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Bloomfield, Negombo CC and BRC complete quarter-final line-up

Bloomfield beat Tamil Union outright by five wickets at the P. Sara Oval yesterday to qualify for a quarter-final place from Group A in the Under-23 Inter-Club 2-Day Tournament.

Joining Bloomfield for the last three quarter-final spots were Negombo CC from Group D and BRC from Group C.

Earlier, Moors SC from Group A, CCC and Chilaw Marians CC from Group B, Kurunegala YCC from Group C, and SSC from Group D had already assured themselves of a place in the quarter-finals.

Tamil Union’s batting faltered for a second time in the match, getting bowled out for 104, which left Bloomfield with the formal task of knocking off 53 for victory, which they achieved losing five wickets. Bloomfield scored 204 in their first innings, with former Sri Lanka U19 off-spinner Vihas Thewmika taking 6/67.

Negombo CC recovered from their overnight score of 117-4 in reply to Police SC’s first innings of 207 to total 283-7 declared and win on first innings at the Air Force Grounds, Katunayake. Thathsara Eshan was instrumental in Negombo CC gaining the win, scoring a defiant 95 off 159 balls (7 fours) and figuring in a vital seventh wicket stand of 69 with Kaveen Deneth (52* off 99 balls, 8 fours). Off-spinner Damith Kappagoda took 4/86.

Moors SC fell short by 30 runs to overhaul Ragama CC’s first innings of 183 despite a spirited knock of 71* off 86 balls (8 fours) from Sandaru Malshan at the Moors SC Grounds. Ragama CC in their second innings came up with a better batting display, scoring 338-8. Denura Dimansith made 137 off 184 balls (13 fours, 2 sixes) and shared a 114-run stand with Lahiru Abeysinghe (62 off 73 balls, 9 fours, 1 six). Off-spinner Sandaru Malshan took 5/89.

In the other matches concluded yesterday, CCC, SSC, Kandy Customs SC, Ace Capital CC, and United Southern SC won in the first innings.

The left-arm spin of Inuka Karannagoda (7/56) resulted in Leo CC being dismissed for 241 in reply to CCC’s first innings of 348 at the CCC Grounds. Salindu Pathirana alone stood tall, compiling a century off 108 balls (15 fours, 1 six) for Leo CC. CCC made 15-0 in their second innings when the match was called off before the start of the mandatory overs.

SSC took a first innings lead of 115, scoring 292 in reply to Panadura SC’s first innings of 177 at the SSC Grounds. SSC Captain Shevon Daniel went on to complete a fine century (121 off 144 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes) sharing a fourth wicket stand of 156 with Ranuda Somarathne (47). Off-spinner Malintha Silva picked up five wickets for 86. Panadura SC in their second innings scored 199-9, with Liviru Fernando notching 85 (108 balls, 14 fours) and off-spinner Malsha Fernando taking 5/74 for a match bag of 12/113.

Kandy Customs SC put up a marvellous all-round batting display to overhaul Kurunegala SC’s total of 314 by scoring 339 at the Welagedara Stadium. Helith Edirisinghe led the way with a compact 87 off 114 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) and Kaveesha Induwara scored 52 (62 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) in addition to five other batsmen making 25 or more.

Ace Capital CC came up with a similar batting display to overhaul BRC’s total of 387-6 declared at the BRC Grounds. Six batsmen made over 25 and played around Thisara Ekanayake’s knock of 143 off 173 balls (20 fours) as Ace Capital CC replied with 391-9. Off-spinner Tharushka Ashel took 4/108. Despite the loss, BRC qualified for the quarter-finals.

NCC and United Southern SC played out a thrilling draw at the NCC Grounds, with both sides in with a chance of pulling off an outright win. Chasing a target of 223, United Southern SC finished on 214-9, with NCC requiring one wicket and United Southern SC nine runs. Having already conceded first innings points on the first day, NCC tried their best to win outright by declaring at 244-7 courtesy a century – 107 off 118 balls (9 fours) – from Dineth Goonewardena, who added 142 with Yenula Dewthusa (64 off 83 balls, 8 fours), but ran out of time.

Like Badureliya CC the previous week, Nugegoda SWC went on a run splurge to no avail as their fixture against Navy SC ended in a tame draw at the Panadura esplanade. Nugegoda SWC ran up the highest total of the tournament, scoring 661-6 declared, a larger part of the runs coming off the bat of former Peterite opener Lahiru Dawatage, who went on to complete a triple century – 314 off 321 balls (36 fours, 3 sixes) – and Sandun Mendis (124* off 180 balls, 15 fours). The two shared a double-century stand of 267 for the sixth wicket. Navy SC in reply scored 149-7. – [ST]

Hayleys Agriculture opens Sri Lanka’s first frozen concentrated coconut water manufacturing facility

Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd., recently marked another milestone with the opening of Hayleys Nature Nest Ltd., Sri Lanka’s first of its kind frozen concentrated coconut water manufacturing facility.

This state-of-the-art facility represents another significant step in our journey to create greater value from Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural resources. By transforming locally sourced coconut water into premium concentrated coconut water for export markets, Hayleys Nature Nest strengthens our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and value-added agricultural exports.

Beyond expanding its global footprint, this investment supports local coconut growers and communities while contributing to increased export earnings and the long-term growth of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. Hayleys Agriculture said as it celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality agricultural solutions that create value for stakeholders and showcase the best of Sri Lanka to the world.

Sokoto kicks off 2026 malaria prevention campaign for children

Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has inaugurated this year’s seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign, targeting children aged three to 59 months during the peak rainy season.

At the launch, the governor commended the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the Malaria Consortium, the state Commissioner of Health and the Sokoto State Malaria Elimination Agency for sustaining the yearly intervention.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reduce the burden of malaria and other diseases nationwide, thanking traditional and religious leaders, local government chairmen and mass distributors who administer the vaccines from house to house.

‘Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge, especially during the rainy season when mosquito breeding grounds become rampant, and it often claims the lives of our children,’ Aliyu said, adding that the seasonal chemoprevention strategy can reduce malaria cases by up to 75 per cent, cutting hospital visits.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, said the health sector remains a priority on the governor’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, noting improvements in infrastructure, manpower and service delivery across primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities. He said the ministry and its agencies were committed to policies that sustain these gains.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, commended the governor’s commitment to healthcare and pledged the traditional institution’s support in mobilising residents to participate in the exercise.

LTV limits to remain for vehicle imports: CBSL

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday said the loan-to-value (LTV) restrictions on lending for motor vehicles and gold-backed loans will remain in place as macroprudential measures.

Responding to a question on whether the expected moderation in vehicle import of the vehicle import surcharge or would depend on the continuation of the tighter LTV limits, he said there is no indication that the Government intends to change or suspend the surcharge.

Dr. Weerasinghe also clarified that the surcharge is a policy decision of the Finance Ministry.

‘The CBSL cannot commit to whether the surcharge will be retained or removed, as any decision would be made by the Finance Ministry in consultation with the CBSL,’ he added.

However, he said the continued LTV limits is a measure intended to promote prudent lending practices among banks and finance companies, strengthen risk management, and help safeguard financial system stability.

Lankan Professor co-edits Scopus Q1 International Finance Volume honouring legendary scholar

Sri Lanka has added another milestone to its global academic achievements with the publication of Review of Finance Literature – Volume 6, an internationally recognised scholarly volume published by Emerald Publishing.

The book is indexed in Scopus (Q1) and SCImago Journal Rank (Q1), with an impressive 2025 CiteScore of 8.4, reflecting its significant scholarly impact and international standing. The publication is believed to be the first-ever finance book edited by a Sri Lankan academic to be indexed in both Scopus (Q1) and the SCImago Journal Rank (Q1), achieving an outstanding 2025 CiteScore of 8.4.

The volume is co-edited by Professor Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, together with Professor H. Kent Baker (American University, USA), Professor Jitender Kumar (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, India), and Dr. Shubham Singhania (FORE School of Management, India).

As the sixth volume in Emerald Publishing’s prestigious Review of Management Literature series, the book brings together internationally recognised scholars to synthesise contemporary knowledge and identify future research directions in finance.

A tribute to Professor H. Kent Baker

The publication carries profound emotional significance, as it was completed during Professor H. Kent Baker’s passing, an internationally renowned finance scholar whose work transformed the fields of behavioural and corporate finance. Ranked among the world’s top 1% of finance scholars by the Journal of Finance, Professor Baker was celebrated not only for his exceptional research achievements but also for his generosity as a mentor to researchers worldwide.

The editors dedicated the volume to his memory through a special preface titled ‘In Memory of Professor H. Kent Baker.’ The tribute acknowledges Professor Baker’s extraordinary academic legacy, unwavering commitment to research excellence, and his remarkable mentorship that inspired generations of scholars across the globe.

Professor Dewasiri noted that Professor Baker was not only a distinguished co-editor but also an exceptional mentor whose guidance, generosity, and scholarly vision profoundly influenced the development of the Review of Finance Literature series.

A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Finance

The volume comprises 11 comprehensive review chapters covering some of the most significant and emerging areas in global finance, including:

Asset-based mutual fund performance

Loan portfolio diversification in banking

Financial news and stock market volatility

Microfinance

Sustainability-oriented investor activism

Climate risk and financial stability

Women’s financial literacy

Forensic accounting

Corporate governance in family firms

Non-performing loans

Financial inclusion

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Union Green Taxonomy

Among these contributions is a chapter co-authored by Professor Dewasiri titled ‘Non-Performing Loans: An Integrative Review of Theoretical Foundations and Empirical Trends Through Bibliometric and Systematic Analysis,’ highlighting Sri Lanka’s growing contribution to international finance scholarship.

Global collaboration with lasting impact

The volume reflects a successful collaboration among researchers from leading universities across Asia and North America. Beyond synthesising existing knowledge, the publication identifies research gaps, proposes future research agendas, and serves as a valuable reference for academics, doctoral researchers, policymakers, and finance professionals worldwide.

According to Professor Dewasiri, the objective of the series is to consolidate fragmented knowledge, provide evidence-based insights into emerging areas of finance, and facilitate the development of impactful future research.

Strengthening Sri Lanka’s global research reputation

Professor Dewasiri’s role as co-editor of this internationally recognised publication further reinforces Sri Lanka’s growing presence within the global research community. His contribution demonstrates the increasing involvement of Sri Lankan academics in leading international publishing initiatives and high-impact scholarly collaborations.

Published by Emerald Publishing, Review of Finance Literature – Volume 6 represents an important addition to the finance literature and is expected to become an essential reference for researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, and practitioners seeking a comprehensive understanding of contemporary developments in banking and finance. The publication further highlights Sri Lanka’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to global knowledge creation while showcasing the country’s academic excellence on the international stage. For more information about the publication, readers may visit the official Emerald Publishing page: https://www.emerald.com/books/edited-volume/21518/Review-of-Finance-Literature

No presidency for me, Fashola declares

Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has ruled out contesting for the presidency, saying he has no such ambition.

Speaking on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola gave a blunt response when asked if he would run for president.

‘No,’ he said.

When pressed further, he replied with a smile, ‘President of what? I’m president at home.’

Reflecting on his years in public service, Fashola described the experience as a privilege.

‘My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope that it, in some way, inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country,’ he said.

He added that Nigeria remains a land of opportunity, with many stories of ‘rags to riches and grass to grace.’

On how he hopes to be remembered, Fashola said: ‘Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place.’

The former governor also confirmed he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but stressed, ‘There is a thin line between intervention and interference.’

Fashola urged Nigerians to protect the judiciary, backed a vibrant opposition, expressed support for state police, and said tackling Lagos flooding requires both government action and public cooperation. He also said President Bola Tinubu is pursuing important fiscal and monetary reforms while carrying greater national responsibilities.

2027: Resort to attacks confirms Tinubu is afraid of election – APM

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has disclosed that the Presidency’s resort to ‘diatribes and disparagement’ against the Presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 Presidential election, Governor Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is nervous about the coming election.

Reacting to an interview by Presidential Spokesman, Daniel Bwala, the opposition party said the Presidency constant attack on Makinde has further confirms that President Tinubu no longer command the support of majority of Nigerians ahead of the elections.

Abubakar Yusuf, National Publicity Secretary of the party in a statement in Abuja said, the 2027 Presidential race would be between Governor Makinde, standing with millions of Nigerians who are determined for a new beginning, adding that President Tinubu ‘only has the feeble support of a handful of sycophantic and arrogant citizens.’

While speaking about the performance of Seyi Makinde in Oyo State, APM said the Presidency is already been ‘intimidated because it has no tangible scorecard of achievements to present to the people.’

APM said because of the prevailing situation, ‘Nigerians across board has reached a consensus to replace President Tinubu with Governor Makinde at the 2027 election given Makinde’s outstanding performance as Governor of Oyo State.

‘President Tinubu should be jittery because Governor Makinde is coming into the contest with an intimidating record of performance including transforming Oyo State to a foremost economically viable state, surpassing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, according to data from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), a feat Nigerians want him to replicate at the national level.

‘The Tinubu Presidency is edgy because Nigerians are determined and eager to elect Governor Seyi Makinde, so that they can enjoy the benefits of his blueprint to revamp the economy, rejig our security architecture, rebuild collapse infrastructure, revitalize the productive sectors, end corruption and bring a new lease of life to the people.’

APM lamented that for the Presidency to suggest that a Presidential candidate with such army of support is ‘inconsequential’ says more about the anxiety within the corridors of power than it does about the candidate.’

The APM said while it will not be drawn into a war of words, their focus remains on issues, adding that when ‘spokespersons of a government resort to name-calling rather than addressing issues, then they have nothing substantial to offer.

‘We therefore counsel those speaking for the Presidency to engage Nigerians with issues or advice their principal to withdraw from the race if he has nothing to offer.’

Robin Padilla: ‘One-sided’ remark was a call for ‘fairness’

Sen. Robinhood Padilla clarified that his call for prosecutors not to be ‘one-sided’ was a call for fairness, particularly in allowing senator-judges facing cases but not convicted to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

He explained that his remark stemmed from a discussion on whether a previous conviction automatically disqualifies a witness from testifying, which he then related to the possibility of allowing senators facing cases to participate in the Duterte trial.

‘That was my point when I said not to be one-sided. This is not about favoring a witness or a senator-judge. What I am calling for is fairness,’ Padilla said in Filipino in a statement released Wednesday night.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Padilla asked the prosecution whether a person convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude could still serve as a witness.

He also asked the prosecution to avoid presenting witnesses with perjury cases, such as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc and Senior Agent John Mark Calilung.

Rep. Gerville Luistro, the lead prosecutor, replied that they were able to verify that there are no pending cases against their witnesses, and a previous conviction is not a ground for disqualifying a witness, to which Padilla replied in Filipino: ‘You know, your answer was very good. I hope our prosecution will not be one-sided.’

Padilla’s remark drew criticism and prompted Luistro to explain in a press conference after the trial on Wednesday that the impeachment proceedings are adversarial in nature, so the prosecution is expected to establish its case while the defense is tasked with defending the respondent.

Padilla then wrote in Filipino in a Facebook post on Thursday that ‘the prosecution’s role is not to win, but to pursue the truth and protect the innocent.’

In his statement on Wednesday, Padilla cited a previous interview in which Rep. Leila de Lima, a House prosecutor, discussed the possible application of the principle in Avelino v. Cuenco in determining the Senate’s ‘functional base’ for computing the two-thirds vote required for conviction.

Padilla quoted de Lima as saying, ‘Why include in the number… the senator-judges who don’t function because they are not present?’

According to him, de Lima explained that the two-thirds conviction threshold would change from 16 to 15 or 14 votes since not all 24 senator-judges are present and part of the ‘functional base.’

Padilla clarified that he was not saying that the same legal rules should apply to witnesses and senator-judges, but maintained his call for ‘fairness.’

‘If a witness is not automatically disqualified despite having a conviction, why is the possibility being discussed that senator-judges who have cases but have not been convicted may be unable to participate and eventually be excluded from the functional base?’ he said in Filipino.

Sens. Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada are both detained after being separately arrested on plunder charges. Another ally, Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, remains in hiding over an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with the case alleging former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity.

All three have so far been unable to participate in the impeachment trial against the vice president.

Padilla, a self-proclaimed ally of the Duterte family, maintained that all available legal and procedural avenues should first be exhausted to allow senator-judges to participate before considering their exclusion from the conviction threshold.

‘If court permission is needed, then let us seek it. If the Senate needs to deliberate on it, then let us deliberate. But before discussing who should be excluded from the count, let us first exhaust all legal means to give everyone the opportunity to perform their duty,’ Padilla said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero previously ruled that 16 votes remain the threshold for conviction, with the two-thirds computed based on all 24 members of the Senate, regardless of who is physically present

In line of duty!

People do many things in the line of duty. Officially, a job done well is recognised and the worker rewarded. In the military, an officer or a soldier is decorated if he pays the supreme price in the line of duty. But what happens where the person dies in action in the heat of intimacy, as revealed about a former military leader in a book by a retired security operative?

Do we institute an award for that too since the act, though unofficial, happened within official environments? Over to legal experts.

Police file raps vs Negros Occ board member linked to e-sabong

The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has filed criminal and administrative complaints against Negros Occidental 3rd District Board Member Andrew Gerard Montelibano before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The complaints were filed on July 20, by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), the PRO NIR confirmed in a press statement on Thursday, July 23.

The regional police command did not specify the charges it lodged against Montelibano who was tagged for alleged links to an illegal online sabong operation in a property his family corporation owned in Barangay Alicante of E.B. Magalona town.

The illegal activity was discovered following an arrest operation against a wanted person in Negros Occidental on July 8.

Montelibano on Thursday told the Inquirer he could not give a comment yet about the RSOG charges as he was not aware of the filing of the complaints.

The PRO NIR emphasized that the filing and receipt of these complaints are part of the legal process and should not be construed as a determination of guilt.

The PRO NIR refrained from discussing the specific details, evidence, and allegations contained in the complaints, as these are now under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman and remain subject to its evaluation.

The police command said any further disclosure may unduly affect the proceedings and, as such, will defer to the proper legal process.

‘The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the rule of law through professional, impartial, and evidence-based law enforcement, while respecting the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman in the disposition of the complaints,’ the PRO NIR said.

Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO NIR director, at a press conference on July 9, said Montelibano has been named a ‘person of interest’ following the discovery of a multi-million peso illegal online cockfighting (e-sabong) operation located on his property in E.B. Magalona town

A police manhunt operation for a person wanted for murder and frustrated murder, led to the discovery of the alleged e-sabong operations and the arrest of four individuals in Hacienda Pilar, Barangay Alicante.

Montelibano said he was not aware that e-sabong operations were happening on his property and he is not part of that business.

He said a certain Ricky, whom he has never met, rented the property through his family corporation’s office