Icon V Talpe invites global buyers to experience elite beachfront livingBusinessIcon V Talpe, an iconic oceanfront hotel style residential development by (www.odiliyaresidencies.lk) Odiliya Group Ltd, is redefining luxury coastal living along Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coastline. This is the only project complying with tourist board requirementsRising across 17 levels with twin towers, Icon V Talpe offers six distinctive apartment types, thoughtfully designed in a striking V-shaped architectural form that maximises uninterrupted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Designed to cater to lifestyle aspirations as well as investment goals, the development offers a flexible ownership model suitable for permanent living, holiday use, or rental opportunities. Icon V Talpe holds particular appeal for Sri Lankan expatriates seeking a premium beachfront residence and for investors looking to capitalise on the growing demand for high-end coastal real estate near the country’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Blending architectural innovation, elegance, and sustainability, Icon V Talpe stands as a benchmark for refined beachfront living.

Thirteen arrested for illegally harvesting sea cucumbersNewsSri Lanka Navy has arrested 13 suspects who were illegally diving at night and catch sea cucumbers in the Valipaddu sea area in Kilinochchi. Also the navy took in to custody 1108 sea cucumbers, 04 dinghy boats and diving equipment during a special operation carried out yesterday early morning. Suspects arrested are between 29 - 67 years old, who are residents in Mannar, Pallimunai, Thottaveli, South Bar and Eluthoor areas. Suspects along with case property have been handed over to the assistant fisheries inspectors' office in Kilinochchi for legal action. You can share this post!

Casons Taxi rebrands as The Taxi CompanyBusinessCasons Taxi has rebranded as The Taxi Company, effective 10 January 2026, marking the next phase of the company’s evolution with a refreshed identity, new logo, and enhanced digital presence. Casons Taxi commenced operations in October 2011 with a fleet of 10 red and white Alto cars. While widely recognised as a taxi service, Casons Taxi has expanded into a broader mobility and logistics footprint. “Casons Taxi has positioned itself as a prime corporate mobility provider, with approximately 80% of operations focused on corporate transport, while maintaining a 24/7 customer care centre supporting corporate and public customers alike,” Ahamed said. Alongside the rebrand, The Taxi Company is strengthening its digital ecosystem to improve booking control, service coordination, and customer visibility.

Hawaii holiday turned a deadly horror View(s):‘Primate’Hollywood natural horror film ‘Primate’ revolving around a pet chimpanzee turned a deadly enemy to the very family it looked after, is now being screened in theatres in Colombo and the suburbs. Directed by Johannes Roberts and co-wrote the screenplay with Ernest Riera, the film tells how Lucy’s tropical island homecoming turns deadly when her family’s clever chimpanzee, Ben, becomes rabid. While boarding, the friends meet Drew and Brad, two college-aged men looking to party in Hawaii. The friends land in Hawaii and goes Lucy’s elaborately designed house embedded into a cliff. The film is now being screened at Liberty by Scope Kollupitiya, SCOPE Cinema – Colombo City Centre and Havelock City Mall, PVR Cinema, Ram Cinema, Regal Cinemas and Kandy City Centre.

Kensley Graduate School Convocation 2026 View(s):Kensley Graduate School Hosts Convocation 2026, Celebrating Academic Excellence and Global Readiness. Kensley Graduate School successfully hosted its Convocation 2026 on Thursday, 8th January 2026, at the BMICH Main Hall, Colombo, celebrating the academic achievements and professional readiness of its graduating cohort. Academic leadership was represented by Ms. Shashikala Kularatne, DBA (Reading), MBA (UK), PGDip (UOC), BBA (UOR), Head of Academics – Kensley Graduate School. To date, Kensley Graduate School has produced over 3,500 diploma and postgraduate diploma holders, who have gone on to become valuable contributors across diverse industries. The Convocation 2026 reaffirmed Kensley Graduate School’s role in developing industry-ready graduates equipped to succeed in both local and international professional environments.

Epiphany Carol Service at Church of St. Michael and All Angels View(s):The Epiphany Carol Service – a sequence of music and readings celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Christ, the Baptism of Christ and his first miracle at Cana – will be presented on Sunday, January 18 at 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Polwatte. The music at the service includes A Babe is Born (Mathias), We Three Kings (Neary), A New Year Carol (Britten) and more led by the Voice of Praise Chamber Choir with organist Denham Pereira. All are welcome. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

Korean scholarships open View(s):The Education Ministry has called applications from students for a scholarship provided by Korea Science Academy (KSA) of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Korea had invited students to apply for 2026 international admissions. According to a notice issued by the ministry, KSA will provide financial support for the educational expenses, including tuition fees and other expenses, plus accommodation, food and insurance for international students. Students who show outstanding academic performance will receive extra privileges, according to school regulations. More information on the recruitment process is available at https://admission.ksa.hs.kr/apply_eng/apply_search_main.phpShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

The power of positivity View(s):The power of a positive attitude: It’s been heralded as a key to success in many areas of life, from learning to athletics to just about any profession you can imagine. But is there any evidence that positivity affects results or is it mostly mumbo jumbo? The researchResearchers from Stanford University recently uncovered how impactful a positive attitude can be. In fact, the researchers present some pretty solid evidence – one of the first glimpses into the neuroscience behind positivity and learning. What they found was groundbreaking: For the first time, scientists found a link in the brain between positivity and achievement.

Deputy High Commissioner visits Tamil Nadu minister View(s):The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, along with Director of Data and AI at Microsoft, Cecil Sunder, paid a courtesy call on Minister for School Education of Tamil Nadu, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. They discussed collaborative opportunities in education, with particular emphasis on integrated technology and AI-driven solutions to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. The discussions also focused on strengthening educational ties between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu through technology-enabled programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

Universiti Malaya team to visit Rajarata University View(s):A delegation from the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia, will visit Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, for 05 days (30 January 2026-04 February 2026) under the coordination of Dr Mohammad Ismath Ramzy, a Sri Lankan working at Universiti Malaya (UM). As of 2026, Universiti Malaya (UM) stands as a global powerhouse in higher education, currently ranked 58 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). As Malaysia’s oldest and premier research university, UM is a hub of innovation, cultural diversity, and academic prestige. This delegation visit aims to improve academic and research collaboration between Rajarata University and Universiti Malaya as well staff and academic exchange programmes. He has organised several programmes with Sri Lankan universities, including staff development workshops, research training, visits, and research collaborations.

This partnership represents CSHS’s expanding commitment to nursing education and addresses the growing demand for qualified nursing professionals both locally and internationally. The programme structure integrates comprehensive theoretical instruction and skills-based practical training at CSHS facilities with extensive hands-on clinical experience at NFTH. One of the programme’s key strengths lies in NFTH’s diverse range of specialised clinical units, which will provide students with comprehensive training across multiple nursing disciplines. These include Intensive Care Nursing, Medical and Surgical Nursing, Trauma and Emergency Nursing, Dialysis and Renal Care Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Gynaecology and Obstetrics Nursing, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, and Geriatric Nursing. This collaboration between NFTH and CSHS represents a forward-thinking approach to nursing education, combining academic rigour with practical clinical excellence.

The pleasures of reading By Sanjiiva Wijesinha Twilight Reminiscences View(s): View(s):I have always enjoyed reading. From my early schooldays, the pleasure of being curled up with a good book was something I enjoyed very much. But what gave me enormous pleasure these last couple of months was reading books written by two old friends who were my classmates from primary school days. During a 20-year career with the Army, Sunil accomplished much. Both these books make for very interesting reading.

Professional tennis in 2026 View(s):Professional realm of tennis is very attractive and inviting. In spectatorship, one misses a good tennis even in short recesses the game takes. Recess most felt is the break between US Open and next year’s Australian Open as waiting time. The open professional calendar events with its mega prize money and in big city locations overrides Olympic contribution to tennis. Physically, professional players take too much and rest is what doctor prescribes.

The Future of Learning in Sri Lanka: How AI is Shaping Education View(s):Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept for Sri Lanka’s education sector. While challenges such as infrastructure gaps and digital equity remain, Sri Lanka is at a critical point where AI can meaningfully transform education if adopted responsibly and inclusively. Personalised Learning for a Diverse Student PopulationSri Lanka’s education system serves students from highly diverse socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds. AI as a Support System for TeachersTeachers in Sri Lanka often manage large classrooms with limited resources. The Way ForwardFor Sri Lanka, the future of AI in education lies in balanced adoption leveraging technology while preserving human-centered learning.

Twin SLMA mission – emergency relief and advocacy for public health View(s):Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke promises support for Chilaw Hospital and prevention of NCDsBy Kumudini HettiarachchiThe twin aspects of emergency relief in a country that is becoming more and more vulnerable to disasters and long-term advocacy for public health, will be the baton that the newly-inducted 132nd President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) will carry this year. “To support this, we must continue to transform health professional education. In a pioneering move, Sri Lanka recently proposed a landmark resolution to the WHO South-East Asia Region on introducing Health Humanities into professional training. This landmark initiative spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Association of Urological Surgeons, is on an equal partnership with the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology and the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists, all working under the collaborative umbrella of the SLMA. Globally, over 580 million people are living with diabetes and the situation in Sri Lanka is equally critical.