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Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti has urged the immediate establishment of an Investigations and Raids Unit within the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to enhance oversight and accountability.

The Sri Lanka Police have launched a special investigation into the conduct of officers involved in the arrest of the suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, following the circulation of video footage of the arrest on social media.

Speaking to the media, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has paid special attention to the matter and directed that the inquiry be carried out by a special investigation unit.

‘The probe will focus on the recording and public dissemination of the arrest video, which quickly spread across multiple social media platforms,’ he added. ASP Wootler noted that publicising such footage, while a case is under judicial consideration could potentially interfere with court proceedings and affect the rights of the aggrieved parties.

The suspect, identified as the alleged gunman in the murder of the Weligama PS Chairman, was arrested in the Navinna area in Maharagama on 26 October.

Meanwhile, legal experts have expressed serious concern over the growing trend of Police officers sharing videos of suspects on mainstream and social media. They warned that such practices could compromise investigations and undermine the integrity of future prosecutions.

Former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Saliya Pieris PC, in a Facebook post, stressed that arrests and criminal investigations must be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

He cautioned that ‘parading suspects before the media, obtaining voice cuts from them, and circulating those clips on media and social media platforms may thrill certain sections of the public, but will not help the prosecution once the trial begins.’

The incident has reignited debate over ethical standards and media protocols governing law enforcement, with legal professionals calling for strict adherence to due process and the protection of suspects’ rights until proven guilty in courts.

Recognition of Award Winners of ‘CNCI Achiever Awards 2025’ for industrial excellence was held in Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, Colombo on 23 October 2025. This event is annually organised by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI), an Industrial Chamber in the country to recognise and reward the Sri Lankan industrialists for their achievements and excellence displayed in the manufacturing and service sectors.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering she said, ‘A micro-level enterprise of today can be a giant business in a few years if it progresses on the correct track. CNCI will be a great source of strength in bringing about a more enabling environment, especially for the SME sector.’ Prime Minister added, ‘We must support their expansions, innovations and motivate them to penetrate into new markets. Hence recognition through awards of this nature is extremely important in encouraging our local industries. CNCI has been a dedicated service facilitator, supporter, and promoter for all the manufacturing and service sectors in the country.’

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Ambassador of the Republic of Trkiye Semih Lutfu Turgut, participated as Special Guests.

Distinguished gathering of more than 500 participants, including top corporate sector industrialists, Government officials, foreign ambassadors, diplomats, industrial sector representatives, and award winners, joined to witness the grand event of the CNCI Achiever Awards 2025.

CNCI Chairman Pradeep Kahawalage delivered the welcome speech. In his statement, he mentioned that, ‘Industrialists in Sri Lanka should be given ‘pride of place’ as they are a vital facet of nation’s success and they generate employment providing a higher standard of living to society.’

CNCI Secretary General Major General (Retd.) Samantha Wickaramsena, delivered the vote of thanks.

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has announced a landmark partnership with Yevan David, Sri Lanka’s first FIA Formula 3 motor racing driver, who has risen to prominence in the international sporting world with multiple victories in globally acclaimed sports races.

Yevan is a racing prodigy who has already created waves in international motorsports. Currently driving for Team Motopark in Europe, Yevan participated in the 2025 Euroformula Open, receiving the Rookie Championship title and finishing second overall, marking a defining chapter in his career. He is now geared to make history in 2026, as the first Sri Lankan to compete at the FIA Formula 3 Championship, which is one of the world’s most prestigious racing competitions.

Nations Trust Bank Chief Marketing Officer Sanjaya Senarath said, ‘We’re excited to partner with Yevan, whose journey resonates with our brand ethos of inspiring progress and pushing boundaries to achieve success. Yevan’s dedication, discipline, and global achievements are admirable. We look forward to supporting him as he continues to make his mark in motorsport history.’

Yevan David said, ‘It’s a privilege to partner with Nations Trust Bank, and have their support in this incredible journey. I hope to inspire the next generation to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly.’

This partnership emphasises Nations Trust Bank’s commitment to enriching lifestyle experiences and promoting sports such as motorsports, and nurturing the growth of talented young individuals who bring pride to Sri Lanka.

MAS Holdings defeated Hayleys 58-34 in the Division-D women’s finals of the 33rd Mercantile Services Basketball Association League tournament held at the Royal College (indoor) stadium. At half time MAS led 38-17.

Hasini Rajapakshe led the winning outfit as Captain along with Vishmi Dias as Vice-Captain.

Mihiri Alwis (MAS) won the Ranil Ganewatte Memorial Award for Best Player in Division-D for her splendid display throughout the tournament, which included scoring 25 points in the grand finale. The MAS Holdings team was coached by Ismail Salahudeen (Coach) and Joshua Siriwardena (Assistant Coach), both of whom are part of their men’s team.

Team MAS Holdings comprised players from Bodyline, Intimates, Capital, Active, Linea Aqua, Silueta, Innovation, Kreeda, and Legato.

Hasini Rajapakshe (Captain), Vishmi Dias (Vice-Captain), Nimesha Wijewardhana, Chamali Perera, Sasini Senarath, Heyshya Sri Chandrasekara, Janithri Karunasekara, Ashethra Fernando, Amanda Siriwardena, Mihiri Alwis, Chathuni Kandawinna, Supipi Dilhara, Dilini Hasanka, Jayani Ekanayake, Ismail Salahudeen (Coach), and Joshua Siriwardena (Assistant Coach)

Overall results

LSEG 43 beat 20 MAS (LSEG Group Champs) MAS 47 beat 23 JKH (HT 27-08)

Semi-final – MAS 42 beat 18 WSO2 (HT 25-00)

Final – MAS 58 beat 34 Hayleys (HT 38-17)

Sri Lanka’s international tourism connectivity received a boost yesterday as Edelweiss Air, Red Wings Airlines, and Belavia inaugurated their winter season flights to Katunayake and Mattala airports, signaling growing interest from European and Russian travellers. All three airlines were greeted with traditional water cannon salutes, and the passengers were welcomed with Kandyan dance performances, and Ceylon Tea gifts.

Edelweiss Air marked the start of its winter operations to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with its inaugural flight from Zurich yesterday. Edelweiss will operate twice-weekly flights every Tuesday and Saturday, further strengthening travel connectivity between Switzerland and Sri Lanka throughout the winter season.

Meanwhile, Red Wings Airlines launched its seasonal operations to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), with its inaugural Boeing 777-200 flight carrying 402 tourists. The airline will operate one flight per week initially and has received approval to continue services until 8 March 2026, with potential to expand depending on market demand.

Belavia, the national carrier of Belarus, also commenced winter flights to MRIA, arriving with 277 passengers on an Airbus A330-200. The airline’s initial schedule will feature one weekly flight, with the option to expand operations based on passenger demand and growth opportunities.

These new international connections underline Sri Lanka’s efforts to attract European and Russian tourists during the winter season, enhancing both the northern and southern gateways of the country’s tourism industry, whilst showcasing the island’s warm hospitality and cultural offerings.

Malik Fernando has been appointed as Honorary Consul for Austria in Sri Lanka.

The appointment was handed over by Austrian Ambassador to India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka Katharina Wieser at a reception at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.

A cocktail reception recently held at the Executive Lounge of the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo also marked a significant milestone in Austria-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations. The event, hosted by Malik Fernando, honoured Katharina Wieser.

The evening witnessed the formal presentation of credentials to Fernando by Ambassador Wieser, solidifying his position and underscoring the strengthening diplomatic partnership between the two nations. This ceremonial gesture represents a pivotal moment in fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation across trade, culture, and investment.

Fernando brings exceptional credentials to his diplomatic role. As Managing Director of Stallion Holdings Group, Dynamic AV Technologies Ltd., and ACAP Stock Brokers Ltd., alongside his position as founding President of the Austrian Association Sri Lanka, he combines extensive business acumen with deep cultural understanding. His academic achievements include a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Brunel University, London, and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Essex, UK.

Born in Colombo, Fernando has established himself as a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s dynamic business landscape. His appointment follows years of dedicated service as Head of Chancery under former Honorary Consul Thomas Frank Daetwyler, whose transformative mentorship has been instrumental in shaping Fernando’s diplomatic expertise.

‘It is an immense honour to formally assume this role and strengthen the enduring friendship between Austria and Sri Lanka,’ stated Fernando. ‘Our nations share common values of innovation, cultural excellence, and economic dynamism. I am committed to facilitating greater collaboration, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for both Austrian and Sri Lankan enterprises.’

The reception brought together distinguished guests from diplomatic, business, and cultural communities, reflecting broad interest in Austria-Sri Lanka relations. Discussions centred on emerging opportunities in renewable energy, digital transformation, tourism infrastructure, and educational partnerships.

The timing of the event, coinciding with recently celebrated Austrian National Day, added particular significance, highlighting Austria’s commitment to strengthening its South Asian presence through enhanced diplomatic engagement.

The successful reception underscores the robust foundation upon which Austria-Sri Lanka relations continue to flourish, promising enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity in the years ahead.

Browns EV has set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry with the successful delivery of over 100 brand-new BAW electric vehicles to their first owners. The milestone event, held on 21 October 2025 at Browns EV Delivery Yard in Grandpass, marks the largest-ever electric vehicle delivery in the country.

Chief Guests of the occasion, LOLC Holdings PLC COO Kithsiri Gunawardena, LOLC Finance PLC Chairman Conrad Dias, and Browns EV CEO Pavithra Jayasekara, presented the keys to the first group of proud owners.

The BAW electric vehicle range introduced by Browns EV represents the perfect blend of innovation, style, and reliability. Priced at just Rs. 4.7 million, the BAW E7 stands out as one of the most value-driven electric cars currently available in Sri Lanka. The E7 combines technology, comfort, and safety in a sleek compact design. It offers dual driving modes, a

9-inch floating touchscreen, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), reverse camera and much more, providing a refined and connected driving experience.

Backed by a 10-year/120,000 km battery warranty and a 3-year vehicle warranty, the E7 delivers outstanding long-term value making it a compelling choice for buyers considering used vehicles in the same price segment. Adding further value, each BAW customer receives a complimentary 7kW home charger and free first-year insurance, ensuring both affordability and convenience.

Manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works (BAW), one of China’s oldest and most trusted automakers, these vehicles embody seven decades of engineering excellence. Established in 1951, BAW first gained fame for its rugged military and off-road vehicles such as the iconic BJ212. Over time, it expanded into SUVs, light trucks, and passenger cars, building a strong reputation for reliability and innovation.

Browns EV vehicles ready for delivery at Browns EV Grandpass Yard

Today, operating under the Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, ranked 166th on the Fortune Global 500, BAW has become a leading name in electric mobility, with production facilities across China and exports to over 60 countries worldwide. As the authorised distributor for BAW in Sri Lanka, Browns EV provides comprehensive after-sales support through an island-wide service network, genuine spare parts, and expert technical teams.

Public interest in the BAW E7 has been remarkable, with over 2,000 pre-orders already placed well before the official launch. Customers can now purchase the BAW E7 without a waiting period and test-drive it, experiencing the vehicle’s performance and features first-hand.

With this record-breaking delivery, Browns EV continues to strengthen its leadership in Sri Lanka’s electric mobility sector. The long-term cooperation agreement between Browns EV and BAW is set to go beyond the current models, with plans to introduce a wider range of vehicles tailored to the local market. Backed by strong customer interest and a globally recognised partner, Browns EV is uniquely positioned to accelerate Sri Lanka’s future in mobility setting new benchmarks and inspiring the nation to reimagine how it moves.

PayMedia Ltd., has achieved the Overall Gold Award at the National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA) 2025, with BoC Flex recognised as the ‘Best of the Best Software Application in Sri Lanka.’

This achievement marks not just a milestone in PayMedia’s corporate journey, but a defining chapter in our story of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration.

At PayMedia, every recognition PayMedia earn carries a deeper story one of vision, relentless dedication, and collective belief in technology’s power to transform lives. Winning the Overall Gold Award at the most prestigious technology recognition platform in Sri Lanka is more than a moment of glory it reflects the years of consistent effort, research, creativity, and leadership that have shaped who PayMedia are today.

The Journey from a Startup Dream to a National Champion rewinding the clock to our early years, PayMedia began as a humble Sri Lankan startup fueled by a dream to redefine financial technology and payment automation in the local banking and financial landscape. PayMedia’s journey started with a handful of passionate minds, a bold vision, and a clear purpose to make payments simpler, faster, and more secure through technology.

From those early days, PayMedia goal was never just to build software, but to build trust to become a dependable technology partner for banks and financial institutions navigating the fast-evolving world of digital finance. Over the years, that vision evolved, matured, and expanded and today, PayMedia stands proudly as one of the leading FinTech enterprises in Sri Lanka, providing innovative digital payment and banking solutions that serve millions of end users across the country.

The NBQSA 2025 recognition is a powerful reminder of that journey from stepping onto the NBQSA stage years ago as a small startup competing with industry giants, to now standing tall as an enterprise company winning the highest national recognition in technology innovation. This moment, indeed, is deeply humbling.

Winning the Overall Gold Award at NBQSA is the ultimate honor given to the product that not only stands out within its category but also exemplifies overall excellence, scalability, technical superiority, and national impact. This year, BOC Flex, developed by PayMedia for the Bank of Ceylon, was recognised as the Best of the Best Software Application in Sri Lanka. Also, BOC Flex won the Gold Award for Digital Government category representing public and government sector.

Every great achievement begins with a vision and at PayMedia, that vision has always been clear. It’s about building the future of digital payments and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem evolves in sync with global standards.

PayMedia’s success is not the product of luck or coincidence; it is the outcome of years of disciplined innovation, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. From software engineers and designers to project managers and customer experience specialists, every member of the PayMedia family played a role in making this achievement possible. The NBQSA 2025 victory serves as a tribute to their unwavering spirit and dedication. It reflects the countless hours spent perfecting our solutions, the challenges overcome, and the collective determination that binds us as a team.

Behind every successful organisation is a group of visionary leaders who steer it through challenges and opportunities alike. PayMedia’s journey from a startup to a nationally recognised technology powerhouse would not have been possible without the wisdom, guidance, and support of its Board of Directors. Their strategic insight, trust in innovation, and unwavering belief in PayMedia’s mission have been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth trajectory. Each member of the board has contributed to building a culture of excellence one that empowers teams, nurtures creativity, and values integrity.

Under their leadership, PayMedia has not only achieved numerous technological milestones but has also strengthened its reputation as a trusted FinTech partner for banks, financial institutions, and enterprises across the nation. Their continued support and mentorship have helped PayMedia align with its long-term vision to transform Sri Lanka’s digital payment landscape and elevate the country’s position in the global FinTech arena.

Over the years, PayMedia has introduced several groundbreaking solutions in the Sri Lankan FinTech space. These innovations are built on a foundation of compliance, security, and scalability as evidenced by PayMedia’s certifications in ISO 9001:2015 and PCI DSS, and the company’s upcoming ISO 27001 certification for information security management.

PayMedia’s success has also been shaped by its strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading financial institutions, technology partners, and regulators. The long-standing relationships with banks such as Bank of Ceylon, National Savings Bank, Sampath Bank PLC, Seylan Bank, Amana Bank and Regional Development Bank, among others, have been crucial in driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation agenda forward. Each collaboration is more than a project; it is a shared vision to modernise financial systems, enhance customer experience, and promote financial inclusion.

The partnership with the Bank of Ceylon on BoC Flex is a prime example of how technology, when combined with institutional trust and vision, can create transformative outcomes for both organisations and end-users.

PayMedia said it remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, excellence, and impact. Our roadmap for the future is ambitious yet purposeful from expanding our footprint in international markets to introducing next-generation financial technologies powered by AI, automation, and data analytics. PayMedia aim to continue being at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s progress toward a digitally inclusive economy.

The Malaysian national women’s team will tour Sri Lanka during October-November to play a five-match T20 series against the Sri Lanka Under-19 national team.

The visiting team is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on 29 October. The tour is part of SLC’s ongoing efforts to support the development of Associate Member nations of the ICC.

The schedule:

2 November: First T20 at NCC 10 a.m.

3 November: Second T20 at Colts 2 p.m.

5 November: Third T20 at Colts 10 a.m.

7 November: Fourth T20 at NCC 10 a.m.

10 November: Fifth T20 at Colts 10 a.m.