Curaçao have received recognition from Guinness World Records after becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. 

The Caribbean nation was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records in recognition of the historic achievement, with Curaçao Football Federation President Gilbert Martina receiving the award. 

“We were delighted to present Gilbert Martina, the President of the Curaçao Football Federation, the certificate for the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup – 156,115 people,” Guinness World Records wrote on its verified X account. 

Curaçao made history after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest country ever to reach football’s biggest international tournament.

The island nation’s team, managed by Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, finished top of their CONCACAF third-round qualifying group after recording three wins and three draws from six matches.

Their qualification was confirmed after a goalless draw against Jamaica in Kingston on November 19, 2025, completing a remarkable football journey for the “Blue Wave”.

Despite their historic feat, Curaçao suffered a difficult start to their World Cup campaign after losing 7-1 to Germany in their opening match.

The achievement, however, remains a major milestone in World Cup history, proving that population size is no barrier to competing on the biggest stage in international football. (Vanguard News)

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Sri Lanka Navy’s retired Rear Admiral Princely Liyanage has etched his name in the annals of global endurance by qualifying for 03 Guinness World Records on a manual treadmill. 

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, his journey began on Friday (20) and reached a triumphant milestone on Sunday (22), as he successfully completed 48 hours of continuous running. 

Guided by the Ministry of Defence, the Navy stepped up to ensure every essential facility was in place.

The veteran naval officer first surpassed his own previous world record of 94.30 km by clocking a remarkable distance of 100.36 km within the first 12-hour window. 

Continuing his relentless pace, he secured his second Guinness World Record qualification by outperforming the existing 24-hour mark of 188.13 km, covering an impressive total of 190.55 km within a single day.

Rear Admiral Liyanage then culminated his effort by 10:00 am on Sunday by maintaining his momentum for a full 48 hours, and he officially qualified for his third Guinness World Record with 316.7 km.

Additionally, alongside these Guinness World Records, three more records; including completing the fastest 100 kilometres in a non-mechanical walking machine in 11 hours, 57 minutes, and 18 seconds; completing 100 miles in 20 hours, 07 minutes, 42 seconds; and completing the fastest 300 kilometres in 44 hours, 40 minutes, 24 seconds have been established. 

These records are also proposed to be considered as Guinness World Records in the future.

The Sri Lanka Navy states that, as a distinguished retired officer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Princely Liyanage’s accomplishment serves as a powerful testament to the values of discipline, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. 

His success sends a resonating message to the youth of Sri Lanka and the global community that any challenge can be overcome through steadfast commitment and grit, it added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is gearing up to rival one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, London’s Big Ben, with the construction of a 15-metre Grand Clock at the Colombo Port City, part of the ambitious US$540 million Clothespin Towers project, it was reported. 

While Big Ben stands tall at 96 metres in London, Sri Lanka’s version is designed not to match its height, but to challenge its symbolic stature and global recognition.

According to the Sunday Times, the Grand Clock will anchor what is poised to become the world’s largest vertical art gallery, with every floor of the twin towers functioning as immersive exhibition spaces. 

The entire structure is expected to be submitted for Guinness World Record recognition as the largest art piece in the world, transforming Colombo into a hub of artistic and architectural innovation.

The project, led by Clothespin Management and Development (Pvt) Ltd., is one of four mega developments at the Colombo Port City.

The project is part of a strategic development initiative, with 25-year tax exemptions granted by the Sri Lankan government, including relief from income tax, VAT, customs duties, and employment regulations. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his role as Minister of Finance, issued the gazette notifications this week.

Beyond its record-breaking aspirations, Clothespin Towers will feature luxury residences, a seven-star hotel, high-end retail outlets, and elite office spaces.

The development spans 24,324 square meters and is expected to generate 280 jobs in its first year, positioning Colombo as a rising global hub for art, architecture, and investment. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he chose to run for the presidential election as an independent candidate to ensure steady economic progress and to establish a new political system with responsible parties.

The President said when he took office two years ago, he was confident that the country’s crisis could be resolved within that timeframe and that he has fulfilled that duty today, with the country emerging from bankruptcy and moving forward. 

“I formed a government on my own, believing I could rescue this country. My role as president of a single-seat parliament has even earned a spot in the Guinness World Records,” he said.

President Wickremesinghe reiterated that without a new political system, the country’s economy cannot advance. 

Emphasizing the need for a responsible political system to advance the country’s economy, President Wickremesinghe stated he does not wish to delay elections and affirmed that the people will determine the country’s future in this year’s presidential election. 

“We’ve made tough decisions in the past, including limiting funds to ministries over the last year and a half. Now, the economy is showing signs of recovery, and we’re beginning to provide gradual relief to the people. Despite the ongoing suffering, it is crucial to free the people from hardship by rethinking our approach and embarking on a new journey with a reformed party system.

“Now, we must determine our next steps to ensure continued progress rather than regression. We have reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and its conditions are non-negotiable. If these conditions are altered, the IMF will withdraw, and our country will lose access to funds. Therefore, we must choose our path carefully. I believe this decision should be left to the people of the country,” he said. 

The President further said that he never intended to postpone the election, despite accusations to the contrary. 

“There’s no point in holding elections if those given power flee from their responsibilities. They abandoned their post when offered the position of president and prime minister, claiming the country’s problems were unsolvable. What happens if, after an election, we still say we can’t address the issues? This has turned into a new political game. 

“The political system in our country has collapsed alongside the economy. Political promises and the ability to fulfil them are closely linked to economic management. The country’s economy was severely damaged by policies that effectively sold out our country. We must remember that when our economic system collapses, the political system suffers as well,” he said.

The president pointed out that restoring a broken political system is a complex task and that it must be acknowledged that the country’s political system is fractured. 

“Currently, most members of the Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) align with me, while only a few support the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). In recent parliamentary elections, the SJB supported a SLPP candidate over their own party’s candidate. Additionally, Tamil parties are fragmented, highlighting the general disintegration of political parties. There is no cohesive party system in our country today. 

“The JVP is currently divided, struggling to choose between aligning with civil society or sticking with its traditional roots. Today, the JVP lacks figures like Lenin and Stalin; only Wijeweera remains. In hindsight, having Lenin and Stalin without Wijeweera might have been preferable, as would have Marx present. The removal of Marx and Lenin, leaving only Wijeweera, reflects the current state of the political system,” he added.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a program held this week by the “All Island Journalists Association” to felicitate provincial journalists. (Newswire) 

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