News

Fifteen-year-old Ellanya Sivasubramaniam from Reading, Berkshire has been named among the top winners of the distinguished Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, the Tamil Guardian reports.

Her poem, The Girls Who Grow Antlers, was chosen as one of the Top 15 winning entries from an extraordinary 28,344 submissions spanning 135 countries — making the competition one of the most fiercely contested literary platforms for writers aged 11 to 17. The award is organised annually by The Poetry Society and supported by The Foyle Foundation.

Ellanya described the moment she received the news as “surreal” and deeply “affirming.”

“I’ll never forget getting the call on my way back from school — I was completely star-struck and could hardly believe it was real,” she recalled.

The winners were celebrated at a ceremony held recently at the British Library in London. As part of the prize, Ellanya will take part in an exclusive week-long residential writing course at The Hurst in Shropshire, where she will collaborate with other young poets and receive professional mentorship. Her poem will also be published in an anthology that will be distributed to schools and libraries across the UK next spring.

Now in its 27th year, the Foyle Young Poets Award continues to be a prestigious launchpad for emerging literary talent — with many past recipients later becoming acclaimed, published writers. This year’s submissions explored themes ranging from identity and language to politics, art, and belonging, with entries arriving from countries as diverse as Botswana, Fiji, Vietnam, Venezuela, and the UK.

By Reshni Shanya

Starting from midnight today (17), passengers flying out of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, will now be allowed to check in as early as four hours before their scheduled departure.

According to airport officials, the decision aims to improve passenger convenience and streamline airport operations, allowing for a more efficient and comfortable travel experience.

A flagship government initiative to procure 100 luxury low-floor buses under the 2025 Budget has ignited a storm of controversy, as mounting allegations suggest the tender may have been structured to favour a single dominant player in Sri Lanka’s motoring industry.

Valued at over Rs. 3 billion, the project aims to establish a “Metro Bus Company” to modernise urban transport on key corridors such as Kottawa-Pettah, Kadawatha-Pettah, and Moratuwa-Pettah.

While the government hails it as a milestone in public mobility and digitalised transport, procurement analysts and civil society groups are questioning whether the tender process was manipulated to restrict fair competition.

The row deepened when the share price of a flagship listed motor company which was among the bidders jumped sharply weeks after the government announced the tender for the purchase of buses. Political commentators and market analysts pointed out that the timing of the sudden surge seemed anything but coincidental, and claims were made that inside information could have been leaked prior to the official announcement of the tender release.

According to government reports, officials who took part in the preparation of the bid documents are now facing an internal investigation.

The most contentious point is a financial eligibility clause requiring bidders to have maintained an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 6 billion (US$ 18 million) during at least three of the past five years, alongside stringent balance sheet and liquidity conditions including a positive asset-to-liability ratio below 60 per cent, and working capital exceeding Rs. 3 billion or $ 9 million for two of the last five years.

Procurement specialists argue that such criteria are excessive and inconsistent with the project’s scale.

“Turnover thresholds should ensure competence, not exclude credible competitors,” one former senior transport ministry official said. “These requirements effectively rule out most local bus importers who have reliably supplied vehicles to the government in the past.”

The technical specifications have also drawn scrutiny. The bid requires manufacturers to have produced at least 750 buses annually over three of the last five years, exported to five or more countries, and obtained multiple ISO certifications.

While such standards may seem reasonable for international procurements, critics contend that the combined requirements form a narrow filter that aligns almost perfectly with the production profile of one specific manufacturer effectively precluding competition from other qualified suppliers.

(Source - thesundaytimes)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on 16 October 2025, during her first official visit to India as Prime Minister.

The discussions focused on further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and India, with emphasis on economic cooperation, connectivity, digital transformation, education. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya appreciated the Government of India’s continued assistance in a wide range of development programmes in Sri Lanka, including projects related to trade, financial cooperation, and education. She also acknowledged India’s support to Sri Lanka during challenging times and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing cooperation with India as a close neighbour and longstanding partner in the region. Both sides discussed enhancing collaboration in digitalization, technology exchange, and innovation, key priorities under the Sri Lankan Government’s development agenda. The Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for Indian investment in Sri Lanka, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure, education, and knowledge services, and expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in further strengthening bilateral trade.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

2025.10.16

Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake has arrived at the Mount Lavinia Police today to give a statement regarding an incident involving the threatening and obstruction of duties of a police constable at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court premises.

On 16 October, the Court of Appeal scheduled consideration of a writ petition filed by Wanninayake, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with the alleged incident at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court premises. The petition is set to be heard on 10 November 2025.

Wanninayake, who was released on bail, also appeared before the Western Province South Crimes Division on 16 October.

He was granted bail by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

(Source - adaderana}

Sachila Chathnuka, a young entrepreneur from Galle, has made a remarkable impact on Sri Lanka’s car care industry with his brand "ShineMode", a mobile detailing service that brings next-level car care right to your doorstep.

"ShineMode" is far from ordinary. Sachila has elevated detailing to a higher standard by using world-renowned brands and even introducing some of them to Sri Lanka through his services, including Koch Chemie, Infinity Wax, Duel Auto Care, and more. His commitment to excellence has set a new benchmark for quality and results in the local industry.

While mobile detailing isn’t new globally, Sachila identified a major gap in Sri Lanka and filled it with genuine expertise, creativity, and passion. Through his ASMR and POV-style detailing videos, he allows anyone to witness ShineMode’s quality firsthand - every clip speaks louder than words.

At a time when most people settled for quick car washes, Sachila proved that quality work still holds more value than price. His journey has inspired a new wave of Sri Lankans to pursue perfection, appreciate real detailing, and even motivated a new generation of detailers to follow the same path.

(Source - Startup Sri Lanka)

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, today (Friday 17 October 2025) in New Delhi during her official visit to India.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to education reforms and development priorities.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Amarasuriya and appreciated her visit which adds fresh momentum to bilateral relations and the multi-faceted partnership that prevails between the two countries.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya shared with Prime Minister Modi, details of her poignant and inspiring visit to Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she had been a student on an ICCR scholarship in the early 1990s.

She also shared with the Prime Minister, the highlights of her visit to a model school in Delhi earlier in the day as a meaningful opportunity to observe innovative education practices.

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and equitable education system addressing challenges faced by youth, especially school dropouts emphasising on the increasing need to also address social issues faced by male students in this regard.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of fishermen in both countries, and Dr Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of fishermen on both sides.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to work together in partnership in the shared development journey of the two countries and reiterated support to Sri Lanka in advancing its Unique Digital ID initiative and strengthening digital governance. He also reiterated India’s continued support for development of the Sacred City Complex in Anuradhapura.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated that she conveys to Prime Minister Modi, the warm wishes of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka especially in the context of the auspicious festive season of Diwali.

Deepika Padukone, who continues to make global headlines for her career milestones, recently surprised fans after announcing that she is now the official voice of Meta AI across six countries.

Taking to Instagram, the Pathaan actress dropped a behind-the-scenes clip from a recording studio, where she was seen lending her voice for the project.

“Hi, I am Deepika Padukone. I am the new voice of Meta AI. So tap the ring and my voice will run out,” she said in the short video. The social media post was accompanied with the caption, which reads, "Okay, so this is pretty cool I think! I'm now part of Meta AI and you can chat with my voice in English across India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand."

 Many called it a huge move for Indian tech, while others couldn’t get over how naturally her calm voice matched the AI’s vibe.

One user wrote, “Her voice is so soothing, perfect for AI!” while another commented, “Imagine getting advice from Deepika’s voice surreal!”

The 38-year-old star called the collaboration “pretty cool,” noting that users across India, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can now chat with Meta AI using her voice.

Fans quickly turned the announcement viral, dubbing it "a crossover between Bollywood and Silicon Valley."

On the professional front, Deepika has also kicked off filming for King alongside Shah Rukh Khan marking their sixth collaboration after Jawan.

(Source - hungamaexpress)

A new ticketing counter offering discounted airfares for Sri Lankan migrant workers heading overseas has been opened at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) headquarters in Narhenpita, under a new government initiative.

The counter was declared open yesterday (16) under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra.

Through this new service, migrant workers can purchase air tickets at concessionary rates — significantly lower than regular market prices — for flights to any destination worldwide where they are employed.

The launch event was attended by Dr. B.S. Yalagama, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Kosala Wickramasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency, Lal Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the SLBFE, D.D.P. Senanayake, General Manager of the Bureau, and Prasad Galappaththi, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency, among other officials.

This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on Sri Lankan migrant workers and support their journey abroad with more affordable travel options — a step the Ministry describes as a practical boost to those powering the nation’s remittance economy.

The Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court has ordered a Government Analyst to verify the safety of whitening creams produced and sold by a company owned by Sri Lankan model Piumi Hansamali, media sources report.

The directive, issued yesterday (15) by Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya, was sent to the Department of Criminal Investigation’s Illegal Assets and Intellectual Property Investigations Division. The court has requested the analyst’s report to determine whether the creams are safe for human use.

This follows a formal request from the department itself, which is probing the cosmetic products for possible health concerns.

In a separate but related investigation, authorities have begun scrutinizing Hansamali’s assets amid allegations that she acquired wealth exceeding her declared income. The inquiries reportedly focus on high-value possessions, including a Range Rover valued at Rs 80 million—previously owned by a former President—a Colombo 7 residence worth Rs 148 million, and 19 bank accounts linked to Hansamali.

The probe into Hansamali’s financial holdings was initiated after a complaint lodged by civil society activist Sanjaya.

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in several provinces and districts.

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Central, North-central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and North-western provinces and in Ampara district, the department stated.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, it added.

Accordingly, the general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

The general public has also been requested to seek shelter, preferably indoors, to avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms, and also to refrain from using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

For emergency assistance, the public is requested to contact local disaster management authorities.

(Source - adaderana.lk)

Battling Migraines: Expert Tips on Understanding and Preventing Headaches

We all want to stay healthy, but in today’s fast-paced, competitive world, one common ailment affects countless people daily: headaches. For some, these headaches escalate into migraines—also known as “iruwārada”—bringing intense pain and discomfort.

Neurologist Dr. Padma S. Gunaratne told BBC Sinhala that migraines affect over a billion people worldwide, making it one of the most widespread neurological disorders.

What is a Migraine? Migraines are more than just ordinary headaches. They often come with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. While some headaches are simple and short-lived, migraines can be prolonged and debilitating. Doctors classify migraines as neurological disorders and carefully examine patients to rule out other underlying conditions.

Many migraine sufferers experience tension headaches triggered by stress, with women being disproportionately affected. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, and in some cases, even longer. While anyone can develop migraines, they are most common among middle-aged women.

What Causes Migraines? According to Dr. Gunaratne, migraines often result from everyday habits and lifestyle factors:

• Stress: High-stress levels make migraines more likely to occur.
• Poor Sleep: Inconsistent or insufficient sleep increases migraine risk.
• Diet: Certain foods like coffee, chocolate, cheese, and highly processed foods can trigger migraines.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water may provoke attacks.
• Hormonal Changes & Weather: Women may experience migraines linked to their menstrual cycle or shifts in climate.

Some patients even experience warning signs before a migraine—known as “migraine with aura.” Symptoms may include temporary visual disturbances, flashing lights, or blurred vision, typically lasting 15 minutes to an hour.

5 Daily Habits to Prevent Migraines Dr. Gunaratne emphasizes that alongside medical treatment, simple daily habits can significantly reduce migraine frequency and severity. Here are five expert-recommended routines:

• Prioritize Good Sleep: Ensure at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines, especially in those already prone to them.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be a major trigger. Drink sufficient water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration.

• Eat Balanced Meals: Never skip breakfast. Consuming healthy, regular meals helps prevent drops in blood sugar that may trigger migraine attacks.

• Manage Stress: Plan your day in advance and focus on tasks you can realistically accomplish. Incorporate stress-relieving activities like exercise or mindfulness to keep tension levels in check.

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Limit or eliminate caffeine, chocolate, cheese, and foods high in sugar or fat.

A Word of Caution: Dr. Gunaratne also warns against overusing painkillers. Relying too heavily on medication can reduce its effectiveness over time. Instead, preventive lifestyle changes combined with proper medical guidance are the key to long-term relief.

By adopting these habits, migraine sufferers can take meaningful steps toward controlling their condition, improving daily life, and reducing the intensity of future attacks.