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Sysco LABS’ Chess team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork at the Mercantile Government Services International Rating Chess Championship 2025, competing among 85 teams across the Rapid and Blitz events.

Team A – comprising Anuththara Chandrasiri, Thaksala Koggala, Sakuni Bandara, and Sanduni Chamika – achieved remarkable success, securing Equal 2nd Place Overall (Open Category – Rapid Event) and claiming 1st Place in the Best Women’s Team Category for both the Rapid and Blitz events at the tournament held recently at the National Chess Federation Headquarters.

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC has reported a net profit of Rs. 56 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, marking a strong turnaround from the Rs. 305 million loss recorded in the previous year.

The Group’s revenue increased by 6% to Rs. 11.0 billion, supported by growth in patient volumes, medical tourism, and technology-driven service improvements. Gross profit rose to Rs. 5.8 billion, while total comprehensive income reached Rs. 327 million.

Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa

Company officials attributed the positive results to tighter cost management, strategic investments in digital health systems, and increased demand for specialised care.

Following the close of the financial year, Nawaloka Hospitals successfully concluded a debt settlement with Hatton National Bank PLC. While not reflected in the reported accounts, this step has significantly strengthened the Group’s balance sheet and improved liquidity.

Investor confidence has been evident, with Nawaloka’s share price climbing from Rs. 3.90 in March 2024 to Rs. 8.00 in September 2025, more than doubling the Group’s market capitalisation to Rs. 11.3 billion.

This recovery coincides with Nawaloka’s 40th anniversary milestone. Established in 1985, the Group has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s largest private healthcare providers, with operations spanning diagnostics, outpatient services, and medical education.

During the year, Nawaloka Hospitals marked several significant milestones that reinforced its position as a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. The Group launched South Asia’s first AI-powered Radiology Centre and expanded its portfolio of AI-driven medical evaluation services, setting new benchmarks in advanced diagnostics. These innovations earned Nawaloka the prestigious title of ‘Leading Hospital in AI and Innovation – Asia Pacific 2025’ at the Global Health Asia Pacific Summit in Bangkok, while further recognition at the National Business Excellence Awards underscored its continued leadership and contribution to the country’s healthcare industry.

Chairman and CEO Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa said: ‘These results reflect renewed financial resilience and a stronger foundation to pursue long-term growth. As we mark four decades of service, our achievements are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the enduring trust placed in us by patients. We remain committed to advancing healthcare standards in Sri Lanka through innovation and excellence.’

The Ragama Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, the country’s foremost institution dedicated to the treatment of patients with physical disabilities is set to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Science and Technology Ministry to enhance its technological capabilities and patient care systems.

The initiative follows a recent inspection visit to the hospital by Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, who also chairs the Gampaha District Health Committee. During a subsequent meeting held at the Ministry, it was agreed that the Ministry would extend technical support and consultancy services to modernise the hospital’s medical equipment, machinery and assistive technology. A team of experts from the Ministry’s affiliated institutions carried out a detailed evaluation of the hospital’s ongoing activities; including organ replacement design, industrial equipment manufacturing, and the work of the Prosthetic and Orthotic Training School. Based on this assessment, the Ministry, through the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC) and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya’s Faculty of Technology and the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, will establish a comprehensive technological partnership.

The collaboration aims to modernise medical equipment through advanced engineering methods, introduce high-quality materials, upgrade production systems, and provide technical training and capacity development for hospital staff. It will also include setting up a joint research and development (R and D) unit to foster innovation. Among the expected outcomes are enhanced production efficiency, local manufacturing of affordable prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, and assistive devices, reduced dependency on imports, and the creation of a skilled, innovation-driven hospital workforce. The partnership also aims to strengthen long-term collaboration between Sri Lanka’s healthcare and engineering sectors.

An action plan outlining the initiative will be prepared jointly and submitted for Cabinet approval before the formal signing of the MoU.

Minister Prof. Abeysena emphasised that the core objective of the project is to improve the quality of life for patients through technological advancement, noting that the establishment of a dedicated Medical Research Centre under the Ministry’s leadership will play a central role in achieving these goals. The discussion was attended by Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Mohamed Navavi, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital Director Dr. Chandragupta Ranasinghe, Arthur C. Clarke Institute Chairman Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, NERD Centre Director-General Dr. Jayathu Samarawickrama, and other senior officials.

The Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, organised a Sri Lankan business delegation to participate in the prestigious Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2025, held in Hulhumalé, Maldives, from 20 to 22 October.

The 19th edition of this internationally recognised event reinforced its reputation as the Maldives’ largest and most influential hospitality trade exhibition. The accompanying International Culinary Challenge, brought together leading chefs and emerging culinary talents from across the archipelago for exciting live competitions.

Since its inception in 2000, Hotel Asia has evolved into one of the region’s premier hospitality and trade showcases-expanding from just 42 stalls and 37 chefs to over 300 stalls and participants from 48 countries, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand, UAE, USA, and Switzerland. The event served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities.

Taking centre stage at the event, Sri Lanka showcased a vibrant national pavilion featuring over 48 Sri Lankan companies, organised by the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) in collaboration with the Export Development Board (EDB). The pavilion highlighted Sri Lanka’s innovation and expertise across sectors such as food, hospitality, wellness, and sustainable products. This initiative aims to further strengthen bilateral business relations and promote Sri Lankan enterprises within the Maldivian market, in line with the Maldives’ ongoing tourism expansion and growing demand for quality regional products and services.

The opening ceremony of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and the Sri Lankan Pavilion took place on 20 October 2025 and was graced by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives M.R. Hassen together with the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) President Sanjeewa Perera, council office bearers, and representatives from participating Sri Lankan companies.

Industry partnerships with Ocean Trade and Logistics and Aitken Spence, supporting logistics and travel services respectively, further strengthened the SLMBC delegation’s participation.

During the mission, the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) held meetings with key ministries and chambers in the Maldives, including the Economic Development Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce, Maldives Ports Ltd., the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry, and the Agriculture Ministry.

These discussions strengthened business collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, enhance regional connectivity, and foster mutually beneficial economic growth.

For some time Sri Lanka did away with appointing a vice-captain for the national cricket team, and the captain whenever he had to go off the field handed over the responsibility to a senior player. But for the upcoming tour to Pakistan, Sri Lanka has gone back to the practice of appointing a vice-captain by naming former white ball skipper Dasun Shanaka as deputy to Charith Asalanka for the Pakistan T20I Tri-series that also involves Zimbabwe.

Prior to the T20I Tri-Series which will take place from 17-29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Sri Lanka is due to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan on 11, 13 and 15 November at Rawalpindi. A squad of 16 players for the ODI series and T20I Tri-Series has been selected and sent to the Sports Minister for ratification.

‘We are of the view that with the T20 World Cup around the corner it will be handy for Charith to have a person like Dasun Shanaka as vice-captain when making decisions,’ said chairman of selectors Upul Tharanga. ‘It will give Charith some added confidence to have a vice captain. It’s not that we want to put any pressure on Charith on his captaincy but to assist him.’

Sri Lanka’s build up towards the ICC T20 World Cup in February-March is continuing with the squad of around 20 odd players earnestly trying to iron out their faults in a number of practice sessions and matches that are being conducted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The recently concluded Asia Cup in the UAE exposed the frailties within the team in all three departments, more so in the batting and fielding and team composition.

The group games Sri Lanka looked unbeatable as they came through with a 100 percent record winning all three matches. However, it was the reverse when it came to the Super Fours where Sri Lanka lost three out of three, thus underlying their inconsistency in this format.

This has been an ongoing problem for Sri Lanka and it has to be rectified quickly well ahead of the T20 World Cup. In the batting the issue lies with the middle order who have not been able to maintain the momentum given by the top order batters. The main concern is rotation of strike and the ability to keep the scoreboard moving with singles and twos. Sri Lanka has batsmen with the skill to hit fours and also clear the boundary, but that cannot happen with every ball they face. The batsmen must know when to attack and when to play the ball on its merits and pick up the singles and twos when boundaries are hard to come by.

That is not happening with our middle order batsmen and thereby the accumulation of dot balls which eventually leads to trying to hit each and every ball to the boundary and thereby their dismissals. What our batsmen lack is game awareness. The ability to think on their feet and adjust to the situation at hand. This is the sole responsibility of the batsmen in the middle. Unless Sri Lanka overcomes this lapse they will not be able to put up competitive totals and likewise chase them down.

Fielding is another area which Sri Lanka has of late been dropping crucial catches that has gone against them. It was glaringly exposed during the Asia Cup. The other factor is the inconsistency of the bowlers to bowl wicket to wicket six balls in an over. The moment they tend to bowl outside the stumps the batsmen takes the liberty to score runs as there is no danger of getting bowled or being ruled out lbw. These are basics which players of international standards should be well aware of.

The forthcoming tour to Pakistan will reveal whether the faults have been ironed out.

To enable Sri Lanka fine tune their game SLC has hired the services of power hitting specialist Julian Wood as national batting coach for a period of one year, and wrist and finger spin specialist Dr. Rene Ferdinands for two years, to assist the team in their build up towards the T20 World Cup.

SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said that these appointments were only temporary and did not affect the full-time appointments of the national batting and spin bowling coaches Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge respectively.

GREE AirTech Ltd., a subsidiary of EverBright Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s largest home appliance brands, has brought international acclaim to Sri Lanka by winning the ‘Most Promising Award’ at the 5th GREE Global Strategic Partners Conference held in Chengdu, China. Competing against representatives from over 100 countries, GREE AirTech Sri Lanka’s recognition marks a significant achievement for the nation on the global business stage.

GREE AirTech Ltd. Sri Lanka Managing Director Adhil Anees said: ‘We are immensely proud to fly the Sri Lankan flag on the global stage and bring this international accolade home. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication in growing the GREE brand islandwide while delivering unparalleled after-sales service. It validates our commitment to providing Sri Lankan customers with world-class air conditioning solutions and motivates us to achieve even greater success.’

The ‘Most Promising Award’ recognises GREE AirTech’s exceptional achievement in rapidly expanding market presence while maintaining outstanding customer satisfaction and service excellence. The 5th GREE Global Strategic Partners Conference brought together international partners to review the decade’s achievements in global expansion and establish the blueprint for future collaboration.

GREE Global Head of South Asia Market Fin Xie said: ‘Congratulations to GREE AirTech team in Sri Lanka on this well-deserved recognition. We have witnessed tremendous growth and dedication in providing a 360-degree holistic GREE experience to customers. Their rapid expansion combined with exceptional service standards exemplifies the partnership excellence we celebrate.’

GREE AirTech represents the complete GREE portfolio, including the newly launched Silenz series, the world’s quietest residential air conditioner and the advanced GMV 9 commercial system.

Vidullanka yesterday said that it, together with its consortium partner David Pieris Group, has emerged as the lowest-cost bidder for the 50-megawatt Mullikulam Wind Power Project, marking a significant step toward securing the contract for the large-scale renewable energy initiative.

The company said the determination as the lowest bidder represents a key milestone in its efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio.

While the final award of the contract is still pending, Vidullanka’s Board of Directors described the outcome as price-sensitive information with direct relevance to the company’s future operations, potential material contracts, and long-term financial prospects.

The company said it would make further announcements once the formal contract award is received, material agreements are executed, or additional developments arise in the tender process.

Vidullanka also noted that the statements made regarding the potential contract award are forward-looking and depend on final awarding procedures, regulatory approvals, and negotiations of final terms.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLICLL) sales team was recognised at the Life Insurance Industry Sales Awards 2024 held during the 16th National Forum for Life Insurance Advisors (NAFLIA). This special awards ceremony celebrated the exceptional achievements of the top performers of the Life Insurance industry.

A. Supesan from Jaffna Branch and Amila Prasad from Kiribathgoda Branch of Sri Lanka Insurance Life was rewarded under the Best Branch Manager and Best Supervisor Categories respectively. They walked away with the Silver and Bronze awards respectively in both the Large-scale Company Category and the National Level in their respective categories.

The event was held on 8 September 2025, at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday said that the Government has put an end to the long-standing practice of ministers, deputy ministers, and their private secretaries intervening and taking money to send people to Israel for employment.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Minister Hearth explained, under the new system, only qualified candidates would be selected for overseas jobs through a transparent process in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Israel.

‘In the past, the public did not have a good image of the Bureau. People were charged lakhs of rupees and misled by fraudsters. Some ministers and their secretaries took money to send people abroad. We have ended that culture. Today, the political authority does not interfere, and the officers of the Bureau are carrying out their duties with dedication,’ Minister Herath said.

He added that the Bureau was sending an increased number of workers to Israel, but there had been misunderstandings regarding the recruitment process.

‘The selection process for Israeli jobs is handled by the PIBA organisation on behalf of the Israeli Government, not by us. There is no room for political interference. We have ensured transparency in the recruitment process,’ he emphasised.

Referring to recent frauds, the Minister revealed that a former driver of the Bureau was arrested for taking money to send people abroad.

‘We are committed to making the Bureau a clean and efficient organisation. I urge the public not to pay money to outsiders. If an organisation charges a fee, it must officially inform the Bureau through our newly introduced digital system,’ he said.

Minister Herath also noted that certain licenced agencies, particularly those involved in recruitment for Romania, had taken large sums of money up to Rs. 1.9 million without providing jobs.

He said that legal action had been taken against them and the new Act which would be introduced soon would remove loopholes that hinder legal proceedings.

Herath also said the Government is taking steps to grant voting rights to Sri Lankans living overseas and also to introduce a contributory pension scheme for migrant workers to offer greater financial security.

He said that the right to vote was a long-waited requirement of Sri Lankans abroad.

‘The voting rights of Sri Lankans living abroad are something we have been waiting for a long time. It is their right and should be given immediately,’ Minister Herath said. He noted that the Public Administration Ministry had already appointed a special committee to prepare the necessary legal framework. And also held discussions on this matter with a United Nations delegation that recently visited Sri Lanka to review the country’s electoral system.

‘Through the recommendations of that committee and the UN consultations, we hope to create the legal and administrative conditions to enable Sri Lankans scattered around the world to exercise their right to vote,’ he added.

In addition to voting rights, Minister Herath said the Government was also working to implement a new pension system for Sri Lankans employed overseas, using funds from the Department of Social Services.

‘The current pension scheme for Sri Lankan migrant workers is not effective. We are initiating a new contributory system that will ensure migrant workers can obtain a significant pension after years of service abroad,’ he explained.

According to the Minister, this new scheme will offer greater financial security for those migrant workers and the Government will soon introduce the necessary legal mechanisms to bring the proposal into force.

The commemorative first-day cover, to mark the SLBFE’s 40th Anniversary, was launched by Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara at the ceremony and was presented to the Minister.

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Vijitha says audit report on e-Visa key to ongoing court case

Acting Justice Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday said the special audit report on the controversial e-Visa contract would serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing court case surrounding the deal.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, he reaffirmed that the relevant authorities were fully committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in handling the matter, though declining to comment further due to the matter being sub judice.

Responding to questions on why former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka had not been arrested, while former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Ilukpitiya had been sentenced, Herath clarified that Ilukpitiya was convicted of contempt of court, while proceedings against the other two were ongoing.

According to the audit, GBS Technology Services and IVS Global-FZCO, operating under VFS VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd., had collected both the 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) and 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) from visa applicants between April and August 2024. However, the companies failed to remit these taxes, resulting in a loss of $ 1,418,360 to the Government comprising $ 172,970 in SSCL and $ 1,245,390 in VAT.

The report further revealed that the two firms handled 373,991 visa applications during this period, generating approximately $ 6.9 million in service-fee revenue. It also found the operators earned an additional $ 1.8 million from visa-fee-waiver countries, where visitors were exempt from visa fees but were still charged a service fee.

Under the new e-Visa system, all applicants, including those eligible for fee exemptions, were required to pay a service fee of $ 18.50 per application. In contrast, the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system operated by SLT-Mobitel charged only $ 1, with the approved proposal recommending only a nominal increase. The audit questioned how such a steep hike could be justified, especially for tourist and business visa categories designed to encourage foreign arrivals.

The report noted the project was marred by ‘major procedural lapses, revenue losses, and lack of transparency’ in its award and implementation, findings that are expected to play a central role in the court proceedings.

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved the signing of 33 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry and the Indian High Commission to implement development projects in the Eastern Province under the Indian Multi-Sectoral Grants.

The initiative follows a broader MoU signed between the two Governments in April 2025, through which India committed Rs. 2,371.83 million to support 33 priority projects addressing the province’s development needs.

‘Separate MoUs have to be signed between the High Commission of India and the Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Ministry on each project to be implemented,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The initiative is part of India’s ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka, focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods and community welfare in regional areas.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.