US Ambassador Julie Chung to depart Sri Lanka
US Ambassador Julie Chung to depart Sri LankaNewsU.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung will depart Sri Lanka on January 16 after almost four years of dedicated service, marking the conclusion of her tenure as the United States’ top diplomat in Colombo, US embassy in Colombo said. “I have loved every moment of my time in Sri Lanka,” said Ambassador Chung. Under Ambassador Chung’s leadership, the U.S. Embassy advanced significant initiatives to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Under Ambassador Chung, youth and education programs flourished.
Source:Sunday Times
January 07, 2026 15:59 UTC
Showery conditions expected to enhance from tomorrow
Showery conditions expected to enhance from tomorrow - Met DeptNewsThe Meteorology Department forecasted that a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of the Sri Lanka is likely intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours. According to the department, the system is expected to move west-northwestwards, towards the east coast of the island. Hence, showery conditions over the island, particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces is expected to enhance from January 8th. The Met Department explained that tonight showers are expected to occur at times in Eastern, Central, Uva, North-Central and Northern provinces. Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in Uva province and in Nuwara-Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
Source:Sunday Times
January 07, 2026 11:52 UTC
Enhanced showers expected during upcoming days
Therefore the showery condition over the island, particularly in Northern, North Central, eastern, Uva and central provinces is expected to enhance from tomorrow. According to the warning issued by the Meteorology Department North, North central, eastern, western, Uva, North western and central provinces are expected to experience strong wind tomorrow, January, 08,2026. However the winds would intensify into very strong winds on Friday, January, 09, 2026 in Northern, eastern and central provinces. While very strong and strong winds are respectively expected on Saturday, January 10, in Northern, North Central provinces. They forecasted that heavy rains are expected for the next three days, where showers or thunder showers above 75 mm to 150mm are expected in several districts.
Source:Sunday Times
January 07, 2026 11:52 UTC
Pasad Weerasekera Joins Board of AgriOne Solutions
Pasad Weerasekera Joins Board of AgriOne SolutionsBusinessAgriOne Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Asiya Siyaka Commodities PLC, has appointed seasoned agri-input industry professional Pasad Weerasekera to its Board of Directors. With more than 33 years of experience in the agri-input marketing sector, Weerasekera brings extensive expertise spanning from finance, marketing, operations and to strategic leadership. He is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation too. He is also a member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (Sri Lanka), the Institute of Public Accountants (Australia), Chartered Professional Managers (Sri Lanka), and Chartered Practising Accountants (Australia). AgriOne Solutions was established to enter the agri-input marketing sector, with a focus on improving crop productivity and farmer outcome.
Source:Sunday Times
January 07, 2026 06:19 UTC
Air quality reach unhealthy levels
Air quality reach unhealthy levelsNewsThe National Building Research Organization’s Environmental studies and service division said the air quality of some cities had reached slightly unhealthy levels within the last 24 hours. Accordingly, Puttlam, Jaffna, Anuradapura, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa and Anuradapura had reached slightly unhealthy levels. Other areas of the country recorded moderate Air quality conditions according to the index. Due to the trans boundary conditions happening from northern region, AQI level will be increased these days. They added that maximum AQI level will be from 8.00 – 9.00 am and 4.00 - 5.00 pm.
Source:Sunday Times
January 07, 2026 06:19 UTC
Jetwing Saman Villas wins ‘Best International Hotel for Weddings 2025’
Jetwing Saman Villas wins ‘Best International Hotel for Weddings 2025’BusinessJetwing 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, 2025, in New Delhi. This 27-suite resort is Sri Lanka’s pioneering luxury boutique hotel and a haven for intimate celebrations. From pre-wedding rituals to gourmet receptions, the property specializes in intimate weddings that feel truly exclusive and deeply personal. Beyond the ceremony, Jetwing Saman Villas doubles as an idyllic honeymoon retreat, offering luxurious private-pool suites, indulgent spa rituals, and romantic dining experiences under starlit skies, making it the perfect beginning to a lifelong journey together. ‘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 07, 2026 06:15 UTC
Journalists for Global Justice condemn US aggression on Venezuela
Journalists for Global Justice condemn US aggression on VenezuelaNewsThe Sri Lanka Journalists for Global Justice (SLJGJ) strongly condemns the United States’ illegitimate and wanton aggression against Venezuela and the kidnapping of its democratically elected President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. The SLJGJ joins the growing condemnation worldwide of what is seen as imperial thuggery that renders a rules-based international order ineffective and undermines international law that upholds the inviolability of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The SLJGJ sees the US action as naked imperialism and an abhorrent effort to reinstitute the 19th‑century colonialism that the world resisted and overcame. We denounce US President Donald Trump’s might‑is‑right policy, which sets a dangerous precedent in international relations, and urge the United States to release Mr. Maduro and his wife unconditionally and without subjecting them to humiliation. If corrective steps are not taken to restore the status quo ante, history will lump the US together with pariah states such as Nazi Germany and Zionist Israel.
Source:Sunday Times
January 07, 2026 06:05 UTC
Sri Lanka to experience heavy rains in the coming few days
Sri Lanka to experience heavy rains in the coming few daysNewsThe low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of Sri Lanka is likely intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours, the Meteorological Department warned. Heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in these areas. Therefore, the general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds and strong lightning during thundershowers. Meanwhile, a report from Tamil Nadu said Srilanka will see heavy rains in the east coast and adjoining areas from Batticola, Trincomalee to Jaffna will see very heavy rains. ‘This won't be like Ditwah, still there will be very heavy rains on 9 and 10th January.
Source:Sunday Times
January 06, 2026 13:16 UTC
Former Minister Johnston Fernando and two sons arrested and remanded by FCID
Former Minister Johnston Fernando and two sons arrested and remanded by FCIDNewsFormer Minister Johnston Fernando and younger son, arrested by the Bribery Commission were remanded until January 9 by the Wattala Magistrate's Court today. Also, another son who was arrested before has been remanded until the 9th for the same offence. The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today arrested Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his youngest son, Gerome Kenneth Fernando, in connection with the alleged misuse of a Sathosa vehicle during Fernando’s tenure as Minister. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
January 05, 2026 14:10 UTC
SL Govt. says US actions go against UN conventions
says US actions go against UN conventionsNewsAbove: The Foreign Minister at the media briefing. The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the US goes against the accepted UN conventions and international laws, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said on Monday. Member states of the United Nations cannot go against the UN conventions and international laws, Minister Herath told media briefing at the Foreign Ministry, referring to a question regarding the government's stance on the US actions on the capture of Venezuelan leader and the attack on military installations. As a government he noted there is a way to intervene and mediate in this kind of situation. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
January 05, 2026 11:02 UTC
Trend in national rubber production is alarming
Trend in national rubber production is alarming By Emeritus Professor Asoka Nugawela FEATURE View(s): View(s):The national rubber production has declined from 98.6 to 69.2 thousand Metric tonnes(MT) from 2014 to 2024. Accordingly, natural rubber production and land extent have shown a negative growth of 7 per cent and 6.3 per cent per annum respectively during this 10-year period. It is also recorded that in 1970 Sri Lanka had produced 159.2 thousand MT of natural rubber. This article intends to identify and briefly discuss certain facts that may have contributed and also yet contributing to the decline in the natural rubber production in the country. These are major constraints for achieving high productivity levels in rubber established in the traditional rubber growing areas.
Source:Sunday Times
January 04, 2026 17:02 UTC
GCF Research Awards in Economic Development
GCF Research Awards in Economic Development View(s):The Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF) was established by the visionary economist of Sri Lanka Dr Gamani Corea. Dr Corea saw development-related needs through a balanced interaction between the state, market and civil society. The research awards are aimed at addressing Sri Lanka’s and other developing country’s socio-economic challenges. They are meant to promote examination of the development interests of the Global South, The primary intent of the GCF is to generate knowledge for economic and human development. The GCF awards were a response to the numerous research proposals the Foundations received over the last months after its call for expression of interest (EOIs).
Source:Sunday Times
January 04, 2026 12:50 UTC
Alcohol Laws in the UAE: Consumption, Licensing, and Legal Realities
While the country has moved away from a blanket criminalization of alcohol consumption, the legal framework remains carefully controlled and uneven across emirates. Differences Across EmiratesAlcohol policy in the UAE is not uniform:Sharjah enforces total prohibition, banning the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol. Legal Guidance and ComplianceDespite recent reforms, alcohol law in the UAE remains one of careful regulation rather than unrestricted access. FAQs:Is alcohol legal in the UAE? Depending on the offense, penalties may include large fines, imprisonment, confiscation of alcohol, closure of businesses, and deportation for non-citizens.
Source:The Nation
January 04, 2026 09:33 UTC
Ranil probe: AG requests extracts from CID team which travelled to UK
Ranil probe: AG requests extracts from CID team which travelled to UK View(s):By Ranjith PadmasiriThe Attorney General has informed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit extracts of further investigations conducted by a CID team which travelled to the UK as part of the probe into the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 16.6 million by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The AG has informed this in writing to the CID’s Director through a letter signed by Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera. The AG has requested the extracts to act in accordance with the order issued by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. The letter also notes that the CID team had travelled to London without obtaining an MLA from UK authorities.
Source:Sunday Times
January 04, 2026 08:39 UTC
What will another new year bring – more bloated rhetoric and hocus-pocus?
What will another new year bring – more bloated rhetoric and hocus-pocus? View(s):I suppose it is traditional to wish your relatives and friends a happy and successful New Year. But what concerns me right now is the change in international geopolitics and where Sri Lanka will end up before long, for those changes have had an effect on Sri Lankan policymaking. It seems that even appointments confirmed by other friendly nations, which in times of war had served Sri Lanka well, are pushed into the back burner to accommodate Modi’s envoy, however belated he might be, even in a private jet. Later he was Deputy Chief of Mission in Bangkok and Deputy High Commissioner in London before returning to journalism.)
Source:Sunday Times
January 04, 2026 07:01 UTC