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Temporary structures opposite Presidential Secretariat removed by Maha Sangha

Temporary structures erected in front of the Presidential Secretariat demanding the release of Venerable Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera were removed by the Maha Sangha respecting the order issued by the Fort Magistrate's Court this morning (16).

General16 October 2026

Temporary structures opposite Presidential Secretariat removed by Maha Sangha

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Court bans Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera and group from Presidential Secretariat area

Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued an order prohibiting entry to several locations, including the Presidential Secretariat, the President's House, and the Ministry of Finance, as well as blocking pavements.

The Magistrate issued this order after considering a request made by the Kompanna Vidiya Police regarding the protest being conducted near the Presidential Secretariat by monks and laypersons demanding freedom for Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Our court correspondent stated that the police requested the relevant order naming monks, including Ulapane Thera and laypersons as respondents in this case.

General16 October 2026

Court bans Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera and group from Presidential Secretariat area

Monks continue protest demanding Gnanasara Thera’s immediate release

Monks and supporters demanding the immediate release of Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera remain gathered on the road opposite the Presidential Secretariat as of this morning (16), following the Maha Sangha's launch of the 'March for Freedom,' according to our correspondent.

Special police security remains deployed around the Presidential Secretariat premises.

After the monks who joined the march requested a meeting with the Secretary to the President, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake arrived and asked for about 10 minutes.

A tense situation arose when another official arrived at the location after 10 minutes instead of the Secretary to the President.

Subsequently, the monks demanded the release of Venerable Gnanasara Thera, and the Maha Sangha stated that no resolution was reached despite the arrival of Chief of Presidential Staff Prabhath Chandrakeerthi.

Accordingly, the monks stated that they will continue to remain opposite the Presidential Secretariat.

Another tense situation flared up after the police directed the group to remove the makeshift stage.

The situation intensified further as the monks and others present refused to allow the removal of the stage.

Police stated that three individuals who supported the monks gathered in front of the Presidential Secretariat were arrested afterwards.

General16 October 2026

Monks continue protest demanding Gnanasara Thera’s immediate release

Heavy showers exceeding 100mm expected in several areas

Heavy showers exceeding 100 millimetres are expected in several areas today as skies remain cloudy across many parts of the island, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Intermittent rain or thundershowers will occur in the Western, Southern, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western, and Northern provinces, alongside the Anuradhapura district.

Showers or thundershowers will develop in other regions after 1:00 PM.

Specific locations in the Northern, Western, and North-Western provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts, face a higher probability of heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres.

Misty conditions may also prevail during the early morning in parts of the Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces.

General16 October 2026

Heavy showers exceeding 100mm expected in several areas

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Debate on no-confidence motion against Speaker postponed indefinitely

The debate on the no-confidence motion submitted by the Opposition against Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne was postponed indefinitely.This decision came during the party leaders' meeting held today (16).The government side stated during the meeting that advice from the Attorney General is required regarding certain technical matters contained in the motion, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka mentioned.Members representing the Opposition submitted this motion, signed by 44 MPs, to the Secretary-General of Parliament on the 9th, detailing 50 allegations against the Speaker.Steps were subsequently taken to include it in the Order Paper as well.

General16 October 2026

No death certificates for 5,644 individuals missing in tsunami

The Disaster Management Centre stated that details regarding 5,644 individuals missing due to the tsunami disaster that affected the country remain unconfirmed, preventing the issuance of death certificates for them.Assistant Director of DMC Janaka Handunpathiraja stated this while attending a workshop organised yesterday (15) by the Ministry of Mass Media at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute to educate journalists on disaster preparedness and resilience.The tsunami that hit the country on December 26, 2004, resulted in the deaths of 30,959 people, while another 5,644 individuals went missing.

General16 October 2026

Government aims to raise 100 million dollars through domestic dollar bond issue

The government seeks 100 million US dollars through a domestic dollar bond issuance next week, retaining the option to triple the offer if investor demand proves favourable.The issuance will feature one, two, and three-year maturities for eligible foreign currency holders, overseas investors, and financial institutions.According to the offer document dated October 12, the initial 100 million US dollar offering permits upsizing by an additional two times based on market response, raising potential proceeds to 300 million US dollars.Subscriptions open at 9:00 a.m. on October 19 and close at noon on October 23, with settlement scheduled for October 30.The auction will determine government borrowing costs across all three maturities through competitive bidding.Interest rates will remain fixed for the duration of the bonds, with payments disbursed every six months.Investors must commit a minimum of 10,000 US dollars, while larger subscriptions will be accepted in multiples of 10,000 US dollars.The offer targets a broad pool of eligible dollar investors, including overseas Sri Lankans, foreign individuals, foreign companies, overseas investment funds, and holders of specified foreign currency accounts.Non-resident Sri Lankans and foreign individuals can subscribe through Inward Investment Accounts, alongside companies and partnerships established overseas, foreign-based country funds, regional funds, mutual funds, and unit trusts.Holders of Personal Foreign Currency Accounts, Business Foreign Currency Accounts, and offshore banking business accounts also qualify to participate.Institutional participation extends to licensed commercial banks operating as authorised dealers for the Central Bank, alongside licensed specialised banks and finance companies permitted to accept foreign currency deposits.Principal and interest payments will be made in US dollars and remain fully repatriable, with Bank of Ceylon serving as paying agent.The first interest payment falls due on April 30, 2027.Principal repayments are set for October 30 across 2027, 2028, and 2029 for respective maturities.The bonds constitute direct, unconditional, and unsecured government obligations, ranking equally alongside other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.The offer excludes the United States and US persons due to US regulatory requirements and the available timeline.Applications originating from the US or listing a US address will be rejected, while sales and transfers to US persons remain prohibited.Investors must submit applications through designated banks and primary dealers.The government retains full discretion to accept or reject applications in whole or in part, notifying successful applicants within two business days after closing.Transfers remain restricted to eligible investors and require registration with the PDMO.The issuance takes place under Public Debt Management Act No. 33 of 2024, with Central Bank permission granted for related foreign exchange transactions.Sri Lankan law governs the bonds, making them subject to applicable local taxes.

General16 October 2026

Half of earlier Port City investor approvals lapsed, Parliamentary Committee finds

Half of the investors approved during an earlier round at Colombo Port City withdrew or are no longer proceeding, Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance learned.Members of the Committee on Public Finance questioned how the Colombo Port City Economic Commission evaluates ambitious proposals before gazetting them.Reviewing 10 earlier approvals, Committee Chairman Member of Parliament Dr Harsha de Silva stated five applicants withdrew while five remained active.Projects no longer proceeding include the Asiri Port City Hospital and the Gateway International Campus.The Colombo Port City Economic Commission, chaired by Harsha Amarasekera, stated some named entities were in the pipeline but never gazetted.The most notable withdrawal was Clothespin Management and Development, which the Commission Director-General stated was gazetted in July 2025.According to the Gazette read by Dr de Silva, the project promised a seven-star hotel, luxury residences, Grade A offices, retail space, and a vertical art gallery intended to secure a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest art piece.Dr de Silva questioned whether the Commission found these plans credible.The Commission Director-General stated the investor informed the authority it was not proceeding.The exit cost the investor very little.The Commission stated the applicant paid a 10,000-dollar application fee, which represents the standard fee for processing applications.Because the hotel plot sat on land leased to the Chinese project company, the investor is also believed to have forfeited a token deposit paid to that firm.Members noted that the investor lost only the fee paid to the Commission, despite the cost incurred for processing and gazetting the project.Universal Entertainment Colombo, which considered a 10-hectare plot earmarked for an integrated resort under development control regulations, also withdrew during due diligence.Dr de Silva described the applicant as a gaming and casino entity.The Commission Director-General could not identify two other names appearing on the Committee list.He stated one could represent a secondary business or an authorised person rather than a primary developer, whilst noting he could not recall the other.Developments proceeding from earlier approvals include the mixed-use Colombo International Financial Centre, the Colombo Marina development, CIFC Colombo 1, and a residential project by ICC Port City.The Colombo International Financial Centre will comprise around 150,000 square metres of residential, commercial, and retail space, with piling under way.The ICC residential project reached the first-floor stage, while construction on the marina itself commenced.Work on CIFC Colombo 1 is expected to start shortly.Amarasekera stated the Colombo International Financial Centre involves Chinese construction worth 500 million dollars, whilst all other ongoing projects are Sri Lankan.The Chairman defended the record of the Commission.He stated the Port City consisted of bare land when the Commission first appeared before the Committee, and nearly 10 parcels were since leased alongside significant commitments on six more.Dr de Silva acknowledged that progress, whilst noting previous commissions had also laid the groundwork.

General16 October 2026

Namal Rajapaksa brought to court over Krrish deal investigation

Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa was brought to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (16) for the case related to investigations into the controversial Krrish deal.Prison officials brought him to court in this manner, and the relevant case is scheduled to be called today.

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Infantino apology fails to sway England, Germany over FIFA future

Gianni Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council on Thursday, but English and German football chiefs said they remained unconvinced he was fit to continue as president of soccer's world governing body.Infantino said he had apologised during the closed meeting for mistakes in communicating and consulting over the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, but stressed that it had been only a ‌proposal and “in no way a done deal”."First of all, I apologised for the mistakes that we made in relation to the communication and consultation process related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which then led to many consequences," Infantino said in a video published by FIFA."But what is important to remember is that it was a proposal, so in no way a done deal."The FFE plan involved creating a company to run the commercial interests of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, and selling a minority stake to private investors. Infantino said it was intended to generate additional funding for FIFA’s 211 member associations.While Infantino appeared to retain strong support among African officials, opposition from some of Europe’s most influential football associations remained pronounced.German FA president Bernd ⁠Neuendorf called for a "complete restart" at FIFA, saying the governance reforms the organisation needed could not be delivered with Infantino in charge."The first thing is we need reforms. That's true. And everyone knows that," Neuendorf said. "The old administration has to be reformed, and the whole governance has to be reformed. But I'm pretty clear here in this that this is not possible with Gianni."So we need a complete restart, I think, a political restart."English FA chair Debbie Hewitt said Infantino needed to provide answers to questions raised by FIFA Council members and warned that failure to do so would make him unfit to remain president."I think the man has to answer those questions," Hewitt said. "And if he doesn't answer those questions, no, he's not fit to be FIFA president."Neuendorf questioned the extent of Infantino’s apology, saying he believed it related primarily to the failure to consult the council rather than to the FFE project itself."I didn't have the feeling that this apology was because of the FFE project in total," Neuendorf said. "My impression was it was just because it wasn't brought forward to the council and no one was involved."Neuendorf said council members had learned about the project through the media rather than from FIFA's ‌leadership and ⁠that representatives from other confederations had also complained about the lack of consultation."When it came to the FFE project as such, I have the impression that this still was not included when he apologised," he said.QUESTIONS UNANSWEREDHewitt said Infantino’s apparent regret over not consulting the council strengthened the case for releasing the relevant FFE documents to its members."You have an obligation. We all have an obligation, a fiduciary responsibility to answer the questions that have been put forward," Hewitt said."He told us to submit those questions. There were so many of them, and now it's up to him to do that and do that in the open way."If there's nothing to hide, then ⁠share (the FFE documents) with us... if you regret it that deeply, please share it with us."The meeting also dealt with calls for reform at FIFA, but Hewitt said meaningful changes could not be made until members understood how the decisions at the centre of recent controversies had been reached.She cited FFE, the decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun after his World Cup red card, and the FIFA Peace ⁠Prize awarded to US President Donald Trump as issues requiring greater scrutiny."Unless we understand what happened, either it was a massive failing in governance because it wasn't followed or actually the governance was followed, but there was something else that got to what we all felt in there was the wrong decisions," Hewitt said."So we must understand what happened in order to be able to review it. Otherwise ⁠we're guessing."The criticism, however, was not unanimous.Ahmed Yahya, the president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (FFRIM), defended Infantino, saying his leadership had helped develop football around the world, pointing to increased funding for national associations and the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams."We (the African nations) believe Gianni is the right person to continue leading football," Yahya said.Asked whether most people wanted Infantino to remain president, he added: "I'm certain. The majority want Gianni to stay."-Reuters

Martinez apologises for Man United criticism after Carrick talks

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez apologised on Thursday for criticising the club's hierarchy following their Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid, after holding talks with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials.Martinez met with Carrick and club executives after ‌training, two days after saying the club needed greater investment to help the team compete at the highest level following Tuesday's 2-0 loss."Today I met with the club's leadership and the manager," Martinez said in an Instagram post, in his second statement since the interview."It was a very positive conversation where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what ⁠happened after Tuesday's game."A club source said that any internal disciplinary action would remain private, adding that it had been Martinez's decision to apologise publicly and that all parties considered the matter closed.Martinez acknowledged that his frustration following the defeat had got the better of him and apologised for choosing the wrong moment to air his feelings."Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity," he said."The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that ‌I ⁠want to apologise."The Argentina international had singled out director of football Jason Wilcox in the post-game interview, saying United needed more signings to compete with their rivals and build a squad capable of challenging in Europe.Martinez said his comments had not reflected the unity required at Old Trafford and stressed his belief that everyone at ⁠the club was working towards the same goal."Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not come up with that," he said."I know that ⁠every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition, bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve."Martinez finished his statement by drawing a line ⁠under the episode."With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together."United are 13th in the Premier League after six games in their worst start in 40 years. They travel to seventh-placed Leeds United on Sunday.-Reuters

Asian Cup ‘on schedule’ despite Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia’s local organising committee says preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup remain on schedule despite escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom.“Preparations remain on schedule for the tournament,” the committee said in a statement late on Thursday, adding that work was continuing in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).The tournament is due to begin on January 7 in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, but recent attacks have raised concerns about whether it can go ahead as planned. Several sporting events, including domestic football matches, have already been postponed.AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said on Wednesday that a final decision could wait until the end of November.“We could move back a year to 2028 if we need to,” he said. “But at the moment we are monitoring the situation and everything is on schedule.”-Al Jazeera

FIFA to amend Article 27 of disciplinary code after Balogun case

FIFA will amend its disciplinary regulations after controversy over its decision to suspend U.S. forward Folarin Balogun’s automatic World Cup ban, the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said on Thursday after raising the issue with soccer’s governing body.The decision ‌follows criticism of FIFA’s move to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban for a red card, allowing the striker to play against Belgium in their last-16 clash.U.S. President Donald Trump said he had personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the sanction, prompting questions about the independence of the disciplinary process.Following Thursday's FIFA Council meeting in ⁠Zurich, RBFA president and FIFA Council member Pascale Van Damme said the governing body would revise Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows the implementation of a disciplinary sanction to be suspended in exceptional circumstances.The proposed amendment will be submitted for approval at the next FIFA Council meeting in Doha on December 16, the Belgian federation said."FIFA’s confirmation that Article 27 will be amended, following the request we had already submitted in July, is an important step. The proposed amendment, together with an explanation of the specific circumstances ‌of ⁠the Balogun case, will be submitted in Doha," said Van Damme.The RBFA had sought clarification from FIFA over the circumstances surrounding the decision, saying it had not received satisfactory explanations about how Article 27 had been applied or what criteria would govern comparable cases.RBFA has also asked FIFA to ⁠provide assurances that there had been no external interference in the disciplinary proceedings, to explain the exceptional circumstances that justified the use of Article 27, and to guarantee that member associations would have ⁠the right to be heard in future disciplinary cases.According to the RBFA, FIFA responded by stressing that all decisions are taken independently by its judicial bodies and confirmed that ⁠work was already underway on amending Article 27.The Belgian federation had requested that the Balogun case be placed on the agenda for Thursday’s Council meeting as it sought greater transparency over the process.-Reuters

Shai Hope century helps West Indies beat India by 24 runs to level T20I series

West Indies beat India by 24 runs in the fourth T20 International in Hyderabad on Wednesday (14), levelling the five-match series 2-2.Put in to bat after India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl, West Indies posted 247 for 3 in 20 overs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Captain Shai Hope made an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls with nine sixes and four fours, his second century of the series after his unbeaten 102 in Ranchi. Sherfane Rutherford added an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls and Shimron Hetmyer scored 33 off 12 balls.Chasing 248, India's innings ended on 223. Sanju Samson top scored with 56 off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma made 43 and Nitish Kumar Reddy hit 41 off 20 balls. Keemo Paul led the West Indies attack with five wickets for 41 runs, and Gudakesh Motie took two wickets. The innings ended in the final over when Arshdeep Singh was struck on the right shoulder by a delivery from Shamar Joseph and could not continue.The fifth and final match, which will decide the series, is scheduled for Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

FIFA postpones FIFAe Finals in Saudi Arabia following attacks

FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 scheduled to take place in Jeddah from October 16 to 25, organisers said ‌on Thursday following recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.A strike on Riyadh's international airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement claiming responsibility for the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade."The decision follows an ⁠assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical arrangements required to stage the tournament," organisers of the global video game tournament said."Further announcements on the FIFAe Finals will be communicated in due course."Japan and Brazil withdrew their esports teams on Saturday after assessing the situation in the host country.The security uncertainty has cast a shadow over sporting events in the kingdom.The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament was moved ‌from ⁠October to December while golf's Asian Tour said it is monitoring developments ahead of next month's Saudi International in Riyadh.The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it remains open to delaying the Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary. The continental tournament is scheduled ⁠to kick off on January 7 next year across venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.The Korea Football Association (KFA) said it was in communication with the AFC."We ⁠are closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and plan to continue discussions regarding overall developments," the KFA said in a statement.The previous Asian ⁠Cup was delayed by a year after China withdrew as hosts because of COVID-19 restrictions, with Qatar stepping in to stage the tournament in early 2024.-Reuters

Pathum Nissanka out of Tri-Nation ODI series against Pakistan

Sri Lanka opening batsman Pathum Nissanka will miss the Tri-Nation ODI series against Pakistan as his injury has not recovered further, cricket sources state.Lahiru Udara, who played in the T20 series, will likely be included in the ODI squad instead, cricket sources further mentioned.Pathum Nissanka also remained sidelined from playing in the T20 series due to the injury.

Cokayne back as England face Canada threat in Toronto

England welcome back the experienced Amy Cokayne at hooker as their 41-match unbeaten run goes on the line against Rugby World Cup runners-up Canada in Toronto on Friday.Cokayne has not played Test rugby since scoring the Red Roses' final try in a Grand Slam-sealing win over France in Bordeaux in May.Saracens' Bryony Field, who has three caps to Cokayne's 94, drops to the bench after deputising impressively in the first half of the WXV Global Series last month.During that part of the campaign, Canada ended England's near four-year winning streak with a nail-biting 26-26 draw at Sandy Park in Exeter.Coach Kevin Rouet has targeted victory over the Red Roses as the main aim for Canada in 2026, with his team playing on home soil for the first time in more than 14 months.Canada also play England in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October, with the two matches branded as the hosts' Rugby Rematch Tour.The attendance for the Toronto match is expected to exceed 14,000, comfortably beating the previous record for a standalone women's rugby match in North America which was set when 11,453 watched Canada beat the United States in the most recent home match.Elsewhere in England's line-up, prop Hannah Botterman features after coming on as a replacement in the dramatic win over New Zealand last time out.With Marlie Packer staying in England as her partner and Red Roses team-mate Rosie Galligan is due to give birth, Abi Burton takes a spot in the back row, while Tatyana Heard's direct running is preferred to Helena Rowland's playmaking ability at inside centre.Sadia Kabeya, who missed the win over the Black Ferns with a leg injury, is on the bench, alongside Bristol Bears' 20-year-old Demelza Short, who covers second row."The first Test in Exeter gave us a valuable opportunity to test our game under pressure and identify where we can improve," England head coach John Mitchell said."Playing in Toronto presents a different environment and challenge, and we're excited by the opportunity to express our game, improve our performance and continue to grow as the Red Roses."England's last loss came in the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand in November 2022.England: Kildunne; Breach, Jones, Heard, Moloney-MacDonald; Harrison, L Packer; Botterman, Cokayne, Bern, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Matthews, Feaunati.-BBC

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Amazon launches two new portable AI listening devices

Amazon unveiled two new devices on Thursday for listening to and recording people's information throughout the day to offer calendar reminders and other AI-driven insights under the Bee brand it acquired last year.Frontier is a bracelet and Eclipse is a brick that resembles a portable magnetic charger. Users attach the Eclipse to their smartphones. The devices aggregate information from calendars, apps and other data throughout the day, Amazon said.The Frontier bracelet costs $75 and ⁠the Eclipse $100, Amazon said."They listen to your whole day," said Amazon devices chief Panos Panay at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco. "It reminds you of the conversations you had, it reminds you of to-dos that you may have had, it tells you that you have some action items that you committed to other people."USERS CONTROL PRIVACY: AMAZONHe said that because the devices are always listening when turned on, users do not have to make reminders for themselves and "can stay more present" throughout the day. The company said users control privacy by deciding when to turn it on and can delete insights or prior conversations as they see fit. Amazon does not store audio.The company ‌faced ⁠criticism after reports in 2019 that thousands of people were listening to conversations people had with its Alexa voice assistant service. It is facing a class action lawsuit over the practice. Amazon has denied any wrongdoing.Bee will retain data for 14 days, though users can extend that by paying for a $12-per-month subscription. The devices can also connect to Alexa+, Amazon's subscription generative AI voice ⁠service.Amazon's Bee will face competition in AI wearables, notably Meta's Muse Charm, a pendant using the company's latest agentic AI software, and its eyeglasses with cameras and other sensors. A host of startups have also developed similar devices, designed to record conversations and ⁠take action on behalf of users.In recent weeks, Amazon has announced a flurry of new gadgets, part of Panay's effort to attract buyers willing to spend more for higher quality and durability. A slate of tablets Amazon announced ⁠last week costs as much as three times more than prior versions, despite slowing global sales of the portable computers.Reuters reported earlier this year that Amazon is considering a return to the smartphone market about a decade after the release of its failed Fire Phone.-Reuters

KFC picks Coca-Cola as US soda supplier, ditches longtime partner PepsiCo

Fast-food chain KFC on Thursday signed Coca-Cola as its beverage partner for US stores, bringing to a close a relationship with PepsiCo that dates back about four decades.The loss of the beverage partnership with KFC, which has 3,718 US locations, could be a setback for PepsiCo as it works to improve soda sales in the country, while its snacks business grapples with high prices and a shift to healthier ⁠options.Higher costs have also added to concerns for PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta, who said earlier this month that growth and margin recovery was taking longer than planned.The partnership began when PepsiCo acquired KFC in a bid to expand into food and snacks. While PepsiCo later spun off KFC in 1997, it continued to be a beverage partner for its parent Yum Brands."It is just a bad look for PepsiCo... when you lose a big-name brand partner like that. This could be the optical straw that breaks the camel's back," said Jay Woods, chief market strategist at Freedom Capital Markets."It is very rare that you have two giants ‌in the ⁠same industry take such a different turn," he said. Freedom Capital Markets holds shares in Coca-Cola.PepsiCo is also under scrutiny from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which disclosed a stake in the company last year, and has asked it to sell underperforming assets and improve its performance in North America.Yum Brands and PepsiCo just renewed agreements across Taco Bell and ⁠KFC International stores, a spokesperson for PepsiCo told Reuters. Taco Bell is a 10-year agreement, they said.PepsiCo has beverage partner agreements at sandwich chains Subway and Jersey Mike's Subs. It also runs the soda fountain at Pizza Hut, which left the ⁠Yum Brands umbrella only this year and switched to PepsiCo from Coca-Cola in 2011.In 2012, PepsiCo lost Dunkin to Coca-Cola after a five-year run at the donut chain.Coca-Cola products will be available at KFC US ⁠restaurants by spring 2027, the company said. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.Coca-Cola is a long-standing beverage partner at burger chains McDonald's and Wendy's.The Wall Street Journal first reported the news on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.-Reuters

United States announces $17 Mn investment to modernize port of Colombo

The United States today announced a $17 million investment to digitize operations at the Port of Colombo, strengthening one of South Asia’s busiest and most strategic maritime trade hubs. In partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), the United States will introduce new digital systems to streamline port operations, using American technology to help move goods faster and reduce shipping delays and costs.The project will also strengthen Sri Lanka’s role in global trade while supporting American businesses, securing U.S. supply chains, and expanding commercial opportunities between the United States and Sri Lanka. The U.S.-funded project will help the SLPA develop two connected digital systems—the Maritime Single Window and Port Community System—to reduce paperwork, improve coordination, and accelerate cargo processing through Port of Colombo. These systems will allow shipping companies, customs officials, immigration authorities, port operators, and businesses to share information electronically, replacing paperwork and disconnected processes that slow trade. The Port of Colombo handles an estimated $30 billion in U.S.-related cargo annually and serves as a critical transshipment hub connecting South Asia with global markets. “American trade depends on ports that are efficient, reliable, and ready to meet the demands of modern commerce,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer. “More than half a million containers of U.S. inbound and outbound cargo move through the Port of Colombo each year, representing billions of dollars in trade.”“When goods move faster and shipping costs come down, American companies are better positioned to compete and American consumers save money. This $17 million investment will strengthen the supply chains our economies depend on and support commercial opportunities for American technology companies.” From Sri Lankan apparel shipped to American stores to American machinery, food, and everyday goods moving through global supply chains, delays at ports increase costs for businesses and consumers. As Sri Lanka expands port capacity, modern digital infrastructure will be essential to managing increased cargo volumes, reducing vessel turnaround times, and maintaining Colombo’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub. “Colombo's future as a regional maritime hub depends not only on expanding physical infrastructure but also on modernizing how our ports operate,” said Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation. “This project will help Sri Lanka improve trade facilitation, attract business, and strengthen our connections to international markets. We appreciate the United States' support for a project that will contribute to Sri Lanka's long-term economic competitiveness.” The project will also create opportunities for American technology firms to compete in providing the hardware, software, and technical expertise needed to develop the new systems. An open, competitive process will be used to select an implementing partner.This investment advances U.S. economic and national security interests by strengthening critical trade routes, creating opportunities for American technology companies, and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a key maritime trading partner in the Indian Ocean.

RMB Clearing Bank officially opened in Sri Lanka to boost bilateral financial ties

The official opening ceremony of Sri Lanka’s Renminbi (RMB) Clearing Bank was held at a private hotel in Colombo, further strengthening financial relations and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.The Colombo Branch of the Bank of China organised this milestone event.Held under the theme "Bridging Opportunities, Connecting Futures," the event was attended by prominent diplomats, key financial sector officials, and numerous invited guests from both countries.During the event, the RMB Clearing Bank service in Sri Lanka was officially launched, accompanied by an introductory video and a special explanation detailing the Chinese yuan transaction settlement process.With the establishment of this new clearing bank facility, trade, investment, and financial ties between Sri Lanka and China are expected to become easier, faster, and more efficient.

Pan Asia Bank extends solar irrigation financing to North Central farmers

Pan Asia Bank is supporting small-scale farmers in the North Central Province to access solar-powered irrigation facilities through its Sustainable Agricultural Lending Initiative 2026, launched in collaboration with Our Movement of Lanka (OML).The initiative was highlighted at a customer outreach event held on September 11 in Galenbindunuwewa, Anuradhapura, bringing together farmers and community leaders to raise awareness of solar-powered irrigation and the financing available through the bank.The initiative aims to help farmers reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, lower irrigation costs and improve agricultural productivity through more sustainable and affordable water management solutions. It also forms part of the bank’s wider efforts to promote financial inclusion in the agriculture sector.“Farmers need financial solutions that respond to the realities of agriculture. Through this initiative, we are helping make solar-powered irrigation more accessible while supporting farmers to reduce costs, improve efficiency and build more sustainable livelihoods. Our partnership with OML enables us to take this opportunity directly to farming communities in the North Central Province,” said Naleen Edirisinghe, Director/CEO of Pan Asia Bank.OML works with more than 5,000 active member farmers in the North Central Province, including growers of chilli, melon, brinjal, capsicum, tomato and cantaloupe.Through the partnership, Pan Asia Bank has assumed the risks associated with agricultural financing under concessionary terms and conditions, helping make solar-powered water pumps more accessible to small-scale farmers.Nimal Ratnayake, Assistant General Manager, Branch Credit at Pan Asia Bank, said the initiative aimed to make sustainable irrigation financially accessible to small-scale farmers.“By providing financing on concessionary terms, we are helping farmers adopt solar-powered technology while improving the efficiency and sustainability of their farming operations,” he said.A beneficiary of the project said the solar-powered pump had made irrigation easier and reduced dependence on fuel, adding that access to financing had made the technology a practical option for farmers.Approximately 50 farmers and community leaders attended the event, which also showcased the successful implementation of a solar water pump project and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.

SEBSA and IFS connect University of Moratuwa students with industry

SEBSA, in partnership with IFS and the University of Moratuwa, hosted IFS Customer Day on September 30, bringing together customers, industry professionals, lecturers and students to connect academic learning with real-world enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications.Held at the university’s Faculty of Business, the event was part of a long-term corporate social responsibility initiative by SEBSA and IFS supporting the university’s Minor Degree in ERP Systems programme.Under the initiative, SEBSA has delivered several modules using IFS Cloud as the practical learning platform, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and develop industry-relevant skills before entering the workforce.Kelum Wickramasinghe, DGM IT and Information Security at Silvermill Group, and Jayalath Abeywardena, Head of Finance at Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka, shared their organisations’ experiences with IFS and discussed how ERP knowledge and technology support business operations.Muthuraja Nanayakkara, CEO of SEBSA, said the programme had delivered IFS ERP education to four batches across 12 semesters over the past two and a half years. More than 160 students had gained knowledge of eight key IFS Cloud modules through over 4,500 learning hours.Dr. Indra Mahakalanda, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, said some graduates faced challenges finding internships and employment opportunities aligned with their specialisations and interests. Initiatives such as IFS Customer Day helped bridge this gap by providing industry exposure and enabling students to apply their knowledge and skills in the workplace, creating value for employers.The event also gave students insights into how ERP systems are used in industry and the skills employers expect as Industrial AI increasingly shapes business operations. IFS customers had the opportunity to connect with students who already had experience using IFS Cloud.Martin Gunnarsson, Senior Vice President of Growth and Innovation at SEBSA, highlighted the importance of building professional relationships and encouraged students to use such opportunities to establish connections that could support their career development.Minindu Somaratne, Programme Manager at IFS, discussed how Industrial AI is transforming traditional asset-intensive industries and how IFS is integrating agentic capabilities into everyday operations through its IFS.ai platform.

Kithulgala Rest House reopens as EKHO Kithulgala

The iconic Kithulgala Rest House has been transformed into EKHO Kithulgala, becoming the seventh property in the EKHO Hotels & Resorts portfolio while retaining its heritage and introducing refreshed accommodation and improved facilities.Located on the banks of the Kelani River, the property has long been a popular stopover for travellers exploring Sri Lanka’s wet zone, attracting nature lovers, birdwatchers and adventure enthusiasts.The refurbished property features 20 guest rooms with garden and river views, alongside improvements to its public spaces. The transformation aims to preserve the character and nostalgic appeal of the former rest house while enhancing comfort for modern travellers.Surrounded by tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity, EKHO Kithulgala is positioned as a base for birdwatching and nature exploration. Its proximity to the Makandawa Forest Reserve provides access to habitats supporting endemic and resident bird species, with opportunities for early morning birdwatching excursions, guided nature walks and wildlife experiences.Kithulgala is also one of Sri Lanka’s established destinations for white-water rafting. The property offers a distinctive advantage for adventure seekers, with the rafting route ending directly at the hotel, allowing guests to finish their river adventure close to their accommodation.The area also has a place in cinematic history through its association with the Academy Award-winning film The Bridge on the River Kwai, which was filmed in the Kithulgala region during the 1950s.The transformation follows the recent conversion of the former Belihuloya Rest House into EKHO Belihuloya, strengthening the brand’s presence in Sri Lanka’s nature and adventure tourism sector.The two properties reflect EKHO Hotels & Resorts’ approach to revitalising historic rest houses while preserving their heritage and introducing contemporary comforts and experiences centred on their natural surroundings.

NCE calls for all-inclusive freight framework to be upheld

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has called for the existing all-inclusive freight framework to be upheld, warning that the reintroduction of separate Terminal Handling Charges (THC) could increase shipping costs for exporters and importers, with the additional expenses eventually passed on to consumers.A Terminal Handling Charge is a fee associated with handling a shipping container at a port, including moving it on and off a vessel. Under Sri Lanka’s existing framework, these costs must be incorporated into a single all-inclusive freight rate agreed between the shipping line and the party contracting for the service.A separate THC charged over and above that agreed rate would reintroduce an additional layer of charges.The all-inclusive freight framework was established under Gazette No. 1842/16 in December 2013 and strengthened in 2017 under Gazette No. 2041/10, requiring container costs to be included in a single freight rate payable by the party contracting with the shipping line.In October 2022, the Ministry of Shipping issued a Gazette introducing new tariffs at the request of local service providers. Several stakeholders challenged the move in the Supreme Court, which ruled that the then Minister had exceeded his authority and that rescinding the Gazette required a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The Ministry subsequently amended the Gazette and rescinded the 2017 protection, but following public pressure, the rule was restored under Gazette No. 2334/26, dated 31 March 2023, which remains in force.The repeated attempts to change the framework have raised concerns about a return to the fragmented charging system that existed before 2013. At the time, importers and exporters faced nearly 50 separate charges, many of which varied and were imposed on parties with little say in how they were determined. Separate THC on imports alone rose from US$ 55 in 1995 to US$ 155 per ton today.The Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s own tariff does not use the term “Terminal Handling Charge”. It specifies that a vessel’s stevedoring costs must be paid directly by the shipping line to the port. These costs must be incorporated into the all-inclusive freight payment rather than passed on to exporters and importers as a separate charge.The all-inclusive framework does not prevent service providers from collecting legitimate payments. It requires those costs to be covered within the agreed freight arrangement, allowing the contracting parties to negotiate the terms of the service without separate local surcharges being imposed outside that arrangement.The NCE calls for Gazette No. 2334/26 to be upheld and for the existing framework not to be amended or rescinded. Transparent freight pricing is important to exporters and importers, while also helping limit the additional costs that can pass through supply chains and affect the prices paid by consumers.

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Zendaya to star in Alex Garland Sci-Fi film at A24

Zendaya is dusting off her “Dune” boots and getting back into the world of science fiction.The star has boarded a new untitled sci-fi to be written and directed Alex Garland for A24. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the feature is set to shoot in 2027.The project marks the latest collaboration between Zendaya and A24 following hit series “Euphoria,” which concluded after three seasons earlier this year, and the pitch-black dramedy “The Drama” alongside Robert Pattinson, which became a box office hit, earning almost $135 million worldwide.For Garland, the film continues his long-running collaboration with A24, which has produced and distributed his 2024 sci-fi “Ex Machina,” plus “Civil War,” “Men” and “Warfare.” A24 is also behind his upcoming big-budget “Elden Ring” video game adaptation, starring Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw, Nick Offerman and Tom Burke. Shooting on “The Elden Ring” wrapped on July 30, with the film set to be released in March 2028.Alongside “The Drama,” Zendaya has appeared in two of 2026’s biggest movies in “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which both smashed box office records. Denis Villeneuve’s final trip to Arrakis, “Dune: Part Three” releases Dec. 16.Fans of Garland’s sci-fi — which also includes Netflix feature “Annihilation” and the FX series “Devs” — may be delighted to hear he’s returning to the genre. But the news could also dent hopes for a third “28 Years Later.” Garland wrote “28 Days Later,” later reuniting with Danny Boyle for last year’s “28 Years Later” and its quick-fire sequel “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Speaking recently at the London Film Festival, Boyle said Garland had written a “fantastic script” for the third “28 Years Later” but noted he was now busy working on “Elden Ring.” “So it’s on the back burner at the moment,” he said.-Variety

Nature Morte founder Peter Nagy dies in New Delhi at 67

Artist Peter Nagy, whose Nature Morte gallery was instrumental in bringing contemporary Indian art to the attention of international audiences, died on October 13 in New Delhi following a long illness. He was sixty-seven. A charismatic force on the East Village art scene of 1980s New York before setting up shop in New Delhi, Nagy had a keen eye for cutting-edge talent and for the cultural moment, as well as an ability to connect rising artists with collectors hungry for work of a kind they had not seen before. Despite his profound and enduring influence on the market for experimental South Asian art abroad, he remained dismissively casual regarding his own talent. “All I really did was bring the New York model of the art gallery to India, much as Pierre Matisse, Ileana Sonnabend, and Leo Castelli brought the European model to New York before I was born,” he told Artnet News in 2022.Peter Nagy was born on January 6, 1959, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He studied communication design at New York’s Parsons School of Design, graduating in 1981. The following year, with artist Alan Belcher, he opened Nature Morte in New York’s East Village, then a rabble-rousing hotbed of avant-garde artistic activity standing apart from the comparatively entrenched SoHo scene. The pair showed work by such now widely known artists as Vito Acconci, Gretchen Bender, Sherrie Levine, and Steven Parrino.Concurrent with Nagy’s career as a gallerist was his practice as an artist. Nagy during the 1980s explored photocopying as a medium, clipping, collaging, enlarging, and serially reproducing images of advertisements and consumer goods to investigate the fissures and intersections between art and pop culture, and the way in which contemporary entertainment subsumed history. Though his work’s subject matter and concerns were somewhat de rigueur among the circles in which he moved, his status as both artist and gallerist decidedly was not.“I am conscious of being penalized for being a dealer: Artists aren’t supposed to be interested in the market (ha ha), and my choice is, apparently, seen by some as opportunistic and manipulative,” he wrote in a 1999 issue of Artforum. “I prefer the combination of market, media, creativity, and personality that comes together in a gallery.”Nature Morte closed in the East Village in 1988. Beginning in 1992, Nagy began dividing his time between New York and New Delhi. In 1997, he moved to the Indian metropolis permanently, reestablishing Nature Morte there the same year. Shunning the traditional painting then popular, he instead showed conceptual work by Subodh Gupta, Jitish Kallat, Bharti Kher, Mrinalini Mukherjee, and Raqs Media Collective, among others, reaching out to international collectors on their behalf.“Peter was able to identify artists who at the time had few opportunities, and was able to provide them with an amplified sense of what was possible in their practice and career,” poet and curator Ranjit Hoskote told Caravan Magazine in 2011.Nagy continued to make his own work, shifting to brightly hued canvases and installations in the 1990s. In 2020, he was the subject of a retrospective at New York’s Deitch Projects, which reignited interest in his oeuvre.“How amazing to discover that Nagy’s early output, which shows the artist’s penchant for mapping transformations wrought by expanded media, increased corporate power, and concentrated flows of capital, felt downright prescient today,” wrote Jan Avgikos, reviewing the show in a 2020 issue of Artforum. “Like Warhol, Nagy was practically clairvoyant in his observations about art and its commodification, the ballooning culture of the copy, and our ongoing anxieties about authenticity.”Nagy was represented by Magenta Plains in downtown Manhattan. His work is held in the collections of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Brooklyn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, all in New York.Nature Morte remained consistently successful, despite a dip in Europe’s economic fortune in the 2010s that saw Nagy turn to India, whose art scene was now burgeoning, for a large portion of sales. The gallery opened two more New Delhi branches in 2021 and a Mumbai outpost in 2024. This past August, it launched a new space in South Delhi’s Gulmohar Park, inaugurating it with a two-part exhibition curated by Nagy. “The Evolution of the Soothsayer” celebrates three decades of Nature Morte in India and featuring thirty-five artists. The show’s second chapter will open later this month.In accordance with Nagy’s wishes, his galleries in New Delhi and Mumbai remain open. “To him, an exhibition was never about the gallery,” wrote Nature Morte in a statement. “It belonged to the artist who had poured themselves into it and to everyone who came to see it. He believed an artist’s moment should never be put on hold.”-Hindustan Times

Sri Lanka’s biggest Oktoberfest returns to City of Dreams

Colombo has four nights to let loose as Oktoberfest arrives at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, bringing the unmistakable spirit of Bavaria to The Podium from 21 to 24 October 2026.Powered by Commercial Bank, this year's celebration promises hearty Bavarian fare, delicious beverages and live music that keeps the energy high, creating the perfect setting for friends, colleagues and partygoers to come together for a celebration that calls for another round.Headlining the festivities is Slipping Chairs, who will be playing exclusively at City of Dreams Sri Lanka this Oktoberfest season and will take the stage on every one of the four nights.Each evening, they will be joined by a different act, giving guests a fresh line-up every night. Cold Sweat opens the celebrations alongside Slipping Chairs on 21st October, followed by Black on 22 October and Pop Culture on 23 October, before Magic Box Mix Up Joins Slipping Chairs for the grand finale on 24 October.Beyond the live performances, the Oktoberfest experience brings together the flavours, drinks and lively atmosphere that make the celebration memorable. Guests can savour a sumptuous Bavarian buffet featuring Oktoberfest favourites such as crispy Schweinshaxe pork knuckle, grilled Leberkäse and German sausages, including Weisswurst and Cheese Krainer.Obatzda cheese dip served with freshly baked pretzels adds to the spread, while classic Apfelstrudel provides a fitting finish to the meal. Generous brews and the buzz of The Podium complete the experience, creating an inviting setting to unwind after work or enjoy an evening of Oktoberfest celebrations.Oktoberfest at City of Dreams brings a taste of Bavaria to Colombo’s destination of choice, combining authentic flavours, a generous buffet and live performances in a vibrant setting that captures the spirit of the celebration.

Fox’s $22 billion Roku deal approved by shareholders of both companies

In an expected development, shareholders for both Fox Corp. and Roku voted to approve Fox’s $22 billion acquisition of the streaming-video platform company.At separate special meetings of shareholders Wednesday to vote on the deal, the majority of shares owned by Fox Corp. and Roku investors were in favor the deal.The proposed Roku deal was overwhelmingly approved by Fox shareholders: 99.9% of the votes cast by holders of outstanding Class B common stock entitled to vote were in favor of the agreement, according to an SEC filing by Fox. Of the shares voted, 197.4 million were for; 71,891 were against; and 45,001 abstained. The official vote tallies from Roku’s meeting are expected to be filed with the SEC soon as well.In June, Fox announced an agreement to buy Roku for $160/share in a combination of about $14.2 billion in cash and the remainder in Fox Class A common stock.Fox currently expects the Roku acquisition to be completed in the first half of calendar year 2027, subject to clearance by the Justice Department and other regulators.Last month, Fox disclosed that the DOJ had requested additional documents related to the proposed Roku acquisition, which Fox said was expected. The DOJ’s second request for documents extended the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust act for 30 days (during which time the parties are barred from closing the deal) after Fox and Roku have “substantially replied” to the information request.The deal would dramatically enhance Fox’s streaming footprint, and give it the opportunity to increase scale in the free, ad-supported streaming space through Fox’s Tubi and the Roku Channel. By buying Roku, the TV-centric company would become a much bigger player in digital video advertising as well as major player in premium subscription VOD distribution.The Roku acquisition “will transform the scope of our company into high-growth verticals and yield a step change in our overall growth profile,” Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch said in announcing the agreement in June.Fox said it is “committed to continuing to operate Roku as an open, partner-friendly platform.” Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood will have an ongoing role at the combined company.-Variety

Netflix’s ‘Victorious’ spinoff ‘Hollywood Arts’ is a bland copy of shows from a past era: TV review

Thirteen years after Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” did its final curtain call, Netflix is returning to the Los Angeles-based performing arts school with a brand-new spinoff, “Hollywood Arts.” Created by Jake Farrow and Samantha Martin, the series follows Trina Vega (Daniella Monet reprising her role) as a struggling actress stuck in the shadow of her superstar sister, Tori (Victoria Justice). With zero acting gigs on the horizon and weary of taking handouts from Tori, Trina returns to Hollywood Arts for a substitute teaching position. Though she is in no way qualified for the job, Trina realizes she can inspire a new class of performers using her eccentric lessons and ideas. Hokey, over-the-top and full of garbled dialogue, “Hollywood Arts” is a near-carbon copy of its predecessor. Still, if Gen Alpha has similar tastes to Gen Z, the show will win over a new generation of kids while offering a Lisa Frank-esque idea of what high school could be.The 12-episode first season opens amid Mr. Sikowitz’s (Eric Lane reprising his role) abrupt retirement. Blindsided, Principal Helen (Yvette Nicole Brown) comes in to tell his class she’s found a temporary instructor. Wearing impractical stilettos and clutching a massive Stanley cup, Trina is introduced to her new pupils. Qwest (Peyton Jackson) is a musician who has lied to his parents about being at Hollywood Arts on a basketball scholarship. There’s Oscar (Martin Kamm), the school’s biggest star, and his sister Emmy (Alyssa Miles), nicknamed Techie, who works solely behind the scenes as a stage manager and runs the school’s social media accounts. Finally, frenemies Jen (Erika Swayze) and Pepper (Emmy Liu-Wang) are constantly in competition with one another.The teens are excited to get the deets on Trina’s sister, Tori, but they quickly realize that Trina has no real insight into the entertainment industry overall. The rest of the season is full of hijinks, crushes and the typical fare found in tween-targeted sitcoms. The series is light-hearted and unserious, just like the rest of the shows that were Nickelodeon and Disney Channel’s crown jewels in the early 2000s.“Hollywood Arts” won’t gain many viewers with fully formed frontal lobes. Yet, Farrow, Martin and Vega nail the distinctiveness of being a millennial. Unlike previous kid-centered shows where the adults appear as frumpy old folks who bask in rigidity or live on a different planet, Trina is a thirtysomething who doesn’t have her life together, yet is stylish, upbeat and continuously striving to achieve her dreams. “Hollywood Arts” isn’t realistic, but depicting a young woman navigating the ups and downs of a life she couldn’t have predicted is a strong underlying trope rarely seen in children’s television programming. Like her students — specifically Emmy, who realizes her talent might be better served center stage — Trina is just trying to figure it all out.Despite its over-the-top performances, the “Hollywood Arts” cast is talented. Belting out random songs while delivering high-level physical comedy and acting takes skill. Liu-Wang, specifically, has an incredible singing voice, and the ensemble works together like a well-oiled machine.“Hollywood Arts” isn’t innovative, yet it fills a void for preteens who aren’t quite mature enough to watch YA series like Prime Video’s “Sterling Point” or Netflix’s “Crew Girl.” Recycling an old playbook (this time without the involvement of disgraced creator/producer Dan Schneider), Farrow and Martin deliver a silly, stylish, idealized version of high school to a new era of kiddos. But by centering Trina, they also present a version of adulthood that looks much more realistic than audiences may expect.-Variety

Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India after participating in protest

Authorities in India have ordered actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, to leave the country by 28 October after he participated in a protest, seeking electoral reforms.An American citizen, Khan holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which allows people of Indian origin to visit and stay in the country. But an OCI cannot vote or contest elections."Imran Khan participated in the agitation at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar," police said in a statement on Thursday.They said the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office (FRRO) had served Khan a notice for violating laws by protesting.The actor, who's known for the 2008 hit romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, has not commented on the notice yet.Khan first appeared as a child actor in popular films such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar in 1992.Since his debut as a lead actor in 2008, he has starred in a number of films like I Hate Luv Storys, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Delhi Belly.The notice to leave the country comes as Khan returns to acting this year with the Netflix film Adhure Hum Adhure Tum after a hiatus of over a decade.On 10 October, the actor participated in the protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) - a wider GenZ-led movement that has been holding demonstrations for days seeking electoral reforms and the resignation of India's top election official over allegations of vote fraud. India's poll panel denies these charges."Imran Khan had participated in the agitation despite not being an Indian citizen," police said in their statement.The complaint against Khan was lodged by Kirit Somaiya, a leader of India's and the state's governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who accused the actor of being "involved in a conspiracy to spread anarchy in India".Khan did not address Somaiya's allegation directly, but had spoken to reporters about his participation in the protest."I don't have demands. I'm here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. I'm here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted, why people's voices are being suppressed," he'd said.He added that he was not at the protest as the representative of any organisation.Following the protest, Khan was briefly detained by the police along with other protesters.He posted a photo of himself inside the police detention van on Instagram with the caption, "Apparently I'm going for a drive." The post received more than two million likes on the social media platform.Over the weekend, thousands of protesters had marched in Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of India, demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar ahead of crucial state elections in response to the CJP's call.On Monday, leaders of many of India's main opposition parties, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, led thousands of protesters in a march from Connaught Place to the Supreme Court in Delhi.On Wednesday, two top CJP leaders were sent to jail for five days after being arrested for allegedly trespassing at a protest site in Delhi.The CJP has called for another protest on Friday evening in the capital.-BBC

Zach Bryan announces 2027 stadium tour dates, John Fogerty, Ryan Bingham, more to support

Just days after announcing his “Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs” EP will be dropping this week — and not long after he broke the attendance record at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium while wearing a “Free Palestine” shirt — Zach Bryan has announced a stadium tour in support of the release, which will take him across North America and Australia in 2027.Promoted by AEG Presents, Bryan’s tour will span 23 shows in 19 stadiums, with support from John Fogerty, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen, Vance Joy, Fey Fili, Gabriella Rose, and Emma Ogier on select dates.Artist Presale begins Wednesday, October 21 at 10am local time, and Local Presale begins Thursday, October 22 at 10am local time. Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, October 23 at 10am local time at ZachBryan.com.The tour at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on April 28 with stops including Soldier Field in Chicago, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Highmark Stadium in Buffalo before embarking on the Australian leg with two performances at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Accor Stadium in Sydney, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.YOUNG MANHOOD AND OTHER DONATABLE ORGANS TOURWednesday, April 28, 2027 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium Saturday, May 1, 2027 – Indianapolis, IN – Lucas Oil StadiumTuesday, May 4, 2027 – Green Bay, WI – Lambeau FieldSaturday, May 8, 2027 – Chicago, IL – Soldier FieldFriday, May 14, 2027 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium Saturday, May 15, 2027 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium Tuesday, May 18, 2027 – Baltimore, MD – M&T Bank Stadium Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium Tuesday, May 25, 2027 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field Saturday, May 29, 2027 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Wednesday, June 2, 2027 – Buffalo, NY – Highmark Stadium Friday, July 16, 2027 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium Tuesday, July 20, 2027 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium Saturday, July 24, 2027 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field Wednesday, July 28, 2027 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place Sunday, August 1, 2027 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium Friday, August 6, 2027 – Boise, ID – Albertsons Stadium Friday, December 3, 2027 – Melbourne, VIC – Marvel Stadium Saturday, December 4, 2027 – Melbourne, VIC – Marvel Stadium Friday, December 10, 2027 – Sydney, NSW – Accor Stadium Saturday, December 11, 2027 – Sydney, NSW – Accor Stadium Friday, December 17, 2027 – Brisbane, QLD – Suncorp Stadium Saturday, December 18, 2027 – Brisbane, QLD – Suncorp Stadium John Fogerty and Fey FiliRyan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen and Gabriella Rose-Variety

Kirti Kulhari’s production debut ‘Kinaare’ to premiere at Dharamshala, Rima Das’ ‘Not a Hero’ to open festival

Kirti Kulhari’s first feature as a producer, “Kinaare” (“Shores”), will premiere at the 15th Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), which will open with Rima Das’ Berlin-awarded “Not a Hero.”The festival will run Oct. 29–Nov. 1 at the Tibetan Children’s Village in Upper Dharamshala, with an online edition to follow Nov. 2–9.Written and directed by brothers Akbar Quadri and Azam Quadri, “Kinaare” stars Kulhari as Amina, a single woman in a village near Delhi who spends her days looking after her elderly parents and the family home. Her cousin, played by Azam Quadri, turns up without warning after 15 years away, and his visit brings back the events that once split the family. By the time he leaves, Amina has made her peace with the past. Rajeev Siddhartha, Alka Amin and Ravi Taneja complete the cast.Kulhari produced the film through her banner Kintsukuroi Films, with Abhishek Koka and Maansi Guptey as co-producers.“It’s a script that really resonated with me. It’s a simple, heartwarming, and subtle film. I find all these adjectives in Iranian films – which I’ve always really loved – so when something like this came to me, I knew I had to make it,” Kulhari said. “This is exactly how I wanted to make this film: independently, make it the way I see it, the way we all see it collectively.”Siddhartha said every actor hopes for a script that values the written word and also pushes them to explore the spaces between the words. “And with ‘Kinaare,’ I got to do that as an actor. I feel ‘Kinaare’ has such a universal theme that everybody who sees it will definitely be touched, be moved and be slightly changed from within after the experience,” he said.The film’s crew includes cinematographer Arjun Sundaram, composer Mohan Kannan, editor Bakul Matiyani and sound designer Sanjay Chaturvedi.“Not a Hero,” an India-Singapore co-production, will have its South Asia premiere as the festival’s opening night film. It debuted at the Berlinale earlier this year, where it took a Crystal Bear Special Mention in the Generation Kplus strand, and later won best indie film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It has also played Zlín, Zurich and Busan.The film centers on a boy packed off from the city to his family’s ancestral village. There he meets a distant aunt, makes friends with a horse and falls in with a pack of local children, finding both a life away from screens and a courage he did not know he had.Das is known for “Village Rockstars,” “Bulbul Can Sing,” “Tora’s Husband” and “Village Rockstars 2.” Her films have screened at more than 150 festivals and collected over 75 awards.The latest additions to the DIFF lineup also include Don Palathara’s “The Uncertainty Principle,” set among young people in Kochi chasing careers in cinema, and “Cool Ladies Club,” a documentary co-directed by Shilpi Gulati and 10 women from Mumbai’s eastern suburbs who made the film together over 18 months.Also on the slate are Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi’s Kolkata-set Berlin-debuting family drama “Shadowbox,” Rafael Kapelinski’s Poland-Hungary title “Budapest Diaries” and Eimi Imanishi’s Western Sahara-set “Nomad Shadow.”They join titles from the festival’s initial lineup, among them Gurvinder Singh’s Locarno title, India-France co-production “Rehmat,” which weaves together three stories set in present-day Punjab; “Termite,” a short set in 1990s Old Delhi that marks the first fiction film from Oscar-nominated documentarian Shaunak Sen; and Oliver Laxe’s Cannes-winning “Sirāt.”The first wave also includes Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s Cannes-debuting Thai family pilgrimage drama “9 Temples to Heaven,” Sara Dosa’s Iceland-set “Time and Water,” R. Gowtham’s Berlin-bowing grief drama “Members of the Problematic Family” and Dennis Harvey and Lars Lovén’s Irish folk music documentary “Celtic Utopia.” Samreen Farooqui and Shabani Hassanwalia’s documentary “The Ordinary Star” follows Nawazuddin Siddiqui as he studies the real-life occupant of the room he would use while shooting “Star,” Dibakar Banerjee’s segment in the 2013 anthology “Bombay Talkies.”DIFF was founded by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. This year’s edition will also run its fellowship program, with seven fellows mentored by Bhutanese director Dechen Roder and Indian independent filmmakers Umesh Kulkarni and Dominic Sangma.-Variety