Category: Daily Financial Times

Erling Haaland scored his 34th goal for club and country this season to give Manchester City a 2-1 win at Real Madrid and leave Xabi Alonso’s position as coach of the Spanish giants in grave danger.

Without injured superstar Kylian Mbappe, Madrid took the lead on Wednesday through Rodrygo, but Nico O’Reilly and a Haaland penalty secured Pep Guardiola’s City the three points.

Spanish media reported in the lead-up to the game that a defeat would seal Alonso’s fate as Madrid coach, although his team’s performance was creditable, despite the eventual outcome at a frustrated Bernabeu stadium.

The record 15-time Champions League winners have now won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions, and face a battle for a place in the top eight of the league phase table.

Alonso was forced to leave his team’s top scorer, Mbappe, on the bench, saying it would have been ‘a risk’ to use him amid knee discomfort, and starting 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia instead.

Madrid knocked out City in last season’s Champions League playoff round in February, as Mbappe scored four of their goals in the 6-3 aggregate win.

This was the 15th meeting between these sides, in what has become a modern Champions League classic.

Edinborough Products Ltd., has commenced its SAP Cloud ERP transformation with PBSS Group, one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted and accomplished SAP partners.

This collaboration unites a proudly Sri Lankan manufacturing leader with a technology organisation that has defined the nation’s ERP landscape for more than 23 years. Ernst and Young serves as the consulting party for the project.

The ceremonial event marking the kickoff brought together senior leadership from Edinborough, PBSS, SAP and Ernst and Young. Edinborough Managing Director R.P.M. Zalmy, PBSS Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madura Gamanayake, PBSS Group CEO Anjana Wijesinghe, SAP Sales Head for Cloud ERP India and the Subcontinent Anand Prabhakar, SAP Account Director Jha Pranjal and EY Principal/Partner Shanaka De Silva attended the event alongside all key stakeholders from both organisations.

Edinborough’s transformation reflects the legacy and ambition of a fully Sri Lankan FMCG institution. Founded in 1973 by C.M.M.R. Pasha, Edinborough has grown from a modest home-based operation into a household name recognised for its sauces, condiments, cordials, beverages and powdered staples. The brand’s reputation for integrity, quality and reliable service has enabled it to build an export presence spanning nearly 30 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Oceania. Today Edinborough steps into a more advanced era of growth through the adoption of SAP Cloud ERP, ensuring that its digital infrastructure aligns with the global scale of its business.

PBSS brings to this transformation the authority and confidence of a seasoned implementation partner. With more than 350 ERP deployments across multiple industries, PBSS has become a benchmark technology institution capable of supporting organisations at every level of scale from mid-sized enterprises, complex multi-company structures to large conglomerates with regional and international reach. PBSS remains uniquely equipped to guide companies from mid-market maturity to full enterprise sophistication with precision and strategic clarity.

Edinborough’s decision to advance with PBSS reflects both ambition and trust. The transition from a Tier 3 SAGE environment to the world’s leading Tier 1 SAP Cloud ERP platform marks a deliberate step toward deeper visibility, stronger operational discipline and intelligent enterprise management through SAP Business Suite. PBSS is honoured to continue standing beside Edinborough on this growth journey and to guide the organisation with future-ready expertise.

The combined alignment of Edinborough, PBSS, SAP and Ernst and Young reaffirm the confidence placed in PBSS to deliver a transformation of this scale. Their collaboration signals a shared belief that Sri Lankan enterprises can operate at global benchmarks when empowered by the right systems and supported by the right strategic partners.

SAP Cloud ERP powers many of the world’s most influential corporations and contributes to a significant portion of global commerce. By adopting this platform, Edinborough joins a distinguished international community committed to operating with foresight, intelligence and data-driven clarity. By steering this implementation, PBSS reinforces its reputation as the preferred SAP partner for organisations that value trust, capability and long-term excellence with after-sales support and care.

This is the strength of two Sri Lankan forces moving forward with conviction. A homegrown FMCG leader preparing for its next ascent with a homegrown technology institution demonstrating once again why it stands as one of the most trusted SAP partners in the region, supported by the seasoned guidance of Ernst and Young as the consulting partner of the project.

Visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker tells President Dissanayake

The President’s Media Division yesterday said that visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has conveyed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that the US has drawn its attention to restarting tariff negotiations with Sri Lanka.

While affirming that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s post-Ditwah recovery, Hooker expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she said the US would support Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.

In October, long before Cyclone Ditwa, the Asian Development Bank warned that Sri Lanka’s recovery will face pressure in 2026 as new US tariffs on apparel and rubber exports start to bite.

While growth this year and in 2025 is expected to hold at 3.9% on the back of manufacturing, construction and services, the ADB projects a slowdown to around 3.3% in 2026 as external demand weakens and job losses filter through.

The report noted that US tariff rates have climbed to their highest levels since the 1930s, pushing Sri Lanka’s effective tariff burden sharply higher. IPS separately estimated that the 20% reciprocal tariff could cut export earnings by $634 million and threaten nearly 16,000 apparel-sector jobs.

The ADB said risks to the outlook remain elevated, citing trade-policy uncertainty, energy-price volatility, Middle East remittance exposure, global demand softness and domestic weather disruptions.

Earlier this week, US-based Newsweek published an interview with President Dissanayake where he said Sri Lanka wanted market access, climate financing and technology partnerships with the US. ‘What we offer (the US) is a strategically placed, stable, democratic partner in the Indo Pacific.’

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has warned of fraudulent moves of certain individuals and organisations offering help for displaced children due to the Ditwah disaster and requests to inform about such offers to the NCPA’s hotline.

‘The Authority has noticed about messages circulating on social media claiming that certain individuals or organisations are willing to take full responsibility for the education, food, and care of displaced children due to Ditwah disaster until they turn 18. We see such offers as fraudulent and dangerous,’ NCPA Chairman Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe said in a statement.

According to the NCPA, it will take strict legal action against anyone attempting to exploit children under the guise of assistance.

The Authority has urged the public to immediately report any such offers or suspicious activity to the 24-hour Child Helpline 1929.

Meanwhile, the NCPA has advised parents and guardians to contact Grama Niladharis, Regional Child Protection Officers, Child Rights Promotion Officers, District Child Protection Officers, District Mental Health Officers, or other authorised Government officials if they receive requests or offers of assistance concerning their children from unknown individuals or external organisations.

‘They may also directly reach out to the NCPA via the 1929 hotline,’ Ranasinghe said in the statement.

Appreciating the public for their support and cooperation, the NCPA stated that for those wishing to contribute to relief efforts for children affected by floods, landslides, and the cyclone, the donors should contact the NCPA, which will facilitate assistance through safe and approved channels.

The NCPA, in its statement, also emphasised the heightened risks faced by children in disaster-affected regions.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 878 safe centres across 16 districts are currently sheltering over 86,040 people belonging to 27,145 families. Authorities note that the disaster has caused a profound disruption to the daily lives of both adults and children, many of whom have been separated from their homes, routines, and familiar environments.

The NCPA stated that children, in particular, are undergoing severe psychological stress, uncertainty about their future, and emotional trauma stemming from the loss of parents, relatives, or the absence of their usual school environment.

In such circumstances, the NCPA stressed that the protection of children living in safe centres, temporary shelters, homes, or any disaster-affected location must be prioritised.

The Authority has also emphasised that children could be vulnerable to physical, mental, or sexual abuse as well as neglect during periods of crisis and displacement.

It also stated that protecting children during disasters is a national responsibility and it is important to be vigilant to prevent child abuse and exploitation during this critical period.

In a bid to revitalise micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by recent disasters, the Government has decided to launch the RE-MSME PLUS and RE-MSME Disaster Relief loan schemes from 2026.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday approved the implementation of the loan schemes, and these initiatives consolidate previous concessionary programs, including SMILE-III for industrial investments, E-FRIEND-II for environmentally friendly financing, and the earlier RE-MSME scheme, under a unified framework to strengthen the entrepreneurship sector.

The new schemes are expected to provide immediate and medium-term financial support to around 130,000 entrepreneurs across the country. Loans will be offered at a concessional interest rate of 3% per annum, with a maximum grace period of six months.

‘As per the program, MSMEs can access up to Rs. 250,000, while small and medium-scale enterprises (SME) can obtain loans of up to Rs. 1 million,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the RE-MSME Disaster Relief component specifically targets businesses disrupted by natural disasters, ensuring continuity and enabling rapid recovery. ‘By streamlining existing programs into a single, more efficient scheme, the Government aims to boost investment, production, and environmental sustainability within the MSME sector, contributing to broader economic resilience and growth,’ he added.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister.

Lanka Thriposha Ltd., on Wednesday paid Rs. 100 million in dividends to the General Treasury, reinforcing the State-owned nutrition provider’s financial contribution despite recent speculation about its future.

The cheque was officially handed over to Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando by Thriposha Chairman Amal Attanayake and senior company officials. Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe was also present at the occasion.

Dr. Fernando dismissed rumours circulating in recent weeks claiming that the Thriposha company was facing closure.

He said the enterprise is operating sustainably under the current administration. ‘Thriposha will continue to provide a safe and reliable service due to the proper management of the Government and the dedication of its employees,’ the Deputy Minister assured.

Thriposha, a key provider of fortified food supplements to mothers and children, remains one of the country’s most important public nutrition initiatives.

The December Monthly Medal, sponsored by the WASPS Gold Group, teed off in grand style at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) on 12 and 13 December, attracting an impressive field of more than 280 golfers. The strong turnout reflected the growing popularity of the event and the club’s reputation for hosting high-quality tournaments.

Day one saw players take to the course from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, setting a competitive tone with energetic performances and excellent sportsmanship. The momentum carried into the second day, where golfers continued to show their skill from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. under ideal December conditions.

The tournament concluded with a vibrant prize-giving ceremony at the RCGC Club House, held from 7.30 p.m. onwards, recognising outstanding achievements and honouring the generous sponsors who elevate the event each year.

Beyond the competition, the Monthly Medal underscored RCGC’s commitment to nurturing community spirit and strengthening the club’s long-standing sporting culture. (SJ)

Diplomats based in Colombo have made a personal contribution of Rs. 3.6 million to the government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which provides relief to people affected by the recent devastating cyclone.

The relevant cheque was handed over yesterday to Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, by Ambassador of Indonesia Dewi Gustina Tobing.

Joining the occasion were several Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing their countries based in Colombo, including Ambassador of South Korea Lee Miyon, Ambassador of Switzerland Dr. Siri Walt, Ambassador of Palestine Ihab I.M. Khalil, High Commissioner of the Maldives Masood Imad, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Oman Said Al Harbi and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy Alberto Arcidiacono.

Having sat out the opening weekend, last year’s finalists Bloomfield and NCC come out for the first time when the second weekend of matches in the SLC Major Club 3-day League commences today.

Defending champion Bloomfield will take on CCC at the Galle Cricket Stadium, while runner-up NCC will meet Ace Capital CC at the SSC grounds. Both CCC and Ace Capital CC were the two teams that ran up totals in excess of 400 but were unable to convert them into outright wins last weekend.

Colts and Police SC, the only teams to secure full points, meet each other in an interesting Group A tabletop clash at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Sooriyawewa. A good contest is on the cards as both teams will vie to outwit the other to retain top spot.

Group B table toppers Tamil Union will look to consolidate their position when they face Moors SC at the Welagedara Stadium, Kurunegala. Moors SC could not make much headway in their match against BRC which ended in a no-decision and will want to pick up some useful points to lift themselves from the bottom of the table.

BRC will also be keen to do the same when they come up against Kurunegala YCC at Surrey Village grounds, Maggona. Kurunegala put up a brave batting performance to score 298 but it was not sufficient to match up to Ace Capital CC’s 406-9 declared.

Chilaw Marians CC and Nugegoda SWC who suffered first innings losses meet at the NCC grounds. Both teams will be looking to record their first win.

Unlike the past when the top two teams from each of the two groups qualified for the semi-finals, this season’s tournament structure has been changed with the top three teams in each group going into the next stage – the Super Eight where the team with the most number of points will be declared the winner. Teams which go through to the Super Eight stage will carry their points from the first round with them. Thus, every point earned in the first round will be of vital importance to the 14 teams.

Tier B 3-day League

The Tier B 3-day League will also see a card of six matches commencing today:

Kandy Custom SC v Army SC at Army ground, Dombagoda, Galle CC v SSC at Bloomfield grounds, Negombo CC v Sebastianites at Air Force grounds, Katunayake, Ragama CC v United Southern SC at Army grounds, Salawa, Leo CC v Moratuwa SC at Welisara and Malay CC v Navy SC at BRC grounds.

As the island slips into its most enchanting season, Heritance Hotels and Resorts invites you to celebrate where tradition meets vibrant locations, jungles veiled in mist, tea hills lit by sustainable ornaments, and coastlines glowing at golden hour. Across our Sri Lankan collection, the holidays unfold as generous tables, thoughtful rituals and moments that linger long after the last carol.

At Heritance Kandalama, nature sets the rhythm with so much do. Greet the day with a guided climb and picnic at Aligala Rock, then drift into terrace high tea with lake-and-jungle views. Evenings bring spirited tastings by the pool and intimate ‘grill in the wild’ dinners under the canopy. Christmas Eve gathers families around for an abundant feast whilst Christmas Day warms with a relaxed lunch. New Year’s Eve crescendos in a lively culinary celebration, followed by a calm reset – detox sips by the water and a sunset high tea to welcome the year.

High in Kandapola, Heritance Tea Factory celebrates where mist meets memory. Bonfire nights glow with s’mores and mulled wine, while the Goodies Hut brims with cakes, hampers, and keepsakes. Seasonal high teas unfold against the slopes; Christmas Eve shimmers with champagne toasts, playful ‘Santa’ cocktails, and curated cheese-and-wine pairings. Christmas Eve culminates in an elegant gala; Christmas Day invites a hearty family buffet. As the year turns, create your own tea-infused cocktails, sample a curated wine flight, and welcome midnight with colonial charm and mountain magic.

Along the southern coast, Heritance Ahungalla is Christmas by the sea. The season lights up with carols and tree glow, then settles into ‘very merry’ high teas, unique cakes and spirited local tastings beneath the palms. Families gather for cupcake workshops, beach cocktail hours, and mixology nights that sparkle at golden hour. Christmas Eve sets in through flavour whilst Christmas Day brings a festive lunch, sunset melodies, and dinner by the shore. After a sparkling Boxing Day and wine discoveries, the year closes with a grand seaside gala, music, fireworks, and a midnight sky stitched with celebration.

On the west coast, Sentido Heritance Negombo carries the beachfront spirit with equal flair. Expect sunset gatherings that spill into elegant festive teas, ocean-breezed dinners with live music, and coastal menus that pair seasonal favourites with sea views. Afternoons invite easy promenades and café stops; evenings glow with convivial countdowns and seaside cheer. It’s the relaxed, contemporary way to celebrate, where the city’s energy meets the hush of the shore for Christmas and the New Year.

Across every Heritance in Sri Lanka, the season is thoughtfully composed, intimate rituals, generous hospitality and the simple joy of time well spent. Whether you seek mountain bonfires, jungle-edge feasts, or evenings by the sea, discover All You Want for Christmas with Heritance Hotels and Resorts.