Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein released a powerful Super Bowl ad demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi release all materials related to the sex trafficking case
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Sunday, February 8, 2026
Epstein survivors release Super Bowl ad demanding 'truth' from the very top
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein released a powerful Super Bowl ad demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi release all materials related to the sex trafficking case
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Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, spinners script Sri Lanka’s win
Sri Lanka 163 for 6 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 24, Kamil Mishara
Catches win matches. Ireland dropped seven, of varying difficulty, and that proved to be a major factor in their 20-run loss to Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Sent in, Sri Lanka started briskly but the Ireland spinners George Dockrell and Gareth Delany, handcuffed them in the middle overs. After 16 overs, they were on 104 for 4. That they could add another 59 to finish on a competitive 163 for 6 was down to Ireland’s sloppy fielding.
Kamindu Mendis was dropped on 14; he went on to smash 44 off 19 balls. Kusal Mendis was first put down on 34; he finished on 56 not out off 43. The pair added 67 off 30 balls for the fifth wicket to inject the much-needed momentum.
Ireland made a solid start to their chase, reaching 52 for 1 in seven overs. But Wanidu Hasaranga, who had hurt his hamstring after sending down just two balls, derailed them. Bowling with hardly any follow-through, he picked up 3 for 25 from his four overs. Maheesh Theekshana also took three, hastening the end as Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Earlier, Kamil Mishara barely looked assured during his brief stay. In the third over, he hit one uppishly back towards Barry McCarthy but the bowler had little time to react. In the same over, he was dropped by Ross Adair at short midwicket. But Mishara failed to make it count. In the following over, he was caught at mid-off off a slower delivery from Mark Adair. Kusal started briskly, hitting three fours in his first eight balls to take Sri Lanka to 50 for 1 by the end of the powerplay.
After the powerplay, Ireland deployed spin from both ends. That put the brakes on the scoring rate. Pathum Nissanka went for the cut against Dockrell and was caught at extra cover. Pavan Rathnayake tried to upper-cut the spinner, only for the ball to hit the middle stump. That left Sri Lanka on 68 for 3 in the 11th over.
Such was the stranglehold of the Ireland spinners that Sri Lanka couldn’t hit a boundary for 56 balls after the powerplay. All told, Ireland bowled 13 overs of spin, the most by them in a T20I.
Kamindu ended the boundary drought in the 16th over when he reverse-swept Delany for four over backward point. After that, Ireland made one fielding mistake after another to cede the advantage. In the 17th over, bowled by Matthew Humphreys, Kusal was reprieved twice and Kamindu once. The Kamindu chance at long-off went for six. To rub it in, he hit the next two balls for four, making it a 21-run over.
There was another drop in the following over, with Ross Adair putting down Kusal off Mark Adair at deep square leg. The wheels completely came off in the 19th. McCarthy started with a beamer down the leg side, which Kamindu put away for four. When the free hit arrived after two wides, Kamindu pulled it for a six. McCarthy did send back Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka off successive balls but ended up conceding 19 from the over. Lasting 11 balls, it was the joint longest over in the T20 World Cup history. Kusal, who largely played second fiddle to Kamindu, brought up his half-century in the final over.
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Saturday, February 7, 2026
The Architect of Minds – An Exclusive Interview with Professor Elsie Kothelawala on the Legacy of Professor J. E. Jayasuriya
This year marks a significant milestone as we commemorate the 35th death anniversary of a titan in the field of education, Professor J. E. Jayasuriya. While his name is etched onto the covers of countless textbooks and cited in every major policy document in Sri Lanka, the man behind the name remains a mystery to many. To honour his legacy, we are joined today for a special commemorative interview. This is a slightly expanded version of the interview with Professor Elsie Kothelawala. As a former student who rose to become a close professional colleague, she offers a rare, personal glimpse into his life during his most influential years at the University of Peradeniya.
Dr. S. N. Jayasinghe – Professor Kothelawala, to begin our tribute, could you tell us about the early years of Professor J. E. Jayasuriya? Where did his journey start?
Prof. Elsie Kothelawala – He was born on February 14, 1918, in Ahangama. His primary education actually began at Nawalapitiya Anuruddha Vidyalaya. He then moved to Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda and eventually transitioned to Wesley College in Colombo. He was a brilliant student, in 1933, he came third in the British Empire at the Cambridge Senior Examination. This earned him a scholarship to University College, Colombo, where he graduated in 1939 with a First-Class degree in Mathematics.
Q: – His professional rise was meteoric. Could you trace his work life from school leadership into high academia?
A: – It was a blend of school leadership and pioneering academia. At just 22, he was the first principal of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya. He later served as Deputy Principal of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura.
A turning point came when Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara invited him to lead the new central school in the Minister’s own electorate, Matugama Central College. Later, he served as Principal of Wadduwa Central College. In 1947, he traveled to London for advanced studies at the Institute of Education, University of London. There, he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and a Master of Arts in Education. Upon returning, he became a lecturer in mathematics at the Government Teachers’ Training College in Maharagama. He joined the University of Ceylon’s Faculty of Education as a lecturer in 1952 and later, in 1957, he advanced to the role of Professor of Education. Professor J. E. Jayasuriya was the first Sri Lankan to hold the position of Professor of Education and lead the Department of Education at the University of Ceylon.
The commencement of this department was a result of a proposal from the Special Committee of Education in 1943, commonly known as the Kannangara Committee.
Q: – We know he left the university in 1971. Can you tell us about his work for the United Nations and UNESCO?
A: – That was a massive chapter in his life. After retiring from Peradeniya, he went global. He moved to Bangkok to serve as the Regional Advisor on Population Education for UNESCO. He spent five years traveling across Asia, to countries like Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, helping them build their educational frameworks from the ground up.
Even after that, his relationship with the United Nations continued. He returned to Sri Lanka and served as a United Nations Advisor to the Ministry of Education for two years. He was essentially a global consultant, bringing the lessons he learned in Sri Lanka to the rest of the world.
Q: – How did you personally come to know him, and what was the nature of your professional relationship?
A: – I first encountered him at Peradeniya during my Diploma in Education and later my MA. He personally taught me Psychology, and I completed my postgraduate studies under his direct supervision. He was notoriously strict, but it was a strictness born out of respect for the subject. The tutorials were the highlight. Every day, he would select one student’s answer and read it to the class. It kept us on our toes! He relied heavily on references, and his guidance was always “on point.” After my MA, he encouraged me to apply for a vacancy in the department. Even as a lecturer, he supervised me, I had to show him my lecture notes before entering a hall.
Q: – He sounds quite imposing! Was there any room for humor in his classroom?
A: – He had a very sharp, dry wit. Back then, there was a fashion where ladies pinned their hair in high, elaborate piles. He once remarked, “Where there is nothing inside, they will pile it all up on the outside.” Needless to say, that hairstyle was never seen in his class again!
Q: – Looking at the 1960s and 70s, what reforms did he promote that were considered innovative for that time?
A: – As Chairman of the National Education Commission (1961), he was a visionary. He promoted the Neighborhood School Concept to end the scramble for prestige schools. He also proposed a Unified National System of education and argued for a flexible school calendar. He believed holidays should vary by region, matching agricultural harvest cycles so rural children wouldn’t have to miss school.
Q: – One of his major contributions was in “Intelligence Testing.” How did he change that field?
A: – He felt Western IQ tests were culturally biased. He developed the National Education Society Intelligence Test, the first standardized test in national languages, and adapted the Raven’s Non-Verbal Test for Sri Lankan children. He wanted to measure raw potential fairly, regardless of a child’s social or linguistic background.
Q: – How would you describe his specific contribution to the transition to national languages in schools?
A: – He didn’t just support the change, he made it possible. When English was replaced as the medium of instruction, there was a desperate lack of materials. He authored 12 simplified Mathematics textbooks in Sinhala, including the Veeja Ganithaya (Algebra) and Seegra Jyamithiya (Geometry) series. He ensured that “language” would no longer be a barrier to “logic.”
Q: – After his work with the UN and UNESCO, why did he become known as the “Father of Population Education”?
A: – While in Bangkok, he developed the conceptual framework for Population Education for the entire Asian region. He helped dozens of countries integrate population dynamics into their school curricula. He saw that education wasn’t just about reading and writing, it was about understanding the social and demographic realities of one’s country.
Q: – Madam, can you recall how Professor Jayasuriya’s legacy was honoured?
A: – Professor Jayasuriya was truly a unique personality. He was actually one of the first Asians to be elected as a Chartered Psychologist in the U.K., and his lectures on educational psychology and statistics were incredibly popular. During his time at the University of Ceylon, he held significant leadership roles, serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and even as acting Vice Chancellor. His impact was so profound that the Professor J. E. Jayasuriya Memorial Lecture Theatre at the Faculty of Education in Peradeniya was named in his honor.
Beyond his institutional roles, he received immense recognition for his service, including honorary D. Lit and D. Sc degrees from the University of Colombo and the Open University, respectively. Perhaps his most global contribution was his ‘quality of life’ approach to population education developed for UNESCO in the mid-1970s. As O. J. Sikes of UNFPA noted in the International Encyclopedia on Education, it became the predominant teaching method across Asia and is still considered the fastest-growing approach to the subject worldwide.
Q: – Finally, what is the most profound message from his life that today’s educators and policymakers should carry forward?
A: – The lesson is intellectual integrity. When the government’s 1964 White Paper distorted his 1961 recommendations for political gain, he didn’t stay silent, he wrote Some Issues in Ceylon Education to set the record straight.
He believed education was a birthright, not a competitive filter. Today’s policymakers must learn that education policy should be driven by pedagogical evidence, not political expediency. As our conversation came to a close, Professor Elsie Kothelawala sat back, a reflective smile on her face. It became clear that while Professor J. E. Jayasuriya was a man of rigid logic, and uncompromising discipline, his ultimate goal was deeply human, the upliftment of every Sri Lankan child.
Thirty-five years after his passing, his presence is still felt, not just in the archives of UNESCO or the halls of Peradeniya, but in the very structure of our classrooms. He was a pioneer who taught us that education is the most powerful tool for social mobility, provided it is handled with honesty. As we commemorate this 35th memorial, perhaps the best way to honor his legacy is not just by remembering his name, but by reclaiming his courage, the courage to put the needs of the student above the convenience of the system.
Professor Jayasuriya’s life reminds us that a true educator’s work is never finished, it lives on in the teachers he trained, the policies he shaped, and the national intellect he helped ignite.
by the Secretary J.E.Jayasuriya Memorial Foundation : Dr S.N Jayasinghe
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Friday, February 6, 2026
Indo-Lanka partnership: Energy and maritime cooperation take centre stage
A high-level roundtable dialogue, titled “Future-Ready Indo-Lanka Partnership: Dialogue for a Shared Tomorrow,” organised by the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association, was held at Parliament on Thursday (05), bringing together Members of Parliament, diplomats, and policy experts from Sri Lanka and India.
The dialogue focused on the deep-rooted and evolving partnership between the two countries, with particular emphasis on energy cooperation and maritime collaboration. The event was supported by the High Commission of India, in Colombo, with Factum serving as the Knowledge Partner.
The programme commenced with an opening address by Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Chairman of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association. In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of such engagements in fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in the context of emerging regional and global challenges.
Addressing the forum, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, expressed his appreciation to the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association and Sri Lankan policymakers for organising the dialogue. He underscored the importance of investment-led growth and financing, rather than credit-oriented financing, as a key driver of sustainable economic cooperation.
The discussions were conducted in two sessions. The first session focused on Energy Partnership, featuring expert interventions by Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation and former WTO and IAS officer, and Pubudu Niroshan, Head of the CEB Transition Task Force. The session explored opportunities for energy cooperation, including energy connectivity, renewable energy generation, and new avenues for joint collaboration.
The second session focused on Maritime Cooperation, reflecting the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean. Discussions covered maritime security, sustainable cooperation in the maritime industry, Sri Lanka’s potential as a maritime hub, and related challenges. Expert insights were delivered by Dr. Chhavi Vasisht, Associate Fellow at the Chintan Research Foundation, and Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayaratne (Retd.), maritime analyst and former Sri Lanka Navy officer.
The roundtable discussions were moderated by Omar Rajarathnam, Executive Director of Factum. The dialogue also addressed future action plans of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association. Delivering the closing remarks, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardana, Secretary of the Association, expressed his appreciation to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, for their support and leadership.
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JD Vance booed at Winter Olympics opening ceremony while supporting USA athletes
During the Winter Olympics' opening ceremony in Milan and Cortina, there wasn't exactly a warm reception for Team USA or Vice President JD Vance.
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Thursday, February 5, 2026
Lanka and Finland to establish political consultation mechanism
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and Finland to establish a Political Consultation Mechanism aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations.
Sri Lanka and Finland established official diplomatic relations in 1954, and the two countries will mark the 72nd anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. Over the decades, relations have evolved into an active partnership, underpinned by cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural and educational spheres, as well as strong people-to-people links.
The proposed MoU seeks to enhance collaboration in political, economic, educational, environmental, consular and cultural sectors, while providing a structured framework for regular exchanges of views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Accordingly, Cabinet approval was granted for the resolution presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to sign the MoU establishing the Political Consultation Mechanism between Sri Lanka and Finland.
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Wednesday, February 4, 2026
New rent laws won’t hurt landlords or tenants, says Justice Minister
One month extension given to submit constructive proposals to two draft Bills
By Saman Indrajith
Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, on Tuesday, told Parliament that the proposed Bills to repeal the Rent Act and introduce a new Protection of Occupants law would not adversely impact individuals or businesses engaged in renting out residential properties.
Responding to concerns raised by NDF MP Ravi Karunanayake over the proposed legislation, the Minister said both Bills had been drafted by a panel of experts and due legal and procedural processes had been followed.
The minister said the two draft Bills had been gazetted on 18 Sept., 2025, and opened for public consultation from 04 Nov., 2025 to 15 Jan., 2026. During that period, the draft legislation had been published on the official website of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and in Sinhala, Tamil and English newspapers inviting public comments, he added.
Nanayakkara said only two formal submissions had been received during the initial consultation period, rejecting claims that the proposed laws were being introduced without transparency.
“This is not legislation being brought in through the backdoor. Our intention is to introduce the best possible laws for the people of this country,” he said, urging all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation, to submit constructive proposals.
The Minister also told the House that the Ministry had received a letter, dated January 29, 2026, from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka seeking an opportunity to present its views on the proposed Bills.
In view of requests from several parties, he said the government had decided to extend the public consultation period by a further month from 03 Feb., 2026.
Nanayakkara said that once written submissions were received, they would be examined by a committee, headed by the Additional Secretary (Legal) of the Ministry, which would evaluate the recommendations, observations and proposals before finalising the draft legislation.
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