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Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication of the Community Based Corrections (Amendment) Bill in the Government gazette and its subsequent submission to Parliament for approval.

On 7 April 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved to amend the Community Based Corrections Act, No. 46 of 1999, by updating its provisions to enable more effective enforcement of the law in dealing with repeat offenders.

Following that approval, the Legal Draftsman prepared the amendment Bill, which has since received clearance from the Attorney General.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

In an increasingly unpredictable business environment, resilience is no longer simply an operational priority-it is a boardroom imperative. Geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain disruption, cyber threats, rapid technological change and shifting stakeholder expectations are creating a risk landscape in which boards must look beyond traditional oversight and actively prepare their organisations for what may come next.

Against this backdrop, the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), in collaboration with EY, will present ‘Resilient Boards Amidst Rising Risks’, an Independent Non-Executive Directors (INED) Forum discussion on 10 September 2026, from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. at the Courtyard, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

The forum is designed to bring the conversation on risk directly into the boardroom, examining how directors can strengthen independent oversight, challenge management constructively and ensure that organisations are equipped not only to withstand disruption, but also to respond, recover and adapt.

Among the principal risks currently requiring board attention are geopolitical events, supply-chain disruptions and cyberattacks and data breaches. These are compounded by organisational challenges including misaligned cultures, digital disruption, succession planning and talent-related risks.

While many of these issues are common across industries, every board must determine which risks are most likely to materially affect its organisation. This requires a clear and continuing dialogue between the board and management on the effectiveness of risk-assessment processes, monitoring mechanisms and organisational preparedness.

Importantly, risk cannot be treated as an annual compliance exercise. It must be an ongoing strategic conversation. Boards need to critically examine corporate strategy against material and emerging risks, question whether adequate safeguards and response mechanisms are in place, and consider the appropriate trade-off between risk management, investment and cost pressures.

Bringing a significant regional perspective to the discussion will be Guest Speaker EY-Parthenon Senior Partner and ASEAN Energy Leader Sanjeev Gupta.

With more than three decades of experience, Gupta is a leading advisor in energy, infrastructure and transformation. He has advised governments, global energy companies, sovereign investors and private equity firms on more than 1,000 engagements representing over $ 400 billion in value. His expertise extends across conventional and emerging energy sectors, including carbon capture, hydrogen, small modular reactors, biofuels and AI-enabled transformation.

Gupta is also an Accredited Listed Companies Board Director certified by the Singapore Institute of Directors, and has extensive experience advising major corporates and their boards as a senior advisor. His executive education includes programmes at INSEAD, Harvard University and the University of Texas at Dallas.

Joining him will be an experienced panel of corporate and board leaders: Hirdaramani Group Director and Hirdaramani International Exports Managing Partner Ranil Pathirana, EY Sri Lanka former Managing Partner and Independent Non-Executive Director on several Boards Manil Jayesinghe, and Phoenix Industries Ltd., Chairman and Brandix Lanka Ltd., Group Audit Committee Chairman Nihal Fonseka.

The discussion will be moderated by Maharaja Foods PLC Chairman Imran Furkan.

Together, the speakers will explore the practical responsibilities of boards in strengthening independent oversight, risk management, management accountability, stakeholder trust and post-crisis recovery, while examining how directors can help organisations move from reactive risk management towards genuine resilience.

The forum is particularly relevant for chairpersons, executive and independent non-executive directors, CEOs and C-suite executives, audit and risk committee members, senior finance and risk professionals, company secretaries, governance professionals and emerging board leaders.

As disruption becomes increasingly difficult to predict, the strength of an organisation may ultimately depend on the preparedness, judgement and foresight of those around the boardroom table. For registrations and further information, contact SLID on +94 76 545 4279 or [email protected].

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal yesterday said Sri Lanka will need to produce around 5,000 qualified solar power technicians each year to support the installation of some 600 MW of solar capacity annually and remain on track to achieve its target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Addressing the media, he warned that the rapid expansion of the solar industry could be constrained by a shortage of professionally qualified technicians, limited training capacity and a lack of specialised solar consultants.

Over 1,000 companies have obtained licences from the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) to import and install solar systems, with around 10,000 people currently employed in the sector. However, a significant proportion of the workforce does not possess recognised professional qualifications, he said.

‘The expansion of renewable energy must be supported by a workforce with the necessary technical skills and professional qualifications,’ Prof. Chandralal said, stressing that properly trained technicians were essential for the quality and reliability of installations, electrical safety and the long-term sustainability of the sector.

To address the skills gap, the SLSEA and PUCSL have launched a program targeting the training of 5,000 solar technicians, 100 instructors and inspectors. Around 1,500 technicians have already been trained.

A special program is also being implemented to enable experienced technicians to obtain NVQ Level 3 qualifications in solar technology free of charge through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system. Technicians with more than two years of industry experience will be eligible to have their existing skills formally assessed and recognised.

The move to formalise the sector comes as regulations issued by the Sri Lanka Engineering Council introduce mandatory professional qualifications for solar technicians.

Under the new requirements, NVQ Level 3 will be the minimum qualification for practicing as a solar energy technician from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2029.

From 1 January 2030, technicians will need to hold NVQ Level 4 in Solar Energy Technology and be registered with the Sri Lanka Engineering Council as Engineering Technicians.

Prof. Chandralal said the phased requirements would raise professional standards while improving the safety and quality of solar installations as the industry expands rapidly.

The PUCSL Chairman also highlighted a parallel program to formalise qualifications for refrigeration, air conditioning, and vehicle air conditioning technicians.

The National Ozone Unit of the Environment Ministry and PUCSL are implementing an islandwide program to provide free NVQ Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications to technicians in these fields.

The Sri Lanka Engineering Council issued regulations on 7 July 2026 governing the practice of refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, mobile air conditioning technicians, and qualified technicians in these fields.

As with solar technicians, NVQ Level 3 will become the minimum qualification from January 2028 through December 2029, followed by a requirement from 2030 for the relevant NVQ Level 4 qualification and registration with the Engineering Council.

Prof. Chandralal said the qualification programs would allow experienced technicians to formally recognise their existing skills while strengthening technical standards, electrical safety, and Sri Lanka’s environmental protection commitments.

The Colombo stock market rebounded yesterday with investor sentiment buoyed by falling Treasury Bill yields.

With 126 counters ending in green against 84 in red, the ASPI ended up 0.33% or 69.47 points at 21,395.11 and the active S and P SL20 ended up 0.2% or 11.75 points at 5,995.25.

Turnover was over Rs. 2.4 billion on over 118.1 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 68.3 million.

The top contributors to the ASPI was CINS, HAYC, RCL, DIPD and AEL and negative contributors were JKH, BIL, BREW, HNB and CARS.

First Capital Research said declining T-Bill rates helped boost investor confidence. The bourse gained momentum supported by buying interest following the decline in T-Bill yields at the weekly auction, alongside increased participation from both retail and HNW investors compared to the previous session. Investor interest was evident in export-oriented and materials sector companies.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 26%, followed by the materials and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 41%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Renuka Foods, Dipped Products and John Keells Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel Finance, Haycarb and Alumex whilst retail interest was noted in UB Finance Company, Browns Investments and Softlogic Capital.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Renuka Foods whilst the sector index gained 0.85%. The share price of Renuka Foods decreased by 60 cents to close at Rs. 25.90.

The materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Dipped Products and Haycarb whilst the sector index increased by 2.93%. The share price of Dipped Products moved up by Rs. 3.50 to close at Rs. 61.60 and Haycarb appreciated by Rs. 12.50 to close at Rs. 215.50.

Vallibel Finance and John Keells Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Vallibel Finance lost Rs. 4.20 to close at Rs. 86.80 and John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 19.50.

The Ananda Business Network (R) successfully hosted the Anandia Golfers Tournament 2026 at the historic Royal Colombo Golf Club on 9 August, bringing together old Anandians from across generations for a day of friendly competition, networking, and camaraderie.

The tournament holds a unique distinction as Sri Lanka’s only golf tournament organised by a single school alumni network, highlighting the enduring bonds and strong sense of community shared among past pupils of Ananda College.

This year’s event attracted 36 participants representing a wide range of age groups and professional backgrounds, united by their common alma mater. The competition was played in the Stableford format, providing an engaging and competitive experience for golfers of varying skill levels.

Following the tournament, participants and distinguished guests attended an evening cocktail reception, which provided an opportunity for fellowship and networking. Among the notable attendees were Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Defence Former Secretary and Old Anandians Sports Club President General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd.), whose presence further underscored the significance of the event within the Anandian community.

Ananda Business Network President Primal Wijenayake noted that the tournament continues to strengthen the connections among Anandians while promoting sportsmanship, networking, and lifelong friendships.

M.D. Gunasena, Sri Lanka’s premier publisher, recently launched an innovative new chapter book for young readers-Adventure Don and the Sea Turtle Rescue, at an exclusive event hosted at the company’s Visakha branch bookshop.

Written and illustrated by Roshenka Jayamaha, this is the first book in an ongoing series, and is designed to take Sri Lankan storytelling to new heights, delivering a world-class piece of children’s literature that can shine on a global stage. This work is also billed as a first for Sri Lanka, in terms of the features and elements that come together to enhance the story-on the page and beyond. Experiences and activities incorporated into the series ecosystem include a theme song, interactive digital quiz, collectible Guardian Badge, personalised certificate, specialist character and wildlife fact cards, activity sheets (given at select events), learning resources, and access to a soon-to-be-launched reading club. These elements invite children to step into the Adventure Don world and deliver a one-of-a-kind, truly multi-faceted and engaging reading experience.

At the launch event, M.D. Gunasena Managing Director Rajiv Gunasena handed over the first official copy of the book to the author and illustrator, and the ebook which can be found on the Gurulogomi.lk app was also launched.

Daybridge International School Founder and Director Iromi Weerasinghe presented the formal review, and the author conducted a special reading for the VIP young readers in attendance. She also gifted her son the first copy of the book, and all the young readers present received a special edition Adventure Don activity kit to commemorate their participation in this historical launch.

Built on a legacy of excellence

Commenting on the company’s rich history as Sri Lanka’s premier publishing house and bookstore, Rajiv Gunasena said: ‘Every great story begins with someone who dared to imagine, and every great society is built by people who first learned to imagine. For 113 years, M.D. Gunasena has had the extraordinary privilege of witnessing this transformation. Every book we publish carries with it a simple hope-that somewhere, someone’s life will be transformed by what they read. Our books must: Help build character, spark curiosity, shape values and inspire courage. Above all, they remind us that the future belongs to those who have the courage to think differently, dream boldly, and turn those dreams into reality.’

The importance of Adventure Don and the author’s distinct voice and style

Commenting on the author’s work and style, he stated, ‘When I met Roshenka, I saw someone with a rare gift. Not simply the ability to write. Many people can write. But very few can create worlds that children genuinely want to live in. As I listened to her speak about her ideas, I was reminded of the qualities that made writers such as Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and J. K. Rowling beloved across generations. They never spoke down to children. They respected their imagination. They trusted children to understand courage, kindness, humour, friendship, and hope. I saw that same belief in Roshenka. Not that she should become another Roald Dahl or another J. K. Rowling. The world already has them. What the world needs is the first Roshenka. Every generation deserves its own storytellers-voices that understand the hopes, challenges, and dreams of children growing up today.’

The power of a well-told story

‘That is why Adventure Don is so important. Yes, it is an exciting adventure. Yes, it is imaginative. Yes, it has the humour, energy, and playful spirit that children love. But beneath every adventure lies an even greater message. It reminds children that heroes are not people with superpowers. Heroes are ordinary people who choose to care. Who choose to solve problems instead of ignoring them. Who choose kindness over indifference. Who believe that even one person-even one child-can change the world. The greatest gift we can give our children is not simply knowledge. It is purpose. A child who believes they can make a difference grows into an adult who does. And sometimes all it takes to plant that belief is one book…one story, one character, one sentence that whispers to a young reader, ‘Perhaps I can do that too.’ That is the true power of literature. It quietly changes lives long after the final page has been turned. Today is a milestone that should be cherished with great pride, and it is the start of an exciting journey. It has been a privilege for all of us at M.D. Gunasena to play a part in bringing Roshenka’s work to readers. We have every confidence that her passion, dedication, and talent will lead to many more books, many more readers, and a truly distinguished writing career. We are honoured to walk alongside her on that journey.’

A must-have in every library

An award-winning educational leader with a career spanning 40 years, Iromi Weerasinghe shared her professional reflections on this book and its value as a piece of children’s fiction for young readers: ‘In a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to get children to read, and they are constantly being pulled away by digital devices and distractions-this book offers so much to draw them back to reading. Firstly, it is wonderfully fast-paced, we start on Don’s birthday, and so much happens in those 24 hours, and the story also ends on his birthday, which is fabulous. Most of the time children get bored when a story drags on, but our author has delved into the plot and action very quickly. I believe that children will find it hard to put this book down. The concept of being a Guardian of the Wild is brilliant and will open up so many emotions in a child, inspiring them to learn about the environment, take responsibility for our planet, rescue animals and care about wildlife. The main character Don does all of this so beautifully-and these are aspects of the book that will really inspire young minds. This book is an absolute must-have in every library, and it offers a story that all children will want to reach for.’

Full of creative value and innovation

‘Some of the thematic aspects that stand out in the writing, are the focus on the family unit and wholesome values such as courage, self-acceptance, confidence and a spirit of determination-the author has artfully woven these into the book. The sound words are catchy, the layout outstanding, and the characters are truly lovable. The story is full of humour, wit and charm. The detailed wildlife fact sheets and nuggets of knowledge about loggerhead sea turtles in the book, make it interesting not just for children but also for adults. This book showcases the author’s truly fabulous imagination, and it is exactly what the children of our generation need. They don’t want stuffy slow-paced stories, today’s readers want action, pace, flair and adventure-and that’s what Adventure Don delivers in style. At the same time, this book shines a spotlight on the wonderfully ordinary moments of life, reminding readers to cherish the little things that truly matter. The digital quiz is another exciting feature; it gives children the option of getting a Guardian badge and certificate after they read the book. This provides them with a chance to engage more deeply with the story, and gives them an important tool for building their English comprehension and literacy skills. In Adventure Don, the author has crafted a beautiful, immersive world, with so many elements that come together seamlessly to deliver a reading and learning experience that is enriching, inspiring, educational and truly unforgettable.’

Written for readers aged 6-10, the story follows eight-year-old Don Rupert-the next Guardian of the Wild-who is sent on an unexpected mission to the sunny coast of Sri Lanka, where one hundred loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings are depending on him. Joined by his inventor dad Alex, his cheerful mum Rosy, his loyal dog Beau, and Berty his cool air-surf skateboard, Don must rise to the challenge of becoming a Guardian-a whole ten years too early! The series is also designed as a transitional reading tool to help young readers progress from picture books to chapter books. Each book will feature a unique mission, and several titles are in the pipeline.

A book series shaped by global experiences and a love for the wilderness

Roshenka Jayamaha brings a unique blend of storytelling, conservation, education and wellbeing knowledge to the Adventure Don series. With more than 17 years of experience in communications, public relations and journalism, she has worked with brands around the world, and was recognised as one of Campaign Asia’s Top 40 Women under 40 to Watch in Asia-Pacific Communications in 2019. Raised in Malawi, she attended Bishop Mackenzie International School and then graduated from Richmond the American International University in London. She got her start at leading telco Globe Internet and then worked for Central African Wilderness Safaris where she loved tracking black rhinos, running writing workshops for students in Liwonde, travelling by boat over the hippo and crocodile-filled waters of the Shire River to Mvuu Camp, flying up to the northern fringes of Nyika where Central Africa’s densest leopard population reside, and supporting the Children in the

Wilderness project. After her time at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Leo Burnett and her own consultancy, her love for the natural world and storytelling only grew further.

Inspired by coaching, communications, giving back and the arts

As a certified nutrition, sleep, stress management and recovery coach, Roshenka also runs workplace wellness programs for corporate teams as well as specialist nutrition and lifestyle management programs for women. She was featured on MSN as a global coach helping to shape health in 2025 and is passionate about teaching others more about healthy habits and living. Harnessing her years of communications experience, she also offers VP-level strategic content, writing and communications consulting, along with soft skills and language training to help brands and teams.

She also supports arts education by running the Atelier program by Fundación Parentes in Sri Lanka for the Crest Lanka Foundation. Aula Atelier is a methodology that transforms the plastic classroom into an art workshop that combines creation and critical thinking in children. A space where students develop the ability to look at the outside and inside world, and find new ways to express themselves through different artistic languages.

Roshenka also trains for her Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams at the Deanna School of Dancing and her ABRSM piano performance diploma at Soul Sounds Academy. It is her collective experiences, know-how and interests that she has poured into her work, to build a truly unique series with local roots, global wings and universal appeal. Through Adventure Don, Roshenka hopes to inspire children around the world to ‘read on’, as she strives to support both the national and international literacy, learning, reading, environmental and healthy living educational needs of the hour.

Roshenka addressed the VIP young readers gathered to celebrate the launch: Dinaren, Joses, Saathvik, Eveen, Tashiyana, Aara, Anah, Pia, Aadam, Kyla, Oshean, Archunan, Ariano, Asensio, Khalil, Maryam, Zane, Sayuru, Kyla, Nathan, Jayden, Eva, Bruce, Aidan, Aathithan and Ahilan. She extended her gratitude to her husband and son, her family, friends, well-wishers, special guest speaker Iromi Weerasinghe and Rajiv Gunasena for his bold vision and unwavering support, and belief that we can create high-quality stories right here in Sri Lanka-for the young readers of our island, as well those all around the world. The event was compeered by Chathura De Silva, and further supported by the M.D. Gunasena team.

Roshenka’s life has always been focused on family, friendship, faith, a commitment to learning and living in service. She concluded the launch by telling the young readers present that this story was theirs, and her hope was that it would inspire them to keep reading, shining, learning and reaching for the stars.

Adventure Don and the Sea Turtle Rescue is now available at M.D. Gunasena bookshops and it can also be ordered online at mdgunasena.com. Additional titles in the series are planned, including Adventure Don and the Elephant Escapade. Readers and global distributors can find out more at www.roshenkajayamaha.com

New Delhi these days is consumed by a number. India’s Statistics Ministry puts first-quarter real GDP growth at 7.8%, and the reaction has been extraordinary.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared it proof of the nation’s collective strength and accused critics of manufacturing despair; the Opposition countered that the figure was bloated by a base-year revision, and that, measured against the old series, growth would have come in closer to 2.6%. Economists and party spokesmen are now arguing past one another over a decimal point most could not correctly define under questioning.

In the home side of the Palk Strait, 2Q GDP results are expected this month, and one hopes Sri Lankan policymakers and experts are not watching the theatrics in India with watering mouths and dreaming up smart arguments. Spare us such theatre!

Our GDP growth has been unremarkable enough to escape fractious politicisation: 4.9% in 2Q 2025, roughly 5.4% in 3Q, 4.8% in 4Q, and 5.1% in 1Q 2026, a steady, boring recovery from the 2022 default. That quiet may not survive 2Q 2026, when growth is expected to have slowed sharply on the energy price shock from the Iran conflict and the closure of the country’s sole oil refinery. When that number lands, Colombo will face a choice: re-litigate it, or read it for what it is.

It is worth being precise about what the number represents, because both camps in Delhi are arguing about something never designed to bear the weight either side is putting on it.

GDP is not observed; it is constructed. Statistical agencies build it three ways, summing value added across sectors, expenditure by households, firms and Government, and incomes earned, then reconcile figures assembled from imperfect source data: tax filings, customs records, industrial surveys, and frameworks set by the UN’s System of National Accounts and, for quarterly estimates, the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Quarterly National Accounts Manual.

Early estimates are provisional and get revised, sometimes materially, as fuller data arrive. A base-year update is routine, internationally standard housekeeping, not a lever pulled to manufacture a headline.

That does not mean the number cannot be selectively presented or timed for political effect; it means it is far harder to simply invent than the shouting suggests.

Outright fabrication would require coordinating tax authorities, Customs data, electricity records, corporate filings and independent surveys simultaneously, a problem larger than any ministry can quietly solve.

The institutions that treat GDP as indispensable are narrower than the debate implies, and least inclined to treat it as gospel.

Central banks use it, alongside inflation and output-gap estimates, as one input into a rate decision, not the decision itself. The IMF and rating agencies use debt-to-GDP ratios to assess solvency, but apply their own adjustments and stress tests precisely because they know the denominator is an estimate, not a fixed fact. Bond markets price sovereign risk off GDP-linked metrics, but sophisticated investors triangulate against higher-frequency proxies, electricity generation, port throughput, and tax receipts, because a quarterly print arrives with a lag and a margin of error attached. None takes the headline as final; each treats it as one imperfect signal among several.

This is the standard Sri Lanka’s own discourse would do well to hold itself to when harder quarters arrive. The country’s structural challenges, a debt burden still being worked through under an IMF program, a narrow export base, dependence on imported energy, and a tax system still rebuilding its administration capacity to keep up revenue are already legible, regardless of whether next quarter’s print reads 3.8% or 4.8%.

Litigating GDP, as India is now doing with great sound and fury, would resolve none of them. It would simply substitute an abstraction for the argument that actually matters.