Category: Daily Financial Times

DAMBULLA: Defending champions Jaffna Kings lifted themselves from the bottom of the table when they beat Kandy Royals by a thumping margin of 93 runs in the first of two Lanka Premier League (LPL) matches played at the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium yesterday. The result left Kandy Royals at the bottom with two wins from six matches.

After the Jaffna Kings top order had gone hammer and tongs at the Kandy Royals’ bowling to post an above-par score of 199-4, the reply was rather poor as Kandy Royals folded up meekly for 106. In the circumstances, Lahiru Udara’s contribution of 54 off 51 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes) stood out like a beacon in Kandy Royals’ disappointed scorecard, where only two batsmen got into double figures. Seamer Mohamed Shiraz and spinner Dunith Wellalage helped themselves to some easy pickings, sharing six wickets between them.

Player of the Match Kamil Mishara (78 off 53 balls, 6 fours, 4 sixes) and Avishka Fernando (66 off 36 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes) gave Jaffna Kings the platform to reach their final score with an opening stand of 129 off 77 balls. Towhid Hridoy (35* off 21) helped put the finishing touches to the innings.

At one point, Jaffna Kings looked set to post a score in excess of 200, but thanks to the Kandy Royals pacers, especially Shahin Shah Afridi, pulled things back slightly. Afridi returned figures of 3/27 and stemmed the flow of runs at the death. Nuwan Thushara, Moeen Ali, and Dushan Hemantha all went for plenty.

The players wore black armbands during the match as a mark of respect to former Sri Lanka Cricket President Upali Dharmadasa, who passed away on Saturday. – [ST]

When great personalities pass on, it is almost customary to say ‘there will never be anyone like him, ever.’ They are versions of the famous line uttered by Mark Antony in Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’: Here was a Caesar, when comes such another?’ The lives great people live make them seem even more enormous at death, probably on account of the vacuum their passing creates. Grief allows for exaggeration. We convince ourselves and our words convince others.

When Killi Rajamahendran(or Killi Maharaja as he was better known) left us suddenly five years ago, I wrote, ‘Killi will loom even larger in death than in life.’ Although it came straight from the heart, it may have been read as grief-inspired exaggeration. The passing of years reduces the stature of the departed to more sober, accurate and believable dimensions. But when, five years later, the words and sentiments can be repeated with as much conviction, it is not as easy to dismiss. Indeed, if anything, I understated it.

Time has an uncanny way of separating achievement from legacy. Success belongs to the present. Legacy belongs to history. It is only with the passing of time that we begin to appreciate not just what a person built, but how they made people feel and how deeply they touched the lives around them.

People remember him for building one of Sri Lanka’s most influential media organisations, for changing the country’s broadcasting landscape and for never being afraid to challenge the status quo. Those are accomplishments that history will record. But those of us who had the privilege of knowing him remember something else. A friend, simply put.

Even Killi’s fiercest critics, and there were many, would struggle to disagree with one simple truth. If Killi called you a friend, there was almost nothing he would not do for you. When others walked away, Killi had an extraordinary habit of walking towards you. His loyalty knew no halfway mark.

When he decided to stand by someone, there were no limits. That was simply who he was.

He hated seeing people unhappy. He could not bear to see someone cry. Beneath the larger than life personality, beneath the bravado and the formidable businessman was a remarkably soft hearted human being.

Killi had a temper. But it was like opening a bottle of soda. There would be a loud fizz for a few moments and then everything would settle down again as though nothing had happened. Most importantly, there was never even an iota of malice.

And then there was one phrase that anyone who knew him well would instantly recognise.

‘Just keep quiet, men.’

He never said it in anger. More often than not, it came with a smile or a mischievous grin. It was simply Killi’s way of saying, ‘I have heard enough,’ or ‘Let’s move on.’ It rarely ended the conversation. More often, it merely postponed the argument until the evening over a drink, or until one of his famous early morning text messages landed on your phone.

Some of my happiest memories are the days I spent with him at his home in London and his apartment in Chennai. They were not grand occasions. We laughed, argued, disagreed, shared a drink and solved the world’s problems, only to disagree all over again the next day.

Killi loved life. He enjoyed good company, spirited conversations and friendships that could survive the fiercest disagreements. Like every genuine friendship, ours was not without its difficult moments. We argued. We occasionally irritated each other. There were times we strongly disagreed. Yet, when it truly mattered, he stood by me. That is something I will never forget.

He loved Sirasa, not merely as a business, but as family. He cared deeply about the people who worked there and took immense pride in what they achieved together. He loved his friends with remarkable generosity and above everything else, he loved his family.

Five years on, what I miss are not the big moments but the ordinary ones, the evening drinks, the early morning text messages, the arguments, the laughter and the occasional disagreement. Friendships are often remembered through those small rituals and ours was no different. They are memories I will always cherish.

Sri Lanka has produced many successful businessmen. It has produced very few personalities like Killi Maharaja. He was colourful, impulsive, fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, occasionally impossible, often infuriating and always unforgettable.

Looking back today, I realise that the greatest tribute one can pay him is not to remember the businessman he was but the friend he chose to be.

Five years ago, I wrote that he would loom even larger in death than in life. Today, that is no longer simply an expression of grief. It is a statement of fact.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa yesterday said any proposal to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges should be approved by the public through a referendum.

Addressing a public gathering, Rajapaksa claimed the Government had lost the confidence of the people by failing to deliver on its election promises while imposing an unfair tax burden amid the rising cost of living.

He alleged that farmers, fishermen, students, businesses, and investors were facing increasing difficulties due to fertiliser shortages, rising food prices, higher taxes, and increasing utility costs.

Rajapaksa also criticised the Government’s handling of crime, claiming organised criminal activity continued despite repeated assurances from authorities. He further alleged that delays in forensic reports and Court proceedings had contributed to prison overcrowding.

Referring to the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, Rajapaksa claimed the Government was giving priority to the proposal despite opposition from members of the legal and judicial fraternity.

He said that if the Government regarded the proposal as a national priority, it should seek the approval of the people through a referendum.

Rajapaksa also called on supporters to strengthen the SLPP at the grassroots level, saying the party aimed to build a modern political movement capable of meeting the aspirations of the country’s younger generation.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, trade realignments and economic uncertainty, the CMA Sri Lanka National Management Accounting Conference 2026 brought together policymakers, global accounting leaders, academics and business professionals at Cinnamon Life, Colombo last week to examine how management accounting can help organisations navigate crises, build resilience and achieve sustainable growth.

Held under the theme ‘Crisis, Stability, and Growth: A Management Accounting Lens,’ the two-day conference highlighted the evolving role of management accountants as strategic advisers who support decision-making, innovation and long-term economic resilience.

CMA Sri Lanka Founder and President Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, welcomed delegates and said the world is undergoing unprecedented change, making strategic financial leadership more important than ever.

He noted that organisations across the globe are facing growing uncertainty as geopolitical developments, changing trade patterns and economic volatility continue to reshape the business environment.

‘We are witnessing significant changes on the global stage that have created uncertainty and confusion. Many developments have unfolded differently from what we anticipated, requiring organisations to rethink their strategies and adapt to new realities,’ he said.

Prof. Watawala said the conference theme reflects the growing relevance of management accounting in helping organisations successfully navigate challenging times.

‘Our theme, ‘Crisis, Stability, and Growth: A Management Accounting Lens,’ is timely and relevant. Management accounting provides organisations with the insights, discipline and strategic direction needed to overcome crises, create stability and achieve sustainable growth,’ he said.

The Chief Guest Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, said strong financial governance, accountability and professional management accounting are essential to sustaining Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term growth. She commended CMA Sri Lanka for awarding 100 scholarships to public sector officers, describing the initiative as a valuable investment in building a more skilled and competent public service.

‘Sri Lanka has made significant progress since the 2022 economic crisis, but the country’s future growth must be supported by evidence-based policymaking, fiscal discipline and transparent financial management. Management accountants now play a strategic role in risk management, efficient resource allocation and long-term value creation,’ said Amarasuriya.

She also emphasised the growing importance of sustainability reporting, ethical leadership and modern professional education, urging both the public and private sectors to embrace accountability, innovation and responsible governance to build a resilient, competitive and sustainable economy.

Prof. Watawala also welcomed delegates from across the South Asian region, including representatives of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), noting that their participation demonstrated the strong regional collaboration among professional accounting bodies.

South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) President Mohammed Humayun Kabir, stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and knowledge sharing as the profession responds to rapid economic and technological transformation.

SAFA Past President and CMA Advisory Council Member A. N. Raman, outlined how management accounting can help organisations transition ‘from crisis to stability and on to growth.’

He identified geopolitical instability, trade-based realignments, supply chain disruptions, national interests and evolving navigation strategies as the five major drivers reshaping today’s global economy.

‘Business cannot continue as usual. Organisations cannot remain transactional or confined by traditional thinking. They must become sustainable, socially responsible and strategically focused,’ he said.

Raman explained that management accountants must move beyond conventional cost accounting to become strategic partners who support economic positioning, strategic planning, value-chain thinking, innovation-driven execution and smart pricing decisions.

Using India’s aerospace and defence sectors as examples, he illustrated how strategic partnerships, innovation and value-chain integration have strengthened economic competitiveness while creating new industries and employment opportunities. He also demonstrated how management accounting principles are embedded throughout the hydrogen economy, explaining that effective cost management, pricing strategies and value-chain analysis are essential for developing emerging industries.

He further emphasised the transition from traditional cost measurement to strategic cost management, arguing that finance professionals must support organisational planning, resource optimisation, innovation and long-term value creation rather than simply reporting financial results. Discussing pricing interventions for economic stability, he highlighted the importance of social cost accounting in balancing market efficiency with broader national and social objectives.

Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Isabelle Martin, said the long-standing partnership between Canada and CMA Sri Lanka reflects a shared commitment to strengthening professional management accounting, good governance and sustainable economic development.

She noted that Canada supported the establishment of CMA Sri Lanka through the former Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and CPA Canada helping establish a nationally recognised professional management accounting institution.

Martin said strong financial management, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership are fundamental to building public trust, attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth.

She noted that in today’s increasingly complex environment-shaped by financial crime, cyber threats and global economic uncertainty-the role of management accountants has become more important than ever in strengthening governance, safeguarding public finances, managing risk and supporting informed decision-making through technology and data analytics.

She also congratulated the accounting professionals and award recipients recognised at the conference, commending CMA Sri Lanka for its continued contribution to developing future generations of finance professionals and strengthening international partnerships.

Delivering the keynote address, CPA Australia President and Chair and Curtin Law School John Curtin Distinguished Prof. Dale Pinto FCPA, explored how artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and evolving business models are reshaping the accounting profession.

He said professional accountants have evolved beyond traditional financial reporting to become strategic advisers, trusted business partners and drivers of long-term value creation, helping organisations navigate global uncertainty, strengthen governance and improve decision-making.

Pinto noted that while AI is transforming finance through enhanced forecasting, risk management and data analytics, technology cannot replace human judgment, ethical leadership and professional scepticism. He stressed that the future workplace will be defined by collaboration between people and technology, urging finance professionals to embrace lifelong learning, build capabilities in AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation and use data to generate meaningful insights that support innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

He also highlighted the growing importance of sustainability, governance and ethical leadership, saying the profession must move beyond managing numbers to creating value for organisations and society.

‘The value of the accountant will increasingly lie not in producing information, but in asking better questions, exercising professional judgment and transforming data into insights that create long-term value,’ said Prof. Pinto.

The inaugural session also featured the release of the CMA Sri Lanka National Management Accounting Conference 2026 Journal, the presentation of Golden Anniversary Awards to accounting professionals who have completed 50 years in the profession, the awarding of 100 CMA scholarships for government servants, and the presentation of the CMA Business Excellence Awards 2026 and Merit Awards for CMA Sri Lanka-qualified members.

The conference featured presentations by local and international experts on governance, sustainability, strategic management accounting, digital transformation, innovation and organisational resilience, reinforcing the profession’s growing role in helping organisations navigate uncertainty while driving economic stability and sustainable growth.

The Government has launched a new digital death certificate system under the Registrar General’s Department’s e-Population Register programme, replacing handwritten certificates with a computerised platform.

Indian MP and acclaimed author Shashi Tharoor attended the launch of the Colombo Literary Festival 2026 in Colombo on Friday (24), marking the opening of Sri Lanka’s first international trilingual literary festival.

The Government has launched a new digital death certificate system under the Registrar General’s Department’s e-Population Register programme, replacing handwritten certificates with a computerised platform.

Sri Lanka’s next phase of economic transformation will depend less on its strategic location than on its ability to articulate a clear national proposition backed by credible institutions, consistent policies and stronger global engagement, speakers said at a forum on ‘Taking Sri Lanka to the World’ recently organised by the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka together with the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, AMCHAM Sri Lanka and Port City Colombo.

Addressing the discussion, Visiting Professor of Transatlantic Relations at the University of Warsaw Prof. Patrick Mendis, PRASL President Nimal Gunawardena, Solutions Ground Ltd. CEO Lakshan Madurasinghe, former BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath and Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera argued that while Sri Lanka possesses significant strategic and economic advantages, it must better align its history, capabilities and policy direction into a coherent proposition that resonates with investors, businesses and international partners.

Ancient wisdom as modern foreign policy blueprint

Sri Lanka should look less to contemporary development models and more to its own civilisational experience as it reshapes foreign policy for a rapidly changing global order, according to Prof. Patrick Mendis.

Delivering the keynote address titled ‘The Mahaweli Doctrine: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy Must be Like Water for a National Renaissance’, Mendis argued that the country’s ancient hydraulic civilisation provides lessons that extend well beyond engineering or agriculture. It demonstrated how governance, commerce, diplomacy and infrastructure could operate as an integrated system to generate national prosperity.

Drawing on the reign of King Parakramabahu I, Mendis said the Mahaweli River served as the backbone of a connected economy, linking agricultural production through an extensive irrigation network to Gokanna, present-day Trincomalee, from where goods were traded across Asia. Historical accounts, he noted, suggest Sri Lanka maintained commercial links with China while naval forces protected maritime trade from piracy.

‘The Mahaweli River offers a powerful metaphor,’ he said. ‘Like the river itself, Sri Lanka’s foreign policy should not divide but connect; not isolate but unite. It should link villages to global markets, local enterprise to international opportunity, and ancient wisdom to modern statecraft.’

Mendis drew parallels with the United States and China, arguing that great powers had similarly used rivers and waterways to integrate domestic economies with international commerce. He cited the Potomac, Mississippi and Missouri river systems in the United States, together with China’s Yangtze River and Grand Canal, as examples of how infrastructure supported economic expansion and State-building.

Against that backdrop, he said Sri Lanka should pursue a pragmatic strategy of ‘multi-alignment’, strengthening relationships with the United States, China, India, Europe, ASEAN, the Middle East and Africa without becoming overly dependent on any single partner.

Foreign policy, he argued, should also extend beyond diplomacy to encompass agriculture, tourism, education, technology, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange, allowing local communities to become active participants in connecting Sri Lanka to global opportunities. Rather than seeking to replicate Singapore or Dubai, he said Sri Lanka should rediscover development principles rooted in its own history and geography.

Strategic communications for national transformation

Building on the discussion about how Sri Lanka presents itself internationally, PRASL President Nimal Gunawardena argued that strategic communications should be recognised as an essential tool of national development rather than being confined to media relations and corporate reputation management.

Opening the discussion, Gunawardena said public relations was often viewed narrowly through press conferences, media coverage and events. However, he described it as a strategic communications discipline capable of both protecting institutional reputation and building support behind major policy initiatives.

‘The Government has huge initiatives,’ he said, pointing to programmes such as digital transformation, energy transition and broader economic reforms. Successfully implementing those initiatives, he argued, requires more than policy decisions. It requires communicating their purpose clearly enough to secure public understanding and participation.

According to Gunawardena, public relations has a dual role. While managing image and reputation remains important, its broader contribution lies in helping governments and businesses mobilise stakeholders around long-term objectives.

His remarks added another dimension to the broader discussion on Sri Lanka’s global positioning, with speakers highlighting that international competitiveness increasingly depends not only on economic fundamentals but also on the ability to build confidence among citizens, investors and partners.

Aligning the investment proposition

That question of confidence was taken further by Solutions Ground Ltd. CEO Lakshan Madurasinghe, who approached Sri Lanka’s global positioning from an investment perspective.

Sri Lanka needs a clear and authentic national positioning if it is to compete more effectively for foreign direct investment, he said.

Speaking during the panel discussion, Madurasinghe acknowledged Sri Lanka’s success in attracting multinational companies that have generated exports, employment and repeat investment over several decades. However, he argued that the country has not communicated those successes effectively, particularly the expansion of existing investors.

‘We celebrate investment, but we sometimes forget to celebrate reinvestment,’ he said, noting that repeat investments often provide the strongest evidence of investor confidence.

Looking ahead, he said Sri Lanka’s ambitious FDI targets would require a more coordinated national approach. Rather than relying solely on investment promotion agencies, he argued that every institution-from the President’s Office and Government ministries to overseas missions and the private sector-should consistently project the same national proposition.

‘If we want to say Sri Lanka is the trusted business gateway to South Asia, everything has to align behind it,’ he said.

Competitiveness-not incentives

The discussion then shifted from national positioning to the practical conditions needed to convert investor interest into investment, with former Board of Investment Chairman Arjuna Herath arguing that Sri Lanka’s strategic location remains a significant advantage, but warning that maintaining competitiveness will require sustained investment in infrastructure, logistics and institutional reform.

Drawing parallels with Sri Lanka’s historic role as a trading hub, Herath said the country’s future depended on strengthening its position as a regional logistics centre while adapting to increasing competition from neighbouring ports.

He noted that Colombo continues to handle substantial transhipment volumes linked to India but cautioned that competing investments in regional port infrastructure could erode that advantage unless Sri Lanka continued improving efficiency and service quality.

Herath argued that attracting investment is not primarily about offering incentives, but about creating an ecosystem where businesses have confidence in regulation, administration and long-term policy consistency.

‘We need to get our act together,’ he said, identifying labour reforms, competitiveness, infrastructure and public sector efficiency as areas requiring continued attention.

Reflecting on his tenure at the Board of Investment, Herath said Sri Lanka had built a significant pipeline of investment proposals, demonstrating that international investor interest exists. The challenge, he suggested, is converting that interest into realised investments through stronger execution and institutional capability.

The Port City strategy

Picking up on the discussion about execution and long-term competitiveness, Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera said Colombo Port City should be viewed as a platform for integrating Sri Lanka into global services markets rather than simply as a real estate development.

Speaking during the panel discussion, Amarasekera described Port City as Sri Lanka’s largest public-private partnership and emphasised that the reclaimed land remains owned by the Government of Sri Lanka, with development rights granted under long-term arrangements.

He said the special economic zone had been designed primarily around international services, including finance, professional services, tourism and mixed-use development, rather than manufacturing.

Unlike conventional investment zones, businesses established within Port City are intended to provide services to international markets, operating within a dollarised environment using multiple approved foreign currencies.

Amarasekera said the project’s broader objective extends beyond infrastructure to creating an ecosystem capable of attracting multinational companies, highly skilled professionals and knowledge-intensive industries. Knowledge transfer to Sri Lankan workers, he added, would be an important component of that process.

He also outlined the governance framework under which investment approvals are assessed, noting that recommendations by the Port City Economic Commission are subject to Cabinet approval before incentives are granted.

Returning to one of the central themes of the forum, Amarasekera said Port City should be viewed as a modern platform that complements Sri Lanka’s historic role as a trading nation by connecting the country with emerging opportunities in international services, innovation and global commerce. Shehara de Silva moderated the discussion.

The iconic Lionel Wendt Theatre on 12 July, came alive as Soul Sounds presented The Pop Era, a spectacular celebration of the timeless songs, voices, and moments that have shaped generations of music lovers.

Led by internationally acclaimed Music Director Soundarie David Rodrigo, the production showcased the group’s signature harmonies, energy, and artistry, reaffirming Soul Sounds’ enduring place in Sri Lanka’s music scene.

More than a concert, The Pop Era was an immersive musical journey through decades of unforgettable pop anthems. Carefully curated to celebrate the evolution of popular music, the production brought together powerful vocals, dynamic arrangements, and a visually engaging stage experience that transported audiences through the sounds that defined different eras.

More than a vocal ensemble, Soul Sounds has built a reputation for creating meaningful connections with audiences through the power, emotion, and soul of its performances. Through their signature harmonies and expressive interpretations, the group continues to transform familiar songs into shared experiences that resonate with listeners across generations.

Reflecting on the creative process, Soundarie David Rodrigo shared that bringing The Pop Era to life was a rewarding journey of exploration and growth. ‘One of the greatest rewards of this process has been watching each singer grow in confidence and bring her unique voice to the ensemble,’ she said.

The concert program for The Pop Era offered a high-energy, nostalgic journey through the most iconic hits across decades. The repertoire featured a blend of powerful solo performances and intricate medleys, beginning with a spirited set that included classics such as Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and ‘Billie Jean,’ alongside chart-topping pop anthems like Britney Spears’ ‘…Baby One More Time’ and ‘Oops! I Did It Again.’

The concert showcased a diverse selection of globally recognised anthems, including the high-energy pop classic ‘Wannabe,’ the boy-band hits ‘Bye Bye Bye’ and ‘I Want It That Way,’ and the powerful ballad ‘End of the Road.’ The ensemble’s versatility was further demonstrated through the inclusion of timeless favourites such as ‘When You Tell Me That You Love Me,’ ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling,’ and ‘Hard to Say I’m Sorry,’ alongside an ABBA-focused medley that highlighted tracks like ‘Super Trouper,’ ‘Lay All Your Love on Me,’ and the iconic ‘Dancing Queen.’

The evening brought to life the ensemble’s remarkable versatility through carefully curated medleys, ranging from moving love song tributes and a vibrant ABBA collection to a high-octane rock medley. Solo spotlights featured emotive renditions of ‘I Have Nothing,’ ‘Skyfall,’ ‘Dreaming of You,’ ‘I’ll Never Love Again,’ and ‘Listen,’ while the concert reached a powerful conclusion with an encore performance that featured ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and ‘Lady Marmalade,’ leaving the audience on a high note.

The production was powered by the dedication and passion of Soul Sounds’ talented performers, with 2026 leaders Anagi Perera and Nadine Ollegasegrem playing key roles in guiding the ensemble throughout the production. The full line-up of performers included Rachel Hettiarachchi, Ashvinie Ekanayake, Uma Lekamge, Neranja Meegahage, Kumarini Rajakaruna, Sharuni Weerasinghe, Shamara Fernando, Senithi Kaduruwewa, Ruhani Vaidyakularatne, Uvini Sirisena, Dinithi Perera, Emma Rodrigo, Anuki Bulathsinhala, Elisha Abraham, Dinara Ellepola, Shanaya Amath, Charvi Vaidyakularatne, and Heshalee Pathirana.

An outstanding team of musicians and creative professionals elevated the captivating performance. The musical arrangements featured Soundarie David Rodrigo on piano, Pradeep Rodrigo on bass guitar, Milan John on keyboard, Dihan Kularatne on electric guitar, and Shane John on drums. The visual and technical elements of the show were brought to life by Kevin Cruze (Lights and Stage Design), Akhry Ameer (Stage Manager), Praboth Sasanka (Lighting Execution), and Nishantha Dep (Set Design), while Kishan Perera of Unique Sounds ensured an exceptional audio experience for audiences.

Sri Lanka’s Public Health Service celebrated its centenary at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.