Sri Lankan-Born Astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana: A Trailblazing Journey to the Presidency of Caltech
In a momentous announcement that resonates deeply within the global Sri Lankan community, Dr. Ray Jayawardhana, a distinguished astrophysicist born and raised in Sri Lanka, has been appointed as the 10th president of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world’s foremost institutions for science and engineering. This historic appointment, revealed on January […]
Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy in 2026: Building Public Trust Amid Rapid Growth and Everyday Risks
As Sri Lanka embraces a digital economy in 2026, ordinary citizens are increasingly relying on mobile wallets, QR payments, online banking, and platform-based commerce for daily transactions. These tools offer convenience, from quick transfers to cashless shopping, but they also expose people to new vulnerabilities. Recent discussions at the 2nd National Data Protection Symposium highlight […]
Electricity Tariff Revision Proposal for Q1 2026: Potential Effects on Household Finances and Energy Use in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s electricity sector enters 2026 with a proposed tariff adjustment from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), submitted to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on December 24, 2025. The proposal outlines an overall 11.57% increase to address a projected revenue deficit of Rs. 13,094 million for January to March 2026. Based on […]
Sri Lankan Rupee Holds at Around 309-310 per USD in Early 2026: Persistent Challenges for Everyday Costs and Food Affordability
As 2026 begins, the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has maintained relative stability against the US Dollar (USD), trading in a narrow range around 309.5-309.7 LKR per USD in the first three days of January. Data aligned with Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) indicative rates show the spot rate hovering near 309.6 on January 1, […]
Air Quality Concerns in Sri Lanka: Causes, Impacts, and Pathways to Improvement
Air quality remains a critical public health and environmental concern in Sri Lanka, with recent reports highlighting persistent challenges across urban and rural areas. As of early 2026, real-time monitoring indicates that air quality in key cities frequently falls into the “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” categories, influenced by a combination of local emissions […]
Hidden Strengths of Sri Lanka: High Literacy and Education Achievements Amid Persistent Unemployment
Many people outside or even within Sri Lanka are unaware of the country’s remarkable education achievements. With a literacy rate exceeding 92% (adult) and near 99% for youth, free education from kindergarten to university, and compulsory schooling up to age 14, Sri Lanka boasts one of Asia’s most accessible and equitable systems. This foundation has […]
Understanding Sri Lanka’s Economic and Social Infrastructure: Insights from Central Bank Publications
Economic and social infrastructure forms the backbone of any nation’s development. In Sri Lanka, these sectors often referred to as Economic and Social Overheads (ESO) include essential services like energy, transport, telecommunications, water supply, education, and healthcare. Reliable infrastructure supports business growth, improves quality of life, and drives long-term prosperity. The Central Bank of Sri […]
Sri Lanka’s Banking Sector Resilience and Its Meaning for Ordinary Citizens
As 2025 draws to a close, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has released the Financial Soundness Indicators for the third quarter (July–September 2025). These figures, combined with the strong fiscal performance recorded in the first nine months of the year, offer reassuring news for ordinary Sri Lankans who are still recovering from the 2022 […]
AI Image Editing Tools and Non-Consensual Deepfakes: A Growing Threat to Public Safety and Privacy
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) drives innovation, the misuse of AI image editing tools has emerged as a significant concern for public safety and individual privacy. Recent reports highlight how advanced features in platforms from leading tech companies allow users to create non-consensual manipulated images, often targeting women without their knowledge or permission. […]
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Approves Targeted Tariff Reforms: A Strategic Boost for Deep-Sea Fishing and Tuna Exports in 2026
Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and food security, has received a timely policy intervention with the Cabinet’s recent approval of tariff reforms aimed at easing bait fish imports for the deep-sea fishing industry. Announced on December 23, 2025, these measures address a longstanding shortage of bait fish critical for long-line […]