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A famous quote in cricketing parlance is ‘catches win matches.’ But that was not to be the case for Sri Lanka in their opening ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match against India at Guwahati on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka had India fighting with their backs to the wall at 124-6 after 27 overs, but a spate of dropped catches let the host off the hook and they recovered to post a challenging score of 269-8, to which Sri Lanka could match up with only 211 to lose under the DLS method by 59 runs.

World Cup debutant Amanjot Kaur was given three lives at 18, 37, and 50, and she made Sri Lanka pay for it dearly by scoring a half century (57 off 56 balls) and featuring in a match defining stand of 103 with Deepti Sharma, who also scored a fifty and took three wickets for 54 runs, including the prize wicket of Chamari Athapaththu for 43.

Athapaththu was left to rue her side’s three dropped catches of Amanjot, but she remained confident that her team will bounce back.

‘We executed our plans but we dropped a couple of catches, especially [Amanjot] Kaur’s catch. We made three mistakes and it cost us,’ said Athapaththu after the match.

‘As a batting unit, we lost a couple of wickets early and in the middle overs, and that is where we lost this game. After losing my wicket, our batters struggled a little bit. Chasing is not easy, but we need to execute our right plans at the right time. If we keep losing wickets, it is not easy to chase,’ she added.

Athapaththu praised the bowling of Inoka Ranaweera (4/46), whom she said bowled really well, and Udeshika Prabodhani (2/55) because of her experience. The rest struggled a little bit.

Ranaweera, in particular, caused some sort of panic in the Indian dressing room when she dismissed the heart of their batting – Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur – in one over as they slid from 120-2 to 124-6.

‘I had good support from the wicket-keeper, Captain, and the bowling unit in taking those wickets,’ said Ranaweera.

On Sharma’s knock and their fielding, Ranaweera said: ‘We knew her [Deepthi’s] strength and we planned how to bowl to her, but in the execution, some changes took place and she was able to come on top today. We did well in our fielding, but in some areas, we made mistakes. I don’t think that was the turning point, but if we had done what we were expected to do, that would have given us the opportunity to win.’

Sri Lanka’s next opponents will be defending champions Australia at home. Ranaweera said: ‘A lot of positives came out of the match for us both in the batting and bowling to move forward. We have to take the positives to our next game against Australia. To win, you need only moment in the game. We will go with the determination of winning it.’

Athapaththu said: ‘We have to think about our performance today. We have to talk [with the coaches] and maybe reset our plans. We are calm, and I still have faith in my youngsters because they have won more games for us. I know the mistakes we made. If we can reset these plans, I know we can bounce back.’

‘[Our partnership] was a turning point,’ said Player of the Match Sharma. ‘Back-to-back wickets were falling so we wanted to have a long partnership. The things that we had planned, we executed it. There was no pressure at all because I am used to these types of innings and situations. I have played it in the past, and that partnership with Amanjot was important. I do not feel pressure, I enjoy my batting.’

Sri Lanka and India travelled back to Colombo where they have matches at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium. On Saturday, Sri Lanka meets Australia and on Sunday, it will be the big clash between India and Pakistan.

The rise of digital technology has created new spaces for children to learn, connect and grow. From online classrooms to social media and gaming platforms, the digital world has become an integral part of childhood. However, with these opportunities comes a growing risk-online harassment and cyberbullying. On World Children’s Day, it is essential to spotlight the importance of protecting children in virtual environments and ensuring their voices, emotions and safety are not compromised.

Cyberbullying takes many forms, including threatening messages, mockery, impersonation, spreading rumours, posting embarrassing photos or excluding someone from online groups. Unlike physical bullying, digital abuse can happen anywhere, anytime-even from behind a screen-and often goes unnoticed by adults. A single harmful post can reach hundreds within seconds, leaving lasting emotional scars.

The psychological impact of cyberbullying on children is profound. Victims may experience anxiety, loneliness, fear, humiliation and depression. Their confidence can drop, affecting academic performance, friendships and family relationships. In severe cases, cyberbullying has led to self-harm, school refusal and long-term trauma. Because children often hesitate to speak up, many suffer in silence while trying to navigate complex emotions alone.

Parents have a crucial role in safeguarding their children. Creating a safe space for open conversations is the first step. Instead of reacting with blame or anger, parents should encourage children to discuss their online experiences freely. Setting age-appropriate screen time limits, monitoring privacy settings and staying informed about the apps children use can help prevent harmful situations. Parents should also watch for signs such as irritability, withdrawal, mood swings, sleep disturbances or sudden disinterest in digital devices or schoolwork.

Schools are equally responsible for prevention and intervention. Digital citizenship education should be part of the curriculum, teaching students about respect, empathy, privacy and the consequences of harmful online actions. Anti-bullying policies must include cyberbullying, with clear steps for reporting and addressing incidents. Teachers and counselors should be trained to identify victims and respond sensitively, ensuring that the child does not feel blamed or isolated. Student-led peer support groups and awareness campaigns can create safer school cultures and empower children to stand against digital bullying.

Community involvement adds another layer of protection. NGOs, youth organizations and child protection agencies can conduct workshops, helplines and outreach programmes. Public awareness campaigns through media and social platforms can educate parents, children and teachers about cyber safety, mental wellbeing and responsible online conduct.

Technology companies must also take accountability. Social media platforms, messaging apps and gaming networks should invest in stronger monitoring systems, AI moderation tools and quick-response mechanisms to report and remove abusive content. Child-friendly settings, privacy controls and age verification processes should be mandatory. Clear communication channels for complaints can help victims feel supported and heard.

Governments can support these efforts by strengthening legal frameworks that criminalize cyberbullying and protect children’s rights online. Collaboration between ministries of education, justice and telecommunications can result in practical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. Hotlines, support services and data protection policies must be available at national and community levels.

Children themselves need awareness and confidence to protect their digital wellbeing. They should be encouraged to speak up if they feel threatened, harassed or uncomfortable online. Teaching them to block unsafe contacts, report abuse, avoid oversharing personal details and use secure privacy settings is essential. Empowering children to be upstanders-not silent bystanders-helps create safer online communities.

Emotional resilience also plays a key role. Children who feel supported, loved and understood are better equipped to handle challenges. Families can promote hobbies, outdoor activities and social interaction beyond screens to ensure children are not overly dependent on digital validation.

Protecting children from cyberbullying requires teamwork-parents, schools, communities, tech companies, policymakers and children themselves must work together. It is not enough to react after harm occurs; proactive measures, education and empathy are essential to prevention.

On this World Children’s Day, let us commit to building digital spaces rooted in kindness and safety. Every child deserves the freedom to learn, play and connect without fear of humiliation or harassment. By listening, guiding and acting together, we can ensure that technology becomes a tool for progress-not pain-in a child’s life.

Sri Lanka this week wooed Japanese investors to be part of the proposed neutral AI Data Centre to be set up for the benefit of South Asian countries.

The plans were shared and invitation was extended by Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya at a business and investment promotion forum in Tokyo presided by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

He said that the neutral AI Data Centre will be a virtual Special Economic Zone offering data sovereignty for countries using it whilst making the venture attractive for investors including concessions on use of energy.

The proposed initiative is part of the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to scale up infrastructure in a bid to grow the digital economy by five times to $ 15 billion by 2030.

‘We invite Japanese companies to invest and help Sri Lanka realise the value creation in the digital economy sphere,’ Dr. Wijayasuriya added in his presentation titled ‘Sri Lanka’s digitalization eco-system and investment opportunities.’

According to him, among Sri Lanka›s digital ambitions were enhancing digital exports by three times to $ 5 billion and expanding the digital workforce to 200,000.

HNB Assurance PLC once again marked a historic milestone by hosting its Partnership Awards 2025 on an international stage for the second consecutive year. Held at the prestigious Royal Signature Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, the gala event welcomed guests from HNB, HNB Assurance staff, Bancassurance Officers and their families, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the company’s partnership channel.

The Partnership Awards, a flagship annual event for HNB Assurance, serves as a platform to honor and recognize the exceptional contributions of its partnership channel, which continues to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. Following the success of last year’s international debut in Thailand, this year’s event in Malaysia further signifies the company’s expanding vision and growth momentum.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Lasitha Wimalarathne, Executive Director / CEO of HNB Assurance, expressed his thoughts, stating, ‘This is truly a special occasion as we bring together our teams here in Malaysia to celebrate the achievements of our partnership channel. Over the years, this channel has grown into one of our strongest pillars, contributing significantly to our Gross Written Premiums and overall success.

These milestones are a direct reflection of the commitment, innovation and customer-centric mindset that define our people. As we celebrate tonight, I encourage all of you to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the industry. Congratulations to all the award winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this gala event a reality.’

The past year has been one of exceptional achievements for HNB Assurance’s partnership channel, which continues to set benchmarks in the industry. With an ever-growing pool of top performers, the team recorded a remarkable number of MDRT qualifiers, along with highest ever COTs and TOTs. HNB Assurance also maintained its position as Sri Lanka’s Best Life Bancassurance Provider, a recognition earned for the fifth consecutive year by the Global Banking and Finance Review.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Mr. Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer / General Manager – Partnerships, shared, ‘The Partnership Awards are not just about celebrating numbers, they are about celebrating our people, the heart and soul of our success. To witness the growth and accomplishments of our Bancassurance Officers year after year has been truly inspiring.

Hosting our gala in Malaysia this year is a reflection of how far we have come, and I firmly believe the best is still ahead of us. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone in our partnership network. With the guidance of our parent company, Hatton National Bank, and the continued support of our partner banks, financial institutions, and broker network, we are confident of reaching even greater achievements in the years ahead.’

As Sri Lanka commemorates International Day of Older Persons on October 1st, the nation echoes on the immeasurable contributions of senior citizens, among them parents, teachers and all other professionals, workers, and community leaders who have devoted their lives to building the country’s foundations. Providing for their wellbeing is no longer a responsibility, but a moral duty and a national priority.

However, as many are entering their golden years’ they face increasing health challenges. The government has introduced important provisions to support senior citizens, but more needs to be done to strengthen their healthcare and protection.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL), the trusted, government-owned insurer serving the nation for over six decades, has stepped forward with Medi 60, a pioneering medical insurance plan designed exclusively for senior citizens. The policy is intended for individuals between the ages of 60-70 and continues to provide protection, subject to health assessment, until the policyholder reaches 80 years of age.

Medi 60 recognizes turning 60 is not the end of an active life, but the beginning of a new chapter requiring specialized care tailored to the realities of aging. The plan offers three flexible policy options, providing additional coverage for both government and private hospitals. Importantly, the policy is issued with pre-existing medical conditions being excluded other than diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension, in addition to common health concerns without prior complications. The approach supports older adults that have too often been excluded from traditional insurance.

Especially for families with aging parents, Medi 60 brings peace of mind. Thousands of Sri Lankan children living and working abroad carry the worry of not being able to care for their parents back home. With Medi 60, they can be assured their loved ones have access to quality medical care, even in their absence.

The scheme also addresses one of the greatest fears of older age, unexpected medical emergencies. Covering both routine care and urgent treatments, Medi 60 turns what was once financial uncertainty into predictable, reliable protection.

Sri Lanka’s demographic shift toward an aging population presents both challenges and opportunities. The wisdom and experience of senior citizens are invaluable national assets, but their healthcare needs demand innovative solutions. Medi 60 is SLICGL’s response, as a social responsibility initiative making medical insurance accessible, affordable, and dignified for those who built the nation.

SLICGL recognizes senior citizens as deserving of protection and respect. The approach positions the company also as a partner in national development, one who understands that caring for elders strengthens society.

On this International Day of Older Persons, Medi 60 stands as a living tribute to Sri Lanka’s elders. It transforms respect into tangible protection, securing those who built the past can enjoy today and tomorrow with confidence, dignity, and security.

England Captain Harry Kane continued his incredible goalscoring run with two goals as Bayern Munich crushed Pafos in the Champions League.

Kane, 32, has now scored 102 goals in 105 games for the German giants following his £ 86.4 million move from Tottenham in August 2023.

He has 17 goals in nine club matches in 2025-26, including 11 in his past five appearances, as well as one goal for England in their 5-0 thrashing of Serbia this month.

Bayern, two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, have now won all nine of their matches this season, scoring 35 goals in the

process, and have two victories from two in the Champions League.

Sri Lanka Tourism showcased ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ at the International and French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2025, held at Porte de Versailles in Paris from 23 to 25 September 2025. The spacious, well-designed Sri Lanka Pavilion, organised by Sri Lanka Tourism, was a key attraction at the fair, presenting the many facets of Sri Lanka along with Ceylon tea and traditional Sri Lankan dance and music.

Thirty (30) Sri Lankan travel and tourism companies took part in this year’s IFTM, including leaders in the French market such as Aitken Spence Travels, Jetwing Travels, Connaissance de Ceylan, Oak Ray Holdings, Thema Collection, Walkers Tours Ltd., and LSR Travels, among others. Several new companies, including Orinway Leisure Ltd., also joined the French travel fair for the first time.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was formally inaugurated by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, together with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Director (Marketing) Dushan Wickramasuriya. Also present were Sri Lankan Airlines Regional Manager for Europe and the Americas, Chinthaka Weerasinghe, industry leaders, and representatives including senior members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. The ceremony was followed by the serving of Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon tea.

In her remarks, the Ambassador underlined the pivotal role of the travel and tourism industry in driving Sri Lanka’s economic growth and development. She commended the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for showcasing the country at IFTM with a state-of-the-art pavilion, and congratulated industry leaders for their enduring commitment to promoting Destination Sri Lanka in France.

Sri Lanka Tourism Director (Promotion) warmly welcomed the French travel industry to the Pavilion, emphasising the resilience, dynamism, and upward trajectory of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and its strong potential. He also referred to several major promotional campaigns in the pipeline aimed at further consolidating France as a top target market for Sri Lanka.

On 23 September, the Embassy of Sri Lanka hosted a networking dinner reception at its premises for Sri Lankan travel and tourism representatives. Distinguished French participants at the reception included MEDEF President of the Sri Lanka-France Business Council Eric Le Corre, and Guayapi Lanka Founder Claudie Ravel.

France is Sri Lanka’s sixth largest source market and the second largest within the European Union. From January to August 2025, 83,011 French tourists visited Sri Lanka, reflecting a 23.3% increase compared with the same period last year. This positive trend is expected to continue.

IFTM Top Resa is the foremost and most prestigious travel and tourism exposition in France, showcasing over 170 destinations and bringing together nearly 30,000 industry professionals from the travel and leisure sector annually in Paris. Sri Lanka’s participation in IFTM 2025 was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in partnership with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France. The Embassy Commercial Secretary Prasadi Boomawalage, and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Assistant Director, Viranga Bandara were also associated with the event.

SLIM Brand Excellence has received the highest number of entries in its history as the judging process formally gets underway.

SLIM said the record-breaking response underscores rising industry confidence and participation. This year’s competition includes an international judging component, bringing global expertise and elevated benchmarks to the evaluation process. The jury brief took place on 22 September, initiating a rigorous, multi-stage assessment designed to reward strategic clarity, creative strength, and measurable market impact. With enhanced oversight and transparent criteria, SLIM Brand Excellence continues to raise the bar for credibility and standards across the marketing and business community.

The momentum around this year’s cycle affirms SLIM Brand Excellence’s role as a catalyst for professional development and industry progress. Entrants represent a broad cross-section of sectors and disciplines, reinforcing the program’s relevance to brands at different stages of growth. As judging commences, participants can expect a clear, timely process overseen by an experienced jury panel with deep regional and international exposure.

Building on this success, SLIM Brand Excellence will continue to strengthen its framework and partnerships to align with international best practice, ensuring the platform remains contemporary, inclusive, and forward-looking. Details on category evaluations, shortlists, and subsequent milestones will be shared in due course through official SLIM channels.

World Children’s Day is celebrated in Sri Lanka on October 1st annually. This year the theme for World Children’s Day is ‘Nurture with Love – To Lead the World’.

The week leading up to Children’s Day has also been declared as the National Children’s Week. It will take place from 25th September to 1st October. Several programmes and initiatives will take place during this time.

Interestingly the date for World’s Children’s Day changes according to region and country. It was first proclaimed during the World Conference of Child Welfare in 1925 and since 1950 is celebrated by several countries on June 1st. Several other countries began celebrating it on November 20th to commemorate the issuance of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly.

While here in Sri Lanka we celebrate it on October 1st each year, the day is a great reminder that children are often overlooked and are among the more vulnerable in our society. Giving them a space to grow in security and freedom, looking after their interests and making sure that their rights are protected, is a sign of a healthy and thriving country and people. Most importantly helping them grow in their creativity too, gives children the opportunity to discover their potential and what they would like to be when they grow up.

While conventional education is and always will be a strong foundation for our children, we must not forget that every child cannot fill the formulaic mold. As parents and teachers, giving room for a child’s imagination and encouraging them with what they are good at, can help nurture them to become good leaders and grow to bring true change in the world around them.

In the Junior Mirror, which is the children’s section of the Daily Mirror, you will find a space for your kids to discover creativity and grow their imagination. So get your children to read, to write, to draw and paint, encourage them to do more activities that they love, to nurture a future in which they will find contentment, joy and peace.

A new three-storey ward complex costing Rs. 1 billion has been opened at the Dharga Town District Hospital, with Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attending the ceremony.

The project is part of a Chinese-funded initiative to upgrade 13 hospitals across the country.

The 38,400-square-foot facility includes a 96-bed maternal and paediatric ward, a four-bed ICU, general wards, and an outpatient department. The Health Ministry has set aside an additional Rs. 50 million to procure essential medical equipment.

According to Dr. Jayatissa, the facility addresses a longstanding requirement in the area and will help reduce pressure on the Kalutara and Beruwala hospitals. Staffing will be expanded gradually, with more doctors, nurses, and support personnel to be deployed.

The hospital, managed by the National Institute of Health Sciences, is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare in the Kalutara District.