Category: Daily Financial Times

In a crucial Under-23 Inter-Club 2-day Group A game played at the P. Sara Oval yesterday, Bloomfield held the upper hand on the opening day against Tamil Union.

Former Richmond College off-spinner Tharinda Nirmal took five Tamil Union wickets for 38 runs to put them out for 152. By the close Bloomfield had wiped out 81 of those runs losing three wickets and required a further 72 runs to gain the vital first innings lead.

Group A table toppers Moors SC were in dire straits in their match against Ragama CC at Moors SC grounds. Left-arm seamer Dinith Kumarasinghe took 4/32 to bowl out Ragama CC for 183 for whom Lahiru Abeysinghe (50 off 72 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) and Captain Dasith Gunathilaka (53 off 61 balls, 2 fours, 5 sixes) hit fifties apiece. Moors SC in their turn slumped to 110-8 by the close, their batting being dismantled by seamer Kaveesha Liyanarachchi (3/24) and left-arm spinner Maleesha Silva (4/18).

BRC vying for a quarter-final place from Group C have begun their match against Ace Capital CC at the BRC grounds well, posting a first day total of 387-6 based largely on a fabulous double century from opener Isuru Fernando (201* off 251 balls, 23 fours, 4 sixes) and a century (109* off 128 balls, 9 fours, 4 sixes) from Lithma Perera who together shared a double century stand of 217 for the sixth wicket.

From the same group Nugegoda SWC made the highest total of the day reaching 410-5 against Navy SC at the Panadura esplanade. Former Peterite Lahiru Dawatage was nine runs shy of reaching a double century having faced 229 balls for his 191* (23 fours). With skipper Dasis Manchanayake (81 off 85 balls, 12 fours, 3 sixes) Dawatage added 130 for the second wicket to lay the foundation for the big total.

Former Mahanama College wicket-keeper/batsman Anjala Bandara hit a sparkling 157 off 220 balls (19 fours) to take Group B table leaders CCC to a first day total of 328-8 against Leo CC at the CCC grounds. Bandara shared a third wicket stand of 133 with Sanul Weerarathna (70 off 129 balls, 8 fours). Seamer Nethma Karunaratne took 4/65.

Off-spinner Amith Perera (4/66) and right-arm medium-fast seamer Shehan Pramod (5/64) brought about the downfall of Police SC for 207 at Air Force grounds, Katunayake. Police SC skipper Dhanuja Induwara missed out on a century three runs (97 off 106 balls, 13 fours, 1 six). By the close Negombo CC had lost 4 for 117 to trail by 90 runs.

Group D leaders SSC were in control of their match against Panadura SC at the SSC grounds. Former Nalanda College off-spinner Malsha Fernando took 7/39 off 18 overs to dismiss Panadura SC for 177 where Asadisa de Silva’s 50 (80 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) was the top score. SSC finished two runs short of overtaking Panadura SC’s total on 176-3 courtesy of fifties from Rivith Jaysuriya (56 off 59 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes) and skipper Shevon Daniel (61* off 79 balls, 8 fours, 1 six).

United Southern SC scraped through to a first innings win against NCC at the NCC grounds, after spinners Sumeda Sampath and Damesh Mathishan took seven wickets between them to terminate the NCC innings for 131. United Southern SC lost their eighth wicket at 113, but their ninth wicket pair batted with purpose to put them in front and gain a first innings lead of 22. Shaveen Perera top scored for NCC with 53 (58 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes). NCC in their second innings were 38-3.

Kurunegala SC powered by a century (128 off 194 balls, 10 fours) from wicket-keeper Janith Ravishka and his stand of 149 with Yashmith Jayasundara (67 off 109 balls, 6 fours) made 314 against Kandy Customs SC at the Welagedara Stadium. By the close Kandy Customs SC had made 15-1. Adeesha Pabasara took 5/100 bowling left-arm chinaman. These matches will continue on its second day today.

Meanwhile, Chilaw Marians CC took first innings points off Galle CC at the Moratuwa Stadium to qualify for a quarter-final place from Group C. Chilaw Marians CC built on their first innings lead of 62 by declaring at 314-8 leaving Galle CC with the tall task of chasing 377 for a win at the Moratuwa Stadium. A feature of the Chilaw Marians CC innings was the fifth wicket stand of 159 between Darshaka Sandeep (101 off 136 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes) and Yasiru Lakshan (65 off 118 balls, 8 fours). Off-spinner Manitha Rajapaksa took 4/95 for match figures of 9/139. Galle CC finished on 124-5. – [ST]

The 10th edition of the C Rugby Carnival concluded in exciting fashion, with top honours shared among outstanding mercantile and old boys’ teams at the CR and FC ground last weekend.

CDB Finance emerged Mercantile Bowl champions after defeating Dialog in the final, while Cinnamon Hotels clinched the Mercantile Cup title, with Commercial Bank finishing runners-up. LSEG won the Mercantile Plate championship. In the Old Boys’ and Girls’ category, Ananda defeated Royal to lift the Bowl, St. Sylvester’s overcame Isipathana to win the Cup, and Trinity beat Thurstan to secure the premier title.

Individual honours went to Anjana Vinodh (Cinnamon Hotels), Slisha Fernando (Commercial Bank), Anuka Boyagoda (Trinity), and Ovidhini Daluwatte, who were named the tournament’s Most Valuable Players. (SJ)

HSBC Sri Lanka has been recognised as the ‘Best International Bank in Sri Lanka’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, one of the financial industry’s leading global award programs.

HSBC Sri Lanka was also named ‘Best for Securities Services’-the first time the bank has received this award.

In the Awards for Excellence 2026 winner’s summary, Euromoney noted: ‘HSBC’s international platform in Sri Lanka is defined by its ability to execute across borders in complex and constrained environments. Operating in Sri Lanka for 134 years, HSBC has a corporate and institutional banking franchise spanning global trade solutions, global payment solutions and securities services. The bank connects clients to 31 markets across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, delivering across trade, payments, lending, foreign exchange and capital markets.’

Globally, HSBC received multiple awards at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, including Asia’s Best Bank, Asia’s Best Bank for Large Corporates, and Asia’s Best Bank for Securities Services, as well as Best International Bank in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

HSBC Sri Lanka CEO Mark Surgenor said: ‘Proud of what our teams have achieved. This recognition reflects our clients’ trust and our commitment to connect Sri Lanka to the world-bringing international reach, market access and seamless service to support our customers’ ambitions.’

Earlier this year, HSBC Sri Lanka was also recognised as the Best International Bank in Sri Lanka for 2026 by FinanceAsia.

Vietjet is rolling out a limited-time, exclusive promotion on its new Colombo-Ho Chi Minh City route, featuring Eco fares from $ 90 one-way (inclusive of all taxes and fees) along with 20kg of complimentary checked baggage.

The route, Vietjet’s first scheduled service connecting Sri Lanka and Vietnam, is set to commence operation on 18 August 2026.

The promotion begins at 22:30 on 20 July and runs until 21:30 on 23 July 2026 (Sri Lanka time), with fares bookable via www.vietjetair.com or the ‘Vietjet Air’ mobile app. Passengers who select a 20kg checked baggage option during booking will receive it free of charge, regardless of ticket class. The promotion is valid for travel between 18 August 2026 and 31 March 2027 (blackout dates apply).

Operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the new service departs Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo at 23:00 and arrives at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 05:55 the following day. Return flights depart Ho Chi Minh City at 18:15 and arrive in Colombo at 21:50 (all times are local time).

The new route gives Sri Lankan travellers direct access to Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant food scene, historic sights and modern skyline, along with seamless onward connections across Vietnam and the wider Asia-Pacific region through Vietjet’s extensive flight network. From Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can conveniently connect to numerous destinations across Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond.

The route also opens Sri Lanka’s beaches, tea country and wildlife to a growing base of Vietnamese and regional travellers, supporting two-way tourism growth between the two countries.

Passengers flying with Vietjet can enjoy a modern fleet, professional onboard service and a selection of hot meals, including Vietnamese specialities such as pho and banh mi, alongside Vietnamese iced milk coffee. Members of the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty program can also earn and redeem reward points across Vietjet services and more than 250 partner brands spanning travel, dining, shopping and lifestyle.

The General Sales Agents are Andrew The Aviation Company Ltd.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police yesterday while leading a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence, as the Congress stepped up pressure on the Government over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Police detained several Congress MPs and party workers after demonstrators marched from Rajaji Marg to Lok Kalyan Marg, alleging police brutality against students protesting over the examination controversy a day earlier. Officers were seen carrying Rahul Gandhi to a police bus as the protest was dispersed.

‘They are cowards. They are scared. We are not scared of them. They are scared of us,’ Priyanka Gandhi said while being taken into custody.

The detentions came after Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh claimed Rahul Gandhi had changed his position during discussions with Government representatives near the protest site.

The Rotary Club of Colombo ushered in a new chapter in its illustrious history with the Installation Ceremony of its 98th President, Rtn. Azad Mansoor, held on Friday, 3 July 2026, at the magnificent Cumulus Ballroom, Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Colombo.

In a dignified and elegant ceremony steeped in Rotary tradition, President Azad Mansoor was formally installed alongside his wife Ifeth, symbolising their shared commitment to a year of dedicated service. Joining them was the newly appointed Board of Directors, an accomplished team poised to lead the Club with vision, integrity, and purpose during the Rotary Year 2026-2027.

The event was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, District Governor Rtn. Kumar Sundararaj, Past Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran, Immediate Past District Governor Delvin Pereira, several Past District Governors, Past Presidents, distinguished Rotarians, corporate leaders, diplomats, family members, and invited guests.

Over 150 invitees attended the memorable evening, which celebrated fellowship, leadership, and Rotary’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service.

The Installation Ceremony represented far more than a ceremonial transition of leadership. It reaffirmed the Rotary Club of Colombo’s proud 98-year legacy of service to Sri Lanka. Established in 1929 as the country’s first Rotary Club, the Club has remained at the forefront of community service, humanitarian initiatives, education, healthcare, youth development, and nation-building. This remarkable journey began under the leadership of its Charter President, Colonel T.Y. Wright, whose vision laid the foundation for generations of dedicated Rotarians.

The Rotary Club of Colombo extends its sincere appreciation to its valued corporate sponsors, partners, and members, whose generous support and commitment made this prestigious event a resounding success.

As the Club embarks on another year of service under the Rotary International theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” President Azad Mansoor has outlined an ambitious program focused on sustainable community development, educational empowerment, healthcare initiatives, environmental stewardship, and strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors.

With the Club’s historic Centennial Celebration just two years away, the Rotary Club of Colombo is committed to expanding its impact and reaching even more communities in need.

President Azad Mansoor has extended an open invitation to corporate organisations, business leaders, philanthropists, professionals, and all socially responsible individuals to join hands with the Rotary Club of Colombo in advancing meaningful humanitarian projects that transform lives and build stronger communities.

Together, we can create a lasting impact and continue a proud legacy of “Service Above Self.”

The Cabinet of Ministers have approved a proposal to replace the planned purchase of 600 standard buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) with air-conditioned deluxe buses, upgrading the Government’s fleet renewal program at a total estimated cost of Rs. 21.6 billion.

The 2026 Budget had initially allocated Rs. 14.4 billion to procure 600 standard buses with seating capacity for 49 to 54 passengers under the Government’s investment program.

However, following the introduction of the Road Safety Plan 2025-2026, buses used for passenger transport have been identified as priority vehicles for safety improvements, prompting the Government to revise the procurement specifications for intercity and long-distance services.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the revised proposal would require an additional Rs. 7.2 billion, increasing the total project cost to Rs. 21.6 billion.

‘Rs. 1.8 billion will be needed in 2026 as an advance payment, while the remaining Rs. 5.4 billion will be allocated during the 2027-2028 period,’ he explained the additional funding requirement.

Under the revised specifications, Dr. Jayatissa said air-conditioned deluxe buses will replace the originally proposed standard buses for intercity and long-distance operations, with the aim of improving passenger comfort and service quality.

‘The decision forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to modernise the SLTB fleet, improve the quality of long-distance public transport services and strengthen road safety standards across the country’s passenger transport network,’ he added.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Acting Minister to proceed with the procurement of 600 deluxe buses instead of the standard buses for which funding had originally been allocated.

The Pakistan Women’s cricket team arrived yesterday to play Sri Lanka Women in three WODIs and three WT20Is from 23 July to 4 August.

Fatima Sana continues to lead the side in the ODI format, while Muneeba Ali Siddiqui has been named Captain for the T20I series in Fatima’s absence. 24-year-old Fatima will feature in The Hundred in England following the conclusion of the ODI series, becoming the first Pakistani women’s cricketer to take part in the league. The three ODIs will be played on 23, 25 and 28 July.

ODI squad: Fatima Sana (Captain), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhter

T20I squad: Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (Captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar

ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam yesterday in Parliament raised serious concerns about the partisan and selective conduct of the Committee of Public Enterprises (COPE).

‘COPE must not be used selectively or as a political weapon,’ the MP told Parliament.

He said COPE plays a vital role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public institutions. We fully support referring matters identified by COPE to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Police, or any other competent investigative authority.

‘However, we are deeply concerned about the increasing tendency to use COPE reports as a political tool rather than as the beginning of an independent investigative process,’ Rasamanickam charged.

The MP said: ‘Once a COPE report is tabled in Parliament, it should not be used to publicly condemn individuals or institutions before investigations are completed and before any court of law has determined liability. Due process and the presumption of innocence are fundamental principles that must be respected.

‘Equally important is the question of selectivity. There must be complete transparency regarding how matters are chosen for COPE inquiry and why certain issues receive extensive attention while others of equal or greater public importance do not.

‘As a member of the previous COPE Committee, I was the Member of Parliament who exposed the massive non-performing loan portfolios of the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and the National Savings Bank.

‘Those cases involved billions of rupees in public funds. Yet today, these issues appear to have disappeared from the national conversation, while other matters are selectively prioritised. This inconsistency naturally raises legitimate questions about whether the selection of matters for scrutiny is being applied fairly and consistently.

‘Public confidence in COPE depends not only on its findings but also on the integrity and impartiality of its selection process. Accountability cannot be credible if investigations appear selective or influenced by political considerations.

‘Our position is clear. Every allegation of corruption, fraud or financial mismanagement-regardless of the institution, the individual involved, or the political consequences-must be investigated equally and without fear or favour.

‘COPE must remain an independent oversight mechanism, not a forum for political targeting. Equal standards, transparency in case selection, and respect for due process are essential to preserving public trust in Parliament’s oversight role.’

Sri Lanka’s consumer inflation accelerated in June, with the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) rising 6.5% year-on-year from 5.4% in May, as higher food prices added to price pressures, the Department of Census and Statistics said yesterday.

Food inflation increased to 3.3% in June from 1.5% a month earlier, while non-food inflation rose to 9.3% from 8.6%.

On a monthly basis, the NCPI increased 1.6% to 222.3 points in June from 218.8 points in May.

According to the Department, food items accounted for 1.11 percentage points of the monthly increase, while non-food items contributed 0.49 percentage points.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food, energy and transport prices, rose to 5.0% year-on-year in June, with a monthly increase of 0.8%.