Category: Daily Financial Times

Sri Lanka received a consignment of canned tuna as relief for the people affected by the adverse weather from the Maldives yesterday, reflecting the strong partnership and regional solidarity between the two nations.

The consignment, handed over last afternoon, consists of 25,000 cases of canned tuna in 14 containers. The shipment was formally handed over by the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Colombo.

The Management Committee of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to assist the country’s recovery following Cyclone Ditwah, met on Wednesday (3) morning at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando (right). From left: Aitken Spence Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Brandix CEO Ashroff Omar, Hayleys Group Executive Chairman Mohan Pandithage, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof and Senior Additional Secretary to the President G.M.R.D. Aponsu

Cyclone Ditwah’s unforgiving force has claimed hundreds of lives and left entire landscapes unrecognisable. As Sri Lanka grapples with the scale of loss, attention has turned to the architecture of its recovery effort, and to questions about whether that architecture is fit for purpose.

The Government moved swiftly to establish a ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’ and a ‘Management Committee’ to assess requirements, set priorities, allocate resources and disburse funds. Public reaction has focused on the committee’s problematic composition: all 11 members are men, and all non-Government seats are held by business personalities with no known expertise in complex national development projects, disaster management, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. While their full mandate remains unclear (perhaps even to the Committee itself – given the emerging legal ambiguities), they could end up directing recovery spending for a nation where 951,680 women, 362,939 children and more than 320,000 older people are exposed to ongoing flood-related risks.

The magnitude and complexity of the decisions at hand have prompted debate around why inclusive governance must be embedded into the architecture of recovery itself, with key groups and perspectives represented through meaningful decision-making roles. Research on disaster recovery demonstrates that inclusive decision-making produces effective outcomes. Communities understand their realities better than distant technocrats, and local knowledge is critical when formal systems break down.

Anchoring recovery governance to well-recognised frameworks like the ‘Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’, which emphasises a whole-of-society approach, could ground recovery in principles that strengthen credibility and equity.

Sendai Framework emphasises inclusivity

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) (2015-2030) was adopted at the UN World Conference in Japan in 2015, with Sri Lanka among its signatories. SFDRR encourages disaster governance across the entire continuum, from preparedness to recovery, and sets out guiding principles and priorities for nations and their partners.

SFDRR recognises that disasters do not affect everyone equally and are shaped by underlying drivers such as poverty and inequality. Inclusivity is therefore embedded as a core principle that should underpin all policies and

practices.

Among the Sendai Frameworks key actions is the requirement that at-risk groups take public leadership roles during response and reconstruction. It also recommends dedicated budgetary allocations for these groups to prevent the ad hoc, exclusionary patterns that have historically undermined past recovery processes.

The evidence is clear that disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations like women, making clear why integrating SFDRR is key. Women are 14 times more likely than men to die during disasters. They also face compounded risk because they serve as primary caregivers and prioritise the safety of children, partners, and the elderly over their own. Climate shifts have exacerbated the vulnerabilities they experience, with women now comprising 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters.

Among the Sendai Frameworks key actions is the requirement that at-risk groups take public leadership roles during response and reconstruction. It also recommends dedicated budgetary allocations for these groups to prevent the ad hoc, exclusionary patterns that have historically undermined past recovery processes

These trends are also unfolding in Sri Lanka, where women constitute the majority of the population. While gender disaggregated data on disasters is often lacking, research shows why the conditions endured by women and marginalised communities need to be separately assessed. When the 2004 tsunami struck, nearly 66% of those who died in Ampara alone were women. More than a quarter of women head households, and many work in informal sectors with little social protection, leaving them more vulnerable to disaster-related economic shocks. This makes the absence of women, along with other vulnerable groups, from recovery mechanisms a critical issue.

Avoid repeating past patterns

The Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, was another example of problematic governance and representation in response and recovery mechanisms. Even though the task force was ostensibly formed to address poverty, support small businesses, and empower rural communities – at a time when intersectional vulnerabilities were acutely felt – the group’s representation did not mirror those needs. Most non-Government representatives were heads of large corporate entities. There were no seats for SMEs, community representatives, or individuals with knowledge or appreciation of multidimensional poverty and intersectional vulnerabilities.

Government came to power by winning the trust and enthusiasm of a broad spectrum of Sri Lankan society. Their victory reflected the public’s dissatisfaction with allowing narrow groups to shape the future of the country. This must follow through in intent and action in this post-Ditwah rebuilding effort. It must shape recovery governance that is both legally legitimate, and reflective of the inclusivity principles Sri Lanka has committed to under the SFDRR. It is not just about ‘building back better’, but about ‘building forward differently’

The scale and complexity of Cyclone Ditwah’s impact require expertise that reflects the breadth of affected communities and areas. Neither an all-male body nor business executives are best-placed to address the vastly different realities of landslide-prone hill country regions versus dense urban areas, or to balance competing priorities. These span submerged paddy fields threatening food security, 40,152 pregnant women requiring maternal care, 78 damaged roads and 15 destroyed bridges, and barriers to access for persons with disabilities. Addressing this range requires voices from healthcare, engineering,

agriculture, and affected and vulnerable communities themselves, among many others.

Reconsider the governance of rebuilding funds

The Government must re-consider the role and purpose of this Fund, re-look at its legal mandate (alongside provisions in the Disaster Management Act of 2005, and the Supreme Court judgment in the P-TOMS case), and re-constitute any management or governing committee to be more representative of the country, and reflected of the interdisciplinary needs in a response of this complexity and magnitude. One group – like the one appointed – might greatly help mobilise funds (corporates, international well-wishers, etc.), but this group may be ill-equipped to determine priorities and oversee disbursement and spending. It would be necessary to separate fundraising, fund oversight, and spending prioritisation, given the different capabilities, and considerations required for each.

No doubt, past allegations of fund misuse – from tsunami relief to the Itukama COVID-19 fund – have created deep skepticism about successive Governments’ ability to administer donations transparently. So, appointing external actors to the Committee is perhaps to help overcome this credibility gap. But ultimately, even well-meaning corporate executives answer to shareholders and boards, not to affected groups. Any public funding mechanisms must guard against conflict-of-interest risks. Funds and their utilisation must be accountable to the public (through Parliamentary mechanisms), not to a few business leaders – this is not a private sector CSR fund, it’s a national rebuilding fund. The rebuilding mechanisms should not only be trusted by those making donations, but also by affected communities receiving support. They must be able to participate in, and hold accountable, these

structures.

Responsibility of donor agencies to uphold inclusive governance

Development partners pledging much-needed funding must also not ignore these concerns, or they may be seen as complicit in perpetuating problematic governance. World Bank and ADB approaches to disaster risk management and recovery emphasise inclusive approaches in their own frameworks and their past projects in post-disaster contexts – specifically around gender.

Development partners pledging much-needed funding must also not ignore these concerns, or they may be seen as complicit in perpetuating problematic governance

Bilateral and multilateral development partners must insist on: 1) Political will and legal mandates for inclusive participation, not just rhetoric; 2) transparent fund management with public accountability mechanisms; 3) community-driven approaches where affected populations have genuine decision-making power; 4) targeted attention to vulnerable groups with disaggregated considerations; and 5) balancing urgency with meaningful consultation.

Staying true to the cause

The current Government came to power by winning the trust and enthusiasm of a broad spectrum of Sri Lankan society. Their victory reflected the public’s dissatisfaction with allowing narrow groups to shape the future of the country. This must follow through in intent and action in this post-Ditwah rebuilding effort. It must shape recovery governance that is both legally legitimate, and reflective of the inclusivity principles Sri Lanka has committed to under the SFDRR. It is not just about ‘building back better’, but about ‘building forward differently’.

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has announced that it has received approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to acquire HSBC’s Sri Lankan retail banking business.

The deal is worth Rs. 18 billion and applicable taxes, if any.

NTB and HSBC signed a binding Sale and Purchase Agreement in September this year, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.

The acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking business will bring approximately 200,000 customer accounts under NTB, including premium banking clients, credit cards, and retail loans. This strategic move strengthens NTB’s position to serve a larger share of Sri Lanka’s premium retail banking segment and aligns well with its long-term growth objectives.

NTB Director/CEO Hemantha Gunetilleke said: ‘The approval from CBSL gives us the go-ahead to move forward with the acquisition process, which is currently progressing very well. We are now able to move into the next phase of the project with confidence.’

HSBC Sri Lanka CEO Mark Surgenor said: ‘Our priority during this period is to uphold the highest service levels for our customers and ensure that our colleagues are well supported during the transition into NTB. We are working closely with NTB towards a seamless transfer of banking services upon completion of the transaction.’

The acquisition marks a significant step in strengthening NTB’s leadership in premium retail banking and its commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers, the bank said.

An Indian Air Force C-17 arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday with modular Bailey bridge components and a 25-member team to support recovery work following the floods and landslides.

The shipment includes a 110-foot two-lane bridge that can be deployed immediately, additional modular sections for multiple sites, and five dinghy boats for transport and rescue operations. Engineers trained in rapid bridge installation and medical staff are part of the contingent.

Officials said the equipment will be used to restore access to areas cut off after bridge failures, allowing supplies and relief services to reach affected communities. Authorities welcomed the assistance, noting that reconnecting isolated areas remains one of the most urgent challenges in the disaster response.

Co-founded by entrepreneurs Shamal Perera and Suhayb Sangani, along with Sri Lankan cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene, the Ceylon Golf League 2025 will tee off today and will be worked off till 7 December at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, featuring eight franchise teams.

Earlier this year, Colombo Aces made history by capturing the inaugural Sri Lanka Padel League 2025 championship – a defining achievement in their debut season of franchise sport.

Responding to the impact of recent floods, Ceylon Golf League 2025 is pledging over Rs. 10 million from this weekend’s proceeds to support the Government of Sri Lanka in restoring affected infrastructure nationwide. In addition to the prize money already allocated to the main fund, Colombo Aces will contribute a further Rs. 250,000 to the cause.

Colombo Aces Golf outfit comprises:

Kusal Johnpillai, Uchitha Ranasinghe (Men’s 2 and under), G. G. Sathsara, Chanaka Perera (Men’s 3 to 6), Rajeev Rajapaksa, Chulaka Amarasinghe (Men’s 7 to 10), Reza Magdon Ismail, Thusith Wijesinghe, Kapila Dandeniya (Men’s 11 to 14), Fazlur Muzammil, Dhevan Peiris (Men’s 15 to 18), Usha De Silva, Sanduni Wanasinghe (Ladies’ 20 and under), Sandra Cadien, Vihara Herath and Fran De Mel (Ladies’ 21 and over). (SJ)

India delivered another relief cargo on Wednesday evening aboard a C-17 aircraft and was formally received by former Director Preparedness at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Sunil Jayaweera, (currently volunteering post-retirement) alongside Deputy Director of Preparedness at the DMC Indika Pushpakumara and Foreign Affairs Deputy Director Diana Perera.

The shipment was handed over by Indian High Commistioner Santosh Jha. The cargo included essential emergency supplies designed to address immediate needs in the cyclone-hit regions: 50-ton Iron Bailey Bridge to facilitate the rapid restoration of critical transport routes, 500 water purifiers (20L each) to ensure safe drinking water for affected communities and Medicines to provide urgent healthcare support.

In addition, India has dispatched medicine, advanced medical equipment and deployable field facilities, 73 medical professionals, including doctors, physicians, anaesthesiologists and other specialised personnel, to provide on-ground medical support where most needed.

An Indian Air Force C-17A aircraft carrying urgent medical assistance arrived in Sri Lanka Tuesday evening with a consignment comprised of critical medicine, advanced medical equipment and deployable field facilities to support the country’s ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The relief material was officially handed over by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha to Sri Lanka Army Director General Major Gen. Tiral de Silva,

The cargo also included two fully equipped field hospitals designed for rapid deployment in emergency zones. One of these units is scheduled to be established in Welimada to support ongoing humanitarian operations.

In addition, India has dispatched 73 medical professionals, including doctors, physicians, anaesthesiologists and other specialised personnel, to provide on-ground medical support where most needed.

President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu yesterday held a telephone conversation with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He expressed his sorrow over the severe hardships faced by the people of Sri Lanka due to the devastating floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

He also stated that the Maldives will extend its fullest support to provide relief to the affected people, as well as during Sri Lanka’s rebuilding process.

Dr. Muizzu told Dissanayake that Sri Lanka, as a sister nation, will not be left alone at any time.

Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth yesterday announced that its Government is providing an additional $ 2.5 million to support Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah, bringing its total assistance to $ 3.5 million.

‘As close Indo-Pacific neighbours, we stand with Sri Lanka and are working with UN partners to reach those most affected,’ he noted via a post on ‘X.’

Sri Lanka’s coffee industry is entering a defining new chapter, fuelled by renewed cultivation, improved processing, and passionate homegrown brands determined to restore the island’s place on the global specialty coffee map. At the forefront of this resurgence stands The Beans Coffee Factory, a company committed to elevating Sri Lankan coffee, empowering rural communities, and championing a flavour profile that is both distinctive and internationally competitive.

This mission took centre stage at the Curated Coffee Showcase in Colombo, an event hosted by The Beans Coffee Factory that brought together processors, hospitality leaders, and an esteemed international delegation. The gathering represented one of the most significant milestones yet for Sri Lanka’s re-emerging coffee sector. The event was honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness Queen Bakembisa Kuyalu Mafuta, whose attendance underscored the cultural and economic value of the movement. The highlight of the event was the signing of a landmark MOU with Smart Coffee UK, marking a major breakthrough in taking premium Sri Lankan coffee into European markets and strengthening global recognition for local producers.

Brand with purpose, roots, and national pride

The Beans Coffee Factory was established with a clear and determined ambition, to restore Sri Lanka’s coffee identity and build a brand that transforms local craftsmanship into global value. Grounded in authenticity and community upliftment, the company works directly with processors and smallholder farmers across the highlands to source 100% Sri Lankan Arabica coffee. Their approach ensures traceability, ethical partnerships, and a commitment to quality at each step.

‘Our inspiration came from the belief that Sri Lanka’s coffee story deserved to be rediscovered,’ the company reflects. ‘For generations, our farmers cultivated exceptional beans. Yet the world never fully recognised their true potential. We set out to change that through quality, consistency, and storytelling.’

This purpose-driven philosophy was central to the Curated Coffee Showcase, where guests explored the full journey from crop to cup. Attendees experienced regional flavour variations, learned about processing methods, and gained insight into the livelihoods of the farmers behind each bean. Through these encounters, The Beans Coffee Factory demonstrated its role not just as a brand, but as a custodian of Sri Lanka’s coffee heritage.

Sector on rise

Sri Lanka’s coffee sector is undergoing steady growth, supported by increased farmer participation, improved knowledge transfer, and rising global demand for traceable, ethically produced coffee. More than 2,000 smallholder farmers have expanded their coffee lands in recent years, encouraged by better market access and stronger technical support.

The company provides training to partner processors, supports quality assurance, and helps producers meet international specialty standards. These initiatives have enhanced cup quality, improved yields, and created new income opportunities aligning Sri Lanka with global expectations for transparency and ethical sourcing.

Royal recognition and a strategic UK partnership

The presence of Her Royal Highness Queen Bakembisa Kuyalu Mafuta brought exceptional prestige to the showcase, underscoring the global relevance of Sri Lanka’s coffee revival.

The event’s central milestone was the signing of the MOU between The Beans Coffee Factory and Smart Coffee UK. This partnership opens direct pathways into European specialty markets and creates a collaborative platform for product innovation, new formats, and advanced product development.

While the partnership supports global expansion, The Beans Coffee Factory maintains a clear commitment.

Sri Lanka’s best coffee is first for Sri Lanka

International collaborations will strengthen local capabilities, introduce new product varieties, and enhance innovation, while ensuring that Sri Lankan consumers continue to enjoy the finest expressions of their own national coffee.

Distinctive and refined origin

Sri Lankan coffee offers a flavour profile shaped by high-altitude cultivation, nutrient-rich soils, and slow ripening characteristics. The result is a cup that is naturally smooth, clean, and balanced, with gentle acidity and notes of citrus, cocoa, and caramel. At The Beans Coffee Factory, these attributes are preserved through small-batch roasting and meticulous profiling.

Each bean is handpicked, carefully processed, and roasted with intention, a craft that differentiates Sri Lankan coffee from more industrialised origins.

Guests at the showcase explored these sensory qualities through guided tastings gaining a deeper appreciation for the artisanal skill behind every cup.

Community first: Foundation of revival

The Beans Coffee Factory places community empowerment at the core of its operations. Through continuous training, quality-linked pricing, and long-term partnerships, the company ensures that farmers benefit directly from the sector’s growth. The revival is also creating opportunities for youth from processing, barista development and roasting to entrepreneurship, signalling a promising future for the industry.

Looking ahead: Sri Lanka’s next global origin

With rising international interest, strengthened farmer networks, and a historic UK partnership, Sri Lanka stands at the threshold of a new era in specialty coffee. The Beans Coffee Factory envisions the island emerging as a recognised origin celebrated for its quality, ethical practices, and rich storytelling.

The Curated Coffee Showcase marked a bold step toward that vision. With every new partnership formed, every farmer empowered, and every cup shared abroad, Sri Lanka’s coffee story continues to rise, confident, resilient, and ready for the world.

MP Namal Rajapaksa has said he will contribute his monthly salary and allowances to ‘Adaraya,’ a program he launched to support children from families affected by the recent floods and landslides. The initiative, introduced last week, focuses on providing essential school supplies, including books, pens, and pencils, to help children return to their studies despite the disruption.

Rajapaksa said the program is open to anyone who wants to assist children in the affected areas. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that nearly 300,000 children have been impacted by the disaster, with more than 275,000 affected by Cyclone Ditwah.