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BASL protests SC actions, withholds post-hearing written submissions

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), by filing a motion before the Supreme Court yesterday, informed that it will not be tendering the post-hearing written submissions in connection with its Special Determination applications against the proposed 22nd Amendment, citing circumstances including the Court’s decision to refuse the petitioners an oral right of reply after the Attorney General’s oral submissions during Wednesday’s (2) hearings.

It is learnt that most of the other petitioners, following the BASL’s lead, will not tender their post-hearing written submissions.

The motion, filed in S.C. (S.D.) No. 47/2026 by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva against the Attorney General, cites several circumstances, including the Court’s decision to refuse the petitioners an oral right of reply after the Solicitor General’s submissions during the hearing on 2 September.

According to the motion, the petitioners had earlier sought the constitution of a Full Court comprising all judges of the Supreme Court to hear the matter, citing potential issues of conflict of interest or the appearance thereof involving all judges, including the Chief Justice.

They argued that nominating the entire bench would overcome any such concerns and negate perceptions that particular judges had been selected. The request, supported by counsel for most other petitioners, was rejected by the bench without reasons being assigned.

Hearings commenced on 1 September and continued till 10:30 p.m., resuming the next day at 10 a.m. Petitioners made initial submissions first, as the Solicitor General indicated he would address Court after the petitioners and intervenients supporting the Bill. Intervenients and the Solicitor General then made submissions explaining the rationale and justification for the Bill.

Civil society groups lodge corruption complaint against 159 NPP MPs

A collective of civil society organisations have lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleging misuse of parliamentary allowances by National People’s Power (NPP) MPs.

The complaint was submitted this week on behalf of the Centre for Free Struggle by Darshana Thanthri and Leshan Vidanagamachchi, together with groups including Dinana Dakuna and Free Lawyers.

The complainants alleged that allowances received by NPP MPs had been deposited into a bank account of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) instead of being used for public welfare.

They claimed the practice constituted an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023 and requested CIABOC to launch an urgent investigation.

The petition called for all 159 NPP MPs to be summoned to record statements and for the JVP’s bank accounts and relevant financial records to be examined as part of the investigation.

The organisations outlined five demands in their submission, including scrutiny of financial records and measures to ensure accountability, arguing that transparency was necessary to safeguard public trust.

Union Assurance celebrates excellence at Partnership Distribution Annual Awards 2025

Union Assurance celebrated the outstanding achievements of its Partnership Distribution channel at the Partnership Distribution Annual Awards 2025, held at Cinnamon Life. Themed ‘Record Breakers: The Power of Performance’, the event recognised exceptional performers who played a pivotal role in driving business growth and delivering greater value to customers throughout 2025.

The event brought together individuals from across the division, including Insurance Relationship Officers (IROs), Regional Managers, Zonal Managers, Corporate Account Managers, senior management, and support teams. A total of 150 awards were presented across multiple performance categories, recognising individuals whose dedication, consistency, and results contributed to a year of strong growth for the Partnership Distribution division. The achievements further reinforced the division’s position as one of Sri Lanka’s strongest Bancassurance service providers.

A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Champion of Champions 2025 award to Dineshi Fernando of the Nations Trust Bank Channel, in recognition of her exceptional performance and contribution during the year. The ceremony also recognised top-performing leaders across key categories, including Charith Abeywardana of the Nations Trust Bank Channel as Best Zonal Manager Channel 01, while Harshana Fernando of the Sampath Bank Channel received the award for Best Zonal Manager Channel 02. In the Regional Manager categories, Chamod Nakandala of Nations Trust Bank Channel and Janith Wickramarathne of the Seylan Bank Channel were recognised as Best Regional Managers – Channel 01, while Imal Pathiraja and Chanaka Duminda of the Sampath Bank Channel were recognised as Best Regional Managers – Channel 02.

Union Assurance Chief Partnership Distribution Officer Wathsala Aluthgedara said, ‘The accomplishments we celebrate today go beyond business performance. They reflect our ability to extend the reach of Life Insurance through strong partnerships, making protection and financial security more accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of customers. The strength of our channel is built on the trusted relationships we share with our partners and the commitment of our people, whose efforts continue to create meaningful value for customers while helping them protect what matters most. The results recognised this evening are a testament to their professionalism, customer focus, and pursuit of excellence. We are proud to recognise our award winners and thank the entire Partnership Distribution team for their contribution to another year of protecting what matters most.’

Adiong not expecting DDS to admit strong evidence vs Sara: Echo chamber

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong has no expectations about Duterte family supporters admitting that there is strong evidence presented against Vice President Sara Duterte during her impeachment trial, saying that these people have their own echo chamber and are living in a parallel universe.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Alonto Adiong and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon were asked about the insistence of Diehard Duterte Supporters – or the so-called DDS – that there is no smoking gun that would point towards Duterte committing an impeachable offense.

Alonto Adiong disagreed, reiterating previous statements from lawmakers supportive of Duterte’s impeachment that it is no longer a mere smoking gun, but a cannon’s worth of evidence.

‘If the Filipino people are seeing a cannon already, then what is this smoking gun that they are talking about? I think the DDS supporters, we don’t expect anything from them as far as appreciating the evidence and the testimony of the witnesses,’ Alonto Adiong, a spokesperson for the prosecution panel, said.

‘Because we can see from the trajectory of the supporters’ discussions, they really have an echo chamber, they have a parallel reality and they are the only ones talking and are able to understand each other,’ he added.

According to him, more Filipinos know the truth – that there is already compelling evidence against Duterte.

‘But a larger Filipino society knows that there is really compelling evidence, it’s like the prosecution panel was able to show and provide sufficient reason to state that there is betrayal of public trust since they cannot explain how public funds were used and the accountability that should be extracted from Vice President Sara Duterte,’ Alonto Adiong added.

As early as April 28, Ridon already said that the evidence that was gathered by the House of Representatives’ committee on justice no longer indicate a smoking gun, but a nuclear bomb already.

Ridon predicted that the ‘nuclear bomb’ will result to majority of committee on justice members and lawmakers voting in favor of the impeachment complaints. The lawmaker’s prediction eventually became true as last May 11, 257 lawmakers voted in favor of adopting House Resolution No. 989, which contains the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.

Earlier, during the same press briefing, Ridon urged Duterte supporters to unmute the video when they are watching the impeachment trial so that they can hear the evidence and testimonies from witnesses presented by the prosecution.

‘Maybe the videos being watched by Duterte supporters are muted, you need to open that, to unmute the video so that you can hear the details,’ Ridon said.

‘Because a lot of evidence has been mentioned. I won’t say that the evidence weighs a lot or does not weigh a lot because that goes into the sub judice restriction but my advice to them is, my friend, unmute the video,’ he added.

So far, the prosecution has finished presenting evidence and witnesses for Article IV, or the allegation that Duterte betrayed public trust when she threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives. The panel is still presenting evidence for Article I or the alleged confidential fund (CF) misuse within Duterte’s office, but prosecutors say that they may wrap up by September 9.

For Article I, a total of 10 witnesses have been presented by the prosecution team. On Wednesday, the panel presented former Education Undersecretary Michael Poa, who also happens to be a member of the defense panel.

Prior to Poa, the prosecution panel presented two Land Bank of the Philippines officials from which the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd withdrew their CFs; state auditors who checked on the confidential expenditures made by Duterte’s offices; OVP staffers like former special disbursing officer Gina Acosta; and on Tuesday, two Philippine Army (PA) officials.

The meat of Acosta’s testimony focused on her decision to transfer the CFs under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to former Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) head Col. Raymund Dante Lachica upon orders from Duterte.

On Tuesday, Army Col. Maranos Boransing II and Army Col. Magtanggol Panopio testified that none of Duterte’s offices – whether it be the Department of Education, OVP, or even the VPSPG – placed any of its regular allocations or CFs to two young training programs which were funded by the Philippine Army.

During the trial, Panopio also admitted being shocked that DepEd under Duterte used his certification on the existence and conduct of the Army-funded Youth Leadership Summit just so the department can justify its confidential expenses.

Oliwa? The spirit that binds us

For a brief and terrifying moment in August, Ugandans discovered that the government had finally noticed what they were doing at 10am. Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara issued a directive telling bars, clubs, malwa joints and other alcohol-selling places not to open before 3pm on working days.

The idea was to reduce morning drinking, improve productivity, protect young people and, presumably, make sure some Ugandans actually reached the office before reaching the bar.

The TL went into cardiac arrest. People reportedly wondered what exactly government expected them to do with their mornings. One wonders whether productive work was supposed to begin immediately after breakfast, or whether there would at least be a grace period for those already seated at the bar by 2:47pm.

The directive also exposed one of Uganda’s great contradictions: we are constantly being told to work hard, but we are equally committed to enjoying the fruits of work we have not yet done. Some people argued that government had bigger problems to solve unemployment, the cost of living, potholes and the national sport of surviving on a salary that disappears before the month does.

Others welcomed the directive, especially those tired of watching young people spend entire mornings drinking instead of working, farming or doing whatever productive activity young people are apparently supposed to do.

On X, MK said bar opening hours should be left to proprietors. What government should not tolerate, he said, was fighting and violence. Otherwise, Ugandans were entitled to enjoy themselves.

The internet heard one thing: “Party is back on, banange.” Minister Balaam quickly responded, ‘Order taken chairman with utmost respect,’ and suddenly the 3pm curtain appeared to become less of a curtain and more of a suggestion. This is where Uganda becomes wonderfully Ugandan.

We love our discipline, but we also love our enjoyment. We want development, but preferably with music playing in the background. We want young people to work hard, but after they answer the famous, oliwa question. Side ki , side wa ?

The president has previously acknowledged this same contradiction, often referring to young Ugandans as his bazzukulu while warning that enjoyment should not replace work. And really, that may be the sensible middle ground because alcohol abuse is real. Morning drinking can destroy productivity, families and finances. But closing licensed bars does not magically eliminate waragi.

It may simply send people to the nearest unlicensed drinking spot, where the only thing more questionable than the opening hours is what is inside the bottle.

Uganda’s nightlife also feeds thousands of livelihoods from waiters and waitresses to DJs, boda riders, musicians, security guards et al. So perhaps the real issue is not whether Ugandans should party. We clearly will but where possible, arrive at work first, please.

Ceylon Investment and Ceylon Guardian push back combined Rs. 1 b share repurchases to 22 Sept.

Carson Cumberbatch Group companies Ceylon Investment PLC and Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust PLC, two related closed-end funds, have each delayed the start of their proposed share repurchase offers by three weeks.

Both offers, first flagged to the exchange on 23 July, were originally scheduled to open on 2 September; both will now open on 22 September instead.

Ceylon Investment plans to repurchase up to 1,800,014 ordinary shares, one for every 54 held, at Rs. 203.33 per share, a price set against the fund’s net asset value as at 31 March, 2026. The offer is valued at over Rs. 365.9 million.

Ceylon Guardian’s offer is larger and covers two share classes. It plans to repurchase up to 1,510,529 ordinary shares and 105,609 deferred shares, in each case one for every 53 held, at Rs. 406.43 per share, also priced off 31 March net asset value. Net of 15% withholding tax, the offer is valued at over Rs. 613.9 million for ordinary shares and over Rs. 42.9 million for deferred shares. Together, the two funds’ repurchases are worth just over Rs. 1.02 billion.

Both companies have adopted an identical revised timetable: an entitlement date of 11 September, dispatch of offer documents and acceptance forms by 21 September, an offer window running from 22 September to 13 October, and payment to accepting shareholders due no later than 27 October.

Neither disclosure altered the underlying terms of its respective offer, only the commencement date, consistent with the delay both companies had already signalled at the time of their original July announcements.

Share repurchases of this kind allow closed-end funds to return capital to shareholders at a price anchored to net asset value, offering an exit route closer to underlying fund value than the market price might otherwise reflect.

Naira set to shrug off election risk in strongest run since 2018

Nigeria’s naira is on track for its strongest annual gain since at least 2018, shrugging off the political risks typically associated with an election season as higher oil prices and stronger remittance inflows boost dollar liquidity, analysts say.

The currency is forecast to strengthen to $1,290 by year-end from $1,328.92, according to the average estimate of four investment banks. That would extend its eight per cent gain so far this year to almost 12 per cent, marking its best annual performance in at least eight years.

According to projections compiled from major investment firms, the naira is expected to settle between $1,200 and $1,350 per dollar by year-end.

Investment firm CardinalStone expects the naira to hover around 1,310 per dollar, while investment management firm Zedcrest Capital projects a rate of approximately 1,300 per dollar.

Financial services firm Cordros Securities provides a broader range, forecasting the currency to trade between 1,250 and 1,350 per dollar. Meanwhile, financial advisory firm MDU Capital offers the most optimistic outlook, predicting a range between 1,200 and 1,300 per dollar.

Forecaster Year-End Naira Projection (per US Dollar)

CardinalStone Around 1,310

Zedcrest Capital Around 1,300

Cordros Securities 1,250 – 1,350

MDU Capital 1,200 – 1,300

Forecaster Year-End Naira Projection (per US Dollar)

CardinalStone Around 1,310

Zedcrest Capital Around 1,300

Cordros Securities 1,250 – 1,350

MDU Capital 1,200 – 1,300

These projections suggest growing analyst confidence in the effectiveness of foreign exchange management strategies, with market participants expecting reduced volatility in the local currency market through the remainder of the year.

Meanwhile, the naira closed at N1,315.67 in the official foreign exchange (FX) market on Thursday amid increased dollar liquidity, as external reserves reached an 18-year high of $53.99 billion.

Data published by the CBN showed that the naira appreciated by N11.02, with the dollar quoted at N1,315.67, representing a 0.84 percent gain from the N1,326.69 quoted on Wednesday at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

In the parallel market, also known as the black market, the local currency steadied at N1,400 per dollar on Thursday. The gap between the official and parallel market rates widened to 6.46 percent from 4.63 percent previously.

Total turnover at the interbank segment of the FX market surged by 62.33 percent to $152.04 million on Thursday, from $93.66 million recorded on Wednesday. The number of deals also increased by 45.71 percent, from 105 on Wednesday to 153 deals on Thursday.

Nigeria’s external reserves, which give the CBN the firepower to defend the naira and meet external obligations, have maintained a steady growth trajectory, rising to an 18-year high of $53.99 billion as of September 2, 2026.

The naira appreciated by 1.5 percent in the NFEM during August, while market turnover rose to $14.68 billion, its highest level in five months, indicating stronger activity and liquidity in the official market, according to a report by FMDA.

Nigeria also recorded $947 million in remittance inflows through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) in July 2026, the highest monthly inflow ever recorded through formal channels and approaching the $1 billion monthly target set by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso.

IMTO inflows reached $3.8 billion in the first seven months of 2026, representing a 50.2 percent increase from the same period in 2025.

The stronger inflows reflect the impact of CBN reforms aimed at making formal remittance channels more competitive, transparent and accessible, including reforms to the IMTO regulatory framework, the introduction of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number and closer engagement with IMTOs, banks and Nigerian diaspora communities.

More recently, the CBN strengthened requirements for remittance transactions to be routed through designated settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks.

‘When we set a clear ambition to reach $1 billion a month in remittance inflows through formal channels nearly two years ago, some people thought we were dreaming. At $947 million in July, we are now approaching that milestone,’ Cardoso said.

The increase in formal remittances is significant for the foreign exchange market because stronger diaspora inflows increase dollar supply, improve market transparency and strengthen Nigeria’s external financing position.

Cardoso said the CBN’s focus was not on a single month but on creating conditions for sustained growth in formal remittances.

‘July is an important marker, but our focus is not on a single month. It is on creating the conditions for sustained growth in formal remittances. We expect to keep seeing improvement and believe Nigeria can reach and ultimately sustain monthly inflows above $1 billion,’ he said.

Higher oil prices are also providing support for the external sector. Average Brent crude prices rose by 5 percent to $87.26 per barrel in August, although prices moved above $90 per barrel at points amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The stronger external position has coincided with improving domestic liquidity. System liquidity rose by 56.17 percent to N4.65 trillion in August from N2.98 trillion in July, driven by maturing securities, FAAC allocations and other repayments that more than offset the CBN’s liquidity mop-up operations.

However, the strengthening of the naira in the official market is increasingly diverging from movements in the parallel market.

The premium between the NFEM and parallel market widened further in August, reflecting the faster pace of naira appreciation in the official market. The naira gained 1.5 percent in NFEM during the month, compared with only 0.06 percent movement in the parallel market.

Analysts have linked the widening premium partly to the possible emergence of pre-election foreign exchange demand pressures, as increased political activity typically raises demand for dollars.

Dollarisation of real estate transactions may also be sustaining structural demand for foreign exchange, particularly as uncertainties around Capital Gains Tax encourage some sellers to price assets in dollars.

The CBN’s challenge now is to ensure that improving foreign exchange liquidity translates into a durable strengthening of the naira without creating excessive domestic liquidity that could undermine monetary stability.

Kaduna aligns tax system with national reforms

Kaduna State Government has moved to align its tax administration with Nigeria’s ongoing national tax reforms.

To this end, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged stronger cooperation with the Office of the Tax Ombud to improve revenue collection, protect taxpayers and make the state more attractive to investors.

A statement from the Office of Tax Ombud issued in Abuja on Wednesday said Governor Sani made the commitment when the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, Dr. John Nwabueze, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Kaduna State Government House.

The governor said the success of the country’s tax reforms would depend on closer cooperation between federal and state institutions, rather than separate efforts by different levels of government.

He said Kaduna was ready to work with the Office of the Tax Ombud to build a tax system that could generate more resources for development while giving taxpayers confidence that they would be treated fairly.

According to him, the creation of a fair, efficient and transparent tax system was important not only for increasing government revenue but also for improving Kaduna’s competitiveness and ability to attract investment.

Sani said, ‘Building a strong and sustainable national tax system capable of mobilising adequate revenue for development cannot be achieved in silos,’ stressing the need for effective cooperation between federal and state institutions.

The governor’s position comes as governments at both federal and state levels seek to improve domestic revenue and reduce dependence on other sources of funding for public services and development projects.

He described the Tax Ombud as an important institution in building taxpayer confidence, particularly at the state level, where citizens and businesses interact directly with tax and revenue agencies.

Sani also called for greater awareness among taxpayers about their rights and the avenues available to them when they have legitimate complaints against revenue authorities.

He said making taxpayers aware of the free mediation and alternative dispute resolution services provided by the Office of the Tax Ombud would help build trust and encourage more people and businesses to voluntarily meet their tax obligations.

The governor commended Nwabueze for engaging stakeholders across the country to improve public understanding of the role of the Tax Ombud and the services available to taxpayers.

Dr. John Nwabueze, in his remarks, said the Tax Ombud was ready to work with Kaduna State to improve confidence in tax administration and provide a channel through which genuine complaints could be resolved.

He explained that the office supports state governments’ efforts to improve revenue by helping to resolve disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities.

Nwabueze said taxpayers who believe they have been treated unfairly by tax and revenue agencies should have access to an independent mechanism for seeking redress.

‘Tax compliance and taxpayer rights must go hand in hand if we are to achieve the increased tax-to-GDP growth that Nigeria needs,’ he said.

The Tax Ombud said the way taxes are administered at the state level could influence how citizens view the entire tax system.

He noted that when taxpayers believe that the system is fair and transparent, they are more likely to comply with their obligations.

For businesses, he said, a predictable tax environment was also important because uncertainty over tax obligations and disputes with revenue authorities could affect investment decisions and business operations.

Nwabueze therefore called for closer cooperation between state governments, the Joint Revenue Board and the Office of the Tax Ombud in implementing the country’s tax reforms.

He said the objective should be to develop a tax system capable of raising enough money for development while also protecting taxpayers and creating conditions that encourage investment.

He described Kaduna as an important partner in the success of the tax reforms being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nwabueze said Kaduna had the potential to demonstrate how better revenue administration could support economic growth without weakening the rights of taxpayers.

‘We believe that Kaduna State can serve as an important example of how efficient revenue administration can support economic growth while protecting taxpayers,’ he said.

He also appealed to Governor Sani to support increased taxpayer education and voluntary compliance, as well as constructive engagement between the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, taxpayers and the Tax Ombud.

Such cooperation, he said, would help produce a more predictable tax environment, improve revenue performance and create better operating conditions for businesses and investors.

Miley Cyrus drops her surname as she enters new musical era

Miley Cyrus appears to be entering a new chapter in her career after dropping her surname and adopting “Miley” as her professional identity on social media and her official website.

The change became noticeable on August 31, when the singer changed her Instagram handle from MileyCyrus to Miley and shared a red-tinted image of herself captioned simply “MILEY.” Her official website has also adopted the shorter name.

The move has sparked speculation that Cyrus is preparing a major rebrand ahead of new music. She has not publicly explained whether “Miley” will become her permanent stage name, but the change coincides with the announcement of her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, which is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026.

Miley described the upcoming album as a deeply personal project centered on love and personal growth. In a recent interview with Wonderland magazine, she said the record reflects different stages of her life and explores both romantic love and the relationship she has developed with herself.

Her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, has also reacted positively to the change. He said he had always called his daughter simply “Miley” and described the decision as a natural progression for an established artist. He compared her move to iconic performers known by a single name, including Cher, Dolly Parton, Elvis and Prince.

Miley’s latest move comes as she prepares for the release of Bass Persuades and two performances at the Hollywood Bowl on October 16 and 18. The changes to her public identity appear to mark the beginning of a new phase in her music career.

Disney star Carla Jeffery dies at 33

American actress Carla Jeffery, best known for portraying cheerleader Bree in Disney’s ‘Zombies’ film franchise, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 1. She was 33.

Jeffery’s death was confirmed by her management company, Alexanders Talent Management, through a statement shared on the actress’ Instagram page on Thursday, Sept. 3.

‘It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old,’ it said. ‘For more than 20 years, we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room.’

‘As Bree in Disney’s hit ZOMBIES franchise, Carla shared her joy, humor, and bright spirit with audiences around the world. Carla was more than a client; she was family,’ it continued. ‘Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time.’

While the cause of death was not immediately disclosed, the talent management company appealed to the public to respect the privacy of Jeffery’s family during this difficult time.

‘Rest beautifully, Carla, Your light will never be forgotten,’ it added.

Among those who expressed grief over Jeffery’s passing were her ‘Zombies’ co-stars Milo Manheim, Trevor Tordjman and Freya Skye.

In 2022, Jeffery revealed that she had been battling epilepsy since she was 18. At the time, the actress also opened up about a time when she suffered a seizure on the set of ‘Zombies.’

‘I’ve had this for years, and it’s not going anywhere. I just have to work around it,’ she said. ‘I’m going to keep doing what I love, and at the same time, use my story to help others. I want to be an inspiration. I want you to know that you can do what you want to do despite it all.’

Jeffery began her acting career at the age of 12, starring in the 2006 movie ‘Phat Girlz.’ Before ‘Zombies,’ she also appeared in Nickelodeon’s ‘iCarly,’ the TV series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ the sitcom ‘Miss Guided,’ and in Disney’s ‘Good Luck Charlie’ and ‘Shake It Up.’

Jeffery starred in the first three films of the ‘Zombies’ franchise, and voiced the character of Bree in ‘Zombies: The Re-Animated Series’ released in 2024.