Category: Daily Financial Times

In a classic game of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, South Africa held their nerve to pull off a thrilling three wickets win with three balls to spare against Bangladesh at Visakhapatnam yesterday.

It was Nadine de Klerk who came up trumps again. She did it against India the other night and yesterday she pulled it off again in a tense chase. It was always going to be tough against a Bangladesh side stacked with spinners chasing 233. Tazmin Brits fell for a duck and then the set Anneke Bosch and Laura Wolvaardt were involved in a mix-up which cost the latter her wicket. The former went in the next over and the debutant Annerie Dercksen soon after. At that stage, Bangladesh were well ahead with South Africa on 78-5. But the cool and calm heads of Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) and Chloe Tryon (62 off 69 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) put South Africa back on track. Their stand of 85 off 109 balls involved good running and calculated risks. With the dew coming down quite heavily, Bangladesh failed to grip the ball and that ultimately cost them the game. Kapp got out which again opened the door for Bangladesh and when Tryon was run-out, Bangladesh really believed they could pull it off. But Nadine de Klerk (37* off 29 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) and Masabata Klaas (10* off 13) took their side home with some help from Bangladesh’s fielders who dropped de Klerk in the penultimate over. It eventually proved to be costly for Bangladesh as de Klerk finished the match off with a six as she had done against India.

Bangladesh finished strong to their innings led by Shorna Akter who smashed an unbeaten 51 off just 35 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) to provide the final flourish that her team so desperately needed, having taken an ultra-cautious approach with the bat at the beginning. Shorna became the first Bangladeshi woman to hit three sixes in an ODI innings. Ritu Moni played her part too with a quick-fire 19 off 8 and together they gave Bangladesh something to defend. Bangladesh openers put on a 50-run stand but took almost 16 overs to do so. Even till the halfway stage, they had only 73 on the board. But with wickets in hand and Shorna showing her big-hitting ability, the momentum picked up in the latter stages.

Scores: Bangladesh Women 232-6 (50) (Fargana Hoque 30, Rubya Haider 25, Sharmin Akhter 50, Nigar Sultana 32, Shorna Akhter 51*, Nonkululeku Mlaba 2/42)

South Africa Women 235-7 (49.3) (Laura Wolvaardt 31, Anneke Bosch 28, Marizanne Kapp 56, Chloe Tryon 62, Nadine de Klerk 37*, Nahid Akter 2/44)

After three matches – one of which was washed out due to rain, Sri Lanka find themselves still without a win in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Today they take on New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium, a team they have beaten in both formats WODI and WT20I, and should be confident of repeating that success again.

But for that to happen they need a big innings from their Captain Chamari Athapaththu who is the only player in the side who can match up to the skills and experience of other top batters in the teams playing the World Cup.

The experience that Athapaththu has no one else in the team can come close to and at 35 she is not getting any younger and this perhaps could be her final appearance on a World Cup stage.

Athapaththu has only to take the cue from the captains of Australia (Alissa Healy – 142 v India), England (Nat Sciver-Brunt – 117 v Sri Lanka) and South Africa (Laura Wolvaardt – 70 v India) whose innings brought victory to their teams.

Today’s game is crucial to Sri Lanka’s chances if they are to finish in the top four of the standings to qualify for a place in the semi-finals. In the two matches they have played so far, Sri Lanka has lost their grip after being in dominating positions while fielding (against India) and batting (against England). A crucial aspect of their losses has been due to poor catching and the inconsistency of the bowlers to bowl a good line, which has resulted in letting the opposition off the hook.

‘We cannot afford to make mistakes like we have done against India and Australia, being in strong positions and letting go of the grip. It has gone on for too long. Whether batting or bowling we have to continue the momentum till the full 50 overs. The players know that, and with the ability they have, they are prepared to do it,’ said Head Coach Rumesh Ratnayake at the pre-match media conference.

On the fielding – ‘We need to bring our catching to flawless, zero level even if it is just one catch we missed.’

Player to watch New Zealand Women’s Captain Sophie Devine

On the batting – ‘Everyone must play the anchor role. We have six batters who can play that role but it has not happened. We hope that it will happen tomorrow. We have held long discussions on this aspect at team meetings and at practices.’

On the bowling – ‘Bowling wicket to wicket we have discussed it before the match, but when they go out something else is happening not what we have discussed. That is a problem we need to rectify.’

Sri Lanka’s record in World Cups has been rather poor. Since beating Pakistan in 2017, they have won only one in the last 10 matches.

‘We have spoken about those stats. What has happened is in the past. We have to think of the present and win the moments. We are a much better side than what we have performed. We are hoping that it will come at any time. Other than Australia, we have beaten all the other teams. I wouldn’t take that as an excuse but I want the team to do much better than they are doing right now.’

Ratnayake is hopeful that the players can put back the mistakes they have made from the two losses and turn the result in their favour against New Zealand who have only one win and two losses to show and will be keen to add to their points tally.

His message to the supporters of the team and the spectators who have turned up in their numbers for Sri Lanka’s matches is: ‘Don’t give up hope, please come and support us. This is a team which has won matches in the past. It’s a team that has beaten New Zealand in both formats of the game. Every match we go focussing on a win and plan for a win. Hopefully it happens tomorrow.’

If there is one player Sri Lanka would want to see the back of as early as possible is the New Zealand Captain Sophie Devine who is the leading run-getter in the ongoing World Cup with 260 runs (avg. 86.66) with one century and two fifties in the three matches played so far. Her century (112 against Australia) unlike the other captains came in a losing cause.

Gestetner of Ceylon PLC yesterday said that Hong Kong-based World Elite Ltd. has acquired a controlling 50.01% stake in the company through trades executed in the market.

World Elite purchased more than 1.3 million ordinary shares in Gestetner at Rs. 239.75 per share, amounting to a total consideration of Rs. 318.7 million.

Of the total shares acquired, 1.2 million were purchased from Gestetner (Eastern) Ltd., while the remaining 65,920 shares were bought from the market.

Gestetner of Ceylon PLC operates in the office automation and document solutions sector.

The share closed at Rs. 254 yesterday. The company reported a net asset per share of Rs. 212.60 as at end June 2025.

JF Packaging Ltd., intends to officially announce its Initial Public Offering of Ordinary Voting Shares.

The Investor Forum has been scheduled for 21 October to provide potential investors with an in-depth understanding of the company’s operations, business model, and future growth plans. Investors from across the globe are invited to join the forum via an online video stream, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with the company’s leadership. The company encourages interested parties to join the forum and gain valuable insights into this investment opportunity.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates organised a special gathering on 8 October together with Cinnamon Hotels for the Conference Ambassadors appointed under the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program (SLCAP) UAE Chapter, launched to build on the momentum of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program and to strengthen engagement with the Conference Ambassadors and to discuss the way forward plan.

The UAE chapter of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program (SLCAP) was officially launched in April 2025 by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), and Sri Lankan Airlines.

This initiative was launched highlighting the country’s efforts in promoting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), which is a key pillar of its national tourism development strategy.

With its world-class hotels, modern conference facilities, vibrant culture, and unmatched natural beauty, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of business and leisure for MICE travellers. Sri Lanka is emerging as an ideal destination for international corporate events, incentive tours, and industry conventions combining professional infrastructure with authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.

Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, underscored the importance of MICE tourism for Sri Lanka in the region and extended an appreciation for Cinnamon Hotels for their support in promoting MICE tourism and specially, this initiative launched in the UAE.

He further elaborated the importance of the role vested with the appointed Conference Ambassadors in promoting MICE tourism in Sri Lanka, leveraging their professional experience, networks, and close engagement with key industry stakeholders to attract international events and elevate Sri Lanka’s global standing in the MICE sector. Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Chief Commercial Officer Radhey Tawer highlighted the important role of the appointed Conference Ambassadors and Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Manager Global Alliances and Partnerships Dinika Kumarage also presented the vision behind this initiative, the journey ahead, and the way forward in taking Sri Lanka’s global presence even further. Sri Lankan Airlines Regional Manager (Middle East) Jayantha Abeysinghe and Senior Vice President – Global Alliances and Partnerships of John Keells Leisure and John Keells Group Head of Corporate Affairs Dileep Mudadeniya also attended the gathering.

Sri Lankan professionals appointed as Sri Lanka Conference Ambassadors were awarded with certificates during the meeting held at the premises of the Consulate General office in Dubai.

As part of this initiative, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates hosted a networking reception for the Conference Ambassadors and the senior representatives from the Cinnamon Hotels to have an engaging dialogue with UAE-based travel professionals, corporate planners, and tourism stakeholders to highlight the country’s potential and establish stronger partnerships in the region and to attract high value visitors.

The networking reception was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, including- Industry bodies, Airline partners such as Sri Lankan Airlines, Air Canada. Travel and logistics partners: Alrais Travels, Corporates: Danube Group, influencers, media, and MICE enablers.

The Sri Lanka Golf Ranking Tournament 2025 tees off today (14) at the scenic Victoria Golf Resort in Rajawella, drawing some of the island’s finest golfing talent for four days of top-level competition. Over 40 golfers are set to battle it out at the National Ranking Tournament for October.

The event features a strong line-up of seasoned professionals and emerging stars at this tournament. This tournament will be worked off till 17 October with the cut off taking place after day 2.

Only the top 15 amateurs will qualify for day 3 and 4. This tournament also will serve as a trial to select the long list of Golfers for the Asian Games 2026 which will take place in Japan next year.

The junior golfers will play on 16 and 17 October at the same venue.

Hayleys Fentons Ltd., has announced the launch of Hayleys Mobility, a new venture delivering cutting-edge new-energy vehicle solutions and infrastructure, supporting the country’s transition towards sustainable mobility. This initiative comes in response to the growing demand for cleaner, smarter, and more energy-efficient transportation options among Sri Lankan consumers and businesses.

Through exclusive partnerships with world-renowned automotive brands, Hayleys Mobility introduces a range of New Energy Vehicles, comprising its hybrid and electric models, along with EV charging solutions to develop a cleaner, future-ready transportation ecosystem.

As the exclusive authorised distributor for OMODA and JAECOO and SRM vehicles in Sri Lanka, customers will have access to full manufacturer warranties, certified after-sales support and genuine parts availability. In partnership with StarCharge, a global leader in EV charging infrastructure, Hayleys Mobility will further expand access to reliable and convenient charging solutions across the island.

Backed by over a century of trust and innovation, the venture reflects the Hayleys Group’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and enhancing customer experience. Its brand tagline, ‘Not Many. Just One.’, captures a focus on excellence and distinction within the mobility sector.

The new Hayleys Mobility logo draws inspiration from the strength of the Hayleys identity. The orange accent from Hayleys Fentons signifies agility and energy, while the three forward-sweeping lines represent motion, innovation and a progressive, future-oriented outlook.

Hayleys Fentons Ltd., Managing Director Hasith Prematillake stated: ‘Hayleys Mobility is a strategic evolution of our portfolio. With exclusive access to some of the fastest-growing global automotive brands, we aim to redefine mobility in Sri Lanka through a trusted, future-ready ecosystem built on sustainability and innovation.’

Hayleys Mobility Ltd., Director Roshani Dharmaratne added: ‘Our customers can expect world-class vehicles supported by dependable after-sales service and infrastructure, Hayleys Mobility represents the strength of our portfolio and our vision to lead Sri Lanka’s mobility transformation.’

Hayleys Mobility Ltd., CEO Rajieve M. Fernando said, ‘Our vehicles are designed to deliver unmatched driving pleasure, combining advanced safety measures, convenient features, and innovative technologies. From advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to fast-charging capabilities, every model is designed to make sustainable mobility both accessible and enjoyable.’

Sri Lanka spends billions of rupees annually on fuel imports, with transportation accounting for 33% of the country’s total energy consumption. The adoption of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) presents a significant opportunity, not only to reduce environmental impact but also to conserve valuable foreign exchange, contributing to a more sustainable and economically resilient future.

Hayleys Mobility is driving this change, providing customers not just vehicles, but the chance to explore, experience, and embrace the next era of mobility. Every model in its lineup is delivered with responsibility, transparency, and compliance with government regulations, reflecting a steadfast commitment to innovating with integrity.

Assetline Finance PLC, (AFL), the flagship company under the financial services arm of David Pieris Holdings, celebrated an important expansion milestone recently, with the official opening of the 60th branch in Ja-Ela, emphasising the company’s commitment to deliver accessible customer-centric financial solutions, to Sri Lankan citizens.

The opening was attended by Director and Chief Executive Officer Ashan Nissanka, Chief Operating Officer Mahesh De Silva, Chief Marketing Officer Ajantha Premasiri, Chief Recovery Officer Shiran Weerasinghe, and Channel Management General Manager Sanka Jayampathi in addition to AFL personnel, customers and well-wishers.

The opening of the Ja-Ela branch forms part of AFL’s ongoing branch network expansion program, with an aim of extending the company’s reach into key cities in the country. With this addition, Assetline Finance now operates 60 branches islandwide, supported by over 2,500 touchpoints, making it one of the most accessible financial service providers in Sri Lanka.

Strategically located in the bustling hub of Ja-Ela, the new branch offers customers convenient access to AFL’s full suite of financial products and services, including automotive leasing, auto loans, asset drafts, fixed deposits, solar financing, and specialised lending solutions. Designed with a modern layout and customer-friendly facilities, the branch showcases AFL’s focus on speed, comfort, and personalised service, guaranteeing every customer enjoys a seamless financial experience.

Assetline Finance Director and Chief Executive Officer Ashan Nissanka said, ‘The launch of the 60th branch is a proud moment for Assetline Finance and evidence to the trust and loyalty of all our customers in Sri Lanka. Ja-Ela is a vibrant and fast-growing community, and we are delighted to bring AFL expertise, flexibility, and professionalism closer to the people. The branch expands the AFL network and is a promise to deliver financial solutions empowering individuals, families, and businesses to achieve personal goals.’

The Government’s recent decision to approve an amendment to the Penal Code that seeks to prohibit corporal punishment in all settings is a monumental and long-overdue step. If passed, this legislation will finally bring Sri Lanka into full alignment with international standards, especially the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the country ratified decades ago.

For too long, the spectre of corporal punishment has lingered in our homes, classrooms, and institutions under the guise of ‘discipline.’ While judicial corporal punishment was repealed in 2005, its continued existence in domestic and educational settings exposes children to violence disguised as guidance. The use of the cane in schools remains banned only by ministerial circular, a directive without the full force of law, leaving room for impunity and inconsistency. Meanwhile, within homes, parents and caregivers still legally resort to physical punishment, protected by archaic provisions in the Penal Code that permit the use of ‘reasonable’ force for correction.

The proposed Penal Code (Amendment) Bill seeks to close these loopholes once and for all. It aims to criminalise corporal punishment in every setting, including school, home, or institution, making it clear that no act of violence against a child can be justified in the name of discipline. This change is not merely legal, it is moral, psychological, and deeply cultural. It challenges an entrenched belief that obedience can be beaten into a child.

Those who defend corporal punishment as a tool for discipline are gravely mistaken. While it may enforce short-term compliance, born out of fear rather than respect, it ultimately teaches all the wrong lessons. When a teacher, parent, or caregiver resorts to violence to correct a child, they send a dangerous message that power gives one the right to harm. The child learns submission, not understanding, silence, not self-control and fear, not moral reasoning.

The long-term consequences are devastating. Children who grow up under the shadow of corporal punishment often internalise violence as a legitimate means of control. As adults, they may replicate the same abusive patterns whether toward their own children and their spouses, or others weaker than themselves. The result is a cycle of violence that perpetuates through generations. Studies across the world have consistently shown that corporal punishment increases aggression, anxiety, depression, and antisocial behaviour in children. It does not build character but breaks it.

True discipline is not born of fear but of understanding, empathy, and consistent guidance. Teachers and parents must be empowered with positive, non-violent methods of behaviour management and techniques that build trust and self-esteem rather than resentment and trauma.

This moment is not just about legal reform but an important moment for introspection at a national level. For a country that thrives on violence and intolerance it is a moment to take a kinder path. Corporal punishment is a relic of a darker past, a barbaric and outdated method that has no place in modern educational or home settings. The passage of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill will not only fulfil our international obligations but will also mark a defining moment in our thinking as a society.

The understanding that strength lies not in its power to punish, but in its capacity to nurture will serve Sri Lanka in multiple spheres.

Sri Lankan shuttler Dumindu Abeywickrama will enter the XIV Santo Domingo Open 2025 Badminton Championship with the objective of claiming his fifth international medal, following his success in the international circuit since early September.

Dumindu will begin his campaign on 15 October at Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic at the five-day BWF sanctioned international event, aiming his second gold medal within the recent two months.

Currently positioned at BWF 115, following his epic journey where one of Sri Lanka’s promising in Men’s Singles has already won a Gold, two Silvers and a Bronze medal from four international outings in the Latin American circuit. Dumindu’s performances has helped elevate his ranking level in the world.

Dumindu claimed the Men’s Singles Gold medal at the Guatemala International Challenge 2025 held from 30 September to 5 October in Guatemala, with an impressive record of five straight wins from the start to finish. He recorded a straight win against Mark Shelley of the USA, presently ranked 106 in BWF by 21-18 and 21-13 to secure his first Gold medal in the Latin American circuit, following his two Silvers and a Bronze.

Dumindu’s impressive run in Guatemala justifies his commitment and effort to better his standard among Men’s Singles shuttlers in the world with a few straight wins on his way to win the Gold medal against higher ranked players. Among those who were defeated by Dumindu were Aria Dinata of Croatia (BWF 68) in the semi-final, and Adriano Viale of Peru (BWF 105) in the quarter-final.

He had already reached two finals in Men’s Singles in Colombia and Costa Rica after kicking off his Latin American campaign in Guatemala with a Bronze medal early in September. At the I La Perla Del Otun Future Series 2025, held from 24 to 28 September in Pereira, Colombia. Dumindu steamrolled undefeated with straight wins to reach the final, where he suffered a 2-1 loss after a close battle against USA’s Enrico Asuncion to secure his second Silver medal.

This was after his Silver medal at the Il Costa Rica Future Series 2025 held from 9 to 13 September in San Jose, Costa Rica, where he began to accelerate his playing style. He recorded three back-to-back straight wins before starving off Arthur Wakhevitsch of France by 2-1 and book the berth in the final against Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon, BWF ranked 77, before going down 2-1 and earn the Silver. Incidentally, Cordon pushed Dumindu out in the semi-final at the VLL Guatemala Future Series 2025, held from 7 to 9 September in Guatemala, giving the Sri Lankan his first medal of the tour, a Bronze.

A former student of Royal College, Colombo, Dumindu is presently based in Seattle, USA under renowned badminton coach Rohith Halase Gowda, who guides him during the Latin American competitions, which will be helpful to improve the Sri Lankan No.2 shuttler in world ranking and gain international exposure. Dumindu’s schedule is coordinated by Sri Lanka national coach Yukthi Perera under the Development Program by Sri Lanka Badminton.