Category: Daily Financial Times

Aryna Sabalenka extended her winning streak at the Wuhan Open to 20 matches with a straight-set victory over Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals yesterday.

World number one Sabalenka, who is the three-time defending champion in Wuhan, beat eighth seed Rybakina 6-3 6-3 and said the Kazakhstani ‘always pushes me to the limit to get the win’.

The 27-year-old Belarusian, who is the top seed, will face American Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Pegula, 31, needed three sets to overcome Czech Katerina Siniakova 2-6 6-0 6-3 in the last eight.

World number three Coco Gauff also booked her place in the last four by comfortably beating Laura Siegemund 6-3 6-0.

Sabalenka is the fourth female player to win their first 20 main draw matches in a single WTA level event since 1990 after Monica Seles at the Australian Open (33-0), Steffi Graf in Leipzig (25-0) and Caroline Wozniacki in New Haven (20-0).

Karma is one of the most widely discussed concepts in spiritual traditions, yet it is often misunderstood. Conventionally, people see karma as a system of cosmic reward and punishment: good actions bring good results, and bad actions bring suffering. While this interpretation helps people accept life’s adversities without resentment, it misses the deeper transformative potential of karma. A closer look reveals that karma is less about external events and more about the source of our intentions and the inner consequences they produce. This article explores how the origin of intention, whether from separateness or oneness, shapes our experiences, determines whether karma arises, and opens the door for inner transformation and sustainable living.

Whether an action produces karma depends on the source of its intention; whether the intention comes from separateness or oneness.

The role of intention

Intentions from separateness: When intentions arise from a sense of separateness-the ‘I’ versus ‘others’ or ‘I’ versus ‘the world’ perspective, actions inevitably lead to karma. The consequences may manifest as disturbances within: stress, anger, anxiety, or inner disharmony. These consequences serve as signals, pointing to the need for self-reflection and transformation.

Intentions from oneness: When intentions arise from oneness, a state free from ego, desires, and aversions, actions flow naturally without creating karma. These actions strengthen inner peace, harmony, and joy, benefiting both the self and others. Thus, the presence or absence of karma is not determined by the action itself but by the mental state from which the action originates.

The role of self-observation

Through non-judgmental observation of thoughts and emotions, one can see where intentions originate. This process reveals two distinct patterns: (1) When intentions arise from separateness, the result is inner turbulence and suffering. (2) When intentions arise from oneness, the result is inner peace, harmony, and joy. Self-observation, introspection, journaling, coaching, and retrospection help us trace our mental disturbances back to their roots in separateness, enabling a conscious shift toward oneness.

Conventional beliefs and missed opportunities

Traditional beliefs about karma often fall into three common scenarios:

Attributing adversity to karma: When something undesirable happens, people often say, ‘This is my karma.’ This perspective prevents reactive behaviour toward others, helping preserve peace and relationships. However, it may overlook the chance to see separateness as the deeper root cause.

Rejecting karma and reacting: When people dismiss karma altogether, they often react against the perceived source of suffering, disturbing both inner peace and outer harmony.

A third scenario involves carelessness or unmindful actions being attributed to karma. While this offers self-consolation, it prevents people from recognising the need for mindfulness to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

In all three cases, the transformative opportunity to move from separateness to oneness is missed.

Karma as a positive force for transformation

This deeper understanding reframes karma as a teacher rather than a punisher. Every disturbance: stress, sadness, anger, anxiety, signals that our intentions arose from the wrong source: separateness. When we heed this signal, we can consciously shift toward oneness, transcending self-centeredness and embracing whole-centeredness.

As this shift unfolds, actions naturally align with the principles of peace, harmony, compassion, and sustainability, reflecting the interconnectedness of all life.

Conclusion

Karma, in its deeper sense, is not about fate or destiny but about feedback from life. Every consequence, whether pleasant or unpleasant, is a signal pointing us toward self-awareness and transformation. By observing our thoughts, emotions, and intentions non-judgmentally, we can see whether they arise from separateness or oneness.

When intentions originate from separateness, life presents disturbances as opportunities for inner growth. When intentions arise from oneness, actions naturally align with peace, harmony, and sustainability, freeing us from the cycle of suffering. Thus, karma becomes a pathway to inner freedom and a guide toward living in harmony with ourselves, others, and nature.

The 2025 Michelin Key distinctions, recognising the world’s leading hotels for exceptional hospitality, have been announced, with all three properties under Sri Lanka’s Resplendent Ceylon earning recognition in the South Asia region.

Ceylon Tea Trails received the highest distinction with three Michelin Keys, Wild Coast Tented Lodge was awarded two Keys, and Cape Weligama secured one Key, underscoring the group’s consistent performance in luxury hospitality.

Ceylon Tea Trails stands out as the only property in Sri Lanka to be awarded the prestigious three Michelin Keys.

Resplendent Ceylon Chairman Malik J. Fernando said: ‘We are honoured to see all three of our resorts recognised by the Michelin Key distinctions. To have Ceylon Tea Trails as the only Sri Lankan property with three Keys is a proud moment, underscoring our belief in offering extraordinary, authentic experiences that showcase the very best of Sri Lanka.’

‘These accolades are a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams, and to our ongoing mission of elevating the island’s standing as a world-class luxury destination,’ he added.

The Michelin Key distinctions were unveiled in Paris recently at the inaugural global awards ceremony. It was introduced in 2023 as the hotel world’s equivalent of the Michelin Star and highlights the very best stays worldwide.

Keys are awarded to hotels excelling across five universal criteria: architecture and interior design; service quality; personality and character; value for money; and contribution to the local environment.

The recognition spans all types of lodging, from boutique city hotels and heritage castles to ryokans, luxury tents, and remote retreats. While some Key properties may also host Michelin-Starred restaurants, the awards are determined independently, ensuring each Key reflects the highest standards of lodging excellence.

The rare Three Michelin Keys signify an extraordinary stay, the highest benchmark in global hospitality where design, comfort, and service converge to create an experience that lingers in memory long after departure.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 has been awarded at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo to Venezuelan Opposition Politician Maria Corina Machado.

It is the highlight of the week of announcements from 6 to 13 October. A total of 338 nominations had been submitted for the award, including 244 individuals and 94 organisations.

‘I’m in shock… shocked with joy,’ says the 58-year-old on hearing the news

Machado was barred from running in last year’s Presidential Elections won by President Nicolas Maduro. The polls were widely dismissed internationally as neither free nor fair

She has largely been in hiding since those elections.

The Nobel committee recognised her ‘tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela’ and ‘her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy’

US President Donald Trump had led a public campaign to win the award, but nominations closed in January – at the start of his second term in office.

The Colombo stock market ended the four-day week in green yesterday on persistently buoyant investor sentiment.

During the week, the ASPI gained 1.01%, up 223.83 points to 22,318.72. The active S and P SL20 was up 0.62%, gaining 38.52 points during the week to end at 6,226.03.

Foreigners were net sellers this week with a net outflow of Rs. 265.1 million.

Yesterday, the ASPI gained 143.98 points, up 0.65% while the S and L SL20 was up 63.65 points, gaining 1.03%. Turnover was Rs. 8.45 billion on more than 538 million shares traded. Foreigners were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 98 million.

First Capital Research said buoyed by the persistence of a positive tone, Colombo Bourse moved upward, driven by the contribution from a mix of sectors. The ASPI ended at 22,319, up by 144 points.

Both retail and HNW participation were high, while HNW participation was largely observed towards Banks and Diversified Financials sector counters.

JKH, HNB, LFIN, COMB and PKME were the top positive contributors to the index. Turnover stood at Rs. 8.5 billion, reflecting an increase of 16% compared to the monthly average that stands at Rs. 7.3 billion.

Diversified Financials sector took the lead in terms of sector-wise contribution to turnover, with a share of 37%, while Banks and Capital Goods sector jointly contributed 30%.

Additionally, higher gains were observed in CFVF, due to the announcement of cash dividends and higher HNW participation was observed towards ACL, due to the sub division of shares.

Moreover, continued investor participation was observed in penny stocks, similar to yesterday’s session. Foreign investors turned net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 98.1 million.

Celebrating the 76th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army, a total of 7,979 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) have been promoted in recognition of their dedicated service and commitment, the SLA media Spokesman Brig. W.S. Gamage said.

The promotions, effective from 10 October, are ranks from Lance Corporal to Warrant Officer I. According to the SLA, 140 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers holding the rank of Warrant Officer II were promoted to Warrant Officer I, while 818 Staff Sergeants were elevated to Warrant Officer II.

In addition, 1,305 Sergeants were promoted to Staff Sergeant, 2,250 Corporals advanced to Sergeant, 2,395 Lance Corporals rose to Corporal, and 1,071 Ordinary Soldiers were promoted to Lance Corporal.

The Second leg of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series is set to bring high-octane action to Colombo on 18 and 19 October at the Race Course ground.

The event will feature 12 Men’s and equal number of Women’s teams. The two-day shorter version of the game will come under Sri Lanka Rugby Committee headed by Pavithra Fernando.

For the Men’s segment, teams representing Japan, Hong Kong China, China, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, and Sri Lanka will take the field. Each side will look to fine-tune their strategies as they continue their campaign toward global rugby qualification.

Meanwhile in the women’s segment which will feature an equally competitive line-up, including Japan, Hong Kong China, China, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. The inclusion of several emerging nations promises an exciting and unpredictable contest across both days.

The Asian Sevens Series was first launched in 2009, has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated rugby events. Traditionally featuring three legs, this year’s edition will comprise only two legs with the first held in China last month. Sri Lanka’s men’s team impressed there, finishing fourth overall, signalling strong potential ahead of their home leg.

Importantly, the Series also acts as a qualification pathway for the Sevens Rugby World Cup and Olympic Sevens making every match vital for teams aiming to secure their place on the world stage.

After the first leg, Japan lead the Men’s standing with China placed second followed by Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka. Both Japan and China will be favourites heading into Colombo, but Sri Lanka will look to leverage home support to climb higher in the rankings.

In the women’s bracket, traditional powerhouse, Japan, Hong Kong China and China are front runners.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Sunil Gamage attended the occasion and explained the tough time with the court cases and now it’s cleared looking forward for the rapid progress of the new committee headed by Pavithra Fernando as the President of Sri Lanka Rugby Committee. He thanked all for clearing the SLR in conducting the AGM without any further delay which could have put them in a suspension.

Adding local flavour and support, Maliban will prop in as the Platinum sponsor on board of the Colombo leg, ensuring that the event not only delivers thrilling rugby but also celebrates regional partnership and sporting excellence. Other sponsors are Cinnamon Lake, KottuMee, Aitken Spence Travels, Commercial Bank, Tokyo Cement, Thepapare.com, PEO TV, Cargills, Link Natural and Edge.

The Special Investigation Unit of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has arrested several suspects involved in large-scale scams that defrauded millions of rupees from job seekers by promising employment opportunities in European countries and Canada.

According to the SLBFE, the suspects have been arrested in two separate investigations following several complaints received against them connected to fraudulent operations targeting those seeking jobs abroad.

SLBFE’s Publicity Manager Madhushan Kularatne said that one of the arrested suspects, Sinharage Janaka Silva, a Sri Lankan-born Canadian citizen, was taken into custody on 9 October at the Bureau and was accused of defrauding Rs. 14.9 million from several people by promising jobs in Canada, using his status as a Canadian resident to gain victims’ trust.

The Bureau had received complaints from 10 victims against Silva for taking their money. The Bureau had reported the case to the Magistrate’s Court and obtained a travel ban against him.

Kularatne said that the suspect was questioned yesterday on charges of collecting money for foreign job placements without a valid recruitment licence, and was to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court yesterday (10 October).

In another investigation by the SLBFE’s Special Unit, two suspects of the FC International agency had also been arrested for defaulting Rs. 20 million promising nursing jobs in Hungry, the Netherlands and Finland and the Bureau had received over 20 complaints from victims.

The agency is a registered employment agency based in Negombo, which had operated for about a year and a half but the investigations revealed that the agency had obtained job orders only from Hungary and no nursing jobs were available as they claimed.

According to Kularatne, the arrested individuals include a resident from Mawanella, who has experience in the foreign employment field and a retired Army Colonel from Kadawatha, who was taken into custody in Imbulgoda, Gampaha.

The owner of the agency, her husband, and the finance manager are currently evading arrest. The Negombo Magistrate’s Court ordered the suspects to be remanded until 10 October and issued travel bans on the others.

Meanwhile, in another racket a teacher from Mawanella was also arrested for operating an unlicensed agency called New Royal Recruitment. Kularatne said that he had allegedly posted Facebook advertisements offering jobs in Romania, Poland, and Germany and collected Rs. 300,000 from at least one complainant without providing employment. He was also due to be produced before the Mawanella Magistrate’s Court yesterday (10).

The SLBFE stated that these arrests are part of a wider effort to curb the growing number of foreign employment frauds, as the Bureau continues to receive numerous complaints from victims across the country.

The Special Investigation Police Unit, established under the directives of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has expedited operations to track down fraudulent recruiters.

Kularatne said that the Bureau is receiving complaints from individuals who have fallen victim to such job scams and steps had also been taken to suspend the licences of such employment agencies.

The arrests were made by Police Inspectors – S.K.K. Madushanka and Alwis, investigation officer Idunil Pushpakumara and Police Sergeant Dahanayake, under the direction of the OIC of the Bureau’s Police Unit, Chief Inspector Ariyawansa.

The Bureau requests the public to report any suspicious employment offers or illegal recruitment agencies to the Special Investigation Division via 011 288 2228.

Norfolk Foods Ltd., has expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Crumbs by Crescent, a frozen bakery solution designed to bring restaurant-quality taste and convenience to both households and professional kitchens.

First unveiled at the Culinary Art Food Expo 2025, Crumbs by Crescent has since become a significant step in Norfolk Foods’ ongoing mission to innovate and respond to the changing needs of Sri Lankan consumers. The range covers an extensive selection of pizzas, pastries, buns, pies, muffins, and other savoury and sweet treats, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and designed to deliver oven-fresh flavour in minutes.

The Culinary Art Food Expo served as a launchpad for the brand, where chefs from leading star-class hotels sampled the products and offered positive feedback. Many highlighted how the range could seamlessly complement hotel buffets, high teas, and à la carte menus, while also serving as a convenient, ready-to-bake option for restaurants and caterers.

Norfolk Foods President Ameena Ziauddin said, ‘Crumbs by Crescent marks a new chapter for Norfolk Foods as we expand beyond our established vegetarian, meat, and poultry-based portfolio to offer bakery solutions for both homes and hospitality. The positive response from chefs and industry professionals at Culinary Art Food Expo reaffirms our commitment to innovation, quality, and meeting evolving consumer needs.’

More than just a product extension, Crumbs by Crescent reflects Norfolk Foods’ vision of catering to modern lifestyles. With busy schedules and growing demand for quality food at home, the range provides a practical yet indulgent option for consumers who value both taste and convenience. For the hospitality industry, it offers a reliable solution that maintains high standards while saving valuable preparation time.

Today, Crumbs by Crescent products are widely available through Hurry Up outlets across Sri Lanka, including Chitra Lane Col 05, Maradana, Dehiwela, Homagama, Thalawathugoda, Galle, Peradeniya, Katugastota, and Kattankudy. This accessibility ensures that both households and businesses can easily experience the benefits of the new range.

For over 30 years, Norfolk Foods has built its reputation as a trusted name in frozen food solutions, consistently delivering quality and variety to the Sri Lankan market. With the addition of Crumbs by Crescent, the company strengthens its position as an innovator, committed to shaping the future of convenient dining while continuing to support chefs, hoteliers, and culinary professionals across the country.

The Sri Lankan Army celebrated its 76th anniversary in Colombo on 10 October, with Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo as the Chief Guest. More than 1,000 soldiers participated in the parade which was held to mark the occasion