The Ministry of Education has announced that Cabinet approval is expected to be sought to extend the deadline for completing degree qualifications for applicants applying under the open recruitment process for teachers in national and provincial schools.

The move follows Clause 5.1 of the notice published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2474/19 dated February 2, 2026, which called for applications to fill teacher vacancies in Sinhala, Tamil and English medium schools.

In line with Cabinet directives, the Ministry sought the Attorney General’s advice to amend the deadline for completing degree qualifications to March 5, 2026. The relevant instructions have now been received and are scheduled to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval on February 16, 2026.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to attend the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20.

According to a press release issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the summit is hosted by the Government of India and will bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators and experts to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The event is anchored on three central themes — People, Planet and Progress — reflecting India’s approach to international cooperation and governance in the field of AI.

President Dissanayake will participate at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside leaders from more than 20 countries, including France, Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates.

The United Nations Secretary-General and senior officials from several international organisations are also expected to attend. Additionally, ministerial delegations from over 45 countries will take part in the summit.

Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on responsible AI development, global governance frameworks and the role of emerging technologies in advancing sustainable development.

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Madel (beach seine net) fishermen who staged a protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat was held yesterday afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The President invited the protesting fishermen for talks and engaged in an extensive discussion, during which representatives briefed him on the current situation of the Madel fishing industry. They explained that while the industry commenced in 2010, labour-related issues led to the adoption of the winch method from 2013 onwards.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the fishermen’s representatives expressed their gratitude to the President for granting them the opportunity for dialogue and for paying attention to their concerns.

After listening to the matters raised, President Dissanayake emphasized that the Government has no intention of undermining anyone’s livelihood while seeking solutions to issues surrounding the Madel fishing industry. He reiterated that the Government remains committed to strengthening the economic conditions of all communities.

The President noted that any resolution must take into account complaints from the broader fishing community, concerns raised by environmental organisations, and reports from State institutions engaged in scientific research, as well as relevant bodies under the Ministry of Fisheries.

He stressed the importance of preventing economic harm to fishermen, ensuring environmental protection, safeguarding marine resources in line with international conventions for the benefit of future generations, and prohibiting the use of banned fishing methods.

According to the PMD, it was agreed that all parties would work together to propose suitable solutions through discussions within a short period. The fishermen also agreed to call off the protest.

Further discussions involving all relevant stakeholders are scheduled to commence next Monday. It was also agreed to arrange talks with the Ministry of Finance to address leasing and other payment-related issues faced by those engaged in the industry under the current method during the discussion period.

The body of a Sri Lankan crew member serving aboard a Singapore-bound container vessel was recovered from the Hooghly River in Kolkata on Friday evening, after he reportedly jumped into the water near Netaji Subhas Dock.

Police said the deceased was employed on the vessel Kota Dunia. Preliminary information identified him as Bandarawatte Vidanelage Prabashwara Tharindu Bandarawatte, a Sri Lankan national.

According to Deputy Commissioner (Port) Harikrishna Pai, the West Port Police Station received information at around 11.26 p.m. on Thursday that a crew member had allegedly jumped into the river near the dock area. The vessel, travelling from Singapore via Chittagong, was stationed mid-stream at the time and had not yet berthed.

DC Pai stated that other crew members noticed the incident and immediately informed the captain, who alerted the Port Traffic Department and requested urgent assistance. Two tugboats from the Port Marine Department initiated search operations in the surrounding waters, but the individual could not be located during the initial search.

Subsequently, a Disaster Management Group team comprising expert divers was deployed through the Kolkata Police Control Room at Lalbazar. Port divers also joined the operation. After several hours of search efforts, the body was recovered at approximately 5.05 p.m. on Friday.

Police said they have contacted the Sri Lankan Embassy to inform the family and determine whether any complaint would be lodged. Authorities have not released further details regarding the exact location of recovery or the condition of the body, stating that further information will be provided following the post-mortem examination and confirmation of the cause of death.

Showers will occur at times in Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambantota districts. Fairly heavy falls about 50 mm are likely at some places in Uva and Central provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts. 

Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee district. 

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere after 1.00 p.m. and fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Sri Lanka’s plan to mandate re-registration of SIM cards issued before August 2019 signals a significant tightening of digital identity oversight, reflecting the Government’s broader effort to modernise telecommunications regulation and strengthen investigative capacity.

Under existing regulations introduced in 2019, mandatory subscriber verification applied only to new SIMs. Millions of earlier-issued numbers remain outside that regulatory net, with incomplete or unverifiable subscriber records. Authorities argue that this gap has impeded criminal investigations and court proceedings, particularly in cases involving cybercrime, fraud, and organised networks.

Yet implementing retroactive compliance presents operational and social challenges.

Telecommunications companies will be required to collect, verify, and securely store updated personal data potentially including national identity card details and proof of residence—for a vast subscriber base. Ensuring accuracy while preventing identity fraud during the re-registration process will test administrative systems.

More critically, the initiative expands the state’s centralised visibility over citizen communication identifiers. Although officials emphasise lawful investigative needs, privacy advocates question the absence of publicly detailed safeguards governing data access, retention limits, and oversight mechanisms.

Sri Lanka’s evolving data protection laws remain in early stages of enforcement. Without strong independent regulatory supervision, expanded SIM databases may heighten fears of profiling or political misuse particularly in a context where the new administration has launched multiple probes into financial and governance irregularities.

On the ground, subscribers face immediate hurdles. Individuals who obtained SIM cards years ago through resellers or informal arrangements may not possess matching documentation. Migrant workers, estate communities, and low-income citizens could face service disruptions if verification deadlines are strict.

Service suspension would extend beyond voice calls. Mobile numbers now anchor two-factor authentication for banking, digital payments, and government platforms. Any interruption risks excluding vulnerable populations from essential services.

The Government’s proposal also introduces registration pathways for minors aged 16-17 and simplifies issuance for foreign tourists measures aligned with digital economy expansion and tourism growth. However, expanding eligibility while tightening compliance underscores the complexity of balancing inclusion with regulation.

The broader question remains whether the re-registration drive strengthens security without undermining public confidence. Transparent communication, phased implementation, grievance mechanisms, and clear legal boundaries will be essential to prevent the initiative from being perceived as intrusive rather than protective.

Sri Lanka’s digital governance trajectory now hinges on whether enhanced oversight translates into improved security or diminished trust.

Beyond tourism revenue, IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo is being deployed as a catalyst for urban transformation under the broader #ActiveColombo initiative an ambitious effort to reshape the capital into a healthier, more walkable, and globally competitive city.

Organizers describe the event as a “platform for national confidence,” highlighting its symbolic significance amid Sri Lanka’s economic rebuilding phase. By hosting a world-recognized endurance race, authorities aim to demonstrate stability, organizational capability, and readiness for international investment.

The triathlon aligns with Colombo’s longer-term urban strategy. Improved pedestrian pathways, cycling infrastructure, public spaces, and waterfront development are all part of positioning the city as an “active lifestyle” destination. Events like IRONMAN test not only athletic endurance but also urban functionality traffic management, emergency services, hospitality readiness, and public coordination.

Importantly, the initiative complements Sri Lanka’s introduction of Digital Nomad visas, designed to attract long-stay remote workers. An active, internationally connected city environment strengthens Colombo’s appeal to this emerging market segment, who often prioritize quality of life, safety, and recreational opportunities.

Port City Colombo’s role as venue partner also underscores an economic narrative. By hosting a high-profile international event in the new financial district, planners signal that the area is operational and investment-ready.

Yet, the long-term benefits depend on consistent follow-through. Infrastructure upgrades must extend beyond event zones, and community engagement must ensure inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

If sustained, #ActiveColombo could transform the capital from a transit stop into a destination city leveraging sports not merely as entertainment, but as a blueprint for urban renewal and economic revitalization.

Sri Lanka’s transition to a Four-Band Tariff Policy marks one of the most significant trade policy restructurings in recent years. While the Government presents it as a move toward simplification and international alignment, the reform arrives amid rising US tariffs on Sri Lankan exports—introducing external pressures that could complicate its fiscal and financial objectives.

The proposed system aims to consolidate existing duties into four clearly defined bands, enhancing predictability for businesses and reducing distortions in the tariff regime. By aligning classifications with UN standards, policymakers hope to foster transparency, encourage investment, and integrate Sri Lanka more effectively into global value chains.

However, trade policy does not operate in isolation. The US tariff increases may reduce competitiveness of key Sri Lankan exports, particularly in labour-intensive sectors. A slowdown in exports could dampen economic growth and foreign exchange inflows, both of which are essential to maintaining macroeconomic stability after the 2022 crisis.

From a fiscal perspective, tariff restructuring has revenue implications. Import duties and border taxes contribute meaningfully to Government income. Rationalising tariff bands could narrow rate differentials and potentially reduce average effective protection levels. While this may stimulate efficiency and competition, it could also lower short-term customs revenue unless offset by higher compliance or increased import volumes.

Sri Lanka’s fiscal consolidation programme depends heavily on stable revenue mobilisation. Any shortfall may place additional pressure on domestic borrowing, influencing interest rates and liquidity conditions within the banking system.

Financial stability considerations are equally important. Export-driven industries rely on trade credit, foreign currency financing, and supply chain funding from domestic banks. If US tariff hikes weaken profitability, non-performing loans in export segments could rise. At the same time, tariff protection for selected domestic sectors might boost local production, potentially redistributing credit demand within the financial system.

The Government’s decision to conduct broad stakeholder consultations reflects awareness of these interconnected risks. Industry chambers, the National Tariff Policy Committee, and World Bank economists are engaged in assessing sector-specific impacts before finalisation.

Ultimately, the success of the Four-Band Tariff Policy will depend on calibration. If designed carefully, it could stabilise revenues, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen investor confidence. If misaligned with global trade realities, however, it may amplify external shocks at a time when Sri Lanka’s economic recovery remains fragile.