Category: Daily Financial Times

Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane will today deliver the Nations Trust WNPS monthly lecture on ‘Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence (AI): How Sustainable is AI?’ at 6 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Justice Tilakawardane is the Deputy Chair of the Judicial Integrity Group and is working with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to amend the commentaries in the Bangalore Principles with regard to judicial standards on ethics and conduct of Judges. She is a former consultant to the Sri Lanka Judicial Training Institute. She has worked as a national judicial educator for over 10 years, and an international consultant, expert, and educator on equality, human rights, gender rights, child rights, and environmental law for over 30 years.

In Sri Lanka, she trained Judges, especially newly appointed judges, on human rights law, gender rights and domestic violence law, child rights, environmental law, AI and the law, judicial decision-making, and judgement writing. She is on the international advisory board of the National Committee of the State Court (NCSC) of the US and has been an international expert on the modules on myth and gender stereotypes.

Justice Tilakawardane recently returned from Odisha, India, having delivered a keynote address and a plenary session on sustainability of AI and the environment, reflecting her continued engagement at the intersection of technology, ethics, and environmental sustainability.

Presented by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) as part of its monthly lecture series, with the support of Nations Trust Bank, this free public lecture is open to all – members and non-members alike – offering expert insights on how AI and climate change intersect, in just 60 minutes.

AI adoption is rising sharply, reaching 72% in 2024, but so is its environmental cost. The surge in digitalisation is unfolding alongside record global heat, water stress, and resource depletion. AI’s footprint spans hardware production, model training, and disposal, contributing to emissions, water use and e-waste.

Data centres are the biggest pressure point, with AI-related energy demand expected to exceed Belgium’s annual electricity use by 2026. Water consumption could reach 6.6 billion cubic metres, straining regions already hit by drought.

AI hardware depends on minerals such as cobalt and lithium, often mined under damaging and inequitable conditions in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The trend points to the need for a more sustainable approach to ensure AI growth does not deepen the climate crisis.

The Wildlife Department has reportedly rejected requests to add more safari jeeps to the Yala National Park fleet, citing threats to wildlife due to overcrowding.

Around 500 jeeps are allowed into the park and operators have requested permission to include 175 additional vehicles. Wildlife authorities say the park has already exceeded its sustainable capacity and have denied the request.

This is the bitter truth. There are already too many jeeps inside Yala causing havoc, disturbing animals and making the entire safari experience an unpleasant one.

Sri Lanka is blessed with the best that nature can bestow on a land. From the climatic conditions to the unique fauna and flora, to the beautiful beaches, there is more than enough to satisfy the most discerning of visitors.

The latest statistics from Sri Lanka Tourism shows that the country welcomed its two millionth visitor for 2025 this week. It is welcome news that so many foreigners are eager to visit the island, but the country is facing a situation of over-tourism, where the authorities are eager to showcase impressive numbers but do little to make tourism sustainable.

Take India for example, where a number of tiger parks are run in the most impressive manner. Strict regulations are in place to ensure minimal disruption to natural habitats, safeguarding the vulnerable tiger population. The number of vehicles entering parks are limited to ensure there is no overcrowding and that when an animal is sighted, they are not harassed like it happens here at Yala or some of the other popular parks in the country. Distances are mentioned between the safari jeeps in the tiger reservations and sound is kept to a minimum so that the animal is not disturbed.

Take the case of Yala in comparison. When a leopard or a bear is sighted, the jeep drivers contact each other on their mobile phones, which results in all the vehicles in the vicinity rushing to the same spot frightening the animal away. There is speeding, reckless driving to get to an animal, which also pose serious dangers to the tourists. Generally, there seems to be a lack of knowledge about the need to protect animals and the environment in general.

This is the case in parks such as Minneriya during the season, where there are large elephant gatherings. There have been several instances, where the harassed animals have attacked the jeeps and there have been some deaths as well with drivers venturing far too close to the animals and disturbing them.

In India there is a National Tiger Conservation Authority, which ensures that this endangered species is protected and that their numbers increase. In Sri Lanka, the Wildlife Department and the few other allied Government bodies are underfunded and lack the necessary personnel to manage the parks and sanctuaries.

The world has come a long way from the time that animals were caged and kept for the pleasure of humans. There are still zoos in many countries, but there is more awareness that keeping animals in such conditions is cruel and demeaning. Instead, animals are allowed to live in their habitat as much as possible.

While Government authorities are driven by the need to increase revenue, they need to take measures to stop the harassment of animals. Wildlife parks are maintained to ensure the well-being of animals and not for the viewing pleasure of humans. Hence, when people are allowed to visit such parks, there should be strict rules and guidelines. The ad hoc manner in which parks such as Yala operate at present must stop.

People’s Leasing and Finance PLC (PLC) proudly announced a major milestone in its commitment to sales excellence, celebrating four remarkable victories at the SLIM National Sales Awards (NSA) 2025. This annual event, organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), is widely recognized as the country’s pinnacle celebration for outstanding sales and marketing professionals who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, and superior performance throughout the year.

The company’s dedication to nurturing top talent was affirmed by the impressive performance across multiple categories. Mr. I.K.W. Dewapriya (Manager – Horana branch), a Territory Manager category, secured the highly coveted Silver Award, recognizing his exceptional strategy and leadership in this competitive area. Adding to this success, three Merit Awards were received by Mr. T. Mathuran (Deputy Manager – Mannar Branch) in Territory Manager category, Mr. M.M. Mahir (Acting Unit In Charge Gold Loan – Puttlam Branch) in Front Liner Category, and Mr. D.A.R. Mapatuna (Executive Marketing – Battaramulla Branch) in the Sales Executive category, underscoring the widespread commitment to excellence within PLC’s sales force.

The combined victories across the Territory Manager, Front Liner, and Sales Executive roles reflect the depth of talent and the robust professional development frameworks implemented by People’s Leasing and Finance PLC. This success reaffirms the organization’s position as a leader not just in financial services, but in professional capability building within the industry.

Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of People’s Leasing and Finance PLC, Mr. Sanjeewa Bandaranayake said, ‘These four victories at the SLIM National Sales Awards are a true reflection of the robust dedication and passion embedded in our sales force. We are immensely proud of all our winners for demonstrating outstanding performance on a national stage. Their commitment and efforts are truly commendable.’

The SLIM National Sales Awards 2025 ceremony, dedicated to recognizing the best in the nation’s sales profession, was held on October 28, 2025, at the Monarch Imperial in Thalawathugoda. Looking ahead, People’s Leasing and Finance PLC remains committed to continuously developing and empowering its employees to set new benchmarks for professional excellence in the financial services sector.

People’s Leasing and Finance PLC, a subsidiary of the People’s Bank, is renowned for its comprehensive suite of financial services, including leasing solutions, loans, and other financial products for both individuals and businesses. With a relentless focus on excellence and customer satisfaction, PLC continues to play a pivotal role in the transformation of the Sri Lankan financial and leasing industry.

It is with great satisfaction that I extend this message on the National Cleaner Production Awards 2025. Award schemes of this nature carry national significance, as they encourage our industries to move beyond compliance and pursue cleaner production practices that conserve resources, minimize environmental burdens, and strengthen the country’s long-term competitiveness. Recognizing such achievements is essential for a nation striving to position itself on a sustainable development pathway.

The National Cleaner Production Centre was established with a clear mandate; to guide Sri Lankan enterprises towards cleaner, more efficient production and to support the transition from conventional systems to resource-efficient and environmentally responsible processes. Over the years, the NCPC has worked steadfastly to fulfil this role through advisory services, capacity-building initiatives, technology promotion, and industry partnerships.

We are grateful for the unstinted support of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Ministry of Environment, whose guidance and cooperation have been vital in advancing the Centre’s mission and sustaining this Awards Programme. Their continued encouragement reinforces our commitment to helping industry respond to global sustainability demands while strengthening national economic resilience.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all participants and warmly congratulate the winners. Your dedication to adopting cleaner, smarter, and more responsible production practices reflects a commendable vision for the future of Sri Lankan industry. I am confident that your accomplishments will inspire many others to follow.

The National Cleaner Production Awards 2025 concluded on a distinguished note on 06th November 2025 at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo with the presence of over 325 guests representing diverse regions and industrial sectors of Sri Lanka. The event was organised by the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), Sri Lanka, under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Hon. Anton Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Environment, attended as the Guest of Honour. The presence of Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Hon. Prime Minister, and Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, added significance to the ceremony. Strengthening the international flavour of the event, the Chair of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), Mr. K. S. Venkatagiri, together with a delegation of environmental specialists from Europe, Japan, India, and the Maldives, joined the occasion.

Since its inception in 2007, the National Cleaner Production Awards scheme has served as a key national platform for recognizing Sri Lankan enterprises adopting resource-efficient and environmentally responsible practices. Although the programme experienced a temporary pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging socio-economic climate of recent years, the Awards have now returned with renewed purpose to acknowledge industrial excellence and motivate local enterprises to invest in cleaner, safer, and more responsible production systems.

Applicants competed under small, medium and large categories, and recognitions were conferred as Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Awards for outstanding performance in Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability.

The selection of winners followed a rigorous three-tier evaluation process. Initially, qualified Environmental Engineers of NCPC carried out detailed desk evaluations to determine application suitability. This was followed by on-site assessments conducted by 24 external evaluators representing Government Ministries, Departments, and a range of public and private institutions. These evaluators visited 73 shortlisted organizations from both manufacturing and service sectors. The final review and confirmation of winners were undertaken by an eminent Panel of Judges chaired by Professor Ananda Jayawardena. The process was diligently structured to uphold confidentiality, integrity, and impartiality.

This year, 59 awards were presented, comprising 23 Merit Awards, 14 Bronze Awards, 13 Silver Awards and 9 Gold Awards, representing 15 sectors in manufacturing and services. Notably, a strong presence of winners emerged from the Apparel, Textile, Food, Tea, and Rubber sectors, which is an encouraging indicator of Sri Lanka’s evolving industrial ecosystem and its commitment to sustainable development.

IT Gallery Computer Ltd. Sri Lanka’s leading value-added distributors for Hikvision, recently concluded its annual IT Gallery – Hikvision Partner Summit 2025.

The event is a celebration of excellence, innovation and partnership with the local security technology industry. Since its inception in 2017, the summit has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the surveillance and IT distribution sector, bringing together over 400 channel partners from across the island. This includes regional dealer distribution partners and value-added solution providers.

This year’s edition of the event recognised top-performing partners, presenting Top 10 special Dealer Awards along with three VASP Awards to honour excellence and commitment in driving IT Gallery-Hikvision’s growth in 2024-2025. Aside from the recognition, the summit also served as a platform to strengthen relationships, share insights on emerging technologies, and inspire collaboration toward building smarter, safer, and more connected communities. As part of this year’s rewards program, over 30 top-performing partners will embark on exclusive tours across Europe, New Zealand, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Attendees were also hosted to live demonstrations of AcuSeek and Hik-Partner Pro, which is a comprehensive digital platform designed to simplify business management and enhance operation efficiency for partners. These innovations and more, reaffirm Hikvision’s position as the world’s No.1 surveillance brand, and underscores its commitment to delivering intelligent, AI-driven solutions that enable business growth.

In a proud moment for the nation, three outstanding professionals were honoured with awards and selected to represent Sri Lanka at the regional Hik Tech Stars Event. This exclusive programme celebrates top performers and innovators across the global Hikvision network. This remarkable achievement reflects the true strength of local talent and the evolving capabilities of the Sri Lankan security solution industry.

IT Gallery Computers Director and Chief Executive Officer Dilantha Perera said: ‘Through ‘Innovating Beyond Security 2025,’ we celebrate not only technological progress but also the strength of our partnerships. Together with Hikvision, IT Gallery is proud to see three of our Sri Lankan partners selected as Hik Tech Stars, a true reflection of talent, innovation, and dedication driving our industry forward.’

Being an integral part of the IT distribution market since 2011, IT Gallery has garnered a strong reputation as a trusted partner that provides value-added support, training, and technical expertise to its network. Over the last 14 years, the company has played a vital role in empowering businesses with reliable products, efficient service, and innovative solutions that help partners thrive in a competitive market.

Hikvision said it continues to lead the security industry with innovation, and today, we’re proud to introduce the next generation of intelligence, the Hikvision AcuSeek NVR, powered by the Guanlan Large-Scale AI Engine. AcuSeek revolutionises video search by allowing users to simply type or even speak what they’re looking for, like ‘a person in a red shirt’ or ‘a white van entering the gate’, and the system instantly finds the footage within seconds. It’s fast, accurate, and intelligent, redefining how we use security video.

Dilmah Tea, together with Hilton Colombo, presents Michelin Mastery at Graze, a four-day gastronomic celebration from 20 to 23 November 2025, featuring Michelin Star Chef Didier Anies, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (which translates to the Best Worker of France; one of the nation’s most prestigious honours, awarded to artisans who demonstrate mastery in their craft).

This exclusive collaboration introduces guests to the sophistication of tea-inspired gastronomy, where Dilmah’s single-origin Ceylon Teas are thoughtfully integrated into select dishes and pairings. Each menu creation illustrates how tea can serve as a versatile ingredient, enhancing structure, depth and sensory harmony in fine

dining.

The experience features two unique dining experiences: a refined three-course

business-style lunch inspired by à la carte favourites and a comprehensive à la carte dinner with four appetisers, two soups, four main courses and three desserts. Each course is carefully complemented by curated Dilmah tea pairings and an exclusive wine selection, creating a nuanced exploration of flavour and craftsmanship.

Through Michelin Mastery at Graze, Dilmah Tea reaffirms its commitment to authenticity, innovation, and sharing the story of tea as a fine ingredient and an art form.

Join us at the Graze Kitchen: Lower Deck, to experience a celebration of culinary mastery and the timeless elegance of tea. For reservations: WhatsApp +94 768 185 133 or call 0112 492 448.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Dialog Television (Private) Limited has secured the exclusive media rights to broadcast ICC Events in Sri Lanka through January 2028, further strengthening the ICC’s partnership with one of the country’s leading entertainment platforms.

Under the agreement, Dialog Television will broadcast ICC Events across its own network and ensure expansive access to all matches through a combination of Free-to-Air and digital streaming platforms, enabling millions of Sri Lankan fans to experience world-class cricket wherever they are.

Dialog Television is Sri Lanka’s No. 1 Pay TV service provider delivering a diverse mix of local and international channels across genres, including news, movies, lifestyle and sports to audiences nationwide. This partnership underscores Dialog’s continued commitment to bringing global sporting spectacles to Sri Lankan homes.

The agreement covers eight ICC global events, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.

The ICC events included in this partnership are:

Men’s Events:

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India and Sri Lanka)

ICC Men’s World Test Championship Final 2027 (England)

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 (South Africa and Zimbabwe)

ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (Zimbabwe and Namibia)

ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2028 (TBC)

Women’s Events:

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (England)

ICC Women’s T20 Champions Trophy 2027 (Sri Lanka)

ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 (Bangladesh and Nepal)

Mr Sanjog Gupta, ICC CEO, said: ‘We are delighted to enter this partnership with Dialog Television in a country where cricket has enjoyed immense popularity. This agreement ensures that every fan will have front-row access to the game’s biggest moments, from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to the ICC Women’s T20 Champions Trophy 2027, both of which will have Sri Lanka as co-hosts and hosts respectively. We want to expand the reach of our marquee events by attracting young audiences as well as deepen engagement for core fans in the country.

‘Dialog’s leadership in its unmatched reach make it an ideal partner to deliver the modern viewing experience that today’s fans expect. Together, we are not only broadcasting cricket, we are shaping the future of how the sport is experienced, celebrated, and shared across Sri Lanka.’

Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, said: ‘Dialog Television is proud to partner with the ICC to deliver these prestigious events to cricket fans across Sri Lanka. Cricket continues to inspire and unite communities across the nation, and we are committed to offering high-quality coverage and engaging experiences across our broadcast and digital platforms, ensuring fans stay closely connected to the sport they love.

‘Through our broadcast and digital platforms, we are committed to providing high-quality coverage and engaging experiences that connect audiences with the sport they love.’

‘This partnership strengthens ICC’s presence in Sri Lanka and ensures fans can enjoy live coverage of major ICC events across multiple platforms, both on television and digitally.’

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the allocation of funds to purchase the green gram harvest in competition with the private sector, further expanding the Government’s existing procurement program.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday said Rs. 764 million had been set aside for the initiative.

Under the 2025 Green Gram Crop Productivity and Production Enhancement Program, implemented in line with the guidelines of the Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Ministry, green gram was cultivated on around 16,500 hectares during the 2025 Yala and intermediate seasons. This cultivation was expected to yield around 14,600 tons, with roughly 12,000 tons anticipated to reach the local market.

Harvesting had already begun in the Hambantota district, where reports indicated that middlemen were purchasing produce at a low price of Rs. 450 per kilogram.

‘To ensure that farmers received a fair price, the National Food Promotion Board, acting on the advice of the Ministry, began purchasing the green gram harvest directly from farmers,’ he said. The proposal to this effect was presented by Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha.

All-rounder Dasun Shanaka, pushed into the captaincy following the sudden illness of regular skipper Charith Asalanka, is confident that Sri Lanka would overcome their defeat in the ODIs against Pakistan and fare well in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series.

Sri Lanka comes out today for their first match of the Tri-Series against Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

‘In the ODI series, the intent was not there and we were doubting ourselves. I am sure that we will come out from our mistakes and do well in the T20I Tri-series. The batsmen, they need to express themselves to make big scores, especially on these sort of tracks,’ said Shanaka addressing the media conference ahead of today’s match.

‘In bowling, the right execution is needed and in fielding, the catching has to be 100%, which was not so in the ODI series. We need to get the maximum out of experienced players and young potential as well. We didn’t do well in the Asia Cup, but we had a couple of good games. Except against Pakistan, we could have won the other two games and got into the final, but unfortunately, we didn’t. We are here to make a statement. We are very confident. We’ve got the right elements to perform in this format. Hopefully, we will win this series.’

In the past 22 months, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have met in two bilateral T20I series and the tally stands in favour of Sri Lanka at 4-2 out of six matches, with Sri Lanka having won both series by 2-1 margins at home and in Zimbabwe. In this shortest format of the game, Zimbabwe have shown that they are quite an extremely competitive team and on their day can cause an upset.

In their opening match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, Zimbabwe gave the hosts a fright by reducing them to 54-4 at the halfway stage chasing 148. It was only Pakistan’s experience that saw them win the contest with four balls to spare.

Zimbabwe know that Sri Lanka are not unbeatable, having won in the recent past against them. They began well against Pakistan and will fancy their chances against Sri Lanka.

A key figure in Zimbabwe’s recent successes against all teams is all-rounder and Captain Sikandar, Raza who has mastered the skill of T20 cricket with both bat and ball, having played across so many leagues around the world. He has been a thorn in contests against Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket and many of Zimbabwe’s victories can be attributed to his contribution. Touching 40, Raza doesn’t show any signs that he has aged and his agility on the field is something for anyone to admire.

Zimbabwe has quite a blend of youth and experience in their side to give any team a good run, and Sri Lanka has got to be quite wary of that fact having played against them as recently as two months ago.

Runs on the board is what matters and Sri Lanka, having made a few adjustments to their batting line-up, will look forward to doing that. With Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera recovering from their injuries and available for selection, Sri Lanka will be at full strength for this contest. They can take heart from the fact that, in their last T20I, they scored over 200 runs and matched India’s total, only to lose the contest in the Super Over. That was in the Asia Cup held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where small mistakes made by Sri Lanka cost them a place in the final.

Sri Lanka will use the Tri-Series to sort out their combinations. Against top oppositions, they have either been a bowler or a batter short. Whether it’s a 7-4 combination or a 6-5, Sri Lanka will have to quickly decide as they have only another six T20I matches apart from the current T20I Tri-Series before the T20 World Cup. They made a muddle of it in the Asia Cup and got nowhere.