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Sri Lankan-born academic Professor Nishan Canagarajah has been knighted by King Charles III, describing his journey from “a boy from the once war-torn land of Sri Lanka” to being honoured by the British monarch as “a remarkable journey”.
Professor Canagarajah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, received the knighthood at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday after being named in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his outstanding contribution to higher education, particularly his work promoting inclusion.
During the ceremony, King Charles conferred the honour by touching Professor Canagarajah’s shoulders with a ceremonial sword in keeping with tradition.
Expressing his gratitude, Professor Canagarajah said the recognition reflected the transformative power of education and the opportunities it creates.
“It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible,” he said, adding that he remained committed to removing barriers so others could fulfil their potential.
Born and educated in Sri Lanka, Professor Canagarajah later moved to the United Kingdom, where he obtained his BA and PhD degrees from the University of Cambridge.
He became the first ethnic minority Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester and has spearheaded initiatives to improve access to higher education, support disadvantaged students and promote diversity.
Under his leadership, the university has expanded community partnerships, supported under-represented groups and strengthened international collaborations.
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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said that kissing Kawanthissa, the deceased tusker, was worthier than kissing the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa criticised the Government’s relationship with international financial institutions, including the IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), while raising concerns over the country’s poverty levels.
Referring to a 2025 World Bank report, he said 61.1% of Sri Lanka’s population was estimated to be living on less than US$8.30 a day in 2025.
Premadasa questioned the Government’s approach towards international financial institutions, saying the IMF, World Bank and ADB were among the institutions that the Government preferred to “kiss and hug”.
During his speech, he produced a document carrying a photograph of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya greeting the then IMF chief with an embrace.
“I shouldn’t be showing this against the Prime Minister, but here’s an image of you kissing. That’s fine; it’s the normal way of greeting someone,” he said.
Referring to criticism over his widely publicised gesture of kissing Kawanthissa, Premadasa said Government members had failed to understand the significance of the gesture.
He maintained that showing affection towards the deceased tusker was more meaningful and worthy than such gestures towards the IMF chief.
Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and six others were remanded until November 26 by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday over a confrontation at a protest site near the historic Ruwanwelisaya.
The seven suspects, including four Buddhist monks and three civilians, were arrested following a clash on Thursday (12) between two groups at the site.
They were produced before Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne on charges of assaulting and injuring Rajanganaye Saddharathana Thera and obstructing police duties.
Saddharathana Thera sustained head injuries during the confrontation and was admitted to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.
The suspects had been staging a fast-unto-death protest near the Ruwanwelisaya in opposition to the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan and demanding the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.
Police said the group had continued the protest despite previous court orders to vacate the area.
The Chief Magistrate, who visited the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital to inspect the monks and civilians receiving treatment, ordered that all seven suspects undergo drug tests and that a report be submitted to court.
The Magistrate also ordered that a psychiatric medical report be obtained concerning Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera.Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said two women were among the civilians arrested in connection with the incident.
The Magistrate further directed Anuradhapura Headquarters Police to produce Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court in connection with an arrest warrant issued after he failed to appear for a case there on November 11, and subsequently report back to the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.
Police took the suspects into custody following the confrontation between the group led by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and another group led by Rajanganaye Saddharathana.
Continue Reading News Lanka likely to enter new IMF agreement – Deputy Minister Published
Sri Lanka is likely to enter into another agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said.
Speaking on the Derana 360 programme on Thursday night (12), Fernando said a committee, appointed by the Cabinet, would assess the need for a further IMF programme and Sri Lanka’s foreign reserve position.
He said the committee was appointed at the last Cabinet meeting but had not yet convened.
The committee is expected to assess the country’s position as Sri Lanka prepares to move beyond its 17th IMF programme, which Fernando described as having been successfully completed.
“The responsibility we have now is different from what we had previously. Earlier, the focus was on achieving economic stability. Now, we are preparing to take the next step,” he said.
Fernando said Sri Lanka would continue to engage with the IMF and other international organisations, irrespective of whether it was under a specific programme.
However, he stressed that the country’s requirements would have to be carefully assessed before deciding on the most appropriate course of action.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Cabinet, which will make the final decision.
Asked whether the appointment of the committee indicated that Sri Lanka was likely to enter into another IMF programme, Fernando acknowledged that there was such a possibility.
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