The US State of Viriginia this year celebrated Thai Pongal as a state holiday today along side Tamils in the North-East and Tamil Nadu, India.

Last year the state passed a resolution designating January 14th as 'Pongal Day'. 

Conveying his Pongal wishes as Tamils around the world celebrated Thai Pongal today, the US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Atul Keshap said he had reiterated the call for Sri Lanka to implement the cosponsored UN Human Rights Council resolution during a meeting with the northern province's chief minister, C V Wigneswaran. 

"Conveyed warmest #Pongal greetings to Chief Minister Wigneswaran and had a good discussion on Northern Province issues as well as the need for #SriLanka to fulfill its Geneva commitments to ensure lasting national reconciliation and a brighter future for all its citizens," he tweeted. 

The UK Prime Minister praised the contribution of British Tamils in her Thai Pongal message. In her message today, Theresa May said "our Tamil community is a fantastic example... helping make Britain the diverse, successful country we are all so proud of."

Sri Lanka on Friday lifted the historic ban on women buying or selling alcohol. 

The ban, which was in force since 1979 prohibited women from being employed in places where alcohol was produced and sold. However, many businesses have employed women despite the ban. 

The government also extended the opening hours of liquor outlets, allowing them to be open until 10pm. 

The move was criticised by some members of the Buddhist clergy, who have opposed alcohol consumption. 

UNP minister and leader of the House, Lakshman Kiriella on Friday criticised the Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena over his decision to seek a determination from the Supreme Court over the length of his term in office. 

Mr Kiriella was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying "it would have been much better for President Maithripala Sirisena to have consulted the government allies before" turning to the Supreme Court. 

Postal ballot papers for Sri Lanka's upcoming local government election will be handed over today to postal services in order for circulation. 

Ballot papers were printed for eight districts on Friday, the Electon Commission said. 

The local government election is to take place on February 10th, 2018. 

A defence delegation from Sri Lanka embarked on a visit to India’s Southern Naval Command in Kochi, where the two governments held discussions, including on training for Sri Lankan troops.

An Indian Press Information Bureau media release said Sri  Lanka’s defence delegation met with Vice Admiral AR Karve, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief at the sidelines of the 5th India Sri Lanka Annual Defence Dialogue

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Sri Lanka has “many challenges” and called for Colombo to pick up the pace of slow structural reforms in its third review of an Extended Fund Facility for the government.

The agreed program will see Sri Lanka given approximately US$ 1.5 billion over 36 months by the IMF under conditions laid out by the global financial body.

The Sri Lankan military continued its militarisation of the North-East last week, as it held a series of civilian activities to mark the New Year.

A TNA local government candidate was arrested for assaulting a neighbour on Thursday.
Nagarasa Pakeerathan who is standing in the divisional council (Prathesiya sabai) elections for Valikamam South-West was arrested by Manippay police after a neighbour complained that he had assaulted her during an argument outside his house.