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Seylan Bank marked a milestone in its flagship sustainability efforts with the opening of its 300th ‘Pahasara’ library at Co/ Dharmaraja Maha Vidyalaya, Piliyandala, on 10 November 2026.

Reaching the milestone of 300 libraries represents a historic achievement in the bank’s longstanding journey to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve access to knowledge for students across Sri Lanka.

Beginning with its very first library at Swarnapali Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura in 2013, the ‘Pahasara’ initiative has steadily grown across all 25 districts, supporting schools with essential learning resources and creating conducive environments for students to explore, learn, and grow.

The newly established library was equipped with books and a smart board, providing students with access to modern learning materials and digital resources to support their academic journey.

To commemorate this landmark 300th opening, the school community participated in a vibrant ‘Pahasara Week’ featuring volleyball matches, an art competition, speech competition, and dedicated financial literacy awareness sessions designed to build essential life skills among students.

In tandem with the milestone, Seylan Bank engaged its islandwide staff network in a special Book Donation Campaign. Mobilising branches and corporate departments across the country, staff members enthusiastically collected and contributed both new and pre-loved books in excellent condition, which will be distributed among deserving Pahasara Libraries across the island.

The opening ceremony was attended by Director/CEO Ramesh Jayasekara as the Chief Guest, alongside Chief Operating Officer Ranil Anthony Dissanayake and members of the bank’s senior management. Also, present were Co/Dharmaraja Maha Vidyalaya Principal S.L.A.P. Samarawickrama and Zonal Education Office, Piliyandala Director Kumudu Hemamali, together with members of the school administration, teachers, students and other distinguished guests.

Seylan Bank AGM Marketing and Sales Asiri Abhayaratne said: ‘Reaching our 300th ‘Pahasara’ library is a deeply fulfilling moment for Seylan Bank. Since opening our first library in Anuradhapura back in 2013, our core sustainability mission has been driven by a singular social cause: enhancing the knowledge of deserving students across the nation. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Zonal Education Authorities, and the Principals, teachers, and students of all 300 Pahasara schools who have partnered with us on this journey. While reaching 300 libraries is an achievement we celebrate with pride, our greatest reward remains the lasting, positive difference we make in the lives of our children and their communities.’

The ‘Pahasara’ initiative remains an integral pillar of Seylan Bank’s social sustainability agenda, reflecting its enduring commitment to national development through education. By empowering schools with modern library facilities, books, and digital tools, the bank continues to invest in the knowledge, values, and aspirations of future generations, building a brighter and more prosperous future for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan technology company Bhasha Lanka Ltd., celebrated its 15th anniversary in October 2026, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a university-led Sinhala language innovation to a growing ecosystem of digital solutions spanning communication, information, payments, commerce, entertainment and mobility.

Founded in 2011 by technology entrepreneur Dhanika Perera, Bhasha has built its journey around the vision of ‘Empowering Masses Digitally.’ Celebrated under the theme ‘Vision, Innovation and Impact,’ the anniversary brought together employees, customers, business partners, investors and early supporters who contributed to the company’s growth.

Bhasha’s journey began with SETT Browser, developed by Perera while studying at the University of Moratuwa. At a time when Sinhala content was not reliably supported on Android smartphones, the browser enabled users to access online information in their native language. The innovation received international recognition through the mBillionth South Asian Award in 2011.

The breakthrough subsequently attracted commercial interest from Etisalat Sri Lanka, whose then CEO Dumindra Ratnayaka approached Perera regarding the technology. This led Perera, then a third-year university student, to establish Bhasha Lanka in 2011, with Etisalat becoming its first customer through a per-user licensing arrangement, providing the foundation for further innovation.

Building on this success, Bhasha introduced Helakuru, initially developed to simplify Sinhala typing on smartphones. Over time, Helakuru evolved into a Sri Lankan SuperApp integrating language input, information, digital payments and other everyday services. With over 18 million downloads, Helakuru has become one of the company’s most significant innovations, demonstrating the potential of locally developed technology to address everyday digital needs.

Bhasha’s entrepreneurial journey expanded into financial technology with the establishment of PayHere in 2016. Recognised as Sri Lanka’s first Central Bank-approved aggregated payment gateway, PayHere simplified online payment acceptance for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Having grown into a separately incorporated business, PayHere now serves over 6,000 merchants, supporting the country’s expanding digital commerce ecosystem.

The company’s innovation ecosystem also includes Esana, delivering real-time news and information; HelaPay, facilitating bank-account-based digital transactions, utility payments, mobile reloads and fund transfers; and HelaRoo, providing access to Sri Lankan digital entertainment.

More recently, HelaGo, launched in January 2026, extended this locally driven innovation approach into ride-hailing, focusing on improving convenience and creating fairer experiences for passengers and drivers.

While these platforms share a common entrepreneurial foundation, certain businesses have evolved into separately incorporated entities, reflecting the wider growth and diversification of the Bhasha innovation ecosystem.

The anniversary celebrations also recognised the people behind the company’s achievements. Addressing the gathering, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dhanika Perera reflected on the commitment of employees, trust of customers and continued support of partners who helped transform an emerging university innovation into a technology business serving millions of Sri Lankans.

Long-serving employees were honoured for their contributions, while promotions recognised individual performance and professional development.

Looking ahead, Bhasha aims to embrace emerging technologies and transform new possibilities into practical innovations that make everyday life easier for Sri Lankans. Building on its existing digital platforms, the company remains focused on developing locally relevant solutions that address the evolving needs of society.

Fifteen years after its establishment, Bhasha continues to demonstrate how homegrown innovation can contribute to digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and technological advancement, guided by its founding vision: ‘Empowering Masses Digitally.’

There is a fundamental principle that deserves greater consideration when determining the taxation of employment income.

A salary is the remuneration an individual receives in return for services rendered. It represents the agreed compensation for the employee’s time, knowledge, skills, experience, responsibilities and contribution to the organisation. An employee earns what he or she receives through the service provided. The amount of remuneration may differ according to professional qualifications, experience, the nature of responsibilities and the value attached to the service. However, the fundamental character of that income remains the same. It is remuneration earned through employment.

Why should the nature and tax treatment of such earnings be progressively altered merely because the amount of remuneration is higher?

Recognising differences in salaries is one thing; using those differences as the sole basis for progressively changing the tax treatment of employment remuneration is another. The argument is not that all employees should receive equal salaries or that higher earnings should be exempt from taxation. It is that remuneration earned through employment should be recognised as a distinct category of income and subjected to a consistent and predictable tax principle. The fact that an individual earns a higher salary does not change the fundamental nature of that income as remuneration for services rendered. This distinction deserves recognition in the design of a fair taxation system.

Practical alternative: Uniform rate for employment income

In the light of these considerations, I propose that employment income be treated as a distinct category for personal income taxation, with a simpler and more predictable method of assessment. The proposed arrangement would rest on three basic principles:

A common tax-free threshold: Every employee should enjoy the common personal tax-free threshold applicable under the general tax framework.

A uniform rate thereafter: Any employment income exceeding that threshold should be subjected to a single predetermined rate of taxation, irrespective of the level of salary earned.

Separate assessment of other income: Employment income should not thereafter be aggregated with income from other sources for the purpose of determining the progressive tax rate applicable to those other sources.

Income from investments, rental properties, business activities and other sources could continue to be assessed under the relevant tax provisions, with appropriate safeguards to ensure that the common tax-free allowance is not duplicated.

Such an arrangement would introduce greater simplicity and predictability into the taxation of employment income. It would also prevent an employee’s remuneration from being pushed into a higher marginal tax bracket merely because the individual happens to receive additional income from another source. The proposal does not seek to exempt employees from their responsibility to contribute to public revenue. On the contrary, it seeks to establish a more rational and transparent method of determining that contribution. The appropriate uniform rate would, of course, need to be determined after careful fiscal analysis, taking account of revenue requirements, distributional consequences and the overall tax structure.

Taxation must encourage productivity, not discourage it

Another important consideration is the relationship between taxation and economic growth.

Sri Lanka is undergoing a demanding economic adjustment process. The continuation of economic reforms requires public confidence, private investment, increased exports, employment generation and the expansion of productive economic activity. It is important to recognise that households have already experienced considerable pressure through higher living costs and taxation.

The sustainability of economic reforms cannot be secured through fiscal consolidation alone. There must also be visible progress in creating economic opportunities, expanding production, attracting investment and improving the earning capacity of the population. A tax system that is perceived as unreasonable or unpredictable can weaken public confidence and discourage individuals from undertaking additional productive activities. The objective should therefore be to broaden the revenue base through economic expansion rather than rely excessively on increasing the burden on existing taxpayers.

Borrowing, expenditure and fiscal responsibility

The question of taxation cannot be considered in isolation from Government expenditure and borrowing.

Borrowing may be necessary for a country facing extraordinary economic circumstances. However, it cannot become a permanent substitute for sound revenue management or a means of financing unlimited expenditure.

Equally important is the quality and productivity of public expenditure. Borrowed funds and tax revenue should be directed towards activities that strengthen the economy, improve productive capacity and generate sustainable returns. Fiscal discipline must therefore be accompanied by expenditure discipline, transparency and accountability. The public is entitled to expect that the sacrifices demanded through taxation will be matched by responsible management of public resources.

A timely appeal ahead of the Budget

As the Government prepares to present the 2027 Budget, there is an opportunity to reconsider certain aspects of the existing taxation framework. The purpose of this appeal is not to question the Government’s legitimate need to raise revenue or to undermine the economic reform program. It is to encourage a more balanced and equitable approach to achieving those objectives.

A taxation system must command public acceptance not merely because it is imposed by law, but because the principles underlying it are reasonable and defensible. The proposed separate treatment of employment income, with a common tax-free threshold followed by a uniform rate, is one such reform deserving serious consideration.

A good Budget is not measured solely by the amount of revenue it collects, but also by the fairness of the methods through which that revenue is raised and the economic value generated by its expenditure. The ultimate objective of taxation should be to strengthen the State without weakening the people and the productive economy that sustain it.

The country’s premier accounting body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) last week recorded a landmark milestone, surpassing 10,000 members for the first time in its 67-year history, underscoring the growing strength, influence and global reach of its membership.

The milestone was celebrated at the Institute’s Annual Convocation 2026, held at the BMICH, Colombo, where 545 new members were formally admitted to the profession, joining a network of Chartered Accountants who currently serve across over 40 countries around the globe.

CA Sri Lanka’s Chartered Accountants occupy some of the most influential leadership positions in business, government and professional practice. Its members serve as chairpersons, board directors, chief executive officers, chief financial officers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics and trusted advisers, contributing to the strategic direction and success of organisations across Sri Lanka and across the globe.

CA Sri Lanka President Tishan Subasinghe said that surpassing 10,000 members is far more than a numerical milestone. ‘It represents a vibrant and accomplished professional community that continues to shape businesses, institutions and economies both in Sri Lanka and around the world. Our members are creating value not only as finance professionals, but also as business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and trusted advisers.’

He said that the milestone demonstrates the continued strength of the globally recognised CA Sri Lanka qualification and the Institute’s success in developing professionals who combine technical expertise with leadership, integrity and strategic thinking.

Established by an Act of Parliament in 1959, CA Sri Lanka is recognised as the national body of accountants and the sole standard setter for accounting, auditing and sustainability reporting in Sri Lanka. The Institute is also entrusted with developing the profession, regulating its members and upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professional conduct.

Since inception, CA Sri Lanka members have been at the forefront of business and economic progress, steering organisations, strengthening accountability and influencing decisions that shape industries and communities. Today, their impact extends across all continents, where they serve as business leaders, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and trusted advisers in some of the most dynamic organisations both in Sri Lanka and overseas.

The CA Sri Lanka President also noted that as the global business environment continues to evolve amidst a technological revolution, Chartered Accountants are increasingly expected to drive strategic decision-making, sustainability, technological transformation and long-term value creation.

‘Surpassing 10,000 members marks an important new chapter for CA Sri Lanka and the profession as a whole. As the demands on business and the global economy continue to evolve, our responsibility is to ensure that our members remain at the forefront of change, equipped to lead with confidence, embrace innovation and create lasting value. CA Sri Lanka remains committed to nurturing a globally competitive profession that commands trust, drives progress and helps shape a more resilient and sustainable future for Sri Lanka and beyond,’ Subasinghe added.

Sri Lanka’s new Test Captain Kusal Mendis reached new heights in his illustrious cricket career by becoming the first player from his country to score a hundred on debut as Test Captain.

Mendis achieved this landmark on the third day of the first Test at Rawalpindi where he scored his 11th Test hundred to remain 117* by the close, putting his team within touching distance of Pakistan’s first innings total.

It was a very unique day for Sri Lanka that saw both the outgoing skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (167*) and the incoming skipper Mendis hitting centuries and adding a record 249* runs together to lift Sri Lanka from 155-4 to 404-4.

Mendis is the third player to achieve this landmark this year. He joined Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah – 105* and 51 against Bangladesh at Abu Dhabi on 9 October, and Zimbabwean Brian Bennett – 128 and 58 against Afghanistan at Sharjah on 5 November.

Mendis becomes the 37th player in the overall list that comprises 9 Captains from Australia, 6 from England, 3 from South Africa, 5 from India, 3 from West Indies, 4 from New Zealand, 4 from Zimbabwe, 1 from Bangladesh and 1 from Afghanistan.

Greg Chappell of Australia (123 and 109*) v West Indies at Brisbane, 1975 and Virat Kohli of India (115 and 141) v Australia at Adelaide in 2014 are the only two Captains to score a century in each innings of a Test on debut as Captain.

The highest individual score made by a player on debut as Test Captain is 367* by South Africa’s Wiann Mulder against Zimbabwe at Queen’s SC, Bulawayo in July 2025.

The current NPP Government will present its third Budget to Parliament on 12 November 2026. Among citizens’ many expectations, the Government also aims to deliver on its election manifesto commitments in this Budget. It will allocate the necessary funds to continue initiatives already underway since 2024. In my view, five national initiatives share overlapping sustainable development objectives, including building a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable nation. These are: (1) A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life (the NPP Government’s election manifesto), (2) Digital Economy, (3) Prajashakthi, (4) Clean Sri Lanka, and (5) the work of the Sustainable Development Council (SDC). The last is not a national-level initiative; however, it measures the country’s overall performance in development activities. These initiatives have distinct mandates and implementation mechanisms. However, they share a common aspiration from NPP’s Election Manifesto: to enhance people’s quality of life and well-being through economic progress, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

One might ask whether the new Budget brings new development projects. Whatever the outcome of the Budget proposals, the central question one should ask is not whether Sri Lanka needs more development initiatives, but how existing initiatives can be integrated into a coherent national development framework that delivers measurable benefits to communities, as the market and the state have not addressed the salient problems facing the community-the third pillar. Rajan, Raghuram G. (2019), in his book titled ‘The Third Pillar: How Markets and the State Leave the Community Behind’, argues that the state and markets have left communities behind.. The best option for aligning these three pillars is inclusive localism. This article shows how existing initiatives can be integrated into a coherent national development framework that delivers measurable community benefits.

Shared national goals, fragmented implementation

The NPP election manifesto, A Thriving Nation, sets out the overarching vision for economic and social transformation, or renaissance. The Digital Economy initiative promotes productivity, economic growth and development through technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and efficient public services. Prajashakthi focuses on reducing poverty, empowering communities, and supporting local economic development through Community Development Councils (CDCs) nationwide. Clean Sri Lanka emphasises environmental sustainability, ethical behaviour, civic responsibility, and social transformation. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Council, established under the Sustainable Development Act of 2017, promotes policy coherence and progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs have 17 goals, 169 targets and 234 unique global indicators. The Government initiatives mentioned above complement rather than compete with one another. However, without effective coordination, overlapping objectives may lead to duplicated activities, fragmented resource allocation, and missed opportunities for collaboration. The question then is how to integrate goals, funding allocation, monitoring and evaluation across all initiatives into a single framework while respecting original mandates. The next section will answer this question.

Eight capitals: The seeds of sustainable economic growth

Sri Lanka’s economy has grown at an annual rate of 4.5% since independence. This is the long-term growth rate, or structural rate of growth. Last year’s economic growth was 5%, slightly above the historical growth rate. The country has achieved many remarkable achievements in many areas except economic growth. To build a thriving nation and improve lives, higher per capita income is vital because Sri Lanka’s standard of living and well-being depend on the country’s ability to produce goods and services and increase income. However, according to SDC, the weakest area among all the 17 SDGs is decent economic growth. Economic growth and sustainable development do not occur in isolation. They depend on a nation’s capacity to develop, mobilise, and use its resources productively. Conventional economic analysis has emphasised investment in labour, human capital, physical capital, natural capital, and technological progress as major drivers of growth.

Jean Tirole, a winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, argues in his 2017 book, ‘Economics for the Common Good: Delve into Economics With A Nobel Prize Winner’, that economists have too much to learn from the social sciences and humanities. Andrew Leight, in his book How Economics Explains the World, beautifully explains how economic change has shaped the course of history. Economics helps us trace humanity’s progress from hunter-gatherer societies to the modern global economy. The Agricultural Revolution allowed for food surpluses and specialisation, and the Age of Sail, which facilitated global trade and colonisation, shaped the course of history. The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, dramatically improving living standards through technological innovations. The World Wars and subsequent economic theories shaped 20th-century policies, leading to periods of prosperity but also inequality. Throughout, geography, culture, technology, and institutions played crucial roles in determining economic success.

Many scholars argue that investing in conventional capital formation alone will not enrich community-level sustainability because the vulnerabilities and poverty communities face are multifaceted. Institutional economists such as Acemoglu, Robinson, and North stress that institutions shape economic development and material well-being. Adam Smith introduced the original economic conception of capital in 1777. Later, as the concept of capital broadened beyond its conventional economic meaning, sociologists also examined different forms of capital to enhance communities’ social well-being. These include cultural, economic, and social capital, as introduced by Pierre Bourdieu. James Coleman introduced social capital theory, while Lyda Judson Hanifan was among the earliest scholars to use the term. They used the notion of social capital in the context of community relationships and collective action. Amartya Sen’s foundational contributions include welfare economics, the capability approach to human development, social choice theory, and poverty analysis. Elinor Ostrom’s work on collective action and common-pool resource governance, as well as Robert David Putnam’s work on civic participation and social capital, are also particularly relevant to community development.

Political Economy uses three pillars-state, market, and community-to describe any country’s economic system. The market is an effective way to organise economic activity and drives innovation. Economics and politics are closely intertwined. The market has market failures, and the Government has Government failures, and both need each other to function properly. This does not mean the community should be ignored; the three pillars must be delicately balanced. In these circumstances, growth and sustainable development require a comprehensive understanding of the resource allocation and capabilities that underpin a nation’s long-term prosperity. Evaluating all perspectives mentioned above, the writer proposes the Integrated Eight-Capital Framework (IECF), which identifies eight interconnected foundations of growth and sustainable development: human, physical, natural, economic, social, cultural, institutional, and technological capitals. For details on the IECF, see the article published on 8 June, 2026[1].

These capitals are not unrelated or independent resources; they reinforce one another and collectively shape a nation’s ability to produce goods and services, build resilience, and support well-being. The IECF can be understood as the seeds of economic growth and sustainable development. Just as seeds require suitable conditions to grow, Government and the private sector should invest continuously in the formation of these capitals. Effective institutions, scientific knowledge, and community participation are needed to deliver lasting economic and social benefits. In fact, institutional capital can serve as a catalyst for capital.

For example, environmental conservation protects natural capital, and effective public institutions create the conditions for productive investment. Social trust, cultural values, and community cooperation facilitate collective action and enhance the effectiveness of development programmes. Investment in education and health strengthens human capital, while digital infrastructure and innovation enhance technological capital.

From this perspective, the forthcoming Budget should not be regarded simply as an annual statement of Government expenditure and revenue. It should also be viewed as a strategic instrument for developing the country’s eight capitals. This framework does not essentially require higher public expenditure. Instead, it demands more effective coordination, allocation, and evaluation of available resources. Public investment by the Government should be assessed by its contribution to capital formation, productivity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and long-term development outcomes.

Sri Lanka’s five national initiatives present an opportunity to adopt an integrated approach. By aligning their shared objectives with the Eight-Capital Framework, the Government could establish a common basis for planning, Budgeting, implementation, and monitoring. The fundamental question for the national Budget should therefore be: How effectively will public resources be allocated to strengthen the eight capitals underpinning Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic growth and development?

Five initiatives relate to the eight capitals. Clean Sri Lanka links cultural, natural, social and institutional capital. A Thriving Nation-Beautiful Life links all eight capitals. Digital Economy addresses technology, institutional, human and economic capitals, while Prajashakthi links to economic, institutional, human and social capital. SDC provides institutional capital and monitors across all eight capitals.

Budget as an investment instrument: Capital-based Budgeting

Normally, a Budget has two expenditure components: current expenditure and capital expenditure. If the Government allocates funds for investment that strengthens capital, one can claim the Budget is capital-based or development-oriented. A Budget proposal should also include measurable returns or quantifiable indicators for performance appraisal.

In this context, the writer would introduce Integrated Eight-Capital Budgeting (IECB) as an analytical framework. Under this framework, the Government could classify its development expenditure by the primary capital it strengthens, identify secondary capital benefits, and set measurable indicators for expected outcomes.

For example, investment in irrigation infrastructure would primarily strengthen physical capital, but could also improve natural capital through better water management, economic capital through increased agricultural productivity, and social capital through collective irrigation governance. This approach would help policymakers understand the broader developmental returns on public investment. The writer does not suggest that IECF replace prevailing systems of Government accounting, Budgeting, or fiscal reporting. Instead, it should supplement them by introducing a development-oriented perspective into Government resource allocation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Conclusion and way forward

The success of the five initiatives mentioned above depends on how far they have reached communities (third pillar). Inclusive localism matters for success; therefore, two important questions remain: first, how far those five initiatives have reached the community despite the fact that implementation of those initiatives has been completed for at least one year; the second question is how far our public sector workers, including field officers attached to national-level Government services and sub-national-level Government entities, have gone or how often they have visited their respective fields or communities, despite the fact that Sri Lanka has the largest public sector in South and Southeast Asia. The Government faces the challenging task of using the public sector effectively for the country’s development.

From an economic perspective, our argument is particularly interesting because conventional growth models implemented in Sri Lanka so far emphasise labour, human capital, physical capital, natural capital, and technological progress. Our proposed IECF extends the analysis by explicitly incorporating economic, cultural, social, and institutional capitals. The IECF can be used as the seeds for growth and sustainable development at community, divisional, district, provincial and national levels to integrate the activities and funding of all five-level initiatives and beyond.

The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL), in collaboration with the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL), is scheduled to conduct an Insurance Awareness Program in Rathnapura today under the national theme ‘Insurance for All: For a Secure Future’.

It forms part of IRCSL’s ongoing nationwide insurance awareness campaign aimed at enhancing public understanding of insurance, strengthening consumer confidence, promoting financial literacy, and encouraging greater insurance inclusion across Sri Lanka.

The initiative is being conducted with the participation and support of insurance industry stakeholders, reflecting the collective commitment of the industry towards improving insurance awareness and promoting access to appropriate insurance solutions among communities across the country.

The main public awareness program will be held at the District Secretariat Auditorium, Rathnapura, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.20 p.m. It will feature a series of informative presentations covering key areas of insurance, including life insurance, motor insurance, non-motor insurance, the Agrahara insurance scheme for public sector employees, the Suraksha insurance scheme for school students, and the role of insurance brokers in the insurance industry. A presentation on the role of IRCSL and its regulatory responsibilities will also be delivered.

Representatives from the insurance industry and relevant institutions will share their knowledge and expertise, providing participants with a better understanding of available insurance solutions, the importance of financial protection, and the role of insurance in managing unexpected financial risks. The programme will also include a question-and-answer session to facilitate interaction and clarify insurance-related matters.

In addition, IRCSL and IASL will conduct a dedicated awareness session for insurance advisors from 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. at the same venue. It will focus on ethical insurance practices and professional standards under the theme ‘Building Trust Through Ethical Insurance Practices’, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct, professionalism, and maintaining public confidence in the insurance industry.

Following the morning session, a roadshow featuring the propaganda vehicles of insurance companies will proceed through Rathnapura Town, creating further public awareness of insurance and its importance.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) is strengthening its commitment to sustainable development by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs seeking to invest in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Sri Lanka.

The initiative forms part of SDF’s broader focus on promoting green financing, sustainable entrepreneurship and the country’s transition towards cleaner mobility.

Through this initiative, SDF aims to facilitate the expansion of EV charging infrastructure by exploring suitable financing solutions for SMEs interested in establishing and operating charging stations. The program seeks to encourage entrepreneurship within the emerging EV ecosystem while creating new opportunities for businesses to contribute towards environmentally responsible economic development.

As a practical demonstration of this commitment, SDF is introducing an EV fast-charging facility at its Head Office in Colombo 08, with Vdrive, which is a fully owned subsidiary of Vidulanka PLC serving as the charging service provider. Located on Dr. Danister De Silva Mawatha, the facility will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, improving charging accessibility and convenience for EV users.

The facility is supported by a 70 kW solar power system, which also contributes to the SDF Head Office’s daily energy requirements. This integration demonstrates how renewable energy can support commercial operations while encouraging environmentally sustainable transport solutions.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer Nilantha Jayanetti said: ‘At SDF, we recognise that the transition towards a greener economy presents significant opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Our objective is to make sustainable investments more accessible by supporting businesses that wish to enter emerging sectors such as EV charging infrastructure. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage entrepreneurship, promote renewable energy adoption and create opportunities for communities across Sri Lanka to participate in the country’s transition towards environmentally responsible development.’

The initiative will focus not only on Colombo and its suburbs, but also with longer-term plans to support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure island wide. Through potential SME financing opportunities, SDF aims to encourage private-sector investment and contribute towards developing a more accessible charging network.

The program also aligns with SDF’s development financing approach, which prioritises SME growth, regional economic development and financial inclusion. By extending its sustainability agenda beyond urban centers, SDF seeks to encourage environmentally responsible investments among rural entrepreneurs and businesses.

Through its continued focus on green financing, renewable energy and sustainable enterprise development, SDF aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s EV infrastructure while empowering SMEs to participate in the country’s transition towards a more sustainable economy.

Hosts Bangladesh dashed Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals with a commanding 4-0 victory in the 15th SAFF Football Championship at the National Stadium in Dhaka under lights yesterday.

It was virtually one-way traffic as Bangladesh unleashed relentless pressure on the Lankan defence from the opening whistle, executing their game plan with precision and authority. Their two influential playmakers, Hamza Choudhary and Shamit Shome, proved a constant threat, orchestrating attacks and feeding the forwards with quality passes.

Bangladesh broke the deadlock in the eighth minute when Shamit Shome capitalised on another goalkeeping lapse by skipper Sujan Perera. Instead of collecting the ball cleanly, Perera opted to punch it away, allowing Shamit to unleash a powerful strike into the net.

The early breakthrough lifted the confidence of the hosts, who continued to dominate proceedings with a series of dangerous attacking moves. Their sustained pressure paid dividends when skipper Hamza Choudhary produced a stunning finish to double the lead before half-time.

Sri Lanka returned for the second half hoping to make amends, but Bangladesh remained firmly in control, denying the visitors any opportunity to stage a comeback. The hosts continued their relentless attacking approach and added two more goals through Farhan Ali Wahid and Rakin Hossain to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

The emphatic triumph secured Bangladesh a place in Saturday’s semi-finals, while Sri Lanka were left to rue a disappointing campaign after failing to withstand the hosts’ attacking onslaught.