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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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

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

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.