‘Yakada Yaka’ slowly chugging back on track
‘Yakada Yaka’ slowly chugging back on track View(s):Pix and text by Rekha Tharangani FonsekaRepairs of the railway bridge near the Sarasavi Uyana station popularly known as ‘Yaka Palama’ or Devil’s Bridge damaged by the flood that followed Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ is in progress, Superintendent of the Upper Railway Line, Danushka Dissanayake told the Sunday Times. The bridge renovation work is being carried out under the supervision of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya; the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and Central Engineering Services Limited (CESL). He said that while speed limits are being imposed on the Northern Line, Upcountry Line only operates to Rambukkana from Colombo Fort. Accordingly, train services to Kankasanthurai and Batticaloa will operate with speed limits. He also said that the Railway Department has taken steps to reconstruct the Kala Oya Bridge with the support of various parties and the tri-forces.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 02:45 UTC
Revenue soars after Sri Lanka lifts vehicle import ban
Revenue soars after Sri Lanka lifts vehicle import ban View(s):Motor Traffic Department revenue and new vehicle registrations saw a dramatic increase between 2024 and 2025, amid policy changes governing vehicle imports. Key revenue streams included Luxury Motor Vehicle Tax, tax on the sale of motor vehicles, carbon tax, fees under motor traffic and other categories, and registration fees on motor vehicles. Luxury Motor Vehicle Tax and registration fees on motor vehicles increased by 116.65% and 160.09% respectively, accounting for the largest shares of the increased revenue. Motor traffic fees and tax on the sale of vehicles followed, recording increases of 100.23% and 96.44% respectively. Following this, new vehicle registrations rose from 74,410 in 2024 to 312,317 as of November 2025.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 02:45 UTC
Guidelines to ensure school children access online platforms safely
Guidelines to ensure school children access online platforms safely View(s):The Digital Task Force on Education Reform will issue guidelines to ensure that school children access online platforms in a safe and secure manner, Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne said. The issue of school children’s online safety was discussed with members of the Working Group on Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing and Cybersecurity of the Task Force at a meeting held at Temple Trees this week. The Prime Minister instructed officials involved in preparing curricula, preparing and reviewing textbooks for school students to prepare a guide on online safety, digital well-being, and cyber security. The task force will issue guidelines on the harmful impact of digital exposure in early childhood and ways to stop online digital addiction, the deputy minister said. He said there will be a benchmark on online content that children can access.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 20:19 UTC
Diaries going out of vogue?
Diaries going out of vogue? View(s):Are diaries going out of vogue? Most corporates have, over the past two years, stopped issuing diaries to their clients and customers – maybe realising that Google and other apps have diaries which keep us abreast of scheduled events. Pic by Akila Jayawardena shows customers browsing through diaries at a bookshop. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Thousands gather to watch Kelani Perahera
Thousands gather to watch Kelani Perahera View(s):The annual Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Perahera concluded yesterday, with thousands of people gathering on both sides of the roads near the historic temple to witness the grand colourful procession. Yesterday’s final perahera, the 99th since the tradition began, was preceded by minor peraheras on the previous two days. Pix by Eshan Fernando. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Foreign tour guides operating illegally put on notice
Foreign tour guides operating illegally put on notice View(s):By Wasantha RamanayakeIllegal tourist guiding harms the industry and reduces service quality, attracting low-spending visitors, said Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Buddhika Hewawasam. The enforcement unit has successfully acted against unlicensed guides leading tourist groups, in line with the court undertaking. The SLTDA’s enforcement unit would take legal action against foreign illegal guides operating with tourist visas. They contribute to revenue leakage.’’Mr Hewawasam said legal action could also be taken against locals operating unlicensed tourism establishments. “Illegal guides as well as organisations using them could be penalised under the Tourism Act.’’ SLTDA has informed all registered tour operators to not use unlicensed guides.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Army edge Navy 41–38 in season thriller
Army edge Navy 41–38 in season thriller RUGBY View(s): View(s):In an encounter that could virtually be termed the game of the season so far, hosts Army Sports Club stood tall against Navy Sports Club with a thrilling 41–38 victory in a high-scoring SLR–Maliban Club Rugby League 2025/26 clash played at Panagoda yesterday. Army bounced back with a clinical display, scoring at will to surge to a commanding 41–24 lead with just ten minutes remaining. Winger Chanaka Jayalath scored an unconverted try in the 11th minute, before fullback Thilina Weerasinghe broke away after prolonged territorial dominance to add another unconverted try in the 19th minute. With Victor converting two of four attempts in the second half, Army surged into a commanding 41–24 lead. Sansoni then produced a superb 50–22 kick, leading to another Navy try from a lineout through flanker Denuwan Wickramarachchi in the 74th minute.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
The gentle thespian
Jith with his signature “plebeian-looking” cap was one of the illustrious Pieris family, and, like his Grand-Uncle Harold Pieris, was a sensitive and gentle artiste. Said fellow thespian and producerJehan Aloysius:“Jith taught me so much about theatre and life. I hope I’ve done him proud.”The irrepressible Anuruddha Fernando, thespian and radio personality shared:“Jith was a wonderful human being, with a true sense of joy regarding the human condition. I first met Uncle Jith off the stage in 2004, at the age of sixteen. I could always be myself with Uncle Jith.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Low pressure weather system passes north Sri Lanka with no major impact
Low pressure weather system passes north Sri Lanka with no major impact View(s):By Jayanie MadawalaThe low pressure weather system passed across north Sri Lanka yesterday without a major impact, the Meteorology Department said. Though a deep depression that developed in the eastern sea area had moved slowly toward Sri Lanka from Friday onwards, the strength of it gradually reduced, turning it into a low pressure condition by yesterday evening. Some parts of the northern province received rains and residents said it was colder than other days. Due to the change in weather system following cyclone Ditwah and the destruction it caused to life and property, government authorities had taken precautionary measures and were prepared for any eventuality. The Meteorology Department provided constant weather updates, while the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and other stakeholders remained on alert.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Prince of Wales, St. Anthony’s record outright wins
At Moratuwa: Prince of Wales beat Mahinda by 4 wickets Mahinda Galle 142 all out (34.3) and (7-1 o’night) 169 all out (45.5) (Gesandu Bisas 54, Sehas Ashinsa 29; Nethul Anuhas 3/35, Oshan de Silva 2/13, Mathyeesha Aponso 2/23, Shehan Ashen 2/23)Prince of Wales 247 all out (45.2) (Pasan Cooray 97, Palingu Perera 42, Oshan de Silva 24; Sehas Ashinsa 5/56, Arosha Udayanga 2/57, Manitha Rajapakse 2/59) and 68 for 6 at close (Thusindu Deemantha 16; Manitha Rajapakse 4/31) At Matara: St. Anthony’s beat St. Thomas’ by 5 wickets St. Thomas’ Matara 157 all out and 80 (29.4) (Manuga Guruge 45; Kavindu Senadi 4/33, Vishmitha Saroj 3/22)St. Anthony’s Wattala 133 all out and 105 for 5 (25.5) at close (Ridma Bashika 34, Kavindu Vihanga 23, Hitesh Ruwanda 18n.o. ; Thathsara Dewmith 4/30) At Mt. Lavinia: First innings win for S. Thomas’ vs Wesley S. Thomas’ 262 for 9 (80) decl and 144 for 1 (23.1) at close (Jaden Amaraweera 102n.o., Avinash Fernando 39)Wesley (28-1 o’night) 205 all out (77.2) (Sehandu Athauda 55, Kavindu Hettiarachchi 34, Lithum Senuja 31, Shamma Fernando 29, Charana Malimbada 21; Abheeth Paranavidana 6/56, Reshon Soloman 2/36) At Ananda Mawatha: First innings win for St. Anthony’s vs AnandaSt. Anthony’ Katugastota 163 all out and 161 all out (59) (Chamalka Gunatileke 28n.o., Sadew Amarakoon 28, Senuka Kalpana 24, Sisal Hemaka 20; Himira Kudagama 4/53, Sharada Jayaratne 2/35, Kithma Srimal 2/36)Ananda (16-2 o’night) 151 all out (40.2) (Kithma Sithmal 74; Ryan Gregory 4/52) and 14 for 1 (3.3) at close At Reid Avenue: First innings win for Royal vs St. Joseph’sRoyal 265 all out (78) and 163 for 3 (32) Ramiru Perera 57n.o., (Udantha Gangewatte 46, Yasindu Dissanayake 37n.o., Hirun Liyanaarachchi 28)St. Joseph’s (35-0 o’night) 262 for 7 (80) decl (80) (Aveesha Samash 98, Dilpa Ruwanaka 55, Yenula Dantanarayana 30, Nushan Perera 29n.o., Chamath Perera 21; Ramiru Perera 5/72) At Lake View: First innings win for Dharmaraja vs Vidyartha Dharmaraja (237-8 o’night) 238 for 9 (74.4) decl (Kavindu Gunaratne 80, Omesh Ekanayake 57, Kashyapa Dissanayake 28, Sumeda Prasad 17n.o. ; Hansaja Jayawickrama 3/49, Peshala Seneviratne 2/63)Vidyartha 41 all out (15.5) (Sashith Bandara 5/11, Sumeda Prasad 4/23) and 23 for 1 (9) at close At Kotahena: St. Benedict’s lead Devapathiraja by 5 runsDevapathiraja Rathgama 181 all out (51.2) (Sandaru Malshan 62, Gimhan Rasanjana 34, Sumeda Sampath 28, Diyath Sanjitha 26; Nadun Fernando 3/32, Manikya Deshapriya 2/4, Vihanga Ratnayake 2/34)St. Benedict’s 186 for 6 (44) at stumps (Vihanga Ratnayake 41n.o., Mihila Jayaweera 38, Mevan Dissanayake 38, Tehan Bitar 20, Lithika Jayasundara 18n.o.)
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ passes the $1 billion mark worldwide
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ passes the $1 billion mark worldwide View(s):Third Avatar film ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ has surpassed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, as it kept the top spot in North American theaters with another $40 million in ticket sales, industry estimates showed last week. The third installment in director James Cameron’s blockbuster series has now earned $306 million in the United States and Canada and another $777 million abroad, putting the total at $1.08 billion, Exhibitor Relations reported. It is the fourth Cameron film to pass the $1 billion mark, with the first two ‘Avatar’ films and ever popular ‘Titanic’. In second place in North America was ‘Zootopia 2’, Disney’s feel-good animated film and an Oscar contender, at $19 million. ‘Marty Supreme’, A24’s period sports drama starring Timothee Chalamet, finished in fourth place with $12.6 million.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Gateway College Celebrates Outstanding SACE International Results, Showcasing Academic Excellence and Holistic Achievement
Gateway College Celebrates Outstanding SACE International Results, Showcasing Academic Excellence and Holistic Achievement View(s):The release of the SACE International results on 15 December 2025 marked a moment of celebration across the global SACE community and a particularly proud milestone for Gateway College Colombo. Adding to this achievement, while 13 subject merits were awarded internationally, one prestigious subject merit was proudly claimed by a Gateway College Colombo student. This was one of the most dynamic and well-rounded batches Gateway College Colombo has produced. Gateway College Colombo first introduced the SACE International curriculum in 2022 with an inaugural cohort of just 18 students. In 2025, Gateway expanded the SACE International programme to its sister schools, Gateway College Negombo and Gateway College Kandy, marking an important milestone in extending globally recognised academic pathways across the Gateway College network.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Ajith’s ‘Brisbane Manalaya’ in town
Ajith’s ‘Brisbane Manalaya’ in town View(s):Actor and director Ajith Lokuge’s play ‘Brisbane Manalaya’ will be staged at 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm. on Sunday, January 11 at Elphinstone Theatre in Colombo 10. Madani Malwattage, Anjula Rajapaksha, Nadeeshani Peliarachchi, Nimala Yatiwella, Pradeep Manawaduge, Kalpani Jayasinghe and Ajith himself performs in the cast. Written by Kapila Kumara Kalinga and produced by Priyankara de Silva, ‘Brisbane Manalaya’ is organised by Jude Srimal. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:30 UTC
Draft electricity policy is driving investors away
Draft electricity policy is driving investors away By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s draft National Electricity and Tariff Policy has generated intense debate, particularly following discussions at the Parliamentary Oversight Committee. This is pushing renewable energy investors to leave the country and invest elsewhere or close shop entirely. The draft electricity policy developed by the Cabinet-appointed Committee on Formulating the National Electricity Policy was presented recently to the Minister of Energy. Ideally, an Electricity Policy should be aligned with a comprehensive and up-to-date National Energy Policy. “However, the draft Electricity Policy should be understood as a transitional instrument required to operationalise the new Act within statutory timelines.
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:29 UTC
Sri Lanka rupee depreciates
Sri Lanka rupee depreciates View(s):Two market-moving and business-impact-related developments were seen in Sri Lanka this week with drama, both in the stock market and the money markets, in Colombo. The Rupee slumped to 310 per dollar from 306 due to unprecedented demand for dollars and a shortage in the market. They said the demand for dollars will also rise when reconstruction happens for post-Cyclone Ditwah work as imports of construction material grow. The ‘antics’ in the stock market is addressed in a connected story on this page. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
January 10, 2026 19:29 UTC