CFA Society Sri Lanka to Host Evening Discussion on “Real Estate Reimagined: Investment Opportunities in a Transforming Market” View(s):CFA Society Sri Lanka, in association with Prime Group and John Keells Properties, will host an exclusive evening discussion titled “Real Estate Reimagined: Investment Opportunities in a Transforming Market” on 28 January 2026 at the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, commencing at 5.00 PM. The session is designed to examine emerging investment opportunities and strategic considerations within Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving real estate sector, against the backdrop of economic shifts and market transformation. The discussion will be moderated by Rashmika Nissanga, CFA, Member of the Continuing Education Committee of CFA Society Sri Lanka and Head of Advisory at LYNEAR Wealth Management, ensuring a balanced and engaging exchange of perspectives. This exclusive forum aims to foster informed dialogue, encourage strategic thinking, and offer valuable insights to investors and professionals seeking to better understand the future direction of Sri Lanka’s real estate market. Further details and registration information are available at www.cfasocietysrilanka.orgAbout CFA Society Sri LankaFounded in 2001, CFA Society Sri Lanka is a not-for-profit member society of the CFA Institute global network, committed to supporting the professional development and advancement of CFA charterholders and candidates in Sri Lanka.

Ilma Hosts Netball Tournament for 15th Year View(s):Ilma InternationalGirls’ School will host the International Schools Under-20 Netball Tournament 2026 on 30 January at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo, marking the event’s 15th consecutive year. Organised under the auspices of The International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL), the tournament will bring together leading international schools for a day of competitive school netball. Participating teams include Gateway College (Colombo and Kandy), Wycherley International School Colombo. Lyceum International School (Panadura, Wattala and Nugegoda), Horizon International School, Burhani Serendib International School, Royal Institute International School, Asian International School, Stafford International School, The British School in Colombo, St. Nicholas’ International School, and the host school. Ilma International Girls’ School has maintained a consistent presence in school netball over the years, with the tournament forming a regular feature of its co-curricular calendar.

Spotlight on the surrogate mother View(s):Justice Yasantha Kodagoda on need to regulate Assisted Reproductive HealthBy Kumudini HettiarachchiThe dire predicament of the surrogate mother and the urgent need for a strong regulatory framework covering Assisted Reproductive Health, was the clarion call from a Supreme Court Judge to an eminent gathering of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists last Sunday in Colombo. The researcher had documented multiple instances where surrogate mothers had been left abandoned with the pregnancy or the newborn. He went onto say that in almost all surrogate arrangements examined by the researcher, parties had entered into written agreements which “purportedly” provided for the protection of the rights of the surrogate mother, rights of the donors and to the entitlements of those who commissioned the surrogate arrangement. Underscoring that for the victimized surrogate mother, legal enforcement of the breached contract had become almost impossible, he said that the situation had got complicated because there were doubts among legal professionals. A surrogate mother cannot be treated as a subject matter of a commercial agreement.

IMC AIC Campus Partners with EDEX Expo 2026 as Gold Sponsor View(s):IMC AIC Campus is a prominent transnational education provider in Sri Lanka, combining the strengths of IMC Education (International Medical Campus) and AIC Campus to offer a broad spectrum of higher education pathways. Reinforcing its commitment to advancing education and student opportunities, IMC AIC Campus has joined EDEX Expo 2026 as a Gold Sponsor. Through its active participation at EDEX Expo 2026, IMC AIC Campus will offer personalised guidance on higher education options, global transfer programs, medical career pathways, and career-focused degree choices. IMC AIC Campus continues to be recognized for its student-centric approach, expert faculty, and strong emphasis on global employability. This year 2026 EDEX expo will be the 22nd year of EDEX since its inception.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP: APIIT LAUNCHES SWISS HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME WITH HTMi SWITZERLAND View(s):Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable rebound, positioning the nation as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the South Asian region. Responding to the industry’s increasing demand for professionally trained, globally competent leaders, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) is proud to introduce its Hospitality Management programme in collaboration with the renowned HTMi (Hotel and Tourism Management Institute), Switzerland. The Hospitality Management programme offered at APIIT provides a structured pathway from Certificate, Diploma, and Higher-diploma qualifications through to undergraduate study, with strong opportunities for international exposure. APIIT’s strong track record in delivering high-quality transnational education underpins the credibility and academic strength of this new Hospitality Management offering. Students and parents seeking a globally recognised hospitality education, delivered locally with international progression opportunities, are encouraged to explore the Hospitality Management programme at APIIT with HTMi Switzerland.

St Benedict’s College expands pioneering STEM centre View(s):In a significant stride towards modernizing education, St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, inaugurated Chambers 2 and 3 of its state-of-the-art STEM Centre on January 9. The event, attended by alumni, educators, parents, and eager students, highlighted the college’s vision to integrate 21st-century learning methodologies across its curriculum. St Benedict’s College is setting a commendable example in translating national education reform goals into tangible, experiential learning environments that will nurture the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”The original STEM Centre, launched in January 2025, revolutionised science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pedagogy for Grade 6 students. Ultimately, Chamber 3 is where technical skills converge with creative vision to prepare true innovators for the future. Rev Bro Niran Perera FSC, representing the college administration, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project.

A scholarly study ennobled by a love for both Christianity and Buddhism View(s):Writing a preface for this book, Fr. Elizabeth is an academic, scholar in Buddhism, historian, writer, and promoter of understanding among religions, particularly between Buddhism and Christianity. Her visit to Sri Lanka in 1986 as a recipient of a World Council of Churches’ scholarship was to study Buddhism. After her initial exposure to Buddhist studies, Elizabeth continued in the same postgraduate institute as a doctoral researcher studying, under the guidance of Professor Y. Karunadasa and (the late) Dr Ananda W.P. (Elizabeth’s work was later published in Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism series, under the title, ‘Theravada Buddhism and the British Encounter’ (2006).

CFA Society Sri Lanka announces the opening of applications for the CFA Institute Programme Access Scholarships 2026 View(s):CFA Society Sri Lanka is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the August 2026 CFA Institute Programme Access Scholarships. The CFA Institute Access Scholarship Programme is a global initiative designed to make the prestigious CFA® Programme more accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford the full program fees, while adhering to the mission and values of the CFA Institute. The Access Scholarship provides substantial financial support by reducing enrollment and exam registration fees, enabling a broader range of aspiring professionals to pursue the CFA designation. Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA, President of CFA Society Sri Lanka, stated that the Access Scholarship continues to play a vital role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s future financial talent pool. Those interested in applying for the scholarship are encouraged to visit the official webpage of the CFA Institute Program Access Scholarship.

BYD records 4.6 m NEV Sales in 2025 View(s):BYD has retained its position as the world’s largest seller of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), recording total global sales of 4,602,436 units in 2025. The achievement marks another major milestone for the company and reinforces its leadership in the global transition towards sustainable mobility. In 2025, BYD also became the world’s largest seller of battery electric vehicles, reflecting sustained growth across its fully electric portfolio. For the first time, annual overseas sales surpassed one million units, reaching over 1.04 million vehicles across more than 110 countries. China remains BYD’s largest market, accounting for the majority of total NEV sales.

Backed by licensed and experienced adviser, the team provides in-depth guidance on study pathways, work opportunities, and immigration options, ensuring students are supported at every stage of their journey View(s):With expert knowledge and ethical advice, Eureka Consultants helps students confidently plan their future with an expert. From study to work and long-term migration planning, Eureka Consultants offers a structured, future-focused approach tailored to each student’s goals. Building on this legacy, Eureka Consultants has recently expanded its services to Galle, extending professional international education guidance to students in the Southern Province. From school leavers to working professionals seeking career progression through international education, the focus remains on sustainable and well-informed decisions. From school leavers to working professionals seeking career progression through international education, the focus remains on sustainable and well informed decisions.

A gangster’s-eye view of global power View(s):By Jayati Ghosh, PROJECT SYNDICATE, EXCLUSIVE TO THE SUNDAY TIMES IN SRI LANKANEW DELHI – There is a method behind the apparent madness of US President Donald Trump’s transactional, spheres-of-influence approach to geopolitics and the global economy. Can carving up the world among major powers deliver a more stable and dynamic capitalism at a time when the global economy appears increasingly volatile and rudderless? Relative stability, such as it was, rested on a combination of overwhelming military power and a framework of global rules and institutions designed to keep geopolitical rivalries in check. His proposed remedy is to rely on military dominance and residual economic power to secure direct control over resources and markets in regions he views as being within America’s exclusive sphere of influence. Disputes over access, borders, and control are therefore inevitable when one power attempts to assert dominance on every front, raising the likelihood of major wars.

SLPP, police in heated row over flags View(s):Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) supporters engaged in a heated argument with Thambuttegama police officers, including the officer in charge of the station, over the refusal to permit flags at a ceremony that was to be attended by the party’s National Organiser, Namal Rajapaksa. The SLPP supporters claimed that the police stopped them from putting up flags around the venue. SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam told the Sunday Times that the venue was about 50 metres away from the main road and that the OIC had no reason to object to the flags. “Our members asked the OIC why they could not display the flags when the police had no issue with commercial organisations doing so. He added that the law restricted the exhibition of political party flags only after an election was officially gazetted.

DDS BACK!!! The dashing left hander has been left out, meaning he will miss out on what would have been a home World Cup. In contrast, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been rested from the ODI series due to a groin injury. The bowling all-rounder has been brought in with an eye on the 50-over World Cup next year. However, Hasaranga, arguably Sri Lanka’s most potent match winner in white-ball cricket, is likely to be rested during the ODI series.

Sri Lanka Expo 2026 to boost exports and investment By Kevin De Alwis View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional trade and investment hub received renewed momentum with the official launch of Sri Lanka Expo 2026, an international exhibition aimed at showcasing the country’s export capabilities and investment potential to global markets. Announced by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on January 9, the Expo is scheduled to be held from June 18 to 21, 2026, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Addressing the gathering, Minister Handunnetti described Sri Lanka Expo 2026 as a strategic initiative aligned with national economic priorities. “Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is not just an event, it is a platform where our policies, our products and our people come together to create real business opportunities in international markets,” he said. Sri Lanka Expo 2026 will feature a comprehensive range of sectors across industrial exports, agricultural exports and export services.

SLT, Fintelex empower farmers with ‘Yaya Agro’ App View(s):SLT‑MOBITEL Mobile, in collaboration with Fintelex (Pvt) Ltd, has launched ‘Yaya Agro’, an all‑in‑one smart agriculture app designed to empower Sri Lankan farmers with the tools they need to grow smarter, safer, and more sustainably. Yaya Agro represents a new era of digital farming in Sri Lanka combining technology, expert knowledge, and community empowerment to provide farmers the confidence to make smarter decisions, improve productivity, and build a sustainable future, the telecom company said in a media release. Functioning as a comprehensive digital companion, Yaya Agro is positioned as a digital farming companion, bringing precision agriculture, real‑time support, and market access to the fingertips of every Sri Lankan farmer. Yaya Agro offers farmers daily crop information with expert tips on management, pest control, and best practices, all validated by the University of Colombo. The app also delivers life‑saving first aid tutorials and safety information verified by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, ensuring farmers are prepared for emergencies.