Category: Daily Financial Times

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Cabinet has approved the implementation of the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2025, which raises the monthly minimum wage for private sector employees from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000 with effect from 1 April 2025.

Under the new law, the minimum wage will rise further to Rs. 30,000 from 1 January 2026, aligning with the 2025 Budget proposal to increase private sector pay in parallel with public sector salary adjustments.

The legislation, passed by Parliament on 22 July, also stipulates that the revised wage applies to all statutory payments including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), overtime, maternity benefits, probationary pay, and holiday entitlements.

The law places responsibility on all employers, including intermediaries and contractors, to comply with the new wage structure. The Commissioner General of Labour has been tasked with enforcing the provisions, with public awareness already underway through official notices and newspaper advertisements.

The Labour Minister informed the Cabinet that necessary steps are being taken to ensure full implementation and compliance across all industries and services.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the establishment of a National Operational Council to implement ‘Ratama Ekata National Operation’ – a rapid-response program aimed at eradicating drug abuse and strengthening rehabilitation efforts through public participation, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

The proposal, submitted by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, was endorsed by the Cabinet to address what the Government described as a serious national crisis caused by the spread of narcotic drugs and the rise in drug-related crimes.

Dr. Jayatissa said the program will be driven by strong political leadership and a coordinated decision-making framework, supported by community engagement.

The ‘Ratama Ekata’ initiative will focus on dismantling drug trafficking networks, improvin

Sri Lanka secured the overall 12th position at the YONEX SUNRISE BWF World Junior Mixed Team Badminton Championship 2025 in Guwahati, India. The 25th edition held from 6 to 11 October at the National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon, Guwahati, saw 36 top badminton-playing nations vying for honours.

Sri Lanka secured the 12th position, their best thus far in world mixed team events, with three wins and as many losses from their six outings as China grabbed the Gold medal, pushing defending champions Indonesia to second position. Japan and hosts India shared the Bronze medal, as team Sri Lanka secured two group round wins from three games to record a perfect start.

Sri Lanka secured a 2-1 win against United Arab Emirates, after losing the first round by 30-45 to bounce back with remarkable wins of 45-34 and 45-44. They faced a straight defeat at the hands of India by 27-45 and 28-45 before making a strong comeback against Nepal, who were thrashed by Sri Lankan shuttlers by 45-21 and 45-28 to reach the quarter-finals of the Position 9-16. With a 2-1 win against Poland, with scores of 45-37, 34-45 and 45-26, Sri Lanka moved to face the Philippines in the semi-final as they suffered a straight loss after a strong battle (40-45, 41-45) to book the berth the final of the Position 11-12 against Turkey.

With a straight loss with scores of 37-45 and 36-45 against a strong Turkey side, Sri Lanka secured the overall 12th position out of 36 nations, their best achievement in the recent history. Sri Lanka finished ahead of other top contenders in world badminton viz Denmark, Canada, Poland, Hong Kong, Australia, England, Singapore and Romania to name a few, who possess stronger development programs to elevate their standards in badminton.

The thriving Sri Lanka team was represented by male shuttlers Sanuda Ariyasinghe, Keneth Aruggoda, Thisath Rupathunga and female shuttlers Sandathi Hewagallage, Pawani Illeperuma and star player Ranithma Liyanage. The outcome comes as a result of continuous and consistent training policies adopted at grassroots level in the recent years under former Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan de Silva, whose vision is being successfully carried forward by the incumbent President Roshan Gunawardena, who aims to achieve even greater heights.

Sri Lanka produced their best batting performance in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, racking up an impressive 258-6 against New Zealand, but their fine effort with the bat ran into weather so foul that only one innings was completed at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday when the umpires decided to call off the contest, forcing a No-Result.

Heavy rain, which began during the innings break, left certain sections of the outfield inundated with pools of water despite the ground staff’s valiant attempt to have the entire ground covered.

The result meant that Sri Lanka and New Zealand shared the two points. For Sri Lanka, it was the second time they had suffered this calamity. They had their match against Australia washed out without a ball bowled at the same venue 10 days ago.

Sri Lanka remained in seventh position with 2 points from four matches, and New Zealand in fifth with 3 points from the same number of matches.

Sri Lanka’s batting, which has been found wanting in the matches against India and England which they lost, finally came good with Nilakshika Silva lighting up the stage with the fastest fifty of the tournament off just 26 balls, beating the 34-ball mark set by Shorna Akter of Bangladesh against South Africa on Monday. She also broke her own Sri Lanka record for the fastest fifty in WODIs off 28 balls against India at the same venue in May this year.

Silva came in at the fall of the fifth wicket at 198 and started hitting the ball beautifully from the word go, ending up with 55* off 28 balls (7 fours, 1 six). She ran riot in the final 10 overs that produced 81 runs against New Zealand, who had a sloppy day on the field, missing more than a couple of opportunities.

The platform for Silva was set by the batters who came before her. Vishmi Gunaratne and skipper Chamari Athapaththu set the stage for the innings with the second opening partnership in the current tournament – 101 off 139 balls. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put together 155 for India against Australia on Sunday.

Athapaththu went on to complete her 20th WODI half-century before being dismissed for 53 off 72 balls (7 fours), 12 short of reaching 4,000 runs in WODI. Gunaratne made a patchy 42 off 83 balls (3 fours), being dropped twice at 26 and 31.

There were contributions from Hasini Perera (44 off 61 balls, 6 fours) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (26 off 31) as well. With wickets in hand, it provided the ideal stage for Silva to unleash her attack on the New Zealand bowlers.

Sri Lanka’s total of 258-6 was their second highest total in Women’s ODI World Cups and the highest total of the World Cup in Colombo.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society is calling on the Government to block the Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s plan to construct an international cricket stadium complex on Mandaitivu Island in Jaffna as it has raised serious environmental and planning concerns. The proposed 52-acre development would include indoor stadiums, sports facilities, apartments, hotels, and parking but at significant ecological cost.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society’s statement is as follows:

Mandaitivu is irreplaceable

Jaffna, with less than 5% forest cover, relies heavily on its coastal vegetation, including over 50% mangroves, to balance carbon emissions, provide essential green spaces, and offer places of solace and celebration for its local community. The island supports seven true mangrove species and seven seagrass species, creating an integrated habitat that directly sustains fish species of commercial value and attracts numerous migratory birds. These ecosystems aren’t just scenically valuable but they’re economic engines supporting the fisheries industry and have immense potential for sustainable tourism initiatives. The island is deeply woven into Jaffna’s social fabric, offering breathtaking sunset views and serving as a cultural and economic anchor for the community.

The diverse mangroves, particularly the Rhizophora mucronata fringes, and salt marshes (both succulent and grass dominant type) form a critical protective barrier safeguarding Jaffna from coastal erosion, while silently binding sediments, storing carbon, and providing habitat for a vast array of animals and migratory birds. These ecosystems have served for years as a living laboratory for Jaffna University, nurturing scientific research and bright minds.

The site’s ecological importance is officially recognised. Northern Province Strategic Environment Assessment plan recognised this area to be protected for social and ecosystem welbeing. Mandaitivu has been declared a forest reserve, and the Greater Jaffna Development Plan 2024-2034 (developed by the Urban Development Authority) designates this location as a ‘High Sensitive Zone’ where development should be minimised. The Government’s own Integrated Strategic Environmental Assessment recommends nature-based tourism activities like snorkelling for these islands and not large-scale infrastructure construction.

Mandaitivu is not just an island; it is the heart of Jaffna’s proud heritage, identity, and culture, shaped by its wealth of natural resources including biodiversity.

The safety concern

Beyond ecology, there are critical safety issues to be considered. Between 1980 and 2019, South Velanai divisional secretariat (which includes Mandaitivu) experienced 12 major flood events, the second highest in Northern Province. The 2012 floods affected 40,000 people; the 2017 floods impacted 35,000 residents. The area also faces extreme vulnerability to storm surges and falls within Sri Lanka’s highest wind loading zone, experiencing wind speeds of 49-54 m/s. Climate projections indicate temperature increases of 1.7-2.0°C by 2050, with increasing and erratic rainfall intensity. Building a major sports complex in such a disaster-prone location contradicts basic safety planning.

Sri Lanka’s global commitments and our reality

Sri Lanka co-champions the Commonwealth’s Mangrove Ecosystem and Livelihood Action Group and received the UN Decade of Restoration Flagship Award for mangroves. The nation led the declaration of World Seagrass Day at the UN General Assembly. Our national policy states: ‘Mangroves are of incomparable value.’

Yet this project would require massive land filling of saltmarshes and mangroves, triggering environmental damage through quarrying and sand mining elsewhere. It directly contradicts Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Net Zero commitments, which specifically integrate blue carbon ecosystems as climate solutions.

Also, this is not the time to further destroy our blue carbon ecosystems. At this moment, Sri Lanka is under a trade ban to export blue swimmer crab to the USA. Sri Lanka does not require further trade bans in future, and we need to be aware that the world is united to protect blue carbon ecosystems as they are one solution to global climate change

What we’re asking

Jaffna deserves an international cricket stadium. The region has tremendous potential, and cricket unites Sri Lanka with the rest of the world. However, this specific location is fundamentally incompatible with large-scale infrastructure development as already recognised by the national plans themselves.

We call on authorities to answer:

Why was Mandaitivu, an island of immense economic, social, and ecological importance, chosen for this development?

How does this align with the Greater Jaffna Development Plan?

Why wasn’t an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted?

Who consulted the local communities to understand their profound attachment to this land?

Why were alternative locations not evaluated?

Which international cricket team would want to play in a stadium built upon the destruction of not one, but all three critical blue carbon ecosystems: seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangroves?

What about the devastating impacts of land conversion, disturbances to ecological processes and influx of freshwater discharge on the sensitive coastal ecosystems?

Why are the Ministry of Environment’s Blue Carbon Task Force and Coast Conservation Department silent?

Local communities and subject experts deserve consultation on a project that affects their homelands, livelihoods and heritage.

We urge the government to identify a sustainable alternative location that allows Jaffna to have its stadium while preserving Mandaitivu’s irreplaceable ecosystem services for current and future generations.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced that Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector has recorded a significant increase with migrant remittances reaching $ 695.7 million in September 2025.

Citing statistics from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the SLBFE states that it is a year-on-year increase of $ 140.1 million, compared to $ 555.6 million recorded in September 2024.

During the first nine months of 2025, the country received a total of $ 5,811.2 million in remittances, reflecting a 16.65% growth from $ 4,843.9 million during the same period last year.

The SLBFE noted that foreign employment continues to serve as a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s economy, making a direct contribution to strengthening national foreign reserves. The Government, in collaboration with the SLBFE and other stakeholders, has taken significant steps at the diplomatic level to promote new overseas employment opportunities through a fair and efficient system.

A streamlined recruitment process has been introduced for job placements in Israel, Japan, and South Korea, while strict mechanisms are in place to curb fraudulent recruitment practices and safeguard the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers.

As the SLBFE celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it continues to support the country’s economic stability and the welfare of the Sri Lankan expatriate community, working closely with licensed foreign employment agencies and international partners.

The Bureau expects migrant remittances to surpass $ 7 billion by the end of 2025, with an estimated 300,000 Sri Lankans projected to take up foreign employment this year.

Representing a dismal assessment, the World Bank in its recent Sri Lanka Public Finance Review report had observed that the island’s public sector employees earn less than their peers in the private sector as well as counterparts in comparable economies. Furthermore, as per the report, the public sector workforce is higher than that of similar countries and the Bank had opined the bloated workforce needs to be trimmed gradually through proper planning and well-targeted attrition strategies.

Sri Lanka perhaps had one of the finest and impressive public/civil services in the Asian region during the bygone era. Sadly, the deterioration and decay of the country’s public sector is quite gut-wrenching apart from being distressing. Even career Central Bank officials, a minority of semi-government employees who enjoy highly lucrative remuneration benefits, have been disgraced for their unprofessional and unworthy conducts in certain instances. Prominent special grade Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officers have been jailed and remanded quite regularly by the courts in the recent past, reflecting the considerable erosion of the nation’s public service.

The descent of the public service began with the abolition of the Ceylon Civil Service (CCS), which was the premier public service under British colonial rule and during the early post-independence era, in 1963. Modelled after the British Civil Service, the CCS was known for its high standards and professionalism. Impressive and erudite CCS officers like Ronnie de Mel, Bradman Weerakoon, and Nissanka Wijeyeratne were considered as colossal figures, and none of the contemporary SLAS officers can come even close to their grace and stature. The examination to join the CCS was considered extremely tough and rigorous, with only a small number of candidates chosen from a very large pool of applicants. The prestigious service attracted aspirants hailing from respectable family backgrounds who were educated from the best schools in the country.

In contrast, the SLAS – the successor to the CCS – is quite broad, with about over 2,500 officials, and the service is manned by individuals from the middle class with even top SLAS officials not having the capacity to converse in English language. Today, the public service is no longer perceived as a career path by the ambitious and academically brightest young individuals in the country. At the time of gaining independence, there were quite a number of educated Tamils holding prominent positions in State organisations. However, with the Governments in the South exercising racial prejudice against the minority community systematically over the years in addition to the escalation of the civil war, many of them left the shores, thus, contributing towards the degeneration of the public service.

According to the World Bank publication, in cumulative real terms, average public sector wages and pensions decreased by 33% and 26% from 2020 to 2023. The international development agency also states that government wages are least competitive for highly skilled workers, as they earn 8% to 22% less than private sector peers. Such gross under remuneration contributes towards apathy and dissatisfaction among government employees, resulting in low productivity.

Due to the fiscal constraints, the Government’s ability to spend on the training and development needs of workers has been severely constrained. On the other hand, top companies in the private sector place a special emphasis on the capacity development of junior and middle-level employees to foster their career progression. Although individuals in the private sector can progress through the career ladder rapidly, employees in departments and statutory boards have to spend a considerable amount of time to gain promotions, which further aggravates their frustration.

Going forward, policymakers should strive to develop a leaner and meaner public service through meticulous human resources planning. A smaller public sector with excellent financial and non-financial benefits which attracts competent and talented individuals would boost the progress of the nation.

Representing a dismal assessment, the World Bank in its recent Sri Lanka Public Finance Review report had observed that the island’s public sector employees earn less than their peers in the private sector as well as counterparts in comparable economies. Furthermore, as per the report, the public sector workforce is higher than that of similar countries and the Bank had opined the bloated workforce needs to be trimmed gradually through proper planning and well-targeted attrition strategies.

Sri Lanka perhaps had one of the finest and impressive public/civil services in the Asian region during the bygone era. Sadly, the deterioration and decay of the country’s public sector is quite gut-wrenching apart from being distressing. Even career Central Bank officials, a minority of semi-government employees who enjoy highly lucrative remuneration benefits, have been disgraced for their unprofessional and unworthy conducts in certain instances. Prominent special grade Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officers have been jailed and remanded quite regularly by the courts in the recent past, reflecting the considerable erosion of the nation’s public service.

The descent of the public service began with the abolition of the Ceylon Civil Service (CCS), which was the premier public service under British colonial rule and during the early post-independence era, in 1963. Modelled after the British Civil Service, the CCS was known for its high standards and professionalism. Impressive and erudite CCS officers like Ronnie de Mel, Bradman Weerakoon, and Nissanka Wijeyeratne were considered as colossal figures, and none of the contemporary SLAS officers can come even close to their grace and stature. The examination to join the CCS was considered extremely tough and rigorous, with only a small number of candidates chosen from a very large pool of applicants. The prestigious service attracted aspirants hailing from respectable family backgrounds who were educated from the best schools in the country.

In contrast, the SLAS – the successor to the CCS – is quite broad, with about over 2,500 officials, and the service is manned by individuals from the middle class with even top SLAS officials not having the capacity to converse in English language. Today, the public service is no longer perceived as a career path by the ambitious and academically brightest young individuals in the country. At the time of gaining independence, there were quite a number of educated Tamils holding prominent positions in State organisations. However, with the Governments in the South exercising racial prejudice against the minority community systematically over the years in addition to the escalation of the civil war, many of them left the shores, thus, contributing towards the degeneration of the public service.

According to the World Bank publication, in cumulative real terms, average public sector wages and pensions decreased by 33% and 26% from 2020 to 2023. The international development agency also states that government wages are least competitive for highly skilled workers, as they earn 8% to 22% less than private sector peers. Such gross under remuneration contributes towards apathy and dissatisfaction among government employees, resulting in low productivity.

Due to the fiscal constraints, the Government’s ability to spend on the training and development needs of workers has been severely constrained. On the other hand, top companies in the private sector place a special emphasis on the capacity development of junior and middle-level employees to foster their career progression. Although individuals in the private sector can progress through the career ladder rapidly, employees in departments and statutory boards have to spend a considerable amount of time to gain promotions, which further aggravates their frustration.

Going forward, policymakers should strive to develop a leaner and meaner public service through meticulous human resources planning. A smaller public sector with excellent financial and non-financial benefits which attracts competent and talented individuals would boost the progress of the nation.

The England Women’s Cricket Team joined young girls from 12 districts on Sunday, 12 October for an outreach event at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The program organised by Child Action Lanka and the British High Commission showcased the transformative power of sport to empower girls and strengthen communities whilst highlighting the enduring ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.

The England Women’s cricket squad spent time with the girls from while they were in Sri Lanka for their fixtures in the Women’s Cricket World Cup currently being held in India and Sri Lanka. During the program, England players spent time with girls from Child Action Lanka’s island-wide network through net sessions and mini-games, sharing skills, stories and encouragement. The event underscored the UK’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport whilst showcasing Child Action Lanka’s vital work creating opportunities for vulnerable children across Sri Lanka.

England Women’s Team Danni Wyatt-Hodge said: ‘We’re delighted to be in Sri Lanka not just to compete, but to connect with young people who share our passion for cricket.

Sport has the power to give every girl the confidence to dream big, and we hope today shows that those dreams are absolutely within reach.’

Child Action Lanka Founder and Director Debbie Edirisinghe said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome the England Women’s Cricket Team to meet our girls. Sport is such a powerful tool for building confidence and life skills in vulnerable young people. This event demonstrates how cricket can bring communities together and inspire our girls to believe in their potential, both on and off the field.’

The program supports the launch of Child Action Lanka’s ‘She Plays’ project, which will enable young girls from rural Sri Lanka to pursue their athletic dreams through access to training and support, empowering them to grow in confidence, skill and ambition.

The outreach event reinforces the UK and Sri Lanka’s shared commitment to promoting women’s sport and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to participate and succeed, regardless of background or circumstances.

Sri Lanka Esports was represented at the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2025 in Riyadh by its President, Raveen Wijayatilake, where the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) was officially announced, marking a landmark moment for the future of Esports globally.

The NGSC brought together global leaders in sport, gaming and Esports to discuss the future of competition and collaboration. The reveal of the Esports Nations Cup introduced a recurring nation-versus-nation tournament where players will represent their countries on the world stage, elevating Esports to new heights of recognition and legitimacy. The first edition of the tournament will take place in 2026, creating an opportunity for countries such as Sri Lanka to showcase their best Esports athletes at the highest level of competition.

‘Being present at NGSC for the announcement of the Esports Nations Cup was a powerful reminder that Esports is no longer a niche pursuit, but a global movement. For Sri Lanka, this means that our players will have the opportunity to compete under their national flag, to gain international exposure and to inspire the next generation of Esports athletes,’ said Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA) President Raveen Wijayatilake.

The presence of Sri Lanka in conversations of this scale underscores the nation’s growing stature within the global Esports community. With Esports now recognised as an official sport locally, SLESA is committed to building pathways for Sri Lankan athletes to take part in international events, while continuing to nurture grassroots growth at home.

Dialog Axiata is the sponsor of the National Esports, Cricket, Volleyball and Netball teams. Dialog is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and Paralympic sports by powering the National Para Games, and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games. Further, in line with its commitment towards powering the champions of tomorrow, the company continues to power the National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys and School Rugby. Gamer.LK, video games and Esports company, serves as the Strategic Partner for SLESA.