Category: Daily Financial Times

It is one of the most heartbreaking moments a child can face when a parent looks at them with confusion instead of recognition. That painful pause, that searching expression, marks a turning point many families fear. As Sri Lanka moves into an ageing population, dementia will become one of the most significant challenges for families, communities, and the healthcare system.

Dementia isn’t one single disease. It is a collection of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and communication. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but several others exist. Although it becomes more common with age, dementia is not something that happens to everyone; it is not simply ‘old age.’ In the early stages, changes can be subtle-repeated questions, misplaced objects, forgotten conversations.

As time goes on, behaviour can also change. A person may forget if they have eaten their meals and insist they have not, or they may become upset or suddenly angry with the caregiver who is simply trying to help. These reactions come not from intention, but from fear, confusion, and a world that no longer feels familiar. Gradually, simple tasks like cooking, taking medication, or managing in familiar spaces becomes overwhelming. The emotional weight of this often falls on one person, the main caregiver. Usually it is a spouse, daughter, son, or close relative. The caregiver becomes the memory-keeper, the protector, the comforter. Their days stretch long, their nights are interrupted, and the constant responsibility can lead to feeling exhausted, lonely and stressed out.

Then there are the family members who simply ‘drop in.’ They stop by occasionally, offer advice, express concern, sometimes even criticise what is being done, then leave the caregiver to shoulder the full burden. These short visits may come from love, but without shared responsibility, they can unintentionally add pressure instead of providing relief.

True support requires time, effort, and presence, not just comments made in passing. One of the greatest misconceptions is that dementia steals away the person completely. Yet even when memory fades, emotions remain deeply alive.

Those living with dementia still feel comfort in kindness, warmth in a gentle tone, joy in music, and peace in familiar faces, whether or not they can name them. Respect, patience, and simplicity help maintain their sense of dignity, which is as important as any medical care. While there is no cure yet, certain habits can strengthen brain health or delay symptoms. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, mental activities like reading or puzzles, staying socially connected, good sleep, and managing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure all help. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are important as well. Early diagnosis gives families time to plan, seek therapies, counselling, and connect with support groups.

Dementia challenges families in ways they never expected, but it also calls forth qualities that strengthen us, patience, resilience, and compassion. When we respond with steady hearts and clear intention, we help the person with dementia feel safe, respected, and understood. And even in moments of confusion or pain, our consistent care becomes a lifeline, reminding them that they are not alone. This is where dignity is protected and where families find purpose despite the hardships.

Seylan Bank continues to offer customers control and ease in their daily banking through its wide network of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), and Cheque Deposit Kiosks (CDKs). Among the services offered to customers is the ability to select their preferred cash note denominations.

Introduced in 2023, Seylan Bank stands as one of only two banks in Sri Lanka with an improved network of ATMs allowing customers to receive currency in bill mixes of 5000, 1000, 500, and 100. Recognising the immediate needs of customers when withdrawing the cash mix of their choice, the Bank with a Heart introduced the ability for customers to choose their preferred cash denominations directly from ATMs.

As a customer centric banking solution, the feature eliminates the hassle of inflexible ATM withdrawals. It aims to empower all users with flexibility over their choice of withdrawals and remove the reliance on bank counters and spending time breaking down larger notes. Offering real-time value to clients, the feature reaffirms Seylan Bank’s commitment to leveraging innovation towards providing the best possible customer experiences.

By offering this choice directly through ATMs, Seylan Bank effectively resolves time delays and erases numerous inconveniences. From retailers to taxis and more, Seylan Bank’s varied offering of bill mixes ensures efficacy for customers in satisfying their diverse personal and business needs. The service also adds an extra layer of security and trust to every transaction. As the Bank with a Heart, Seylan Bank’s latest addition to its services continues to provide practical, reliable solutions that blend convenience with customer protection.

With ATMs placed at key locations across the island, Seylan Bank makes it easier for customers to access fast, secure, and contactless transactions, shaping the future of everyday banking.

HNB PLC has announced on 28 October 2025 a new partnership with Future Automobiles Ltd., the authorised distributor for Ford in Sri Lanka. The initiative introduces special leasing rates, exclusive insurance benefits, and unique customer rewards to promote Ford vehicles in the local market.

HNB Senior Vice President/Head of Retail Banking Kanchana Karunagama said, ‘At HNB, we understand that reliable transport is essential for everyone across Sri Lanka. By providing practical leasing solutions, we are helping more Sri Lankans access Ford vehicles renowned worldwide for their quality and reliability. This collaboration is another step in helping our communities move forward with confidence while supporting the daily journeys and aspirations of our customers.’

HNB will offer special leasing rates, along with discounted insurance premiums from HNB General Insurance. In addition, HNB Assurance provides a complimentary life insurance cover of Rs. 600,000 in the event of natural death and Rs. 4,500,000 in the event of accidental death for customers who obtain lease facilities for Ford vehicles through this promotion.

Future Automobiles Ltd., CEO Bishry Omar Farook said, ‘For years, HNB has earned the trust of Sri Lankans by providing reliable and customer-focused banking services. Through this partnership, we aim to make Ford ownership easier, more rewarding, and more secure. Leveraging HNB’s financial expertise with our commitment to high-quality vehicles, we are offering practical solutions including special pricing, discounted insurance, free life cover, and additional services that add real value for our customers.’

Future Automobiles adds further value to the partnership by extending a special pricing scheme for HNB Leasing customers, a discount voucher for original HAMER accessories, four labour-free services, and free vehicle registration. Together, these offerings present a complete and competitive ownership experience for Ford customers.

By combining HNB’s financial expertise with Future Automobiles’ established distribution of Ford vehicles, the partnership delivers measurable value, including competitive leasing rates, discounted insurance, free life coverage, and additional services. This integrated approach provides Sri Lankan families, professionals, and businesses with reliable mobility solutions while supporting the growth of the nation’s automotive sector.

The weighted average rates at the weekly Treasury Bill auction conducted yesterday held steady. Accordingly, the yields on the 91-day, the 182-day and the 364-day tenors were recorded unchanged at 7.51%, 7.91% and 8.03%. This marks the 21st week where T-Bill rates have stayed broadly anchored around prevailing levels.

The auction was fully subscribed, raising the entire Rs. 48 billion offered. This marks the first instance in six consecutive auctions to be fully subscribed. The bids received-to-accepted amount ratio was 2.19 times.

The Phase II of subscription is now open across all the 91-day and 364-day ISINs until 3:00 p.m. of business day prior to settlement date (i.e., 03.12.2025) at the WAYRs determined for the said ISINs at the auction. (Please see table for the details of the auction Phase 1).

Activity in the secondary Bond market moderated as participants adopted a wait-and-see stance ahead of the upcoming Treasury Bond auction. Yields overall remained broadly steady, with sentiment staying positive following the rally observed the previous day.

In terms of the Secondary Bond market trade summary, the 01.05.27 and 15.09.27 maturities were seen trading at the rates of 8.94% and 9.01% respectively. The 15.12.32 maturity traded within the range of 10.32%-10.30%, marking a slight increase in its rate. The 01.11.33 maturity traded at the rate of 10.50%.

This comes ahead of the Treasury Bond auction scheduled to be conducted today (11). The round of auctions will have a total offered amount of Rs. 143 billion across three available maturities.

The auction will be comprised of: Rs. 43 billion from a 01 March 2030 Maturity bearing a coupon rate of 9.50%; Rs. 30 billion from a 01 October 2032 Maturity bearing a coupon rate of 9.00%; and, Rs. 70 billion from a 15 June 2035 Maturity bearing a coupon rate of 10.70%. The settlement will be on 15 December 2025.

For context, the immediately previous Treasury Bond auctions conducted on 27 November produced remarkable outcomes, registering weighted averages below prevailing secondary market yields at the time. The auction was comprised of two maturities with a total offered amount of Rs. 42 billion.

Maturity wise the results were as follows:

Firstly, the shorter tenor 01.03.2030 maturity recorded a weighted average rate of 9.53%, this was as against a pre-auction rate of 9.60/9.64 for a similar maturity (01.07.2030). However, the 01.03.30 maturity only raised 87.00% or Rs. 17.40 billion out of the Rs. 20 billion maturity wise offered amount across both 1st and 2nd phases.

Secondly, the 01.06.2033 maturity recorded a weighted average rate of 10.39%, also significantly below its pre-auction secondary market rate of 10.45/10.50. The 01.06.33 maturity raised the entire maturity wise offered amount of Rs. 22 billion, in competitive bidding at the 1st phase. The demand subsequently extended into the Direct Issuance Window, where the full Rs. 2.20 billion available was entirely taken up.

The total secondary market Treasury Bond/Bill transacted volume for 9 December was Rs. 8.41 billion.

In money markets, the weighted average rates on overnight call money and Repo stood at 7.95% and 8.00% respectively.

The net liquidity surplus was recorded at Rs. 97.83 billion yesterday as an amount of Rs. 97.92 billion was deposited at Central Bank’s SDFR (Standing Deposit Facility Rate) of 7.25%. An amount of Rs. 0.09 billion was withdrawn from the Central Bank’s SLFR (Standard Lending Facility Rate) of 8.25%.

Amid a year of impressive growth and rising investor confidence, Ceybank Asset Management Ltd., one of the oldest unit trust Managers, has emerged as a key player at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s capital market transformation, offering trusted, accessible, and professionally managed investment solutions for all Sri Lankans.

Recently Ceybank played a key role at the Investor Awareness Initiative hosted by the Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTASL) from 27 to 31 October 2025 at the World Trade Centre, Colombo. The program’s aim was to create public interest in Unit Trusts and the industry’s collective push to broaden financial inclusion.

As a pioneer in the industry and one of UTASL’s leading member companies, Ceybank engaged directly with investors to explain Unit Trusts and highlight the benefits that accrue through a professionally managed investment product. This mirrors Ceybank’s own mission to make capital market opportunities accessible to all Sri Lankans.

Ceybank’s strength lies in its shareholding structure, backed by three of the nation’s most respected institutions such as Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), Carsons Cumberbatch PLC, and Unit Trust of India a regional giant.

The foundation offers unmatched stability, credibility, and strategic depth, setting Ceybank apart from other investment management companies. Further reinforcing investor confidence, the National Savings Bank (NSB) serves as the Trustee for all Ceybank Funds, ensuring robust regulatory oversight and public trust.

Given this backdrop Ceybank is gearing up for growth and expansion, investing in efficient IT systems to support this transition, providing investors a new experience in investments.

As Ceybank evolves, its commitment remains unchanged echoing the framework of ‘Whoever you are, whatever you do, Ceybank has an investment solution for you’. Today, that approach is stronger than ever, backed through institutional strength, national trust, and a vision to empower every Sri Lankan to invest with confidence.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with the Institute for Future Creations (TIFC), London College of Fashion at the University of the Arts London (UAL), and the EU Culture Relation Platform, has hosted Crafting Sri Lanka’s Global Future: Exhibition and Dialogue 2025 on 3 December 2025 at the Sri Lanka High Commission. The event brought together around 70 participants, including academics, designers, and creative-industry partners from the UK, EU, and Sri Lanka, to celebrate the country’s craft heritage, and international collaborations, as part of the Creative Sri Lanka 2030 initiative.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera began his opening remarks by expressing his gratitude to international partners and well-wishers for their support of recent disaster relief efforts in Sri Lanka. In his keynote address, he highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka’s craft and creative sectors in cultural diplomacy and sustainable economic growth, stressing the value of global partnerships to support artisans, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. This was followed by Fashion Declares Founder Safia Minney, who spoke on ‘Craft and Slow Fashion’ emphasising craftsmanship’s role in building a responsible and equitable global fashion industry.

The program continued with a presentation by TIFC Robert Meeder and UAL on the European-Sri Lanka Creative Partnership Pilot Hannah Middleton, connecting Sri Lankan artisans with European designers and educators to foster collaborative design, skill-building, and international visibility. A panel discussion moderated by Middleton, with contributions from Sippi Jewellery Founder Sepideh Mojabi, Sri Lankan batik artist Sonali Dharmawardhane, and Minister (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London Somasena Mahadiulwewa, explored creative entrepreneurship, cultural sustainability, women’s leadership, and future opportunities for Sri Lanka’s creative industries.

The event also featured screenings of a short documentary on the Matchmaking Pilot Program 2025 and SEVA – Art, Trauma and Healing | A Cultural Journey in Sri Lanka by Caterina Roppo and Sonali Dharmawardhane, highlighting creativity’s transformative role in cultural preservation and community healing. Participants were also able to experience a mini exhibition of collaborative works from Europe and Sri Lanka, featuring contemporary jewellery, batik, textiles, and design research.

The Ditwah Cyclone ranks second only to the December 2004 Tsunami in terms of damage to housing in Sri Lanka’s recent history. According to the government’s Disaster Management Centre, as of 9 December 2025, 86,488 houses were partially or fully damaged due to Ditwah. This is only slightly fewer than the nearly 100,000 houses affected by the 2004 Tsunami. The Government has announced a redevelopment program to assist affected families in rebuilding their homes in safer locations. It has many similarities to the 2005 post-Tsunami housing program and holds important insights as outlined in the Post-Disaster Housing: Lessons Learnt from the 2004 Tsunami of Sri Lanka, to inform the Ditwah Cyclone housing initiative.

The tsunami housing study was based on two surveys by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) covering 600 affected families across six districts in the Southern and Eastern Provinces to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the post-tsunami housing program. The first was done in April 2005 and the same households were re-surveyed after 18 months to assess progress.

The post-tsunami housing program

A key feature of the 2005 post-tsunami housing program was the no-build buffer zone in the beachfront of affected areas, as it was deemed unsafe to build within this zone. Given this demarcation of the no-build zone, the post-tsunami housing program took a two-pronged approach. Families living outside the zone received cash grants to rebuild their homes (owner-driven rebuilding), while those residing inside the zone were provided with houses in alternative areas closer to their original residences (donor-driven relocation).

Owner-driven rebuilding: All affected individuals living outside the no-build buffer zone could receive a government grant to rebuild their homes. The grant, given in stages based on the extent of damage, required households to prove ownership. They could choose to rebuild their old home or construct a new one on land they owned. Families that effectively used their grant could also qualify for a Rs. 500,000 concessionary loan to meet additional housing needs.

The selection of beneficiaries and the assessment of grant amounts followed a three-stage process. The Divisional Secretariat (DS) established a Damage Assessment Team (DAT) in each Grama Niladhari Division (GND) to support this process. The DAT included representatives from the relevant GND, donor agencies active in the area, members of the village rehabilitation committee (VRC), and technical officers from the DS. VRCs were created explicitly in each GND to incorporate community input during reconstruction. In the first stage, DAT compiled a list of households eligible for housing assistance. During the second stage, the GND and DS published preliminary lists of eligible families. Any disputes about eligibility were recorded and resolved at VRC meetings. Conflicts that could not be settled locally were escalated to a designated grievance committee at a higher level. After finalising the list, beneficiaries received certificates to confirm their eligibility.

Donor-driven relocation: All those living within the no-build buffer zone were promised a house built with the assistance of donors on land designated by the Government. The households were not required to prove land ownership. The new homes needed to have at least 500 sq. ft. of space and access to electricity, running water, sanitation, and drainage facilities according to guidelines set by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).

The main challenge of this scheme was to find suitable land for relocation. The District Secretary and the UDA were responsible for identifying land for the move.

Post-Ditwah housing program

The post-Ditwah housing program too employs a two-pronged approach. Families living in unsafe locations are to be provided with either land or Rs. 5 million to purchase new land, along with another Rs. 5 million to construct a new house. In contrast, houses damaged by Ditwah are to be allocated up to Rs. 2.5 million for rebuilding, depending on the extent of the damage.

Lessons for Ditwah from the Tsunami Housing Program

Identifying beneficiaries

One main issue in the post-tsunami housing program was defining a ‘household’. A ‘household’ was understood as all individuals living together before the Tsunami. Clarifying this early on was important because, in some cases, extended families consisting of several nuclear families shared the same dwelling. The three-stage beneficiary identification process described earlier helped select beneficiaries transparently, with the involvement of a representative group of stakeholders.

Initially, during the post-Tsunami reconstruction phase, donors lacked an effective system for selecting beneficiaries. As many distributed donations by directly visiting affected places, those near main roads received most of the donations, while less visible groups received less. The eligibility lists were a valuable means of providing information on the needs of the affected.

The post-Ditwah housing program could also benefit from clarity regarding who is eligible for different types of housing assistance.

Identifying house ownership

The lack of documents to prove ownership and identity was one of the main factors delaying the progress of the housing program. According to the IPS Survey, 23% of those surveyed reported losing their deeds, and 41% reported losing their national identity cards during the tsunami. Furthermore, the requirement to show land ownership made several households ineligible for a new house because some of the damaged homes were built on land that had been encroached upon.

The post-Ditwah reconstruction can avoid delays by establishing mechanisms to replace lost documents and, where that is not possible, other means of proving ownership, which is essential for accelerating beneficiary identification.

Process oversight and governance

The Government formed the Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN) to ensure proper procedures in beneficiary identification and fund distribution in accordance with accounting standards. According to the IPS’ 2008 follow-up survey, the no-build buffer zone, difficulties in finding suitable land for family relocation, and issues with donor coordination were the primary reasons for delays in providing houses for the affected. The buffer zone was later relaxed to speed up reconstruction. In March 2006, the Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) was established to improve coordination between DSs and donors.

Effective donor coordination was essential to ensure that all beneficiaries received support without overlap, thereby optimising donation utilisation. During the post-tsunami reconstruction phase, some donors’ reluctance to register with the DS led to ineligible people receiving houses, while eligible people did not. To resolve this, all donors-whether national, international, multinational, or private-supporting the reconstruction phase had to register with the DS. This enabled the Government to match donors with affected individuals using eligibility lists. Even donors outside the official reconstruction program were encouraged to register with the DS to avoid duplicate assistance.

Taking measures to register potential donors and map donor assistance to eligible lists helps to highlight gaps in the reconstruction program. Such information helps attract new donors and ensures that all eligible persons receive assistance.

It is vital for the Ditwah-housing program also to ensure that an identified agency is given authority to ensure proper governance and coordination.

Skills, materials for rebuilding

The lack of skills, materials, and labour for building their own houses was a primary obstacle to the progress of the owner-driven housing program. The IPS 2005 survey revealed that 62% of the affected households were unable to manage the rebuilding of their own houses. The reconstruction boom following the tsunami increased the input prices, making the initial allocation of funds insufficient. Further, identifying land for relocation was a central issue during the post-tsunami relocation period.

Ensuring the availability of necessary inputs and skills is essential for speeding up reconstruction in the post-Ditwah reconstruction phase. Early identification of suitable land for relocating families and ensuring that allocated plots are ideal for beneficiaries’ lifestyles are essential to expedite reconstruction and ensure beneficiary welfare.

Conclusion

The measures announced by the Government to provide grants to Ditwah Cyclone affected households to move to safe locations and rebuild their houses are commendable. Expediting the reconstruction process by minimising bottlenecks and clarifying beneficiary eligibility is essential to speed up reconstruction, as described above, thereby improving the welfare of those affected.

When I think about the home in the mountains of Nuwara Eliya, the first thing that comes back to me is the feeling. Not a thought. Not a description. A feeling. The air was different there. Colder, sharper, cleaner. The kind of air that hits your lungs and makes you slow down, even if you came rushing in from somewhere else. I remember climbing up to the house and feeling like I was walking into a pocket of the world that the rest of the world had forgotten.

The silence there stays with me. It was not empty silence. It had weight. It felt alive. It came from the waterfall beneath the house, from the mist, from the trees, from the books and the art within, from the way everything settled into place, like it had been that way for centuries. Before I even walked inside, I already felt calmer. I already felt like whatever noise I had been carrying from my life did not belong there.

And then I entered the house.

I had never seen books like that. Not just the number of them, but the way they lived in the home. They were not lined up neatly like decorations. They were not arranged to impress anyone. They were part of the house the way stone is part of a mountain, the way they were obviously part of the soul of the writer who lived with them. They took up space like living beings. They created paths, corners, shadows, little pockets of colour. When I ran my hand along some of the shelves, I felt like I was touching a life story. I could feel years of searching, collecting, reading, thinking and healing in the way the books were placed. Not perfect, not rigid, but full of intention. The titles ranged from books about earth, heavens, of seekers, of ancient wisdom, of art and covering every genre one could think of.

Nothing inside felt artificial. Sarees turned into curtains. Tables with mismatched cloths. Items reused again and again until they became something beautiful. It all felt like someone had lived with the earth, not on top of it. I remember sitting down with a warm drink and feeling something settle inside me. Something I did not know I needed. The house felt like it wanted you to shed whatever heaviness you were carrying. It was not a place for ego. It was a place where the world became quiet enough for you to hear yourself again.

There was a spiritual energy there. Not the kind you force. Not the kind you talk about. It came from the way the home existed in the world. High above everything else. Wrapped in fog. Filled with knowledge. Surrounded by nature that did not care about your plans or your stress or your noise. Being there made me think about the things I usually forget. It made me feel connected to something older and steadier. It was healing without trying to be.

And now, thinking about what is happening to that mountain, something in my chest tightens. Hearing about the landslides, the ground breaking open, houses leaking water from underneath, people being evacuated, the whole area declared unsafe, it feels unreal. I am also not surprised that this house is unaffected. That all the plants and the grass around remain undisturbed.

I can picture the exact rooms. I can picture the shelves. I can picture the waterfall. I can picture the spot where I sat and felt completely at peace. And now all of it is shaking, shifting and threatening to slip. It is a strange kind of grief. Not the grief of losing a physical place, but the grief of watching a living memory get pulled back into the earth.

The books. That is what hits me the hardest. Thousands of them. A lifetime of reading and writing and learning. A private library unlike anything I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Books on healing. Books on nature. Books on everything that mattered to the person who built that life. Books that helped people. Books that held knowledge you cannot find easily again. The idea that they might be buried under soil and rock feels wrong. It feels like watching an entire chapter of the human world disappear.

It is hard to explain the value of that collection to someone who has not stood in that house. It was not simply impressive. It was meaningful. You could feel the years in it. You could feel the care. You could feel the dedication to truth, to the natural world, to the belief that knowledge can change people. Losing that library would not be losing objects. It would be losing something that holds power. Something that holds memory. Something that carries wisdom.

As raw as all of this feels, I also think about the energy of the place. The home did not get its power from the walls or the floor. It came from the intention behind it. The respect for the earth. The devotion to knowledge. The love of simplicity. The belief in healing. That cannot be taken away. Even if the house collapses. Even if the books are damaged. The spirit of the place is still there. It does not die just because the structure is threatened.

My hope is that the books can be saved. Not only for personal reasons, but because this is not just a private loss. This is something Sri Lanka needs. A reminder that knowledge matters. That memory matters. That nature matters. That we cannot ignore the world we live in and expect it to stay steady beneath our feet. A rescue of those books would not be a simple task. It would become a story. It would become an example of what a country chooses to protect. It would show that wisdom is worth effort.

If the house cannot be saved, then I hope the books can be carried into a new space. A new sanctuary that carries the same spirit. A space built on the same principles. Something simple. Something honest. Something connected to the earth. Something that continues the legacy that was built there.

I believe places have souls. That home had one. It still does. And I hope that what happens next honours what that place stood for. The quiet. The knowledge. The healing. The connection to nature. The intention to live gently. I hope people understand the value of what is at risk. And I hope that somehow, through effort and respect, something can be saved.

I carry the memory of that place with me. And I hope this moment becomes not the end of it, but the beginning of renewal. The beginning of something that will keep its spirit alive for years to come.

Hemas Holdings PLC has been recognised among Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under A Billion companies for 2025, ranking as one of the region’s top performing organisations.

Selected from over 19,000 organisations, this recognition highlights businesses with under $ 1 billion in revenue that demonstrate consistent growth, innovation, and stability.

The ranking reflects Hemas’ consistency in generating long-term value for shareholders over the last three years. Forbes Asia’s selection process is based on a robust quantitative and qualitative assessment, measuring growth, innovation, and share performance over time. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s corporate sector. Hemas has become one of the first local companies since 2021 to be included among the region’s top 200 by Forbes.

Hemas Holdings PLC Group CEO Ashish Chandra said: ‘Being recognised among Forbes Asia’s Best Under A Billion is a strong validation of our long-term strategy, disciplined growth, and our ability to deliver sustained returns on par with the best in the region. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our teams, whose focus on innovation and performance continues to propel Hemas forward. It is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, showcasing the strength and resilience of our businesses on a prominent Asian stage.’

This achievement underscores the organisation’s commitment to long-term value creation, strong governance, and strategic diversification that positions Hemas for continued growth in regional and global markets.

CR and FC enter a decisive stage of their 2025 campaign with renewed energy as two major signings, Vishenka Silva and Samoan Auvae Gasolo, prepare to make their debuts on 13 December against CH and FC.

Their arrival comes at a crucial time for the Reds, who are determined to mount a strong challenge to reclaim the league title from Kandy SC.

Vishenka Silva, the dynamic 2025 Peterite skipper, brings exceptional pace, agility, and finishing ability to the CR backline. Renowned for his sharp attacking instincts and confidence under pressure, Silva is expected to provide the flair and attacking edge that CR needs in tight contests. His leadership qualities further strengthen the team’s on-field decision-making.

Adding significant power to the forwards is Samoan recruit Auvae Gasolo, whose physical presence, strong carries, and defensive steel introduce a new dimension to CR’s pack. His experience and toughness will be vital in set pieces and breakdown battles, areas that often decide high-stakes league encounters. He played rugby in New Zealand and now in Australia.

Together, Silva and Gasolo elevate CR’s overall balance, giving the side fresh tactical options and improved depth in key positions. Their blend of youth, skill, and international experience offers a major boost to team confidence.

With both players tipped to debut, CR and FC move forward with enhanced belief and a strengthened squad, positioning themselves firmly as contenders for the 2025 league crown.