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The Mastercard 5 Club Stableford Tournament 2025 concluded in grand style at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) drawing over 270 golfers across multiple divisions for two days of highly competitive golf.

The overall Nett Winner was Dr. Rohitha Silva, who delivered an outstanding performance, carding 47 points to set the benchmark for the tournament. His exceptional play stood out in a field filled with experienced and emerging golfers alike.

In Division A (Handicap 0-9), Avancka Herat emerged victorious with 38 points, while Manjula Chandrasoma claimed the runner-up position with 35 points, highlighting the depth of talent among the low-handicap players.

The contest in Division B (Handicap 10-18) was equally competitive, with Dr. Rohitha Silva once again in top form, scoring 47 points to secure the title. Romesh Abhayaratne followed closely with 41 points, finishing runner-up on a better back nine count.

In Division C (Handicap 19-28), Rakbo Perera triumphed with 44 points, narrowly edging out Dinesh de Silva, who finished runner-up with 43 points after a close finish decided on count-back.

Among the Seniors, Nimal Perera showed consistency to take top honours with 38 points, while Sunimal Salgadu claimed runner-up with 36 points, also on a better back nine.

The Masters Division saw Reyaz Mihular impress with 42 points, followed by Indrajith Fernando, who finished runner-up with 40 points after a solid showing.

In the Ladies Silver Division, veteran golfer Arusha Senadhira was in superb form, capturing victory with 34 points, while Tiru Jesudasan followed closely with 33 points.

The Ladies Bronze Division produced a thrilling finish as Mavali Weerasinghe edged out Mukeeta Manukulasuriya on countback, both tied at 39 points.

In the Ladies Senior Division, M.C. Sellayah prevailed with 30 points, while Shanaz Preena finished runner-up with 25 points, bringing the curtain down on a memorable and well-organised event.

Hemas today announced the launch of its state-of-the-art tertiary care hospital in Thalawathugoda, marking one of the Group’s most ambitious investments to date. With a capital outlay of LKR 10 billion and plans to employ nearly 900 healthcare professionals, the new facility underscores Hemas’ commitment to advancing healthcare standards in Sri Lanka. This landmark initiative is a key component of the Group’s wider growth strategy, as it continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its position in the healthcare sector.

The event, themed ‘Redefining the Future of Healthcare,’ was graced by Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media, along with senior dignitaries, consultants, the Board of Directors, and members of the Hemas Group leadership team.

This expansion will transform Hemas Capital Hospital into a fully-fledged tertiary care facility, doubling its capacity to 150 beds and introducing advanced critical care units, operating theatres, and specialized centers of excellence. With a strong focus on advanced cardiac care, this complements Hemas’ recent expansion of Cath Labs and interventional cardiology capabilities, and reinforces it’s position as a trusted provider of cardiac treatment.

As one of the largest private healthcare developments in the country, it reflects Hemas’ long- term commitment to invest in healthcare infrastructure and elevate Sri Lanka’s medical standards to regional benchmarks, bringing world-class healthcare closer to communities across the nation.

Raising Healthcare Standards in Sri Lanka

The expanded hospital will introduce several firsts to the nation’s healthcare sector:

Advanced cardiac surgery for precision heart interventions.

Expanded interventional cardiology and cardiac critical care facilities.

Robotic surgery in urology and orthopedics, offering minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and enhanced patient safety.

Comprehensive spinal care, including scoliosis correction and endoscopic spine surgery.

A dedicated Orthopedic Trauma and Sports Medicine Unit, supporting both complex musculoskeletal conditions and the needs of athletes.

Advanced nephrology and gastrointestinal surgery, incorporating minimally invasive and robotic techniques.

Beyond Treatment – A Hub for Innovation

Dr. Lakith Peiris, Managing Director of Hemas Hospitals, said:

‘More than a hospital, the new facility is designed to be a hub of learning and innovation. It will host Sri Lanka’s first training center for robotic surgery, equipping the next generation of

clinicians with advanced surgical skills. It will also support research, digital health integration, and knowledge partnerships, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the walls of the hospital.’

Serving Patients, Clinicians, and the Nation

With its expanded capacity and pioneering services, Hemas Capital Hospital will reduce the need for Sri Lankans to travel abroad for specialized care, relieve the burden on the public health system, and provide clinicians with a platform to practice medicine at international standards.

Mr. Murtaza Esufally, Chairman of the Healthcare Sector of Hemas Group, added:

‘The project reflects Hemas’ deep commitment to Sri Lanka – creating new employment opportunities, advancing healthcare accessibility across communities, and positioning the nation as an emerging regional healthcare hub.’

Mr. Ashish Chandra, Group CEO Hemas Holdings, said:

‘Hemas stands as Sri Lanka’s largest healthcare group, with a strong presence across pharmaceuticals, surgical and diagnostics distribution and manufacturing, as well as healthcare services spanning primary, tertiary, and home care. Guided by our purpose of empowering the lives of every Sri Lankan, we are committed to delivering world-class healthcare that is both accessible and affordable. This state-of-the-art facility with latest digital innovations that will transform patient experience and outcomes reflects our vision to expand access to high-quality care’

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday that the repeal of the Former Presidents’ Entitlements Act does not affect the Government’s duty to ensure the personal security of former heads of state.

He explained that while some former Presidents have voluntarily returned vehicles previously allocated for their security, such matters are separate from the repealed law.

Wijepala added that providing protection for former presidents remains a State responsibility. He noted that if any requests are made for security vehicles or other assistance, the Government is prepared to supply the required resources.

Opening bowler, Ranjith Kumar Newton with a brilliant spell of bowling (04 overs – 28 runs – 06 wickets) and a containing spell of bowling by V. Viyaskanth (04 overs, 23 runs 03 wickets) steered BBK Partnership to a thrilling 07 runs win over David Pieris Group of Companies, in the ongoing 32nd Singer – MCA Super Premier League T20 Tournament 2025, continued on Saturday at the MCA Grounds.

David Pieris Group of Companies chasing a winning total of 169 runs in 20 overs gave a spirited chase with two gallant batting performances by Asitha Wanninayake (50 runs in 38 balls with one six and 06 fours) and Tharinda Nirmal (63 runs in 42 balls with 05 sixes and 02 fours), but fell short by 07 runs, scoring 161 all out in 20 overs.

The morning match between Hayleys Group and Maliban Biscuits was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain.

Chief scores of the afternoon match:

BBK Partnership beat David Pieris Group of Companies by 07 runs.

BBK Partnership – 168 for 08 in 20 overs ( Niroshan Dickwella 21, S. Sarangan 45, Santhush Gunatillake 38, A. Kajan 29, Manjula Gannile 2/37, Asitha Wanninayake 2/16)

David Group of Companies – 161 all out in 20 overs. (Asitha Wanninayake 50, R. Sembakutti 23, Tharinda Nirmal 63, Ranjith Kumar Newton 6/28, V. Viyaskanth 3/23)

The tournament will be continued today at the MCA Grounds.

England eventually breathed a sigh of relief after being made to work hard for their 4-wicket win against Bangladesh in an ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match played at Guwahati yesterday.

The win was England’s second in as many games and put them on top of the standings on net run rate over India with four points.

Heather Knight’s composure proved decisive, guiding her side home in a tricky chase. Charlie Dean had mentioned at the break that they needed to dig deep, and that’s exactly what her former skipper did. Marufa Akter once again struck early for Bangladesh, removing both openers, before Nat Sciver-Brunt’s counterattack (32 off 41 balls, 5 fours) ended tamely with a full toss to midwicket. A mini collapse followed with four wickets tumbling for 34 runs, but Knight held firm and, along with Dean, stitched a crucial 80-run stand for the seventh wicket to take England over the line. Player of the Match Knight ended unbeaten on 79 scored off 111 balls (8 fours, 1 six) and Dean was 27* off 56 balls.

Earlier Bangladesh’s tactics were strange to understand. At times they were content to just bat and not worry about the net run-rate. They seemed content playing within themselves and never really shifted gears. A few small partnerships came and went, but all at a sluggish tempo. Sobhana Mostary, batting at No.4, held the innings together and brought up her maiden ODI fifty (60 off 108 balls, 8 fours), yet found little support at the other end. It was only Rabeya Khan’s late burst, an unbeaten 27-ball 43 (6 fours, 1 six) that gave the innings some life and lifted them to 178 which is a total well below par. England’s spinners did the bulk of the damage, claiming nine of the ten wickets to fall, with Sophie Ecclestone leading the charge with 3/24.