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This is my mum ♥️ The best person I have ever known. Raised me. Picked me up whenever I fell. Corrected me when I needed it. Stood by me always. Loved Jesus and us, every single day. I want this picture to be on my page as reminder to myself to always be better in everything I do. To be kind. To be humble. To be good to others. I know you're looking out for me, mum. I feel it every day. I miss you.

A historic moment in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry 🇱🇰 Thema Collection opened doors to its latest property, Amba Yaalu Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s first entirely women-operated and managed resort. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Kandalama Lake, the resort is surrounded by a lush mango plantation featuring 457 TJC mango trees and offers stunning views of the iconic Sleeping Soldier Mountains. The property is the 14th addition to Thema Collection’s portfolio. The hotel joins a small group of hotels fully run by women in South Asia, including Taj Wellington Mews in Chennai and the Westin in Hyderabad. Women in rural communities are often discouraged from joining the hotel industry, making this property an important stepping stone for empowerment. Sources: @ambayaalubythema • NewsWire

His act of bravery has inspired a nation 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Police has commended 25-year-old Mohamed lssadeen Arshad Ahmed for his bravery in attempting to rescue a schoolgirl from being abducted in Davulagala. Follow him here -> @_biker_boy_423 Sources: Sri Lanka Police • Azzam Ameen on "X"

Massive congratulations to Rashmi Wijewardana, a rising star in Sri Lankan tennis 🇱🇰 At just 15 years old, she made history for Sri Lanka by winning the Yonex RTC Women's Open in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Living in Saudi Arabia and competing on the ITF circuit, Rashmi is making waves in the tennis world. Not only did she achieve this incredible win, but she's also the only Sri Lankan ever selected for the prestigious WTA Future Stars program, giving her access to valuable development opportunities from top players and coaches in the world's Women's Tennis Association. Well done @dona_rush09 - were very proud of you ✨ Sources: @srilankangenes • @dona_rush09 on IG Photos: @fayezalhilal Thanks for sending this story over @kill3r_writes

@_biker_boy_423 has set the example for anyone who encounters a similar situation 🫡🙏🏽 A youth who had attempted to rescue a 16-year-old girl who was abducted in the Davulagala area in Gampola recently, has sustained several injuries due to his rescue attempt. Speaking to the media, the youth said he had partially climbed into the vehicle and had fought with the abductors trying to get them to release the girl. He said there were three persons inside the back of the vehicle at the time of the abduction, but they had continued to drive off, eventually pushing him out of the vehicle. The youth said he had fallen onto the road, during which he had sustained injuries to his face, hands, and leg. Video footage emerged of the girl being kidnapped by a group in a van on Saturday morning (11 Jan). Many social media users had praised the youth for his brave attempt to rescue the schoolgirl. Police investigations revealed she had been residing at a hostel in the Handessa area, and had been abducted at a time when she and a friend had been leaving for school. The Police said it has also been found that the main suspect in the abduction was the girl’s relative from her paternal side, and it was caused over marriage issues. The driver of the van has been arrested as of now, while the vehicle used for the abduction has also been taken into Police custody. However, the whereabouts, of the missing girl and the suspects remain unknown. Three Police teams have been deployed to find the missing girl and her abductors. Source: NewsWire Video: Newsfirst

You need to experience ‘The Meeting in the Sky’ at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. A world’s first when it comes to this kind of an exhibit. This breathtaking installation celebrates local artistry and Colombo’s vibrant wildlife, featuring over 2,000 handcrafted kites brought to life in collaboration with traditional kite makers. The exhibit will be open for four days and open to the public, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates art, culture, and nature. 12th- 15th January: 9.00 AM-11.00 PM Venue: The Forum, @cinnamonlifecolombo Free entry for everyone.

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo or R9, is currently on holiday in Sri Lanka with his family. The two-time World Cup winner, and his wife Celina Locks, shared some photos of their tour through Udawalawe National Park - one of 26 national parks in Sri Lanka. Fun fact: Sri Lanka's national parks together cover an area of 5,734 km2 (2,214 sq mi) #VisitSriLanka

Incredible footage captured at Horton Plains, Sri Lanka by @lejaz.naturephotography This sambar deer was alerting others to the presence of a leopard in Horton Plains, Sri Lanka, by giving a loud alarm call and stomping its hooves on the ground. This defensive strategy warns nearby animals of danger while signaling to the predator that it has been spotted. Following this encounter, the leopard, a sub-adult, mock-charged the deer, covering about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in an attempt to intimidate it. Once the sambar ran off, the leopard settled into the grass. Sources: @lejaz.naturephotography • @travelgram.sl

The Government says it has not granted approval for the establishment of ‘Synagogues’ by Israeli tourists in various parts of Sri Lanka. Addressing the Parliament this week, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya clarified that the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs or its departments have not granted such permission. “These centres are not permitted. We will intervene in this matter very soon. However, we were prompted to provide them with security, following intelligence on the Arugam Bay incident. That is our country’s responsibility towards tourists, and not permission to set up illegal centres,” the Prime Minister explained. Reiterating that the government has not given approval for such establishments, she revealed that discussions are underway, with the intervention of the Foreign Ministry, to address the matter and to halt its operations. The Prime Minister further noted that a total of 25,514 Israelis visited Sri Lanka in 2024. PM Amarasuriya also clarified that there are no laws in Sri Lanka that allow foreigners to arrive on tourist visas and engage in business activities. “No laws in Sri Lanka allow people to arrive on tourist visas and engage in business activities. We have received information in this regard. This has become a common occurrence the world over. We have identified this as an issue,” she said. The Prime Minister revealed that discussions are underway to address this matter and the government was looking at measures to halt such activities. “The government has not issued any visa for Israelis to engage in business activities in Sri Lanka, especially under tourist visas. They are engaging in such activities by violating our laws,” she added. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman over the increasing activities of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Source: NewsWire Presented by @mcsrilanka - Licensed Immigration and Relocation Advisors

After years of setbacks we're the number 1 winter destination on Earth, according to Vogue Magazine 🇱🇰 Excerpts from Vogue: "Sri Lanka’s landscapes are vast and varied, welcoming and wild. This island nation of 22 million is a place where leopards slip like a whisper through the undergrowth, blue whales breach offshore, tea estates paint the hill region a lush green, and ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples whisper stories of centuries past. In the coastal towns, surfers line the golden sand beaches and tuk-tuks zip along twisting roads, their horns blending with the rhythmic clink of fishmongers’ knives and the sizzle of hoppers frying in street stalls. Plates heaped with rice and aromatic curries showcase the island’s culinary riches, while orange king coconuts are cracked open and offered as a sweet, refreshing balm to the humid heat." Copy the link below to read the full article by Christine Chitnis for VOGUE https://www.vogue.com/article/sri-lanka-south-coast-travel?fbclid=PAY2xjawHsOlBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpvB5ZcrA9ebM45YAHfKDWgJmuZOsX7thzvY4SH9sOWAipDuwZWoeJxk94g_aem_KQLNpnFEN-of63-Pf44Mvw Sources: Vogue Magazine • @wildcoastlodge • @capeweligama • @resplendentceylon • @relaischateaux #VisitSriLanka

As a football fan, seeing @ronaldo flying @srilankanairlinesofficial is wild 🇧🇷🇱🇰 On 6th January 2025, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima flew UL471 from Incheon to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines. On 5th January 2025, legendary Indian actor @mammootty chose SriLankan yet again - making himself a regular with the airline. And earlier this week, talented Indian actress @bhumika_chawla_t chose Sri Lankan UL143. Fly @srilankanairlinesofficial Sources: Aviation Voice • Travelgram.sl • Sri Lankan Airlines

The things people will do to "go viral" 🙅🏽‍♂️👎🏽 Sri Lanka Police have issued a strong warning after a video went viral showing a group of friends carrying an individual on the bonnet of a moving vehicle. In response, the police stated, “Such dangerous acts of entertainment endanger your life as well as the lives of others.” Authorities urged the public to refrain from engaging in life-threatening behavior and emphasized that legal action will be taken against those who violate traffic safety regulations. This is not the "viral" you want. Don't do it. Source: NewsWire