Category: Daily Financial Times

Trinity College awarded Rugby Lions and Colours to its outstanding rugby team, which ended the season as League and Knockout champions while also regaining the Bradby Shield this year.

Lions were awarded to Udan Wijekoon, Hamza Abdeen, Achintha Jayasena, Minula Yaddehige, Maduranga de Silva, Dimath Ambepitiya, Kevin Weerakoon, Akash Fernando, Sadeesha Weerawansa and Rithika Weragama.

Colours were awarded to Evin Jayasena, Abdul Malik, Mukshidh Shiyam, Amher Faizal, Samash Rodrigo, Matheesha Jayasingha, Prathiv Yainna, Misala Perera, Bilal Naizer, Vihanga Vithanage and Yasan Kavsidu.

Skipper Shan Althaf and Nisith Kumarasinghe had already received their Lions in 2025.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific Regional Director Kanni Wignaraja – Pic by Lasantha Kumara

Sri Lankan-born Kanni Wignaraja, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, was in Sri Lanka on a two-day mission at a pivotal moment in the country’s recovery journey.

Bringing more than three decades of leadership experience across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Geneva and New York, Wignaraja met with Government leaders, development partners, the private sector and other key stakeholders to discuss Sri Lanka’s next phase of economic transformation and long-term resilience.

During her visit, UNDP also shared its latest policy brief, ‘Redefining Resilience in an Era of Compound Shocks,’ which examines how countries can strengthen resilience amid overlapping economic, climate and geopolitical crises.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily FT, Wignaraja drew on both her global development expertise and her deep personal connection to Sri Lanka, reflecting on the country’s remarkable economic stabilisation, the reforms needed to accelerate inclusive growth, the importance of governance and institutional strengthening, climate resilience, development financing, and the critical role of partnerships in positioning Sri Lanka for sustainable prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world.

Below are excerpts of the interview:

By Charumini de Silva

Q: Sri Lanka restored macroeconomic stability after an unprecedented economic crisis. From UNDP’s perspective, what should be the country’s next priorities to ensure this recovery translates into sustainable, inclusive growth?

A: Stabilisation is never a destination; it is an ongoing process. You can never take your eyes off macroeconomic stability because maintaining it is essential, particularly to continue sending positive signals to international markets and attract healthy financing. The next question is: how do you expand the economic pie? At this stage of development, countries across Asia and the Pacific have shown that sustained growth of around 5-7% is important. But it cannot be just any growth, it has to be inclusive. I like the way you framed the question because it highlights two critical issues. First, growth must carry as many people as possible. In Sri Lanka’s case, nearly half of GDP comes from small and medium-sized enterprises, so ensuring that SMEs remain healthy and continue to grow is fundamental. The second issue is inclusivity. Frankly, I expected that by now Sri Lanka would have achieved higher female labour force participation, stronger labour productivity and a more competitive agricultural sector.

Stabilisation is never a destination; it is an ongoing process. You can never take your eyes off macroeconomic stability because maintaining it is essential, particularly to continue sending positive signals to international markets and attract healthy financing

Agriculture still supports a significant share of the population, yet there is considerable room to modernise the sector and improve productivity. These are areas that require continued and perhaps renewed investment; modernising agriculture, upgrading skills and preparing the workforce for a more competitive future. Another important consideration is scale. We may think of ourselves as a large island of 22 million people, but from a global investor’s perspective, Sri Lanka is a relatively small market. Investors increasingly look at regional opportunities rather than individual countries. That is why Sri Lanka’s location is such a strategic advantage. Positioned in the Indian Ocean, the country can become part of broader regional value chains connecting India and South Asia with Southeast Asia. Whether in services, manufacturing or value-added agriculture, integrating into these regional production networks offers tremendous potential for more sustainable and inclusive growth.

Q: What distinguishes Sri Lanka’s recovery story, and where do you see the country’s greatest untapped potential?

A: Sri Lanka’s recovery has been astounding. When you consider the succession of multiple shocks the country has endured from COVID-19 and the economic crisis to Cyclone Ditwah and the conflict in the Middle East, which affected energy markets, the fact that the country has managed to regain stability and build a positive economic narrative is something that deserves recognition. The challenge now is how to move beyond stabilisation. We cannot remain at this stage indefinitely. Recovery must now accelerate because new external shocks continue to emerge. One message that has consistently come up in my discussions with both national and international partners is, implementation must be faster. We need to reduce bureaucratic layers, simplify procedures and shorten the time it takes to deliver results, particularly in priority sectors. The second priority is reducing the cost of living. Regardless of broader economic improvements, households, especially poorer families judge recovery by whether everyday expenses become more affordable. UNDP’s analysis shows three major expenditure items. The first is the cost of electricity. Sri Lanka has significant hydropower and solar potential. Expanding renewable energy would strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuel and lower electricity costs. The second is the cost of food. Sri Lanka remains heavily dependent on imported chemical fertiliser, a vulnerability exposed by global disruptions. Transitioning towards a balanced mix of locally produced chemical fertiliser and organic alternatives will take time, perhaps two to three years. However, it is an important long-term investment because it can improve agricultural resilience and help reduce food costs. The third is the cost of transport. Beyond fuel prices, Sri Lanka should accelerate the transition towards electric mobility. Across China, Southeast Asia and India electric vehicles, including public transport are becoming increasingly common. If managed properly with prudent regulations, this transition can reduce transport costs, lower air pollution and improve public health. Together, these measures can make a meaningful difference to household living costs, whilst strengthening long-term economic resilience.

Q: How is UNDP reshaping its support to Sri Lanka, and what will be the key priority sectors?

A: UNDP is now beginning the design of its next five-year Country Program, which will be presented to our Executive Board for approval next August. The priorities we are discussing with the Government include energy security, water security, employment and financing. Jobs will be a particularly important focus. Sri Lanka faces a difficult challenge as many young people are leaving to work overseas. While migration brings income, skills and international exposure, it also creates a void within the domestic labour market, particularly among skilled young workers in the middle management level. The challenge is twofold. First, how do you encourage people to return and contribute to a country that invested in their free education? Second, while they are abroad, how do you fill the resulting skills gap? That requires continuous reskilling, retraining and in some cases, attracting talent from elsewhere. Sri Lanka is not alone in facing this challenge. Many countries are experimenting with different approaches to managing migration. Personally, I believe a circular model works best where people leave, gain skills and experience, then return to invest, innovate and contribute before perhaps going abroad again. This becomes even more important because Sri Lanka has an ageing population. Although the country is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, many people do not yet experience that level of prosperity in their daily lives. The objective must therefore be to become more prosperous before the demographic burden grows significantly older. Otherwise, pressures on pensions, healthcare and social protection will continue to increase. Climate action will remain another major pillar of UNDP’s work, alongside governance reforms and broader economic reforms that underpin all these priorities. The program will be developed through an extensive nationwide consultation process. UNDP has been in Sri Lanka since the 1960s, so this is not a new conversation. But we constantly ask ourselves whether our support remains relevant to the country’s future needs.

Although the country is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, many people do not yet experience that level of prosperity in their daily lives. The objective must therefore be to become more prosperous before the demographic burden grows significantly older. Otherwise, pressures on pensions, healthcare and social protection will continue to increase

Q: How can stronger partnerships between Government, businesses and development agencies boost investment, innovation, job creation and better align with the SDGs while remaining competitive?

A: The old argument that countries must choose between sustainability and economic growth or between pursuing the SDGs and making profits, has largely been disproven. Technology has advanced. Science has advanced. The evidence is now very clear. So, the countries performing best in our region are successfully doing both. A strong private sector is indispensable. No country can achieve broad-based prosperity without the contribution of a very robust and positive private sector. But the private sector must also operate responsibly and in the public interest. I have never seen those two objectives as contradictory. Responsible businesses are essential for achieving 6-7% economic growth, creating quality jobs, driving innovation, strengthening competitiveness and attracting FDIs. The Government’s role is equally important. It must provide the right regulatory framework, uphold quality standards, minimise corruption and reduce the cost of doing business. If Sri Lanka succeeds in doing that, it will become increasingly attractive not only to domestic investors, but also to international businesses seeking long-term investment opportunities.

Q: Development financing is becoming increasingly constrained globally. How should countries like Sri Lanka diversify financing beyond traditional development assistance?

A: Once countries reach upper-middle-income status, access to traditional Official Development Assistance (ODA) naturally declines. ODA fell by like 24% in 2025 and that’s going to only drop even a third more going into 2026 and next year. As a result, traditional aid will increasingly serve as catalytic financing leveraging much larger sources of investment rather than acting as the primary source of funding. Some of the ways in which Sri Lanka can benefit is by still having very good negotiated deals with the multilateral banks. Sri Lanka is well positioned to attract financing because it has maintained a strong IMF-supported reform program. Continued implementation of those reforms sends a positive signal to international financial institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Climate finance presents another major opportunity. Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, and climate vulnerability, not just GDP should increasingly determine access to financing. I think we need a bigger voice on the climate stage to say this is something, whether it’s the biodiversity funds, the loss and damage fund, etc. The country also possesses extraordinary natural assets, both on land and at sea. We often talk about ‘putting nature on the balance sheet.’ If these ecosystems are properly valued and protected, they can unlock innovative financing instruments, including nature-based bonds, debt-for-nature swaps and biodiversity financing. Insurance is another area with considerable potential from crop insurance to health insurance and parametric insurance, which remains underdeveloped. South-South financing is also becoming increasingly important. Ultimately, the issue is not whether financing exists. The issue is ensuring that financing is purpose-driven. Countries should not borrow simply because funding is available. They should first identify the desired outcomes and then determine the most appropriate mix of financing to achieve them.

Q: What should be Sri Lanka’s priorities for climate resilience, and how can climate financing be mobilised more effectively?

A: Climate finance is highly competitive. Sri Lanka therefore needs to understand which climate financing mechanisms best align with its own priorities and strengths. For example, biodiversity conservation offers major opportunities. Sri Lanka has exceptional biodiversity, including coral reefs, mangrove ecosystems and coastal habitats. There is substantial international financing available for restoring and protecting these ecosystems. The key is understanding what financing instruments exist, identifying where Sri Lanka has comparative advantages and then packaging strong, evidence-based proposals that align national priorities with available climate funds.

Ultimately, the issue is not whether financing exists. The issue is ensuring that financing is purpose-driven. Countries should not borrow simply because funding is available. They should first identify the desired outcomes and then determine the most appropriate mix of financing to achieve them

Q: Governance has become a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s reform program. How critical are institutional reforms, transparency and public sector reforms?

A: They are fundamental because they build trust. Trust matters not only for investors, but also for citizens. Reforms of this scale take time, and people are generally willing to give Governments that time, provided institutions remain transparent and accountable. Citizens need to understand what is being delivered, what cannot yet be delivered and why. Communication is therefore extremely important. Many political leaders communicate actively during election campaigns, but become much less visible once they enter Government because governing itself is so demanding. However, communication cannot stop. Leaders need to continue engaging with people, listening to concerns and explaining decisions. That communication can happen through television, radio, community meetings, digital platforms or social media. Different audiences require different approaches. It is critical that the Government carve out some time to still feel the pulse of people, engage and communicate at very local levels. Younger generations can get impatient and expect rapid access to information. Thus, the Governments should never assume that people will simply wait patiently without regular communication.

Building lasting prosperity requires recognising the past, supporting reconciliation and ensuring that every community feels included in the country’s future. If Sri Lanka can combine sound economic management with genuine social healing, then its prospects extend well beyond the next five years. The country’s potential over the next decade and indeed the next half-century, is truly remarkable

Q: How do you assess Sri Lanka’s economic outlook over the next three to five years? What are the biggest risks, and if you had to recommend three priorities, what would they be?

A: The overall trajectory is encouraging. Internationally, Sri Lanka now has a much more positive narrative. The challenge is ensuring that this positive narrative translates into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives by lower living costs, better healthcare, improved nutrition and education that leads to quality employment. Three priorities stand out. First, continue strengthening governance by rooting out corruption and tackling both domestic and transnational crime. These undermine confidence, institutions and ultimately national sovereignty. Second, achieve energy and water security. If, five years from now, Sri Lanka can confidently say it has secured both, that will represent a major milestone for long-term resilience. Third, continue the country’s healing process. Sri Lanka experienced decades of civil conflict and societies do not heal overnight. Different communities carry different traumas, and many members of the diaspora left under painful circumstances. Yet the diaspora also represents an enormous asset, bringing skills, investment, technology and international networks. Building lasting prosperity requires recognising the past, supporting reconciliation and ensuring that every community feels included in the country’s future. If Sri Lanka can combine sound economic management with genuine social healing, then its prospects extend well beyond the next five years. The country’s potential over the next decade and indeed the next half-century, is truly remarkable.

Syntetica, the French deep tech company advancing technology to recycle complex textile waste, has announced a $ 30 million Series A funding round from heavyweight tech investors and trusted apparel brands.

The round was led by the Ecotechnologies 2 fund, managed on behalf of the French Government by Bpifrance (French public investment bank), with participation from SWEN Capital Partners, lululemon, MAS Holdings, existing investor EQT Ventures, and the family offices of Peugeot, Etam, and Indorama Venture’s largest shareholder. The new round also includes support from public institutions including Bpifrance and the European Innovation Council.

Syntetica has developed a proprietary solution capable of recycling both Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 from mixed textile waste in a single process. The need to identify and separate different nylon types has been one of the biggest technical barriers to recycling post-consumer nylon at scale.

According to Textile Exchange’s Materials Market Report, global nylon production reached around 7 million tonnes in 2024. Despite growing demand for circular materials, recycled nylon still accounts for only around 2% of the total nylon market because of the technical challenges involved in recycling post-consumer textiles. More than 80% of textiles discarded by households are currently incinerated, landfilled, or abandoned in the environment, underlining the need for technologies that can increase the recovery of valuable materials from complex textile waste.

Syntetica’s technology overcomes one of the main hurdles to increased recycling, making it possible to process more of the nylon waste that arises from the apparel industry. The company is already working with brands including Victoria’s Secret and Etam, alongside a growing number of global apparel companies, as demand for scalable circular materials continues to grow.

The funding will support the planned construction of Syntetica’s first commercial demonstration facility in France, bringing the technology from laboratory scale to industrial production, targeting the processing of hundreds of tonnes of textile waste each year. The demo plant will be developed through the company’s partnership with Michelin’s Centre for Sustainable Materials in Clermont-Ferrand.

The investment comes as brands, manufacturers, and policymakers seek new ways to reduce waste and strengthen material supply chains. Unlike most recycling technologies, which focus on clean production waste, Syntetica’s process is designed for post-consumer textiles, which account for around 80% of textile waste and represent one of the industry’s largest untapped recycling opportunities.

For Syntetica, this creates an opportunity to build new industrial supply chains around materials that already exist within Europe, reducing reliance on imported fossil-derived resources while supporting new manufacturing capacity across the region. While nylon remains its initial focus, Syntetica plans to expand its technology platform into additional materials and applications over time, including opportunities across textiles, automotive, and speciality chemicals.

The company is backed by French and European public funds, including Bpifrance and the European Innovation Council, as governments look to strengthen industrial capabilities around strategic materials and waste processing.

Syntetica Co-Founder/CEO Marco Bertone said: ‘For decades, mixed nylon waste has been considered too complex and too expensive to recycle at scale. We have shown that it is possible to recover high-value materials from the waste streams the industry has historically written off. This funding allows us to move from breakthrough chemistry to industrial reality and accelerate the transition to more circular materials.’

Bpifrance Green Venture Investment Director Alexandre Wagner said: ‘Syntetica has developed a differentiated technology that addresses one of the textile industry’s most complex recycling challenges. We are pleased to support the company’s next phase of growth as it scales its technology and manufacturing capabilities in France, which is in line with our investment strategy.’

MAS Holdings Group Innovation Director Sid Amalean said: ‘Recycling technology succeeds when brand commitment, manufacturing partnership, and industrial scale-up expertise all converge – and Syntetica is one of the few ventures in this space that has brought all of these together. We’re excited to support Syntetica to scale their technology by leveraging MAS’ apparel manufacturing expertise. We see this investment as a strategic move for the industry as a whole.’

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is targeting a record $ 19 billion in export earnings this year after generating nearly $ 9 billion during the first half of 2026, while setting its sights on doubling export revenue to $ 36 billion by 2030 under a new national strategy.

Speaking to the media on marking the EDB’s 47th anniversary yesterday, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said the Board remained committed to transforming Sri Lanka into a globally competitive export hub by expanding into new industries, strengthening value-added exports and increasing the contribution of exports to the national economy.

Established under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act, No. 40 of 1979, the EDB has spearheaded the country’s export promotion efforts for nearly five decades, helping Sri Lankan products and services gain access to international markets.

Wijesinghe said the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), launched on 16 June, provides the roadmap to increase annual export earnings to $ 36 billion by 2030, comprising $ 27 billion from merchandise exports and $ 8 billion from services exports.

He noted that the strategy marks a shift away from reliance on traditional export products by promoting innovation and diversification across high-potential industries.

Wijesinghe added that eight emerging sectors have been identified as new growth engines under the plan, with electronics, food and beverages, information technology (IT), and logistics already demonstrating encouraging momentum.

The EDB also aims to increase the export sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25% while raising the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to 25%, broadening participation in export-led growth.

As part of efforts to accelerate export and investment promotion, the EDB will revive Sri Lanka Expo after a 15-year hiatus.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place from 14 to 17 January 2027 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and is expected to become the country’s largest export promotion event in over a decade.

Over 1,500 international buyers are expected to participate, while 650 exporters will be selected from over 1,100 registered applicants to showcase Sri Lankan products and services.

Recognising the importance of SMEs in export development, over 200 exhibition stalls will be dedicated exclusively to smaller enterprises, providing them with direct exposure to international buyers.

The event will also feature what the EDB describes as Sri Lanka’s largest-ever Investor Forum on 15 January 2027, organised jointly with the Board of Investment (BOI), the Tourism Ministry, and Port City Colombo, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) alongside export opportunities.

Wijesinghe said these initiatives reflect the EDB’s long-term commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness, diversifying foreign exchange earnings and positioning exports as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has relocated its Badulla Branch to a new, modern premises as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing customer convenience and strengthening its presence across Sri Lanka. Effective from 16 July 2026, the branch now operates from No. 53, Udayaraja Mawatha, Badulla, having relocated from its previous premises at No. 377, Viharagoda, Badulla.

Serving the Badulla community since 10 April 2014, the branch has played an important role in delivering customer-focused financial services while supporting the economic aspirations of individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the region. The relocation reflects SDF’s continued investment in improving customer experience through upgraded infrastructure and strategically positioned service locations.

The new branch has been designed to provide customers with a more comfortable and efficient banking environment. Featuring a spacious customer service area and a modern interior, the relocated premises offer greater convenience while ensuring a more welcoming and professional experience for customers seeking financial assistance and advisory services.

Situated closer to a key customer hub within Badulla, the new location improves accessibility for existing and prospective customers, making it easier to engage with SDF’s customer service team. The relocation further reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering accessible, customer-centric financial solutions while supporting the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

The branch was officially declared open at a ceremony held on 16 July 2026 at 11.00 a.m., with CEO Nilantha Jayanetti officiating as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by company officials, staff members, customers, and invited guests, marking another milestone in SDF’s branch network expansion and service enhancement journey.

Commenting on the occasion, Jayanetti said: ‘The relocation of our Badulla Branch reflects our continued commitment to providing customers with greater accessibility, enhanced service standards, and a more convenient banking experience. As we continue to strengthen our presence across Sri Lanka, we remain focused on delivering responsible and inclusive financial solutions that support the growth of individuals, entrepreneurs, and local communities.’

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC continues to expand and strengthen its nationwide footprint by investing in customer-focused infrastructure and service excellence. Through a growing network of branches and a commitment to responsible financial practices, SDF remains dedicated to empowering communities, supporting sustainable economic development, and creating long-term value for customers across the country.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a 100% State-owned public limited company to oversee the management, operations, and development of the country’s multimodal transport hubs.

The move is part of its efforts to create a more efficient, integrated, and user-friendly public transport system.

The new entity will be created in accordance with the provisions of the Public Financial Management Act, No. 44 of 2024 and will be a Treasury Ltd., (Public) Company directly controlled by the Transport Ministry.

The decision follows Cabinet discussions held on 29 December 2025, during which the need for a permanent institutional framework to coordinate the operation, administration, standardisation, business development, and national-level policy planning of the transport hubs was identified.

The Government has identified multimodal transport hubs as a key solution to improving connectivity between buses, trains, taxis, and other modes of transport, enabling smoother passenger transfers and better integration across the national transport network.

At present, the Makumbura and Kadawatha multimodal transport hubs are operational, while construction is ongoing at the Anuradhapura (South) and Kandy hubs.

‘Following consultations involving officials from the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry, the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry, and other relevant State departments, it was recommended that a public limited company, fully owned and controlled by the General Treasury, be established under the Ministry in charge of transport,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing last week.

He said it is a priority objective of the Government to make the urban and inter-urban passenger transport system in Sri Lanka more efficient, integrated and user-friendly.

‘The move has now paved the way for this dedicated State-run institution to oversee the operation and future expansion of the country’s integrated transport hub network,’ he added.

Asia Asset Finance PLC will convert 41,398,511 convertible irredeemable five-year preference shares into 53,348,596 ordinary voting shares on 10 August, upon the completion of the five-year term from 11 August 2021, the company announced.

The company said the conversion will be carried out at the previously announced conversion price of Rs. 7.76 per ordinary share. Letters will be sent to holders of the preference shares confirming the number of ordinary voting shares deemed converted in their names.

The company said the last date for trading in the preference shares will be 6 August, with trading to be suspended from 7 August.

The 53,348,596 new ordinary voting shares are scheduled to be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange on 16 September, with trading in the deemed converted ordinary voting shares to commence on the same date.

The preference shares opened Monday Rs. 4.90 up at Rs.66.90 each while the ordinary share was up 20 cents at Rs. 52.40.

As of 30 June, 2026 Asia Asset Finance parent company Muthoot Finance Ltd., held 95.87% of the preference shares followed by J.B. Cocoshell Ltd., at 3.3%. Muthoot Finance held a 72.92% stake in ordinary shares, followed by J.B. Cocoshell Lt., at 5.55%, C. Dissanayake 2.26% and H.S. Dissanayake 1.28%.

The Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship 2026 qualifying round at the Royal Colombo Golf Club concluded with several outstanding performances across all age groups.

Kaya Daluwatte and Reshan Algama topped the prestigious Gold Division, while Udeera Bandara, Genuli Weerakoon, Jaeden Sathasivam and Hesandi Gayansa also finished as the leading qualifiers in their respective divisions.

Players who made the cut in each segment:

Gold Division Girls: Kaya Daluwatte, Mellvinna Nair Presanth, Deepika Ganesan, Keya Abhayaratne, Aaraadhi Samararathne, Ella Kathryn Thompson, Katie Norton and Aditi Iddamalgoda.

Gold Division Boys: Reshan Algama, Jacob Norton, Kaiyan Johnpillai, Jevahn Sathasivam, Lavidu Premarathna, Adhithya Weerasinghe, Varun Fernando and Thangadorai Deshan.

Silver Division Girls: No cut was applied. All 10 players progressed.

Silver Division Boys: Udeera Bandara, Mohamad Fahrain Fadzlidham, Vihanga Nimsara Liyanage, Danik Daluwatte, Yogaraja Abhinesh, Ovindu Ekanayake, Kushmika Sandinu Premaratne and Lohas.

Bronze Division Girls: No cut was applied. All 8 players progressed.

Bronze Division Boys: Jaeden Sathasivam, Yuvan Rathiskanth, Prabagaran Thuwakaran, W. Dhyana Anusara Perera, Shashidu Amarasinghe, Aqeel Hussain, Mihin Randira Liyanage and S.A. Rehan Liyon.

Copper Division Girls: All three competitors qualified – Dinara Perera, Kyra Cader and S.A. Raya Liyasha.

Copper Division Boys: Abiman Abeywardhana, Usara Nugegoda, Thisura Premarathna, Dihein Witharana, Rahein Manatunga, Kenuka Herath, Vallen Menezes and Bawaneethan Aniruth. – (SJ)

Sri Lanka’s historic Commonwealth Games javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has been hailed as the country’s newest sporting standard-bearer after his Gold medal victory, with former national cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara describing the achievement as ‘an incredible and proud day for Sri Lanka’.

The 23-year-old’s victory has renewed attention on one of Sri Lanka’s most significant achievements in international athletics, ending a 20-year wait for a Commonwealth Games Gold medal while underlining the country’s emergence as a contender in a discipline traditionally dominated by larger sporting nations.

‘Incredible and proud day for Sri Lanka,’ Sangakkara wrote on X, joining widespread tributes following Pathirage’s victory in Glasgow.

Pathirage became only the fifth Sri Lankan to win Commonwealth Games Gold after producing a championship-winning throw of 89.75 metres with his second attempt in the men’s javelin final at Scotstoun Stadium.

Although he registered five fouls during the competition, his solitary legal throw proved sufficient to secure the title ahead of India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who claimed silver with a best throw of 85.83 m. India’s Yash Vir Singh took bronze with a personal-best 85.41 m.

The result also left 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medallist Anderson Peters of Grenada outside the medals in fourth place with 83.88 m, while reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan finished ninth with 77.41 m.

The victory ended Sri Lanka’s longest Commonwealth Games gold medal drought since weightlifter Chinthana Vidanage won the men’s 62 kg title at the 2006 Melbourne Games.

Pathirage’s success has also highlighted an unconventional sporting journey.

Initially identified as a promising fast bowler, he was clocked at 134 km/h while representing Sri Lanka at Under-18 level before switching to athletics under Coach Tony Prasanna, a move he has credited with transforming his career.

The transition has now produced one of Sri Lanka’s biggest athletics successes, with Pathirage defeating one of the strongest javelin fields assembled outside the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Despite missing the automatic qualifying standard of 84 m in the preliminary round, Pathirage advanced to the final after topping the qualifiers with a best throw of 82.84 m before producing his career-defining performance.

Speaking after the event, Pathirage said winning Sri Lanka’s first Commonwealth Games javelin title represented the proudest moment of his career.

‘I’m incredibly happy to bring the first javelin Gold medal to Sri Lanka,’ he said.

‘Bringing this Gold medal means everything to me, and I’m proud to hear our national anthem played as I stood on the podium for Sri Lanka.’

He said difficult weather conditions in Glasgow made the competition challenging, but he remained focused on his own performance rather than his rivals.

‘To be very honest, the weather conditions were very tough for us. But I tried to throw my own distance rather than trying to match other people’s distances.’

Pathirage’s victory has added a new chapter to Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games history, with his success marking both the country’s return to the top of the podium after two decades and the arrival of a new athletics champion whose sporting career began on the cricket field rather than the throwing circle.

DFCC Bank PLC yesterday said that it has completed its acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka’s wealth and retail banking business.

Approximately 50,000 customers, together with colleagues from the business, have now joined DFCC Bank, it said.

The transaction includes customer relationships across Priority Banking, credit cards, retail lending, deposits, wealth management, and small and medium enterprise (SME) portfolios, together with selected operating assets. It strengthens DFCC Bank’s retail, wealth management, and SME capabilities, while expanding the scale and reach of these businesses.

For customers, the transition has been planned around continuity. Months of detailed preparation and close collaboration across both organisations have enabled customers to retain many of the banking arrangements, relationships, and services they use every day. Their existing Standard Chartered account numbers remain usable alongside their new DFCC Bank account numbers, while their existing credit and debit cards, card PINs, standing instructions, direct debits, and recurring payment arrangements continue as before.

Saved payees and beneficiaries have also been migrated to the bank’s digital banking platforms, DFCC ONE and DFCC iConnect, removing one of the most common inconveniences associated with changing banks. Customers with existing branch and Relationship Manager arrangements can continue banking through the same branches and same Relationship Managers.

Customers who have joined DFCC Bank now have access to the bank’s wider range of personal banking, wealth management, SME, card, and lending solutions. They are supported by DFCC Bank’s islandwide network of over 130 branches, access to more than 5,000 ATMs through the LankaPay network, DFCC ONE, DFCC iConnect, and dedicated customer service channels.

Eligible customers will also have access to DFCC Pinnacle, the bank’s premium banking proposition.

The acquisition is an important step in DFCC Bank’s long-term strategy to expand its retail and wealth management franchise, strengthen its SME business, and broaden its ability to serve customers across Sri Lanka.

DFCC Bank CEO Thimal Perera said: ‘From the very beginning, our focus has been on making this transition as seamless and familiar as possible for customers. Behind that experience has been an exceptionally complex technology program, supported by months of detailed planning, close collaboration, and an extraordinary effort by teams across both organisations. Success meant ensuring that customers experienced as little of that complexity as possible. Their existing Standard Chartered account numbers remain usable alongside their new DFCC Bank account numbers. They can continue using the same credit and debit cards and the same card PINs, while their standing instructions, direct debits, recurring payments, instalment arrangements, and other everyday banking arrangements continue as before.’

He added: ‘We have also transferred their saved payees and beneficiaries to our digital banking platforms, removing one of the most common inconveniences customers face when changing banks. Customers with existing branch and Relationship Manager arrangements can continue banking through the same branches and with the Relationship Managers they already know and trust. I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues at DFCC Bank and our colleagues at Standard Chartered Bank, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, our technology and implementation partners, and everyone whose expertise and commitment made this possible. It is an honour to welcome our new customers and colleagues to DFCC Bank. We look forward to earning their trust and supporting them through every stage of their financial lives.’

Standard Chartered Sri Lanka CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri said: ‘This transition reflects a strategic decision in line with Standard Chartered Group’s global strategy, to focus our resources in areas where we have the necessary scale and most distinctive proposition. We are grateful to our clients for the trust they have placed in us over the years, and to our colleagues for their professionalism and commitment throughout this transition. We extend our best wishes to our clients and staff who have moved to DFCC Bank, and wish them every success for the future.’