Category: Daily Financial Times

England overcame France in the ultimate game of two halves in the bronze final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Bukayo Saka hit a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham finally put an end to a comeback Kylian Mbappe had heroically inspired at Miami Stadium.

England annihilated France in the first half. Declan Rice stylishly struck home the opener from outside the box and, after Saka had a goal ruled out for offside, Ezri Kosna made it two. Saka then bagged a quick-fire brace to send Thomas Tuchel’s team in 4-0 up at the break.

France’s biggest World Cup defeat – when they effectively operated with 10 men in a 5-2 to Brazil loss in 1958 – appeared under severe threat, but they came out swinging. Michael Olise’s pass enabled Kylian Mbappe to get them on the board, and the Real Madrid forward set up Bradley Barcola to further decrease the deficit. Mbappe then pulled Les Bleus within one, before Olise came narrowly close to rounding off a breathtaking team move and equalising.

The Three Lions were under extreme pressure, but Saka gave them breathing space from the spot after Malo Gusto had tripped Djed Spence. It appeared to finally extinguish the comeback, only for Ousmane Dembele to get France within one again.

England’s player of the tournament had the final say, though, Bellingham dribbling past multiple bodies to seal victory in one of the greatest matches the World Cup has ever seen.

It was England’s best finish at the global finals since they triumphed on home soil in 1966, and brought to an end Didier Deschamps’ successful reign as France coach.

A brilliant unbroken 115-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 60 balls between Janith Liyanage (53* off 32 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) and James Neesham (48* off 36 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) saw Colombo Kaps turn the game on its head and beat Kandy Falcons by six wickets to record their first win in the second LPL match played for the day under lights at the SSC grounds yesterday.

Chasing a target of 180, Kandy Falcons seemed to have the game well under control when they captured four wickets for 67 at the halfway stage of the innings with Wanindu Hasaranga choking them taking two quick wickets. Colombo needed 104 off the last eight overs and it was then that Player of the Match Liyanage and Neesham decided to change gears and to get Colombo over the line.

Although Neesham missed out on his fifty by two runs, his knock nevertheless was no less crucial than Liyanage’s unbeaten 53. The turning point was the 15th over by Garuka Sanketh, which saw a chance dropped over the boundary rope for six, followed by two no-balls, including one on a ball where Sanketh thought he had Neesham out. The over cost 25 runs and the runs then just kept coming for Colombo.

A disappointed Kandy Falcons captain Angelo Mathews said: ‘If not for our kiddish mistakes, we kept repeating dropped catches at crucial times and no-ball after no-ball, you can’t be doing those things in a professional game. This was a terrible game, one of the worst I’ve ever played. It was just about silly mistakes yesterday and we repeated the same. We can’t go a long way in the tournament if we keep doing this.’

Colombo Kaps lost their skipper Kusal Mendis who retired hurt early through an injury, but the win was all the sweeter. Even with the ball, they were largely impressive, with Binura Fernando and Hasan Mahmud sharing seven wickets.

Lahiru Udara held the early part of the innings with a half-century – 53 off 36 balls (8 fours, 1 six) and Mathews (45 off 42 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) and Moeen Ali (41 off 17 balls, 1 four, 4 sixes) helped Kandy Royals get to 179 with a stand of 65 off 36 balls.

Scores:

Kandy Royals 179 (20) (Lahiru Udara 53, Angelo Mathews 45, Moeen Ali 41, Binura Fernando 4/45, Hasan Mahmud 3/31)

Colombo Kaps 182-4 (19.4) (Kamindu Mendis 26, Ben McDermott 22, Janith Liyanage 53*, James Neesham 48*, W Hasaranga 2/29)

The All Ceylon Egg Producers Association yesterday announced that egg prices will be increased with effect from today (20), with the retail price of a white egg rising to Rs. 41 and a red egg to Rs. 42.

Association President Sarath Rathnayake, speaking at a media briefing in Kuliyapitiya, attributed the price increase to shortages of poultry feed, claiming the Government and relevant authorities were responsible for the situation.

He said maize imports have been completely suspended, while domestic maize production is insufficient to meet the industry’s requirements.

According to Rathnayake, the use of alternative feed ingredients, including rice, has affected poultry health and digestion, resulting in a 20-30% decline in egg production.

He also alleged that chemicals and medicines used in animal feed by some traders had caused the deaths of large numbers of poultry, leading to significant losses for farmers and a further decline in daily egg production.

Rathnayake said the industry’s concerns have been repeatedly raised with the authorities, but no effective measures have yet been taken to address the issues.

E-Visible recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a one-person operation to one of Sri Lanka’s leading shipping desk service providers.

The occasion also highlighted the company’s continued commitment to innovation with the introduction of Navitrax, a next-generation technology platform designed to transform shipping desk operations.

Founded in 2010, E-Visible began when a leading multinational company approached the team with a temporary logistics requirement. The success of the solution and the value it delivered soon transformed a short-term assignment into a long-term partnership, laying the foundation for a company built on innovation, operational excellence, and customer trust.

Over the past 15 years, E-Visible has established itself as a pioneer in shipping desk services in Sri Lanka. Through its unwavering focus on customer success and continuous improvement, the company has earned the confidence of more than 20 leading local and multinational organisations.

From humble beginnings serving a single customer, E-Visible has grown into an organisation of over 100 professionals. This remarkable growth reflects the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional service while building long-lasting partnerships with its customers.

As the logistics industry evolved, E-Visible also recognised the growing challenge of attracting and retaining the skilled workforce needed to support expanding operations. Rather than relying solely on manpower, the company identified technology as the key to driving greater efficiency, maintaining service excellence, and supporting sustainable growth.

This vision led to the development of Navitrax, a next-generation technology platform built on 15 years of industry expertise. Designed to streamline shipping desk operations, Navitrax enhances productivity, improves operational visibility, and reduces dependence on manual processes, enabling organisations to build more resilient, scalable, and future-ready logistics operations.

As it celebrates this important milestone, E-Visible remains focused on the future. Backed by 15 years of trusted expertise, the company continues to invest in technology, drive operational excellence, and develop innovative solutions that empower customers to succeed in an increasingly dynamic global logistics landscape.

HNB PLC has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for Large Corporates at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, marking the second time the Bank has secured this prestigious recognition.

The award reaffirms HNB’s position as the trusted financial partner of choice for the country’s leading conglomerates, exporters, multinational corporations, and infrastructure developers. It shows the bank’s continued commitment to delivering innovative and tailored banking solutions for the corporate sector.

During the review period, HNB structured and participated in several landmark transactions that extended its reach beyond conventional corporate lending.

These included participation in the $ 1 billion sustainability-linked syndicated financing for Aster Chemicals and Energy to support its acquisition of Shell’s refinery in Singapore, cross-border acquisition financing involving Surge Global and Calcey Technologies, and arrangement of the Rs. 44.5 billion syndicated financing for the 350MW Sobadhanavi power project, one of the largest project financing initiatives undertaken in Sri Lanka.

HNB Managing Director/CEO, Damith Pallewatte said: ‘Being recognised as our nation’s leading corporate banking partner on such a prestigious global platform further highlights HNB’s commitment to empowering Sri Lankan businesses with the capabilities, expertise and solutions needed to navigate an evolving marketplace. By building meaningful partnerships that go beyond financing, understanding our clients’ ambitions we are better able to support their growth through innovative solutions, sector insights and global connectivity. As we continue to strengthen our corporate banking ecosystem, we remain dedicated to creating sustainable value for our clients that also helps to elevate and empower the Sri Lankan economy.’

The Bank’s transaction banking franchise was a further point of distinction, supported by a network of more than 900 global correspondent banks, a corporate digital banking platform serving over 6,000 corporate customers, and transaction banking volumes reaching exceptional levels. HNB has continued to invest in digital onboarding, trade digitisation and cash management capability, while maintaining disciplined credit risk management and asset quality across its corporate portfolio.

HNB’s growing cross-border lending relationships in India, East Africa and the Middle East have also supported Sri Lankan corporates expanding beyond the domestic market.

HNB, Chief Operating Officer, Sanjay Wijemanne said: ‘This recognition is built on the confidence our clients have placed in HNB as their trusted partner. We have consistently invested in building the expertise, agility and capabilities needed to deliver tailored solutions for complex financing requirements, including large-scale projects, acquisitions, business expansion and cross-border opportunities. By taking the time to understand each client’s business and anticipate their evolving needs, we are able to deliver innovative financial solutions that generate sustainable, long-term value.’

The award strengthens HNB’s position as an integrated financial partner to Sri Lanka’s largest businesses, spanning corporate lending, trade finance, treasury, transaction banking and supply chain solutions.

The Association of Container Transporters (ACT), the apex representative body of Sri Lanka’s container transport industry, successfully concluded its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Fellowship on 26 June 2026 at the Lotus Tower, Colombo, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the country’s logistics and supply chain sector through closer industry collaboration and constructive engagement with policymakers.

The AGM was attended by Ports, Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunatilleka, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while the Deputy Minister Ruwan Kodituwakku attended as the Guest of Honour.

The event also brought together senior Government officials, industry leaders, corporate members, and representatives from the ports, shipping, logistics and supply chain sectors.

As Sri Lanka’s pioneering association representing container transport operators, ACT has played a vital role in supporting the country’s import and export trade for over four decades. Its membership comprises leading corporate transport companies that form an integral part of the national logistics network, providing essential container transportation services that facilitate the efficient movement and timely clearance of cargo while supporting uninterrupted port and vessel operations.

During the AGM, members reviewed the Association’s progress over the past year and discussed key industry priorities aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, improving stakeholder collaboration, and addressing challenges affecting the container transport sector.

The discussions highlighted the importance of a resilient and efficient transport network in strengthening Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a regional maritime and logistics hub. ACT continues to work closely with the Government, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and other industry stakeholders to address port-related operational matters, advocate practical policy solutions and promote initiatives that improve service standards and productivity across the logistics value chain. Looking ahead, the Association remains focused on safeguarding the interests of its members while introducing greater benefits, professional development opportunities and value-added services. Through continued collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders, ACT aims to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of Sri Lanka’s trade, transport and logistics sectors, reinforcing the industry’s role as a key driver of the national economy.

Wesley College continued their impressive run in the L. E. Blaze Trophy encounter series when they cut loose late in the second half to beat Kingswood College 39-24 at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium last weekend.

The annual contest once again lived up to expectations as both teams produced an outstanding brand of rugby with an exciting style of running rugby, entertaining the large crowd with their attacking intent and never-say-die spirit. The scores were locked at 17-all at halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half before Wesley’s superior finishing and discipline carried them to victory.

Both sides showed plenty of enterprise from the opening whistle, moving the ball confidently through the backs while their mobile forwards provided a solid platform in both attack and defence. The game was played at a high tempo, with both teams creating scoring opportunities through quick ball movement and strong support play from their forwards and speedy three-quarter lines, though the ground conditions at Nittawela were hard on the lads.

Wesley skipper Kaizer Lye once again led the team admirably, while winger Mohamed Fawaz was another outstanding performer, using his blistering pace and sharp finishing to torment the Kingswood defence as he completed a superb hat-trick. His constant ghosting moves were a nightmare for the Randles Hill boys, who did not have an answer.

The Double Blues’ attacking display saw Fawaz score three tries, while Dinaru Lankendra, Ehran Ali and Prarthana Rodrigo also crossed the whitewash. Lye added two conversions and capped his fine performance with a superbly executed drop goal, while Rodrigo chipped in with another successful conversion.

Kingswood, however, refused to surrender without a fight and matched Wesley for long periods of the game. Captain Sachintha Naweesha produced a heroic individual performance, leading by example and scoring a magnificent hat-trick of tries to keep his side in contention. Menusha Marasinghe added the other Kingswood try, while Shamith Shafraz impressed with his all-round play and accurate goal-kicking, converting two tries.

Although Kingswood showed tremendous character and attacking ambition, Wesley’s experience, composure and ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities proved decisive in the closing stages. The Double Blues tightened their defence after the interval and finished strongly to pull away on the scoreboard.

With this victory, Wesley successfully retained the L. E. Blaze Trophy for a fifth consecutive year, underlining their continued dominance in one of Sri Lanka schools rugby’s traditional fixtures. The win will also provide valuable momentum as they continue their impressive campaign this season.

The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) which began at the SSC grounds yesterday was hit by match fixing allegations even before a ball was bowled when Manjot Kalra, co-owner of Jaffna Kings was arrested by the Police over an alleged match-fixing approach made to a player.

The arrest was carried out by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports on Thursday night, just hours before the opening match of the 2026 LPL season.

According to Police, Kalra, a former India Under19 World Cup winning cricketer was arrested at a five-star hotel in Colombo while allegedly attempting to pay Rs. 9.5 million (approx. $28,700) to a player to influence the outcome of a match.

Police said the player had first reported the alleged approach around 10 days ago, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest. Kalra is expected to be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Kalra was part of India’s victorious squad at the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup that featured future international stars including captain Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket in a media statement said:

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken note of the media reports relating to the reported arrest of the owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.

Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, will extend its fullest cooperation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports should any assistance be sought in connection with any inquiry arising from the matter.

As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the tournament and will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league.

Sri Lanka Cricket also wishes to inform the public that the Lanka Premier League 2026, which commenced yesterday evening at the SSC Grounds, Colombo, will proceed as planned without any interruption.

Sri Lanka Cricket has taken all necessary measures to ensure that the Lanka Premier League 2026 is conducted in accordance with the highest ethical and integrity standards. In preparation for the tournament, Sri Lanka Cricket’s Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the Government’s law enforcement agency, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports, to strengthen the league’s anti-corruption framework.

In addition, Sri Lanka Cricket has engaged Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organization to provide specialist integrity support and education throughout the tournament, ensuring that the Lanka Premier League 2026 is conducted in a fair, transparent, and corruption-free environment.

Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026 and ensure that the tournament is conducted with the utmost dignity and integrity.

Sri Lanka has welcomed 9,122 tourists in the first15 days of July, a 3.04% decline from the 92,951 visitors recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The first 15 days of July generated a daily average of 6,008 arrivals, with the month traditionally regarded as one of the stronger periods for tourism due to school holidays in key markets and Sri Lanka’s calendar of cultural and religious events.

In the first week of July, the country saw 40,821 tourists, followed by 43,387 in the second week, and 5,914 on 15 July. The highest daily arrival 6,636 was recorded on 11 July 2026.

The latest inflows pushed cumulative tourist arrivals for 2026 to over 1.23 million, although year-to-date (YTD) arrivals remained 2% below the corresponding period last year.

India maintained its dominance as Sri Lanka’s largest source market, contributing 20,480 visitors during the first 15 days of July, accounting for 23% of total arrivals. The UK ranked second with 9,277 tourists (10%), followed by China with 5,494 visitors (6%), Australia with 5,487 arrivals (6%), and the Netherlands with 4,744 tourists (5%).

On a cumulative basis, India continued to lead all source markets with 314,163 visitors, representing 25% of all tourist arrivals recorded so far this year. The UK remained the second-largest source market with 117,844 arrivals (10%) and China ranked third contributing 81,665 tourists or 7% of total arrivals.

Jaffna Kings hit by allegations of match fixing by one their co-owners began the defence of their Lanka Premier League title with a heavy defeat at the hands of Galle Gallants who romped home by 36 runs in the opening fixture played under lights at the SSC grounds yesterday.

The match was a repeat of the 2024 final when Jaffna emerged winners by nine wickets. But yesterday it was all Galle as they first batted with devastating effect to post an imposing total of 213-6 and then bowled Jaffna out for 177.

Jaffna took up the challenge of chasing down Galle’s big total, when their openers Avishka Fernando and Kamil Mishara gave them a flying start posting 63 off the first five overs.

But enter Eshan Malinga, following his exploits in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad and the game simply took a nosedive. His double strike in the final over of the first power play to get rid of Avishka Fernando (34 off 21 balls and Ibrahim Zadran pushed Jaffna onto the back foot.

Jaffna soon found themselves with half the side out for 84 by the tenth over and Malinga picking up 3 for 5 in 2 overs. Dunith Wellalage tried to take the fight to the bowlers making a plucky 40 off 24 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (24 off 10 balls, 1 four, 3 sixes), but the odds were too great as Jaffna had lost too many wickets upfront to mount any kind of late challenge.

Jaffna bowlers took a bashing from the Galle Gallant batters to which none had an answer except for Wellalage who strangely did not bowl his quota despite giving away only 11 runs in his three overs.

Sam Harper’s rapid cameo (40 off 19 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) gave Galle the momentum they needed to launch their innings. Charith Asalanka (65 off 38 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes) and Sahan Arachchige (35 off 24 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) carried on the momentum through the middle overs with Dasun Shanaka (31* off 9 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) and Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 9 balls, 3 sixes) putting the finishing touches to the innings in destructive fashion plundering 43 off the final two overs.

Charith Asalanka was Player of the Match.

Scores:

Galle Gallants 213-6 (20) (Sam Harper 40, Charith Asalanka 65, Sahan Arachchige 35, Dasun Shanaka 31*, Mohammad Nawaz 21, Lizaad Williams 2/28, Piyush Chawla 2/43)

Jaffna Kings 177 (19.4) (Avishka Fernando 34, Kamil Mishara 28, Dunith Wellalage 40, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 24, Akif Javed 2/31, Eshan Malinga 4/26)