Category: Daily Financial Times

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) yesterday extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for the 2024/25 assessment year, granting taxpayers an additional eight days in light of countrywide disruptions caused by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah.

Under the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, returns must be filed no later than eight months after the end of the assessment year, placing the statutory deadline on 30 November.

The IRD said adverse weather has hindered access to services and prevented some taxpayers from meeting the cut-off.

The Department confirmed it will not initiate late-filing action provided returns are submitted on or before 8 December. The grace period applies across all taxpayer categories.

The IRD urged those affected to make use of the extension to complete their submissions and avoid compliance issues once normal operations resume.

TVS Lanka Ltd., has hosted the TVS Knowledge Centre NVQ Certification Ceremony on 29 October, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) reinforcing its longstanding commitment to technical excellence and the development of Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce. As a private organisation in the country officially recognised by the Government to offer NVQ Level 4 certification through National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) for motorcycle technicians, TVS Lanka marked an important milestone in strengthening vocational education within the automotive sector.

At this landmark ceremony, 210 Private Garage Mechanics (PGMs) received their NVQ Level 4 certifications, formally acknowledging their advanced technical capabilities in motorcycle repair, maintenance, and service. Their training and assessments were conducted entirely through the TVS Knowledge Centre, a dedicated institute established to cultivate practical expertise and bridge the gap between classroom instruction and evolving industry demands. Since its inception, the TVS Knowledge Centre has worked closely with the NAITA and TVEC to deliver accredited, high-quality training aligned with national vocational standards. The growing number of certified technicians reflects the success of this public-private collaboration and TVS Lanka’s broader vision of elevating professional standards across Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler ecosystem.

TVS Lanka Chief Executive Officer Geethal Anthony said, ‘As one of the leading automobile brands in the country, TVS is delighted to contribute to this transformation of the country’s most valuable asset-the human resource of the nation.’ He emphasised that the Knowledge Centre stands as a catalyst for upskilling thousands of aspiring technicians, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of a modernised mobility landscape.

Deputy General Manager – Human Resources and Administration Lasantha Gunawardena added, ‘This initiative is aimed at uplifting the skill level and competencies of the Sri Lankan automobile workforce so they can compete even at a global level – and it is highly valuable as this is done entirely free of charge.’ He highlighted TVS Lanka’s firm belief in democratising access to technical education, particularly for youth seeking structured learning pathways and recognised certification.

The ceremony drew the participation of several esteemed dignitaries and industry leaders from Sri Lanka and India. Representing TVS Mobility Ltd., India, G. Srinivasan Raghavan, TVS Lanka Ltd., Director and Chairman and TVS Mobility Ltd., Managing Director, attended as Chief Guest, accompanied by TVS Mobility Ltd., Vice President P.K. Kannan. From TVS Motor Company PLC, India, Regional Sales Head Santanu Roy and Regional Service Head Thirunavakarasu were present to honor the graduates. Also in attendance were TVS Lanka Ltd., Director and Commercial Credit and Finance PLC Chief Operating Officer Rajiv Casie Chitty, along with members of the TVS Lanka leadership team including Geethal Anthony, Dayani Thulshika, Chief Financial Officer, and senior management representatives.

The event was also attended by First Secretary of the Indian High Commission Saurabh Sabhlok, as well as NAITA Vice Chairman and Director General P.A.D.S.F.D. Appuhamy, together with NAITA’s management team. Representatives from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), partner institutions, and other distinguished stakeholders including Eng. Ravith Silva, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Automobile Engineers’ Council, further underscored the national importance of this initiative.

TVS Lanka reaffirmed that the success of the NVQ Certification Ceremony is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a meaningful step toward advancing Sri Lanka’s vocational talent pool. Through continuous investment in training, education, and capacity building, the company remains committed to empowering motorcycle technicians with the knowledge, confidence, and recognition they need to thrive in a competitive and fast-evolving industry.

Having gone through a difficult second half of the year with a home series loss to Bangladesh, two defeats in four against Zimbabwe and a bottom-place finish in the Asia Cup Super Fours, Sri Lanka will look to finish 2025 with a silverware when they take on host Pakistan in the final of the T20I Tri-Series final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today.

The start of the Pakistan tour did not augur well for Sri Lanka as they lost the three-match ODI series 3-0 and began the T20I Tri-Series with back-to-back losses against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, stretching their losing streak in white ball cricket to 8 matches since the Asia Cup Super Fours.

When everything looked bleak for the team and an early exit was on the cards in the Tri-Series, the team managed to bounce back with a convincing 9-wicket win against Zimbabwe and follow it up with a close six-run victory over Pakistan to earn the right to play in the final.

It seems that Sri Lanka has started to peak at the right moment and all that is left between them and the silverware is Pakistan whom they have to defeat in the final today. Having tasted their first defeat Pakistan will also want to have one back on Sri Lanka and this is what makes the contest a real humdinger.

Sri Lanka’s problems lay with their batting where most of the batters got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Pathum Nissanka, currently the foremost batsman in the team turned it around with a match-winning unbeaten 98 off 58 balls against Zimbabwe. Taking the cue from him, Kamil Mishara played the lead role in Sri Lanka’s win against Pakistan scoring a 48-ball 76. On both occasions Kusal Mendis played a crucial role with scores of 25* and 40 off 23 balls to put the pressure back on the opposition.

‘The key was our batting in the last two games it clicked,’ said head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. ‘We cannot say that we have broken the barrier but in every game we want someone from the top order to make a big score. Pathum did it against Zimbabwe and Kamil against Pakistan. You can’t forget the innings played by Kusal Mendis. His 40 off 23 balls gave a lot of confidence to the other players and confidence to the bowlers the way Dushmantha (Chameera) and Wanindu (Hasaranga) bowled.’

‘In the last two games, not everything went to plan but to some extent yes. Even though we were able to win there are little, little things to improve. Wherever we have gone wrong we have tried to address them.’

One of the key areas is that Sri Lanka must learn to close games when they have the opposition at their mercy. Sri Lanka did the difficult part by getting Pakistan’s top and middle order batters back in the pavilion to have them reeling at 99-5 in 13 overs but allowed them recover to 178-7 and nearly come within touching distance of winning the match. If that had happened it would have been Zimbabwe who will be playing Pakistan in the final and Sri Lanka flying home.

As regards today’s final, Jayasuriya said, ‘We have to do well in both batting and bowling departments to win a game. That is the key. The fielding has been really good. We have stopped about 10-15 runs in each of the two games and that’s an advantage. Like the last two games we will have to play to our strengths and execute our plans. We are trying our best to win the final.’

Sri Lanka are unlikely to make any changes to a winning team and will go unchanged. Pakistan who have been chopping and changing their bowlers throughout the tournament is likely to bring back speedster Naseem Shah.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed District Secretaries and District Development Committee Chairpersons to proceed with rescue and relief operations without allowing funding concerns to slow response efforts, as severe flooding continues across several districts.

Speaking at a virtual briefing with district officials, the President said Rs. 1.2 billion has already been released for disaster relief and a further Rs. 30 billion has been set aside in the 2025 Budget for emergency needs. He instructed officials to deploy available funds immediately and seek additional allocations where necessary.

To minimise procedural delays, the President asked the Public Administration Ministry to issue a new circular removing restrictions that could hinder urgent work. He also ordered the management of relief centres housing displaced families to be handed over to the Sri Lanka Army.

District Secretaries were asked to provide urgent assessments of requirements such as boats, helicopters, vehicles and other equipment needed for rescue missions. A new Coordination Unit is to be established at the Defence Headquarters, supported by 10 dedicated hotline numbers for emergency communication.

The President further requested full documentation of damage caused by floods, landslides and fallen trees, with restoration work to begin through the tri-forces once conditions stabilise.

Senior officials from the Presidency, Treasury, Defence, Public Administration, Irrigation, the Meteorology Department, the tri-forces and the Police joined the briefing.

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., yesterday advised all passengers to closely monitor flight updates as adverse weather continues to affect parts of the country.

The authorities encouraged travellers to check real-time arrival (www.airport.lk/flight_info/arrival) and departure (www.airport.lk/flight_info/departure) information through the official airport website www.airport.lk to avoid inconvenience caused by potential delays or disruptions.

Passengers flying with national carrier-SriLankan Airlines were specifically requested to contact the airline directly via its hotline 1979 for local callers or +94 11 7771979 for international callers, to obtain the latest updates on their flights.

‘We urge the public to remain calm and informed, as we maintain continuous, round-the-clock coordination with all partners to ensure safe operation continuity,’ the statement added.

Authorities yesterday advised travellers heading to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to use the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, as several surrounding access roads have been inundated by continuing heavy rainfall.

Airport officials said flooding has made some approach routes unreliable, and the expressway remains the safest option for reaching the terminal until conditions stabilise. Passengers were also urged to avoid bringing visitors to the airport to help reduce congestion within the premises during the weather emergency.

Authorities requested the public to plan journeys carefully and cooperate with guidance issued to ensure safety and maintain uninterrupted airport operations.

Why did we bring this up now? It is not to delve deep into the beautiful mystery of ancient Hawaiian spirituality. We will do so in detail soon. But the immediate reason that these lines kept resonating in my head were few scenes I witnessed this week in Jaffna.

In one there were Buddhist devotees piously walking around the sacred Bo Tree of the Sri Naga Viharaya-the main Buddhist temple in Jaffna. Then towards evening in Nallur, amidst red and yellow flags, the freedom to mourn the war dead was being exercised by the people of the North.

Scores of names were put up upon mobile structures and there were poignant scenes.

A young woman standing alone gazing silently at a name. Old grandparents with walking sticks peering into the seam of letters to find where their child or grandchild was-now reduced to a few letters-the name their family members lovingly placed on the infant at birth. Youngsters who operate the sound system who look to be in their teen aged years or early twenties were attending to electrical technicalities in a matter of fact manner (there were melodies being played). The faces of these youth did not seem to be scarred as those of others. Jaffna’s youth led café scene pulsed all around. Yet, here was I at a remembrance of pain, excavated from over 16 years ago.

There was a small cardboard structure of a cemetery possibly made by a child at school-as there were some young children around it. At the entrance was a grotto of sorts with garlands of flowers-red and yellow primarily and candles around it. Those who entered this sacred space of mourning their dead-reverently placed their hands on these stones.

As I moved away fast-it was not a place that one could keep the equilibrium of detachment, several paradoxical images overlapped in my mind. The harmless gossipy chatter that I had heard around the premises of the Naga Viharaya in the morning by Sinhalese grandmothers, the gentle smile they would give to an aged female mango seller opposite the temple, a WhatsApp message I had seen by a ‘professor of reconciliation’ of a leading university who was organising some event akin to a lucky dip dinner or whatever of that nature ‘to commemorate Sri Lanka’s peace and conflict studies based reconciliation.’ The image of that young woman who stood frozen as if carved in stone in front of a name representing a life ended over 16 years ago. Alongside these arose many of the similar images witnessed from the South-where agonised parents look for their children in printed name lists and the memory of scores of interviews done by this writer from ‘both sides’ of the ethnic divide.

As I quickened my pace to the waiting tuk tuk I used the ancient Hawaiian prayer to myself to stop phantoms of older memories emanating from the role as a staff young journalist responsible for covering the North of Sri Lanka for a national newspaper and South Asian publications between 1998 and 2006, including the peace process of 2002. I repeat again to myself – I am sorry, Please Forgive me, I thank you. I love you. Let this be the mantra of world peace to awaken the mind to the deathly slumber of ignorance that we live in. The ignorance that we can be happy by watching the pain of an extension of ourselves. May these words influence and expand human consciousness to the fact that we are not different bodies but one large body of humanity. If one limb hurts, it will cause an impact ‘in the other.’ Let this understanding guide us to a genuine flesh and blood reconciliation and push out the sometime nonsensical sounding theoretics and academicisation of ‘reconciliation’ out of boxed in limitedness.

The Government and people of Pakistan expressed their deepest solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka in wake of the ongoing severe weather crisis caused by cyclonic conditions and unprecedented heavy rainfall across large parts of country.

‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to families of those who lost their lives and expressed sympathies to thousands of citizens who are displaced.’

Government of Pakistan commends efforts of Sri Lankan authorities for proactively working with swift and coordinated response in conducting rescue and relief operations.

Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to time tested friendship with Sri Lanka based on mutual respect and shared history and supporting Sri Lanka in challenging times.

Pakistan believes that Sri Lanka is a resilient nation and will surely find strength and courage to overcome this tragedy.

A diplomatic briefing was convened yesterday by the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to brief Colombo-based Heads of Mission on the Government’s ongoing emergency flood-relief operations and recovery efforts.

The briefing focused on ensuring the safety and security of the affected communities and outlined the immediate and aftermath recovery measures. Most diplomatic missions based in Colombo expressed their solidarity and support for the Government of Sri Lanka during this challenging time. Missions conveyed their readiness to work closely with Sri Lankan authorities in facilitating humanitarian assistance and contributing to ongoing relief and recovery initiatives.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry, as instructed by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath established an Emergency Response Unit for effective overall coordination with Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions abroad and Colombo-based diplomatic missions.

Floods and landslides, people trapped on rooftops, vehicles submerged, residents without electricity or unable to cry out for help, cyclonic winds and endless rain thwarting rescue and relief operations. This is Sri Lanka today, facing a devastating natural calamity, one of the worst in decades.

True to character, the entire country, especially ordinary folk, have responded admirably. Each and every one of us have demonstrated yet again our enormous resources of resilience. And our almost genetically engraved trait to reach out to and support those in dire need of help. We have always stood shoulder to shoulder without hesitation, putting aside all differences, political or otherwise. We are doing this even as I write.

While diplomatic missions based in Colombo have expressed their solidarity and support for Sri Lanka’s Government during this challenging time, there’s still a lot that our friends abroad can do.

Led by the President, Government officials, volunteers and countless ordinary citizens are working tirelessly. They are often risking their lives to rescue the stranded, comfort the grieving and deliver urgent essentials to those who have lost everything.

This unity is the strength of our nation. This compassion is the soul of our people.

And yet, it must be acknowledged that when the scale of this disaster is so enormous even the strongest nations sometimes need the hand of a friend. Sri Lanka needs the support of all her friends.

It is in this spirit, with humility but also with dignity, that I appeal to our friends overseas, neighbouring countries, humanitarian agencies, corporates and well-wishers around the world to stand with Sri Lanka at this difficult time. Your support, whether through relief supplies, medical aid, logistical assistance, or financial contributions, will directly help families who are suffering and accelerate the country’s recovery.

Sri Lanka has had its share of calamities, natural and otherwise. And yet, the island nation has always come through with its signature smile that says so much about our courage, grace and equanimity.

We treat strangers like family. We rush to help the unfortunate and distressed with no thought of reward or cost.

Today, we hope the world will extend that same hand to us. Every act of compassion, however small, restores hope. Every act of solidarity strengthens resolve. Every gesture of friendship helps rebuild devastated lives.

To those who have already reached out with support and concern, thank you. To those who wish to help this is the moment your compassion will truly matter.

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma commanded the second-biggest price in Women’s Premier League history, but Australia captain Alyssa Healy went unsold at the 2026 auction.

Deepti, 28, returns to UP Warriorz for 3.2 crore Indian rupees (approx £ 272,000), just short of the record 3.4 crore Indian rupees Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid for India opener Smirti Mandhana in 2023.

Healy, 35, was the only player not sold in the opening marquee set, with England’s Sophie Ecclestone returning to UP Warriorz for INR 8.5 million (approx. £ 75,000).

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr was the second-most expensive signing on the day, returning to two-time champions Mumbai Indians for 3 crore Indian rupees (approx. £ 226,000).

Australia’s Meg Lanning also joined Warriorz, while South Africa Captain Laura Wolvaardt went to Delhi Capitals, although she is unlikely to take the same role there, with their co-owner saying they would prefer an Indian captain.

England seamer Lauren Bell and spinner Linsey Smith were signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge joins Gujarat Giants.

India bowler Shikha Pandey was the surprise recipient of the third-biggest contract of the auction, going for 2.4 crore Indian rupees to Warriorz.

Other Indian players picked up include Warriorz signing batters Harleen Deol and Pratika Rawal and seamer Kranti Gaud, while spinner Shree Charani joined Capitals.

Heather Knight, Amy Jones and Sophia Dunkley were among the England players not picked.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only England player retained for next year’s tournament, with Australia’s Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner among the other overseas players retained.

The tournament will take place earlier than usual between 9 January and 5 February.

Selected players signed at WPL auction (*denotes overseas player)

n Delhi Capitals: Laura Wolvaardt*, Lizelle Lee*, Chinelle Henry*, Shree Charani, Sneh Rana, Lucy Hamilton*

n Gujarat Giants: Sophie Devine*, Georgia Wareham*, Renuka Singh, Kim Garth*, Danni Wyatt-Hodge*

n Mumbai Indians: Amelia Kerr*, Shabnim Ismail*, Nicola Carey*, Saika Ishaque, Milly Illingworth*

n Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Lauren Bell*, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Grace Harris*, Nadine de Klerk*, Georgia Voll*, Linsey Smith*, Radha Yadav, Dayalan Hemalatha

n UP Warriorz: Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Meg Lanning*, Phoebe Litchfield*, Sophie Ecclestone*, Deandra Dottin*, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Chloe Tryon*, Tara Norris*