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New Zealand Rugby has announced an exciting return to Sri Lanka for the New Zealand Under 85kg national team in April 2026, launching a two‑match international tour designed to deepen global rugby ties and fuel the sport’s growing presence across the region. 

The tour will feature two fixtures against Sri Lanka’s national side, with Game One in Colombo on 25 April and Game Two in Kandy on 3 May. 

Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, says that the 2025 tour had a lasting impact well beyond the field. 

“We’re genuinely stoked to be able to confirm this tour and give this team the opportunity to represent New Zealand overseas again. Sri Lanka are a proud rugby nation and last year’s tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. We know the Sri Lankan team will offer another strong challenge on the field and that’s exactly what you expect when you pull on a black jersey.” 

Supporting Ben Sinnamon, Head Coach of the New Zealand Under 85kg team, is a coaching group that blends high-performance experience with deep roots in the community game. Former international John Afoa adds technical and high-performance expertise, while Scott Hooper brings extensive experience within the Under 85kg community through Pukekohe Rugby Club and Counties Manukau Rugby Union. 

The 2026 tour also recognises the role rugby can play in supporting Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape, with the 2025 series widely regarded as a catalyst for renewed interest, participation and pride in the local game. 

The Under 85kg programme continues to play an important role in New Zealand Rugby’s participation pathway, offering representative opportunities for club players while also supporting international rugby development through meaningful engagement. 

2026 Tour Fixtures 

Game One: 

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers 

Colombo – 25 April 2026 

Game Two: 

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers 

Kandy – 3 May 2026 

Squad Information 

A New Zealand Under 85kg squad has been confirmed for the tour, featuring a blend of players returning from the 2025 series and new selections from the National Under 85kg Club Cup. 

The squad has been selected from clubs across the country and reflects the growing depth and reach of the Under 85kg game in New Zealand. 

2026 New Zealand Under 85kg National Team

Weight-restricted rugby 

Under 85kg rugby is a weight-restricted format designed to promote inclusivity, skill and safety by removing size mismatches from the game. 

The format places a strong emphasis on speed, fitness, decision making and technical ability rather than physical size. 

New Zealand has the most established and visible weight-restricted programme through Under 85kg rugby, with structured domestic competitions and an international representative pathway. 

International tours play an important role in the development of the programme, exposing players to different playing styles, conditions and rugby cultures. 

(Source:newswire.lk)

Poland plans to introduce new legislation to ban social media for children under 15 years of age and will hold platforms responsible for age verification, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka told Bloomberg News in an interview published on Friday.

The ruling Civic Coalition will present the draft outline on Friday, with fines planned for platforms that remain accessible to younger users, Nowacka said, adding that the law could take effect by early 2027.

“We see the mental health of children and young people, we see a decline in their intellectual competence,” said Nowacka adding that the size of penalties that companies would have to pay is still under discussion.

Several European governments including Denmark, Greece, France, Spain and Britain have explored similar restrictions amid claims that social-media services are harmful or addictive for minors.

The British government said in January it was considering restrictions to protect children online, after Australia implemented similar laws in December.

The initiative could put Warsaw at odds with U.S. tech firms such as Meta and Elon Musk’s X, some of which have pushed back against restrictions following Australia’s ban last year.

Source: Reuters

A group of civil organization representatives today (27 Feb) lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), requesting an investigation into the procurement process of substandard coal and the resulting financial loss caused to the country.

Speaking to the media, Convenor of the Samagi Joint Trade Union Alliance affiliated with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Ananda Palitha, expressed confidence that the current President would not interfere with investigations into substandard coal imports, just as the then President did not interfere with the legal action taken against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in the substandard medicine import case.

“The tenders are not called on time. Next, this company brought rice that was substandard. After the Attorney General’s Department blacklisted them and prevented that rice from being brought into the country, they are now awarding the coal tender to the same company that profited from that deal, giving them until July to get registered. The corruption is already confirmed. It is very clear with the emergency purchases,” Ananda Palitha said. 

(Source:Newswire)

A male and a female suspect have been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the fatal shooting of a person and the injuring of four others inside a barbershop (salon) in the Jinthupitiya area.

Investigations have revealed that the male suspect had driven the three-wheeler used by the gunman to flee the scene with the firearm following the shooting, while the female suspect had allegedly assisted in the crime.

The shooting incident occurred on February 14, after which officers of the Colombo North Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau commenced investigations.

Accordingly, the two suspects were arrested yesterday (27), the male suspect in the Sooriyapaluwa area of Kadawatha and the female suspect in the Weheragodella area of Wellampitiya, police stated.

Police stated that a team of officers from the Colombo North Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau arrested the male suspect in possession of 6 grams and 540 milligrams of Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) and the female suspect with 3 grams and 100 milligrams of ‘Ice’. 

They were subsequently handed over to the Foreshore Police Station, police said.

The male suspect, aged 44, has been identified as a resident of Sedawatta, while the 29-year-old female suspect is a resident of Weheragodella, according to the police.

Police said that a seven-day detention order is to be obtained for both suspects. 

The Foreshore Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

(Source - Adaderana.lk)

Netflix has backed away from its proposal to buy Warner Bros Discovery, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance to win a months-long battle for one of Hollywood’s most storied studios.

Warner Bros, which put itself up for sale last year, on Thursday said Paramount’s latest bid was “superior” to the one from Netflix, which in turn refused to raise its offer.

Netflix executives said they have declined to match Paramount Skydance’s bid as “the deal is no longer financially attractive” at that price.

The winner of the bidding war would gain control of the iconic studio along with its films and media networks - a takeover that could significantly reshape the media landscape.

Paramount had boosted its offer days ago, agreeing to increase its purchase proposal by $1 per share.

“The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval,” Netflix co-chief executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said in a statement. “However, we’ve always been disciplined.”

“This transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price,” the Netflix executives added.

The announcement came just hours after Sarandos had visited the White House on Thursday.

The announcement on Thursday caps off a dramatic months-long saga that - if approved by regulators - is likely to reshape Hollywood. It also could hold serious ramifications for the future of one of the US’s biggest news brands - CNN.

The news network has frequently clashed with Trump over its reporting of his policies, which has drawn ire from the president.

Trump said in December that he believed CNN should be sold as part of any Warner Bros deal. He called the people running CNN “corrupt or incompetent” and said they should not be entrusted to run the network.

CNN head Mark Thompson sent an email to employees as news spread of the all-but-assured deal, telling workers to not “jump to conclusions about the future until we know more”, US media reported.

Last December, Warner Bros agreed to a takeover offer from Netflix for some of its assets. But Paramount, which is backed by tech billionaire Larry Ellison and led by his son David, made a rival offer as it looks to transform itself into a Hollywood heavyweight.

Paramount previously found itself rebuffed by Warner Bros.

On Thursday, chief executive David Ellison welcomed the Warner Bros board’s decision in favour of Paramount’s sweetened offer. The proposal, he said in a statement, offers Warner Bros shareholders “superior value, certainty and speed to closing”.

If Paramount’s deal is approved by regulators, the company would fold Warner Bros’ HBO Max streaming customers into its portfolio. It would also take ownership of CNN, the Food Network and a range of sports offerings.

Paramount’s traditional networks already include brands such as Nickelodeon, CBS and Comedy Central.

Many in Hollywood have viewed the bidding war between Netflix and Paramount as a battle with no good winner.

Critics of a deal with Netflix voiced concern that the storied movie studio would be lost to the Silicon Valley streaming titan, paving the way for the depletion of cinema. But a merger with Paramount, which has touted itself among the last standing movie studios in Hollywood, also left critics unnerved over the company’s perceived political connections to the Trump administration - a concern that has also riled the media landscape over the future of CNN.

Across the board, the selling of Warner Bros will have massive ramification across Tinsel town, with all but assured cuts to staff in a city that has been marred by continued production cuts.

In December, the Warner Bros said it had agreed to sell its film and streaming divisions, including HBO, to Netflix in a deal worth $27.75 per share or roughly $82bn (£61bn), including debt.

Warner Bros said it would spin-off the remainder of its business, including traditional television networks and the news channel CNN, as an independent company.

But in a last-ditch push, Paramount this week agreed to pay more for a Warner Bros takeover. The company offered $31 per share in cash, up from $30 per share to take over the entire company.

It also agreed to pay $7bn should the deal fall through and cover the $2.8bn fee Warner Bros had agreed to pay Netflix in the event of a break-up of the merger plan.

Source: adaderana.lk

A suspect wanted over a 2022 double murder in the Kadawatha area has been arrested upon his return to Sri Lanka from overseas, police said.

The 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody on February 27 by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department at Bandaranaike International Airport shortly after arriving from Qatar.

Police stated that the double shooting occurred on March 24, 2022, within the Kadawatha Police Division. Two individuals travelling on a motorcycle were fatally shot using a T-56 assault rifle.

Investigators noted that the suspect had previously been arrested in connection with the incident and was remanded after being produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court. He was later released on bail but allegedly left the country in violation of court orders.

Authorities subsequently obtained an international arrest alert through Interpol, leading to the suspect’s apprehension upon re-entry to the country.

Police identified the suspect as a resident of the Siyambalape area. Further investigations are being carried out by Kadawatha Police.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that as Sri Lanka moves towards sustainable growth, the country welcomes investors and tourists who contribute to strengthening economic and cultural ties.

She made these remarks while addressing a special celebration and dinner reception organized by the Sri Lanka India Society to commemorate the 77th Republic Day of India and the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, held on February 26 at the Taj Samudra in Colombo.

During the event, the official magazine of the Sri Lanka India Society was launched, and the book Port of Call was presented to the Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that the Sri Lanka India Society, since its establishment in 1949, has contributed for over seven decades to strengthening relations between the two nations. Through cultural engagement, dialogue, and sustained interaction, the Society has supported ties not only between the two governments but also between the peoples of both countries.

She further stated:

“Over the past year, the strength of India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations has once again been evident. I express gratitude for the support extended by the Indian government in facilitating the exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka.

When Cyclone Dithva affected Sri Lanka, India responded promptly as the first responder through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ providing exceptional assistance in rescue and relief efforts.

I appreciated the announcement of a long-term relief package amounting to USD 454 million in support of Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. India continues to work closely with Sri Lanka in its journey towards sustainable development.

The Sri Lanka–India partnership spans multiple sectors, including economic development, energy, connectivity, trade and investment, digital transformation, health, education, maritime security, and people-to-people ties.

As Sri Lanka progresses towards sustainable growth, we welcome increased investments from Indian businesses and greater tourist arrivals from India, while further strengthening our economic and cultural ties.”

She reaffirmed that India remains Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and an important partner, and that Sri Lanka is committed to advancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries and the wider region.

Speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha stated that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond formal diplomacy and represents a strong and special partnership. He noted that the introduction of the first international degree offered outside India in Sri Lanka marked a new chapter in educational cooperation.

He also highlighted the continued expansion of collaboration in connectivity and people-to-people relations, adding that India–Sri Lanka relations are experiencing significant growth in the current period.

The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, officials of the Indian High Commission, and government representatives.

(Source:adaderana.lk)

Pakistan and Afghanistan edged closer to full-scale war Friday after Pakistani jets struck Kabul and key Taliban strongholds, triggering hours of cross-border fighting and a fresh spiral in a conflict that has been building for months.

Before dawn, explosions rippled across Kabul as fighter jets circled overhead.

In the south, residents of Kandahar, the spiritual heartland of the Taliban leadership, also reported aircraft and blasts.

Islamabad said it had targeted Taliban defence installations in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar in retaliation for what it described as Afghan-initiated attacks on Pakistani border troops late Thursday.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared that Islamabad’s “patience has run out,” framing the confrontation as “open war.”

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Afghan Taliban defence targets were struck, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif insisted Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable of delivering a decisive response to what he called aggression.

In Kabul, the aftermath was tense but outwardly calm.

It was Friday in Ramadan, and the capital’s streets were already quieter than usual. There was no visible surge in checkpoints or patrols, though the Taliban government confirmed the air strikes.

Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said there were no casualties in the capital, even as his administration announced “large-scale offensive operations” along the frontier in response.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, several captured and 19 Pakistani posts destroyed.

It acknowledged eight Afghan soldiers dead and 11 wounded.

Pakistan flatly denied that any of its troops were taken prisoner. A spokesperson for Sharif’s office said at least 133 Afghan fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded, with 27 Afghan posts destroyed. Islamabad reported two Pakistani soldiers dead and three injured.

The claims underscored the depth of mistrust between the two sides and the absence of reliable verification as the conflict intensifies.

At the core of the dispute is Pakistan’s long-standing accusation that Afghanistan is failing to rein in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks inside Pakistan have surged since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Islamabad says the group operates from Afghan territory. Kabul denies allowing its soil to be used against its neighbor.

The latest strikes follow earlier Pakistani operations in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces this week that, according to the U.N. mission in Afghanistan, killed at least 13 civilians.

Cross-border fire was also reported on Tuesday, though without casualties.

 (Source:newswire.lk)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, saying it stands by the country “with full conviction” – despite accusations of genocideagainst the Palestinian people.

Modi gave a speech to the Knesset, or parliament, on Wednesday, the first day of his two-day visit, and received a standing ovation as he stressed India’s enduring support for Israel.

It was the first time an Indian leader addressed the Knesset.

“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond,” said Modi, condemning the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led fighters as “barbaric”, adding “no cause can justify the murder of civilians”.

India’s leader was earlier greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion airport, where a welcoming ceremony was held.

Addressing the Knesset, Netanyahu thanked India for “standing by” Israel in the wake of October 7, and said the two nations shared “common interests”. He described Modi as “more than a friend, a brother”.

Modi said New Delhi expressed “strong support” for the Gaza peace initiative approved by the United Nations Security Council in November. It “offers a pathway”, he said, adding India believes “it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region”.

(Source;adaderana.lk)

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to halt its involvement in hospital clinic services beginning next Monday (March 2), in response to what it describes as the government’s inadequate response to key professional demands.

According to GMOA Secretary Prabath Aththanayake, the decision was taken after authorities failed to take meaningful steps toward establishing a dedicated service structure for doctors, which has been a longstanding request of the association.

He also expressed concerns over the continuation of around 50 clinic programmes and mobile clinic initiatives, claiming these projects were introduced with political motivations rather than to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Aththanayake further noted that the country’s primary healthcare system is already under strain due to staff shortages, and doctors are unwilling to continue supporting additional programmes under such conditions.

He added that the absence of effective intervention by the relevant minister and government officials to resolve the issues faced by medical professionals has prompted this union action. The GMOA also cautioned that if authorities continue to ignore their concerns, the current measures could escalate into a full-scale strike.

Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday, with Islamabad’s defence minister declaring the neighbours at “open war” following months of tit-for-tat clashes.

Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night in what the Taliban government said was retaliation for earlier deadly air strikes, while AFP journalists in Kabul and Kandahar heard blasts and jets overhead.

Relations between the neighbours have plunged in recent months, with land border crossings largely shut since deadly fighting in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.

Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies. 

Several rounds of negotiations followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but the efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Both militaries said they killed dozens of soldiers in the latest round of border violence, which followed multiple Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan and clashes along the frontier in recent months.

“Afghan Taliban defence targets were targeted in Kabul, Paktia (province) and Kandahar,” Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar posted on X, while defence minister Khawaja Asif declared an “all-out confrontation” with the Taliban government.

“Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you,” he posted on the social media platform. 

Jets overhead 

In the Afghan capital AFP journalists heard jets and multiple loud blasts, followed by gunfire, over a period of more than two hours.

An AFP reporter in Afghanistan’s southern city of Kandahar, where Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based, said he heard jets overhead. 

The Taliban government confirmed the Pakistani air strikes, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying there were no casualties. 

Hours earlier, Mujahid announced “large-scale offensive operations” at the border “in response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military”.

The Afghan defence ministry reported eight of its soldiers had been killed in the land offensive.

An Afghan official reported multiple civilians wounded near the Torkham border crossing, at a camp for people returning from Pakistan. 

“A mortar shell has hit the camp and unfortunately seven of our refugees have been wounded, and the condition of one woman is serious,” said Qureshi Badlun, the information chief in Nangarhar province.

While the border has largely been closed since October, Afghan returnees have been allowed to cross. 

Months of border violence 

Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesman, told AFP that several Pakistani soldiers had been “caught alive”, a claim denied by the prime minister’s office in Islamabad.

The military operation follows Pakistani strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces overnight into Sunday, which the UN mission in Afghanistan said killed at least 13 civilians. 

The Taliban government said at least 18 people were killed and denied Pakistan’s announcement that the military operation left more than 80 militants dead. 

Both sides also reported cross-border fire on Tuesday, but without casualties. 

After repeated breaches of the initial ceasefire, Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

 (Sourcenewswire.lk)