Bribery Suspect Remanded Over School Admission Scandal 📈
• Overview: A suspect, Ruwan Chaminda Soysa, has been remanded until January 20, 2026, for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 300,000 to facilitate a Grade 1 admission at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo. • The Incident: The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) conducted a sting operation at Thimbirigasyaya, arresting the suspect while he was reportedly accepting a balance payment of Rs. 200,000. • Key Figures: Total Bribe Demanded: Rs. 300,000 Initial Payment: Rs. 100,000 Balance Intercepted: Rs. 200,000 • Legal Argument: Defense counsel argued the payment was intended for securing a residential address near the school rather than a bribe. However, the suspect remains in custody pending further investigation into violations under the Bribery Act. • Context: This case highlights ongoing transparency challenges within the education sector, specifically regarding the competitive admission process for premier national schools in Sri Lanka.
### 📈 Legend of Defence Journalism Iqbal Athas Passes Away at 81
Sri Lanka mourns the loss of Iqbal Athas, a pioneering journalist and veteran defence analyst, who passed away yesterday at the age of 81. Known for setting the benchmark in military and political reporting, his career spanned over five decades across national and international media. • Career Milestones: • Served as the long-time Political Editor and Consultant Editor of the Sunday Times. • Extensive international footprint as a correspondent for CNN, Jane’s Defence Weekly, UPI, and WTN. • Began his journey at the Sun newspaper, eventually becoming a household name through his "Situation Report" column. • Economic & National Impact: • Instrumental in promoting transparency by exposing high-level corruption and irregularities in defence procurement (notably the MiG-27 and mortar shell deals). • His reporting frequently highlighted the fiscal mismanagement within the military establishment, advocating for accountability in national spending during and after the armed conflict. • Global Recognition & Resilience: • International Press Freedom Award winner (CPJ, 1994) and Sri Lanka’s Journalist of the Year (1998). • Part of the CNN team that won the Alfred I. Dupont-Columbia University Award for 2004 Tsunami coverage. • Persisted in investigative journalism despite multiple threats to his life, physical attacks, and periods of forced self-exile. Athas leaves behind a legacy of uncompromising integrity that helped the public and policymakers understand the complex intersections of security, governance, and national economy.
Iconic French Actress Brigitte Bardot Passes Away at 91 🕊️
• Final Moments: French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot passed away on December 28, 2025, at her home in Saint-Tropez. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, confirmed she passed away peacefully while he was at her side. • Medical Context: According to family disclosures, Bardot had recently undergone two surgeries following a cancer diagnosis and had been suffering from severe back pain prior to her death. • Cinema & Activism Legacy: Known as a global symbol of the sexual revolution, Bardot starred in era-defining films by directors like Jean-Luc Godard. She later transitioned from acting to dedicated animal rights activism. • Complex Public Profile: While celebrated for her cultural impact on French cinema, her later years were marked by controversy and legal issues surrounding public statements deemed racist or xenophobic. • Summary Status: Based on official interviews provided by Paris Match; final tributes recognize her influence on 20th-century global culture. ---
Dhananjaya de Silva Returns to T20Is vs Pakistan 📈
• Key Update: Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva (DDS) returns to the T20I squad after 18 months, replacing the injured Kusal Perera for the Rhino Roofing Cup opener in Dambulla today. • Strategic Shift: Selectors aim to stabilize the middle order (No. 4 position) and address the "7-4 vs 6-5" team balance. De Silva provides a dual-threat as a top-order batter and a reliable fifth-bowler option (off-spin). • Team Composition: Sri Lanka XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Mendis, De Silva, Asalanka (returning from illness), Liyanage, Shanaka (C), Hasaranga, Theekshana, Chameera, Thushara. Opposition: Pakistan enters without stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi (BBL duties), utilizing this series as final World Cup preparation. • Economic/Operational Context: The series highlights local sports infrastructure (Dambulla) and sponsorship visibility for brands like Rhino Roofing. Match play remains subject to weather conditions due to the rainy season in the dry zone.
Kandy Rugby Academy Hosts Annual Tournament at Nittawela 📈
The Kandy Rugby Academy concluded its annual rugby tournament last weekend at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium, showcasing grassroots talent in the region. • Tournament Scale: A total of 15 teams participated in the event, emphasizing regional engagement and the development of junior rugby. • Coaching & Management: The academy is led by Head Coach Dharshana Ethipola, supported by a technical team including Updenra Gonawela and Sathsara Basnayake. • Coordination: Former Sri Lanka national player Nigel Ratwatte served as the tournament coordinator, bridging the gap between academy-level training and professional standards. • National Context: Such initiatives are critical for the ICT/BPM of sports talent, fostering future employment opportunities in professional leagues and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s sporting culture.
Kandy SC Survives Air Force Comeback to Remain Unbeaten 📈
• Match Result: Defending champions Kandy Sports Club secured a 36-22 bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka Air Force SC at Ratmalana, maintaining their flawless run in the Inter-Club Rugby League. • First Half Dominance: Kandy delivered a clinical performance in the opening 40 minutes, racing to a 29-0 lead. Tries were scored by Dilshan Fareed, Dinal Ekanayake, Heshan Jansen, Danushka Ranjan, and Dahan Wickramarachchi. • Air Force Resilience: The "Airmen" staged a spirited second-half rally, crossing the line four times to secure their own bonus point. Scorers included Maleesha Weerakon, Shamika Kaushan (2), and a penalty try, exposing defensive gaps in the Kandy system. • Strategic Concerns: Despite the win, Kandy’s second-half intensity dipped significantly, managing only one additional try via Kavindu Perera. Discipline was a factor, highlighted by a yellow card to Thilina Bandara. • Outlook: With 23 points, Kandy remains a top title contender. They face a high-stakes encounter against the Reds (CR & FC) on January 11 at Nittawela, where 80-minute consistency will be critical for their championship ambitions. _Note: Match officiated by Referee Kelum Sandaruwan._
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Sri Lanka Economy & Market Update: January 2026 📈
• Fiscal Outlook: The 2026 budget deficit is projected to rise by 1.4% to 6.5% of GDP, primarily due to recovery spending following Cyclone Ditwah. Capital expenditure is set to increase to 5.0% of GDP to facilitate infrastructure repairs exceeding US$ 330 Mn. • Export Performance: Cumulative earnings reached US$ 15.78 Bn (Jan–Nov 2025), a 5.8% YoY growth. • Apparel & Textiles: Earned US$ 4.83 Bn (+4.9% YoY), remaining the largest industrial contributor. • Tea: Earnings rose 7.44% YoY to US$ 1.39 Bn, despite a slight dip in November. • Coconut Products: Saw a massive 44.13% surge in export revenue. • Monetary & Inflation: Headline inflation (CCPI) remained stable at 2.1% in December, well below the 5% target. The Central Bank has maintained the policy interest rate at 7.75% to support private sector credit growth and steady recovery. • Market & Tourism: The Colombo Stock Exchange saw the ASPI gain 3.23% in 2025. Tourism targets for 2026 are set at 3 million arrivals to further bridge the trade deficit, which stood at US$ 6.9 Bn for late 2025.
Weather Alert: Potential Depression to Trigger Heavy Rainfall ⛈️
• Developing System: A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression within 24 hours, tracking west-northwest toward the eastern coast. • Projected Impact: Rainfall is forecast to increase island-wide starting 8 January, primarily affecting the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces. • Heavy Rainfall Estimates: Intermittent showers are expected with heavy falls of approximately 100 mm in parts of Uva province and the Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts. • Immediate Forecast: For 7 January, rainfall exceeding 50 mm is predicted for Uva, Batticaloa, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, and Matale. Thundershowers may develop in other regions after 1:00 p.m. • Wind Speeds: Strong gusty winds up to 50 kmph are anticipated across the central hills, Northern, North Central, North Western, and Eastern provinces, as well as Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo, and Monaragala. • Economic Context: Such weather patterns typically impact agricultural output and logistics/transportation sectors in the affected regions. 🚩 _Source: Department of Meteorology (Provisional Data)_
## Supporting Special Needs Children: A Caregiver's Guide 📈
• Core Philosophy: Children thrive when viewed as whole individuals rather than defined by their disabilities. Success is built on unconditional love, celebrating unique strengths, and fostering resilience and independence. • Key Support Strategies: • Patience: Recognizing that progress is non-linear; celebrating small victories is essential for long-term development. • Communication: Utilizing diverse tools like assistive technology, sign language, or picture boards to validate the child's voice. • Collaboration: A multi-disciplinary approach involving parents, teachers, and therapists to ensure consistency in learning and adaptation. • Social & Human Capital: • Inclusion: Promoting inclusive play and friendships to build social skills and combat isolation, which is vital for the education & social services sector's impact on national well-being. • Caregiver Health: Emphasizing that self-care for parents and specialists is a necessity to maintain the quality of support provided to the child. • Long-term Outlook: Focusing on potential rather than limitations allows children to explore talents and contribute to society in their own unique rhythm.
🚨 Urgent Public Health Hazard in Colombo 14 🚨
A critical infrastructure failure at 140 Garden (near Sri Narayana Guru Hall) has triggered a public health crisis, affecting residents and nearby state institutions like People’s Bank. • Infrastructure Failures: Significant subsidence of interlocking concrete blocks has caused the underlying sewerage pipeline to burst. The existing wastewater system is outdated, exceeding 40-50 years in age. • Health & Safety Risks: Heavy rainfall leads to flooding of contaminated sewer water and surfacing of human waste. A damaged concrete gully cover further poses a high injury risk to pedestrians. • Economic Impact: Water seepage is reported at the adjoining People’s Bank branch, highlighting risks to state-owned property and local business operations. • Required Actions: Urgent replacement of the 50-year-old pipeline, re-laying of concrete blocks, and installation of durable metal gully covers for easier maintenance. The issue remains unresolved despite prior reports to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), necessitating immediate remedial measures to restore public dignity and safety in 2026. Would you like me to find more updates on Colombo's urban infrastructure projects for 2026?
🏏 CR & FC Blasts Navy with 10-Try Blitz! 🏉
CR & FC delivered a dominant performance, securing a massive 64-15 victory over Navy Sports Club in their Inter-Club Rugby League encounter on Saturday. • Score: CR & FC 64 - 15 Navy SC • Key Highlights: • CR & FC scored an impressive 10 tries, showcasing a ruthless attacking display. • Hookers Venura Kodagoda (2 tries), lock Senal Adikaram (2 tries), and props Senura Perera, Nirosh Perera, Charith Silva, Naveen Marasinghe, and Hashan Maduranga all contributed to the try tally. • Fly-half Zubair Doray opened the scoring, with Thenuka Nanayakkara and Shane Hopwood handling conversions. • Significance: This commanding win served as a strong comeback for CR & FC after their narrow defeat last weekend, reaffirming their championship credentials.
Pope Leo XIV Offers Support to Sri Lanka's Disaster-Hit Communities
• Pope Leo XIV has conveyed the Vatican’s solidarity with Sri Lankans affected by the recent disaster. • Through Vatican Embassy in Colombo Chargé d’Affaires Rev. Monsignor Roberto Lucchini, the Pope extended condolences and affirmed support for recovery efforts. • He urged Sri Lankans to hold on to faith and hope during the upcoming rebuilding process.
Abans Group 🏏 enters MCA D Division Semi-Finals unbeaten
• Abans Group maintained their unbeaten record by defeating Power Hand Plantations by 100 runs in the CBL Munchee Trophy MCA D Division 50 Over League. • The decisive victory secures their progression to the Semi-Finals of the tournament. • Key Scores: • Abans Group: 219/9 (50 overs). • Power Hand Plantations: 119 all out (36 overs). • Match Winners: • Oween Salgado led the batting with 58 runs off 93 balls. • Kaveesha Dulanjana was the bowling star, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs in 8 overs.
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SL Golfers at Malaysian Amateur Open 🏌️♂️
• Chanaka Perera finished 21st overall at the 121st Malaysian Amateur Open – Men’s Championship. • His total score was 223 (+10), achieved over rounds of 77, 75, and a strong final round of 71. • Chanaka's closing round of 71 was one of the standout Sri Lankan performances, showing composure in tough scoring conditions. • Fellow Sri Lankan, Kumar Danushan, recorded 155 (+13) over two rounds (74, 81) in the cut-off category. • The tournament segments featured more than 100 international golfers teeing off.
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🏉 Wallabies' Historic Low: Winless European Tour Concludes
• Australia ended their European tour with a 48-33 defeat by France, completing a winless run for the first time in 67 years. • This was the Wallabies’ fourth consecutive loss of the autumn (following defeats to Italy, England, and Ireland). • The team has now suffered 10 Test losses in a calendar year, marking a historic low. • They conceded over 40 points for the second week in a row (after a 46-19 defeat to Ireland last Saturday). • Coach Joe Schmidt's win percentage now stands under 40%.
Headline: ⚠️ Data Alert: Non-Economic Content Provided
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🏌️ Sri Lankan Golfers Shine at Faldo Junior Final
• Kaya Daluwatte is tied for the Top Position after Day 2 in the Girls’ Under-21 Division at the Nick Faldo Junior European Final. • Kaya recorded a brilliant two-day total of 135 (68, 67), finishing at five-under-par (-5), sharing the lead with Sweden’s Lova Jansson. • In the Boys’ 21 and Under Division, Reshan Algama continued his strong international form. • Algama posted a two-day total of 138 (70, 68), placing him inside the top five at two-under-par (-2). • Jevahn Sathasivam is currently placed 18th at seven-over-par (+7) overall. • The global showcase features over 90 junior golfers, with the final round scheduled for today.
SL falls short by 7 runs in 1st ODI 🏏
Sri Lanka faces a must-win situation going into the second ODI against Pakistan in Rawalpindi tomorrow, after narrowly losing the first match by just 7 runs while chasing a target of 300. • Missed Opportunities: Crucial fielding errors plagued SL's bowling effort. They burnt both DRS reviews by the 11th over, which led to a costly missed LBW decision against Hussain Talat (on 0). Talat subsequently anchored a match-winning 138-run partnership, helping Pakistan post a challenging 299/5. • Batting Collapse: Despite a strong 85-run opening start by Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara, SL slumped quickly to 90-3 following a sensational spell by Haris Rauf. • Failed Finish: Despite being marginally ahead as late as the 47th over, SL failed to close out the game. Poor shot selection, notably an unnecessary slog by Captain Charith Asalanka, cost the team crucial momentum and wickets. • Individual Effort: Wanindu Hasaranga hit a vital half-century, keeping hopes alive until the final over, but ultimately the team's inability to seize control in key moments resulted in the narrow defeat.
🎾 ATP Finals: Fritz Shines on Serve
• American Taylor Fritz (World No. 6) secured his first victory over Lorenzo Musetti in three years, defeating him 6-3, 6-4 to start his ATP Finals campaign in Turin. • Key Performance: Fritz, last year's runner-up, dropped a mere three points on serve in the entire second set. • Musetti, the ninth seed, was confirmed for the event only on Sunday and was unable to convert four early break opportunities against Fritz. • Race for World No. 1: Top seed Jannik Sinner must defend his title and hope for group stage losses from rival Carlos Alcaraz to retain the year-end No. 1 ranking. • Doubles: Britons Joe Salisbury & Neal Skupski began their campaign with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Salvadoran Marcelo Arevalo and Croatia's Mate Pavic.
📈 England Extends Winning Streak to Nine
• England defeated a physical Fiji side at Allianz Stadium in their second autumn international, extending their winning run to nine consecutive games. • England's bench delivered crucial second-half scores, with tries from replacements Jamie George, Henry Arundell, and captain Maro Itoje securing the win. • Key Scores: England's first-half try came from Luke Cowan-Dickie. Fiji responded with tries from Tevita Ikanivere and Caleb Muntz. • Next Challenge: England faces New Zealand this Saturday in what is anticipated to be their toughest test of the autumn.
Headline: ⚠️ Data Mismatch: Not Economic News
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⚖️ Lawyer Arrested for Aiding 'Ganemulla Sanjeewa' Murder Suspect
• Police have arrested a female practicing Attorney-at-Law on charges of aiding and abetting the murder of underworld figure, 'Ganemulla Sanjeewa'. • The suspect is accused of assisting a key figure in the killing, Ishara Sewwandi. • Investigations revealed the lawyer provided two critical forms of aid: • A forged lawyer’s identity card to the suspect, used to mislead authorities and facilitate movement. • Concealing a pistol inside a copy of the Penal Code and handing it over to the shooter.
🏆 Colombo Secures Junior National Men’s Hockey Hat-Trick!
• The Colombo Junior Men’s Hockey team successfully clinched the 46th Junior National Men’s Hockey Championship 2025, held in Matale. • This victory marks a remarkable hat-trick of consecutive championships, confirming Colombo's dominance in the junior category. • The campaign included strong knockout wins: routing Sri Lanka Schools 5-0 (Quarterfinals) and easing past Sri Lanka University Sports 3-0 (Semi-finals). • They secured the title with a thrilling 3-2 win over the hosts, Matale Hockey Association, in the Grand Final. • Ross Fernando was named Player of the Tournament for his contribution. The champion outfit was coached by Kavinda Nayomal.