Health experts are raising alarms about the high rates of diabetes in Sri Lanka's Western Province, where one in every five people is affected.&nbsp; According to Specialist Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), this is a direct result of excessive sugar consumption. The SLMA noted that non-communicable diseases now account for 80% of all deaths in the country. Dr. Sumanatilleke stated that on average, a person consumes 25 to 30 kg of sugar per year, while children consume up to 20 teaspoons of sugar daily.&nbsp; The association warns that this high intake is contributing to a rise in conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, even among children, urging a reduction in sugar and salt consumption to protect future generations.

Experts warn of high diabetes rates in western province

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been remanded until 27 August in connection with the investigation into the 9 May, 2022, attack on the "Gota Go Gama" protest site. Tennakoon, who served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for the Western Province at the time of the incident, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and subsequently named as a suspect. Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ordered the CID to examine all police witnesses within a week and submit a summary of evidence at the next hearing.

Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon remanded 

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that an estimated 1.2 billion children worldwide are subjected to corporal punishment annually.&nbsp; The report highlights that this practice is widespread in both homes and schools, with significant variations by country.&nbsp; For example, parental use of corporal punishment in the past month was reported by 77% of parents in Togo, compared to just 30% in Kazakhstan.&nbsp; In schools, around 70% of children in Africa and Central America experience corporal punishment, while the rate is about 25% in the Western Pacific. The WHO report, Corporal punishment of children: the public health impact, states that there is "overwhelming scientific evidence" that corporal punishment offers no benefits and carries multiple risks to a child's health and development.&nbsp; These risks include physical injuries, heightened stress, and changes in brain structure. Children exposed to corporal punishment are 24% less likely to be developmentally on track and face increased risks of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that can persist into adulthood. The report also notes that certain groups are at higher risk, including children with disabilities and those whose parents have mental health conditions or have also experienced corporal punishment.&nbsp; The WHO stresses that banning the practice is not enough; legal measures must be combined with public awareness campaigns and direct support for parents and caregivers to promote positive discipline methods. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/corporal-punishment-and-health

WHO report: Corporal punishment widespread, harms children's health

Women in Management (WIM), founded in Colombo, marks 15 years of championing women’s achievements, fostering leadership, and creating global platforms for women to excel. To celebrate this milestone, WIM brings back its signature global events to Colombo after two years, returning to the city where it all began. From 7th to 9th October 2025, Sri Lanka will host a series of events at Cinnamon Lakeside and Shangri-La Colombo: the Top50 Professional &amp; Career Women Global Awards, Top50 Global Economic Forum, Women MSME Awards, and NextTier Mentorship &amp; Awards. This year’s celebrations welcomes delegates and leaders from more than 15 countries, underscoring WIM’s mission to connect and inspire women across continents, with the judging panel featuring distinguished representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives, USA, UK, Pakistan, India, Africa, and the UAE- Chair of the judging panel, Gowri Rajan, noted: “The Top50 Awards honor not just individual excellence but the collective strength of women who inspire generations. It is a platform that celebrates leadership, resilience, and vision on a global scale.”Judge Dr. Ngozi Oyewole, representing Africa, emphasized: “True leadership ismeasured by our ability to uplift others. Together, we can create a legacy that inspires every woman to reach her fullest potential.” Showcasing the versatility of its platform, WIM Global Week 2025 spans a diverse spectrum of recognition—from honoring women entrepreneurs to empowering next- generation leaders and fostering global economic dialogue. The Women MSME Awards, chaired by Minoli Wickramasinghe, highlight the vital role of small and medium enterprises in national development. “MSMEs are the engine of a nation’s growth. Supporting them is crucial to building innovation, resilience, and long- term prosperity,” she stated The NextTier Mentorship &amp; Awards, led by Kasturi Chelleraja Wilson, will spotlight today’s emerging leaders. “Young leaders bring fresh thinking and energy, and with the right mentorship and support, they will shape the future of leadership in Sri Lanka and beyond,” emphasized Wilson. The Top50 Global Economic Forum, is powered by Mastercard, which will bring together 300+ delegates, including policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Building upon the longstanding relationship, The International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a member of the World Bank, will serve as the strategic partner for the 15th Top50 Professional &amp; Career Women Global Awards 2025. The judges include an esteemed international panel chaired by Gowri Rajan, Executive Director of Sun Match Company, featuring leaders from business, government, and advocacy, including Dinesh Weerakkody (Union Bank), Kanta Singh (UN Women India), Ngozi Oyewole (Commonwealth Business Women Africa), Tess Cacciatore (GWEN), Maryyam Khan (South Asian Development Forum), Lawrence McEwen (EST Applied Intelligence), Dr. Mariyam Shakeela (SIMDI Group), Shehara de Silva (Optima Designs), and Venkatesh Mahadevan (CAAS &amp; ISPMA). The MSME Awards 2025, chaired by Minoli Wickramasinghe, CEO of Capital TrustProperties, consist of Delvin Pereira (Rotary Sri Lanka &amp; Maldives), ErandikaDissanayake (Ministry of Industry), Manoji Wadugodapitiya (PAMS Hydro Power),Neelika Tillekeratne (AmCham Sri Lanka), and Udana Wickramasinghe (AdventaTechnologies/Sri Lanka Tourism). The NextTier Mentorship &amp; Awards 2025, chaired by Kasturi Chelleraja Wilson (COO, 5Hour International Singapore/NDB Bank), will be judged by Ted Muttiah (SAGT), Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya (Diesel &amp; Motor), and Dr. Nirmal De Silva (Diverse Industries). The 2025 Global Week will be guided by an exceptional leadership team, comprising of Fazeela Dharmaratne – Chair, Top50 Global Awards,Amali Mudunkotuwa Mendis – Chair, MSME Awards and Sudehi Geeganage – Chair, NextTier Mentorship &amp; Awards. Reflecting on the 15-year journey, Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder &amp; Chairperson of WIM, said, “When I started WIM, it was a small voice advocating for women in Sri Lanka. Today, it is a global movement that connects leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across continents. Our initiatives are about impact, not marketing. From providing free meals to schoolchildren through our Free Kitchen, to awarding scholarships to over 1,000 children of single mothers, and empowering over 100,000 women across Sri Lanka before going global, WIM has stayed true to its mission of empowerment. Global Week is not just acelebration—it is a call to action.” With a powerful blend of recognition, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, Women in Management Global Week 2025 promises to be one of the most inspiring events in the calendar this year.

Women in Management Celebrates 15 Years of Empowerment and Global Connections

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent phone calls from individuals impersonating CAA officials to extort money. The authority has received multiple complaints from factory and business owners who were contacted by scammers. These callers claim that businesses have committed violations and demand that owners deposit money into personal bank accounts to avoid legal action. The CAA emphasised that no official is authorized to demand or accept money under any circumstances. The public is urged to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the CAA. If you receive such a call, report the incident to the nearest police station, providing the caller's phone number and bank details. You can also file a complaint with the CAA hotline in 1977 or by texting 077 1088922.

CAA warns against scammers posing as officials

A mass grave containing the skeletal remains of at least 88 individuals has been uncovered at the Colombo Port.&nbsp; The discovery was made in July 2024 during the construction of a new elevated expressway. Excavations are ongoing under the supervision of Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Disanayake, with input from senior archaeologist Professor Raj Somadeva.&nbsp; According to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, this is one of 17 mass grave sites that have been recorded in Sri Lanka.

Mass grave with 88 skeletons found at Colombo port

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has expressed strong opposition to the government's decision to allow foreign companies to cultivate cannabis in the country.&nbsp; In a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the association urged the government to reverse the decision, highlighting significant health, social, and economic dangers. The SLMA stated that the government's use of "medicinal use" is misleading, noting that global demand for medical cannabis is decreasing and its approved use is limited to a few rare conditions.&nbsp; The association warned that this policy could allow multinational cannabis companies to expand into Sri Lanka, leading to widespread normalization of cannabis use.&nbsp; They also argued that it would be nearly impossible for law enforcement to secure the plantations, potentially increasing the availability of cannabis on local streets. The SLMA also raised concerns about the health risks associated with increased cannabis use, including mental disorders, addiction, and lung ailments.&nbsp;They noted that cannabis has been linked to impaired brain development in adolescents, self-harm, suicide, and road accidents.&nbsp; Economically, the association stated that the anticipated foreign exchange from these investments would be minimal and insufficient to address the country's $100 billion debt. Describing the decision as the "first breach of the dam that protected Sri Lankans," the SLMA concluded by urging the government to abandon the plan, warning of the "untold sorrow" it could bring to the nation.

SLMA urges reversal of cannabis cultivation plan, citing health and social risks

Google on Wednesday unveiled a new line-up of Pixel smartphones injected with another dose of artificial intelligence that’s designed to do everything from fetch vital information stored on the devices to help improve photos as they’re being taken. The AI expansion on the four Pixel 10 models amplifies Google’s efforts to broaden the use of a technology that is already starting to reshape society. At the same time, Google is taking a swipe at Apple’s Achilles’ heel on the iPhone. Apple so far has only been able to introduce a few basic AI features on the iPhone while failing to deliver on last year’s promise to deliver a more conversational and versatile version of its often-blundering virtual assistant Siri. Without mentioning the iPhone by name, Google has already been mocking Apple’s missteps in online ads promoting the four new Pixel models as smartphones loaded with AI technology that consumers won’t have to wait for more than a year to arrive. “There has been a lot of hype about this and, frankly, a lot of broken promises, too,” Google executive Rick Osterloh said during a 75-minute presentation in New York about the new Pixel phones. The event was emceed by late-night TV show host Jimmy Fallon. Google, in contrast, has been steadily increasing the amount of AI that it began to implant on its Pixels since 2023, with this year’s models taking it to another level. “We think this yeasr we have a game-changing phone with game-changing technology,” Osterloh said. Taking advantage of a more advanced processor, Google is introducing a new AI feature on the Pixel 10 phones called “Magic Cue” that’s designed to serve as a digital mind reader that automatically fetches information stored on the devices and displays the data at the time it’s needed.&nbsp; For instance, if a Pixel 10 user is calling up an airline, Magic Cue is supposed to instantaneously recognize the phone number and display the flight information if it’s in Gmail or a Google Calendar. The Pixel 10 phones will also come with a preview feature of a new AI tool called “Camera Coach” that will automatically suggest the best framing and lighting angle as the lens is being aimed at a subject. Camera Coach will also recommend the best lens mode to use for an optimal picture. The premium models — Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL — will also include a “Super Res” option that deploys a grab bag of software and AI tricks to zoom up to 100 times the resolution to capture the details of objects located miles away from the camera.&nbsp; The AI wizardry could happen without users even realizing it’s happening, making it even more difficult to know whether an image captured in a photo reflects how things really looked at the time a picture was taken or was modified by technology. The Pixel 10 will also be able to almost instantaneously translate phone conversations into a range of different languages using the participants own voices. Google is also offering a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan to anyone who buys the more expensive Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL models in hopes of hooking more people on the Gemini toolkit it has assembled to compete against OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The prices on all four Pixel 10 models will remain unchanged from last year’s Pixel 9 generation, with the basic starting at $800 and the Pro selling for $1,000, the Pro XL at $1,200 and a foldable version at $1,800. All the Pixel 10s expect the foldable model will be in stores on August 28. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be available starting October 9. Although the Pixel smartphone remains a Lilliputian next to the Gulliverian stature of the iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy models, Google’s ongoing advances in AI while holding the line on its marquee devices raise the competitive stakes. “In the age of AI, it is a true laboratory of innovation,” Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson said of the Pixel. Apple, in particular, will be facing more pressure than usual when it introduces the next-generation iPhone next month. Although the company has already said the smarter Siri won’t be ready until next year at the earliest, Apple will still be expected to show some progress in AI to demonstrate the iPhone is adapting to technology’s AI evolution rather than tilting toward gradual obsolescence.&nbsp; Clinging to a once-successful formula eventually sank the BlackBerry and its physical keyboard when the iPhone and its touch screen came along nearly 20 years ago. Apple’s pricing of the next iPhone will also be under the spotlight, given that the devices are made in China and India — two of the prime targets in President Donald Trump’s trade war. But Apple appeared to gain a reprieve from Trump’s most onerous threats earlier this month by adding another $100 billion on top of an earlier $500 billion investment pledge to the U.S. The tariff relief may enable Apple to minimize or even avoid price increases for the iPhone, just as Google has done with the Pixel 10 models. Source: AP

Google’s Pixel 10 phones raises the ante on artificial intelligence

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been summoned to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) tomorrow (21) for questioning.&nbsp; The summons is in connection with an ongoing investigation into a foreign trip allegedly financed with Government funds. The probe concerns a trip that included visits to New York and the United Kingdom.&nbsp; The CID believes the London leg of the journey was for personal reasons but was paid for using public money, at an estimated cost of Rs. 16.9 million.&nbsp; So far, investigators have already questioned former presidential secretary Saman Ekanayake and former private secretary Sandra Perera as part of the inquiry.

Experts warn of high diabetes rates in western province

Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon remanded

Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoo ...

WHO report: Corporal punishment widespread, harms children's health

WHO report: Corporal punishmen ...

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Women in Management Celebrates ...

CAA warns against scammers posing as officials

CAA warns against scammers pos ...

Mass grave with 88 skeletons found at Colombo port

Mass grave with 88 skeletons f ...

SLMA urges reversal of cannabis cultivation plan, citing health and so ...

SLMA urges reversal of cannabi ...

Google’s Pixel 10 phones raises the ante on artificial intelligence

Google’s Pixel 10 phones raise ...

CID to question Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow

CID to question Former Preside ...

Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon remanded

Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoo ...

WHO report: Corporal punishment widespread, harms children's health

WHO report: Corporal punishmen ...

Women in Management Celebrates 15 Years of Empowerment and Global Conn ...

Women in Management Celebrates ...

CAA warns against scammers posing as officials

CAA warns against scammers pos ...

Mass grave with 88 skeletons found at Colombo port

Mass grave with 88 skeletons f ...

SLMA urges reversal of cannabis cultivation plan, citing health and so ...

SLMA urges reversal of cannabi ...

Google’s Pixel 10 phones raises the ante on artificial intelligence

Google’s Pixel 10 phones raise ...

CID to question Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow

CID to question Former Preside ...

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Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon remanded

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WHO report: Corporal punishment widespread, harms children's health

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Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Women in Management Celebrates 15 Years of Empowerment and Global Conn ...

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CAA warns against scammers posing as officials

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Mass grave with 88 skeletons found at Colombo port

Mass grave with 88 skeletons f ...

SLMA urges reversal of cannabis cultivation plan, citing health and so ...

SLMA urges reversal of cannabi ...