Category: Daily Financial Times

The Sri Lanka National Esports teams, powered by Dialog Axiata, represented the nation in the Asian Online Regional Qualifiers for the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) 17th World Esports Championship.

The qualifiers brought together top Esports athletes from across Asia to compete in multiple titles, including Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), MLBB Womens, and PUBG MOBILE.

Sri Lanka’s representatives, selected through national qualifiers conducted earlier this year by the Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA), competed with determination against strong opposition from across the continent.

In CS2, the national lineup, Geeshan ‘Defiance’ Jayarajah, Vibuda ‘ChromnZ’ De Zoysa, Andrew ‘ShAKeRZ’ Damien, Muzakkir ‘plastE’ Fahim, Zayyaan ‘HeLLScrM’ Ali, Afzal ‘Matrix’ Miqdhad and Thisura ‘VeZpuLa’ Lakdinum, battled in the South Asia region bracket.

The Dota 2 squad, Azeem ‘zem’ Uziri, Umar ‘Le Toxicity’ Azmal, Aadil ‘Seijin’ Uziri, Mawshook ‘Mawshook’ Mowlana, Hareshan ‘Harry’ Indravarnan, Jarim ‘Ryze’ Ahamed, and Thilina ‘Zoom’ Dilshan, represented Sri Lanka against regional giants in a challenging qualifier run.

Sri Lanka also fielded strong teams in both MLBB categories. The Open team consisting of Hudson ‘VOLTREX’ Jerianz, Binara ‘DEADZONE’ Lankatilleke, Dasun ‘SKYZONE’ Hansana, Ashan ‘ZEYROX’ Sovis, Sandun ‘TNC’ Madhubhsahana, Tishan ‘THE BLACK CAT’ Dhanuja, and Sithija ‘REBOOT’ Sandaruwan, competed in South Asia. The Women’s team had Kavindhya ‘CLEMENTINE’ Madhubhashini, Yasara ‘YASARA’ Santhunga, Gimhani ‘TIANA’ Thashmila, Sithmini ‘SITHMINI’ Vishma, Sandami ‘CRYSTAL’ Dankoluwa, Shanaz ‘MIDNIGHT’ Dilum, and Hiruni ‘HIRU’ De Silva who showcased the growing presence of women in Esports from Sri Lanka.

In PUBG MOBILE, the Sri Lankan team of Dilshan ‘DILA31’ Bandara, Avishka ‘DESTROxAN’ Srihan, Chanuth ‘Sana’ Santhosh, Thaabish ‘THABSmvp’ Thaabish, Sethum ‘ØMEGA’ Deelaka and Azlan ‘AZLAN’ Ameen competed strongly against some of the best squads in the Asia and Oceania region, demonstrating resilience throughout their matches.

Sri Lanka Esports Association President Raveen Wijayatilake said: ‘International qualifiers such as these are vital stepping stones for our athletes. Competing against Asia’s finest provides them with invaluable exposure and experience that strengthens Sri Lanka’s Esports ecosystem. We are proud of their dedication and look forward to building on this momentum.’

India maintained their 100% start to the Women’s World Cup with a comfortable 88-run win over rivals Pakistan in Colombo.

Harleen Deol top-scored with 46 and Richa Ghosh smashed an unbeaten 35 from 20 balls late on to lift India up to 247 in an innings that saw numerous batters make starts but fail to kick on.

Seamer Diana Baig took 4-69 as Pakistan bowled India out for the first time in a women’s ODI from the last ball of the innings but a first win still eludes them.

After slipping to 26-3 in the chase, Pakistan briefly rallied as Sidra Amin – who went on to make 81 from 105 balls after being dropped three times – and Natalia Pervaiz put on 69 for the fourth wicket.

But India, led by Kranti Goud’s 3-20, stuck to their task to bowl Pakistan out for 159 in the 43rd over and move top of the group table.

As is so often the case when India and Pakistan meet, though, there was far more to it, with controversy and confusion peppered throughout the day.

Perhaps the biggest talking point came from an incident early in Pakistan’s innings when opener Muneeba Ali was controversially run out.

The left-hander was struck on the pad by Goud and as the India bowler appealed unsuccessfully for lbw, Deepti Sharma collected the loose ball and threw at the stumps.

She hit but replays showed Muneeba had grounded her bat before the ball was even in the picture and a ‘not out’ decision from the third umpire Kerrin Klaaste went up on the big screen in the ground.

However, before the game restarted, the decision was looked at again and it transpired that when the ball hit the stumps and dislodged the bails, Muneeba had lifted her bat and was still stood out of her crease.

While the batter had already grounded her bat and was not trying to sneak a single, the third umpire changed her decision to ‘out’ and despite Pakistan protests, which saw Captain Fatima Sana tell her batter not to leave the field for a short time, Muneeba had to go.

In a further twist, had India simply reviewed the lbw decision, the whole controversy would have been avoided because ball-tracking showed Muneeba was plumb lbw.

Against a backdrop of political tensions between the two countries, that captains Sana and Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands, which was no surprise – especially given the precedent set in recent matches between the men’s sides.

Pakistan batter reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach

Pakistan’s batting standout Sidra Amin has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 contest against India in Colombo.

The right-handed batter was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.’

The incident occurred during the 40th over of Pakistan’s chase, when Sidra forcefully hit her bat onto the pitch after being dismissed.

In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Sidra’s disciplinary record. This is her first offence in a 24-month period.

Sri Lanka showcased the rich diversity of its tea industry at a landmark charity auction of specialty estate teas representing the 7 agro-climatic regions of Sri Lanka. Renowned globally for producing the world’s finest Orthodox black teas, a Charity Tea Sale in celebration of the successful completion of the Sri Lanka Pavilion at EXPO 2025 was held in Osaka, Japan on 26 September.

The charity auction was organised in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association, assisted by the Colombo Brokers’ Association, The Planters’ Association of Ceylon and the Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners Association.

All proceeds from the auction will be dedicated to uplifting the lives of tea estate communities by funding educational programs and health facilities.

This event not only highlights the excellence of Ceylon Tea, but also demonstrates the industry’s deep commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.

The highest price of JPY 125,000 per kg was achieved by New Vithanakande Tea Factory for a line of FFEXSp from the Sabaragamuwa Region, which was adjudged the overall winner of the Bronze Award.

The second highest price of JYP 65,000 per kg was secured by Telbedde Estate of Balangoda Plantation PLC, a member of MelstaCorp/Stassen Group of Companies, for a line of OP1 from the Uva Region, which was adjudged the overall winner of the Gold Award.

The third highest price of JYP 55,000 per kg was secured for a line of Lovers’ Leap FBOP of Pedro Estate of Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, a member of the Hayleys Group in the Nuwara Eliya Region, which was adjudged the overall winner of the Silver Award.

The Sri Lanka Army has commenced a series of multi-religious blessing ceremonies in connection with its 76th Anniversary, falling on 10 October.

These programs, held across the country, invoked blessings on the Army, its personnel, and the motherland, reflecting the nation’s rich religious and cultural traditions.

The inaugural ceremony was held on 26 September at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura, under the patronage of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo. A procession, carrying flags of all Army establishments, began near the historic Ruwanweli Seya and proceeded to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, where the flags were blessed before the sacred tree.

Simultaneously, Hindu religious rites were conducted at the Sri Kandasamy Kovil, Vavuniya, also under the patronage of the Army Commander. In addition, the Commander paid a special visit to ‘Abhimansala 1′ wellness resort in Anuradhapura, where he inquired into the wellbeing of disabled veterans undergoing treatment.

Continuing the blessings, a flag blessing ceremony was held at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Kandy, on 28 September and special religious ceremony was held at the sacred Kataragama Kirivehera and Devala premises on 29 September. The Commander of the Army, together with senior officers, officers, and other ranks from all regiments, attended these historic occasions.

As part of the inclusive series of events, Christian and Islamic religious ceremonies were also held. On 1 October, a special Holy Mass was conducted at St. Thomas’ Church, Kotte, presided over by Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo His Eminence Anton Ranjith, along with other Christian clergy, to invoke blessings on Army flags. The following day, 02 October, a special Qirath prayer session was conducted at the Jummah Mosque, Kollupitiya, with the participation of Chief Priest Riswan Maulavi and several other maulavis.

Senior Officers, officers, and other ranks representing all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army joined these events, reaffirming the Army’s longstanding tradition of seeking the blessings of all major faiths in Sri Lanka as it enters its 76th year of service to the nation.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that several long-standing laws and regulations are obstructing efforts to address the ongoing shortage of medicines in the country.

He noted that while some question why the Government cannot amend these laws despite having a Parliamentary majority, many of the regulations in question are not new but inherited from the British colonial period.

Speaking at the opening of the Vipassi Buddhist Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, Dr. Jayatissa stressed that legal reforms in the health sector must be approached carefully, as existing rules are interlinked and cannot be amended in isolation.

He further explained that strictly adhering to these outdated provisions slows down decision-making and makes it difficult to respond swiftly to urgent challenges in the health system. As a result, he said, the Government is often compelled to depend on assistance from donors, philanthropists, and international partners to manage shortages and maintain medical supplies.

Softlogic Life, has emerged as finalist in two prestigious awards categories at the 29th Asia Insurance Industry Awards (AIIA) 2025: ‘Digital Insurer of the Year’ and ‘AI Initiative of the Year’.

This recognition marks another significant milestone in the company’s journey of innovation, placing both Softlogic Life and Sri Lanka firmly on the global insurance stage.

Now in its 29th year, the Asia Insurance Industry Awards stand as the region’s most respected benchmark of excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements across insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and service providers. The judging process, overseen by a panel of international industry experts, involves rigorous evaluation and peer-reviewed scrutiny, making the shortlist a testament to innovation, impact, and performance.

Softlogic Life’s nomination for Digital Insurer of the Year reflects its pioneering end-to-end transformation of the insurance value chain. By fully digitalising sales, distribution, claims, and policy servicing, the company has created a seamless customer journey while ensuring strong back-office integration. From instant policy issuance and mobile-first micro-products to the cashless Claim IT system at over 60 hospitals and a digital OPD platform that settles 97% of claims within a day, Softlogic Life’s digital ecosystem has redefined service delivery in Sri Lanka. These innovations, powered by its 100% digital E-Advisor platform that enables over 70% of policies to be auto-underwritten and online policy issuance within minutes, have accelerated exponential growth in customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction.

Softlogic Life’s nomination for AI Initiative of the Year reflects its leadership in using artificial intelligence to reimagine insurance not just in Sri Lanka, but across Asia.

At the core of this transformation is the groundbreaking Insta Claim model, built on Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and custom AI solutions, which has revolutionised claims processing by cutting settlement times from five days to minutes, quadrupling processing capacity per employee, and scaling to manage 180 million OPD claims every month. Today, 35% of all claims are fully automated, while more complex cases are seamlessly managed through human-AI collaboration. Sophisticated algorithms further strengthen trust by ensuring genuine claims are honoured, reducing fraud to 2% and duplicates to 8%. Beyond Insta Claim, innovations such as AI-driven pricing models, the Health Score App for proactive health management, and the Lifey Virtual Assistant for smarter customer interactions have collectively streamlined operations, lowered costs, enhanced engagement and underwriting efficiency. Together, these digital and AI-powered solutions are delivering faster, more transparent service experiences-empowering over 1.3 million customers with greater confidence and trust in Softlogic Life.

Softlogic Life Managing Director Iftikar Ahamed said: ‘Being shortlisted in two major categories at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2025 is a proud moment for Softlogic Life and for Sri Lanka. This recognition reflects the relentless effort of our team to harness the power of digital technology and AI to transform the way insurance is delivered. At a time when customer expectations are being reshaped by digital-first experiences, we have proven that Sri Lankan companies can compete and lead on the global stage. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to make insurance simpler, faster, and more accessible to every Sri Lankan.’

Being recognised among the top three insurers in Asia is a powerful testament that, for Softlogic Life, technology and AI are far more than buzzwords-they are embedded across the entire value chain to deliver real value for all stakeholders. This approach has been a driving force behind the company’s tenfold GWP growth in just 10 years. In 2024 alone, Softlogic Life achieved a remarkable 71% year-on-year growth in new policies and secured the highest health insurance market share. Even with a substantial increase in claims volume, the company paid the largest and fastest health and protection claims in the industry, without increasing its workforce-demonstrating the full power of tech-enabled efficiency. This relentless focus on customer-centric innovation has led to an industry-leading Net Promoter Score of 68+, alongside 29% GWP growth in 1H2025.

Softlogic Life EVP/Chief Information Officer Amal Dharmapriya said: ‘This recognition validates our commitment to building a truly digital-first insurer by embedding advanced technologies across every process. From cloud-native platforms to AI-enabled analytics, our focus has been on creating resilient, scalable systems that deliver speed, security, and reliability for our customers. Being shortlisted amongst Asia’s top 3 at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards reflects the strength of our technology architecture and its impact in driving measurable value across the business.’

EVP/Chief Digital Innovation Officer Saranga Wijayarathne said: ‘At Softlogic Life, digital and AI innovation is about reimagining the way people experience insurance,’ said. ‘Our focus has been on simplifying complex processes, personalising engagement, and delivering instant service in ways that customers-and even the industry-once thought impossible. This global recognition is proof of how our AI and digital platforms are making insurance more intuitive and inclusive, and it reflects our ability to compete with the very best in Asia.’

CM Holdings PLC yesterday said that it was seeking shareholder approval to dispose of a 109.2 perches property owned by the company valued at Rs. 382.2 million.

The property located in Thalangama South, Battaramulla was valued in 31 March, the company said.

People’s Leasing and Finance PLC has announced the appointment of Dr. Isuru Manawadu as a Director to its Board, following the requisite regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Dr. Manawadu is a distinguished academic and professional currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. He holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, having completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura with a B.Sc. Accounting (Special) degree, where he was honored with the ACCA Gold Medal for outstanding academic and extra-curricular performance at the 2011 General Convocation. Professionally, Dr. Manawadu is a Fellow Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (admitted in 2014) and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK). His expertise covers a wide range of areas including international accounting, accounting quality, investment decision-making, forensic accounting, sustainability accounting, and taxation, and he teaches Financial Accounting, Corporate Reporting, International Accounting Standards, and Public Sector Accounting and Finance. Furthermore, Dr. Manawadu contributes significantly to national service, serving as a Board Member of the Api Wenuwen Api Fund under the Defence Ministry, and as both a Board Member and Audit Committee Member of the Shrama Wasana Fund under the Labour Ministry.

People’s Leasing and Finance PLC said his extensive academic rigor, professional credentials, and public sector experience will be a considerable asset to the Board’s governance and strategic oversight.

Following is the statement endorsed by the participants at the International Day for Universal Access to Information held in Manila, Republic of the Philippines on 29-30 September 2025.

In accordance with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Recalling key international instruments, including the 1992 Rio Declaration, especially Principle 10, and the 2015 Paris Agreement, in particular its Preamble, which affirms the integration of human rights in climate action, and its Article 12, which promotes cooperation to enhance climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information.

Underlining the importance of national and local implementation of the Rio Declaration (1992), we note the beneficial impact of its application in countries that are parties to the Aarhus Convention (1998) and the Escazú (2018) Agreement.

Further recalling the 1993 Vienna Declaration’s affirmation of the universality and interdependence of human rights, and its recognition that environmental harm disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Highlighting the Windhoek+30 Declaration, reaffirming information as a public good and underlining that its principles were endorsed by UNESCO’s 2021 General Conference.

Welcoming UN Human Rights Council Resolution 48/13 (2021) and UN General Assembly Resolution 76/300 (2022), recognising the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Acknowledging the Global Digital Compact (2024) as a forward-looking global framework that recognises the importance of responsible data governance in the context of environmental sustainability.

Noting the critical link between environmental rights and sustainable development, particularly in advancing SDG target 16.10, which calls for the adoption of statutory guarantees for public access to information.

Recalling the specific recommendations on adopting or strengthening access to information legislation made during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) processes of the UN Human Rights Council.

Convinced that strengthening access to environmental information will reinforce human rights protections and advance sustainable development globally, including in Southeast Asia.

The participants of the Global Conference IDUAI 2025 hereby reiterate:

1. Access to environmental information is a cornerstone of environmental protection and sustainable development, including in Southeast Asia. In all regions facing accelerating environmental degradation, climate risks, and biodiversity loss, empowering people with timely, reliable, and accessible environmental information is essential to ensure informed decision-making, community resilience, and accountability.

2. Every person has the right to seek, receive, and use environmental information held by public authorities and, where relevant, private entities. This includes data on environmental quality, emissions, ecosystem status, and the potential risks posed by industrial and extractive activities, both on land and in the marine environment. Governments must proactively collect, publish, and disseminate such information through electronic and other accessible means, using culturally appropriate formats and languages, especially for vulnerable and marginalised groups.

3. Environmental information systems must be transparent, well-organised, and easily accessible, including for people with disabilities. Information should be released proactively or made available promptly upon request, with no undue restrictions on reproduction or use. Legal and administrative measures should also be introduced to enable public access to environmental information held by private sector entities, including through requirements for sustainability reporting, due diligence disclosures, and environmental impact assessments. We urge governments to ensure the independence of the oversight mechanisms and remedies to address denial of access, delays, or failures to release information.

We, hereby:

A) Welcome the proactive actions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and ASEAN Member States towards the development of an ASEAN Declaration on the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and welcome its upcoming consideration for adoption.

B) Encourage Member States to strengthen access to information, to define environmental information broadly, to establish public environmental information clearinghouses to serve as centralised, publicly accessible data repositories, and to develop clear dissemination frameworks with legally defined timelines and procedures.

C) Urge Governments to enact legislation requiring proactive publication of environmental threats and ensure that the grounds for denying access to environmental information are strictly limited to reasons permitted under international human rights law and subject to proportionality and necessity.

D) Promote access to environmental information for communities potentially affected by transboundary or high-risk activities, in accordance with international principles, including Principle 19 of the Rio Declaration, and in line with the right to free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples, as recognised in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This includes advance notice, full disclosure of risks and mandatory public participation of potentially impacted communities in environmental and social impact assessments for major projects, including cross-border consultations.

E) Recommend accelerating efforts to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that do not have ATI legislation in adopting such legislation and developing implementation mechanisms that consider the recommendations provided by the Access to Information Model Law for SIDS.

F) Request to expedite the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16.10, ensuring public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms, given the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of access to information legislation in the more than 50 countries that still lack such laws. Member States must lead this global effort, ensuring that all people can meaningfully engage in protecting their environment and future. We further call for regular global monitoring of progress, with the UN system reporting annually on advances and gaps in access to environmental information worldwide.

G) Encourage all relevant stakeholders to join the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, co-chaired by the Government of Brazil, UNESCO and the United Nations, underlining the central connection between access to information and information integrity.

Over the weekend we had weather at its worst and best in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup matches in Colombo.

Saturday when Sri Lanka were down to meet defending world champions Australia turned out to be a damp squib as the weather pattern suddenly changed to produce one of the worst downpours forcing the match to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The result was that Sri Lanka and Australia collected a point each. For Sri Lanka it was their first points on the board having lost their first match to India, while Australia went to the top of the table taking their points tally to 3.

Sunday saw the two cricketing giants of Asia, India and Pakistan clashing. Thankfully, the weather kept away even though there were dark clouds hovering around at the beginning, but gradually drifted away allowing for a full game to be played.

Never has the toss become the subject of discussion, since the men’s Asia Cup in the UAE last month. The refusal of Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Agha and subsequently India’s rejection to accept the Asia Cup from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister of the Pakistan Government, sparked off a series of criticism from past Indian cricketing stars and several other international cricketers from around the world.

In the Women’s Cricket World Cup game between India and Pakistan there was much expectation at the toss whether the Indian Captain Harmanpreet Kaur would extend her hand to her rival Fatima Sana. But unfortunately Kaur decided to follow her male counterparts and totally ignored her opposite number after the toss, thus extending the farce of not shaking hands into the World Cup.

No handshakes – Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana at toss during India vs Pakistan match

If India is so emotional with what took place between the two countries at Pahalgam, why play Pakistan at all. There is no necessity to bring their emotions into the sporting field and make the game of cricket a circus for such inappropriate conduct. By doing so they are only spoiling the cricketing atmosphere that exists at such sporting events. Also with a worldwide audience following the Women’s Cricket World Cup what is the message that India is giving to the younger generation by such demeanour?

To come back to the game, Pakistan cut a sorry figure losing the contest to India by 88 runs to suffer their 12th successive loss to them in as many matches and their fifth at World Cups. The two points India gained from the win pushed them right to the top of the table with 4 points after 2 matches followed by Australia (3), England (2), Bangladesh (2) and Sri Lanka (1) with the other three countries yet to secure a point.

Strangely enough Sunday does not seem to be a good day for cricket for Pakistan in contests against India. They have lost four matches on consecutive Sundays – 14 September Asia Cup group match, 21 September Asia Cup Super-Fours, 28 September Asia Cup Final, and 5 October Women’s Cricket World Cup fixture.

The World Cup matches moved to Indore yesterday and to Guwahati today, before returning to Colombo for the Australia v Pakistan game on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium.