Sunday Island - March 24, 2025

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In this issue

March 24, 2025

GMOA threatens union action if grievances remain unresolved

General Secretary of the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA), Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa Thursday warned that doctors will resort to trade union actions if the government fails to address their grievances, particularly regarding doctors' allowances, during the third reading of the Budget proposals.

1 min

Give back the Statue of Liberty to France

French politician says Trump-led America doesn't deserve it

3 mins

COPF questions Inland Revenue Dept. on a wide range of subjects

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has been able to collect only 10 percent of taxes due from the eight million strong workforce, it was revealed during a probe conducted by the Committee on Public Finance of Parliament.

2 mins

GR's Jaffna case to be next heard on July 30

The Appeal Court last week (18) set a date for July 30 to review of a petition seeking the annulment of an order previously issued by the court that prevented the summoning of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a witness in the case regarding the disappearance of social activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugun Muruganandan.

1 min

Three die a day from betel and tobacco related oral cancer

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Anand Ratnayake said that three people in Sri Lanka die every day from oral cancer.

1 min

Sinhala film debuts in Tel Aviv

A special screening of Gamini Hewawitharana’s film \"Yakada Diyaniyo\" took place last week at Cinematheque in Tel Aviv, Israel, drawing a large crowd of Lankans living in the area.

1 min

Cenbank says Procare firms engaged in prohibited pyramid schemes

Sri Lanka's Central Bank has determined that Pro Care (Pvt) Ltd., Shade of Procare (Pvt) Ltd have engaged in a scheme prohibited under the Banking Act.

1 min

Tsunami survivors rebuild lives for a better future

Like many Sri Lankans, Sadani Mary vividly recalls how she and her family survived the horrific devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

3 mins

IIHS partners with Surrey Uni to transform healthcare education

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), a pioneer in healthcare training for over 23 years, has partnered with the University of Surrey, UK, to revolutionise healthcare education in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region.

1 min

Parliament nods to amend Inland Revenue law amid efforts to boost tax income

Parliament passed amendments to the country’s Inland Revenue Act aiming to boost tax income to achieve an ambitious revenue target President Anura Kumara Dissanayake government committed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

1 min

Seniors welcome three percent increase in deposit rates

The Sunrise Senior Foundation (SSF) has welcomed a move by the government to offer an extra three per cent interest on deposits by senior citizens with effect from July 2025 which would help to improve the income levels of this category of society.

1 min

The MMCA Sri Lanka Opens Rotation 3 of ‘Total Landscaping’

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) opened the third and final rotation of their exhibition ‘Total Landscaping’ on 15 March. Curated by Sandev Handy and Thinal Sajeewa, the exhibition will close on 29 May 2025.

2 mins

Ven Bergama Wimaladhamma Thera celebrates 59th Birthday with special Pinkamas

The 59th birthday of Venerable Bergama Wimaladhamma Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Nawala Wimala Vihara, is set to be observed today (23), with a series of Pinkamas organized by the temple to mark the occasion.

1 min

Seeni Colombo completes 330 km ‘Steps Against Diabetes’ Walk

Seeni Colombo successfully completed its ‘Steps Against Diabetes’ initiative, a remarkable 330 km walk along the Pekoe Trail, from 22nd July to 15th August last year.

1 min

US Admiral Paparo highlights Lanka’s strategic role in Indo-Pacific security

US Indo-Pacific Command Commander, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, said on Thursday that Sri Lanka’s geostrategic location enables it to influence maritime activities crucial to the entire Pacific region.

2 mins

Chase ends in surrender

Deshabandu Tennekoon, the suspended Inspector General of Police, surrendered to the Matara Magistrate last Wednesday after leading the force he once headed on a merry chase for some 20 days, resulting in a lot of egg on the face of the police.

3 mins

The US, Israel, Palestine, and Mahmoud Khalil

If last year proved anything, it was that given a choice between international law and domestic pressures, the US political establishment will give way to the latter.

4 mins

Asia's Last Peace: Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai

The seeds of doubt between China and India were sown in the 20th century, with British attempts to align Tibet with British India, leading to the 1904 Expedition to Tibet, which the Qing Dynasty viewed as a direct affront to its sovereignty.

3 mins

Socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new area

During my visit to China for the Second Global South Think Tank Dialogue, I frequently encountered the phrase “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era.”

4 mins

Cutbacks in two countries

Yes, you have guessed right. One of the two countries is the United States of America where cutbacks or reduction in spending and increase in tariffs is the order of the day promulgated by President Donald Trump who appears to consider himself king; his porohithaya Elon Musk dictating terms to him. His aim is to make America great again (MAGA) but his maga or path is actually making the rich in the US richer and making life more difficult for the ordinary US citizen with housing and food increasing in prices.

5 mins

SLIM-Kantar People's Awards 2025 : Recognizing Sri Lanka's Most Trusted Brands and Personalities

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), in collaboration with Kantar, a global leader in data-driven market research, proudly presents the SLIM-Kantar People's Awards 2025.

2 mins

Atlas wins 'School Supply Brand' for the 6th Consecutive Year at SLIM-Kantar People's Awards 2025

Atlas, the leading learning brand in Sri Lanka, was awarded 'School Supply Brand of the Year' at the prestigious SLIM-Kantar People's Awards 2025. This remarkable achievement marks the sixth consecutive year that Atlas has received this recognition, reaffirming its role as the nation's most trusted partner in making learning a joyful and enriching experience for every child.

1 min

ComBank crowned People's Private Bank Brand of the Year for 3rd successive year

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been voted the 'People's Private Banking Services Brand of the Year' for the third consecutive year at the SLIM Kantar People's Awards 2025, in a significant validation of the Bank's status as the most popular private sector bank in the country.

2 mins

Unilever Sri Lanka shines at SLIM-Kantar People's Awards 2025

Unilever Sri Lanka, one of the country’s largest FMCG companies, was once again recognized across multiple categories at the SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards 2025.

1 min

More vignettes of prominent parliamentarians

Born April 29, 1935, Mr. Muttetuwegama served as a for over 12 years representing the Kalawana seat from the Communist Party from 1970 to 1981. Sarath began his Parliamentary career in 1970.

8 mins

Dhammic Diplomacy for a Sustainable World

(Based on an oration by Mr Don de Silva to the Servants of the Buddha)

5 mins

FUNNY THINGS HAPPENED AT GUY'S HOSPITAL, LONDON

The General Elections were drawing near. There was concurrently a disturbing trend manifesting itself. A vociferous group were demanding that the elections be postponed for a further period, because the government was unable to complete its \"progressive\" social and economic programme, due to reasons beyond its control such as the insurgency of 1971. the oil price hike, the food crisis and so on.

5 mins

Lotus Seeds Farm and Lotus Enterprises honoured at Wayamba Wijayabhimani Vyawasaya Vishishtatha Awards

Lotus Seeds Farm and Lotus Enterprises, esteemed subsidiary com- panies of Lotus Group have been recog- nised with two prestigious awards at the Wayamba Wijayabhimani Vyawasaya Vishishtatha Awards, organised by the Industrial Service Bureau (ISB) of the North Western Province.

1 min

Coconut auction prices rise ahead of festive season

ECONOMYNEXT - Sri Lanka’s coconut prices have risen at a weekly auction, Coconut Development Authority (CDA) data showed.

1 min

ComBank launches ‘TradeLink’ - a digital platform for importers and exporters

Sri Lanka’s importers and exporters have been provided with a sophisticated new digital platform for all their trade finance requirements by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon, the single largest private sector facilitator of the country’s international trade via a gamut of trade-related services.

1 min

Sanasa Life Insurance obtains ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for the second consecutive year

Sanasa Life Insurance was certified as ‘A Great Place to Work’ for the second consecutive year by the global authority on workplace culture.

2 mins

From import to export – Finch Foods expands international retail presence to Australia

Finch Foods — pioneering Sri Lankan FMCG brand - is furthering its international expansion with the launch of its retail presence in Australia.

2 mins

ComBank celebrates Intl Women’s Day with more than 20 events

A knowledge-sharing session organised by the Commercial Bank Kasturi Wilson - Chief Operating Officer (Head of APAC), SHour International Corporation; Shashi Kandambi — General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, National Savings Bank and Aruni Goonetillake - veteran banker and former Chairperson, Hatton National Bank.

1 min

The Residencies Kotte by ICC nears completion ahead of schedule

The Residencies Kotte by ICC is making remarkable progress, moving ahead of schedule towards completion (December 2025). With ICC’s proven track record of on-time delivery and availability running low, this is a rare opportunity to invest in a home that blends modern luxury with a thriving community, said a release.

1 min

MISTAKES WHILE WALKING ON ROADS

Pedestrians walking on the wrong side is a common sight on our roads. The correct and safer side to walk is the right hand side.

1 min

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN ON HIS 95TH BIRTHDAY

Former Director-General and Chairman of the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka and the Founder Chairman of the South Asia Insurance Regulators’ Forum. Patron, Insurance Assessors and Engineers Association of Sri Lanka.

3 mins

VDC Research highlights Kaspersky in the OT cybersecurity market

Kaspersky has been acknowledged by VDC Research as a company that has managed to establish a significant position in the burgeoning Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity market. This recognition underscores Kaspersky’s commitment to providing robust security solutions tailored for industrial environments.

1 min

Loan or lease? Different interest calculations

I had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka and during this stay, I rented a room in a family house via Airbnb. I had many conversations with my hosts and during one of them, it emerged that they had taken a loan, or lease as it seemed to be called, which I will outline below, as it seems quite wrong and big fraud and if not that, at least a scam.

2 mins

Groundbreaking but controversial - new IOC president Coventry

Kirsty Coventry will become the first woman to hold the most powerful role in sport, having been elected the 10th International Olympic Committee (IOC) president at a meeting in Greece.

3 mins

Yodasinghe accomplishes massive feat

Sprinter Chamod Yodasinghe gave Sri Lanka enough reasons to celebrate by securing a semi-final berth in the 60 metres dash on day one of the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Nanjing China on Friday.

1 min

Captains exempt from match bans for slow over-rates

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revised the playing conditions for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the most notable change concerning over-rate offences and the captain having to pay the price for that.

2 mins

Kamil Mishara: the prodigal son returns

Top order batter Kamil Mishara is in the form of his life a golden run that has lit up domestic cricket like fireworks on a moonless night.

3 mins

Human-Elephant Conflict Is Rising in Sri Lanka

In Makulpotha village, 89 miles northwest of Colombo, Punchibanda woke up to the trumpet of an elephant while he was sleeping in a small wooden hut built on a tree beside his vegetable farm.

7 mins

Website in Tamil and Ifthar

Colombo Times, in Sri Lanka which is currently being published in English and Tamil, launched its Sinhala edition on Thursday, March 13 at an ifthar function at the Hotel Mandarina.

1 min

Global advocate for humanity

Charming Anudi Gunasekara (25y) is the reigning Miss World Sri Lanka 2024/25.

4 mins

Sun Siyam Pasikudah Celebrates Women's Day with a commitment to encourage industry participation

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrated S International Women's Day on March 8 with a heartfelt cele- bration honouring the invaluable contributions of its female col- leagues.

2 mins

Rupa : The Collective Journey

A Celebration of Expression through Art by ten Lankan Artists

1 min

Spa Ceylon unites local brands to support Women In Need

Spa Ceylon, united several renowned local brands to raise vital funding for Women In Need (WIN), through #ActForWIN: a campaign aimed at building a safer future for women and girls of Sri Lanka, raising more than LKR 7 million within one week.

1 min

Moment to pause, reflect and celebrate

Women's Day at Mariott Courtyard

3 mins

Shangri-La Hambantota empowering woman is not just a mission, it’s a movement empowerment

As the world united to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Shangri-La Hambantota embraced this year’s theme, \"Accelerate Action\", by strengthening its commitment to women’s empowerment, leader- ship and inclusivity. With 20% of its workforce comprising talented, dedicated women, the resort continues to break barriers, foster career growth and create lasting opportunities for women in hospitality and beyond.