Category: Daily Financial Times

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) recent decision to deprive Sri Lanka of international hosting rights sends a clear message: political interference in the administration of sport will carry serious consequences.

Yet this raises an unavoidable and deeply troubling question: Why was the same principle not applied to Sri Lanka Rugby?

World Rugby suspended Sri Lanka Rugby in May 2023, publicly citing governance concerns and a breach of its Bye-Laws relating to political interference. However, the process that followed appeared to move in the opposite direction.

World Rugby and Asia Rugby subsequently participated in a governance process involving the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee and selected parties. This process ultimately paved the way for changes to the Sri Lanka Rugby Constitution and a restructuring of its administration.

The central issue is not whether rugby required reform. Every sporting body must be accountable. The real issue is whether those constitutional changes were introduced lawfully, transparently and with the valid approval of Sri Lanka Rugby’s legitimate voting membership. I maintain that they were not.

A national sporting constitution cannot be rewritten through political pressure, administrative convenience or the wishes of outside individuals. Any amendment must follow the existing constitution, Sri Lankan law, due process and the democratic rights of the recognised voting members.

If those requirements were bypassed, the resulting constitution cannot be legitimised merely because international or regional rugby officials participated in the process.

This reveals an alarming contradiction.

The ICC insists that Sri Lanka Cricket must manage its affairs autonomously and without Government interference. World Rugby itself suspended Sri Lanka Rugby for alleged political interference. Yet World Rugby and Asia Rugby later accepted a process in which Government representatives were directly involved in determining the future governance structure of Sri Lanka Rugby.

Political interference cannot be illegal on the day a suspension is imposed and acceptable on the day a constitution is rewritten.

Either sporting autonomy is a genuine international principle, or it is merely a weapon applied selectively against particular administrations and individuals.

Sri Lankan rugby has suffered enormously through suspensions, court disputes, administrative instability, mounting liabilities and the marginalisation of its legitimate stakeholders. Players, clubs and supporters have paid the price while those responsible for the governance crisis have escaped proper scrutiny. That must end.

Fully independent inquiry

I call for a fully independent inquiry into:

The circumstances surrounding the suspension of Sri Lanka Rugby.

All communications between the Ministry of Sports, World Rugby and Asia Rugby.

The authority under which the constitutional review was conducted.

Whether every constitutional amendment followed the required legal and voting procedures.

The identities and interests of those who proposed, promoted and approved the changes.

Whether Sri Lanka Rugby’s legitimate membership was pressured, bypassed or denied its democratic rights.

Whether World Rugby and Asia Rugby applied their political-interference rules consistently and impartially.

If such an inquiry is formally constituted, I am prepared to appear before it and provide clear documentary evidence supporting these concerns.

This is not a personal battle. It is about protecting the independence, legality and future of Sri Lanka Rugby.

Rugby public deserves more

The rugby public deserves more than carefully worded international statements. It deserves the complete documentary truth.

If the ICC can defend the autonomy of cricket by taking decisive action, World Rugby and Asia Rugby must explain why the governance of Sri Lankan rugby was treated differently.

There cannot be one law for cricket and another for rugby. There cannot be one definition of political interference for those in power and another for those removed from office.

Sri Lanka Rugby does not belong to a minister, an international official, a temporary committee or any politically connected individual.

It belongs to its lawful membership, its clubs, its players and the people of Sri Lanka.

Let an independent inquiry begin. Let every document be produced. Let every decision-maker answer under oath.

The evidence-not influence, politics or institutional power-must now determine the truth.

The factual foundation includes the ICC’s statement that Sri Lanka Cricket had failed to operate autonomously and without Government interference, resulting in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup being moved, and World Rugby’s own statement that SLR was suspended over governance concerns and political interference. World Rugby/Asia Rugby later confirmed that the constitutional review group included Ministry representatives.

The Coalition for Inclusive Impact (CII), at the request of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), has conducted a special training program for the party’s local government representatives from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu.

The program brought together Mayors, Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Councillors and focused on strengthening their practical knowledge and capacity to govern and manage local authorities effectively.

Key areas included revenue generation and financial sustainability, preparation and implementation of by-laws, powers and responsibilities of Mayors and Chairpersons, powers vested in local councils, administrative procedures, planning and project implementation.

The sessions also covered ITAK’s political ideology and principles and how they could be translated into effective, accountable and people-centred local governance.

University of Jaffna Department of Law Lecturer Kosalai Mathan and local government federations representative Pradeep provided legal, institutional and practical guidance to participants.

ITAK President C.V.K. Sivagnanam, General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran, Parliamentary Group Leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, former Batticaloa Mayor and ITAK Central Committee Member T. Saravanabavan and MP Dr. Sathiyalingam were among those who attended.

ITAK said strengthening the capacity of elected local government representatives was essential to enable councils in the North to make full use of their powers and deliver effective, transparent and accountable governance.

Major Clubs limited-over table toppers from Group ‘A’ Moors SC completed their fixtures with their first loss going down by 44 runs to Ace Capital CC at Moors SC grounds yesterday.

Moors SC who have 9 points from their six matches have to await other results to see whether they have qualified for a place in the semi-finals. Only the top two teams from each of the two groups qualify for the last four.

Defending champions CCC who didn’t have a game yesterday are in second place with 6 points and with two games in hand. Ace Capitals CC with their win yesterday have moved to third place also with 6 points but with one game in hand and Panadura SC are fourth with 5 points and two matches to play.

Sri Lanka’s Under19 left-arm spin all-rounder Chamika Heenatigala took 4/36 to bowl out a star-studded Moors SC for 207 while chasing a target of 252. Ramesh Mendis was their top scorer with 48. Thisara Ekanayake (54 off 88 balls, 4 fours) and skipper Pawantha Weerasinghe (60 off 59 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) put on a century partnership for Ace Capital CC to reach 251-9. Seamers Santhush Gunathilake (4/43) and Shiran Fernando (3/42) took the wickets for Moors SC.

Colts consolidated their position at the top of Group B with an emphatic eight-wicket win against Havelock Park rivals BRC at Colts grounds. BRC were wrapped up for 184 by seamer Dilshan Madushanka (3/38) and spinner Akila Dananjaya (3/34). Only Pawan Sandesh made any impression with the bat scoring 57 off 86 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). Colts raced to victory powered by an opening stand of 145 by Shalin de Mel (85 off 90 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) and Randunu Ganganath (69* off 95 balls, 4 fours). (ST)

De Soysa and Company Ltd., a trusted provider of industrial engineering and material handling solutions in Sri Lanka, recently completed the successful supply and handover of nine TCM forklifts to Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class equipment and dependable customer support to the country’s manufacturing sector.

The handover ceremony, attended by representatives of De Soysa and Company, TCM, and Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, marked another important milestone in the long-standing relationship between the organisations. The investment will further enhance Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC material handling capabilities, contributing to greater efficiency, safety, and productivity across its operations.

Recognised globally for their robust engineering, reliability, and cost-effective performance, TCM forklifts are designed to meet the demanding

requirements of modern industrial and warehouse environments. The addition of this fleet will support the seamless movement of materials within Lion Brewery’s facilities while ensuring high operational uptime.

Speaking on the occasion, a representative of De Soysa and Company stated:

‘We are honoured to have been selected by Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC for this important project. This delivery reflects our commitment to providing not only quality equipment but also comprehensive after-sales support that enables our customers to operate with confidence and efficiency. We sincerely thank Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC for the trust they have placed in our Company.’

With decades of experience serving Sri Lanka’s industrial sector, De Soysa and Company continues to provide comprehensive solutions in material handling equipment, engineering products, industrial chemicals, technical services, and genuine spare parts. The company remains committed to building long-term partnerships by delivering reliable products backed by responsive technical expertise and customer-focused service.

The successful completion of this project further demonstrates De Soysa and Company’s dedication to supporting the growth of Sri Lankan industry through innovative, reliable, and sustainable material handling solutions.

About De Soysa and Company:

Established in 1942, De Soysa and Company Ltd., is a premier provider of industrial engineering solutions in Sri Lanka, specialising in material handling equipment, genuine spare parts, and after-sales technical support. The Chemical Solutions Division supplies specialty chemicals, raw materials, and advanced testing equipment to the rubber, tyre, paints and coatings, and personal care industries, supporting high-quality manufacturing processes. Through technical expertise and reliable global partnerships, the division delivers innovative solutions that help customers improve product performance, quality, and operational efficiency. De Soysa and Company’s Engineering Division provides comprehensive solutions for industrial, marine and power-generation applications, including diesel engines, generators, pumps, filtration systems, propulsion equipment, control systems and genuine and OEM spare parts. Backed by over 80 years of company experience and strong international partnerships, the division combines global engineering technology with local technical support, project coordination and aftermarket service.

Home Lands Group continues to strengthen its commitment to positioning Sri Lankan excellence on the global stage, with the company partnering as Principal Sponsor of ‘Rhythms of Lanka’ at the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia on 23 August with an audience of around 2,500 in attendance.

For Home Lands, supporting ‘Rhythms of Lanka’ comes naturally as the company continues to lend its support to platforms that celebrate Sri Lankan talent and bring it to an international audience.

Home Lands also hosted an exclusive investment forum engaging with both existing and prospective investors, showcasing Sri Lankan real estate investment opportunities while promoting foreign investment in Sri Lanka, at the Sydney Opera House, overlooking the breathtaking Sydney Harbour. The investment forum preceded the musical presentation, with senior officials of Home Lands, alongside Brand Ambassador and acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita in attendance, marking another significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion and growing presence beyond Sri Lankan shores.

The event presented a strategic opportunity for Home Lands to support an internationally significant platform bringing together some of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished musical talent, including Rookantha Gunathilaka, Kasun Kalhara, Kanchana Anuradhi and Chitral Somapala, alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Eshan Denipitiya.

The Sydney Opera House provided an especially significant platform. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and regarded as one of the world’s most distinguished performing arts venues, its global stature offered an exceptional setting through which Sri Lankan talent could be presented at a venue of exceptional global significance.

The concert marked a significant return of large-scale Sri Lankan musical representation to the Sydney Opera House after almost two decades, following earlier Sri Lankan performances at the venue. This renewed presence reflects the continued international reach of Sri Lankan artists and the strength of the global Sri Lankan community.

Home Lands’ involvement forms part of a broader strategy of the company promoting Sri Lankan achievement, arts and culture across high-impact international platforms. Having built a strong presence in real estate and extended its support into sports and other fields, Home Lands is increasingly supporting platforms that showcase Sri Lankan capability across different spheres of excellence.

Music represents a natural extension of that commitment. By supporting ‘Rhythms of Lanka’ Home Lands reinforced its position as a brand that does not simply participate in significant moments but identifies opportunities where its presence can contribute to elevating Sri Lanka’s profile internationally. It is an approach rooted in purposeful brand association, aligning Home Lands with platforms that carry cultural relevance, international visibility and the ability to influence how Sri Lanka is perceived beyond its borders.

Thus, across all fields Home Lands continues to build associations that reflect the ambition, talent and potential of Sri Lanka. At the Sydney Opera House, that commitment took its place on one of the world’s most recognisable stages.

AlchemX Global has been appointed as an official ISSB Training Partner for Sri Lanka, enabling the Company to deliver training on applying the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards using content developed by the IFRS Foundation.

The appointment places AlchemX among the first organisations in Sri Lanka to obtain this status, expanding its ability to support Sri Lankan organisations as sustainability-related financial disclosure becomes an increasingly important part of corporate reporting.

Through the partnership, AlchemX will support organisations in building practical capability to understand and apply the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. This complements the Company’s existing end-to-end sustainability reporting implementation and disclosure support, enabling organisations to move from technical understanding to the integration of relevant processes and ultimately the preparation of high-quality disclosures.

For participants, the ISSB Training Partner status provides access to IFRS Foundation-developed learning content grounded directly in the ISSB Standards and related resources, bringing globally consistent technical knowledge into a learning experience focused on how the Standards are applied in practice. This is particularly valuable as organisations seek to build internal capability and strengthen the quality and consistency of sustainability-related financial disclosures.

AlchemX brings together deep capability across Finance, ESG and Corporate Reporting, with its team combining hands-on corporate experience with advisory and consultancy expertise across multiple industries, including the implementation of leading international reporting frameworks. The Company also supports the development of Annual Reports, Sustainability Reports and other corporate disclosures, providing a distinctive combination of ESG, financial and reporting capability across the full reporting journey.

This breadth of capability enables AlchemX to support organisations at different stages of their reporting journey, from those establishing their reporting foundations to more mature reporters seeking to strengthen integration and disclosure quality. Solutions are tailored to the organisation’s scale, reporting maturity and business realities, allowing reporting requirements to be translated into practical processes that can be embedded within existing operations.

The appointment comes as IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards gain increasing prominence in corporate reporting both globally and locally. AlchemX aims to support this transition by strengthening local capability and helping Sri Lankan organisations develop reporting practices aligned with evolving international expectations.

AlchemX Global is a professional services firm co-founded by Chamika Perera and Prashani Illangasekera, providing integrated solutions across Finance, ESG and Reporting. Its capabilities span accounting and financial advisory, ESG strategy and integration, sustainability disclosure implementation and corporate reporting, including Annual Reports and Sustainability Reports.

Perituza Software Solutions, a Texas-based consultancy specialising in custom AI and software development, has announced the launch of its AI Assessment Services in Sri Lanka.

The offering introduces a globally tested framework developed through engagements with mid-market and large-scale enterprises in the United States, now adapted to support Sri Lankan companies in adopting AI with clarity, structure, and measurable business outcomes.

As organisations across industries increasingly explore automation to scale operations without increasing overheads, many continue to face a fundamental challenge in identifying where AI can deliver meaningful return on investment. Perituza’s AI Assessment Services are designed to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s operational workflows, technical infrastructure, data maturity, and organisational readiness, translating insights into a clear and actionable roadmap.

The assessment framework focuses on aligning business strategy with operational impact and commercial viability, enabling organisations to prioritise high-value use cases and move beyond experimentation towards implementation. The same framework, delivery standards, and consulting methodology applied in the United States will be used in Sri Lanka, ensuring that local enterprises benefit from global best practices while addressing market-specific realities.

The services are designed to support a broad range of industries, including energy, logistics and supply chain, and construction, as well as core business functions such as financial operations, sales, and customer service. This ensures that organisations can identify opportunities that are both industry-relevant and operationally impactful, allowing for more precise and effective AI adoption.

In addition to AI assessment and strategy development, Perituza supports organisations through end-to-end execution, including team augmentation services that provide access to specialised engineering talent. This integrated approach enables companies to move from strategy to implementation with continuity and speed, reducing the disconnect that often exists between planning and execution. The launch comes at a critical time as Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as a hub for high-value services.

Many AI initiatives fail due to gaps in planning, data readiness, or internal alignment. By introducing a structured and commercially grounded approach, Perituza aims to reduce these risks and support organisations in building sustainable, outcome-driven digital transformation journeys.

Perituza Co-Founder and General Manager APAC Operations Yuka LaTulippe said: ‘Too many companies are being told to adopt AI without being shown how it actually creates value. What we do is bring clarity. We help organisations cut through the noise, focus on what truly matters, and build a path to AI that delivers real, measurable impact.’

Founded in 2013, Perituza is a Houston, Texas-based AI and software development firm focused on solving complex business challenges through high-impact digital solutions. With a growing presence in Sri Lanka, the company combines global expertise with local delivery to support organisations in building scalable, ROI-driven technology capabilities.

The National Trade Facilitation Forum (NTFF), representing stakeholders across Sri Lanka’s maritime, shipping and logistics trade, has appealed to Sri Lanka Customs Director General for the consideration and review of the new Customs ICT Fee applicable to DGMS-registered Sea Cargo Manifest Reporting Users under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2493/02, effective 1 July 2026, together with the existing manifest amendment penalty framework under Section 29 of the Customs Ordinance.

Industry cost burden and its link to State revenue

NTFF said manifest reporting is a private-sector function performed in the public interest: accurate advance manifest data is the primary input Customs uses for revenue protection, risk targeting, and detection of misdeclaration before cargo lands. The 833 DGMS-registered reporters carrying this function are not incidental intermediaries, they are the first-line data source underpinning Customs’ own revenue and risk systems. Therefore, we respectfully submit that an increase of this scale, implemented within a short timeframe, warrants further consideration given its potential impact on landed import costs and export competitiveness across the wider economy.

The quantified increase

The DGMS annual licence fee to operate as a Service Provider is Rs. 12,000/year. To report manifests, users must now additionally pay a new recurring ICT Fee of Rs. 5,000/month (Rs. 60,000/year) a six-fold increase in fixed annual cost per provider. Applied across all 833 registered reporters, this moves the sector’s total fixed annual compliance cost from approximately Rs. 10 million to approximately Rs. 60 million, an increase of roughly Rs. 50 million per annum, imposed with immediate effect and no transition period.

A mandatory statutory charge with no mechanism for cost recovery

The ASYHUB platform is a mandatory statutory reporting mechanism, rather than a discretionary commercial service. Sea-cargo manifest reporting arises under the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) and the applicable Electronic Cargo Manifest reporting framework, and is a necessary prerequisite to the subsequent Customs declaration and clearance process. It therefore constitutes a compulsory regulatory function for which users have no alternative service provider. Critically, without a valid Customs receipt for the ICT fee, service providers cannot legitimately recover the charge as a disbursement, leaving it as a non-recoverable regulatory overhead borne by the reporting entity.

Proposed alternative: A per-manifest charge

NTFF has requested that Customs consider restructuring this charge on a per-manifest/per-transaction basis rather than a flat recurring fee. A transaction-linked charge would scale fairly with actual usage, would be inherently receiptable and billable back against the specific shipment it relates to, and would directly reflect the value each manifest submission delivers as an input to Customs’ revenue collection and risk management functions, rather than falling as a fixed cost regardless of volume.

The unresolved manifest amendment penalty

This compounds a longstanding, unresolved issue. Sri Lanka Customs’ own 2013 letter to CASA prescribed penalties of up to Rs. 100,000 per manifest amendment. In 2018, CASA, SLFFA, SLANA and CEYFFA jointly proposed a more proportionate framework, with a maximum penalty of Rs. 25,000 for major post-registration amendments. SLFFA reiterated this request in 2021, noting that excessive penalties could encourage manipulation detrimental to Government revenue integrity and legitimate trade. With manifest reporters now required to bear the additional recurring ICT Fee, we respectfully submit that the case for adopting the 2018 industry proposal is stronger than ever, providing a fairer and more proportionate amendment framework while encouraging accurate and transparent manifest reporting.

NTFF has requested the following:

Reconsider the ICT Fee structure, moving from a flat recurring charge to a per-manifest/per-transaction basis;

Issue an official receipt for any such charge, to enable legitimate cost recovery from shippers/consignees;

Adopt, with immediate effect, the 2018 joint-association proposal to reduce manifest amendment penalties from the 2013 scale;

Consult the NTFF and trade associations before further changes of comparable scale.

NTFF said it fully supports Customs’ objective of maintaining secure and efficient digital systems and respectfully seek a fair, transparent and proportionate funding mechanism. Consistent with WTO TFA Article 6.2, fees for Customs processing should be limited to the approximate cost of the services rendered, while Article 6.1 calls for transparency and periodic review of fees and charges. The WCO RKC reflects the same cost-of-service principle for specified Customs services. We therefore respectfully request that the ICT Fee be reviewed to ensure it is cost-reflective, transparent and practically recoverable, and would welcome direct consultation with Customs on an equitable way forward, NTFF added.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has appointed Shashi Kandambi to its Board as an Independent, Non-Executive Director.

Shashi Kandambi is an accomplished banking and financial services leader with over 37 years of extensive experience in banking, financial management, corporate leadership and strategic transformation.

Her career encompasses senior executive and CEO-level responsibilities, with particular expertise in corporate governance, risk oversight, financial strategy, regulatory engagement, digital transformation and stakeholder management.

She served as the General Manager/Chief Executive Director of National Savings Bank (NSB) from January 2024 to January 2026, where she provided strategic leadership during a significant period of institutional transformation. Her tenure focused on strengthening NSB’s financial position, enhancing risk and governance frameworks, improving operational efficiency, advancing digital capabilities and developing institutional capacity.

She also represented NSB at prestigious international forums, including the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) Centenary Conference, SIBOS and the Asian SWIFT Forum, enhancing NSB’s international profile.

Previously, Kandambi held the position of Senior Deputy General Manager and several other senior leadership positions at Sampath Bank PLC, where she provided leadership across Corporate Banking, International Banking, Corporate Credit, Digitalisation, Treasury, Corporate Finance, Offshore Banking, Legal and Recoveries. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial resource management, credit and risk oversight, business development, international trade and regulatory matters.

During her career, she has demonstrated particular strength in leading organisations through periods of change and complexity, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was involved in ensuring business continuity, liquidity management, digital enablement and the implementation of regulatory relief measures.

Kandambi holds an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Finance from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, and a Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL). She is a Senior Fellow of the IBSL and holds a Board Leadership Director Certification from the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID). Her executive education includes programmes at Harvard Business School and the University of Sussex.

She has contributed significantly to the banking profession, including serving as the President of the Association of Professional Bankers Sri Lanka and through various professional, academic and advisory roles.

Throughout her banking career, Kandambi has held a number of significant board, governance and industry leadership positions, reflecting her extensive experience in the financial services sector. She is also a Member of the Sri Lanka Bankers’ Association (SLBA), the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL), the Lanka Financial Services Bureau and the NSB Fund Management Company. Kandambi has also served as the Chairperson of the SWIFT User Group Sri Lanka and Financial Ombudsman Sri Lanka.

These memberships and appointments have provided her with broad exposure to industry governance, financial-sector policy, regulatory and institutional matters, stakeholder engagement and the development of the banking and financial services sector.

Her professional recognition includes the ‘Gold Medal – Top 50 Career and Professional Women 2017’, awarded by Women in Management in partnership with IFC, and the ‘Business Leader of the Year 2025’ awarded by AICPA and CIMA (CIMA-JXG Pinnacle Award).

Currently a financial consultant, Kandambi brings to board and advisory roles a combination of extensive financial-sector expertise, strategic leadership, governance experience, regulatory understanding and a strong commitment to sustainable value creation.

Sri Lanka began their Women’s Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a nine-wicket win over the UAE after bowling them out for just 79 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi led the way with three wickets apiece, while Sugandika Kumari took two, before Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 48 off 25 balls and Imesha Dulani’s 25 off 18 powered the defending champions to the target in just 7.5 overs. The victory, completed with 73 balls to spare, was Sri Lanka’s biggest in T20Is in terms of balls remaining.

Sri Lanka made an ideal start after opting to bowl, with Mithali Ayodhya striking in the fourth ball of the innings to bowl Theertha Satish for a duck. Chethana Vimukthi then joined in, bowling a disciplined spell and removing Lavanya Keny in the fourth over to leave UAE at 8-2. Esha Oza and Heena Hotchandani tried to rebuild, but scoring remained difficult, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers giving little away. UAE reached only 16-2 at the end of the Powerplay.

By the halfway stage, UAE had crawled to 31-3, having played out 37 dot balls. Hotchandani fell for 10 off 18 to Chamari Athapaththu soon after, and although Rinitha Rajith provided some impetus with 15 off 16, wickets kept falling around her. Samaira Dharnidharka made 17 off 25 before Kavisha Dilhari had her caught and bowled in the 15th over, and Rajith followed in the 19th over. Ayodhya then returned to remove the final two batters, bowling UAE out for under 80.

In contrast to the first innings, Sri Lanka made a flying start to the chase, with Dulani and Athapaththu dealing in regular boundaries. Dulani was particularly fluent, striking five fours in her 18-ball 25, while Athapaththu became the first to reach 500 runs in Women’s Asia Cups, with a six off Esha Oza in the fourth over.

The pair raised a half-century stand inside the Powerplay before Dulani was run out for 25 when a drive from Athapaththu ricocheted off the bowler and hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Athapaththu, though, continued the assault with Sanjana Kavindi for company. Having struck two boundaries off Athige Silva, she hit a six off Oza before finishing off the chase with a couple as Sri Lanka began their Asia Cup campaign with a facile win.

Chetana Vimukthi made it a memorable WT20I debut by taking the Player of the Match award for her performance of 3/16.

Scores:

UAE 79 (19.5) (Esha Oza 18, Mithali Ayodhya 3/14, Chethana Vimukthi 3/16, Sugandika Kumari 2/18) lost to Sri Lanka 80-1 (7.5) (Chamari Athapaththu 48*, Imesha Dulani 25)