About 64% of preschool children in Sri Lanka spend more than 30 minutes a day on mobile phones, tablets or computers, Health Ministry Secretary Anil Jasinghe said on Thursday.

He said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that young children spend less than 30 minutes a day using digital screens.

A Health Ministry survey has also found that around 43% of preschool children eat their meals while watching a screen.

The survey raised concerns about caregiving practices, with around 56% of parents or preschool caregivers reporting that they become angry with children, Jasinghe said.

He also noted a lower level of involvement by fathers in childcare, with only about 53% reported to be closely involved in caring for their children.

Jasinghe said the Health Ministry had introduced a health promotion programme and guidelines for preschool children in response to the findings.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life), the nation’s largest and strongest Life Insurer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sameera Dharmasena as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 22nd September 2026.

Dr. Dharmasena is a distinguished insurance professional with over 21 years of experience in the Sri Lankan insurance industry, having held senior leadership positions across several leading insurance companies affiliated with some of Sri Lanka’s largest business conglomerates. His extensive career spans both local and multinational insurance environments, bringing together broad industry expertise, strategic leadership and a strong commitment to the advancement of the insurance profession.

He began his career with Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and subsequently held senior positions across the insurance sector, gaining extensive experience across diverse insurance businesses and corporate environments. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance General Limited.

In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Dr. Dharmasena has made a significant contribution to the development of insurance education and professionalism in Sri Lanka. He was elected President of the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute, the country’s insurance education body affiliated with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), UK. His involvement with the Institute reflects his commitment to strengthening professional knowledge, education and standards within the insurance industry.

Dr. Dharmasena holds a PhD in Business Management from Girne American University, an MBA from the University of Colombo, a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science from the University of Kelaniya, and an LLB from the Open University of Sri Lanka. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII), UK, and an Associate of the Insurance Institute of India (AIII).

With his extensive industry experience, diverse academic background and strong professional engagement, Dr. Dharmasena assumes leadership of SLIC Life at an important stage in the Company’s continued growth and transformation.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will be mandatory for several specified transactions with effect from November 1, 2026.

The requirement is being introduced under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, as amended by the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026.

According to the IRD, obtaining a TIN is mandatory for all resident individuals who were aged 18 or above as at December 31, 2023, as well as those who turn 18 on or after January 1, 2024, upon reaching that age.

From November 1, individuals will be required to produce a valid TIN Certificate when opening an account at a bank or financial institution, obtaining approval for a building plan, registering or renewing the licence of a motor vehicle, registering land or title to land, registering a business or obtaining a credit card.

A TIN Certificate will also be required when transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka, with both the transferor and transferee required to submit the certificate.

The IRD said officials handling these transactions had been instructed to ensure that a valid TIN Certificate was submitted before processing or completing the relevant transaction.

The Department advised those who do not already have a TIN to obtain one through its e-Services platform.

It said a printout of the TIN verification result showing the individual’s NIC number and TIN could also be accepted in place of the official certificate.