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Lankan economic crisis finds a mirror in Tamil cinema’s latest hit
In a powerful convergence of art and reality, Tourist Family, the breakout Tamil film of 2025, is shedding light on the ongoing Sri Lankan economic crisis through the lens of intimate storytelling, said the Filmfare yesterday.
Set in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s post-Covid financial collapse, the film follows a Tamil family forced to migrate to Tamil Nadu in search of stability and dignity. As economic hardships continue to uproot lives across the island nation, debut director Abishan Jeevinth’s poignant narrative has struck a deep chord with audiences, earning over INRs 75 crore at the global box office since its May 1 release. Blending commercial success with a searing social commentary, Tourist Family has become more than a cinematic triumph—it is a timely reflection of a nation’s fractured present.
The Filmfare story said: Tourist Family, the debut film of director Abishan Jeevinth, is proving to be 2025’s breakout Tamil hit, crossing an impressive INRs 75 crore at the global box office. Released on May 1, the film has steadily grown in popularity, bolstered by glowing reviews from both the public and the press.
Set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s economic instability post-Covid, the film portrays the emotional journey of a Tamil family forced to migrate to Tamil Nadu. As they attempt to rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty, the narrative explores themes of displacement, dignity, and communal unity.
Fronted by Sasikumar and Simran, Tourist Family has been praised for its honest performances and heartfelt storytelling. Audiences have found themselves deeply moved by its portrayal of survival and solidarity, turning it into a word-of-mouth sensation across urban and rural centres alike.
The film’s emotional depth and grounded narrative have drawn accolades from across the film fraternity. Rajinikanth is said to have personally called the young director to commend him for the film’s emotional impact and message. Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan, and SS Rajamouli have also voiced their admiration for the film via social media and interviews, fuelling further buzz.
A strong ensemble supports the leads, featuring Yogi Babu, Mithun Jai Sankar, Kamalesh, M.S. Bhaskar, Ramesh Thilak, Bagavathi Perumal, Elango Kumaravel, and Sreeja Ravi. Their performances bring authenticity and depth to the immigrant community the film so lovingly portrays.
Produced by Pasilian Nazareth, Magesh Raj Pasilian, and Yuvaraj Ganesan under the Million Dollar Studios and MRP Entertainment banners, the film also benefits from a skilled technical crew. Sean Roldan’s music adds an emotional resonance, while Aravind Viswanathan’s cinematography captures the rawness of migration with grace. Editing by Barath Vikraman and art direction by Raj Kamal further elevate the cinematic experience. Lyricist Mohan Rajan provides poetic depth to the film’s soundtrack.
With discussions around digital streaming rights already underway, Tourist Family is poised to continue its winning streak — not just as a commercial juggernaut, but as a cinematic story that truly matters.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka Dr. Siri Walt paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 17th of February at the Temple Trees.
Welcoming the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka the Prime Minister briefed the Ambassador on her recent visit to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting noting that the series of high-level bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the Forum, along with two important industry visits provided valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s economic engagement.
The discussion focused on Switzerland’s vocational education and training (VET) system, with particular interest in exploring possible cooperation and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
The Prime Minister also conveyed her appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Switzerland following Cyclone Ditwah. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s need for enhanced technical assistance during the ongoing rebuilding phase, especially in relation to the reconstruction of bridges and railway infrastructure.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland, and to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
First Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Justine Boillat, First Secretary (Migration) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Andrea Kienast and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatt and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment, Tourism.attended the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Advisory for low pressure area in the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka
Advisory for low pressure area in the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka.
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 03.00 pm on 18 February 2026
Multiday boats fishermen and naval community are warned that the low-pressure area still persists over the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka. Under the influence of this system, heavy showers or thundershowers, Strong winds about (50-60) kmph, and rough or very rough seas can be expected in these sea areas.
The Meteorological Department is constantly monitoring the behavior of the system.
The naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Canada, said to be the home to the largest Tamil Diaspora community, has expressed concern over the delay in holding Provincial Council (PC) elections. Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Martin, on Monday (16), took up the issue with Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Professor Chandana Abayaratne.
Sources quoted Prof. Abayaratne as having told the Canadian HC that the delay was not deliberate on the part of the government. The Minister blamed, what the sources called, certain legal, technical and delimitation issues for the delay.
India compelled Sri Lanka to enact the 13th Amendment to the country’s Constitution to enable the setting up of the Provincial Council system, in line with the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord, which Sri Lanka signed under duress in July 1987.
Prof. Abayaratne has assured the Canadian HC that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, too, recognised the importance of strengthening the Provincial Council system as a solution to ethnic issues and that urgent steps would be taken in that regard.
During the discussion, matters relating to strengthening political, economic and social relations between the two countries were discussed.
In May 2020, Canada declared that Sri Lanka had perpetrated genocide during the war against the LTTE. Canada also sanctioned former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa in January 2023 over alleged war crimes.
The Canadian HC also explained her country’s ‘Indo-Pacific’ strategy and how Sri Lanka could benefit from it.
In particular, Canada’s “Pathways to Peace” project will support reconciliation between nations, and to improve communication by encouraging the learning of mutual languages as a second language, and it was also agreed to provide more opportunities for Sri Lankan students to pursue higher studies in Canada.
The Canadian delegation also expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical assistance to solve the drinking water problems in Puttalam, Mannar and the North-Eastern provinces under technical cooperation, and to implement the relevant projects after a preliminary study.
by Shamindra Ferdinando
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