News
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.
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 01 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended 11 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan of Kareinagar, Jaffna.
The Northern Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, naval craft of the Northern Naval Command were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off Kovilan.
Meanwhile, compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of one Indian fishing boat and apprehension of 11 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (11) were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
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Tri-Forces donate LKR. 372 million, a day’s pay of all ranks to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
Members of all ranks from the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force have collectively donated a day’s basic salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Accordingly, the total contribution made by the Tri-Forces amounts to LKR. 372,776,918.28.
The cheques representing the financial contributions were handed over on Wednesday (31 December) at the Presidential Secretariat to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The donations comprised LKR. 250 million from the Commander of the Army, Major General Lasantha Rodrigo; LKR. 73,963,879.71 from the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and LKR. 48,813,038.97 from the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe.
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, was also present on the occasion.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) seeking an 11.57 percent increase in electricity tariffs for the first quarter of 2026, citing an estimated revenue shortfall and additional financial pressures, including cyclone-related damages.
According to documents issued by the PUCSL, the proposed tariff revision would apply to electricity consumption from January to March 2026 and includes changes to both energy charges and fixed monthly charges across all consumer categories, including domestic, religious, industrial, commercial and other users.
Under the proposal, domestic electricity consumers would face increases in unit rates as well as fixed monthly charges across all consumption blocks.
The CEB has estimated a deficit of Rs. 13,094 million for the first quarter of 2026, which it says necessitates the proposed 11.57 per cent tariff hike. The utility has noted that any deviation from this estimate whether a surplus or a shortfall will be adjusted through the Bulk Supply Tariff Adjustment (BSTA) mechanism and taken into account in the next tariff revision.
In its submission, the CEB said the proposed revision is aimed at ensuring the financial and operational stability of the power sector and mitigating potential risks to the reliability of electricity supply. The board-approved tariff structure for the first quarter of 2026 has been submitted to the PUCSL for approval and subsequent implementation, as outlined in Annex II of the proposal.
The CEB has also highlighted the financial impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which it said caused extensive damage to electricity infrastructure, with total losses estimated at around Rs. 20 billion. Of this amount, Rs. 7,016.52 million has been attributed to the first quarter of 2026, which the utility said has a direct bearing on electricity tariffs.
The CEB warned that if external funding is not secured to cover the cyclone-related expenditure, the costs incurred would need to be recovered through electricity tariffs in the second-quarter revision of 2026.
Meanwhile, the PUCSL has said that a decision on whether to approve the proposed tariff increase will be made only after following due regulatory procedures and holding discussions on the matter.
By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️
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