Category: Daily Financial Times

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus has conveyed deep condolences to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered one of the worst weather-related disasters Sri Lanka has faced in recent years.

In an official letter addressed to President Dissanayake, Prof. Yunus said he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the destruction and the human toll inflicted by the severe weather, offering sympathy on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh.

‘I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Sri Lanka. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones and with all those impacted by this tragic disaster. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery,’ he stated.

Underscoring the close ties between the two countries, the Chief Adviser affirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with Sri Lanka during this challenging time and pledged readiness to assist as needed.

‘At this difficult time, the people of Bangladesh stand in solidarity with the friendly people of Sri Lanka. We also remain ready to extend any possible support or assistance that may be required, including cooperation in flood management, search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and other humanitarian needs,’ the letter added.

Prof. Yunus extended his highest consideration to President Dissanayake as Sri Lanka continues its nationwide rescue and recovery operations.

China has extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and flood-stricken people in Sri Lanka following the devastating cyclone which hit across the country last Thursday.

‘China’s assistance and support to Sri Lanka is on the way. China’s solidarity and support for the Government and the people of Sri Lanka,’ said the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

In recent days, severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have caused substantial casualties and extensive property damage. The people of China share the grief of those affected in Sri Lanka.

To support the disaster relief efforts by Sri Lankan brothers and sisters, the Red Cross Society of China has disbursed $ 100,000 in emergency cash aid to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, and emergency assistance from the Chinese Government is underway.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Chinese Association in Sri Lanka launched donation initiatives and so far have collected Rs. 10 million in total for the affected regions.

‘We are confident that, under the firm leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and with the collective support of the international community, the valiant Sri Lankan people will undoubtedly overcome the disaster, stand united in solidarity and rebuild their homes in the near future,’ the embassy said.

A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter engaged in disaster relief operations has crashed into the Gin River, police confirmed today.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on the country’s business community to actively support ongoing relief efforts and the national recovery programme following the adverse weather conditions.

Two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight people trapped by rising floodwaters in Pannala, as India expanded its support to Sri Lanka’s disaster relief operations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Sri Lanka as Cyclone Ditwah continues to cause widespread destruction, saying India stands prepared to extend further assistance as needed.

In a message posted on X, Modi offered condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished a swift recovery for affected communities. He said India had already dispatched relief supplies and humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu and remained ready to provide additional support in the coming days.

He added that India’s response reflects its Neighbourhood First policy and its broader Vision MAHASAGAR, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to stand with Sri Lanka during crises.

Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar yesterday said India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide relief materials to Sri Lanka with two visiting naval ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri handing over materials to Colombo yesterday.

Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture, and Fortune Media announced the 25 winners of this year’s Fortune World’s Best Workplace list.

Organisations on this list are remarkable for delivering an exceptional employee experience despite the challenges of global scale and complexity. To be eligible for the list, organisations must have 5,000 or more global employees.

This year, organisations earned a higher rank for their ability to outperform their peers both in their local markets and globally on measures of employee trust, pride, and camaraderie. Rankings were based on over 9 million employee surveys conducted in 2024 and 2025, representing the experiences of more than 25 million employees worldwide.

The list of 25 Best Workplaces in the World was topped by Hilton in first place. DHL Express ranked second, Marriott International fifth and Allianz seventeenth on the list. .

These 4 organisations had representation from Sri Lanka that contributed to their parent MNCs global achievement of being recognised on this prestigious list.

‘The powerful impact of these great organisations on our planet is a sacred trust,’ says Great Place To Work CEO Michael C. Bush. ‘Of the more than 9 million employees surveyed, more workers at these remarkable organisations say their workplace trusts them and wants them to grow as people and professionals. These economic powerhouses also strengthen the communities where they operate, and are leaving behind a better world than the one they inherited.’

‘The World’s Best Workplaces list casts an important spotlight on what employees believe are today’s exceptional workplaces, organisations where they feel trusted, empowered, and energised to do their best work,’ says Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell.

Great Place To Work in Sri Lanka Director/ CEO Kshanika Ratnayake stated, ‘We are proud of Hilton, DHL Express, Marriott International and Allianz in Sri Lanka who are selected to this exclusive list. Their dedication to creating great workplace experiences truly exemplifies their commitment to their people, not just locally but around the globe. We are delighted to shine a spotlight on these leaders and to continue supporting organisations that invest in cultures that uplift business and performance’

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended the week on the up after trading closed two hours earlier than the regular 2 p.m. close due to adverse weather conditions caused by cyclone Ditwah.

The ASPI ended up 0.35% or 80.37 points to 22,742.46 and the active S and P SL20 gained 0.16% or 10.12 points to 6,278.57.

The market closed at 12:30 p.m. yesterday on a turnover of over Rs. 1.9 billion on nearly 63.2 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 326.3 million.

Week-on-week, the ASPI was down 1.17% or 269.9 points while the S and P SL20 declined 1.53% or 97.58 points. Foreigners were net sellers in the week on a Rs. 684.35 million net outflow.

First Capital Research said despite an early halt in trading, the Colombo Bourse gathered fresh momentum and nudged its way upward. Following a brief downward movement in the beginning of the session, market regained traction towards closing.

Key positive contributors to today’s upward movement included BUKI, AEL, BIL, LOLC, and DOCK.

The Capital Goods sector accounted for 35.4% of total turnover, followed by Banking and Telecommunication sectors, which collectively contributed 24.1%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, bringing the month-to-date net foreign outflow to Rs. 3.7 billion.

DM Running Training Academy, representing Sri Lanka, won the overall championship at the Open Invitational Tournament held at the Yu Changking Stadium in Singapore. DM Running Training Academy won 22 medals including five gold medals, silver and bronze medals in a number of athletics events including the 100m race and the long jump. The Academy’s players and team coach Dimuthu Mudalige and assistant coach Dilakshi represented Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka cricket team currently touring Pakistan has decided to donate the tour money and match fees from the ongoing Pakistan series to assist those affected by the devastating floods and landslides countrywide.

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya went on social media stating:

‘The players and support staff are saddened by the situation our fellow Sri Lankans are facing by the devastating floods and landslides back home. As a team, our hearts go out to all of you and we have decided to donate the tour money and match fees from the Pakistan series to support those affected. We will continue to do more once we return home. Please stay safe, follow guidelines and care for one another during this difficult time. Standing together with all Sri Lankans.’