Category: Daily Financial Times

The resilience of Sri Lanka’s financial system can no longer be measured by capital, liquidity and profitability alone, with policymakers and financial institutions needing to adapt to an era where geopolitical tensions, climate risks, cyber threats and technological disruption have become permanent features of the operating environment, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Deputy Governor K.G.P. Sirikumara said.

Delivering the keynote address at the Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) and Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF) Economic Forum on ‘Financial Sector Resilience Amidst External Shocks: Managing Policy Challenges for Financial Stability’, Sirikumara said the nature of resilience had fundamentally changed as external shocks had become more frequent, interconnected and complex.

‘The global economy today has entered an era in which shocks are no longer exceptional. They have become recurring and, in many ways, define the future economic landscape,’ he said, noting that Sri Lanka, as a small open economy, remained particularly vulnerable to geopolitical fragmentation, supply chain disruptions, volatile commodity prices, climate events and changing global financial conditions.

He said traditional indicators such as capital adequacy, liquidity and profitability remained important but were no longer sufficient to assess the true strength of financial institutions.

‘True resilience today extends beyond capital adequacy, profitability and liquidity. It reflects the ability of the financial system as a whole, including institutions, markets and infrastructure, to continue performing critical functions, absorb shocks, preserve confidence and adapt to structural changes in the risk environment,’ Sirikumara said.

Drawing lessons from recent crises, he said policymakers should no longer ask whether shocks would occur but whether financial systems possessed the capacity to absorb, adapt and recover while continuing to support economic activity.

He warned that external shocks increasingly interacted with domestic vulnerabilities, amplifying risks through weaker governance, concentrated exposures and operational weaknesses.

‘The objective is not to eliminate uncertainty, but to ensure policymakers and financial institutions possess the information, tools and capacity to absorb shocks, preserve confidence and continue supporting sustainable economic growth,’ he said.

Sirikumara also highlighted the increasingly difficult policy trade-offs confronting central banks, particularly when inflationary shocks require tighter monetary policy while higher interest rates simultaneously increase borrowing costs and weigh on financial intermediation.

Recent experience had demonstrated the importance of carefully balancing price stability and financial stability, he said, stressing that neither objective could be pursued in isolation.

He said this reinforced the need for stronger coordination between monetary policy and financial stability frameworks, particularly as uncertainty increasingly reduced the effectiveness of backward-looking policy approaches.

The Deputy Governor said Sri Lanka had responded to recent crises by significantly strengthening its institutional framework.

He pointed to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, which enhanced the Bank’s independence, governance and accountability while formally recognising its financial stability mandate. He also cited the Banking (Special Provisions) Act, amendments to the Banking Act, the establishment of the Coordination Council for Fiscal, Monetary and Financial Stability Policies and the Financial System Oversight Committee as key reforms that have improved crisis preparedness and policy coordination.

He said resilience required forward-looking supervision supported by stress testing, risk assessments, scenario analysis and stronger coordination across regulators rather than reliance on historical indicators alone.

‘Financial stability is a shared responsibility,’ Sirikumara said, adding that strong institutions, effective coordination and robust preparedness mechanisms were essential to preserve confidence during periods of stress.

The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion featuring University of Colombo Economics Professor Priyanga Dunusinghe, former CBSL Deputy Governor J.P.R. Karunaratne, HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte and Alliance Finance Company PLC Deputy Chairman/Managing Director Romani de Silva, and moderated by Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim.

Prof. Dunusinghe said maintaining financial stability alone would not be sufficient if financial institutions remained excessively risk-averse.

He said the financial sector must continue providing adequate funding to productive sectors of the economy, warning that excessive caution following the crisis risked slowing the recovery, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

‘We need to ensure the financial sector delivers the expected outcomes to the economy by providing the necessary financial resources to productive sectors,’ he said, adding that inclusive finance should remain a priority alongside resilience.

Karunaratne cautioned against relying solely on improving headline banking indicators, noting that rapid credit growth could temporarily improve non-performing loan ratios without necessarily reflecting underlying asset quality.

He said operational risks, cyber vulnerabilities, market risks and the economic impact of recent Middle East tensions had yet to be fully reflected in financial sector data and warranted close monitoring.

Pallewatte said banks now faced multiple overlapping risks rather than isolated shocks, identifying geopolitical developments, cyber security, climate change and talent shortages as the principal threats confronting the industry.

Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the sector’s resilience, pointing to strong capital, liquidity and recovery planning developed following Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis.

‘The banking sector has the capacity to manage this,’ he said, describing the industry’s performance during the crisis as evidence of its resilience.

De Silva said resilience should also be measured by how effectively the financial sector serves the real economy.

He argued that greater coordination between policymakers, banks and the non-bank financial sector was needed to improve financial inclusion, noting that almost half of Sri Lanka’s economically active population still lacked access to formal finance despite the country’s extensive financial network.

De Silva also called for greater collaboration to mobilise climate finance, strengthen agricultural value chains and expand access to productive credit, particularly through institutions serving under-banked communities.

A recent poll that gauged public confidence, satisfaction and trust in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake found that public satisfaction with the President remains high at around 75.5%. In comparison, public satisfaction with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa remains low at around 29.4%.

The poll was conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) titled the ‘Confidence in Democratic Governance Index’ opinion survey by its research unit, Social Indicator, between 23 May and 18 June 2026, with 1,240 people representing all districts and communities of the country.

This and other such polls have consistently indicated low public opinion of the SJB leader, Sajith Premadasa, and hence there needs to be some introspection within the main opposition party.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was long berated for clinging to the leadership of the United National Party (UNP) despite successive election defeats. This is one reason Premadasa and many in the UNP broke away and formed the SJB in 2020.

Since then, the SJB has faced several election defeats, and dissatisfaction within the SJB ranks from time to time has led to talk of it being a good time to name a successor to Sajith Premadasa.

None of Sri Lanka’s political parties has internal democracy. They are dominated by cliques that show unwavering faith in the leadership and don’t question when they go off the tracks. This has been the downfall of most established political parties, which have fragmented over the years and become just shells of what they once were.

The SJB was a makeshift political alliance formed to face elections, and so far it hasn’t done well. The failure of the SJB to win the last Colombo Municipal Council polls was a good enough reason to question the leadership, which failed to work out a proper strategy to win a council that the party could have easily won, but the leadership bungled by going with the views of its loyalists and picking the wrong candidates.

So far, Premadasa has been largely reactive in the manner in which he has taken on issues. Any Government in power will put a wrong foot forward more than once, and this ruling party is doing the same and any responsible Opposition must be vigilant and bring up these issues. But Government mess-ups cannot become the mainstay of an Opposition party. Be it the substandard coal imports, paddy farmer issues or even the prisons case, the public attention on them is short and vanishes as quickly as quicksand till the next issue comes along.

But as the main Opposition party and Sajith Premadasa, who wants another shot at the presidency in 2029, will need to have a better strategy to win against the incumbent. He can’t wait to win by default because of the failings of the Government.

The SLPP may not be the best example, but the formation of the Party and its successive electoral successes are a case of how good strategy worked to swing voters in its favour. The SJB does not need to be a copycat of the SLPP or engage in that kind of divisive politics, but proper research on voter sentiments and grassroots planning that worked for the SLPP can work for any political party if done the right way.

The SJB leader’s father, one-time president Ranasinghe Premadasa, was a clever strategist who built many successful programs such as Gam Udawa and the Million Houses program.

These are good ideas on which the SJB can build. Housing, health, and agriculture are crucial areas which often get neglected by governments and areas on which the main opposition party can build on. Otherwise, the polls, however insignificant they seem, may translate into reality when the next election comes along.

Sri Lanka’s credit recovery is facing its first major test as higher interest rates begin to filter through the economy, with KPMG warning that future lending momentum will determine whether the post-crisis expansion can sustain its pace even as external balances are set to improve.

In its July 2026 Sri Lanka Macroeconomic Outlook, the professional services firm said forthcoming credit data will be a key indicator of the economy’s underlying strength after the Central Bank’s 100 basis point policy rate increase in May, noting that private sector credit-to-GDP remains below pre-crisis levels despite the sharp recovery in lending over the past year.

The assessment points to a transition in Sri Lanka’s recovery from one supported by abundant liquidity and lower interest rates to one where sustained private sector borrowing will increasingly determine the pace of economic activity.

The economy expanded by 5.1% in the first quarter, supported by benign inflation, lower interest rates during the period and ample liquidity, while all three major sectors recorded positive growth. Industry grew 7.2%, Services expanded 3.4% and Agriculture increased 1.1%, underscoring the broad-based nature of the recovery despite lingering external headwinds.

Private sector credit, widely regarded as a leading indicator of future economic activity, increased by Rs. 485.4 billion during the first quarter, 24% above the level recorded a year earlier. Lending accelerated further in May, rising 79.1% year-on-year, with KPMG suggesting borrowers may have advanced financing decisions ahead of the Central Bank’s rate increase on 26 May.

However, the report said the recent pace of credit expansion also heightened the risk of second-round inflation after higher global energy prices triggered by the Middle East conflict fed through to domestic fuel and energy prices.

That prompted the Central Bank to raise the Overnight Policy Rate to 8.75%, its first increase in 38 months, to contain inflation expectations, moderate demand and support exchange rate stability. The policy shift has already tightened domestic financial conditions, with Treasury bill yields moving higher and overnight liquidity declining to Rs. 82.6 billion in June from Rs. 333.7 billion in February, indicating effective monetary policy transmission.

KPMG expects the tighter monetary environment to moderate private sector credit growth in the coming quarters, while reducing pressure on imports and helping rebalance the external sector. The report also noted that lending rates have already begun adjusting upwards following the May policy action.

The current account slipped back into deficit during the first quarter as higher fuel and vehicle imports and slower growth in tourism earnings offset resilient remittance inflows. Fuel and vehicle imports rose to $ 1.8 billion from $ 1.2 billion in the corresponding period last year, while workers’ remittances increased 26.5% year-on-year to $ 2.3 billion, continuing to provide an important buffer to external balances.

Looking ahead, KPMG expects lower crude oil prices, tighter financial conditions and the unwinding of earlier front-loaded imports to moderate fuel and vehicle imports. Together with resilient remittances and continued, albeit moderating, tourism earnings, these developments are expected to support a return to a current account surplus in June, although renewed geopolitical tensions remain the principal risk to that outlook.

The report said the recovery continues to be underpinned by improving public finances. Tax revenue increased 36.4% year-on-year during the first quarter, supported by the resumption of vehicle import-related taxes, which accounted for nearly one-fifth of total collections, and stronger indirect tax revenue amid improving nominal economic activity.

Despite a 16.3% increase in recurrent expenditure excluding interest payments, stronger revenue enabled the Government to record a primary surplus equivalent to 7.7% of GDP and an overall fiscal surplus of Rs. 116.4 billion in the first quarter. KPMG noted that subsequent Treasury data showed fiscal consolidation continuing into the second quarter, with the overall budget balance improving to a surplus of Rs. 197.3 billion during January to May from a deficit of Rs. 236.6 billion a year earlier.

Beyond the macroeconomic indicators, KPMG said underlying economic activity has remained resilient. Manufacturing and construction purchasing managers’ indices both returned to expansionary territory in May, while cement production increased 21.5% year-on-year during the first five months, suggesting domestic investment activity has remained firm despite rising geopolitical uncertainty.

Ye Couture, the luxury-clothing brand founded by Buddhika Kodikara in 2014, continues to make waves in the world of high fashion. With a passion for design that dates back to her school years, Buddhika’s path to success was shaped by both her unique talent and her unyielding determination.

Although Buddhika initially pursued Biology for her higher education, her love for fashion never wavered. She soon transformed her passion into a profession, enrolling at esteemed institutes such as LIFT, the Singer Fashion Academy, and the Ranliya Fashion Academy. These foundations helped her develop into a highly sought-after designer, with notable projects throughout her career. Supported by her dedicated team members, Sithija Madushan and Shalika Fernando, Buddhika continues to bring creativity, expertise and innovation to her fashion journey.

Buddhika made her mark as the costume designer for the contestants of the very first Voice Teen Sri Lanka, and later went on to design costumes for the popular Sri Lankan actress Shalini Tharaka on Hiru Super Dancer. Her success continued with her design work for the judges of the Hiru Singithi Avurudhu Kumara and Kumariya, as well as serving as the Official Costume Designer for Hiru Avurudhu Kumariya in 2022.

In addition to her work with TV shows and events, Buddhika has designed costumes for a variety of well-known Sri Lankan celebrities. Her designs have graced the covers of top newspapers like Tharunee, Sirikatha, GO, Rasaduna, and Hadagasma, while her creations have also been featured on popular TV shows such as Vindaneeya Udasena on Hiru TV and Subasiri on Sirasa TV.

Her celebrity clientele is a testament to her growing success in the fashion industry. Some of the prominent figures she has worked with include Nadini Premadasa, Nilmini Tennakoon, Damitha Abeyarathne, Apsari Tillekaratne, Dusheni Silva, Himali Sayurangi, Piumi Botheju, Nadeesha hemamali and Ayesha Rajapakse. Buddhika’s vision for Ye Couture has steadily gained momentum, with her unique designs resonating with both local and international audiences.

In 2025, Buddhika expanded her reach with the opening of Ye Couture’s first store in the USA. With plans to open a ready-made clothing store in Sri Lanka, her vision for the brand continues to grow. One of Buddhika’s most personal endeavors has been the creation of a clothing line for children with special needs, inspired by her experiences with her own son. This move reflects her deep commitment to designing for diverse needs and making fashion accessible for everyone.

As a designer with a global vision, Buddhika is determined to put Sri Lanka on the world fashion map. ‘I am truly grateful for the unwavering support of my husband, who has always trusted me and believed in my dreams. My parents and in-laws have been my pillars of strength, and I am incredibly thankful to them for their continuous encouragement. Special thanks to Sithija, who has been instrumental in running our Sri Lankan store from the very beginning,’ she said.

‘Ye Couture is my way of showcasing Sri Lanka’s potential in the global fashion industry, and I am excited to see where this journey will take us.’

Ye Couture is not just a brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan craftsmanship, creativity, and the vision of a designer determined to make a mark on the world.

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is gearing up to host the first international gem and jewellery exhibition of the year as FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 opens on 4 January.

Now in its 34th year, the showcase promises relevance in an ever-changing global marketplace by capitalising on Sri Lanka’s varied craftsmanship that aligns with its distinct heritage.

‘FACETS 2027 represents the very best of Sri Lanka,’ said SLGJA President Akram Cassim at a press conference held at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams last Thursday.

Explaining the significance of the annual exhibition, he said: ‘The event aims to bring together our skilled artisans, gemstone dealers, jewellers, and jewellery entrepreneurs, reminding the world that Sri Lanka is a trusted destination for excellence in global gem and jewellery trade.’

He added that this internationally recognised exhibition offers Sri Lankan SMEs opportunities to display their specialised products, build business partnerships, access foreign markets, and steer local economic growth in the process.

Outlining further benefits to the SME sector, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasised that FACETS 2027 can enhance the global market presence of more than 100 SME gem manufacturers.

He also noted that foreign consumer confidence can be further strengthened through ethical sourcing and sustainability efforts.

Such initiatives, he elaborated, include conducting sapphire mining through small-scale, Government-approved operations rather than industrial mining, causing less land disturbance and therefore alleviating potential environmental destruction.

These eco-friendly steps would appeal to international buyers who value responsibly sourced gemstones, as Government licensing and traceable supply chains offer greater transparency about their origins.

Discussing how local gemstones and jewellery can gain a competitive advantage, Wijesinghe called for cross-sector collaboration and public-private partnerships that will foster the innovation required to advance gem testing capabilities. Wijesinghe believes that such joint efforts will help diversify local gem and jewellery products while still reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

This flagship exhibition will showcase the country’s world-renowned sapphires and contemporary luxury jewellery while hosting special events such as Sapphire Night, Story Corner, Power Breakfast, a Mine Tour, as well as a Port City Tour, which will create opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 Chairman Shezim Mansoor credited the continued success of FACETS Sri Lanka to the support received from the EDB and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA).

‘EDB plays a vital role in linking Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry to global markets, while the NGJA works to uphold industry standards and sustainable growth,’ he stated.

He also remarked that by creating a platform for sponsors, investors, buyers, and key industry stakeholders such as SME entrepreneurs, Sri Lanka is slowly carving its position as an emerging leader in the global gem and jewellery market.

FACETS 2027 will be held from 4 January to 6 January, bringing together over 100 exhibitors and buyers from the USA, Europe, the Middle East, India, China, Thailand, and other key markets.

As Sri Lanka’s apparel industry targets an ambitious $8 billion in exports by 2030, the region’s premier trade platforms return to accelerate this growth.

The Intex – The Premier International Textile Sourcing Show and the co-located InMac – Smart Technology and Innovation in Gar-Tex Machinery will be held from 5 to 7 August 2026 at the BMICH, Colombo, uniting global textile sourcing and garment technology under one roof.

Hosting over 300 international companies from over 15 countries and regions, this largest-ever edition offers a comprehensive end-to-end platform to modernise Sri Lanka’s supply chain. Intex Sri Lanka will showcase upstream innovations in fibres, yarns, fabrics, accessories, and sustainable materials, connecting local manufacturers with major buyers from South Asia, ASEAN, Europe, and the Middle East. Running parallel, InMac Sri Lanka tackles the industry’s push for automation. Global machinery leaders will debut next-generation sewing, cutting, digital printing, and eco-friendly finishing systems designed to help factories transition into high-margin, intelligent manufacturing hubs.

Worldex India Executive Director Arti Bhagat said: ‘Our largest China Pavilion and strong Indian participation reflect deep global confidence in Sri Lanka. By integrating global raw materials with advanced machinery, Intex and InMac provide the definitive blueprint to power Sri Lanka’s 2030 export vision.’

These international B2B exhibitions will also feature the Interactive Business Forum (IBF) Seminars, exploring Circularity, Sustainability and Digital transformation and Smart Manufacturing across 3 days alongside B2B interactions and meetings for domestic and overseas trade buyers.

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is gearing up to host the first international gem and jewellery exhibition of the year as FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 opens on 4 January.

Now in its 34th year, the showcase promises relevance in an ever-changing global marketplace by capitalising on Sri Lanka’s varied craftsmanship that aligns with its distinct heritage.

‘FACETS 2027 represents the very best of Sri Lanka,’ said SLGJA President Akram Cassim at a press conference held at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams last Thursday.

Explaining the significance of the annual exhibition, he said: ‘The event aims to bring together our skilled artisans, gemstone dealers, jewellers, and jewellery entrepreneurs, reminding the world that Sri Lanka is a trusted destination for excellence in global gem and jewellery trade.’

He added that this internationally recognised exhibition offers Sri Lankan SMEs opportunities to display their specialised products, build business partnerships, access foreign markets, and steer local economic growth in the process.

Outlining further benefits to the SME sector, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasised that FACETS 2027 can enhance the global market presence of more than 100 SME gem manufacturers.

He also noted that foreign consumer confidence can be further strengthened through ethical sourcing and sustainability efforts.

Such initiatives, he elaborated, include conducting sapphire mining through small-scale, Government-approved operations rather than industrial mining, causing less land disturbance and therefore alleviating potential environmental destruction.

These eco-friendly steps would appeal to international buyers who value responsibly sourced gemstones, as Government licensing and traceable supply chains offer greater transparency about their origins.

Discussing how local gemstones and jewellery can gain a competitive advantage, Wijesinghe called for cross-sector collaboration and public-private partnerships that will foster the innovation required to advance gem testing capabilities. Wijesinghe believes that such joint efforts will help diversify local gem and jewellery products while still reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

This flagship exhibition will showcase the country’s world-renowned sapphires and contemporary luxury jewellery while hosting special events such as Sapphire Night, Story Corner, Power Breakfast, a Mine Tour, as well as a Port City Tour, which will create opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 Chairman Shezim Mansoor credited the continued success of FACETS Sri Lanka to the support received from the EDB and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA).

‘EDB plays a vital role in linking Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry to global markets, while the NGJA works to uphold industry standards and sustainable growth,’ he stated.

He also remarked that by creating a platform for sponsors, investors, buyers, and key industry stakeholders such as SME entrepreneurs, Sri Lanka is slowly carving its position as an emerging leader in the global gem and jewellery market.

FACETS 2027 will be held from 4 January to 6 January, bringing together over 100 exhibitors and buyers from the USA, Europe, the Middle East, India, China, Thailand, and other key markets.

Lanka Premier League (LPL) event rights holder IPG yesterday issued a statement on the reported arrest of the Jaffna Kings franchise owner, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on corruption while pledging full cooperation with Sri Lankan authorities investigating the matter.

The statement is as follows: IPG, the event rights holder of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), has taken note of reports published by sections of the Sri Lankan media regarding 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.

As the event rights holder of the Lanka Premier League, IPG fully supports Sri Lanka Cricket and the relevant authorities in ensuring that any investigation is conducted independently, fairly, and in accordance with due process. We will extend our full cooperation should any assistance be requested in connection with the matter.

IPG wishes to reiterate that all franchise owners participating in LPL have undergone the requisite ownership approval process, including integrity and due diligence assessments conducted by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), prior to their participation in the tournament.

The integrity, transparency and credibility of the LPL remain of paramount importance. IPG supports and maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, unethical conduct, and any activity that may compromise the integrity of the tournament.

We wish to reassure all stakeholders, including fans, franchises, sponsors, broadcasters, and commercial partners, that LPL 2026 will proceed as scheduled. We remain fully committed to delivering a world-class tournament while upholding the highest standards of governance and sporting integrity.

IPG will continue to work closely with Sri Lanka Cricket, the tournament’s Anti-Corruption Unit, Integrity Mentors, and all relevant authorities to support robust integrity measures throughout the competition.

At this stage, it would be inappropriate to comment further while the matter remains under investigation. IPG will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates, where appropriate, in coordination with Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust has announce that this year’s Memorial Lecture will be delivered by the renowned architect Junya Ishigami on Thursday, 23 July at 6:30 p.m. at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 07.

Presented annually to mark Geoffrey Bawa’s birthday, the lecture celebrates influential architectural ideas and practitioners from around the world.

Founder of the junya.ishigami+associates architectural firm, Ishigami is known for his large-scale projects that entwine the organic and the built. Ishigami completed a Master’s Degree at the Department of Architecture at Tokyo University of the Arts and worked for the renowned architectural firm Kazuyo Sejima and Associates before founding his own practice in 2024.

Ishigami’s architectural designs dissolve the boundary between the built structure and its surroundings. The completed projects are not merely buildings but interactions between structure, matter, atmospheric conditions, and time. They are frameworks where material processes, climate, and environmental dynamics shape the formation and inhabitation of space.

Ishigami has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Architectural Institute of Japan Prize (2009), the Golden Lion award for the best project at the 12th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia (2010), the Mainichi Design Award (2010), the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists (of fine arts), the OBEL Award by the Henrik Frode Obel Foundation (2019), the Frederick Kiesler Prize for Architecture and the Arts (2024) and the Architectural Institute of Japan Prize (2024). He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (2025) and received the Arnold W. Brunner Memorial Prize (2026).

Admission to the event is free, but registration is required. For registration and more information, visit: geoffreybawa.com/events. The Geoffrey Bawa Memorial Lecture is supported by Lanka Tiles.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered the arrest of Urban Development Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, NPP MP Jagath Manuwarna and four others after they failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing.

Additional Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi issued arrest warrants for Deputy Minister Gunasekara, MP Manuwarna, Roshan Ali Dhaniz Ali, Amal Salinda alias ‘Army Amila’, Udayanga Kumara and Ven. Koswatte Mahanama Thero.

The six accused, who are currently out on bail, face charges of participating in protests and being members of an unlawful assembly in violation of a court order.

The court also issued notices to the sureties who stood bail for the accused and fixed the case for 4 December 2026.