Earthfoam dominates 2025 awards season with five major national honors
Earthfoam dominates 2025 awards season with five major national honorsBusinessEarthfoam Private Limited, Sri Lanka’s leading natural and organic latex-based mattress, topper, and pillow manufacturer and exporter, has emerged as a standout performer in the 2025 national awards season, securing five prestigious titles across multiple industry platforms. These recognitions reflect Earthfoam’s excellence in value addition, agricultural innovation, sustainability, and export performance in Sri Lanka’s natural rubber sector. In addition, the company received a Merit Award in the Dry Rubber Product sector at the 27th Presidential Export Awards, further affirming its role as a key contributor to Sri Lanka’s export economy. These latest recognitions follow Earthfoam’s earlier success as Best Exporter – Lifestyle Products at the Presidential Export Awards 2022/23, underscoring consistent excellence over the years. The company’s manufacturing process is supported by Sri Lanka’s largest GOLS-certified organic rubber farm network, consisting of more than 1,200 farms spread across 10,000 acres.
Source:Sunday Times
January 13, 2026 07:17 UTC
IOC, OCA set April deadline for NOC Sri Lanka elections
However, the international bodies stressed that the unfinished audit does not constitute sufficient justification to continue postponing elections. The IOC and OCA said they hoped the forensic audit would be concluded in time, with a comprehensive report submitted and any necessary remedial action taken before the elections. Reiterating an earlier directive issued on January 15, 2025, the IOC and OCA also took a firm stance on eligibility and ethical conduct. This requirement, the IOC and OCA indicated, leaves no scope for procedural deviations or unilateral interpretations of the rules governing Sri Lanka’s Olympic administration. Until the elections are held, the IOC and OCA confirmed they will continue to recognise Surendran Subramaniam as President of the NOCSL, together with the current Executive Board.
Source:Sunday Times
January 13, 2026 06:05 UTC
Sri Lanka launches first-ever Smart Bus Ticketing System
Sri Lanka launches first-ever Smart Bus Ticketing SystemNewsSri Lanka has taken a historic step forward with the launch of its first Smart Bus Ticketing System, enabling passengers to pay fares using contactless cards, digital wallets, and QR payments. For decades, CBA has been at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation efforts—bringing modern, global-standard technologies that have strengthened the nation’s digital infrastructure. Speaking to the media at the launch, Sardha Fernando, Managing Director of CBA, stated: “This is not just a ticketing upgrade—it is a complete digital evolution of public transport in Sri Lanka. “By introducing a state-of-the-art open-loop transit payment platform, we are proving that Sri Lanka can not only embrace but also successfully operate advanced digital ecosystems. Above: Advancing public transport with digital bus ticketing — CBA, in partnership with SLTB and Nimbus Venture.
Source:Sunday Times
January 13, 2026 05:49 UTC
Accident kills four in Mullaithivu- Paranthan road
Accident kills four in Mullaithivu- Paranthan roadNewsA fatal accident killed four persons and left one critically injured when their speeding car veered off from Mullaithivu- Paranthan road today evening after colliding with a bus. The victims, employees of a farm are from Viswamadhu, Mullaithivu. All four victims were pronounced dead on admission to Kilinochchi Teaching hospital. Another passenger with critical injuries are admitted to the hospital. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
January 12, 2026 17:19 UTC
AG’s Dept divided on filing charges against Ranil
AG’s Dept divided on filing charges against RanilNewsBy Ranjith PadmasiriTwo different opinions have been put forward within the Attorney General’s Department on indicting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his alleged misappropriation of Rs. 16.6 million in state funds during a visit to the UK. The different opinions relate to whether there is sufficient evidence for an indictment or if the evidence is insufficient based on the CID investigations on the matter. The Sunday Times learns that Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Wasantha Perera, who had been supervising the probe for the AG’s Department, has stepped down from these responsibilities owing to differences of opinion regarding the investigation. Read more in yesterday edition of the Sunday Times hereYou can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
January 12, 2026 11:54 UTC
TONIK sets the Benchmark for a New Era of Story-Led Hospitality in Sri Lanka
TONIK sets the Benchmark for a New Era of Story-Led Hospitality in Sri LankaBusinessA fresh chapter in Sri Lankan travel is unfolding as TONIK unveils a renewed vision that places culture, storytelling, and design at the heart of exploration. The brand represents the Group’s commitment to elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism with depth, global insight, and long-term purpose. ‘Sri Lanka’s tourism story is rich, diverse, and waiting to be told in ways that resonate with the world’s most discerning travellers. Our island holds an abundance of untouched potential, stories waiting to be discovered, traditions waiting to be preserved, and experiences waiting to be shared. As global travel trends shift toward intentional, slow, and meaningful experiences, TONIK is designed to meet this demand head-on.
Source:Sunday Times
January 12, 2026 05:38 UTC
The Zombie World of International Law and Order
The Zombie World of International Law and OrderOpinionProf Janek RatnatungaAI generated photographIn a dramatic turn of events that could only be missed by those truly living under a rock, the eruption of a metaphorical "Supernova" in early January 2026 has signified the collapse of the world law and economic order as we know it. This seismic shift, originating from a series of aggressive unilateral actions by the United States, has sent shockwaves through the international agencies tasked with enforcing rules-based law and order. Yet, this was merely the opening salvo in a series of events that would further destabilize the global order. The operation, lacking UN Security Council authorization, self-defence justification, or consent from Venezuela, highlighted the erosion of the rules-based international order. A Fractured Global Order: The Fallout of U.S. UnilateralismThe U.S.'s recent actions have accelerated the decline of the international rules-based order, effectively transforming global governance institutions into powerless entities—Zombie Agencies.
Source:Sunday Times
January 12, 2026 04:21 UTC
Of AI hallucinations and AI bias
Of AI hallucinations and AI bias View(s):Salesforce, touted as the world’s no. 1 AI CRM company, on Wednesday announced the upcoming launch of the Salesforce Start-up Programme in Sri Lanka to foster growth and innovation for the country’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. He also referred to AI hallucinations and AI biases which are also addressed by grounding the data. AI hallucination refers to a situation where an AI model generates outputs that are nonsensical, factually incorrect, or entirely fabricated while AI bias refers to the tendency of AI systems to produce outputs that unfairly favour or disadvantage certain groups, according to published and accepted Internet sources. Giving an example of AI bias, he said if nine out of 10 applicants are males applying for a particular job, AI will select the male applicant even though the sole female applicant has better credentials.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 21:24 UTC
Chef Saman Perera: A Journey from Global Kitchens to Ayurvedic Wellness
Chef Saman Perera: A Journey from Global Kitchens to Ayurvedic WellnessBusinessBy Sanath WeerasuriyaSet amid the palm-fringed calm of Weligama, at Ayurvie, Thema Collection’s wellness-driven sanctuary, food is far more than a sensory pleasure. Returning to Sri Lanka, Chef Saman continued his upward journey, serving over a decade as an Executive Chef, while also contributing to the broader culinary fraternity. Today, at Ayurvie Weligama, Chef Saman presides over a kitchen unlike any other. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Saman plays an active role in guest engagement. Leading a dedicated and professional culinary team, Chef Saman sees his role as one that extends well beyond food preparation.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 20:27 UTC
Cinnamon Hotels grows female leadership within the group
Cinnamon Hotels grows female leadership within the group View(s):Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its commitment to gender inclusion across its portfolio, with female participation now at 19.5 per cent, marking a healthy trajectory toward its 2030 goal of achieving 30 per cent workforce representation. Women currently hold 22 per cent of leadership positions across the group, the company said in a media release. As a leading hospitality brand, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts aims to challenge these outdated perceptions by making hospitality a sector where women can excel and prosper, reinforcing the message that the industry is a safe, secure, and empowering place for women to work. Ms. Mudiyanselage, the group’s second female Resort Manager, rose to influence from humble beginnings in Welimada. A graduate of the Ceylon Hotel School and a scholarship recipient in Germany, she has advanced through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ leadership pathways.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 16:34 UTC
Dunsinane Estate leads the way in tea, tradition and sustainability
Dunsinane Estate leads the way in tea, tradition and sustainability View(s):Dunsinane Estate, spanning 790 hectares since its establishment in 1879 in the Nuwara Eliya District has nearly 494 hectares under tea cultivation and remains one of the largest and most historic tea estates in the country. Since then, it has become a benchmark for premium high-grown CTC teas, earning and maintaining the No. Beyond tea, Dunsinane is deeply intertwined with the well-being of its surrounding communities. The estate actively supports the welfare of plantation families through a wide range of community development initiatives. Dunsinane Estate is also playing a leading role in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy future through Elpitiya Plantations’ ambitious green energy initiatives.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 09:33 UTC
PM Harini to lead Sri Lanka delegation to World Economic Forum in Davos
PM Harini to lead Sri Lanka delegation to World Economic Forum in DavosNewsPrime Minister Hairni Amarasuriya will lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the World Economic Forum‘s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland later this month. The Prime Minister will hold several bi-lateral meetings during the visit and discuss investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and well as discuss ways to increase tourist arrivals. The Davos gathering which brings together World leaders from government, business, civil society and academia will meet in Davos from 19–23 January 2026. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that Sri Lanka was not represented at last year’s meeting as the government had just taken office and hence this time a high level delegation led by the PM will head there. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to be among the attendees at the World Economic Forum.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 09:20 UTC
Train drivers refuse night time runs without elephant detection tools
Train drivers refuse night time runs without elephant detection tools View(s):The Locomotive Operating Engineers Union said it will not operate trains, including the night mail, in areas where elephants roam in the northern and eastern tracks, particularly the Trincomalee and Batticaloa routes. In 2025, there were 21 elephant deaths from train accidents out of a total of 438 deaths. It is imperative that some early detection devices be fitted on the trains. Railway employees explained that once officers of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) travelled in train engines to alert train drivers to elephants near tracks. Railway authorities said that the night train operations in the northern, Trincomalee and Batticaloa lines were halted after the Dithwa cyclone.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:55 UTC
EDEX Expo 2026 Edition – Your Gateway to Education, Skills, and Careers
EDEX Expo 2026 Edition – Your Gateway to Education, Skills, and Careers View(s):Sri Lanka’s largest education exhibition and job fair, EDEX Expo 2026, makes its highly anticipated return this January, offering unparalleled opportunities for students, parents, professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to shape their futures with confidence. Through initiatives such as EDEX Careers, EDEX Job Fair, EDEX Think Green, EDEX Sithuwam and EDEX Nenapahana, the Expo creates sustainable pathways for education, skills development and career advancement. EDEX Expo 2026 is endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Environment, further reinforcing its national significance. EDEX Nenapahana, the Expo’s flagship social responsibility initiative, continues to focus on sustainable development in education, society and the environment. EDEX Sithuwam continues its commitment to nurturing creativity through its 2026 All-Island Art Competition, conducted with the endorsement of the Ministry of Education.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:55 UTC
When Exams Shift, Higher Education Plans Shouldn’t
Across countries with strong higher education planning models, academic progression does not pause for administrative delays. Sri Lankan parents are seeking higher education pathways after A/Ls that provide continuity, structure, and global relevance. This system, called “Enrollment under the Pending Results” scheme, enables them to begin their higher education journey without losing valuable time due to exam delays. That is how the Japanese higher education model works. Planning Forward, Even When Timelines ShiftAs exam schedules continue to evolve, parents are approaching higher education planning with greater care.
Source:Sunday Times
January 11, 2026 08:32 UTC