News
NSB commences work for the New Year 2026 with religious observances
The National Savings Bank (NSB) ceremonially commenced work for the New Year 2026 on 1st January 2026 at the Bank’s Head Office in Colombo, marking the occasion with a series of religious observances aimed at invoking blessings for the institution, its employees, and the nation.
The event began with religious rituals, chanting of Pirith, and blessings, reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions. These observances were conducted to seek strength, harmony, and guidance for the year ahead, while reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to ethical values, unity, and national development.
The occasion was graced by Jude Nilukshan, Director of the NSB, along with Shashi Kandambi, General Manager/CEO, Senior Deputy General Manager, K. Raveendran, Deputy General Managers, Assistant General Managers, members of the Corporate Management, representatives of trade unions, and the entire staff of the bank
Addressing the gathering, Shashi Kandambi, General Manager/CEO, stated that although 2025 was a year filled with challenges, the National Savings Bank was able to achieve remarkable progress and stability through collective effort, resilience, and strategic direction. She emphasized that the Bank’s achievements during the year were the result of dedication, teamwork, and the unwavering commitment of its employees.
She further noted that 2025 stood out as a significantly successful year for NSB, not only because the Bank recorded the highest profit in its history, but also due to the notable progress achieved across several key areas of operations, service delivery, and institutional development. These accomplishments, she highlighted, were a testament to the Bank’s strong customer relationships, sound governance, and focus on long-term sustainability.
Kandambi also stressed the importance of maintaining strong and trustworthy customer relationships in the year ahead, noting that customer confidence and service excellence would play a vital role in achieving even greater success in 2026. She encouraged all employees to work with unity, integrity, and professionalism for the advancement of both the institution and the country.
Expressing optimism about the future, she stated that the positive momentum and constructive trends experienced in 2025 are expected to continue and strengthen further in 2026, enabling NSB to contribute more meaningfully to national economic development and financial inclusion.
During the event, the entire staff of the NSB collectively pledged the State Oath for the year 2026, reaffirming their commitment to coexistence, modernization, cultural values, and responsible public service. This pledge symbolized the Bank’s dedication to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and nation-building.
Concluding the ceremony, the NSB extended its heartfelt wishes to all its valued customers, stakeholders, and the people of Sri Lanka, expressing hope that the New Year 2026 will be a year filled with prosperity, peace, and success for all.
The Indonesian Naval Ship, ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, arrived at the port of Colombo today (22 Jan 26) on a scheduled port call for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission.
In keeping with time-honored naval tradition the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival.
The 90.71m – long Sigma Corvette FS is commanded by Commander Annugerah Anurullah.
During the stay in Colombo, the crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits.
Further, this visit provides an avenue to enhance professional interaction and courtesy engagements among two navies.
The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit today (22 Jan 26).
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
The 75m – long ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Hamad Bin Mohammed Aldarmaki. The port call will facilitate professional interaction and goodwill exchanges between the two navies.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo.
News
Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.
The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.
They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.
As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.
The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.
Two dead and several missing in New Zealand landslides
England succumb to spin-bowling choke as Sri Lanka go 1-0 up
U – 19 World Cup: Why a slow chase was better than a fast one for Pakistan against Zimbabwe
Mendis’ 93 not out lifts Sri Lanka to 271 for 6, despite Rashid three-for
We didn’t get justice from ICC: Bangladesh sports advisor
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’ arrives in Colombo
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Editorial5 days agoIllusory rule of law
-
News6 days agoUNDP’s assessment confirms widespread economic fallout from Cyclone Ditwah
-
Editorial6 days agoCrime and cops
-
Features5 days agoDaydreams on a winter’s day
-
Editorial7 days agoThe Chakka Clash
-
Features5 days agoSurprise move of both the Minister and myself from Agriculture to Education
-
Features4 days agoExtended mind thesis:A Buddhist perspective
-
Features5 days agoThe Story of Furniture in Sri Lanka