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Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said Police are yet to receive a report from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding actress Piumi Hansamali’s alleged involvement with the arrested underworld figure known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’.

‘We have not received any official report from the CID, which is investigating the matter,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Hansamali, denying any connection with Padme, has said that she had only seen him in Dubai during New Year celebrations in March 2022.

‘I met this person with his wife and children at the event and they took a photo with me. There, he said he wanted to become fair. I told him to use my Piumi Skin products. I think he has used the product and that is why he looks attractive,’ she has written on her Facebook account.

Hansamali said that the CID officials questioned her whether she had any financial dealings with Padme, but she dismissed any links with him.

‘I never ever had any monetary transactions with him. I do not want to have money earned from drugs, illegal money, or any black money. I am an iron woman, who stood on my own feet independently through promoting my business – Piumi Skin Private Limited,’ she wrote.

Hansamali said that she had no connection to the underworld as she was scared to die of a gunshot.

‘I am deadly scared. Promise,’ she said, inviting those who want to become fair and beautiful to buy her skincare products. (SS)

Bringing over 27 years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, corporate advisory, and financial services, Kusal Jayawardana has been appointed as the Chairman of Lanka Ventures PLC and LVL Energy Fund PLC.

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Associate Member of CIMA (UK) and CGMA (USA), Kusal also holds an MBA from the Open University of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada. He has held several senior leadership roles, including Deputy Managing Director of Alliance Finance PLC and CEO of NDB Capital Ltd., Bangladesh.

He has been at the forefront of numerous landmark capital market transactions and has been involved in introducing innovations such as securitisation structures, convertible securities, the first Green Bond in the NBFI sector, and pioneering Social Bonds in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Lanka Ventures PLC, and its subsidiary LVL Energy Fund PLC, have built a strong regional presence in renewable and conventional power generation.

Kusal’s appointment brings a wealth of strategic insight and financial acumen that will further strengthen the leadership of both organisations. His proven track record in driving innovation and governance excellence is expected to enhance investor confidence and operational resilience. With his experience in sustainable finance and cross-border investments, both entities are well positioned to expand their portfolios and unlock new growth opportunities in Sri Lanka’s evolving investment and energy landscape.

HANNS Global Canada Inc., a prominent player in the global dairy industry, has announced the appointment of Rohan Ariyawansa as Director of Corporate Affairs and Country Head for Sri Lanka.

With a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the apparel manufacturing industry, business management, and quality systems and standards such as CTPAT, TPM, ISO TQM, 5S and KAIZAN, Rohan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

Rohan›s extensive background in Strategic Planning, Human Resources Management, and Process Improvement has equipped him with the skills to drive business growth and excellence.

Prior to joining HANNS Global Canada Inc., Rohan held senior leadership positions at Banaras GMBH Export and Import – German based apparel buying office, Metal Recyclers Colombo Ltd., – Australian owned PLC, Lanka Felts Ltd., – owned by Christys in the UK, and Supply Room Ltd., – 100% British apparel manufacturer.

Rohan succeeds Mark William, Group Director, who retired in 2023.

HANNS Global Canada Inc. is a leading dairy processor with a global presence, producing and distributing a wide range of high-quality dairy products. The company has established a strong network of partnerships, including a direct partnership with Three GOSHALA (Pte) Ltd, a company based in Vadakkummuri, Kerala, India. This partnership underscores HANNS Global Canada Inc.›s commitment to building strong relationships with regional partners and driving growth in the Indian market.

Rohan›s key strengths include strategic planning and execution, Team management and development, Quality management and process improvement, Business development and growth, Stakeholder management and relations.

As Director of Corporate Affairs and Country Head for Sri Lanka, Rohan will work closely with partners, stakeholders, and government institutions to drive growth, innovation, and community development. His leadership will play a vital role in building and sustaining strong relationships with foreign partners, government authorities, and industry partners.

With his extensive experience and expertise, the statement said Rohan is well-positioned to lead HANNS Global Canada Inc.›s operations in Sri Lanka and contribute to the company›s continued success.

A National First in Sustainability

In a milestone for Sri Lanka’s industrial journey, Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Melwa Conglomerate, has become the first and only Sri Lankan steel manufacturer to receive the prestigious Eco Label Sri Lanka certification.

Awarded by the National Cleaner Production Center (NCPC-SL), this recognition places Melwire under the Steel and Steel-Based Products category, certified specifically for its Hot Rolled QST rebars and wire rods, under the certification number EL-ST-25-2025. This certification assures stakeholders that these products meet stringent environmental, health, and social performance criteria.

Sri Lankan Steel, Strength Made Real

Melwire Rolling, established in 2002, has grown into the cornerstone of MELWA’s manufacturing strength. Over the years, the company has pioneered important innovations, most notably introducing Quenched and Self-Tempered (QST) RB500 rebars to the Sri Lankan market in 2011/12. By 2018, the company had taken a major step forward, commissioning Sri Lanka’s first state-of-the-art rolling technology from Danieli-Italy, setting new standards for consistency, reliability, and efficiency in steel production.

Today, Melwire’s portfolio stands for its vision for modern infrastructure. The company produces QST rebars of Grade RB500 (SLS 375), carefully engineered to meet the demanding needs of contemporary construction, alongside wire rods that serve as versatile raw materials for downstream fabrication and a wide spectrum of structural applications. Both represent Melwire’s promise of durability, tested strength, and uncompromised quality, now certified with the added value of eco-responsibility.

Stand with Eco Label Assurance

The Eco Label Sri Lanka program, managed by the NCPC, is the country’s first national green certification scheme built on ISO 14024:2018 standards. It subjects products to rigorous life-cycle assessment and third-party review, ensuring credibility and transparency. While it spans categories from food and textiles to construction materials, steel has now entered the list with Melwire’s certification, a milestone that assures contractors, policymakers, and consumers of sustainability compliance, eligibility for green public procurement (GPP), and products that support both people and the environment.

Local Credentials to Resonate Globally

The Eco Label builds confidence across the global construction sectors, giving engineers and developers assurance that QST rebars and wire rods deliver not only performance but also environmental responsibility.

Beyond local impact, MELWA’s established export presence gains fresh momentum.

Backed by the Eco Label, the brand enters global markets as a trusted eco-conscious supplier at a moment when green procurement is shaping the way nations build. As a result, Melwa’s landmark entry into the Canadian market with 15m and 18m reinforcement bars is not only a historic triumph for Sri Lanka but also a proof to our ability to meet the world’s highest construction standards. Guided under eco-conscious and ethical manufacturing practices, this achievement positions Melwa as a responsible steel supplier idefined by both strength and integrity.

Looking Ahead for Sustainable National Growth

Sri Lanka’s journey toward sustainable growth will depend on industries capable of marrying performance with responsibility. In this respect, MELWA’s Eco Label recognition does more than validate a product; it positions the brand itself as a trusted partner in building the nation’s future.

As a 100% home-grown company, MELWA has long stood at the heart of Sri Lanka’s development story. Its QST rebars and wire rods are embedded in housing schemes, high-rise apartments, commercial complexes, and mega infrastructure projects that shape the country’s skylines and connect its communities. By adding eco-certification to its credentials, MELWA has deepened its relevance to architects, engineers, and the broader construction fraternity who are increasingly called to integrate sustainability into their designs and specifications, which can speak directly to the ethos of modern engineering.

The recognition also carries a symbolic weight for the Sri Lankan engineering fraternity. For policymakers and project developers, it offers a compelling choice: a national brand that not only builds reliably but does so with a commitment to future generations.

In doing so, the MELWA brand secured its position that the home-grown industry can be both the backbone of infrastructure and the beacon of an eco-friendly future in Sri Lanka.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the printing of 6.04 million textbooks and modules by the State Printing Corporation at a cost of Rs. 761.29 million, excluding VAT.

He said the proposal, submitted by the Prime Minister in her capacity as Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, follows earlier approval to allocate 40% of textbook printing for 2026 as a direct procurement to the State Printing Corporation.

The prices are to be based on the lowest evaluated bids received under the National Competitive Procurement Procedure. The procurement covers 78 categories of textbooks and modules for the next academic year.

Senok Trade Combine (Private) Limited is the officially appointed authorized assembler and distributor for Great Wall Motor (GWM) Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles in Sri Lanka.

Under this authorization, and with supervision of the engineers on site from GWM, Senok assembles and distributes the GWM Haval Jolion and GWM Poer for the Sri Lankan market. These vehicles assembled at the only state of the art, vehicle assembly facility in Sri Lanka, that conforms to international standards. Its operations are headed by Mr. Albert Reichel, who carries with him decades of experience of premium European brand assembly. These operations are conducted in compliance with GWM’s international production and quality standards.

Senok’s partnership with GWM reflects a long-standing collaboration grounded in technical excellence, reliability, and commitment in developing Sri Lanka’s automotive industry. With this commitment, GWM has stationed their own staff to oversee and ensure quality and standards. Over the years, Senok has invested significantly in expanding its assembly capability, service network, and customer support infrastructure to deliver vehicles that meet global standards of performance and durability. With the latest addition being the modern showroom in the heart of Colombo 07, on Dharmapala Mawatha.

Senok continues to serve as GWM’s trusted partner in Sri Lanka for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle models in Sri Lanka, including the Haval Jolion and GWM Poer. Through this ongoing collaboration, Senok ensures the highest standards of assembly, customer care, after-sales service, and warranty support across its authorized network.

Senok remains committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s automotive industry through innovation, local value creation, and trusted global partnerships.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said a significant amount of funds will be allocated in the upcoming Budget to strengthen flood mitigation efforts.

He said the Cabinet has approved a proposal to continue the National Building Research Organisation’s project to restore and maintain stabilised landslide-prone areas from 2026 to 2030.

The proposal, submitted by the President in his capacity as Defence Minister, seeks to ensure the long-term stability of 250 previously stabilised slopes, for which around Rs. 10 billion has been spent over the past decade.

Dr. Jayatissa said the project will focus on maintaining proper groundwater and surface water management systems to prevent the reactivation of stabilised landslide areas. Recommendations from the Department of National Planning have been received to proceed with the new phase.

The Minister said the Government would not authorise any unplanned or unauthorised constructions in the future as part of its measures to curb the worsening flood situation in cities.

Responding to a question whether the main cause for floods was informal development activities in cities, he said that informal development and illegal constructions had contributed significantly to recent urban flooding, particularly in cities such as Colombo and Galle.

‘Many unauthorised constructions have been built with approvals from certain State institutions in the past, but we have directed the Local Government institutions strictly to follow rules when passing plans for constructions in the future,’ he said.

Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that although there were unplanned and illegal constructions, as a responsible Government, it could not remove all those illegal structures at once, as that would disrupt people’s lives, but plans were underway to clear obstructions systematically to prevent floods.

According to the Cabinet Spokesman, the Government was preparing long-term plans to modify existing structures while ensuring that no new unauthorised buildings would be permitted in the future.

‘These plans will not be implemented on empty land, but we will ensure to implement proper planning to prevent new illegal constructions,’ he added.

Dr. Jayatissa said that despite the Government’s ongoing efforts, it might not be possible to completely prevent waterlogging during the upcoming rainy season. However, immediate relief measures would be taken through local authorities to assist flood-hit people.

He also said that Local Government institutions had been instructed not to grant building permits for unauthorised developments and to identify and rectify activities that contribute to floods.

The 2025 Sri Lanka Barometer (SLB) Survey Report was officially launched at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. Administered every two years, this nationally representative public opinion survey tracks public sentiment on key issues such as post-conflict reconciliation, governance, and civic engagement over time.

The overarching objective of the SLB is to inform public discourse and policymaking in the country’s pursuit of greater unity and inclusion. It is supported by the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) program, which is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka.

The 2025 SLB Survey Report, presented at today’s event, captures how Sri Lankans perceive reconciliation amid the 2024/2025 political transition. It captures both renewed political trust and civic engagement, alongside concerns about institutional responsiveness. While many findings reveal citizen aspirations for change, their perceptions of actual progress remain limited and uneven, shaped by diverse lived experiences. The report highlights that reconciliation is not a fixed outcome but an ongoing process – dependent on credible, inclusive, and sustained action by relevant stakeholders.

The high-level launch brought together stakeholders from Government, civil society, academia, media, and the diplomatic community. Distinguished guests included: Religious and Cultural Affairs Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer; Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Carmen Moreno; Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dr. Felix Neumann; High Commissioner of South Africa Sandile Edwin Schalk.

‘The Sri Lanka Barometer provides essential insights into how citizens across the country view reconciliation and governance,’ said Ambassador Moreno. ‘The EU is proud to support efforts that place the voices of the people at the centre of national dialogue.’

Ambassador Neumann noted, ‘This report shows that Sri Lankans are increasingly aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Understanding these perspectives is key to building trust and advancing sustainable peace. Germany is especially grateful to foster with the Sri Lanka Barometer a tool not just for analysis, but for action.’

To increase accessibility and public engagement, the SLB also launched a new Online Data Analysis Tool, an interactive platform that provides public access to survey results across all four iterations (2020, 2021, 2023 and 2025), enabling researchers, journalists, policymakers, and citizens to explore the data further.

In a major step towards institutional sustainability, the event also introduced The Insights Initiative, a newly established research organisation created to carry the SLB forward. The initiative will oversee the continued development of the SLB, with a focus on strengthening local ownership, research capacity, and the use of data for public discourse and inclusive policymaking. It also aims to serve as a hub for collaboration between academics, civil society organisations, and public institutions committed to evidence-based governance, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

HSBC recently concluded its 12th Premier Golf Tournament, an exclusive event celebrating the Bank’s long-standing relationship with customers which saw over 140 golfers, the highest number to participate at this event.

Held at the picturesque Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, the tournament brought together HSBC Premier golfers for a thrilling weekend of spirited competition, camaraderie, and fun activities.

This year’s champion Deanath Kulathunga emerged victorious scoring 41 points and won the converted HSBC Premier challenge trophy, and earned the grand prize of a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness ‘The 154th Open’ Championship at Royal Birkdale in England, one of golf’s oldest major’s and an iconic tournament to be held from 16 to 19 July 2026.

Chanaka Perera scored 32 points to win the A division and Thusara Rupasinghe won the B division scoring 40 points, while Dinoo De Mel won the Ladies with 39 points and Reyhan Morris scored 35 points to win the C division.

Golfers were able to enjoy a day of competitive Golf followed by an elegant awards dinner where winners were awarded and recognised for their achievements on the course, held at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club House.

List of winners

Winner Overall Premier Challenge Trophy: Deanath Kulathunga 41 points

Winner A Division: Chanaka Perera 32 points

Winner B Division: Thushara Rupasinghe 40 points

Winner C Division: Reyhan Morris 35 points

Winner Seniors: Deanath Kulathunga 41 points

Winner Ladies: Dinoo De Mel 39 points

Putting under the Stars: Prinyanga Hapugalle

Longest Drive: Sathis Balasubramanium

Nearest to the pin: Sathis Balasubramanium

Runner up A division: Sanjiv Vairavanathan 30 points

Runner up B division: Romesh Abhayaratne 38 points B/B 9

Runner up C division: Mohamed Reza 33 points

Runner up Seniors: Asitha Wijesekera 32 points B/B 9

Runner up Ladies: Anouck Chitty 34 points