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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)