Stranger Things Season 5 and the Culture Debate: Are Viewers Seeing a Narrative Shift?
As Stranger Things prepares for its long-anticipated fifth and final season, the global hit series finds itself at the center of a familiar—but intensifying—cultural debate. From this perspective, Stranger Things is not abandoning its roots, but evolving in step with its characters and audience. Treating that as controversial says more about society’s discomfort than about the show’s intentions.”Netflix’s PositionNetflix has not directly addressed claims that Stranger Things Season 5 is designed to “convert” or ideologically influence viewers. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, have repeatedly stated that the show’s priority remains character integrity and narrative closure. What Season 5 Will Ultimately DecideAs the final chapter of one of Netflix’s most successful properties, Stranger Things Season 5 carries enormous symbolic weight.
Source:The Nation
January 02, 2026 08:17 UTC
Cinnamon Life sets the stage for ‘Island Invitation’ Golf Experience
Cinnamon Life sets the stage for ‘Island Invitation’ Golf ExperienceBusinessCinnamon Life at City of Dreams is set to host the ‘Island Invitation’, an exclusive, invitation-only international lifestyle and golf-led experience taking place in Colombo in February 2026. The event will be delivered in partnership with Island Golf (Pvt) Ltd, bringing together world-class sport, refined hospitality, and curated lifestyle experiences. The ‘Island Invitation’ brings together a carefully curated group of international golfers, entrepreneurs, senior business leaders, and lifestyle influencers – predominantly from India, alongside Sri Lankan participants, for a premium golf and hospitality experience. The tournament will be hosted at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, with Cinnamon Life serving as the official venue partner and title sponsor, anchoring the event’s social and experiential elements. “Hosting the tournament at Royal Colombo Golf Club, with Cinnamon Life as the title partner, creates a seamless experience for the players, combining high-quality competition with outstanding hospitality.
Source:Sunday Times
January 02, 2026 06:33 UTC
Sunshine Holdings PLC joins S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
Sunshine Holdings PLC joins S&P Sri Lanka 20 IndexBusinessDiversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC has been included in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, following the 2025 year-end index rebalance announced by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and S&P Dow Jones Indices. The S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index represents the 20 largest and most liquid companies listed on the CSE, selected based on stringent criteria including market capitalisation, liquidity, financial viability and sustained profitability. Commenting on the milestone, Sunshine Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer, Shyam Sathasivam, said, “Our inclusion in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 is the result of more than five decades of collective effort and perseverance by our people, past and present, who have built Sunshine Holdings into the institution it is today. Sunshine Holdings has also taken steps to enhance stock liquidity and investor participation through timely corporate actions, including share splits implemented over recent years. 45.6 million, comfortably exceeding the liquidity thresholds required for inclusion in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index.
Source:Sunday Times
January 02, 2026 06:33 UTC
Thor will die? Inside the Avengers: Doomsday trailer and Marvel’s quiet warning
That is why a single line from the newly released Avengers: Doomsday trailer — “Thor will return” — has triggered more unease than reassurance among long-time fans. If Avengers: Doomsday is meant to reset the Avengers as a credible force after years of multiverse abstraction, the film must reintroduce stakes that feel irreversible. The suspicious comfort of “Thor will return”The phrase “Thor will return” is central to the trailer’s unease. If Thor does die in Avengers: Doomsday, it will not be framed as shock. The quiet message behind the thunderThe Avengers: Doomsday trailer works because it does not shout.
Source:The Nation
January 01, 2026 15:30 UTC
Doctor Doom Is Not Ending the World. He Is Replacing It - AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY THEORY
AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY THEORY — PART IDoctor Doom Is Not Ending the World. With Avengers: Doomsday, the clues suggest something unprecedented: the film is not about planetary destruction, multiversal collapse, or even the defeat of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. In this theory, Doom’s logic is ruthless but coherent:If the future defeats him, then the future must be rewritten first. AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY THEORY — PART IIThe Avengers’ Greatest Fear Is Not Death — It Is SurvivalBy Senior Entertainment CorrespondentIf Part I of the Doomsday theory asks what Doctor Doom is doing, Part II confronts the more devastating question:What if the Avengers stop him too late? The Avengers’ Impossible ChoiceImagine the emotional core of Avengers: Doomsday not as a final battle—but a reunion.
Source:The Nation
January 01, 2026 15:23 UTC
CERT records over 12, 000 cybersecurity complaints in 2025
CERT records over 12, 000 cybersecurity complaints in 2025NewsThe Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has received more than 12650 complaints related to social media misuse and cybersecurity incidents in 2025. This represents a significant rise in online frauds, digital fraud, and cyber harassment when compared to prior years. According to Charuka Damunupola the Lead Information Security Engineer of Sri Lanka CERT, a significant proportion of the complaints involve fake account, hacked accounts and financial scams carried out through social media platforms. In order to facilitate rapid response and mitigation, members of the public are also urged to promptly report cyber incidents to Sri Lanka CERT. For assistance or to report a cyber incident, the public may contact Sri Lanka CERT through 101 or emailing Sri Lanka CERT.
Source:Sunday Times
January 01, 2026 12:06 UTC
Uyeda Calls for Clear SEC Guidelines in the Crypto Sphere
Uyeda critiqued the current enforcement-heavy strategy of the SEC, underscoring the need for clear rules to guide the burgeoning industry. SEC Commissioner Urges for Clearer Crypto RulesUyeda’s comments shed light on the complex journey ahead for legal clarity in the crypto sector. Uyeda Advocates for Balanced Crypto RegulationIn his remarks, Uyeda pointed to the fundamental need for balance in regulatory approaches. As digital currencies continue to permeate the mainstream, the need for an adaptive and clear regulatory environment becomes more acute. Read Also: Fed Chair Hints At No More Interest Rate Hikes, Crypto Market CheersThe post Uyeda Calls for Clear SEC Guidelines in the Crypto Sphere appeared first on CoinGape.
Source:The Nation
January 01, 2026 06:49 UTC
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank shuts Public Debt Dept.
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank shuts Public Debt Dept. NewsThe Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CB) has closed the Public Debt Department (PDD) on January 1, in line with a previously agreed decision. A statement said the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) has been established within the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoF) under the Public Debt Management Act No. This transfer was effected in view of strengthening institutional accountability and enhancing the efficiency and transparency of Sri Lanka’s debt management framework. However, in terms of the relevant provisions of the PDM Act and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No.
Source:Sunday Times
January 01, 2026 06:25 UTC
SEC Sri Lanka eases Minimum Public Holding Rules for Listings
SEC Sri Lanka eases Minimum Public Holding Rules for ListingsBusinessThe Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has approved amendments to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Listing Rules to provide greater flexibility regarding the Minimum Public Holding (MPH) requirement for companies listing through the Introduction method. These revisions were proposed and deliberated under Project 6 – New Listings (Public and Private), one of 12 key strategic initiatives launched by the SEC to strengthen Sri Lanka’s capital market framework. A phased MPH compliance framework has been introduced requiring a minimum 50 per cent compliance with MPH requirement within 12 months and full compliance within 18 months from the date of listing. Entities should include clear disclosures in the Introductory Document confirming their obligation to meet MPH requirements within the prescribed timelines. In the event of non-compliance with the MPH requirement, certain enforcement actions have also been introduced.
Source:Sunday Times
December 31, 2025 08:38 UTC
Academics protest over interference into universities autonomy
Academics protest over interference into universities autonomyNewsA one-day token strike was held today across the state universities in protest to what they called an unnecessary intervention by the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding university autonomy. This is seen as illegal because it contradicts the existing Universities Act No. Timesonline was told that Rajarata University has been without a Vice Chancellor for one and a half years. 16 of 1978, citing ambiguity and inconsistencies in sections 49(1) and 51(1) regarding the qualifications for Deans and Heads of Faculty. The UGC is directing universities to pause appointments until these amendments are sorted.
Source:Sunday Times
December 30, 2025 20:44 UTC
The Role of Acupuncture in Regulating the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression
The Role of Acupuncture in Regulating the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for the Treatment of Anxiety and DepressionBusinessBy Dr sir Don Buddika Sri Ranga kumara vittahachchi MD(TM), Msc, PhD (Alternative medicine )AbstractAnxiety and depression are linked to gut–brain axis (GBA) dysregulation and often respond inadequately to conventional treatments. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Gut–Brain Axis, AcupunctureIntroductionAnxiety and depression are major global health concerns with limitations in conventional treatments. MethodologyThis study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design to investigate acupuncture’s effects on anxiety and depression via the gut–brain axis. Data analysis and findingsThis study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine acupuncture’s effects on anxiety, depression, and gut-brain axis (GBA) symptoms. Recommendations include integrating acupuncture into multi-modal treatment plans, educating patients on the gut-brain axis, and setting realistic expectations for cumulative benefits.
Source:Sunday Times
December 30, 2025 16:38 UTC
Court Registrar in Welimada arrested for Bribery
Court Registrar in Welimada arrested for BriberyNewsThe Registrar for Welimada District and Magistrate Court was arrested today for soliciting a bribe of Rs 500,000. He had demanded the bribe to assist in a land partition case. He collected the bribe at a restaurant near the Court complex. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
December 30, 2025 14:43 UTC
NDB hosts Exclusive Education Expo at Kandana Branch
NDB hosts Exclusive Education Expo at Kandana BranchBusinessNDB Bank recently concluded an exclusive Education Expo at its Kandana branch, designed specifically for the bank’s Privilege and Elevate clientele. The event was organised as part of NDB’s ongoing commitment to offering value-added, beyond-banking experiences to its high-net-worth customers, particularly in the rapidly growing sphere of overseas education, the bank said in a media release. With global education becoming an increasingly sought-after pathway for Sri Lankan families, the Expo served as a timely and curated platform where clients could access expert guidance on international study opportunities. More than 60 NDB customers attended the Expo, receiving personalised advice on admissions, programs, scholarships, career pathways, and settlement support, empowering them to make informed decisions about their children’s academic futures. The Expo also highlighted NDB’s enhanced Student File proposition, which offers streamlined financial support for overseas education, further demonstrating the bank’s dedication to delivering convenience and trusted advisory to Privilege and Elevate clients.
Source:Sunday Times
December 30, 2025 06:41 UTC
Sri Lanka's highest-ever record of annual tourism arrivals reached on Monday
Sri Lanka's highest-ever record of annual tourism arrivals reached on MondayNewsSri Lanka on Monday (December 29) recorded the 2.3 millionth tourist in the country and easily overtook the previous highest record of 2,333,796 arrivals reached in 2018. With this year’s record arrivals, and two more days for the end of the year, Sri Lanka is expected to welcome at least another 15,000 tourists by the year’s end. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
December 29, 2025 04:56 UTC
UNICEF to help with rebuilding damaged schools: PM
UNICEF to help with rebuilding damaged schools: PM View(s):The Ministry of Education and UNICEF will take necessary action to renovate damaged schools while relocating schools which are in high-risk locations to safe areas, according to an assessment of schools affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Prime Minister Harinin Amarasuriya made these remarks while visiting the Meegahakiula National School in Badulla on December 24, which was damaged after the cyclone. She also visited the preschool operating in Ketawatta Yodha Ulpatha Community Hall, which was completely damaged when a tree fell due to strong winds. She instructed officials to take steps to restart the preschool at a safe location. She inspected the Passara Yuri Tamil Primary School, which sustained severe damage due to a landslide.
Source:Sunday Times
December 28, 2025 19:39 UTC