Category: Daily Financial Times

A Cabinet reshuffle took place yesterday with President Anura Kumara Disanayake appointing three new Ministers and 10 new Deputy Ministers in a move aimed at improving coordination and accelerating national development priorities aligned with the 2026 Budget.

According to the Presidential Media Division, the changes are intended to strengthen performance across key sectors, including infrastructure, housing, finance, and urban development, as part of the Government’s medium-term reform agenda.

Bimal Rathnayake, previously Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, now holds the Transport, Highways, and Urban Development portfolio.

Anura Karunathilake, who earlier oversaw Urban Development, Construction and Housing, has been appointed Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation.

H.M. Susil Ranasinghe, formerly Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, has been elevated to Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply.

Ten new Deputy Ministers were also sworn in.

Anil Jayantha Fernando was appointed Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, while T.B. Sarath continues as Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply.

Mohamed Muneer, previously Deputy Minister of National Integration, now serves as Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs.

Other appointments include Eranga Gunasekara as Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Hansaka Wijayamuni as Deputy Minister of Health, Aravinda Senarath Witharana as Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, Saman Kumara as Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Nishantha Jayaweera as Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Kaushalya Ariyaratne as Deputy Minister of Mass Media, and M.I.M. Arkam as Deputy Minister of Power.

Several key Cabinet members continue in their existing roles.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake remains Minister of Defence, Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Digital Economy. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya continues to oversee Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

Other unchanged positions include Vijitha Herath (Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism), K.D. Lal Kantha (Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation), and Sunil Handunneththi (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development).

Ramalingam Chandrasekar (Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources), Samantha Viddyarathna (Plantation and Community Infrastructure), Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa (Health and Mass Media), and A.H.M.H. Abayarathna (Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government).

Wasantha Samarasinghe (Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development), Harshana Nanayakkara (Justice and National Integration), Saroja Savithri Paulraj (Women and Child Affairs), and Dr. Upali Pannilage (Rural Development Social Security and Community Empowerment) retain their portfolios.

K.M. Ananda Wijepala (Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs), Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi (Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs), Sunil Kumara Gamage (Youth Affairs and Sports), Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena (Science and Technology), Eng. Kumara Jayakody (Energy), and Dr. Dammika Patabendi (Environment), also retain their portfolios.

Raj Creations was born at night. In fact over many nights in 2019. Raj was in Colombo working during the day for the Ministry of Education in its IT department, and at night he was working on projects for his own private clients. This continued for a few months until the private clients were coming fast enough for Raj to quit the day job and move home to Jaffna.

When COVID lockdowns struck in 2021 Raj Creations was getting many freelance jobs from the diaspora. COVID lockdowns seem to have given the diaspora, stuck at home with nothing else to spend their money on, time to develop their own ideas some of which they passed to offshore teams to implement. Many companies benefited from this.

In October 2022 Loncey Tech opened its first office. Raj found a place with one of the best views in Jaffna, looking directly at one of the Nallur Temple. I asked Raj why he had never moved, like many growing software companies, to a fancier office. Raj said the inspiration of seeing Nallur from his office held him there.

Raj started in the IT industry building WordPress sites. Over time he moved up to more sophisticated technologies. His networks particularly in London and Switzerland continue to feed him with projects. He has also developed a strong relationship with elements of the Northern Provincial Council. He has developed an Office Management System (OMS) for the Mullaitivu Divisional Secretariat, for which he won the SLASSCOM Sri Lanka 2025 Ingenuity Award. He is developing a Beneficiaries Management System (BMS) which will be used by Divisional Secretariat offices across the Northern Province. The BMS was funded by The Asia Foundation, an international NGO.

Loncey is the technology partner for a training centre in Urumpirai, a suburb 11 km from Jaffna Town, funded by the @Vithu Trust Fund a charity registered in the UK.

An impressive little company, bootstrapped by its CEO starting with him working overnights while doing a regular day job. Loncey will be celebrating its ninth year this month, October 2025.

Venerable Professor Rahula, a Buddhist scholar, in his provocative best, cuts through centuries of mistranslation. Bhavana is not ‘meditation’ in the sense of escaping the world, sitting in a corner, or pursuing mystical powers. It means something much more vivid: cultivation.

Why ‘cultivation’? Because the Buddha did not speak in abstractions. There are a plethora of suttas, where he spoke in the language of the soil, of seeds, of fields that could be tilled, nourished, and renewed. ‘Development’ feels dreary, bureaucratic, and lifeless. In my view, ‘cultivation’ carries with it the earthy vitality of growth, patience, and continuous tending.

Etymology of Bhavana

Root: vbhu – ‘to be, to become.’

bhavayati – ‘to cause to be, to bring into being, to cultivate.’

bhavana – ‘the act of cultivation, mental culture, bringing into being.’

The Genius of the Buddha was to take this everyday farming word and apply it to the mind.

The Buddha with Farmer: Kasibharadvaja Sutta (Linked Discourses Sanyutta Nikaya 7.11)

In this discourse, while seeking for dana (almsfood), the Buddha encountered the brahmin farmer Kasibharadvaja, who mocked him for not working the land:

‘I plough and sow, ascetic, and then I eat.

‘aham kho, samana, kasami ca vapami ca, kasitva ca vapitva ca bhuñjami.

You too should plough and sow, then you may eat.’

Tvampi, samana, kasassu ca vapassu ca, kasitva ca vapitva ca bhuñjassu’ti.

Then the Buddha gave this remarkable, immediate riposte:

‘I too plough and sow, brahmin, and then I eat.”

‘ahampi kho, brahmana, kasami ca vapami ca, kasitva ca vapitva ca bhuñjami”ti.

The Buddha continued:

‘Trust is my seed, austerity the rain,

Wisdom is my yoke and plough,

Shame is the pole, mind the rein,

Mindfulness my ploughshare and goad.’

Saddha bijam, tapa o khettam,

pañña me yuganangalam,

hiri isa mano yottam,

sati me phalapacanam.

This is not ‘development’ in the dry sense. It is the living, breathing cultivation of the mind – earthy, demanding, transformative.

The fourfold Bhavana

The Buddha used bhavana in many contexts – not limited to seated meditation, but as a comprehensive art of cultivating life:

Cittabhavana – cultivation of the mind (Long Discourses 33

Digha Nikaya 33)

Mettabhavana – cultivation of loving-kindness (So It Was Said 27

Itivuttaka 27)

Kayabhavana – cultivation of the body (Long Discourses 33

Digha Nikaya 33)

Paññabhavana – cultivation of wisdom (Long Discourses 33

Digha Nikaya 33)

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Bhavana is not retreat or ritual. It is not drab ‘development.’ Or meditation. It is the art of active cultivation – tending the soil of the mind so that calmness, clarity, insight, and equanimity may grow.

Just as even the most barren field can, with care, yield a nourishing harvest, the Buddha showed that our minds too can be endlessly enriched, restored, and cultivated – until they shine with wisdom and freedom.

A new phase of the joint environmental conservation initiative by the Ministry of Environment and the Clean Sri Lanka Programme was launched on October 10 in the Puttalam District, centred on the Karuwalagaswewa Tabbowa Tank.

EngEx 2025 powered by SLT-MOBITEL celebrating engineering excellence, concluded recently. EngEx 2025, the largest engineering exhibition of its kind to be held in Sri Lanka was organised in collaboration with University of Peradeniya’s Faculty of Engineering, which marked its Diamond Jubilee.

A strong crowd of over 52,000 attendees, including industry leaders, innovators and students with an interest in pursuing engineering and members of the general public visited the EngEx 2025 exhibit.

As the national information and communication technology (ICT) solutions provider, SLT-MOBITEL believes engineering innovation plays a vital role in driving national progress. Collaborating as the title partner for the exhibition, SLT-MOBITEL is reinforcing the commitment to nurture Sri Lanka’s next generation of engineers and innovators.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa recently undertook an observational visit to the state-of-the-art sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing facility of LAUGFS Life Sciences Ltd., located within the Board of Investment (BOI) Export Processing Zone, Koggala. This visit reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare system through world-class local manufacturing.

Marking a significant milestone for the country’s healthcare industry, LAUGFS Life Sciences is advancing sterile infusion therapy production, reducing reliance on imports, delivering economic and clinical benefits, and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for quality-driven pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovation, regulatory compliance, and private-sector investment.

The Health Minister was warmly welcomed by LAUGFS Holdings Ltd., Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ravi Edirisinghe, LAUGFS Life Sciences Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rajiv Perera, Head of Quality Vipin Kumar, General Manager – Operations Ranjith Reddy, and General Manager – Head of Corporate Communications Wasaam Ismail, along with senior managers, quality specialists, and engineers of the facility.

During the visit, Dr. Jayatissa observed LAUGFS Life Sciences’ advanced sterile infusion production lines. The company is preparing to introduce Large Volume Parenterals (LVPs) using Euro Multiport systems and Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) technology. Euro Multiport ensures high-safety, multi-access containers for clinical use, while FFS automates forming, filling, and sealing in a sterile environment, minimising human intervention and contamination risks. These innovations aim to transform infusion therapy in Sri Lanka by reducing import dependence, ensuring a steady supply, and offering affordable solutions for both public and private healthcare sectors.

Dr. Jayatissa said: ‘This project is a commendable step forward for Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. By investing in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, LAUGFS Life Sciences directly supports the Government’s vision of enhancing local production, saving valuable foreign exchange, and providing our citizens with reliable, world-class medical solutions. Public-private partnerships of this nature are critical to building a resilient healthcare system and ensuring patient safety and continuity of treatment.’

Dr. Edirisinghe said: ‘At LAUGFS, we believe in creating industries that bring long-term value to Sri Lanka. Through LAUGFS Life Sciences, we are making strategic investments in sterile pharmaceutical technologies that will not only benefit the local healthcare sector but also strengthen our position as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing.’

Dr. Perera said: ‘We are committed to ensuring that Sri Lanka has access to globally benchmarked infusion therapies through our advanced LVP production lines. With the integration of Euro Multiport and FFS technologies, we are setting new standards in quality, safety, and efficiency that will directly benefit both patients and healthcare providers.’

The Science College Rugby Support Group (SCRSG), the governing body responsible for rugby at

Science College, Mount Lavinia has decried poaching of its players by other schools via deceptive scholarships.

It has also called for fair play and responsibility urging stakeholders including schools, administrators and policymakers to act with integrity.

Following is the statement issued by the Support Group.

With a proud legacy spanning over 40 years, Science College has made a remarkable contribution to Sri Lankan rugby – producing national captains, numerous players at both national and club level, and shaping the country’s rugby landscape with distinction and recognition.

The recently concluded Elite Under-16 Tournament, in which Science College finished as Cup Runners-up, once again demonstrated the immense talent within our school and the strength of our rugby culture. However, this success has also reignited a familiar and deeply concerning issue: player poaching – often disguised as ‘scholarships’ – by more affluent schools.

As a school that has repeatedly found itself at the receiving end of this orchestrated practice, we feel compelled to highlight the reality we face. A closer look at our performance across age groups reveals a consistent winning rate of over 85% at junior levels – an extraordinary achievement by any standard. Yet, this success is not reflected at senior level. Our 1st XV team, despite its talent, has struggled to remain competitive, often surviving in the top division by winning just a few games against weaker sides and failing to make a significant impact in recent years.

This stark disparity can be traced back to two interconnected issues: 1. Significant financial disparities in school rugby programs. 2. Systematic poaching of our skilled players by a handful of wealthier schools.

Proponents of these so-called scholarship programs argue that they provide players from less affluent schools a ‘better platform’ to excel. We strongly reject this argument. The facts speak for themselves – in recent Sri Lanka national test squads, four to five players were former Science College students. This clearly shows that Science provides the platform and environment for excellence. The ‘scholarship’ narrative is nothing more than a convenient justification for importing talent to win trophies.

This practice exploits loopholes in the school system, which often fails to recognise the broader educational value of sports – an integral component of holistic education. The damage to Science College goes far beyond losing talented players. Since this poaching occurs within the same playing division, it is arguably the most damaging form of talent drain in school rugby.

We also question the effectiveness of these well-funded systems, which – despite their vast resources – fail to develop talent from their own large student populations, while relying instead on recruiting from a school of just 1,600 students.

The massive financial investments in school rugby should rightly be a matter for education and sports authorities to regulate. However, in the meantime, we make a sincere request: Leave our players to grow and compete for Science College.

For our school, rugby is far more than a sport – it is a binding force that unites a diverse social fabric and provides purpose, pride, and opportunity. Supporting Science College rugby is about more than winning matches; it is about protecting social inclusiveness, empowering underprivileged youth, and preserving the true spirit of sport.

We call upon all stakeholders – schools, administrators, and policymakers – to act with integrity, fairness, and respect for the values that make rugby a game worth playing.

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector continues to establish itself as a global benchmark for sustainability, with leading manufacturers Brandix, Teejay Lanka, Hirdaramani, Hayleys Fabric and MAS Holdings publishing their latest reports that showcase progress across climate action, circularity, ethical practices, and community empowerment.

Climate action and net zero leadership

From Net Zero certified factories to science-based targets, Sri Lanka’s manufacturers are at the forefront of climate ambition. Brandix has cut emissions by 84% and achieved Net Zero certification across five facilities, while Hirdaramani became the country’s first company to secure SBTi approval for Net Zero targets. MAS Holdings reported a 24.04% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019 baseline and that 39% of the company’s energy came from renewable sources, while Teejay Lanka has steadily expanded its renewable energy footprint to 14% of total consumption. As Hayleys Fabric PLC notes in it’s the GreenCatalyst – ESG Roadmap 2030, ‘Our journey is not just about mitigating impact, but about becoming a catalyst for positive change across the value chain. ‘Brandix aim to become Net Zero across all its global locations by 2030, and is the first Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer to declare such a target.

Circular economy and resource efficiency

Collectively, the four companies are redefining how apparel production can minimise environmental impact. MAS diverted 99% of its waste from landfills, Teejay reused or recycled 3,900 tonnes of material, and Brandix has reached a 90% recycling and recovery rate. Hirdaramani’s is investing in the future of sustainable textiles through ‘Mihila Tex’ a state-of-the-art sustainable textile mill. Together, these initiatives point towards a future where apparel production is rooted in circularity and efficiency.

Teejay Lanka PLC has appointed as the patron company for the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group organised by the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Sri Lanka, to promote material circularity.

Empowering people and communities

Beyond the factory floor, the industry’s social impact continues to scale. Brandix awarded over 1,000 scholarships, while its employees donated 47,000 pints of blood and supported 140 eye camps. MAS created 2.1 million opportunities through community initiatives in 2024 and increased women’s participation in management positions to 26%. Hirdaramani celebrated 10 years of its Wonders of Well-being (WOW) program that is integrated into its culture to make a difference its 55,000+ global workforce. It has gained global recognition for its success and case studies from Harvard University’s T. H, Chan School of Public Health. Teejay also grew its workforce to 3,465 while investing heavily in training and CSR initiatives.

Transparency and governance

All four groups reported strong governance practices, underpinned by independent assurance and adherence to global standards. Teejay’s integrated reporting follows GRI and IFRS S1 and S2, uses a double materiality approach with SSROs, SASB, and TCFD reports. Scope 1-3 emissions disclosed under ISO 14064-1:2018, and ensures chemical compliance through ZDHC and Bluesign standards.

MAS has also aligned its impact reporting to GRI standards, while also reporting on the Carbon Disclosure Project and aligning to global standards set by SBTi, ZDHC, Bluesign, and other global accreditations and certifications. Brandix reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and wage violations. Hirdaramani has obtained independent assurance with both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions verified in accordance with ISO 14064-1.

Innovation and global recognition

Sustainability is not only about compliance but also innovation. Teejay approved 410 new products in FY 2024/25, focusing on sustainable fabrics. MAS saw 40% of revenue from sustainable products, while Hirdaramani secured a Silver Award in the ‘New Business Models for Green and Sustainable Chemistry’ category at the Global Chemical Leasing Award 2024 – organised by UNIDO, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action (BMK) in recognition for its innovation of a natural detergent using soapberries. Each company was recognised nationally and internationally for their sustainability achievements, strengthening Sri Lanka’s reputation as a responsible sourcing destination.

Unified industry voice

Together, these milestones illustrate how Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is shaping a future where fashion and responsibility go hand in hand.

‘Sustainability is not an option, it is our shared responsibility. As Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, we are committed to leading by example – proving that world-class apparel can be made in ways that protect the planet, empower people, and create long-term value for all,’ the companies said in a joint statement.

The much looked forward Access Monthly Medal will take place at the Royal Colombo Golf Club with the tee off today at 6.45 a.m.

More than 280 golfers will participate with the awards taking place in the evening at the RCGC Club House from 7 p.m. onwards.

Since launching his rap journey in 2017, Jude Da Dude has been steadily rising as one of the most promising names in Sri Lanka’s hip-hop scene. Known for his gritty lyrics, raw storytelling, and dedication to authentic Sinhala rap, Jude has recently taken his artistry to the next level by stepping into the world of music production – a move that marks a significant new chapter in his creative evolution.

His latest project, the EP album ‘Golakara Loke’, is a milestone in that journey. Entirely self-produced by Jude himself and mixed and mastered by Aki Vish, the project captures his unique blend of hip-hop, trap, and drill while staying deeply rooted in Sinhala language and culture. The album reflects not only his growth as an artist but also his determination to push local rap beyond boundaries and into the mainstream.

Before releasing the album, Jude collaborated with several well-known names in the industry – including Chinthy, Manasick, Big Doggy, and Rap Zilla – and worked with respected producers such as Dilshan L. Silva, GOA, Yasas Madagedara, and Aki Vish, experiences that helped sharpen his craft and shape his sound.

With his YouTube channel recently surpassing 10,000 subscribers, Jude’s fanbase is growing rapidly. His talent was first recognised when he won the Special Song of the Night award at the 2019 Gully Boy Challenge in Dubai, a moment that fuelled his ambition to keep building.

Looking ahead, Jude Da Dude plans to collaborate with more artists and producers, continuing his mission to elevate Sinhala rap and bring a bold, fresh voice to Sri Lanka’s music landscape.