Author: user user

Newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe presented the Letters of Credence to His Majesty Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on 31 October 2025. The Credentials Presentation Ceremony is one of the most solemn and formal ceremonies held by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

Escorted by the Master of Ceremonies of the Imperial Household Agency, Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe was horse-drawn carriage courtesy of His Majesty from the historic Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace.

At the outset of the formal occasion, His Majesty the Emperor conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and the Sri Lankan people which was warmly acknowledged by Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe. After the formal presentation of his credentials in the presence Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister, Matsumoto Yohei, representing the Prime Minister and the Government of Japan, Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe was afforded the opportunity to engage in an informal conversation with His Majesty Naruhito.

Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe becomes the 19th Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan. A distinguished academic, economist, and public policy advisor, he brings over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and national capacity-building.

Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe holds a Ph.D. in Development Economics from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan), a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan, and a First-Class Honours Degree in Public Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

Prior to this appointment, Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe served as a senior academic at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where played a pivotal role in academic reform, research development, and public policy formulation. His research portfolio spans diverse topics including economic development, savings behaviour, the role of SMEs, foreign remittances, and macroeconomic policy.

Ambassador Prof. Kumarasinghe has also served as a resource person to national ministries and institutions, including the Ministries of Education, Finance, and Defense, and held key administrative roles in the university sector, including Deputy Proctor, Director of Career Guidance, and Member of the University Governing Council.

Colombo stock market ASPI briefly crossed an all-time high of 23,000 points for the first time in early hours of trading yesterday before dipping slightly.

The ASPI eventually ended the session gaining 0.11% or 25.18 points to 22,953.49 and the active S and P SL20 closed a marginal 0.05% lower, down 3.12 points to 6,249.28.

Turnover was over Rs. 4.4 billion on more than 161.7 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers with a net outflow of more than Rs. 485.4 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence, Dipped Products, and Commercial Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Sunshine Holdings, Colombo Dockyard and Renuka Agri Foods whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, SMB Leasing, and UB Finance Company.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Aitken Spence and Colombo Dockyard whilst the sector index gained 0.37%.

The share price of Aitken Spence increased by Rs. 6.25 to close at Rs. 169.25 and Colombo Dockyard moved up by Rs. 55 to close at Rs. 405.

Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Sunshine Holdings and Renuka Agri Foods while the sector index increased by 0.33%.

The share price of Sunshine Holdings gained Rs. 3.60 to close at Rs. 37.30 and Renuka Agri Foods recorded a gain of 30 cents to close at Rs. 5.80.

Commercial Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by 50 cents to close at Rs. 207.75.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse witnessed a volatile trading day, where the ASPI steadily moved upward during the early hours of trading and hit 23,000, which then gradually moved down due to profit taking.

Both retail and HNW investors moderately engaged in trading, while more positivity was observed towards selected blue-chip counters. Key positive contributors to the index comprised SFCL, SUN, DOCK, CARG and SPEN.

The Capital Goods sector led total turnover, contributing 28%, followed by the Food, beverage and tobacco and Banking sectors, which collectively accounted for 34%.

PUMA SE, a global pioneer in the sportswear industry, has successfully obtained four enjoining orders from the Commercial High Court of Colombo against connected suspected entities engaging in the sale of counterfeit goods.

The company, represented by its registered Attorneys-at-Law, Sudath Perera Associates, initiated civil litigation against the entities ‘SAFFANS’, ‘Saffans Mens Shoes Ltd.’, ‘Saffans Bridal Shoes Ltd.’ and ‘Saffans Shoes Ltd.’ under the provisions of the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003.

The actions were based on allegations that the defendants were involved in the sale of counterfeit goods unlawfully bearing PUMA SE’s registered trademarks, including the iconic ‘PUMA’ name and the leaping cat logo.

In its pleadings, PUMA SE emphasised that the defendants, being notable retailers in the footwear industry, were aware or ought to have known that the products in question were not genuine PUMA trademark goods. The brand further argued that the unauthorised use of marks identical or deceptively similar to its well-known trademarks was intended to mislead the public and exploit the reputation associated with its globally recognised branding elements, including the PUMA word mark, the cat logo, and the Form Strip.

The plaintiff argued that genuine PUMA products are distinguished by their high standards of quality and manufacturing excellence, in contrast to the inferior quality of the counterfeit goods being sold. The circulation of such subpar items under the guise of authenticity was said to be causing substantial and irreparable damage to the brand’s goodwill and public trust.

After reviewing the submissions and arguments presented, Judge Amali Ranaweera and Judge Chamath Madanayake of the Commercial High Court (Holden in Colombo) issued enjoining orders prohibiting the defendants, along with their agents, representatives, employees, or any party acting on its behalf, from producing, importing, marketing, selling, or otherwise dealing in any merchandise bearing names, marks, or logos that are identical or confusingly similar to PUMA’s registered trademarks.

PUMA SE was represented in court by Counsel Manoj Bandara AAL and Gimhani Hettiarachchi AAL, on the instructions of Sudath Perera Associates.

The inauguration, marks another milestone in Seylan Bank’s mission to enhance accessibility and convenience for all. Strategically located within one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and frequently visited landmarks, this new ATM will serve both local devotees and the many tourists who visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic daily, offering them easy, reliable access to banking services right where they need it most.

Tom McKibbin claimed victory at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday to qualify for the Masters for the first time and secure his place for The Open.

Leading from round one, the 22-year-old Hollywood golfer was consistent throughout as he triumphed in the prestigious Asian Tour event at Fanling.

McKibbin, who plays on the LIV Golf Tour and had a past win on the European Tour in 2023, began his challenge in superb fashion by shooting an official course record 60 on Thursday which set the tone for his week

He maintained his lead going into Sunday’s final round by one shot on MJ Maguire, shooting a final-round 63 to finish on 27 under par in warm and overcast conditions, which included eight birdies with five on the back nine.

‘I played some of the best golf I’ve ever played, so to shoot those scores around here is pretty special,’ he said.

‘For a tournament with so much history behind it and great players who have won this tournament, to have the scoring record is pretty special and it’s something that will live with me forever.

‘I dreamt of doing this since I was a young kid, and they come true if you train hard enough.’

McKibbin is a club-mate of five-time major winner Rory McIlroy, the current Masters champion.

Minor Hotels, one of the world’s largest hotel chains with a portfolio exceeding 560 properties globally, has formally expanded its signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘Dollars for Deeds,’ into Sri Lanka through a landmark partnership with the Ayati Trust, a national centre dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.

The formal partnership event, held at NH Collection Colombo, was attended by key representatives from both the Minor Hotels Group and the Ayati Trust.

As part of this collaboration, the Minor Hotels Group donated Rs. 5 million to the Ayati Trust and further strengthened this commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: ‘At Minor Hotels, we believe that hospitality must extend beyond the guest experience to generate a lasting, positive influence on the communities they serve.’

He emphasised that the Ayati Trust perfectly aligns with their long-term vision set through the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative.

Rajakarier affirmed that this collaboration was not merely a milestone, but the beginning of a sustained journey that would continue to shine light, spread hope, and build opportunity for children and families across Sri Lanka.

Minor Hotels Group Cluster General Manager – Anantara and Avani Kalutara Resort Christoph Dueker expressed the Group’s commitment to Ayati’s core mission, ensuring children with disabilities in Sri Lanka are granted equal access to education, healthcare, social participation, and future employment.

Dueker outlined the funding structure of the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative, which has expanded to a global social responsibility strategy after its introduction by Anantara in Thailand nearly a decade ago. The program invites guests to contribute a voluntary $ 1 per night, a donation that the hotel subsequently matches dollar-for-dollar to multiply the positive outcome.

He highlighted how this collaborative structure turns guests into ambassadors for change, noting that every donated dollar creates a tangible ‘ripple effect’ supporting conservation, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Through its ‘Dollars for Deeds’ program, Minor Hotels maintains active involvement in social impact, directing funds towards diverse global causes. Notable contributions include coral conservation in the Maldives and child welfare programs in Hungary. The initiative has previously funded the Turtle Hatchery in Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. He added that this latest collaboration with the Ayati Trust takes this dedication to local impact a significant step further.

Ayati Trust Deputy Chairman Abbas Esufally explained that the Trust was initially formed to ensure children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. He affirmed that the partnership represents a major development, calling it critical for the broader recognition of inclusive healthcare as a national priority. He also said teaming up with Minor Hotels would help Ayati expand its reach and reinforce their commitment to nourishing children with disabilities and supporting their growth.

Ayati Trust and Hemas Outreach Foundation Executive Director Shiromi Masakorala expressed the Trust’s gratitude for the new partnership, stating they were incredibly thankful for Minor Hotels’ unwavering support and its commitment to strengthening their shared vision of serving the community.

She emphasised the term ‘Ayati,’ which refers to ‘Hope’ in Sanskrit, is a long-term, sustainable national initiative aimed at helping children with disabilities become productive, integrated members of society.

Masakorala highlighted the Ayati Trust’s formation in 2016 as a national collaborative effort, involving the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, the Roshan Wijerama Family Foundation, Rotary International, and other philanthropic partners.

She confirmed the Trust provides crucial diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services, while actively combatting the stigma that often limits the potential of children with disabilities. The Centre works to integrate children by focusing on their skills, offering services that include early intervention programs, occupational and speech therapy, prosthetics, supported education, and family counselling.

With over 14,000 children registered and daily admission close to 60, Masakorala noted that all services are provided free of charge. However, she revealed the financial strain, stating the Ayati Trust faces huge running costs and was desperately seeking funds for maintenance, equipment, and necessary renovations. She expressed her appreciation for Minor Hotels’ timely support with the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative and the Rs. 5 million cheque, which covers the immediate sustainment costs.

Masakorala believes the Ayati Trust is a national asset and urged all Sri Lankans to join forces to support such initiatives whether private or Government, stressing that this commitment is for our children.

This partnership highlights Minor Hotels’ broader commitment to responsible growth, where each property serves not only as a destination for guests, but as a contributor to the long-term wellbeing of its surrounding community.

Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club, one of Sri Lanka’s proudest cricket clubs, celebrated its 125th anniversary in grand style at the City of Dreams in Colombo on Friday. It was a night to remember, with over 300 guests – past and present Test cricketers, club members, officials from sister clubs and Sri Lanka Cricket – gathering under one roof to salute a club that has stood tall for a century and quarter.

The P. Sara Oval, Tamil Union’s cherished home, has been the stage for many golden chapters in the island’s cricketing tale – long before Sri Lanka earned its Test cap. It hosted the country’s inaugural Test against England in 1982 and the nation’s first ever Test win, over India, three years later – memories etched deep in the game’s folklore.

During the glittering ceremony, players who donned national colours through Tamil Union, along with the club’s past captains, presidents and secretaries, were honoured for their services with bat, ball and clipboard alike.

Club Secretary Anish Parathalingam opened the evening by underscoring the immense role Tamil Union has played in turning Sri Lankan cricket into a world force, while President Rev. Ramesh Schaffter paid tribute to generations of selfless individuals who had kept the flame burning bright.

Former Ceylon captain Michael Tissera, the Chief Guest, recalled the Oval’s rich heritage – including his own brush with glory when he drove the great Wesley Hall to the fence off the final ball to complete a century against the mighty West Indies.

The night reached its emotional high when two stalwarts – Muttiah Muralitharan, the world’s leading wicket-taker and Chandra Schaffter, at 95 the nation’s oldest living cricketer – received special mementos. Muralitharan, who wore Tamil Union colours throughout his first-class career, remains its crown jewel, while Schaffter, who joined as a teenager and went on to captain, serve as secretary and president, now stands proudly as Patron – the club’s living bridge across generations.

The ICC has announced the Women’s Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament.

Three India stars that held the coveted ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy aloft after their 52-run victory over South Africa included, with opener Smriti Mandhana, key batter Jemimah Rodrigues and Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma – all winning a spot in the final XI.

Runners up South Africa also have three of their players in the side, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt chosen to captain the Team of the Tournament following her sensational efforts with the bat where she amassed a whopping 571 runs at an average of 71.37 to break the record for the most runs at any single edition of the Women’s World Cup.

Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, and leg-spinner Alana King feature from the Australian team that reached the semi-finals, with standout wicket-keeper Sidra Nawaz of Pakistan the only player named in a side to miss out on the final four.

England’s Sophie Ecclestone is also included, following some strong efforts that helped the European side reach the semi-finals, while compatriot Nat Sciver-Brunt is named as the 12th player.

1. Smriti Mandhana (India)

2. Laura Wolvaardt (c) (South Africa)

3. Jemimah Rodrigues (India)

4. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

5. Ash Gardner (Australia)

6. Deepti Sharma (India)

7. Annabel Sutherland (Australia)

8. Nadine de Klerk (South Africa)

9. Sidra Nawaz (wk) (Pakistan)

10. Alana King (Australia)

11. Sophie Ecclestone (England)

12. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)

The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) recently handed over its Sri Lankan Construction Industry Budget Proposal 2026/2027 to the Ministry of Construction in the presence of the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Secretary to the Ministry.

The proposal outlines a comprehensive roadmap to revive and expand Sri Lanka’s construction sector, positioning it once again as a key driver of national growth. It calls for urgent policy intervention and financial relief to help the industry recover from six consecutive years of stagnation and liquidity crises.

According to the document, the construction sector aims to restore its contribution to 10% of Sri Lanka’s GDP, targeting a total industry turnover of Rs. 2.97 trillion (approximately $ 9.89 billion) in the upcoming years. The plan emphasises reviving stalled infrastructure projects, rebuilding SME capacity, and introducing concessional financing and debt restructuring mechanisms to stabilise contractor operations.

CIOB’s proposal highlights several core objectives:

Restarting stalled national projects, including roads, hospitals, and housing schemes.

Supporting SMEs, which currently face a 40% failure rate, through credit guarantees, lower taxes, and digitalisation support.

Establishing an Infrastructure Fund and concessional loan schemes (=6%) to reduce the sector’s dependence on high-interest borrowing.

Creating new employment opportunities, targeting over 1.5 million direct jobs and safeguarding 20,000 current roles.

Promoting exports and FDI through international construction investor forums.

Enhancing research, innovation, and local material production to reduce import reliance.

The CIOB also proposes strong governance and transparency frameworks, including the formation of a National Steering Committee for Construction Projects and an independent Program Management Unit for project monitoring and accountability.

CIOB President Dr. Rohan Karunaratne said: ‘The construction sector is the engine that keeps Sri Lanka moving. This proposal offers a clear path to rebuild confidence, create jobs, and deliver long-term value to the economy.’

CIOB’s submission urges the Government to recognise the construction industry as a priority crisis-hit sector, enabling emergency financial support and immediate implementation of Cabinet-approved relief measures.

If adopted, the plan is expected to complete 60% of stalled projects, revive 3,000 SMEs, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s export capacity, moving the nation closer to a sustainable infrastructure-driven recovery.

Give the devil its due, they say. Donald Trump deserves a few words of praise, at least, for instituting a pause rather than a ceasefire in Gaza. After two years of ceaseless bombing, genocide and pulverisation of Gaza by Israel, hundreds of thousands of its indigenous occupants who were driven out of their homes are returning. But the homes they were looking for are not there. They cannot even trace the exact location of where they lived, because Gaza has been turned into a mountain of rubble and the world’s largest waste dump. Yet, thanks to Trump, the returnees had at least one or two nights of sleep under a blue sky without fear of being bombed. Trump also needs to be thanked for admitting the failure of the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which, in the name of mercy, weaponised food and water to starve Gazans. For a few morsels of food and bottles of water, these wretched humans risked death when contravening GHF instructions. After the deal, however, only 300 aid-carrying trucks are allowed to enter Gaza. What they carry and deliver is a pittance in comparison to the total needs of this orphaned humanity. Yet, for these, one may thank Trump once more.

But to claim that the war is over and things are getting back to some normality is nothing but a hoax. Already Israel has broken one of its promises to allow 600 aid-carrying trucks daily to enter Gaza, and Netanyahu is still refusing to open the Raffa gate. IDF killings have not ceased. Since the peace deal came into effect, Israel has killed around 100 Gazans and wounded another 250. Lately, the Knesset has approved annexation of the West Bank. Who is Trump fooling?

The immediate objective behind Trump’s 20-point peace plan is to exert pressure on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, including the dead, in return for 2,250 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 250 are serving life sentences. There are still 9,000 Palestinians remaining locked up inside Israel’s hell, starved and tortured. Even among those freed, the two most popular Palestinian leaders, Marvan Bhagouti and Ahmad Sa’adat, the leader of the Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PLFP), were not included. Yet, even before the hostage-prisoner exchange was completed, Israel resumed bombing after accusing Hamas of killing two Israeli soldiers and failing to return all hostages. Western media, as usual, propagate the Hasbara version of events to justify the bombing. For example, among the dead hostages are the bodies of some who were deliberately killed by the IDF under the Hanibal directive, issued in October 2023, to prevent any future hostage deal with Hamas. Also, some of the dead are buried under heaps of concrete rubble, which is difficult to unearth without heavy equipment. Finally, with the Knesset approving annexation of the West Bank, settler harassment against Palestinians has reached a new height. Despite these setbacks, Trump insists that the ceasefire still holds, and Vice-President Vance says that it will take time to achieve normality. But Trump repeats his warning to Hamas: either comply with disarmament or be annihilated. Is it that simple?

Behind all this drama lies one basic and incontrovertible truth: the so-called peace plan is a tacit admission of Israel’s failure to eliminate Hamas despite Israel’s overwhelming military arsenal and might. Netanyahu’s regime failed to break the determination of Palestinians not to surrender to the coloniser’s bullying and barbarism. Even after sacrificing the lives of over 70,000 men, women and children, which is obviously an undercount, and losing 190,115 buildings and 330,500 housing units according to a report published by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Palestinian resistance led by Hamas, with assistance from Lebanon and Yemen, has remained steadfast and has not been weakened even by an iota. It is this heroism and challenge amidst Israel’s carnage that eventually angered and awakened the rest of humanity, as is evident from worldwide pro-Palestine rallies and demonstrations. It is also this awakening that prompted Trump to come out with his deceptive peace deal.

Trump’s 20-point peace plan is a malicious document disgracefully endorsed by five Arab (Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and three non-Arab (Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia) Muslim states. After endorsing that document, these Muslim vassals declared, ‘We are united in our determination to dismantle extremism and radicalisation in all its forms. No society can flourish when violence and racism is normalised, or when radical ideologies threaten the fabric of civil life.’ In short, these vassals are in total agreement with Trump’s stand that Hamas is a violent entity that needs to be eliminated and removed from any involvement in the affairs of Gaza. Hamas may change its identity and even join other resistance groups such as the new Al-Quds Brigade, Islamic Jihad Movement, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, but to disarm is to give up the Palestine cause itself. Armed resistance against the conquest and genocide by Israel and to establish an independent Palestinian State is an existential choice and cannot be surrendered to international mediation. If there is to be any international peacekeeping force in Gaza at all, it should be of entirely Arab composition, and that force should be placed closer to the Israeli border.

Nowhere in Trump’s plan can one find any promise of a future Palestinian State except to recognise it only as an ‘aspiration’ of Palestinians. According to item 19, ‘While Gaza’s redevelopment advances and when the PA reform program is fully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognise as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.’ Neither is there a definite date set for the total withdrawal of Israel from Gaza. The so-called ‘agreed line’ set for the IDF to pull back is only to facilitate the hostage-prisoner exchange. Once it is completed, that agreed line could become Israel’s new territorial boundary.

Trump’s reiteration of rebuilding Gaza does not specify who would bear the cost, which, according to UNDP, would amount to at least $ 70 billion and possibly more. Shouldn’t Israel, the destroyer, be asked to foot the bill? Or is it the US and Europe that are going to spend on behalf of Israel? Trump’s inclusion of the eight Muslim countries to endorse his plan is to invite the oil-rich Arab vassals to bear most, if not the entire, cost of restructuring Gaza. But restructuring for whose benefit? Is it to create another Riviera?

Point 9 of the plan proposes to establish ‘a temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities of the people of Gaza.’ This committee is expected to be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts with oversight and supervision by a new international transition body, ‘the Board of Peace,’ headed by Trump and others, including possibly the infamous Tony Blair. If anyone believes that this so-called Board of Peace supervising the transitional governance would be free of pro-Zionist bias, one would be fooling oneself.

The real tragedy behind the agony of Palestine since 1948 is the betrayal of Arab states. It was their disunity, self-interest and intrigues that enabled the imperial powers to create Israel and build it as an unchallengeable military monster. In return for Arab compliance, the same powers undertook to guarantee protection of these puppet regimes from any threat emerging from within or without. Trump’s Abraham Accords are intended to ratify that unwritten commitment into a pact. The Arab states’ endorsement of the peace deal is the product of this arrangement. In 1968, when Yasser Arafat was questioned by a TV journalist after the PLO’s destruction of an El Al passenger jet and asked how the PLO would destroy Israel, Arafat responded that the PLO would not enter Israel directly but through the Arab states. That strategy is valid even today. Will the Arab masses rise up?

In the final analysis, Trump’s 20-point peace plan is a deceptive instrument aimed not at laying the foundation for an independent Palestinian State but at preparing the ground for Zionist Israel to walk in peacefully – not simply to consummate Israel’s project for Eretz Israel only, but also to solidify US Middle East Order. This is why armed resistance must continue, and it will until Palestinians take control of their land and resources.