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One thing that has been in favour of Sri Lanka is that they had to play the three toughest sides in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup to begin with.

They have got over that hurdle with two losses – to India and England – and a no-result against Australia, but for them to turn those defeats into victories in the remaining four matches, Sri Lanka have some inadequacies which they need to overcome pretty fast.

What we saw in Sri Lanka’s defeats against India and England is that they dropped catches at vital stages of the game that had a great bearing on the final result. Against India, four catches were put down that helped India recover from 124-6 and post a challenging score of 269. On Saturday, against England, when their Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was on 3, Udeshika Prabodhani dropped a catch straight to her at midwicket off Inoka Ranaweera. What a costly miss it turned out to be, for Sciver-Brunt went onto score a run-a-ball century (117) and take England past the 250-run mark – a figure they didn’t seem capable of achieving at one stage when they were 168-6 after 35 overs. These crucial lapses on the field have had a telling effect on the Lankan side.

Two other areas they need to improve are bowling and batting.

In bowling, the bowlers need to constantly bowl wicket to wicket. Anything outside it, the batters take the chance to score runs knowing very well that they will not become victims to an lbw. This has been a common feature even with the men’s team. It is simply baffling that a bowler cannot consistently bowl six balls wicket to wicket. Look at the discipline of the other top sides – how well they bowl their overs wicket to wicket and make the batter take all the risks if they want to score.

In batting, Sri Lanka cannot win matches by their key batters scoring 30s and 40s. They need to convert them into fifties and hundreds if they are to compete with the rest of the teams. Sri Lanka’s highest individual score so far is 43 by Chamari Athapaththu against India in the opening game.

Although the team management keeps on insisting that there has been a change to their batting, as other players have taken on the responsibility of winning matches with their own bat, the fact still remains that unless the Sri Lankan skipper uses her vast experience and comes up with a big contribution, her team will not achieve the results they are looking for. She has to lead the way for others to follow. The fact is that the rest of the Sri Lankan batters will bat around Athapaththu if she scores, not otherwise.

Although players like Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne have scored hundreds in WODIs apart from Athapaththu, they still don’t have that depth of experience to play on a world stage and score the runs. The hundreds Harshitha and Vishmi scored were against Ireland in a bilateral series.

At the beginning of the World Cup, Sri Lanka had been rather excited about the prospect of reaching the last four of the competition, as they are playing the majority of their matches at home in familiar surroundings and pitches, but as England showed on Saturday, they too have in their arsenal (with bat and ball) to overcome slow and spin-oriented pitches of the subcontinent successfully. So, Sri Lanka will have their work cut out for them when they come up against the rest of the opposition in the tournament.

Hasini Perera, who top scored for Sri Lanka in their game against England with 35, admitted that they lost wickets due to poor shot selection and mistakes on the field.

‘After the England innings, we came out with a plan on how to chase down their total. Up to the 20th over, we were able to implement it, but from there onwards, we were unable to execute our plans properly,’ said Perera.

With Perera and Samarawickrama at the wickets, Sri Lanka progressed to 95-1 in 20 overs, only to see everything fall apart with the introduction of no. 1 ranked left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who ripped off the middle order taking 4/17 off 10 overs. Charlie Dean and Sciver-Brunt also chipped in with two wickets apiece as Sri Lanka stumbled to 164-all out.

SLIM NSA 2025, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing – National Sales Awards 2025 is to hold its grand finale on 28 October.

The NSA 2025 Judging Panel that consists of industry experts, has recognised the excellent performers in the sales sector in Sri Lanka for this year. The judging process was conducted from 13 September to 5 October 2025 at the Monarch Imperial.

This year’s event is to be held under the theme of ‘Ambassadors of Sales,’ under the tagline of ‘The Force Behind the Figures’ because sales is not merely about numbers but about strategic impact, professionalism and leadership. SLIM Sales Awards holds utmost recognition as the impact is not only career defining but also being a prestigious platform that forges the seal of excellence as it is respected among the sales fraternity, being the apex body for the industry and having over 20 year legacy of organising the programme with a transparent, structured judging process led by respected industry leaders.

This year marks as significant due to it exceeding the 1200 entries rewriting the history pages for SLIM NSA as it was the highest number of entries received demonstrating the credibility and the recognition of front liners and the female professionals rising in participation further establishes its name for inclusivity.

Moreover, SLIM National Sales Awards has been officially endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to ‘contribute significantly towards strengthening SMEs, enhancing entrepreneurship, and achieving the objectives of the National SME Development Strategy Framework.’

Total private sector borrowings increased to Rs. 226.8 billion in August 2025, the highest monthly figure after Rs. 221 billion in June 2025, resulting in the outstanding amount crossing Rs. 9.28 trillion during the first eight months of the year, up 8.7% from a year ago.

According to the latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data, domestic banking sector credit to the private sector in August amounted to Rs. 239.2 billion, while credit from foreign banks fell by Rs. 12.4 billion.

The outstanding private sector debt stock from domestic banks during the first eight months of 2025 was Rs. 8.68 trillion, up 8.3% from a year ago.

Total private sector borrowings in August was the highest for the year behind June. In April, credit demand was low at Rs. 87 billion, a development linked to the Sinhala-Tamil New Year holidays.

February saw Rs. 105 billion in demand for credit, whilst January suffered a reduction of Rs. 4.6 billion following a recent high of Rs. 193 billion in credit demand in December 2024.

Outstanding credit stocks to the Government grew 4.8% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs. 8.38 trillion as of end-August, with credit from domestic banks up 19.5% YoY to Rs. 6.44 trillion.

Total credit to public corporations was down 41% YoY to Rs. 618 billion, with the domestic banking sector debt stock at Rs. 564.4 billion, down 42% from a year ago.

Sri Lanka’s seasoned campaigner Nadaraja Thangaraja produced a composed effort to capture the Bengaluru Open 2025 powered by IndianOil title at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course recently.

Thangaraja finished at an impressive 18-under-par, sealing a two-stroke victory and marking a triumphant return for the tournament after a six-year hiatus. His steady approach and ability to hold his nerve through the back nine ensured that the overnight leader never lost control of the contest, reaffirming his reputation as one of South Asia’s most consistent professionals.

Indian Manu Gandas amounted a strong challenge to secure the runner-up position at 16-under-par. Gandas, known for his attacking style, fired a flurry of birdies on the front nine to narrow the gap, but couldn’t quite overtake Thangaraja.

Veteran Rahil Gangjee delivered the standout final with a sizzling 64, climbing an astonishing 13 spots to finish tied-third at 13-under-par. Gangjee’s round featured a near-flawless display of putting and iron play, evoking memories of his prime years on the Asian Tour. His late surge added excitement to the final day and reminded the field of his enduring quality and experience.

Joining Gangjee in third was the talented Saptak Talwar, who carded a steady 67 to match the 13-under total. Talwar’s consistency across all four days showcased his composure and promise as a rising name in Indian golf. His ability to handle pressure and stay within striking distance of the leaders was commendable.

Rounding off the top five was Manoj S., who shot a fine 66 to finish at 12-under-par. Manoj’s disciplined approach and confident shot-making earned him a well-deserved top finish, underlining the depth and competitive spirit of Indian golf at the Bengaluru Open 2025. (SJ)

Hello Amma, a pioneering social-impact initiative, has launched Sri Lanka’s first Return-to-Work Workshop to support mothers re-entering the workforce after career breaks.

Held on September 30 at WSPACE Colombo, the event marked a milestone in advancing gender equality, workplace inclusivity, and sustainable growth in line with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

The workshop addressed the often invisible barriers faced by mothers such as self-doubt, fear of rejection, and loss of professional confidence. It also equipped them with practical skills in CV building, interview preparation, emotional resilience, digital tools, and networking.

Hello Amma Founder Gayani Punchihewa said: ‘Behind every statistic of women leaving the workforce, there is a mother with dreams put on hold. Hello Amma helps mothers restart their careers with dignity and confidence, while giving organisations access to a resilient, talented workforce. When mothers thrive, workplaces become stronger and society as a whole benefits.’

Participants engaged with leading professionals who shared practical strategies for career re-entry: Dhanishka Dharmarathna, Psychologist and HR Professional – building emotional resilience; Himali Dassanayake, COO of CIPM – understanding employer expectations and readiness; Dr.Oshadie Korale, XpressJobs Co founder and COO – crafting AI-friendly CVs and LinkedIn profiles; Dulith Herath, Founder of Kapruka – bringing an employer’s perspective on how mothers’ maturity and soft skills strengthen workplaces alongside younger talent; and Gayani Punchihewa, Founder of Hello Amma – guiding participants on personal branding and confidence-building for career re-entry.

Mothers also received Hello Amma’s Return-to-Work Blueprint, a structured pathway covering professional preparation, resilience-building, digital upskilling, and support systems to ensure they are workplace-ready.

Beyond training, Hello Amma also acts as a bridge between mothers and employers, helping organisations tap into an underutilised talent pool. Employers gain access to women who are technically skilled and bring maturity, resilience, and adaptability shaped by their life experiences.

The initiative was made possible through the support of Norfolk Foods (sponsor), and in-kind contributions from Janet and Elephant House, who provided appreciation gifts to resource persons. Hello Amma expressed deep gratitude to all partners and speakers for championing this mission.

Hello Amma’s vision extends beyond individual workshops. By bridging the gap between mothers and employers, it aims to create inclusive workplaces, reduce the stigma of career breaks, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s workforce participation rates.

‘This is not just a workshop, it is the start of a movement. We are building pathways that connect mothers with employers who value inclusivity and resilience. I invite forward-thinking organisations to join us in this journey of empowerment and impact,’ Gayani added.

Q: The role of directors is under greater scrutiny today. How do you see the role of boards evolving in Sri Lanka’s current economic climate?

A: The era of passive oversight is over. Boards must now serve as active partners in strategy, transformation, and value creation. In today’s economy, directors are expected to drive performance, enforce discipline, and rebuild stakeholder trust. The focus must shift from compliance-driven governance to long-term value generation. Sri Lanka’s corporate recovery will be led by boards that are agile, transparent, and purpose-driven.

Q: You often emphasise the importance of visible talent. How can boards strengthen succession planning and leadership development?

A: Investors invest in people first and numbers second. Sound governance is built on a foundation of capable leadership. Succession planning should be an embedded, ongoing process-not an annual formality. Boards must identify and mentor emerging leaders early to ensure organisational continuity. At SLID, we help boards institutionalise leadership visibility through programs such as our Women in Leadership Program and Board Placement Service, which strengthen succession pipelines, enhance diversity, and connect qualified professionals with companies seeking strong governance talent. These initiatives ensure that organisations are never unprepared for critical leadership transitions.

Q: ESG is a buzzword, but integration remains a challenge. How can Sri Lankan boards embed ESG into their strategy?

A: ESG is not a compliance tool-it’s a strategic imperative. Boards must integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into the business model, aligning sustainability with profitability. For Sri Lanka, the social and governance dimensions are especially critical. Ethical conduct, transparency, and responsible management build long-term investor confidence. We encourage boards to link ESG performance directly to competitive advantage and access to global capital.

Q: AI and digital disruption are reshaping industries. How ready are Sri Lankan boards to navigate this shift?

A: Technology oversight has become a core board responsibility. Directors must cultivate working knowledge of AI, data ethics, and cybersecurity. SLID is building this capacity through specialised programs on AI governance, data privacy, and digital transformation. The boards of tomorrow will be defined not only by financial acumen but also by their ability to understand how technology shapes risk, opportunity, talent and strategy.

Q: Diversity remains an area where Sri Lankan boards lag. What practical steps can be taken to improve inclusion at the top?

A: Diversity is a strategic advantage-not merely a social cause. Diverse perspectives strengthen boardroom decisions and enhance creativity and resilience. At SLID, we are creating structured pathways for women and young professionals to enter board roles through initiatives such as the Women Directors Forum, Young Directors Forum, and Board Leadership Training (BLT) programs. These initiatives offer mentorship, capacity building, and continuous professional development to ensure leadership readiness. Companies, in turn, must look beyond traditional networks and cultivate inclusive cultures where every voice is heard and valued.

Q: Some argue that new governance requirements are becoming too stringent. What is your view on the latest changes?

A: Some new rules were essential to strengthen accountability and rebuild confidence-but balance is key. Provisions on board independence, term limits, and disclosure must evolve with the country’s economic context. As we recover from a period of financial stress, governance reforms must support growth rather than create rigidity. This is particularly relevant in the financial sector, where strong regulation has been vital in restoring depositor confidence. Since nearly 90% of the capital employed by banks comes from public deposits, sound yet practical governance remains the foundation of stability. The Central Bank’s and SECs role in maintaining that balance is critical, and the Sri Lankan financial system today is among the most tightly and prudently regulated in the region.

Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for SLID and its role in advancing governance in Sri Lanka?

A: Our ambition is to make SLID a regional benchmark for governance excellence. Over the next five years, we aim to elevate director professionalism, promote ethical leadership, and align Sri Lankan boards with international best practices. To this end, we have launched the SLID-ACCA Director Recognition Program to build governance capacity nationwide. Our Annual International Directors Conference brings together local and global experts to exchange insights and strengthen boardroom effectiveness. Extending our reach beyond Sri Lanka, SLID has formed a strategic partnership with the Institute of Directors (IOD) India, enabling regional collaboration and knowledge exchange across South Asia. Through these initiatives, we are shaping a new generation of directors equipped to lead with integrity, foresight, and resilience-driving Sri Lanka’s transition toward a more sustainable and globally competitive economy.

Major Union Bank shareholder, CG Corp Global Chairman Dr. Binod K. Chaudhary (second from left), who is also a leading investor in several tourism-related ventures, met with Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath to discuss potential new tourism investments and other related investments in Sri Lanka. He was accompanied by (from left): CG Corp Global Managing Director and Union Bank Deputy Chairman Nirvana Chaudhary and Union Bank Chairman and Employers’ Federation of Ceylon Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody

As the closing date for filing income tax returns draws closer (on or before 30 November), taxpayers, auditors, and consultants are working against the clock to finalise their computations. Recognising the importance of this process at a national level, the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) took the lead in organising a free, trilingual webinar designed to educate and support taxpayers in filing their returns online.

The initiative was conducted by the Committee for Research, Knowledge Mobilisation, and Taxation (RKMT) of ICCSL. The session brought together experts and practitioners to guide participants on key aspects of online filing, from technical procedures to clarifying complex rules.

Trilingual effort to educate taxpayers

ICCSL Chairman Shanil Fernando, highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening taxpayer awareness and compliance through accessible platforms. Resource persons for the webinar included: Inland Revenue Department Senior Deputy Commissioner Hiran Meneripitiya (Sinhala presenter), Tax, Ernst and Young Principal Velauthapillai Shakthivel (Tamil presenter), and KPMG Principal – Tax and Regulatory Rifka Ziyard (English presenter). Their presentations addressed a diverse audience, reflecting Sri Lanka’s multilingual taxpayer community. They as the panel also fielded questions, offering clarifications on both technical processes and broader compliance issues. The session was moderated by RKMT of ICCSL Chairperson Dr. Nadee Dissanayake, who ensured smooth coordination across the three languages. For those unable to attend live, the webinar remains available on the ICCSL Facebook page.

High engagement webinar

The event attracted strong participation, with many taxpayers actively raising questions throughout the session. This overwhelming response revealed two important insights: the strong demand for taxpayer guidance, and the extent of the knowledge gaps that remain in areas such as technical filing, tax calculations, and documentation.

In response, the RKMT Committee announced plans to produce a follow-up video answering the most important questions. This was also made available on ICCSL’s Facebook platform, ensuring that taxpayers continue to receive timely and practical support.

The panellists diligently addressed all questions, offering detailed insights on how to address the issues raised.

Revealing critical gap

The session underscored a broader challenge facing Sri Lanka’s tax system: while online filing platforms provide efficiency and transparency, many taxpayers still struggle with the technical details. Areas of difficulty include:

Selecting the correct schedules.

Understanding supporting documentation requirements.

Clarifying calculations under specific rules.

Interpreting certain technical concepts and compliance obligations.

The active engagement of participants confirmed that such gaps are not isolated, but systemic, requiring sustained attention from responsible authorities.

Call for clearer guidance

The RKMT initiative of ICCSL highlights how non-state sector bodies can effectively complement Government efforts by providing accessible platforms for taxpayer education. However, the volume of questions raised shows the need for clearer, more structured guidance directly from regulatory authorities. Tax compliance goes beyond a technical exercise, it is vital for national revenue and development. For success, taxpayers require simple instructions, reliable support channels, and transparent communication. Bridging this gap calls for stronger collaboration: authorities must adopt responsive tools, while organisations like ICCSL expand awareness and dialogue. Together, they can transform filing into a manageable and responsible civic duty.

Looking ahead

The ICCSL webinar showed how public-private collaboration can support taxpayers through expert, multilingual, and accessible guidance. With deadlines nearing, clarity and timely help are critical. Strong participation revealed both challenges and opportunities to improve awareness. Building an inclusive, efficient tax culture requires consistent, user-friendly communication an effort that must be led by tax authorities alongside partners. Media coverage supported by Daily FT.

Union Assurance has set a new industry benchmark by becoming the first to fully digitise the Advisor Life Cycle Management process.

This ground-breaking initiative transforms every aspect of adviser operations from onboarding and self-servicing into a seamless digital experience reinforcing Union Assurance’s leadership in innovation within the insurance sector.

The shift from manual to digital processes has unlocked substantial benefits for both internal and external stakeholders. With automation, the adviser onboarding process has been significantly accelerated, representing a major improvement in operational turnaround times. This efficiency is further enhanced by the integration with the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute’s digital examinations platform, which is an industry first initiative, allowing instant verification against prerequisite exam requirements. In addition, advisers have also been empowered with intuitive self-service capabilities, enabling them to complete service requests with just a few clicks. These advancements have led to increased productivity, improved data accuracy, and a significantly enhanced adviser experience, while also delivering considerable cost savings to the organisation.

Union Assurance PLC Chief Agency Officer Imtiyaz Aniff said: ‘By digitising the entire Advisor Life Cycle Management process, we’ve not only improved efficiency but also empowered our teams with greater control and faster access to essential tools. This initiative reflects Union Assurance’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders.’

Chief Information Officer Harsha Senanayake said: ‘This marks a transformative moment in how we manage and support our advisor network. By integrating technology into every stage of the advisor life cycle, we’ve built a scalable, efficient, and future-ready platform. It’s a testament to our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and delivering value across the board.’

Despite welcoming a record number of visitors in September 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry fell short of revenue expectations, reflecting persistent challenges in boosting tourist spending.

According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), September earnings rose marginally year-on-year (YoY) to $ 182.9 million, but fell sharply by 42% month-on-month, underscoring the gap between arrivals growth and actual economic returns.

The average daily spending per tourist remains around $ 171-lower than expected-and is a key factor preventing stronger revenue growth.

By comparison, September 2018 saw earnings of $ 279.8 million, highlighting that the industry still lags nearly $ 97 million behind pre-crisis highs.

Thus, the $ 400.66 million earned in January 2025 remains the highest monthly performance since 2020, buoyed by strong early-season demand.

During the first nine months, the tourism industry has generated over $ 2.47 billion, reflecting a 5% year-to-date (YTD) increase. However, the figure remains 31.2% below the 2018 benchmark of $ 3.25 billion for the same period, the year Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever annual tourism revenue of $ 4.38 billion.

On average, during January-September 2025, around $ 274 million per month was generated from the tourism industry.

Despite the positive momentum, the sector faces an uphill battle to achieve its ambitious $ 5 billion year-end target and revised 2.6 million arrivals goal, following a mixed performance in the first nine months of the year. To reach that goal, the country will need to generate over $ 2.52 billion in the final quarter alone, a target analysts describe as ‘challenging but not impossible,’ given the current pace of demand.

To meet the $ 5 billion target, Sri Lanka must now average over $ 840 million in monthly earnings over the next three months, almost double the current average. It underscores the scale of the challenge as the country looks to reclaim its position among the region’s top-performing tourist destinations.