Category: Daily Financial Times

The Ragama Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, the country’s foremost institution dedicated to the treatment of patients with physical disabilities is set to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Science and Technology Ministry to enhance its technological capabilities and patient care systems.

The initiative follows a recent inspection visit to the hospital by Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, who also chairs the Gampaha District Health Committee. During a subsequent meeting held at the Ministry, it was agreed that the Ministry would extend technical support and consultancy services to modernise the hospital’s medical equipment, machinery and assistive technology. A team of experts from the Ministry’s affiliated institutions carried out a detailed evaluation of the hospital’s ongoing activities; including organ replacement design, industrial equipment manufacturing, and the work of the Prosthetic and Orthotic Training School. Based on this assessment, the Ministry, through the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC) and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya’s Faculty of Technology and the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, will establish a comprehensive technological partnership.

The collaboration aims to modernise medical equipment through advanced engineering methods, introduce high-quality materials, upgrade production systems, and provide technical training and capacity development for hospital staff. It will also include setting up a joint research and development (R and D) unit to foster innovation. Among the expected outcomes are enhanced production efficiency, local manufacturing of affordable prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, and assistive devices, reduced dependency on imports, and the creation of a skilled, innovation-driven hospital workforce. The partnership also aims to strengthen long-term collaboration between Sri Lanka’s healthcare and engineering sectors.

An action plan outlining the initiative will be prepared jointly and submitted for Cabinet approval before the formal signing of the MoU.

Minister Prof. Abeysena emphasised that the core objective of the project is to improve the quality of life for patients through technological advancement, noting that the establishment of a dedicated Medical Research Centre under the Ministry’s leadership will play a central role in achieving these goals. The discussion was attended by Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Mohamed Navavi, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital Director Dr. Chandragupta Ranasinghe, Arthur C. Clarke Institute Chairman Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, NERD Centre Director-General Dr. Jayathu Samarawickrama, and other senior officials.

Sri Lanka’s long-delayed free visa policy for select countries is set to take effect within the next one to two months, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday announced, as the Government moves to finalise and gazette the regulation.

‘We are finalising the process to gazette and submit the new regulation to Parliament for approval. After that, we expect it to be implemented within one to two months,’ he said in response to a query posed at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

Originally announced in August 2024 by the previous administration, the free visa scheme, covering 35 countries was intended to take effect from 1 October 2024(https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Presidential-boost-for-tourism-with-free-visa-to-35-nationals/26-765842), but was repeatedly delayed due to the Government transition.

In July this year, the Minister confirmed that the list had been expanded to 47 countries, adding that while the Treasury might lose an estimated $ 66 million annually in visa revenue, the policy is expected to yield higher indirect earnings through increased tourist spending (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Cabinet-nod-to-rollout-free-visa-policy-for-40-more-countries-Vijitha/44-779517).

Tourism industry experts noted that the move was too late to woo tourists for the winter season. ‘They wasted the opportunity to launch a global campaign for almost a year and are now scrambling at the last moment to implement a free-visa initiative. Unlocking growth requires urgent action, consistent policy and real partnership with the private sector. Without this, accolades and potential will continue to be wasted,’ they told the Daily FT.

Herath also said Sri Lanka’s original 2025 target of 3 million tourist arrivals has been revised down to 2.4 million, with efforts now focused on achieving that goal in the remaining two months of the year.

Noting that the country has already surpassed 1.8 million arrivals year-to-date (YTD), he pointed out that they are now intensifying efforts to attract more visitors, particularly from European markets, to boost both tourist numbers and revenue.

‘Sri Lanka aims to reach 2.4 million visitors by year-end. We are trying our best to reach that target. We don’t know whether we will succeed or not,’ he added.

As per the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country has so far welcomed 137,876 tourists in the first 26 days of October, reflecting a 22% year-on-year (YoY) growth, whilst propelling the cumulative figure to over 1.86 million visitors, accounting for around 62% of the full-year target. The revised arrivals target, quietly acknowledged by the SLTDA in its Growth Scenarios report (https://www.sltda.gov.lk/storage/common_media/Growth_Scenarios_2025_final_1.pdf) aligns, where its projections outline three potential outcomes- a ‘Lower Scenario’ of 2.415 million arrivals, a ‘Conservative Scenario’ of 2.676 million and an ‘Optimistic Scenario’ of 3 million. Given this trajectory, Sri Lanka appears likely to fall short of the 2.676 million Conservative target and will need a significant surge in November and December to even meet the 2.415 million ‘Lower Scenario’ target.

However, the Minister noted that passenger volumes and flight operations are expected to increase significantly during the next two months, supported by new airline schedules and expanded routes, citing Kuwait Airways, Belarus’s national carrier Belavia Airlines, Russia’s Red Wings Airlines and Edelweiss, a subsidiary of SWISS International Air Lines, commencing operations to BIA and Mattala International Airport.

‘During the winter season, Russian arrivals will increase significantly with the charter flights operating to Mattala,’ he added.

India continues to lead Sri Lanka’s tourist source markets YTD, followed by the United Kingdom and Russia. Herath noted that as a percentage European tourists have visited the most which are also considered the high-end travellers.

He also pointed to several new promotional campaigns underway to draw more European visitors, including targeted efforts in Scandinavian countries and the UK.

The Minister also said tourism revenue reached $ 2.47 billion in the first nine months, less than half of the Government’s $ 5 billion annual revenue goal.

Sri Lanka earned $ 3.17 billion in tourism revenue in 2024, marking a 53.2% increase from $ 2.07 billion in 2023. Tourist arrivals also rose 38.1% year-on-year to 2.05 million, though the country missed its 2.3 million arrivals and $ 4 billion revenue targets for 2024.

Tourism, which once contributed nearly 5% to Sri Lanka’s GDP, has faced severe setbacks since its 2018 peak due to the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic 2020 and the economic crisis 2022. Thus, the year 2018 remains the industry’s benchmark, when the country recorded 2.33 million arrivals and over $ 4.5 billion in rev

The Sri Lanka Police have launched a special investigation into the conduct of officers involved in the arrest of the suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, following the circulation of video footage of the arrest on social media.

Speaking to the media, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has paid special attention to the matter and directed that the inquiry be carried out by a special investigation unit.

‘The probe will focus on the recording and public dissemination of the arrest video, which quickly spread across multiple social media platforms,’ he added. ASP Wootler noted that publicising such footage, while a case is under judicial consideration could potentially interfere with court proceedings and affect the rights of the aggrieved parties.

The suspect, identified as the alleged gunman in the murder of the Weligama PS Chairman, was arrested in the Navinna area in Maharagama on 26 October.

Meanwhile, legal experts have expressed serious concern over the growing trend of Police officers sharing videos of suspects on mainstream and social media. They warned that such practices could compromise investigations and undermine the integrity of future prosecutions.

Former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Saliya Pieris PC, in a Facebook post, stressed that arrests and criminal investigations must be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

He cautioned that ‘parading suspects before the media, obtaining voice cuts from them, and circulating those clips on media and social media platforms may thrill certain sections of the public, but will not help the prosecution once the trial begins.’

The incident has reignited debate over ethical standards and media protocols governing law enforcement, with legal professionals calling for strict adherence to due process and the protection of suspects’ rights until proven guilty in courts.

Sri Lanka’s most anticipated schools’ tennis rivalry is set to ignite once again as Royal College, Colombo takes on St. Peter’s College, Colombo in the 3rd Annual Arjun Fernando-Percy Ernst Challenge Shield on Saturday, 1 November, 2025, at the P. Nagendran Tennis Complex, Royal College.

The marquee Under-19 encounter will commence at 11:00 a.m., alongside an Under-15 fixture, setting the stage for a day of exceptional school tennis featuring some of the island’s finest young talent.

Peterites eye a historic hat-trick

Reigning champions St. Peter’s College arrive at Reid Avenue with confidence and pedigree, aiming to secure a third consecutive Shield victory. The Peterites pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback last year to retain the title, reaffirming their dominance in the school tennis circuit.

Leading the side is Captain Karthi Udayachandran, a composed and experienced player continuing a proud Peterite tennis tradition. His brother, Srinath Udayachandran, also once served as Vice-Captain, contributing significantly to St. Peter’s long-standing legacy of excellence on the court.

The Peterites boast remarkable depth this season, spearheaded by Ganuka Fernando, Ashlin De Silva, and Mayooran Kubherane – three of Sri Lanka’s top six ranked juniors. All three have represented Sri Lanka at the Junior Davis Cup, bringing valuable international experience and tactical maturity to the team.

Guiding the Peterites is Dinith Pathiraja, one of Sri Lanka’s finest tennis minds. A renowned coach with a proven track record of producing top-tier national players, Pathiraja’s technical expertise and strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping St. Peter’s into a powerhouse of school tennis.

Royalists seek redemption on home soil

For Royal College, the mission is twofold – reclaim pride and lift the Arjun Fernando-Percy Ernst Shield for the first time. Under the leadership of Captain Methvan Wijemanne, the reigning Junior National Champion, the Royalists enter the contest in fine form and high spirits.

Adding to their momentum, the Royalists recently clinched the E.F.C. Pereira Memorial Trophy, overcoming traditional rivals S. Thomas’ College in the annual Royal-Thomian tennis encounter. That victory not only boosted their morale but also underlined their readiness for this crucial showdown against the Peterites.

Having narrowly fallen short in this year’s Under-19 Interschool Finals, Royal College will be eager to reverse that result and make home advantage count.

The Royalists are guided by Niranjan Casiechitty, an old Royalist and former Davis Cup representative, widely recognised as one of the best tennis coaches in Sri Lanka. Having taken charge of the program recently, he has already brought a wealth of experience and professionalism to the squad. Renowned for producing some of the nation’s finest players in recent years, Casiechitty has quickly begun to build a strong culture of trust, discipline, and understanding within the team – laying the foundation for sustained success in the seasons ahead.

A rivalry steeped in tradition

The Arjun Fernando-Percy Ernst Shield has rapidly become one of the premier fixtures in the Sri Lankan school sporting calendar. Played in the traditional five-match format, the encounter transcends competition – it’s a battle for prestige, legacy, and pride between two institutions bound by excellence.

With both line-ups featuring national-level players, fans can expect explosive rallies, strategic depth, and displays of immense composure under pressure. It’s more than a match – it’s a celebration of the discipline, respect, and passion that define school sport at its finest.

Honouring two icons of Sri Lankan tennis

The Shield pays tribute to two legendary figures who set benchmarks of excellence for future generations: Lovell Percival ‘Percy’ Ernst of St. Peter’s College and Arjun Fernando of Royal College.

Percy Ernst, a distinguished old boy of St. Peter’s, was part of Sri Lanka’s first-ever Davis Cup team in 1953, representing the country against the Netherlands in The Hague. The 1952 National Singles Champion, Ernst went on to capture numerous doubles and mixed doubles titles throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His leadership as Captain of St. Peter’s College epitomised sportsmanship and dedication.

Arjun Fernando, a proud Royalist, stands as one of Sri Lanka’s all-time greats. The highest-ranked Sri Lankan player in history, he represented the country in countless Davis Cup campaigns and won numerous national singles and doubles titles. His enduring success and professionalism continue to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan tennis players.

High stakes, high standards

A key storyline this year is the ongoing rivalry between Ganuka Fernando and Royal Captain Methvan Wijemanne. The two have contested the Junior National Finals for the past two consecutive years, with Wijemanne triumphing on both occasions. However, at the Under-19 Interschool Finals earlier this year, it was Ganuka who turned the tables, defeating Methvan in a thrilling encounter that underlined the intensity of their rivalry. It’s a duel that has come to define this generation of school tennis – and promises another fascinating chapter in their parallel journeys.

With four of the country’s top six Under-18 players – all Junior Davis Cup representatives – and remarkable depth throughout both squads, the 2025 Arjun Fernando-Percy Ernst Challenge Shield promises tennis of the highest calibre.

For St. Peter’s, it’s the pursuit of a historic hat-trick. For Royal, it’s a chance to finally inscribe their name on the coveted Shield and continue their winning momentum after the E.F.C. Pereira triumph.

Either way, spectators can look forward to a day of top-class tennis, spirited rivalry, and school pride – a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of two giants of Sri Lankan sport, guided by two of the nation’s most respected coaches.

In a bid to strengthen the judicial system’s capacity and expedite cases under the Anti-Corruption National Action Plan (2025-2029), the Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved the establishment of four new High Court premises in Colombo.

Announcing the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Acting Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath said the move comes as part of wider efforts to ensure timely execution of justice sector reforms and enhance the efficiency of anti-corruption proceedings.

‘The Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Ministry will hand over four State-owned buildings currently under its purview to the Justice and National Integration Ministry. These buildings, located in central Colombo, will be repurposed as new High Court premises,’ he said.

The designated buildings are situated at: 1) No. B 88, Gregory Road, Colombo 7, 2) No. C 76, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, 3) No. B 108, Wijerama Road, Colombo 7 and 4) No. B 12, Stanmore Crescent, Colombo 7.

When inquired whether any of these premises were previously occupied by former Presidents, Herath said he was not aware of such details.

However, he confirmed that all four properties are under the control of the Public Administration Ministry, which has identified them as suitable for judicial use and it will soon be established.

‘The establishment of these new High Courts is expected to ease the backlog of cases, particularly those related to corruption and financial crimes and marks another step in the Government’s ongoing judicial and governance reforms agenda,’ he added.

Herath also revealed that a considerable number of underutilised State-owned buildings remain across Ministries, noting that the Education Ministry accounts for the highest number with a total of 436 properties that are currently unused or underused.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, organised a Sri Lankan business delegation to participate in the prestigious Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2025, held in Hulhumalé, Maldives, from 20 to 22 October.

The 19th edition of this internationally recognised event reinforced its reputation as the Maldives’ largest and most influential hospitality trade exhibition. The accompanying International Culinary Challenge, brought together leading chefs and emerging culinary talents from across the archipelago for exciting live competitions.

Since its inception in 2000, Hotel Asia has evolved into one of the region’s premier hospitality and trade showcases-expanding from just 42 stalls and 37 chefs to over 300 stalls and participants from 48 countries, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand, UAE, USA, and Switzerland. The event served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities.

Taking centre stage at the event, Sri Lanka showcased a vibrant national pavilion featuring over 48 Sri Lankan companies, organised by the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) in collaboration with the Export Development Board (EDB). The pavilion highlighted Sri Lanka’s innovation and expertise across sectors such as food, hospitality, wellness, and sustainable products. This initiative aims to further strengthen bilateral business relations and promote Sri Lankan enterprises within the Maldivian market, in line with the Maldives’ ongoing tourism expansion and growing demand for quality regional products and services.

The opening ceremony of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and the Sri Lankan Pavilion took place on 20 October 2025 and was graced by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives M.R. Hassen together with the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) President Sanjeewa Perera, council office bearers, and representatives from participating Sri Lankan companies.

Industry partnerships with Ocean Trade and Logistics and Aitken Spence, supporting logistics and travel services respectively, further strengthened the SLMBC delegation’s participation.

During the mission, the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) held meetings with key ministries and chambers in the Maldives, including the Economic Development Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce, Maldives Ports Ltd., the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry, and the Agriculture Ministry.

These discussions strengthened business collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, enhance regional connectivity, and foster mutually beneficial economic growth.

Sri Lanka’s craft sector has reached a new milestone with the international launch of a jewellery brand co-created by local artisans and a British creative entrepreneur. The debut marks a huge first for Sri Lanka under a multilateral cultural and trade program, connecting creative vision with heritage craft on a global stage. It is the latest success story from an initiative bringing together institutions across Sri Lanka, the EU and the UK to transform artisan skills into premium export opportunities.

Sippi, a flagship candidate of the EU-Sri Lanka Matchmaking Program, delivered with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), supported by the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the Cultural Relations Platform (CRP), with the University of the Arts London (UAL) and British Council as knowledge partner and The Institute of Future Creations (TIFC) as program leader, has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the first collection in the United Kingdom.

This launch stems from connecting European creatives with Sri Lankan artisan brands for a year of skills development, market access support and co-creation.

Earlier this year, Sippi Jewellery founder Sepideh Mojabi, a Churchill Fellow with a background in community entrepreneurship, undertook intensive training and mentoring in Sri Lanka alongside local artisans, focusing on sustainable production, ethical compliance and export-ready product development.

Last month saw the debut of Sippi Jewellery’s first collection in the UK. The range, co-created with Sri Lankan artisans, blends traditional techniques, responsibly sourced materials and story-driven design that speaks to heritage, ocean stewardship and cultural exchange.

EU/EDB program Project Lead and TIFC Founder Robert Meeder said: ‘This launch is the result of genuine, respectful collaboration between creative vision and artisan expertise. We are showing how the Sri Lankan craft sector can compete in premium global markets when given the right partnerships, design input and international exposure.’

The brand name Sippi comes from the Sinhalese word for seashell, a symbol Sepideh connected with while surfing along Sri Lanka’s coast during her Churchill Fellowship research on rural resettlement and migration. That experience, coupled with the training she received through the EU/EDB initiative, shaped a philosophy that honours heritage while embracing contemporary form.

Sippi’s journey reflects the core aim of the program: to create sustainable export pathways for Sri Lankan craft brands by pairing artisan producers with international creative collaborators, embedding fair-trade and environmental best practice, delivering market-specific design mentoring via UAL, and showcasing results at targeted international platforms, including the upcoming London showcase with UAL in January 2026.

‘Working through this program has been transformative,’ said Sepideh Mojabi. ‘I have never labelled myself a designer in the traditional sense, but I have always been a creative entrepreneur with a deep respect for craftsmanship. This program gave me the tools, the access, and the partnerships to translate ideas into a tangible collection. The pieces we launched in the UK are not just jewellery – they carry the stories of the people who made them, the heritage they come from, and the shared respect we built during the process. The launch was a moment of pride for everyone involved, from the makers in Sri Lanka to the customers in the UK who now wear their work. It pushed me to think beyond aesthetics and into ethics, market readiness, and the deeper value of storytelling. Seeing our work evolve from initial sketches in Sri Lanka to being worn internationally shows what is possible when collaboration is built on trust and shared purpose.’

‘Sippi’s launch is a clear example of how this program links makers and markets,’ said University of the Arts London International Development Manager Hannah Middleton. ‘The outcome is not just beautiful jewellery, but a strong, ethical brand narrative that carries Sri Lankan craft to a wider audience.’

With international interest growing and a compelling story at its core, Sippi Jewellery’s success signals the strength of Sri Lanka’s craft sector when supported by targeted training, thoughtful partnerships and meaningful market exposure. It stands as an example of how cultural heritage, when nurtured through modern collaboration, can create lasting economic and creative impact far beyond its place of origin.

Officers of the Narcotics Control Unit (NCU) of Sri Lanka Customs have arrested a 21-year-old Canadian national for attempting to smuggle over 18 kilograms of hashish into the country.

The detection was made on Monday (27) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), when the suspect arrived from Dubai aboard Emirates flight EK 648, which landed around 10:30 p.m. Upon inspection, NCU officers found 18,253 grams (18.25 kg) of hashish carefully concealed inside the suspect’s checked-in luggage. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 182.53 million in street value. Following preliminary investigations conducted by Customs officials, the suspect and the narcotics were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation and legal action.

Sri Lanka Customs noted that this detection underscores the continued vigilance of its NCU in preventing transnational drug trafficking through the country’s main international gateway.

For some time Sri Lanka did away with appointing a vice-captain for the national cricket team, and the captain whenever he had to go off the field handed over the responsibility to a senior player. But for the upcoming tour to Pakistan, Sri Lanka has gone back to the practice of appointing a vice-captain by naming former white ball skipper Dasun Shanaka as deputy to Charith Asalanka for the Pakistan T20I Tri-series that also involves Zimbabwe.

Prior to the T20I Tri-Series which will take place from 17-29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Sri Lanka is due to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan on 11, 13 and 15 November at Rawalpindi. A squad of 16 players for the ODI series and T20I Tri-Series has been selected and sent to the Sports Minister for ratification.

‘We are of the view that with the T20 World Cup around the corner it will be handy for Charith to have a person like Dasun Shanaka as vice-captain when making decisions,’ said chairman of selectors Upul Tharanga. ‘It will give Charith some added confidence to have a vice captain. It’s not that we want to put any pressure on Charith on his captaincy but to assist him.’

Sri Lanka’s build up towards the ICC T20 World Cup in February-March is continuing with the squad of around 20 odd players earnestly trying to iron out their faults in a number of practice sessions and matches that are being conducted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The recently concluded Asia Cup in the UAE exposed the frailties within the team in all three departments, more so in the batting and fielding and team composition.

The group games Sri Lanka looked unbeatable as they came through with a 100 percent record winning all three matches. However, it was the reverse when it came to the Super Fours where Sri Lanka lost three out of three, thus underlying their inconsistency in this format.

This has been an ongoing problem for Sri Lanka and it has to be rectified quickly well ahead of the T20 World Cup. In the batting the issue lies with the middle order who have not been able to maintain the momentum given by the top order batters. The main concern is rotation of strike and the ability to keep the scoreboard moving with singles and twos. Sri Lanka has batsmen with the skill to hit fours and also clear the boundary, but that cannot happen with every ball they face. The batsmen must know when to attack and when to play the ball on its merits and pick up the singles and twos when boundaries are hard to come by.

That is not happening with our middle order batsmen and thereby the accumulation of dot balls which eventually leads to trying to hit each and every ball to the boundary and thereby their dismissals. What our batsmen lack is game awareness. The ability to think on their feet and adjust to the situation at hand. This is the sole responsibility of the batsmen in the middle. Unless Sri Lanka overcomes this lapse they will not be able to put up competitive totals and likewise chase them down.

Fielding is another area which Sri Lanka has of late been dropping crucial catches that has gone against them. It was glaringly exposed during the Asia Cup. The other factor is the inconsistency of the bowlers to bowl wicket to wicket six balls in an over. The moment they tend to bowl outside the stumps the batsmen takes the liberty to score runs as there is no danger of getting bowled or being ruled out lbw. These are basics which players of international standards should be well aware of.

The forthcoming tour to Pakistan will reveal whether the faults have been ironed out.

To enable Sri Lanka fine tune their game SLC has hired the services of power hitting specialist Julian Wood as national batting coach for a period of one year, and wrist and finger spin specialist Dr. Rene Ferdinands for two years, to assist the team in their build up towards the T20 World Cup.

SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said that these appointments were only temporary and did not affect the full-time appointments of the national batting and spin bowling coaches Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge respectively.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday green lighted to award a contract to Hong Kong-based Giesecke and Devrient Asia Pacific Ltd., to enhance the currency operations and monitoring activities of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, following a competitive procurement process.

The approval follows a dual-stage bidding process initiated to select an institution capable of improving the Central Bank’s currency operations.

‘Four institutions initially expressed interest. After it met the qualification criteria established by the Higher-Level Standing Procurement Committee and a thorough evaluation of technical and financial proposals, it recommended awarding the contract to Giesecke and Devrient Asia Pacific Ltd.,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He explained that the contract aims to strengthen the Central Bank’s capacity for currency monitoring, enhance operational efficiency and ensure improved management of banknote circulation, reinforcing the overall stability and integrity of the national currency system.

The proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in his capacity as Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister to formally award the procurement to the Hong Kong-based firm was approved.