Category: Daily Financial Times

The Alumni Association of the University of Colombo will launch its Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series with an inaugural session on 21 July at the Senate Hall, College House, University of Colombo, with simultaneous online participation by overseas alumni.

Held under the theme ‘Technology and Innovation, Trade and Economics, and Law and Governance: Navigating Global Transformation in the Digital Age,’ the inaugural seminar marks the beginning of a new initiative to strengthen engagement among the University’s global alumni while creating a platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and collaboration.

The first session, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, will bring together eminent University of Colombo alumni from Australia, Japan, and Sri Lanka to discuss contemporary global challenges and opportunities through the interconnected perspectives of technology, economics, trade, law, and governance.

The distinguished panel of speakers comprises eminent University of Colombo alumni: Prof. Anuja Dharmaratne (Monash University, Australia), CodeGen International Senior Scientist – Research and Innovation Dr. Yasun Kannangara, World Bank Lead Economist Dr. Harsha Aturupane, International University of Japan Professor of Economics Prof. N.S. Cooray, University of Colombo Faculty of Law Dean Prof. Sampath Punchihewa, and Dr. Darshana Sumanadasa (Curtin University, Australia).

The panel discussion will be moderated by Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim together with University of Colombo Alumni Association Global Alumni Network Initiative Chairman Dr. Malraj Kiriella.

The Chief Guest at the inaugural seminar will be University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Karunathilake.

University of Colombo Alumni Association President J.M.S. Bandara said: ‘For more than a century, the University of Colombo has produced leaders, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants who continue to make significant contributions in Sri Lanka and across the world. The Alumni Association is committed to strengthening these lifelong bonds by creating opportunities for our alumni to reconnect, exchange ideas, and contribute their expertise. This Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series reflects our vision of harnessing the collective strength of our global alumni community in support of the University, national development, and international collaboration.’

University of Colombo Alumni Association Immediate Past President Rajeev Amarasuriya said: ‘In today’s interconnected world, alumni engagement should extend well beyond maintaining personal connections. It should create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and thought leadership. By bringing together distinguished University of Colombo alumni from diverse disciplines and different parts of the world, this initiative establishes a sustainable platform that will strengthen our global alumni network while generating ideas, partnerships, and lasting value for the University and the country.’

Dr. Kiriella, who led the development of the initiative, said: ‘The Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series has been conceived as a platform to connect University of Colombo alumni across geographical boundaries through knowledge sharing, professional networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The response to the inaugural seminar has been extremely encouraging, with physical participation reaching full capacity well ahead of the event through prior registrations, while online registrations from overseas participants continue to grow. This enthusiastic response demonstrates the strong commitment of our global alumni community to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience. We envisage this as the first of many initiatives that will further strengthen the University’s global alumni network and foster enduring collaboration across countries and disciplines.’

Daily FT is the Print Media Partner for the inaugural Global Hybrid Alumni Knowledge-Sharing Seminar Series.

SLT-MOBITEL, has launched the exciting ‘Road to LPL’ countrywide roadshow in celebration of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, with SLT-MOBITEL PEOTV serving as the tournament’s Official Media and Broadcast Partner.

Organised by SLT-MOBITEL in collaboration with the IPG Group and Sri Lanka Cricket, the ‘Road to LPL’ initiative featured an official promotional truck travelling across key franchise locations, including Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Colombo, and Dambulla, as well as other major cities throughout the country. The program emphasised SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to boosting national pride, brand visibility, employee engagement, and fan connectivity.

The roadshow officially commenced in Galle on 10 July 2026, marking the beginning of a nationwide promotional campaign designed to bring the excitement and energy of the Lanka Premier League closer to cricket fans and communities across Sri Lanka.

Through this initiative, SLT-MOBITEL created opportunities for cricket fans to engage directly with the tournament, its teams, and LPL players while enjoying a range of entertaining, cricket-themed experiences. This gave fans the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Lanka Premier League first-hand through interactive activities, including Spin the Wheel, VR Cricket Challenge, Scream for the Team, and Gully Cricket. Fans were also able to show their support and cheer for their favourite teams by placing their signatures on the LPL Canvas, while also having the opportunity to win exciting giveaways and LPL match tickets. Adding to the excitement, players representing the five LPL teams from Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Colombo, and Dambulla joined the roadshow, inspiring fans with their presence and passion for the game.

The roadshow arrived at the SLT Headquarters in Colombo on 13 July 2026, bringing the electrifying atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s premier domestic cricket tournament directly to SLT-MOBITEL employees and the general public. The event offered employees the opportunity to enjoy the same exciting roadshow experience, marking a significant milestone in the countrywide campaign. The Colombo activation exclusively featured the unveiling of the LPL trophy, along with an unforgettable series of cricket-themed activities. Participants were also given the opportunity to place their valuable signatures on the LPL Canvas and meet LPL team captains. The activation created memorable experiences while generating greater awareness and visibility for both SLT-MOBITEL and the Lanka Premier League.

The celebrations will culminate in a spectacular LPL Drone Show on 17 July 2026, symbolising the powerful fusion of sport, technology, entertainment, and innovation. The tournament will continue until 8 August 2026. Cricket fans across Sri Lanka will be able to watch the full tournament LIVE through SLT-MOBITEL PEOTV platforms, including PEOTV and PEO MOBILE, as well as other digital platforms. Matches will be broadcast in true HD quality, providing viewers with crystal-clear visuals and an immersive viewing experience.

Beyond bringing the excitement of the LPL to employees and fans, SLT-MOBITEL’s ‘Road to LPL’ roadshow also represented a celebration of cricket’s power to unite communities, offering fans an opportunity to experience the game in new and engaging ways.

SLT-MOBITEL’s partnership with the Lanka Premier League reflects the Group’s commitment to strengthening fan engagement through a shared passion for cricket. It also demonstrates how sport and technology can work together to connect communities and inspire the nation.

University Grants Commission (UGC) former Chairman and University of Sri Jayewardenepura former Vice Chancellor Professor Sampath Amaratunge has been invited to serve as an ‘Academic Guardian of Olympic Values’ under the international Ethos Universitas framework and has subsequently received his official Certificate of Appointment. Professor Amaratunge, a distinguished Sri Lankan academic, presently serves as Deputy President and Deputy CEO of CINEC Campus, a leading non-State higher education institution in Sri Lanka.

The distinction recognises eminent academic leaders whose service to higher education reflects values associated with ethics, integrity, responsible leadership and good governance. Although inspired by the Olympic tradition, the recognition is not connected to sporting achievement. Instead, it seeks to promote the broader humanistic and ethical ideals of Olympism within universities and academic institutions across the world.

Ethos Universitas functions under the academic committee of Panathlon International, an organisation founded in Venice in 1951 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1982. The initiative presently connects nearly 200 universities and academic institutions in more than seventy countries.

The recognition highlights the growing international emphasis on ethics and value-based leadership in higher education. It also demonstrates how Olympic values such as excellence, fairness, respect, integrity and social responsibility are increasingly being interpreted beyond the field of sport and applied within academic and institutional contexts worldwide.

Professor Amaratunge has previously received several prestigious national and international honours in recognition of his distinguished contributions to higher education and public service. In 2021, he was conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan which is the highest honours ordinarily conferred upon foreign nationals in recognition of outstanding contributions to promoting relations with Japan.

More recently, in 2026, he was awarded the honorary title Sri Sumangala Vidyawathansa by the Vidyodaya Pirivena, in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contributions to Sri Lanka in the field of national service. Earlier, in 2018, Vidyodaya Pirivena conferred on him the honorary title Vidyodaya Dharma Shasthra Vibhushanaa in recognition of his distinguished service to education and society.

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) has renewed its call for sweeping trade facilitation reforms, warning that hidden logistics costs, border delays, and outdated regulations continue to erode the competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters and importers.

Addressing the Council’s 60th anniversary celebrations and 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Friday, Chairman Trisherman Frink said eliminating unnecessary logistics costs remains the organisation’s core mission as it seeks to position Sri Lanka as a more efficient and competitive trading nation.

‘Our vision is simple yet powerful-to enhance the competitiveness of our members by abolishing hidden logistics costs,’ he said.

Frink stressed that every unnecessary border delay, inefficient procedure, avoidable surcharge, and outdated regulation ultimately increases the cost of doing business and weakens the international competitiveness of Sri Lankan companies.

‘As the apex body representing Sri Lankan shippers, we have both a responsibility and an obligation to work with Government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to remove these barriers and create a logistics environment that enables businesses to compete successfully on the global stage,’ he said.

He noted that the global trading landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by changing supply chains, digital transformation, intensifying competition among ports, and shifting international trade policies.

‘In this environment, standing still is not an option. We must continuously adapt. We must innovate. And above all, we must work together,’ Frink said, urging greater collaboration among Government agencies, regulators, ports, shipping lines, logistics providers, exporters, and importers.

Reflecting on the Council’s activities over the past year, Frink said the organisation had continued to represent the interests of Sri Lankan shippers through constructive engagement, evidence-based advocacy, and collaboration with policymakers.

‘We firmly believe that sustainable progress is achieved not through confrontation but through dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership,’ he said.

The Council strengthened its engagement with key public institutions during the year, including Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Board of Investment, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, the Export Development Board, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), and the Asian Development Bank.

He thanked the heads of these institutions for maintaining open dialogue with the private sector, noting that while differences of opinion may arise, the shared objective remains improving Sri Lanka’s business environment.

Trade facilitation, he said, continues to be one of the Council’s highest priorities.

‘International trade is no longer measured only by the quality of a product. It is measured by the speed, efficiency, predictability, and the cost of moving that product across borders,’ he said.

Frink noted that repeated documentation requirements, unnecessary paperwork, delays in cargo clearance, and prolonged container dwell times add significantly to business costs, with exporters, importers, and ultimately the national economy bearing the burden.

‘Our objective has never been to assign blame. Our objective is to build solutions that create value for everyone,’ he added.

He also said the Council had actively participated in meetings of the Asian Shippers’ Alliance and the Global Shippers’ Alliance, strengthening links with counterpart organisations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

He opined that these partnerships provide valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, monitor emerging global trade trends, and ensure that the interests of Sri Lankan shippers are represented internationally.

Frink outlined the Council’s priorities for the coming year, including advocating policies to enhance Sri Lanka’s trade competitiveness, accelerating digital trade facilitation initiatives, working with State agencies to remove unnecessary logistics barriers, and strengthening engagement with international organisations to introduce global best practices.

He stressed that the Council’s achievements have been built on collective effort rather than individual contributions.

‘No organisation succeeds because of the efforts of one individual. Success is achieved through teamwork, commitment, and a shared vision. Let us continue to build bridges rather than barriers,’ he said.

Chief Adviser to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya participated as the Special Envoy of the President at the world’s largest global digital governance forums held in Geneva from 6-10 July 2026.

The global event had three main forums vis-a vis the first United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum and AI for Good Global Summit 2026.

The inaugural session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance was addressed by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Annalena Baerbock, and other high-level dignitaries.

Addressing the historic first universal, UN-led platform on artificial intelligence; the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Dr. Wijayasuriya underlined the importance of an inclusive international AI architecture that protects the interests of developing nations. He underscored that deep and meaningful inclusion raises the imperative of ‘Sovereign AI,’ where countries can deploy AI in ways that reflect their own national priorities, cultures and languages without compromising independence, sensitive data or national resilience.

Further expanding on these themes, Dr. Wijayasuriya participated as a featured panellist in the high-level Leaders TalkX session on ‘Information Without Barriers: Making Knowledge Accessible’ at the WSIS Forum.

Dr. Wijayasuriya also joined the Ministerial Roundtable with participating Ministers from other States and detailed Sri Lanka’s national digital transformation strategy, which integrates AI-powered language models, speech recognition, and translation services directly into the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to foster civic and economic inclusion.

On the margins of the summits, the Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with global tech Ministers, Heads of international organisations, and diplomatic dignitaries, including Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan Minister, Justice and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Minister, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, Secretary-General of Communications Ministry of Malaysia, Vice President for Digital and AI of the World Bank, Deputy-Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) etc.

Dr. Wijayasuriya also addressed the event ‘From India to Geneva: A Global Convening on AI Impact at Scale,’ which was also addressed by the Minister of State for External Affairs; and Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India.

Through these targeted engagements, the high-level delegation of Sri Lanka explored technical cooperation, cross-border digital alignment, and knowledge sharing to accelerate Sri Lanka’s pathway towards a digital economy. These engagements further consolidated Sri Lanka’s position as a proactive and emerging digital hub in the Indian Ocean.

Dr. Wijayasuriya was accompanied by the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Director General, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, and senior officials of the Permanent Mission in Geneva.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully conducted the 7th Provincial ExpoNavigator Program under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2026 on 9-10 June 2026 in Batticaloa.

Implemented under the EU’s regional program ‘Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)’, the initiative aims to enhance the export readiness and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling their entry to international markets.

Held in conjunction with International MSME Day 2026, the two-day event brought together nearly 100 export-potential entrepreneurs from the Eastern Province. Participants engaged in awareness sessions, technical consultations and personalised business advisory services designed to help position businesses for export markets.

As a flagship c of the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI), the ExpoNavigator Program has now reached seven provinces -Western, North-Western, Northern, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Eastern Provinces -focusing on identifying high potential SMEs and connecting them with the technical expertise, finance and institutional support needed to scale up for export.

Despite strong potential in agriculture, fisheries, food processing, coconut-based products, spices, manufacturing and other value-added industries, the Eastern Province remains significantly underrepresented in Sri Lanka’s export sector, accounting for less than one percent of registered exporters. While the Province currently contributes about 5% to national GDP, there is both clear potential and a pressing need to strengthen its role to reach the 8% target by 2030.

Through interactive awareness sessions and a dedicated Business Clinic, SMEs engaged directly with experts from the EDB and partner institutions on export readiness, product development, branding, packaging, quality standards, certification requirements, market intelligence and access to finance. The clinic also helped identify high-potential enterprises for continued, targeted support under SLEEI.

By delivering export development services directly to the provinces, the ExpoNavigator Program is helping build a more diversified, resilient and inclusive export economy while creating new opportunities for regional businesses to participate in global value chains.

AIA Insurance Lanka recently hosted its annual AIA Sales Convention 2026, bringing together the company’s top-performing Wealth Planners, Managers and Distribution Leaders in a powerful celebration of excellence, achievement and ambition.

Held under the inspiring theme ‘Born to be #1 – Be the one. Lead the future.’, the Sales Convention recognised individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance, resilience and commitment in advancing AIA’s purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

The event was attended by AIA Sri Lanka Director/CEO Chathuri Munaweera, Chief Agency Officer Dimuthu Piyasena, alongside the Executive Committee and Senior Management, reflecting the significance of the occasion in the company’s annual calendar.

Bringing together elite performers from across the island, the convention created an atmosphere of motivation and prestige, honouring those whose dedication and excellence have propelled AIA Sri Lanka forward. From top-performing Wealth Planners to high-achieving agency leaders, the awards recognised individuals who have consistently set benchmarks within the Company.

This year, Sanjeewani Somarathna from Kandy ADO was honoured as the Best Wealth Planner 2025, with W. A. Osaka from Tissamaharama ADO and Hushani Wimalasena from Colombo Metro DU securing the First and Second Runners-Up positions, respectively.

Among the top honours, Ravi Kumar Perera from Panadura City ADO was named Best Wealth Planners’ Manager 2025, with Upul Indika Samaranayaka from Monaragala DU and Nishshanka Fernando from Mawanella ADO securing the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. In the Best Cluster WPM category, Krishan Dassanayaka from Panadura City ADO took the top spot, followed by Nadeeth De Alwis from Nugegoda Main DU and Tyron Chaminda from Kalutara Main DU as runners-up. Jayantha Perera from Colombo Region 10 (3 Tier) was awarded Best 3 Tier Manager 2025, with Dilan Abeysundara from Matara ADO and Chaminda Gunathilake from Kurunegala Region 3 recognised as runners-up.

The Best ADO Manager award went to Chathuni Deshi from Panadura City ADO, while Vinol Priyasenarath from Moratuwa ADO and Dileepa Ameendra from Tissamaharama and Matara ADOs were honoured as runners-up. In the category of Best Distribution Unit Head, Nalin Samarakoon from Kurunegala Main DU was recognised for outstanding leadership, with Indunil Kumari

Amarasinghe from Colombo Metro and Colombo Region 2 and Eresh Silva from Negombo Region 1 earning runner-up accolades.

The AIA Sales Convention continues to be a flagship event that not only rewards performance but also inspires the entire agency force to strive for greater heights.

After years of shaping narratives, building reputations, and creating memorable campaigns across advertising, public relations, and events, Meenu Gunasinghe has taken a defining step founding Minerva Global Ltd., a 360-degree integrated communication company that promises to bring fresh energy and intelligence to the global corporate and personal branding landscape.

A proud graduate of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura with Honours in Mass Communication, Gunasinghe has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most versatile and insightful communication professionals.

With rich experience in advertising, a sharp instinct for public relations, and a proven track record in event management, she has also established herself as a creative strategist, political strategist, and compelling writer. Today, she channels all that expertise into Minerva Global as its Founder and CEO.

For Gunasinghe, Minerva is more than just another agency-it is a guardian and guide for ambitious brands and leaders. The company was born from her deep belief that communication should not only be seen and heard, but truly felt and remembered.

In an industry often criticised for following trends, Minerva Global is choosing a different path.

‘The new era of advertising does not walk in line; it steps out of the box, keeping audiences awake in every moment and every move,’ Gunasinghe said.

By blending creative storytelling with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven innovation, the company is creating campaigns that are strategic, emotionally intelligent, and refreshingly different.

Minerva Global specialises in Personal Brand Development, Corporate Reputation Management, Integrated 360-Degree Campaigns, Strategic Public Relations, and high-impact Event Management. Whether it is elevating a corporate leader’s personal brand or protecting and strengthening a company’s reputation, Minerva brings a thoughtful, human-centred approach backed by sharp strategy.

‘I have always believed that every brand and every leader has a powerful story waiting to be told. At Minerva, we don’t just market; we architect influence, protect reputations, and help our clients rise with authenticity and confidence,’ said Gunasinghe.

With her unique blend of creativity, industry experience, and strategic vision, Gunasinghe is now inviting Sri Lanka’s corporate sector to experience communication that truly moves the needle. As Minerva Global begins its journey, it aims to become the trusted partner for organisations and individuals who want to stand out, lead with purpose, and build lasting legacies.

Pan Asia Bank has launched its new Mastercard Debit Card, marking another significant milestone in the Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric banking solutions.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s digitally connected consumers, the new debit card offers secure, convenient, and globally accepted payment capabilities, enabling customers to make everyday transactions with confidence, whether at home or abroad.

The elegantly designed vertical card combines enhanced security features with the convenience of cashless payments, providing customers with a seamless and rewarding banking experience across millions of Mastercard acceptance points worldwide.

Pan Asia Bank Chief Manager Consumer Banking Dhanushka Sapugasthanna said: ‘Mastercard has long been one of our most valued partners in the cards business, and we are pleased to extend that successful partnership beyond credit cards with the launch of our new Mastercard Debit Card. As a Mastercard World Debit cardholder, our customers gain access to a world of benefits, offers and experiences while enjoying secure and seamless payment capabilities wherever they go. The card’s design is inspired by an artist’s impression of the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka’s Idalgashinna Railway Station, embodying the essence of our brand promise as ‘The Truly Sri Lankan Bank’. It is a proud reflection of our Sri Lankan heritage, combined with the global reach and acceptance of Mastercard, bringing the best of both worlds to our customers.’

Director/CEO Naleen Edirisinghe said: ‘As a Sri Lankan bank deeply rooted in the communities we serve, the launch of this new debit card represents a meaningful convergence of innovation, community engagement and national pride. Our aim is to contribute towards promoting Sri Lanka’s cultural and tourism assets while continuing to enhance the experiences we offer our customers.’

Mastercard Sri Lanka Country Manager Mahesha Amarasuriya said: ‘We are delighted to partner with Pan Asia Bank on the launch of its first Debit Mastercard, which combines innovative design with a uniquely Sri Lankan story. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Pan Asia Bank as we advance digital payments and innovation in Sri Lanka,’ Mahesha Amarasuriya said.

Global markets fell sharply on Monday as escalating conflict in the Gulf and Iran’s claim that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz fuelled a surge in oil prices, reviving concerns over inflation and the outlook for interest rates.

Asian equities led the decline while investors shifted toward the US dollar and government bonds amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. The renewed tensions also cast a shadow over the upcoming corporate earnings season, where expectations for technology and artificial intelligence companies remain exceptionally high.

Brent crude rose 4.3% to $79.31 a barrel, recovering significantly from its recent low of just above $70, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 4.4% to $74.62.

The gains followed reports of intensified military activity in the Gulf and Iran’s assertion that it had shut the Strait of Hormuz after recent attacks on commercial shipping.

Japan’s Nikkei fell 2.2%, extending losses from the previous week, while the MSCI Asia Pacific index outside Japan dropped 1.8%.

South Korea’s KOSPI suffered the steepest decline, tumbling 7.6% after losing nearly 8% the previous week as investors continued reducing exposure to semiconductor stocks following months of strong gains.

US equity futures also pointed lower. S and P 500 futures fell 0.6%, while Nasdaq futures lost 1.3%. European markets were also set for weaker openings, with futures for the Euro STOXX 50, Germany’s DAX and Britain’s FTSE all trading lower.

Higher oil prices pushed US Treasury yields higher as investors reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would ease monetary policy.

Two year Treasury yields climbed to their highest level since early 2025, while futures markets priced in roughly 39 basis points of additional tightening by year end.

The US dollar index remained firm at 101.13.

The euro edged lower against the dollar as Europe remains more dependent on imported energy than the United States, making the region more vulnerable to sustained increases in oil prices.

The Japanese yen weakened slightly after recent gains driven by comments from Japan’s finance minister about encouraging domestic pension funds to increase investments at home.

Sterling also slipped ahead of a significant week in British politics as Labour prepares to appoint Andy Burnham as party leader before he is expected to become prime minister later this month.