Sri Lanka to Host Strategic Workshop on Sustainable Performance Management for Organisational Resilience
CIPM Sri Lanka to Host Strategic Workshop on Sustainable Performance Management for Organisational Resilience View(s):As organisations navigate increasing volatility and disruption, the ability to manage performance sustainably has emerged as a critical leadership capability. Responding to this need, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka will host a full-day workshop titled “Rebuilding Stronger – KPI Mastery for a Sustainable 2026” on 22 January 2026 at the Marino Beach Hotel, Colombo, from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The programme is designed for senior leaders and HR professionals seeking to strengthen organisational resilience through agile, future-ready performance management systems. Commenting on the initiative, Priyantha Ranasinghe, President of CIPM Sri Lanka, stated, “In an increasingly complex and volatile business environment, organisations must move beyond transactional performance metrics to KPIs that provide strategic coherence, organisational focus, and long-term value creation. Participants will engage in an experiential learning environment incorporating simulations, case studies, KPI design labs, role plays, and practical discussions focused on real-world application.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:28 UTC
Divisional secretaries raise issues regarding Ditwah compensation
Divisional secretaries raise issues regarding Ditwah compensation View(s):By Ishu BandaraThe disaster compensation plan following Cyclone Ditwa is facing many challenges– some arising from circular related issues, others by disagreements among affected people. There are also instances of individuals who were not affected by the disaster also attempting to claim compensation. According to some District Secretaries there have been cases of people trying to falsely claim disaster compensation. The Sri Lanka Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries (SLADA), in a letter dated January 8, 2026, to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, highlighted administrative difficulties in paying compensation for damaged houses. It also warns that paying compensation for unauthorised buildings on state-protected land could lead to legal issues and violate existing property laws.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:28 UTC
Jetwing Saman Villas recognised at Indian’ awards event
Jetwing Saman Villas recognised at Indian’ awards event View(s):Jetwing Saman Villas, part of Jetwing Luxury Reserves, has been awarded “Best International Hotel for Weddings” at the 14th edition of Travel+Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards, held on December 16 in New Delhi. The annual India’s Best Awards, driven by reader votes, honours excellence across the travel spectrum, from hotels and destinations to wellness retreats and culinary experiences. This year’s theme, “Passports to Possibility,” highlighted the transformative power of travel and brought together global hospitality leaders for an evening of recognition and inspiration. Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 27-suite resort is Sri Lanka’s pioneering luxury boutique hotel and a haven for intimate celebrations. “We are truly honoured to bring this recognition to Sri Lanka,” said Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development at Jetwing Hotels.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:28 UTC
JICA sole bidder for BIA expansion, Airport and Aviation says
JICA sole bidder for BIA expansion, Airport and Aviation says View(s):By Namini WijedasaAirport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) (Ltd) has conveyed to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that Japan’s Taisei Corporation is the only responsive bidder for the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) expansion project, official sources said. The other bidder, Sojitz-L&T Consortium, has been deemed non-responsive, which means it does not conform to all the requirements of the solicitation document. As the funder of the project, JICA must concur to the selection which was made after a technical evaluation of the two bids. It was formerly appointed by JICA as the main contractor for the airport’s expansion project, which involves building a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building and related airport infrastructure. The bid closing date for the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project was March this year, but the tender was advertised as early as mid-2024.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 07:39 UTC
Upholding separation of powers doctrine, Speaker rejects opposition call to scrutinise JSC action
An SJB led campaign to collect signatures for a public petition also commenced yesterday beside the statue of C.W.W. The public petition calls on the Prime Minister to step down from her post of Education Minister if proper steps are not taken urgently to clear up the mess that has been caused by hastily put together education reforms. However, the President was actually present to chair the second meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. “Whatever they try to do to scuttle these reforms, we will ensure that these changes are implemented,” the President insisted. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told the Speaker that his ruling amounted to a violation of the Constitution and sovereignty of the people.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 07:30 UTC
Ten years later, the SL Bond Scam rolls on unresolved
Ten years later, the SL Bond Scam rolls on unresolved By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):More than 10 years after the island nation’s most contentious financial crime was committed, the case of Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CB) bond scam triggering losses running into billions of rupees remains unresolved. The bond scam investigations led to significant reports (like COPE’s), holding former Governor Arjuna Mahendran (now in Singapore as a citizen there) responsible, but his extradition failed as Singapore refused, citing lack of evidence. Mr. Mahendran, widely associated with the 2015 auction controversy, has been notified to appear in court in connection with bond scam inquiries. The impact of the bond scam on the national economy is currently under review. Meanwhile, multiple investigations into the CB bond scam including the Presidential Commission of Inquiry and COPE have found serious irregularities, conflicts of interest, and major financial losses.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 07:28 UTC
‘Echoes of Palestine’ to be held in Colombo on January 13
‘Echoes of Palestine’ to be held in Colombo on January 13 View(s):COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP), in collaboration with the Embassy of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, will host a literary and cultural programme titled ‘Echoes of Palestine’ on Tuesday, January 13, at the Lighthouse Auditorium of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo 7. The event, from 4-6 pm, will mark the launch of the book The Heritage of the Homeland Trampled by a Superpower – Palestine, authored by Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, former Minister and former Co-Chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine. The book will be reviewed by a panel comprising former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka Upul Jayasuriya, Professor Harendra de Silva – Emeritus Professor at the Department of Paediatrics, University of Colombo, former Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority – and former Sri Lanka Ambassador and political analyst Dr Dayan Jayatilleka. ‘Echoes of Palestine’ brings together literature, critical reflection, and performance to foster deeper public engagement with the Palestinian question and to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s long-standing tradition of solidarity rooted in international law and global justice. - Sri Lanka Committee forSolidarity with Palestine
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 06:00 UTC
Lakehouse Adivasi Reunion 2026 on Jan 17
Lakehouse Adivasi Reunion 2026 on Jan 17 View(s):The Lakehouse Adivasi Reunion, organised annually by the Lakehouse Adivasi Association established by retired employees of Lakehouse, will be held for the 19th time this year on Saturday, January 17, at the Cey Nor Restaurant, located on D R Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo. Further details can be obtained fromthe following persons. Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara - 071 380 5484M D Dharmasiri – 076 779 9865Varuna Mallawarachchi – 077 727 0002
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 06:00 UTC
Maha Bodhi Society of India donates Rs 10 million to Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund
Maha Bodhi Society of India donates Rs 10 million to Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund View(s):The Maha Bodhi Society of India donated Rs 10 million to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund for those recovering from Cyclone Ditwah. This follows a decision by the Executive Committee of the society to assist affected families given the close people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and their Buddhist links.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 06:00 UTC
Keneth and Nethmi claim Junior titles at 73rd Badminton Nationals
Keneth and Nethmi claim Junior titles at 73rd Badminton Nationals Thamindu and Yenul earn double crowns View(s): View(s):Keneth Aruggoda and Nethmi Ratnayake won the Junior Under-19 Singles titles at the 73rd National Badminton Championship 2025, concluded at the S. Thomas’ College Indoor Sports Complex in Mount Lavinia on Wednesday (24). Keneth Aruggoda and Nethmi Ratnayake claimed the Boy’s and Girl’s Singles titles respectively in the Under-19 category, while Thenul Ganewatte and Nethil Thewmika accounted for the Boys’ Doubles title. Keneth overcame Hiruka Sahanmith in straight sets to claim the Boy’s Singles title, while Nethmi recorded a similar victory against Senudi Amarasinghe in the Girl’s Singles final. Senuth Perera and Dulanya Karunarathna emerged victorious in the Under-17 finals, accounting for the Boy’s Singles and Girl’s Singles titles, as Amavan Amarasinghe and Chenaal Dewshan recorded a straight win to claim the Boy’s Doubles title. Yenul Rathnayake won a double crown in the Under-11 category, claiming the Boy’s Singles title, after accounting for the Boys’ Doubles title pairing up with Shon Silva.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 04:40 UTC
Sabalenka into third straight Brisbane final ahead of Australian Open
Sabalenka into third straight Brisbane final ahead of Australian Open TENNIS View(s): View(s):Brisbane, Australia, AFP: Aryna Sabalenka beat Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach her third Brisbane International final in a row on Saturday, a week ahead of the Australian Open. She said that with seven of the world’s top 10 having entered, it was ideal preparation for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 18. Sabalenka is aiming to win a third Australian Open in four years. “That’s really important heading to Melbourne, to build that level, and to play some great matches against great opponents. “So I’m super happy with the performance so far and cannot wait to play my final match here.”Sabalenka, the defending champion, will play either fourth seed Jessica Pegula or Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in today’s final.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 04:40 UTC
UK’s revised trade concessions – best deal for Sri Lanka
UK’s revised trade concessions – best deal for Sri Lanka By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s apparel industry now shares a competitive advantage in the UK market as they now qualify for a removal of barriers on raw materials sourcing alongside its duty free access effective January 1. The apparel industry currently markets with duty free access to the EU and the UK and on a reciprocal tariff to the US. Currently only about 50 per cent of exports from Sri Lanka enjoy duty free status to the UK and this new revision in the trade conditions allows manufacturers to source upto 100 per cent of their inputs from any country worldwide. Mr. Lawrence said JAAF had worked with UK teams both in London and Colombo and it has been very encouraging that Sri Lanka was able to secure this advantage in removing these trade barriers. The UK is Sri Lanka’s second largest garment export market at approximately US$675 million in value with exports expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 04:40 UTC
ComBank supports DMC to strengthen country’s disaster readiness
ComBank supports DMC to strengthen country’s disaster readiness View(s):The Commercial Bank of Ceylon, under its ‘Rebuild Together’ initiative, a national effort launched following Cyclone Ditwah to aid recovery and reduce future disaster risks, has stepped in to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and risk management capabilities by funding the complete revamp of the RiskInfo Spatial Data Portal managed by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Cyclone Ditwah highlighted the need for robust, modern and accessible risk information systems. The DMC, as Sri Lanka’s national focal point for disaster risk management, plays a central role in coordinating preparedness, response and recovery. It is supported by platforms such as RiskInfo Spatial Data Portal and the DesInventar database, which house multi-hazard risk maps, exposure and vulnerability data, and historical disaster loss information, the bank said in a media release. Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General – DMC, Ms. Anoja Senevirathna, Director – Mitigation Research and Development Division – DMC, Mr. Hettihamu, and members of the bank’s senior management, and members of the bank’s Sustainability Department.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 04:40 UTC
Super Muslim banned as Govt. updates terror list
Super Muslim banned as Govt. updates terror list View(s):A Muslim terror group, formed in India in 2018 ahead of the Easter Sunday attack, is the latest addition to Sri Lanka’s list of proscribed organisations and designated persons, according to a revised Extraordinary Gazette released this week. The organisation, known as Super Muslim a.k.a. Sahabi Tharika, the newest addition to the list, is reported to have been operational in Sri Lanka since 2019. The revised list also extended the ban on Tamil diaspora and Muslim organisations for engaging in terrorism-related activities and terrorism funding.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 03:43 UTC