Sri Lankan school Tamil debaters have created history by winning their first-ever international championship, securing the title at the Sampanthan Paindhamizh Chudar 5.0 competition in Malaysia.

The victory was achieved by the National Development Squad of the Tamil Debaters’ Council of Sri Lanka, making them the first non-Malaysian team to win the prestigious championship, organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). The achievement marks a major milestone for Sri Lankan Tamil debating on the global stage.

After nearly 17 years of continuous research since 2008, the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of Colombo has successfully developed a nutrient-based drug capable of destroying cancer cells.

The breakthrough was led by Professor Sameera R. Samarakoon and his research team, who discovered that a combination of five medicinal plants — Vernonia zeylanica, Nigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus, Leucas zeylanica, and Smilax glabra — has the potential to kill cancer cells.

This discovery marks a significant step forward in cancer research, highlighting the value of traditional medicinal plants in modern scientific innovation.

History was made at the  Cinnamon Grand Colombo, as the internationally acclaimed MasterChef franchise officially launched its first-ever Sri Lankan edition.

Owned by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, the show is set to ignite the nation’s culinary scene and offer homegrown talent the opportunity to shine on a global stage.

The grand reveal of MasterChef Sri Lanka, produced by Reality TV Productions in association with Nilendra Deshapriya Productions, introduced the show’s powerhouse judging panel led by celebrated chef, restaurateur and TV personality Peter Kuruvita. Joining him are Australian MasterChef alumnus Savindri (Sav) Perera, Sri Lanka’s fine dining maestro Rohan Fernandopulle, and seasoned culinary craftsman Kapila Jayasinghe.