A coordinated search operation, conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Special Task Force (STF), led to the seizure of about 9,000 foreign cigarettes and the arrest of a suspect in Wattala on 17 February.

Naval personnel from SLNS Gemunu, in the Western Naval Command, conducted the search operation, together with the Gonahena Police STF, in the Handala area of Wattala.

During the search, they inspected a suspicious three-wheeler, revealing a stock of approximately 9,000 foreign cigarettes being illegally transported in the vehicle. The suspect was identified as a 48-year-old resident of Wattala. The suspect, together with the stock of cigarettes, and the three-wheeler, was handed over to the Wattala Police for onward legal action.

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living

Vedanta Institute Colombo is pleased to announce a series of two transformative events this March, designed to offer timeless insights into human relationships, intellectual clarity and self-understanding.

Led by world-renowned speaker Sunandaji, these sessions will explore the ancient philosophical system of Vedanta, translating profound universal truths into practical principles for modern life.

Philosophy for the Modern Age

Vedanta, deriving its name from the Sanskrit words Veda (knowledge) and anta (end), represents the culmination of knowledge. It focuses on universal laws of life that transcend cultural, religious and social boundaries.

The upcoming events aim to demystify this philosophy, offering attendees tools to achieve clarity of thought and emotional equilibrium. The series is designed to be accessible to both newcomers and seasoned practitioners of Vedanta.

The Power of Love

While love is a familiar concept, human relationships are often fraught with tension, unrealised expectations, and miscommunication. This session seeks to address these deeper dimensions by distinguishing true love from emotional dependence.

Sunandaji will guide the audience through the Vedantic perspective, which views love not as a mere feeling dependent on attachment, but as an expression of inner harmony. By understanding that love arises from a fullness of being rather than a need, individuals can build stability in their relationships and resilience in their emotional lives.

Know Yourself: A Journey into the Bhagavad Gita

Following the single-session talk we present a four-day lecture series titled “Know Yourself”.

The Bhagavad Gita is widely regarded as one of the world’s most profound spiritual texts. Through the dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, it addresses the fundamental purpose of life.

This year’s series will focus on Chapter 8: The Yoga of Imperishable Brahman. This chapter elucidates the path to Reality, explaining how disciplined living and clarity of purpose lead to a state of permanent fulfilment. Sunandaji will explore how these ancient teachings act as a practical manual for everyday life, teaching one how to face dilemmas without confusion and maintain equanimity amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs.

About the Speaker Both events will be delivered by Sunandaji, the daughter-disciple of renowned philosopher Swami A. Parthasarathy. Under Swamiji’s guidance, she has been studying and researching the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta for decades. She has addressed diverse audiences across four continents for the past forty years including Young Presidents’ Organisation, Harvard Business School, Oxford & EY. Her clear and powerful presentation of ancient wisdom in contemporary thought has received widespread coverage in television, radio and print media.

She is celebrated internationally for her ability to distill subtle philosophical ideas into clear, contemporary language, making the ancient wisdom relevant to the corporate boardroom and the living room alike.

Event Details

1. Public Talk: The Power of Love

Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026

Time: 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm

Venue: Lighthouse Auditorium, Horton Place, Colombo 07

2. Lecture Series: Know Yourself (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 8)

Dates: Saturday, 7 March – Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Time: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Devotional songs commence at 6:00 pm)

Venue: Buddhist Cultural Centre, Thummulla Junction, Colombo 05

About the Vedanta Institute Colombo The Vedanta Institute Colombo is a charitable trust dedicated to disseminating the wisdom of Vedanta in Sri Lanka. Through lectures, study programs, and community events, the Institute seeks to empower individuals with the tools for purposeful living and harmonious relationships.

Both events are sponsored by Kanapathy Chetty Selvanathan charitable trust.

All events are open to the public. For more information and registration please visit Vedanta Institute Colombo website vedantacolombo.org or contact +94 762 796 113.

The 12th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad 2026 (YCO26) recently concluded in Kolkata, India, with Sri Lanka proudly claiming the Bronze trophy at this prestigious global culinary competition. The event brought together students from 60 world-class culinary institutions from around the world, showcasing their talent, creativity, and passion for the culinary arts.

Sri Lanka was represented by the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), in partnership with the William Angliss Institute (RTO 3045), Australia, on this international stage. The competition challenged participants through two intense rounds: first, following specific recipe cards, and second, creating unique dishes using a basket of provided ingredients. Each institute sent forth their culinary knight to interpret the ingredients and craft a winning dish. From the original 60 participants, only 10 competitors advanced to the Grand Finale, representing countries including Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, England, and host nation India.

Sri Lanka’s representative, Commercial Cookery student Rumira Piyasiri (CC18), rose to the occasion with months of rigorous preparation while studying for his Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521). Under the mentorship of Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva, and with the unwavering support of the entire CAHM team, Rumira successfully secured the Bronze award, placing Sri Lanka among the top three culinary institutions in the world.

CAHM congratulates Young Student Chef Rumira Piyasiri and Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva on this outstanding achievement.

The Young Chef Olympiad was not just about cooking. Participants were tested on their mastery of hygiene, creativity, and their ability to articulate their thought process from concept to plate. These young chefs represent the future of global hospitality, destined to lead Michelin-starred kitchens, cater to celebrities and royalty, and even establish their own restaurants.

Technology also played a key role in the competition, as contestants worked with the renowned KitchenCut Recipe and Food Costing software designed by Chef John Oliver, former Executive Chef of the iconic Burj Al Arab. This added a modern dimension to the competition, preparing students for the tech-driven future of the culinary industry.

The event was overseen by esteemed Chief Judges, including Professor David Foskett and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), the organizers of the Young Chef Olympiad. With 60 countries coming together, the competition celebrated cultural diversity and culinary excellence. Plates were judged by internationally renowned experts from elite culinary schools and luxury hotels, focusing on the blend of science, art, and engineering reflected in each dish.

The journey of the Young Chef Olympiad can be followed on its official Facebook page at facebook.com/ycolympiad, while stories of hospitality success from CAHM are available at facebook.com/lkcahm. Those aspiring to carry culinary trophies in their future are invited to visit www.cahm.lk or contact 011 7 999 800 for more information.