News
Young Sri Lankan sensation leads Christmas carol after King’s message
By Sujeeva Nivunhella
reporting from London
A momentous Christmas tradition took an extraordinary turn this year as King Charles III’s annual holiday message was followed by the enchanting voice of 15-year-old Binu Tennakoon, London-born of Sri Lankan descent, leading the carol choir in a heartwarming rendition of a beloved carol.
In an exclusive interview with this correspondent, Binu expressed her immense pride at being chosen to lead the choir. Her musical journey began at a tender age, inspired by her sister Mevani’s pursuit of music at Bexley Music College.
A Year 11 student at Wilmington Grammar School for Girls in London, Binu is aiming to delve into the realm of neuroscience for her further studies, all while remaining dedicated to her passion for music.
“Music has been a part of my life since I can remember. It’s something I’ll always cherish,” Binu shared. Despite her ambitions in neuroscience, she emphasized her unwavering commitment to music and expressed a desire to record a song in the Sinhala language, as a testament to her roots and cultural connection.
Gratefully acknowledging her family’s unwavering support, she paid tribute to her father, Major Jagath Tennakoon, a former military officer who sacrificed a part of his youth for the betterment of Sri Lanka.
“He’s my hero,” she stated proudly, highlighting his sacrifice and bravery, noting his loss of an eye in battle. She also thanked her mother Bhaggya, sister Mevani and her late grandmother.
Beyond her musical prowess, Binu has showcased talent in culinary arts, mastering cake-making through the International Sugar Craft class conducted by Indika Jayasena. Her exceptional skills were recognized as she clinched a gold medal at the Salon Culinair 2023 for Junior Wedding/Special Occasion Celebration Cake, emerging as the best in her class.
As the captivating voice behind the Christmas carol and a rising star in both music and culinary arts, Binu Tennakoon stands as an inspiring figure, weaving together her passions and talents, leaving an indelible mark in multiple domains.
News
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.
She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.
The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations. 
The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.
Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.
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