Category: Daily Financial Times

A seven-year-old boy dreams of being a police officer. He puts on the uniform, sits in a patrol car, and for a brief moment, steps into a world where illness does not define him. Four months later, he passes away-but not before experiencing a joy that will linger in his family’s heart forever.

This is the power of a wish, a global initiative that has, for over four decades, shown the transformative power of granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

In Sri Lanka, Make-A-Wish was launched on 29 April 2025 coinciding with World Wish Day and marking the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Foundation International. Under the stewardship of the Indira Cancer Trust, whose mission, is to go beyond clinical care and focus on holistic healing – physical, emotional and spiritual, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka aligns perfectly with that philosophy. It’s about nurturing resilience, restoring joy and creating memories that lasts long after treatment ends.

Each child’s wish is captured thoughtfully: favourite colours, food, and dreams are explored. The team ensures every wish day is safe, joyful, and memorable, working closely with the healthcare consultants-Dr. Sanjeewa Gunasekera, Dr. Prabhani Madummarachchi, Dr. Jaliya Jayasuriya, and Dr. Mahendra Somathilake from the Apeksha Hospital-who guide the process, ensuring each experience aligns with the child’s medical needs.

Over the first four months, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka has already granted 50 wishes, primarily at the Suwa Arana Paediatric Palliative Care Center, the only paediatric palliative care centre in the country that opened its doors in 2023.

Joanne Joseph sat down with Wish Granting Head Sonali Perera, to understand the passion and vision behind this life-changing initiative.

Q: Sonali, what does Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka mean for the children you work with?

A: Make-A-Wish is about giving children a chance to step outside their illness. For a few hours or even a day, they can be who they want to be-a lawyer, a pilot, or even meet their favourite celebrity. One little girl, confined to a wheelchair, wished to be a lawyer. She couldn’t travel, but we brought the courtroom to her. Four lawyers arrived with a badge, a mug, and a T-shirt reading ‘Little Miss Lawyer.’ Her joy was palpable-she beamed with confidence, laughter, and pride. Moments like these remind us that hope is as vital as medicine.

Q: The initiative has been running for just four months, yet 50 wishes have already been granted. How did this happen?

A: It’s the passion of our team and the generosity of our supporters. We started at Suwa Arana, where children need both medical care and emotional support. From there, we expanded to Apeksha Hospital, and our next goal is Lady Ridgeway Hospital, with the aim to reach children islandwide.

Each wish is carefully planned. We ask children for three wishes, explore their favourite colours, foods, and hobbies, and create experiences tailored to their dreams. Every detail-from transportation, meals, insurance and decorations-is designed to bring delight and safety. After the wish is designed a wish box filled with 13 age/gender appropriate gifts is given to the child as our promise that his/her wish will be granted creating anticipation till wish day.

Q: Who makes these wishes possible behind the scenes?

A: The team is the heart of the initiative. Yasmina Weerabangsa, our Wish Capture Specialist, listens deeply to each child’s story. Hiruni Perera, our Wish Design Specialist, turns those dreams into joyful experiences. I coordinate as Head of Wish Granting. The staff at Indira Cancer Trust, Volunteers, donors, and the medical consultants all play critical roles. Each person brings passion and care, and together we ensure every wish is a moment that will remain as a memory with the child.

Q: Can you share more stories of wishes that touched your heart?

A: Absolutely. There is a 13-year-old who wished to meet his favourite singer. We arranged a surprise visit to his room. When his hero entered, the child’s eyes sparkled with awe, laughter spilling freely for the first time in months.

Another little boy dreamed of visiting the Lotus Tower on his birthday. Surrounded with family he cut a cake at the Orbit restaurant. Even being confined to a wheel chair he was able to watch in wonder the beautiful pixel room and admire the city from the 29th floor of the Lotus Tower.

Then there’s the young boy who wished to see planes take off. He was welcomed like VIP at the Bandaranaike International Airport, taken around and provided with a sumptuous meal. Each staff member of the airport stepped out to greet him by name and the highlight of his visit was being able to board the Etihad flight that had landed and being able to sit in the pilot’s seat.

These moments are the reason we do this-the thought that hope could become as important as the medicine truly touches our hearts. They show that even in the toughest battles, joy, freedom, and wonder are still possible.

Q: How important is community and donor support in making these experiences happen?

A: Every donation counts. Cash contributions fund the logistics of a wish-transportation, meals, insurance-while in-kind support, like hotel stays or restaurants providing meals, brings the experience to life. Seylan Bank PLC who is our official banking partner and other corporate partners have been instrumental in this process.

But beyond money, it’s the human contribution-doctors guiding us medically, and community members offering experiences-that truly transforms a child’s dream into reality. Each wish is a collective effort, and the ripple effect touches families, staff, and every child involved.

Q: How does Suwa Arana fit into this vision?

A: Suwa Arana opened its doors in 2023 to provide a holistic family care concept. Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka enhances that work, adding moments of celebration, freedom, and possibility. Together, we support not just the body but the soul-ensuring children and their families experience hope, happiness, and togetherness, even amid illness.

Q: How can people get involved and help?

A: Donations, offering services, or simply spreading awareness all help. Each contribution-big or small-helps grant a child’s greatest wish. Those who want to get involved can contact us directly or visit the website www.makeawishsrilanka.org. Helpline: 011 2363211. Every act of kindness brings joy to a child’s life.

Q: Why is Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka so critical today?

A: Because hope heals. In the middle of treatments, tests, and uncertainty, children need to feel joy, be celebrated, and experience freedom. Make-A-Wish gives them that chance. Every wish fulfilled is a story of compassion, teamwork, and selflessness-and an invitation for the rest of us to participate in giving hope, healing, and happiness.

Q: What would be your message to the public?

A: Every wish matter, and you can be a part of making it come true. Together we can give children suffering from a critical illness the gift of joy, hope and strength and bring to life the power of a wish. No contribution is too small – every act of kindness helps transform a child’s life.

The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) yesterday said that due to a disruption in the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC), several online services managed by various Government organisations have been temporarily affected.

These include the Birth, Marriage, and Death (BMD) Certificate System of the Registrar General’s Department, the e-Revenue License System (eRL 2.0) of the Provincial Departments of Motor Traffic (except the Western Province), and the Police Clearance System of the Department of Police.

Also affected were the Country of Origin Certificate Issuance Online System of Department of Commerce, Pension system of the Department of Pensions, e Local Government System and some of the websites including those of the Department of Meteorology, Registrar of Companies, and Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Board.

ICTA said its engineers and the service provider were actively working to restore the cloud services as quickly as possible.

The Registrar General’s Department has announced that certificate copies could be obtained manually from the Divisional Secretariat that issued the original certificate. All stakeholder organisations including Department of Police have been duly notified of the progress of rectification.

‘While restoration of LGC services are being given highest priority, existing capacity and operational constraints are expected to be released through the ongoing execution of the next phase of LGC expansion which commenced in October 2025,’ ICTA said.

ICTA expressed its regrets over the inconvenience caused to the public and to institutions hosted on the LGC, and said that all efforts were being expended to restore online services to their full capacity as soon as feasible.

Monday is the Public Day at all Government offices. Yesterday I visited the Education Ministry to meet with no less than four top officials. Two of them (Acting Director Bi-lingual Education, Director National Schools) weren’t at their offices because they were called for meetings by their superiors. At the Deputy Minister Hon. Madhura Senevirathna’s office, there was no one even to tell where the Minister was.

A month ago, I went to meet the Zonal Director Education in Colombo 2 and he was conducting a well-attended discussion with all his top subordinates and the poor teachers numbering at least 50, were waiting like displaced with permanent resigned looks shrouded by hopelessness.

Dear Mr President, I am not asking too much from you. Either change the Public Day or ban meetings for all top officials on Mondays.

Williams’ Carlos Sainz says Formula 1’s TV coverage is going ‘overboard a little’ by showing driver’s girlfriends while missing overtakes during races.

During Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, fans watching at home missed some on-track action, including Fernando Alonso chasing down Lewis Hamilton, who had a brake issue, for seventh place in the final laps.

In the final stages, TV coverage focused on McLaren’s Lando Norris chasing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second place.

However, at various points during the race, high-profile girlfriends and celebrity guests were shown watching from the garages.

Sainz’s recovery drive from the back of the grid to 10th place was also rarely featured on the world feed, which is supervised by F1.

The Spaniard, 31, told Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE that F1 bosses should not lose sight of the main track action.

‘Last weekend they didn’t show any of the four of five overtakes I did at the end, nor did they show Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of things,’ said Sainz.

Aston Martin’s Alonso, who inherited P7 from Ferrari’s Hamilton, also criticised F1’s TV coverage. The Spanish two-time world champion replied to a post on X, quoting him telling his pit wall he would ‘disconnect the radio’ if they spoke to him on every lap.

‘With pole position secured for the private radio broadcast, time to fine-tune the main coverage and bring all the on-track excitement to the fans! Vamos!’ Alonso wrote with a laughing face emoji.

Drivers’ wives and girlfriends have become even more popular in recent years following the rise of social media and the Netflix series Drive to Survive.

Sainz’s girlfriend, model Rebecca Donaldson, Norris’ partner, actress Magui Corceiro and Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend, influencer Alexandra Saint Mleux, all have huge online followings of their own.

‘I understand that if there is an overtake, a very tense moment in the race, it is understandable that the production team might want to show a reaction shot if they have seen that it has worked in the past,’ said Sainz.

‘But [they only should] if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.

‘The other [thing] is fine but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little showing the celebrities and girlfriends.’

An F1 spokesperson said: ‘We always focus on giving our fans the best possible footage of the race and never compromise the key focus – the racing on track.

‘Our team does a great job of covering a highly complex situation with multiple cars at different points on a track and also provide great context moments of the grandstands, high-profile guests and the locations we race at. We are always in pursuit of excellence and improvement in what we deliver.’

AIA Sri Lanka hosted the Partnership Distribution Diamond Club 2025 event in the city of Osaka, Japan, from 11 to 14 June 2025. This annual celebration brought together the highest achievers in Partnership Distribution from 18 markets, recognising their exceptional performance during the 2024 financial year. The event served as a platform to honour individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to helping customers live healthier, longer and better lives.

Under the theme ‘Illuminate the Future,’ the four-day conference featured a rich and engaging agenda where attendees participated in strategic business sessions designed to promote collaboration, alongside wellness activities that emphasised holistic well-being. A highlight of the event was the exclusive visit to the Osaka World Expo 2025 and the Forbidden City, offering participants a glimpse into future-forward technologies and global cultural showcases. Among the representatives from AIA Sri Lanka were NDB Bank Partnership Assistant General Manager Asela Lokuge, Commercial Bank Partnership Assistant General Manager Amal Sampath and Commercial Bank Partnership Senior Bancassurance Sales Manager Tony Gabriel, whose contributions and commitment to excellence earned them a place in this elite event.

The Partnership Distribution Diamond Club not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reinforced AIA’s strategic focus on empowering its partners and driving meaningful innovation.

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.

The Sri Lanka College of Surgeons hosted the Sri Lanka Surgeons Congress 2025 (SLSC 2025) from 11 to 13 September at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, drawing more than 400 distinguished surgeons, consultants, and medical professionals from across Sri Lanka and the region.

Setting the tone for this prestigious gathering, a grand inauguration ceremony was held on 10 September, attended by officials of the College, senior Health Ministry representatives, and eminent surgeons from around the country. The ceremony was followed by a gala dinner, celebrating the unity and excellence of the surgical community.

The three-day Congress provided a dynamic forum for in-depth knowledge exchange, hands-on learning, and discourse on modern surgical practice. Prominent speakers, panellists, and participants contributed to high-level discussions on current trends, research, and innovations in surgery, solidifying the event as a benchmark for medical advancement in Sri Lanka.

A key highlight of the Congress was the strategic partnership with Premium International Ltd., Sri Lanka’s most celebrated turnkey Health Care Technology and infrastructure solution provider, whose presence significantly elevated the event’s profile. As the official Strategic Partner, Premium International showcased three globally acclaimed brands – Erbe, Shiva, and Fujifilm-each representing cutting-edge of surgical technology and innovation.

Through expertly curated exhibits and live demonstrations, Premium International introduced delegates to state-of-the-art surgical equipment, advanced endoscopic imaging systems, and energy-based surgical solutions, reinforcing the importance of modern tools in enhancing clinical outcomes. Each brand was represented by its own experienced clinical ambassadors from their respective entities, who provided expert insights and engaged with delegates on the application of these technologies in real-world surgical settings.

Erbe, a global leader in electrosurgery, was represented by its regional ambassador, who demonstrated the latest in energy platform integration.

Shinva, Chinas first and oldest technology and device manufacturer known for reliability and precision surgical tools, showcased innovations in OR technology

Fujifilm, a global leader in endoscopic solutions, captivated attendees with high-definition 4k Video Endoscopy technology and diagnostic capabilities.

Premium International’s presence at the event was a powerful demonstration of the seamless integration between clinical excellence and cutting-edge technology. It also underscored the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing surgical infrastructure and supporting the modernisation of hospitals across Sri Lanka.

The Congress was widely lauded as an overwhelming success, bringing together academic excellence, industry leadership, and medical policy influence under one roof. It not only strengthened professional ties within the surgical community but also ushered in a new era of surgical technology integration in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.

With powerful collaborations, future-focused discussions, and the integration of world-class surgical technologies, Sri Lanka Surgeons Congress 2025 has set a new standard-reaffirming Sri Lanka’s position as a rising hub of surgical excellence in South Asia.

Colombo stock market closed in green yesterday with capitalisation crossing Rs. 8 trillion for the first time.

ASPI closed 0.23% up, gaining 51.49 points to 22,372.57 while the active S and P SL20 ended 0.29% higher, up 18.15 points to 6,225.52.

Market turnover was over Rs. 5.7 billion on more than 390.9 million shares traded.

Foreigners were net buyers with a net inflow of Rs.45.6 million

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse closed in positive territory today, gaining 51 points to end at 22,373.

Retail participation increased compared to the previous session, while HNW activity remained moderate. Despite the overall gain, the number of negative contributors exceeded the positive ones.

Key positive contributors to the index included WIND, DIAL, HNB, PLC, and NDB.

Turnover recorded Rs. 5.7 billion reflecting an 18% decline from the monthly average of Rs. 7 billion.

The Diversified Financials sector led sector-wise turnover with a 26% contribution, while the Capital Goods and Utilities sectors collectively accounted for 27%.

Meanwhile, market capitalisation surpassed Rs 8 trillion for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Foreign investors turned net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs 59 million.

The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) yesterday said that due to a disruption in the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC), several online services managed by various Government organisations have been temporarily affected.

These include the Birth, Marriage, and Death (BMD) Certificate System of the Registrar General’s Department, the e-Revenue License System (eRL 2.0) of the Provincial Departments of Motor Traffic (except the Western Province), and the Police Clearance System of the Department of Police.

Also affected were the Country of Origin Certificate Issuance Online System of Department of Commerce, Pension system of the Department of Pensions, e Local Government System and some of the websites including those of the Department of Meteorology, Registrar of Companies, and Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Board.

ICTA said its engineers and the service provider were actively working to restore the cloud services as quickly as possible.

The Registrar General’s Department has announced that certificate copies could be obtained manually from the Divisional Secretariat that issued the original certificate. All stakeholder organisations including Department of Police have been duly notified of the progress of rectification.

‘While restoration of LGC services are being given highest priority, existing capacity and operational constraints are expected to be released through the ongoing execution of the next phase of LGC expansion which commenced in October 2025,’ ICTA said.

ICTA expressed its regrets over the inconvenience caused to the public and to institutions hosted on the LGC, and said that all efforts were being expended to restore online services to their full capacity as soon as feasible.

Hemas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a subsidiary under Hemas Holdings PLC, recently announced the arrival of its latest hair care product with the launch of Hair Buddy. Developed in partnership with Oproma Cosmetics Ltd., as a botanical fusion hair masque, Hair Buddy marks a milestone for Hemas Pharmaceuticals as its first-ever direct-to-consumer, digital-first launch.

NMRA approved and dermatologically tested, and 100% BPA free, Hair Buddy works rapidly to deliver visible growth. Designed to be a ‘forever friend’, Hair Buddy works to prevent hair loss, reduce dandruff, and strengthen hair from root to tip. Hair Buddy is uniquely positioned to build long-term scalp health through deep nourishment. Recommended for ages 16 and above, Hair Buddy’s ‘forever friend’ factor stems from its status as a safe, inclusive, and effective hair growth partner developed from time-tested Sri Lankan traditions based on plant powered formulas.

Hair Buddy’s launch aligns with Hemas Pharmaceutical’s priority pillars by driving growth through entry into the fast-expanding hair care market. The launch of Hair Buddy represents both Hemas Pharmaceuticals’ diversification into personal care and cements its digital transformation agenda with a dedicated e-commerce platform offering convenient island-wide delivery.

Central to this latest milestone is Hemas Pharmaceuticals’ long-standing distribution partner for over two decades, Chandrasiri and Sons, who will serve as the exclusive distributor for Hair Buddy. With several years of partnership behind them, the collaboration underscores Hemas Pharmaceuticals’ commitment to building on trusted relationships as it explores new markets and consumer segments.

Hemas Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma said, ‘As we continue to expand into new markets and healthcare categories, we’re not only pleased to renew and reaffirm longstanding and trusted partnerships, but we’re also eager to bring our customers a product that’s rooted in responsibility and free from harsh chemicals. Furthermore, Hair Buddy reflects Hemas Pharmaceutical’s focus on innovation, purpose, and ethically sustainable responsibility. Through Hair Buddy, Hemas Pharmaceuticals takes a meaningful step beyond healthcare into the realm of personal well-being.’

Oproma Cosmetics Managing Director Pradeep Mapalagama added, ‘With Hair Buddy, we aim to introduce customers to a holistic and carefully curated product that will ensure long-term hair care and profound customer satisfaction. Partnering with Hemas Pharmaceuticals ensures we not only bring this vision to life, but that it upholds and aligns with the same values of responsibility and innovation that we both share.’