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LPL roadshow moves to Dambulla

Following three days of intense competition in the first five matches of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) sixth edition at the SSC grounds, the roadshow now moves to Dambulla where the next nine games will take place till 26 July.

Kandy Royals without a win after two matches will be hoping to turn the tide in their favour when they confront Dambulla in the first match at the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium today.

Kandy Royals has had such a bad run that their captain Angelo Mathews has branded them as being “unprofessional” following repeated mistakes in the two games played so far. They are the only team without a win after the first round of matches. It’s not that Kandy Royals have not been posting the required totals on the board, but it is their wayward bowling and poor fielding that has let them down badly.

Galle Gallants is the team that is riding high at the moment with two wins out of two games which includes a comprehensive 36-run win over the defending champions Jaffna Kings in the tournament’s curtain-raiser match. Led by former Sri Lanka white ball captain Dasun Shanaka they have become a force to be reckoned with. The captain has led Galle Gallants from the front with his inspirational batting and bowling. They have a varied bowling attack with seamers Eshan Malinga and Pakistanis Mohammad Nawaz and Akif Javed and the leg-spin of Vijayakanth Viyaskanth to complement their solid batting line-up. For Charith Asalanka, the former Sri Lanka white ball captain who has lost his place in the national T20I side, the LPL is a good opportunity for him to perform and earn a recall for the tour of England in September where Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three T20Is.

Dambulla Sixers, the only other team apart from Galle Gallants to top 200 runs in an innings and have a plus net run rate, are locked on two points with Colombo Kaps and Jaffna Kings who both have minus net run rates.

Caught on a slow track Dambulla Sixers led by Dinesh Chandimal were bowled out for the lowest total so far – 130 to hand Jaffna Kings their first win. The win was contrived by their captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa who followed his team’s disciplined bowling, with a captivating knock of 61* off 37 balls on a pitch where no batsman made more than 27.

Dambulla Sixers who started off in style posting over 200 against Kandy Royals with South Africa’s top order batter Reeza Hendricks leading the way with a destructive 87* off 50 balls, failed to keep that momentum going when they succumbed to Jaffna Kings in their next game.

Colombo Kaps also registered their first win on Sunday chasing down Kandy Royals total of 179 with two balls to spare. At the halfway stage of the innings Kandy Royals seemed to have the game well under their control having captured four wickets for 67. But Janith Liyanage, a fighter to the core and New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham turned the game on its head in a game changing partnership of 115 off 60 balls to snatch a win from nowhere. This was achieved without their captain Kusal Mendis who was forced to retire hurt after facing just four balls with a suspected hamstring injury. Colombo Kaps’ next match is not until Thursday which depending on the extent of his injury, Mendis’ availability can be gauged.

The first three days of the LPL has seen some outstanding cricket with both bat and ball aligned to the format. Now it is the turn of cricket fans in Dambulla to savour the delights of T20 cricket.

BASL urges consultative committee on judicial retirement age proposal

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to halt any unilateral progress on the proposed constitutional amendment to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges.

In a letter dated 16 July, the BASL argued that the measure has far-reaching constitutional implications and should instead be subjected to structured consultation through a committee comprising representatives of the Ministry, Judiciary, BASL, and other key stakeholders before any further action is taken.

The BASL statement is as follows:

“At the outset, we have become aware that you have not been well, and wish to convey our wishes for your speedy recovery.

We write this letter with reference to the above matter, which concerns a proposal of considerable constitutional significance and one that has profound implications to the independence of the Judiciary, the administration of justice and the Rule of Law.

At the outset, we respectfully request that you give due consideration to the serious concerns expressed regarding this proposal by the BASL, the wider legal profession, members of the Judiciary, and several eminent Jurists and leading Lawyers’ Organisations both within Sri Lanka and internationally.

You would recall that by our letter dated 30 March 2026, we sought clarification from you to confirm whether the Government was contemplating a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement ages of Judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. A copy of that letter is annexed hereto marked “A” for ease of reference.

As no response was received, the BASL subsequently addressed the letter dated 25 May 2026 to His Excellency the President setting out the considered position of the Bar in opposition to any such proposal. A copy of that letter is annexed hereto marked “B”.

In the said communication dated 25 May 2026, the BASL explained that the existing retirement ages of Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court have remained unchanged since the promulgation of the Constitution in 1978 and that no compelling institutional necessity has been demonstrated to justify altering those constitutional provisions. It was further pointed out that the recent increase in the approved cadre of both Courts substantially addresses any concerns relating to judicial capacity and workload.

More fundamentally, the BASL expressed the view that any constitutional amendment directed solely at extending the tenure of sitting Judges of the superior courts would inevitably give rise to questions concerning its purpose and motivation and that such a measure would undermine public confidence in the independence of the Judiciary, such perception being built upon both the fact of actual independence, and the public perception that the Judiciary remains entirely free from influence, favour or accommodation.

The BASL also observed that constitutional amendments affecting the superior Judiciary should never be undertaken in an ad hoc manner or in response to temporary circumstances. Amendments of such constitutional importance should only be introduced where there exists a demonstrable institutional necessity, transparent public justification and broad and defensible stakeholder consultation. Public confidence in constitutional governance depends upon the process adopted as much as the substance of the amendment itself.

Regrettably, we have not received any response or official observations in respect of either of the above letters.

In the meantime, this proposal has become a matter of significant public discussion and constitutional concern. It is fair to observe that the proposal has attracted unprecedented opposition from almost every sector connected with the administration of justice. The concerns expressed extend well beyond the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and include members of the Judiciary, former Judges, senior members of the profession, eminent academics, and respected international legal organisations.

The concerns expressed by the above stakeholders were perhaps best encapsulated by Senior Advocate of India, Immediate Past President of LAWASIA and Vice-President of the Indian Bar Association Shyam Divan, who recently observed:

“May I suggest a third factor which I will call the ‘Smell Test’. The Bar Association, comprising so many experienced and venerable practitioners, has a keen and well-developed instinct refined over decades. When something ‘smells wrong’, as it does at this constitutional moment, citizens have a reliable guide in the BASL. The Bar Association knows something is amiss, something that compromises the independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law. The move to amend the Constitution by extending the retirement age of superior court Judges fails the Smell Test.”

We also note that according to a statement made by the Cabinet Spokesperson following the Cabinet Meeting held on 14 July 2026, the Ministry of Justice has been requested to submit its report and observations before Cabinet reaches a final decision on this proposal.

This development presents an important opportunity to ensure that any report ultimately placed before Cabinet reflects the views of the principal stakeholders in the justice sector who have the experience and insight to objectively provide feedback and response in this matter and all others who would be interested.

You would no doubt appreciate that, over many decades and under successive Governments, it has been the established practice of the Ministry of Justice to consult the BASL on legislative and policy initiatives affecting the administration of justice. This longstanding practice reflects the important constitutional role performed by the BASL as the representative body of the legal profession and its continuing responsibility to uphold and safeguard the Rule of Law, the Independence of the Judiciary, and the proper Administration of Justice.

In fact, you are aware that the BASL is represented even presently in all other justice sector initiatives.

In our respectful view, the present proposal, involving as it does a constitutional amendment directly affecting the superior Judiciary and attracting serious concerns from both the Bench and the Bar, is a matter of exceptional constitutional importance. It ought not to be considered solely through the ordinary administrative process but should instead be informed by structured consultation with all principal stakeholders.

In those circumstances, we respectfully request that you be pleased to constitute an appropriate committee comprising representatives of the Ministry, the Judiciary, the BASL, and such other stakeholders as may be considered appropriate, for the purpose of studying the proposal comprehensively and submitting an objective report before any further steps are taken.

We further request that a delegation comprising members of the Executive Committee of the BASL together with Senior President’s Counsel and Senior Members of the profession be afforded an opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience so that these matters may be discussed fully.

The BASL remains ready and willing to assist the Ministry in any consultative process that may be established. We sincerely hope that no further steps will be taken in relation to this proposal until meaningful consultation has taken place with the principal stakeholders of the justice sector.

We look forward to your favourable response.”

Workplace accident: NSITF restores hope as 78 injured workers receive prostheses

For years, many of them believed life had come to a standstill. Some lost legs, others arms, while a few suffered severe workplace injuries that left them unable to work, care for their families or even move without assistance. Depression, frustration and uncertainty became their daily companions.

But, last week in Abuja, hope returned for 78 workers as the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) presented prosthetic limbs to beneficiaries under its Employees’ Compensation Scheme, giving them a fresh opportunity to rebuild their lives after devastating workplace accidents.

The beneficiaries, drawn from different parts of the country and fitted with prostheses according to the nature of their injuries, expressed joy as they took their first confident steps towards independence once again.

Speaking during the presentation of the final report on the current phase of the Prosthesis Provision Exercise, Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, said the completion of the programme was made possible through the commitment of all stakeholders.

Represented by the Executive Director (Operations), Mojisola Alli Macaulay, Faleye said the cooperation of prosthesis providers, employers, beneficiaries and the fund’s monitoring team ensured the intervention achieved its objectives.

‘The cooperation and commitment demonstrated by the prosthesis providers, beneficiaries, employers, and the monitoring team greatly contributed to the successful completion of this intervention.

‘The providers also demonstrated flexibility by accommodating special clinical needs, including the provision of a hip disarticulation prosthesis where necessary,’ he said.

Faleye explained that following the commencement of the prosthesis provision exercise in April 2026, the Claims and Compensation Department of NSITF monitored the programme from inception until its successful completion.

He said every beneficiary captured under the approved programme was professionally assessed, fitted with appropriate prosthetic devices, trained on their use and discharged after satisfactory evaluation.

‘Se quel to the interim report submitted previously, I am pleased to report that the prosthesis provision exercise has now been successfully concluded. All identified beneficiaries under the approved programme have been assessed, fitted with the appropriate prostheses, trained on their use, and discharged after satisfactory evaluation,’ he said.

He added that where some beneficiaries could not participate because they could not be reached, declined to attend after notification or had died, they were replaced with persons from the supplementary list to ensure the programme was fully implemented.

The intervention covered a broad range of disabilities, including eight above-knee prostheses, one hip disarticulation prosthesis, 11 below-knee prostheses, 12 below-elbow prostheses, five above-elbow prostheses, one trans-humeral prosthesis and 40 silicone partial hand prostheses. Overall, all 78 beneficiaries scheduled under the programme were successfully fitted and discharged.

General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, said the exercise went beyond simply providing artificial limbs, noting that beneficiaries underwent comprehensive rehabilitation that included assessment, measurements, fabrication, fitting, gait training, functional training, evaluation and final discharge.

She said the exercise had significantly transformed the lives of the beneficiaries.

‘The prostheses were successfully fitted, and beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the services rendered. Discharge letters stating completion and warranty with the beneficiaries’ satisfaction forms have been duly completed and filed in their respective dossiers.

‘In conclusion, the prosthesis provision programme achieved its intended objectives and has been completed successfully. The exercise has significantly improved the mobility, functionality, and quality of life of the beneficiaries while fulfilling the Fund’s mandate of providing appropriate rehabilitation support to eligible employees who sustained work-related disabilities,’ she stated.

For many at the ceremony, however, the statistics were overshadowed by the personal stories of resilience.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Solomon Sunday, an employee of Zodoson Industries in Abia State, struggled to hide his emotions as he described how a workplace accident had almost destroyed his future before NSITF intervened.

He said many of the beneficiaries had resigned themselves to hopelessness after losing their limbs.

‘We are deeply grateful to the fund and appreciate NSITF for all they have done for us and have been doing. You can see how excited and happy I am as a young man who can look forward to a bright future and the fund has given me opportunity to acquire new skill to earn a living.

‘Honestly, we are deeply grateful and thank God for using NSITF to change our stories.’

His testimony drew applause from fellow beneficiaries, many of whom smiled as they walked confidently with their new prosthetic limbs, visible symbols of lives interrupted by workplace accidents but now restored with renewed hope, dignity and the promise of a brighter future.

Trkiye to deliver 30,000 food aid packages to Northern Syria by end of July

Trkiye will deliver an additional 30,000 food aid packages to northern Syria by the end of July as part of its ongoing humanitarian assistance efforts.

AzerNEWS reports that each aid package contains a copy of a letter from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing solidarity with and support for the Syrian people.

In his message, Erdogan reaffirmed Trkiye’s long-standing commitment to its southern neighbor.

“Trkiye and its people have always stood by our Syrian brothers and sisters, and we always will. We have been neighbors for a thousand years, and we will remain so until the end of time. The key to Syria’s stable development lies in preserving our shared history and our common vision for the future. Trkiye will continue to support the Syrian people’s efforts toward development with all of its resources,” the letter states.

The humanitarian supplies are scheduled to be distributed among vulnerable families in the Operation Euphrates Shield zone in northern Syria.

The first trucks carrying the aid have already departed for Hatay Province, which borders Syria. The shipments include essential food items such as flour, tomato paste, sunflower oil, beans, pasta, rice, and other basic necessities.

The latest delivery underscores Trkiye’s continued humanitarian engagement in northern Syria, where millions of civilians remain dependent on international assistance.

CBSL slaps Rs. 14.6 m in AML non-compliance fines

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) yesterday said its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) imposed administrative penalties totalling Rs. 14.6 million on 12 reporting institutions between October 2025 and March 2026, with the enforcement action highlighting failures to report high-value transactions within stipulated timelines, weaknesses in customer screening against UN sanctions lists, and broader gaps in anti-money laundering and countering the financing of

terrorism (AML/CFT) controls.

The FIU, which functions as Sri Lanka’s regulator for AML/CFT, said the penalties were imposed under Section 19 (1) read together with Section 19 (2) of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, No. 6 of 2006 (FTRA) after considering the nature and gravity of the relevant non-compliances. The funds collected as penalties were credited to the Consolidated Fund.

The penalties covered 12 institutions, comprising eight financial institutions and four designated non-financial businesses and professions, following risk-based on-site examinations, spot examinations, and offsite follow-up examinations.

The highest penalty of Rs. 3 million was imposed on Citizens Development Business Finance PLC after the FIU identified failures in customer screening and sanctions compliance.

The FIU said the company had failed to effectively verify whether prospective customers appeared on designated lists issued under UN Security Council resolutions before entering into new business relationships. It had also failed to effectively screen its existing customer database when sanctions lists were updated.

The examination found that, due to these gaps in systems and procedures, the company had established and maintained business relationships with three individuals designated under UN Regulation No. 1 of 2012, issued pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1373.

The FIU said the company had also failed to freeze funds, other financial assets, and economic resources held by designated persons and failed to inform the FIU of such assets within the required 24-hour period.

Cargills Bank PLC and Sanasa Life Insurance Company PLC were each fined Rs. 2 million for separate AML/CFT compliance failures.

Cargills Bank was penalised after failing to report 18 electronic fund transfer transactions from an examination sample where the value exceeded Rs. 1 million or its equivalent in foreign currency within the prescribed period.

The bank was also found to have failed to maintain a complete list of designated persons, groups, and entities under UN Regulation No. 1 of 2012. The FIU said the lapse was due to delays in updating designated lists within the bank’s screening tool, but no business relationships with designated individuals or entities were identified during the examination.

Sanasa Life Insurance was fined after failing to report nine cash transactions exceeding Rs. 1 million within the required period and for shortcomings in maintaining updated sanctions lists, screening customers and beneficiaries, and obtaining senior management approval before establishing a business relationship with a politically exposed person. The FIU said the examination did not reveal any business relationships maintained with designated individuals or entities despite the identified system and procedural gaps.

Penalties of Rs. 1 million each were imposed on LB Finance PLC, LOLC Securities Ltd., Janashakthi Finance PLC, and Indian Overseas Bank.

LB Finance was fined after failing to report nine transactions exceeding Rs. 1 million or its equivalent in foreign currency within the specified period.

LOLC Securities was penalised for failing to report 12 electronic fund transfer transactions exceeding the reporting threshold, while Janashakthi Finance was cited for delays in verifying prospective customers against designated lists before establishing business relationships.

Indian Overseas Bank was penalised for several deficiencies, including failing to report 13 transactions exceeding the reporting threshold, inadequate sanctions screening during wire transfers, maintaining incomplete designated lists and delays in updating its screening system after receiving notifications from the FIU.

The FIU noted that no business relationships with designated persons or entities were identified in the cases involving LOLC Securities, Janashakthi Finance and Indian Overseas Bank.

Among designated non-financial businesses and professions, Swarnamahal Jewellers Ltd. received a penalty of Rs. 2 million for failures relating to customer due diligence, identification and verification of customers and beneficial owners, record retention, AML/CFT risk assessments and sanctions screening.

Harbour Village Ltd. was fined Rs. 1 million for failing to verify customers against designated lists and for not having mechanisms to screen existing customers when sanctions lists were updated.

Colombo Jewellery Stores Ltd. was fined Rs. 500,000 after failing to conduct a money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment, while Zay’s Ltd. was fined Rs. 100,000 for failing to verify customers or beneficiaries against designated lists relating to targeted financial sanctions.

The FIU said the administrative penalties form part of measures to strengthen compliance with Sri Lanka’s AML/CFT framework by ensuring reporting institutions maintain effective transaction monitoring, customer due diligence and sanctions screening mechanisms.

LankaPay joins 2nd Data Privacy and Protection Summit 2026 as Silver Partner

CICRA Group Director/CEO Boshan Dayaratne (right) exchanges the partnership agreement with LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva. LankaPay Deputy CEO Dinuka Perera is also present – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s national payment network and the backbone of the country’s digital financial ecosystem, has announced its participation as a Silver Partner at the 2nd Data Privacy and Protection Summit 2026.

The summit, organised by CICRA and Daily FT, is scheduled on Thursday 23 July 2026 at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

As the operator of Sri Lanka’s interbank payment infrastructure, LankaPay processes the majority of the nation’s digital financial transactions, connecting banks, financial institutions, and millions of citizens . With more than 75% of Sri Lanka’s economic output transacted via its real-time payment systems, the organisation stands at the heart of the country’s digital economy . This central position brings immense responsibility for safeguarding sensitive financial data and maintaining public trust.

With the enforcement of Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) now imminent, LankaPay recognises the critical importance of robust data governance . The company has long been a pioneer in security-it was the first entity in Sri Lanka to achieve PCI-DSS certification and established FinCSIRT, the region’s first cybersecurity unit dedicated to protecting the financial sector. Beyond infrastructure, LankaPay has actively worked to combat financial fraud, including innovative mobile number verification solutions developed in partnership with telecom providers to eliminate OTP-based account takeovers . LankaPay’s long-standing partnership with CICRA and Daily FT, including eight consecutive years of support for the Annual Cyber Security Summit, underscores its sustained commitment to digital security in Sri Lanka.

CICRA Group Director/CEO Boshan Dayaratne said: “We are delighted to welcome LankaPay as a Silver Partner for the 2nd Data Privacy and Protection Summit. LankaPay has been a long-standing partner with CICRA and Daily FT for many years on the annual Cyber Security Summit. Their deep expertise in securing the nation’s payment infrastructure is invaluable, and we are happy to have them on board as we address the urgent challenges of data protection and PDPA compliance.”

LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva will address the summit, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to data protection and compliance.

“As the guardian of Sri Lanka’s financial services backbone and a key pillar of the digital economy, data protection is not just a regulatory obligation but a foundational pillar of trust for us,” said de Silva. “With the PDPA enforcement approaching, we see the summit as a vital platform to drive the conversation forward-not only to protect our systems but to empower the entire financial ecosystem to meet new compliance standards. LankaPay is proud to join this initiative as a Silver Partner and looks forward to contributing to a secure and resilient digital future for Sri Lanka.”

The 2nd Data Privacy and Protection Summit 2026 serves as the country’s foremost gathering for data protection professionals, legal experts, and technology leaders. As data breaches grow more sophisticated, AI takes centre stage, and PDPA enforcement looms, the summit provides a vital platform to understand the evolving landscape of privacy, security, and compliance. Both government institutions and private sector organisations have a shared responsibility in protecting citizen and customer data. With enforcement imminent, public sector data controllers and private enterprises alike must act now to avoid penalties, reputational damage, and security breaches. This summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from global AI-driven solutions, understand regulatory obligations, and build a proactive defense strategy, making attendance a strategic necessity for policymakers, CISOs, legal counsel, and IT professionals.

Registration is now open at www.cicrasummit.lk. All Data Protection Officers, IT security professionals, government officials, and business leaders are encouraged to attend.

Asiri Central Hospital performs first liver transplant, marking new milestone in advanced healthcare

Front row from left: Vascular and Transplant Surgeon Dr. Gayan Bandara, Donor E. V. Asha Nilmini, Recipient P. Dilum Denendra Peiris, Lead Surgeon and General Surgeon Dr. Prabath Kumarasinghe, and Anesthetist Dr. Charaka Yapa Abeywardana

Back row from left: Medical Officer Dr. Anouchka Jayasinghe, Anesthetist Dr. Oliver Pathmaperuma, Medical Officer

Dr. Binoy Ranatunga, Anesthetist Dr. Danushka Wickramaratne, and General Surgeon Dr. Buddhika Dassanayake

Asiri Central Hospital has performed its first liver transplant successfully, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of specialised healthcare in Sri Lanka and bringing new hope to patients suffering from end-stage liver disease.

A highly experienced multidisciplinary transplant team, including transplant surgeons, hepatologists, anesthetists, intensivists, specialised nursing teams, and allied healthcare professionals, performed the complex procedure. The hospital’s continued investment in cutting-edge medical technology, specialised infrastructure, and clinical skills necessary to provide world-class transplant care locally is reflected in the successful outcome.

Commenting on the achievement, Asiri Central Chief Operating Officer Dr. Samanthi De Silva stated: “Our first liver transplant was completed successfully, marking a significant achievement for Asiri Central Hospital and demonstrating the commitment, skill, and collaboration of our interdisciplinary clinical teams. More significantly, it offers advanced liver disease patients and their families renewed hope. We remain committed to advancing Sri Lankan healthcare standards and increasing access to highly specialised treatments that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.”

One of the most sophisticated procedures in modern medicine is liver transplantation, which requires seamless coordination across multiple specialties before, during, and after the surgery. This achievement lessens the need for patients in need of advanced liver transplant treatment to seek care overseas by providing them with complete, internationally benchmarked care closer to home.

For the patient and their family, the milestone also signifies a turning point in their lives, demonstrating the transformative power of advanced transplant services for individuals with severe liver disease and limited treatment options.

By demonstrating that highly specialised, world-class medical procedures can be provided locally through clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care, Asiri Central Hospital continues to strengthen its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading providers of advanced healthcare services.

LPA outside PAR may become tropical depression – PAGASA

The low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its forecast on Tuesday, July 21, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated to be 1,630 kilometers east-southeast of Luzon as of 3 a.m.

PAGASA said it developed into an LPA as of 8 p.m. on July 20 and has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours.

It may also enter PAR on Tuesday afternoon or on the morning of July 22, according to PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres.

Meanwhile, the southeast monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat,’ may bring rains to Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

The habagat may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms to Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, MIMAROPA, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas and the rest of Mindanao.

Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM may also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the habagat.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.

LASWA moves to cut boat fares, expand fuel supply

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has unveiled measures aimed at reducing the rising cost of water transportation, following concerns by boat operators and passengers over escalating fares driven by high fuel prices.

Speaking to The Nation, LASWA Head of Operations, Oladayo Ibrahim, said the Authority was expanding its fuel distribution network while accelerating the transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric powered boats to lower operating costs and make ferry services more affordable.

He said the intervention followed complaints by operators that the sustained increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) had eroded profit margins and forced many to increase fares, placing additional financial pressure on commuters.

Ibrahim acknowledged that the global rise in crude oil prices had directly affected the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, with implications for every mode of transportation, including water transport. ‘However, despite the prevailing economic realities, the Lagos State Government has continued to subsidise ferry services through Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) to cushion the impact on commuters.’

According to him, LASWA has expanded its fuel dump infrastructure through Ibile Oil and Gas to four strategic locations across the state namely Falomo, Badagry, Ikorodu and Ijegun Egba. The expansion is designed to eliminate the hazardous practice of purchasing fuel in jerry cans while making fuel more accessible to boat operators.

‘The initiative is expected to reduce operational bottlenecks, lower operating costs and ultimately help moderate transport fares for passengers,’ Ibrahim said.

On clean energy transition, Ibrahim said the Authority is implementing longer term measures centred on cleaner and more cost effective energy sources. ‘LASWA is partnering Ril Hydro Kraft Limited to introduce Compressed Natural Gas powered boats into commercial operations. This initiative would significantly reduce fuel costs for operators, enabling them to sustain their businesses without passing rising operating costs to commuters.

‘LASWA has commenced the pilot phase of electric powered ferries in partnership with Carverton Marine. The electric boats form part of the Authority’s long term strategy to deploy cleaner, safer and more environmentally sustainable vessels on Lagos waterways while reducing dependence on conventional fuel.’

He said the combination of expanded fuel infrastructure and the adoption of alternative energy technologies was expected to reduce the financial burden on operators and passengers, improve operational efficiency and strengthen confidence in water transportation.

Ibrahim reaffirmed LASWA’s commitment to the development of the state’s waterways, saying the Authority would continue to work with operators and other stakeholders to ensure that water transportation remains safe, reliable, accessible and affordable for all Lagos residents.

ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 Cycle Sri Lanka names squad for women’s ODI series v Pakistan

Sri Lanka has picked a 15-member squad of players with Chamari Athapaththu as captain for the upcoming three-match Women’s ODI series against Pakistan.

The series which forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle which is the pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029 will take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.

The three matches will be played on 23, 25 and 28 July.

Pakistan are currently placed second and Sri Lanka third in the current standings with eight points each.

Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Squad

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi