Category: Daily Financial Times

Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC yesterday said it has listed more than 75.7 million new ordinary voting shares issued under its 2025 rights issue on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

The rights issue successfully raised over Rs. 2 billion matching the estimated amount. The newly issued shares were officially listed on 14 October 2025.

The capital raised through the issue is expected to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and support its future business expansion plans.

In a powerful celebration of leadership, courage, and empowerment, the Girls on Track inter-school competition, organised by the Student Council of Prospects College of Higher Education (PCHE), was held recently at the Nawam Mawatha public carpark from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Five schools competed in a thrilling display of talent and teamwork with Visakha Vidyalaya emerging as the Winning Team, demonstrating exceptional coordination and racing skill.

Musaeus College secured the 1st Runner-Up position and Gateway International College – Dehiwala claimed the 2nd Runner-Up spot.

Special recognition was also awarded to the fastest drivers on the track, celebrating individual excellence and fearless performance.

The event was designed to inspire young girls to break barriers, discover their strengths, and lead with confidence through a series of engaging challenges.

At the heart of this initiative is McLarens Group, proudly stepping forward as the main sponsor of the event. With its flagship brands Mobil and 3M, McLarens Group brings not only industry excellence but also a deep commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities for the next generation.

McLarens Group Group Managing Director Shehara De Silva, shared her personal journey in motorsports-a story of resilience, passion, and balance. As a businesswoman and mother, De Silva emphasised the importance of creating platforms where young women can explore unconventional paths and thrive.

‘Motorsports taught me discipline, courage, and the value of pushing boundaries. Supporting Girls on Track is our way of encouraging young girls to embrace challenges and lead fearlessly,’ she said.

Mobil, a global leader in advanced engine oils, and 3M, renowned for its innovation across automotive, construction, industrial and consumer solutions, are both aligned with the event’s mission to promote excellence, performance, and empowerment. Their presence at Girls on Track reflects McLarens Group’s broader vision of driving progress-not just in business, but in society.

Associated Motorways Ltd., a unit of Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Company, has announced the appointment of Jawahar Ganesh as its new Group Managing Director.

In his new role as Group Managing Director, Ganesh will be overseeing the diverse operations of AMW Group. This includes automotive sales and after-sales services, lubricants, batteries and tyres, tyre retreading, and financial services (leasing, hire purchase) and a multitude of other strategic divisions. As part of his responsibilities, he will also serve on the Boards of AMW Ltd., and AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC, working closely with the Al-Futtaim Group to further enhance and strengthen AMW’s operational excellence in Sri Lanka.

Ganesh’s career spans over three decades, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, business transformation, finance and operational management across international markets. He has successfully led large-scale teams, driven process and cultural transformations, and consistently delivered strong growth in both revenue and profitability.

Ganesh has held key leadership roles in after-sales, business planning, finance and development with globally reputed automotive brands, such as Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe and the Middle East. His vast expertise in service strategy, innovation and after-sales delivery has been instrumental in establishing him as a trusted leader in driving performance and customer satisfaction in competitive markets.

Ganesh has expressed great enthusiasm about his appointment as Group Managing Director of one of Sri Lanka’s most respected automotive companies, under the Al-Futtaim umbrella. He is committed to building upon AMW’s long-standing legacy of trust, innovation and customer focus, while navigating the company toward new opportunities for growth and value creation.

He has a strong belief in teamwork and operational excellence and aims to strengthen AMW’s position as a leader in country’s ever evolving mobility landscape. His enthusiasm also mirrors confidence in the country’s economic policies, the stability of its government to drive business investment, and the ongoing development of skilled professionals, the company said in a statement.

Under Ganesh’s leadership, AMW aims to accelerate its transformation journey, and is looking to further strengthen its customer centric focus, while continuously expanding its product and service portfolio, and embracing emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka is poised to make a strong impression at the third Asian Youth Games 2025 in Manama, Bahrain from 22 October till 31 October. Sri Lanka will send 56 boys and 44 girls a total of 100 athletes in 12 sports.

National Olympic Committee, Sri Lanka President Suresh Subramaniam speaking to Daily FT said, ‘This milestone not only reflects the growing depth of our youth talent but also the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of sporting excellence. We are sending the largest contingent of 100 youths with 50 officials and I am very confident they will bring glory to the country.

Suresh contented and said, ‘The Asian Youth Games provide an invaluable platform for young athletes to experience the spirit of continental competition. Competing against Asia’s finest is a challenge that builds resilience, confidence, and ambition all vital ingredients for future champions. Our mission at NOC SL is to ensure that every athlete, regardless of their discipline, receives the exposure and support necessary to grow beyond national boundaries. As I mentioned during the team’s announcement, while we would love to see every athlete return with a medal, our greater objective is on the exposure these young athletes going to gain at international stage. The lessons learned in Manama will undoubtedly shape these young sportsmen and women into the future torchbearers of Sri Lankan sport.

Suresh concluded, ‘NOC SL, together with Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the contingent’s preparation from logistics to wellbeing is handled with care. This year, we are introducing a Safeguarding Officer Gobinath Sivarajah, to ensure the safety and welfare of all participating minors, marking a significant step forward in athlete protection. Further we had several sessions for these youngsters as majority will be travelling overseas for the very first time. Further thankful for Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs on sponsoring the tour plus LOVI and Carnage sponsorship.’ (SJ)

Associated Motorways Ltd., a unit of Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Company, has announced the appointment of Jawahar Ganesh as its new Group Managing Director.

In his new role as Group Managing Director, Ganesh will be overseeing the diverse operations of AMW Group. This includes automotive sales and after-sales services, lubricants, batteries and tyres, tyre retreading, and financial services (leasing, hire purchase) and a multitude of other strategic divisions. As part of his responsibilities, he will also serve on the Boards of AMW Ltd., and AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC, working closely with the Al-Futtaim Group to further enhance and strengthen AMW’s operational excellence in Sri Lanka.

Ganesh’s career spans over three decades, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, business transformation, finance and operational management across international markets. He has successfully led large-scale teams, driven process and cultural transformations, and consistently delivered strong growth in both revenue and profitability.

Ganesh has held key leadership roles in after-sales, business planning, finance and development with globally reputed automotive brands, such as Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe and the Middle East. His vast expertise in service strategy, innovation and after-sales delivery has been instrumental in establishing him as a trusted leader in driving performance and customer satisfaction in competitive markets.

Ganesh has expressed great enthusiasm about his appointment as Group Managing Director of one of Sri Lanka’s most respected automotive companies, under the Al-Futtaim umbrella. He is committed to building upon AMW’s long-standing legacy of trust, innovation and customer focus, while navigating the company toward new opportunities for growth and value creation.

He has a strong belief in teamwork and operational excellence and aims to strengthen AMW’s position as a leader in country’s ever evolving mobility landscape. His enthusiasm also mirrors confidence in the country’s economic policies, the stability of its government to drive business investment, and the ongoing development of skilled professionals, the company said in a statement.

Under Ganesh’s leadership, AMW aims to accelerate its transformation journey, and is looking to further strengthen its customer centric focus, while continuously expanding its product and service portfolio, and embracing emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Who makes these wishes possible behind the scenes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: How does Suwa Arana fit into this vision?

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

Q: How can people get involved and help?

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

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

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

Q: What would be your message to the public?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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