Second visit by IMF team due in coming weeksNewsThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) plans to send another mission in coming weeks to Sri Lanka to resume discussions on economic policies for the next review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). “We reaffirm our solidarity with Sri Lanka and readiness to support the country in its efforts to safeguard macroeconomic stability and promote resilience and sustainable growth,” IMF said in a statement issued on Wednesday at the end of the mission visit. The mission also met with representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners. During the mission, the team engaged with authorities and relevant stakeholders to understand the economic and social impact of the cyclone, including the damage to infrastructure and loss of livelihoods. They are determined to continue strengthening social safety nets to protect the poor and vulnerable, who are disproportionately affected by the cyclone,” the statement said.

US cricketer suspended over anti-corruption allegationSportAmerican batter Aaron Jones has been suspended from playing all cricket with immediate effect after being charged with five alleged breaches of the anti-corruption codes of Cricket West Indies and the ICC. On Wednesday, the ICC confirmed that Jones had been provisionally suspended from all cricket with immediate effect. He has 14 days to respond to the charges.Three of the charges relate to the Barbados-based Bim10 tournament in 2023/24, while the other two relate to international matches. He was expected to serve as the team’s vice-captain. You can share this post!

Central Bank says policy interest rates unchangedNewsThe Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held on Tuesday, decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at the current level of 7.75 per cent. The OPR is a signal to the market and yesterday’s decision means interest rates across commercial banks will remain unchanged. The Board was of the view that the current monetary policy stance will support steering inflation towards the target of 5 per cent. The external current account is estimated to have recorded a sizeable surplus in 2025, despite the widening of the trade deficit. This was mainly supported by the net foreign exchange purchases by the Central Bank and inflows from multilateral agencies.

Probe launched after discovery of pistol, grenade and ammunitionNewsInvestigations are underway after the Police Special Task Force (STF) recovered a foreign-made pistol, a live hand grenade and three live rounds of T56 ammunition from a wooded area in the Kirineliyakanda area in Dikwella. A team of officers from the STF base in Tangalle recovered the items yesterday (26) following a tip-off. No information had been unearthed so far on any suspects responsible for hiding items at the location and further investigations are ongoing. You can share this post!

Two 16-year-olds killed in separate motorbike accidentsNewsTwo 16-year-old boys have been killed in separate motorcycle accidents yesterday (26). In one accident that occurred in Bingiriya, a motorbike traveling towards Bowatta on the Bowatta-Kuliyapitiya Road crashed when the motorcyclist lost control of the motorbike. The deceased was identified as a 16-year-old resident of Dummalasooriya. The motorcyclist and pillion rider who were injured in the accident were admitted to the Gangodagama Hospital, where the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries,. The victim was identified by police as a 16-year-old resident of Mahagedarawatta, Hakmana.

Shiranthi asks for two weeks to appear before FCIDNewsFormer First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who was due to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (27), has informed through her lawyers that she is unable to appear today due to personal reasons. Ms. Rajapaksa has requested she be given two weeks' time to appear before the FCID. You can share this post!

Cricket: Sri Lanka women to tour West Indies next monthSportThe Sri Lanka women’s cricket team is set to engage in a white-ball series against their West Indian counterparts during end of February and early March, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced today (27). The tour will include three each of Women’s One Day Internationals (WODI) and Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20I), beginning from February 20 to March 3. All matches will be played at the Grenada National Stadium, formerly known as Queen’s Park, in St. George’s. Sri Lanka women last engaged in a five-match WT20I series against the Indian women, who swepth the series 5-0, played during December 21 to 30 at Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. You can share this post!

From Spain to Graze: A Spanish Culinary Experience at Hilton ColomboBusinessAn exclusive Spanish culinary showcase featuring guest chefs from Hilton Madrid Airport. This January, Hilton Colombo adds a Spanish flair to its dinner buffet at Graze Kitchen with ‘From Spain to Graze,’ an exclusive culinary showcase set to take place from January 28 to February 7, 2026. The experience promises to bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to Graze Kitchen, alongside its signature international dinner buffet spread. “‘From Spain to Graze’ celebrates the joy of sharing global flavors and culinary stories,” said Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo. “This special collaboration with Hilton Madrid Airport will allow us to offer our guests a truly authentic taste of Spain, whilst representing a continued elevation of the dining experience at Graze Kitchen.”You can share this post!

Women PC among drug peddlersNewsFour women including a police woman constable and a man were arrested over a drug racket yesterday. According to information received the Ambagas Dowa police arrested a four women and a man who were possessing Heroin. Among the women was a Police Constable (PC) who was residing at the police quarters. The woman PC was attached to Badulla Headquarters inspector office. After interrogation the police constable have revealed that there other women who are at the ages of 43, 41, 71 were involved in the racket.

Ceylon Stories - Gallery Café opens in ColomboBusinessCeylon Stories - Gallery Café opened its doors to the public on 9 January 2026, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy its offerings of tea, art, and shisha. The Ceylon Stories teamVisual storytellingConceptualised as a gallery café, Ceylon Stories will feature a new artist every month. Additionally, Ceylon Stories invites visitors to engage with a carefully curated collection of artwork inspired by Sri Lanka’s history, traditions, and contemporary narratives. Guests are offered guided tea tastings that showcase the diversity and depth of Ceylon tea, making it a must-visit for tourists, both local and foreign. Positioned as an inviting space for both local and international visitors, Ceylon Stories welcomes creatives, tea enthusiasts, and individuals seeking authentic experiences.

ComBank to boost SME financing with IFC’s $60 m, shares riskBusinessTthe Commercial Bank of Ceylon is partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to significantly expand the bank’s capacity to lend SMEs nationwide. Under this partnership, IFC will provide risk cover for a US$60 million (equivalent to over Rs. 18.5 billion) portfolio of new SME loans issued by Commercial Bank. By assuming 50 per cent of the credit risk, this facility empowers the bank to sustainably scale its lending capacity. The Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) will prioritise women-led enterprises and agri-businesses.

NATIONAL LOTTERIES BOARD EXTENDS DIGITAL DEALER AGREEMENT WITH LUCKY 1 . LK, REINFORCING TRUST IN SRI LANKA’ S LEADING DIGITAL LOTTERY PLATFORMBusinessFrom Tradition to Digital: Revolutionizing the Way Sri Lankans WinThe National Lotteries Board (NLB) has renewed Lucky1.lk as its authorized digital dealer for the sixth consecutive year, reaffirming trust in Sri Lanka’s leading digital lottery platform and its secure, transparent, tech-driven experience. Launched in 2019 and powered by DigitalX Pvt Ltd, Lucky1.lk has become Sri Lanka’s most trusted digital lottery platform, delivering six years of reliability, innovation, and customer convenience. Lucky1.lk lotteries are also available on Daraz, enabling customers to purchase official NLB tickets through one of Sri Lanka’s top e-commerce platforms. This renewal as NLB’s authorized digital dealer underscores Lucky1.lk’s commitment to making Sri Lanka’s lottery industry more accessible, transparent, and future-ready.

Ella seeks solutions for garbage stench from fertiliser projectNewsBy Prasad RukmalAn organic fertiliser plant near the Ella town has become an eyesore for tourists, who have to put up with the stench as well, while hoteliers and eateries struggle with fly infestations. Tourist guides said that the organic fertiliser plant is located at the junction towards the entry point to the city on the Kithal Ella Road. Visitors approaching from Ella-Wellawaya and Millagama roads are hit by the stench of garbage. World-renowned Ella, Sri Lanka’s most famous hotspot for scenic views, has changed over the years, and conditions are not entirely pleasant for tourists. Read more in yesterday's Sunday Times edition hereYou can share this post!

Grama Niladaris fear bad precedent from Rs 500,000 damage payout By Ishu Bandara View(s): View(s):Although the Defence Ministry issued a second circular to address the controversy over the payment of Rs 500,000 as compensation to owners of partially damaged houses without proper assessment following Cyclone Ditwah, the Grama Niladhari Union has continued to oppose the decision. In response, the Defence Ministry issued a second circular. The second circular states that those whose homes are partially damaged will receive Rs. He said the assessments back then were controversial, with some payments made without proper valuation, and warned that paying a flat rate of Rs 500,000 for partially damaged houses now, without proper assessment, could set a bad precedent. Another key party involved in influencing the second circular was the Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service Association.

Anuruddha Polonnowita – oldest living cricket captain of Ananda College By Meghavarna Kumarasinghe cricket View(s): View(s):At the age of 86, Anuruddha Polonnowita, is the oldest living cricket captain of Ananda College,Colombo. Polons attended Ananda College, and played cricket from age of 10 and secured a place in the Under-14 team and commenced serious cricket. Polons not only captained the Ananda College cricket team in 1957, but also was selected to lead the Combined Schools team. He always had the game of heart and made a big contribution to the development of Ananda College cricket. Twenty four cricketers played for Sri Lanka and a further 25 more played at National Under-19 and Sri Lanka ‘A’ levels.