Category: Daily Financial Times

Sahan Arachchige played a captain’s innings of 83* off 148 balls (9 fours, 1 six) to hold the Sri Lanka ‘A’ first innings together and help them end the first day of the second 4-day unofficial test against India ‘A’ on 288-5 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Invited to bat first Sri Lanka ‘A’ were helped by contributions from all their top order batsmen but none went onto convert their starts into a big innings apart from the captain. Openers Pawantha Weerasinghe (39) and Sohan de Livera (28) put on 53 followed by 44 from Nuwanidu Fernando and 34 from Ashen Bandara. Arachchige was joined by Anjala Bandara (42) in a partnership which realized 99 for the fifth wicket.

India ‘A’ bowlers maintained a steady line and length especially off-spinner Saransh Jain and seamer Yash Thakur who were the most successful bowlers with two wickets apiece. The match continues in its second day today. – [ST]

Scores:

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 288-5 at close (Pawantha Weerasinghe 39, Sohan de Livera 28, Nuwanidu Fernando 44, Ashen Bandara 34, Sahan Arachchige 83*, Anjala Bandara 42, Saransh Jain 2/77, Yash Thakur 2/32) v India ‘A’

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed all State institutions to work under a unified national plan to eradicate the drug menace, stressing that coordinated action is essential to combat narcotics trafficking, addiction and its social consequences.

Speaking at the meeting of the ‘A Nation United’ National Steering Council for the Eradication of the Drug Menace at the Presidential Secretariat, attended by the Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas and other religious leaders, the President instructed officials to submit a comprehensive progress report at the next meeting detailing each institution’s responsibilities, achievements and programs under the national strategy.

The meeting heard that around 70% of Sri Lanka’s prison population comprises drug-dependent offenders, prompting discussions on rehabilitation measures to address both addiction and chronic prison overcrowding.

The President also sought updates on efforts to prevent drug use among schoolchildren, noting that 225 awareness programs have already been conducted for teachers and students. He directed the Education Ministry to lead a multi-agency committee under a common national plan to eliminate drugs from schools and approved plans to engage private and international schools in the prevention campaign.

The Council also reviewed progress on new legislation to enable the speedy destruction of seized narcotics, the introduction of an automated Court exhibit management system, decentralisation of laboratory facilities to reduce delays in forensic analysis, and the finalisation of legislation on the rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons, which will be gazetted shortly.

Discussions further covered introducing pharmacy-based drug testing kits for parents, strengthening the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Department of the Government Analyst, adopting modern technology for forensic reporting, and tightening laws on dangerous drugs.

The President also called for a systematic national reporting mechanism on seized narcotics and Court exhibits, while authorities outlined a joint operational plan by the Navy, Police and intelligence agencies to curb maritime drug smuggling.

The discussions included proposed legal amendments to strengthen action against drug trafficking by sea, including enhanced powers to confiscate vehicles and multi-day fishing vessels used in narcotics operations.

Among those in attendance were the Maha Sangha led by the Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter, the Most Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thera Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter, the Most Ven. Waleboda Gunasiri Thera Anunayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Most Ven. Kuppiyawatte Bodhananda Thera. Religious leaders including Fr. Jude Bernard, Fr. Nishantha Fernando, Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, Muthusamy Alagesan Kurukkal and Sheikh Mohammed Arkam Nooramith Mawlavi also participated.

Others present included Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, Justice and National Integration Ministry Secretary Ayesha Jinasena, Ministry Secretaries and officials; Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya; and senior members of the security forces.

The Indian national men’s team will tour Sri Lanka in August to play a two-match Test series which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle.

The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS), Galle and the second Test at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo.

As earlier planned India will not stay back to play a series of T20I matches because of their tight international schedule.

Schedule

15-19 August: First Test Match at GICS, Galle

23-27 August: Second Test Match at SSC, Colombo

People’s Bank commemorated its 65th anniversary on 1 July with a special event held at People’s Tower, Colombo 02.

The program included the ceremonial chanting of Seth Pirith and multi-religious observances. These ceremonies were conducted with the intention of invoking blessings upon the country, its people, the Bank’s valued customers, and its founders.

The gathering was addressed by People’s Bank Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando, and the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Clive Fonseka. Coinciding with its 65th Anniversary celebrations, People’s Bank also launched the latest edition of the Economic Review magazine under the theme, ‘Sri Lanka’s Export Renaissance: Diversification, Innovation and Global Competitiveness’.

People’s Bank Directors Chandana Guniyangoda and Dr. Gishan Illangakoon, members of the Corporate and Executive Management, and staff members were also present at the occasion.

As one of Sri Lanka’s leading licensed commercial banks, People’s Bank continues to drive innovation and customer-centric banking while maintaining the country’s largest banking network. With assets exceeding Rs. 3.7 t and a customer base of over 15.2 m, the Bank remains committed to supporting the nation’s economic progress and empowering generations of Sri Lankans through accessible and innovative financial solutions.

The iconic Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Head Office building has been transformed with a state-of-the-art facade lighting system, enhancing its architectural presence and reinforcing its status as one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable corporate landmarks.

Majestic Electric Co. Ltd., successfully completed the project, which involved designing, supplying, and installing an advanced architectural lighting solution with the product and technical support provided by the LPA Team.

The new facade lighting system has been carefully designed to highlight the building’s unique architectural features while providing an elegant and visually striking night time appearance.

Utilising modern LED lighting technology, the system delivers exceptional energy efficiency, reliability, and flexibility. The lighting design allows for dynamic color-changing effects and customised lighting scenes, enabling the building to commemorate national celebrations, special events, and corporate milestones.

Majestic Electric Co. CEO Jayamal Gunaratne said: ‘This project represents a significant achievement in architectural lighting design. Our objective was to create a visually appealing lighting solution that enhances the identity of the BOC Head Office while maintaining energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.’

The BOC Head Office facade lighting project stands as a testament to innovation, technical excellence, and professional project execution, further elevating Colombo’s night time skyline.

Established during the same era as the Bank of Ceylon, Majestic Electric has played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s electrical and infrastructure development. The company was instrumental in supporting the Bank of Ceylon’s expansion, undertaking electrical installations from its very first branch to its extensive island wide branch network, including the setup of the BOC’s initial ATM networks. In 1953, Majestic Electric also made history by becoming the first company to introduce façade lighting in Sri Lanka, transforming the Colombo Harbour in celebration of the arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. These milestones reflect Majestic Electric’s longstanding commitment to innovation, excellence, and national development.

Since 1940, Majestic Electric Co. Ltd., has been one of Sri Lanka’s leading providers of professional Electrical Engineering and Lighting Solutions, with expertise in architectural, commercial, industrial, and outdoor lighting projects. With a legacy spanning more than eight decades, the company has consistently delivered innovative, energy-efficient, and sustainable lighting solutions for some of the country’s most prominent landmark developments.

Prime Lands ceremonially broke ground on ‘Kaloora’, Kalutara’s first master-planned gated residential community, signalling the start of construction on the landmark development setting new standards for modern living in the city. The ceremony highlights Kalutara’s rise as one of Sri Lanka’s fastest growing residential destinations.’

Construction of Kaloora is undertaken by the Group’s construction arm, Prime Constructions Ltd., bringing engineering and project-delivery expertise to every phase of the work. With construction now in progress, the development begins its journey from vision to reality for future residents.

Just five minutes from Kalutara Town, 800 metres from Nagoda Hospital, and 15 minutes from the Dodangoda Highway entrance, Kaloora keeps schools, supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and daily essentials within easy reach. Inside the gates, daily life is elevated by 24-hour security, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, a children’s play area, an indoor cricket facility, and a multifunctional room, delivering the comfort and sophistication of Colombo lifestyle in Kalutara.

Built for families who value security, comfort, and long-term value, Kaloora combines spacious homes, contemporary architecture, and thoughtfully curated lifestyle amenities within a safe, serene environment.

At Kaloora, security blends seamlessly with serenity and community harmonises with convenience, creating a place where the investment flourishes and families are proud to own a home.

Prime Lands Ltd. CEO Ruminda Randeniya said, ‘Kaloora is a significant milestone for Kalutara, as it is the first-ever gated residential community project in the city. Prime is proud to introduce this landmark development, which reflects its continued commitment to creating high-quality, thoughtfully designed living spaces, and has now officially commenced construction, setting a new benchmark for modern living and elevating the standard of contemporary residential living in the region. We have crafted a secure, well-planned neighbourhood where families can settle and grow with confidence, and with our flexible payment plans, a home of this standard is now within reach for many more families.’

With Kaloora, Prime Group strengthens its position as Sri Lanka’s most trusted real estate brand, delivering landmark communities enriching lives islandwide.

Tamil Union and Bloomfield secured outright wins in their respective matches of the Under23 Inter-Club tournament concluded yesterday.

Tamil Union thrashed United Southern SC by an innings and 10 runs at Surrey grounds, Maggona with former Sri Lanka Under19 all-rounder Vihas Thewmika running through their batting twice with his off-breaks to finish with a match bag of 12/107. After Tamil Union had declared their first innings at 330-5, a lead of 177, United Southern SC collapsed a second time to be all out for 167. Thewmika assisted by the left-arm leg-spin of Himaru Deshan shared eight wickets between them. Three half-century stands featured the Tamil Union innings – 97 between Tehan Bitar (78 off 168 balls, 6 fours) and Sineth Jayawardena (59), 99 between Bitar and Sachira Weliwatta (73 off 96 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), and 87 between Sarujan Shanmuganathan (52* off 40 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) and Thewmika (53 off 33 balls, 2 fours, 4 sixes).

Left-arm spinner Kaveesha Piyumal took a match bag of 9/79 to bowl Bloomfield to a comprehensive 10-wicket win against Ragama CC at Salawa Army grounds, Kosgama. Pathum Rathnayake made a top score of 60* off 75 balls (4 fours) to enable Bloomfield gain a first innings lead of 62 when they were all out for 184. Left-arm spinner Kevin Nanayakkara finished with figures of 6/39. Ragama CC began their second innings promisingly with openers Denura Dimansith (30) and Sahan Kawshalya (61 off 105 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes) sharing a partnership of 95. However the rest of the batting disappointed with the last seven wickets tumbling for 47 as Ragama CC were dismissed for 197. Left with a target of 135 to win Bloomfield openers Hasitha Amarasinghe (51* off 48 balls, 6 fours) and Mineth Premaratne (72* off 50 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) knocked the runs off in 16.1 overs.

A match-winning eighth wicket stand of 104 between Ananthan Kajan (65 off 115 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) and Chalana Perera (51 off 110 balls, 5 fours) saw Kurunegala YCC pull off a first innings win against Colts at Colts grounds. Replying to Colts’ first innings of 227, Kurunegala YCC collapsed to 121-7 before being rescued by their eighth wicket pair who took the score to 276. Seamer Sahan Mihira took 4/61 for Colts who made 70-4 in their second innings.

SSC pulled off a nervy 12-run first innings win against Army SC at the SSC grounds. Replying to SSC’s total of 322-8 declared, Army SC batsmen put on a plucky performance to score 310. A feature of their innings were the three half-century stands from their top three batters – 67 between Ashan Sudarshana (89 off 88 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes) and Sheneshka Nethsara (16), 75 by Sudarshana and Nethmal de Zoysa (53 off 127 balls, 7 fours) and 79 by de Zoysa and skipper Sukitha Devthilina (55 off 89 balls, 8 fours). Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage finished with impressive figures of 6/108 off 37.4 overs.

Moors SC, Kurunegala SC, Negombo CC and CCC had to be content with first innings wins, while the Moratuwa SC v Sebastianites match ended in a draw.

Moors SC spearheaded by their captain Malsha Tharupathi (133 of 95 balls, 8 fours, 10 sixes) and his eighth wicket partnership of 141 with Sandaru Malshan (45) overhauled Badureliya CC’s total of 277 by replying with 329-9 declared. At one stage Moors SC were struggling at 183-7 with left-arm spinner Rusandu Silva having done the damage taking 4/101. Badureliya CC scored 232-7 in their second innings with Shehan Madushanka scoring 63* off 70 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes) and left-arm spinner Sithum Vihanga taking 4/85.

Kurunegala SC ran short of time to beat Police SC outright at Police Park. Police SC were shot out for 86 in reply to Kurunegala SC’s first innings of 149. Kurunegala SC declared their second innings at 153-7 leaving Police SC with a target of 217 to chase. Police SC struggled to 126-6.

Vishwa Lahiru’s valiant knock of 75 off 60 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes) and his tenth wicket stand of 102 with Yashin Fernando (33*) proved in vain as Panadura SC were bowled out for 208 in reply to Negombo CC’s first innings of 261. Off-spinner Amitha Perera took 4/86. Negombo CC in their second innings scored 205 with opener Vishal Rukshan scoring 50 off 69 balls (8 fours).

CCC scored a comfortable first innings win over Chilaw Marians CC at the CCC grounds. Having shot out Chilaw Marians CC for 90, CCC replied with 219. Inuka Karannagoda went on to make a top score of 89 off 160 balls (8 fours, 1 six). Left-arm spinner Irushka Thimira took 5/47 off 26 overs. Chilaw Marians CC in their second innings put up a better batting performance to score 246 courtesy fifties from Maheesha Sithum (78 off 132 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) and Sasanka Nirmal (51 off 74 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes). Left-arm seamer Abheeth Paranawidana captured 5 wickets for 58.

The Moratuwa SC-Sebastianites game ended in a drab draw at Moratuwa Stadium. In reply to Moratuwa SC’s first innings of 317, Sebastianites 245-7 off 82 overs with left-arm spinner Manuja Chanthuka taking 5/78 off 30 overs.

Maharaja Foods PLC yesterday announced a series of changes to its Board of Directors aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating the Group’s next phase of growth.

The Board has appointed Imran Furkan as Chairman, bringing a more mature and seasoned strategic approach to the Board, and has welcomed Gimhan Sawinda Rajapaksha Dissanayake as a new Independent Non-Executive Director.

As part of the transition, Vijayananth Guganathan, who previously served as Chairman, will now serve as an Executive Non-Independent Director, where he will direct his focus towards retail expansion and new venture development for the Group. Vithyanath Guganathan continues in his role as Managing Director of the company, providing continuity in the day-to-day leadership and operations of the business.

Commenting on the changes, the Board noted that the new structure reflects the company’s commitment to robust corporate governance and long-term value creation, combining Furkan’s extensive cross-sector board experience with the continued entrepreneurial drive of the Group’s founding leadership.

Furkan advises Boards and CEOs on strategy, market expansion, and geopolitical, economic, and technology risk management, and currently serves as CEO of Tresync, Australia. He holds several Board directorships across the Asia-Pacific region, including Senior Independent Director of Asiri Health PLC and Asiri Surgical Hospital PLC, and Independent Non-Executive Director of Odel PLC, Softlogic Capital PLC, Softlogic Holdings PLC, and Diamond Life Insurance Company in Bangladesh. He previously served as CEO of the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) and Sri Lanka Press Institute, and is a Fellow Member of both CPA Australia and CIMA UK, holding an MBA from Australia and a BA (Hons) from the UK.

Dissanayake is an entrepreneur with experience across the tea manufacturing, hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. He currently serves as a Director of Adams View Tea Factory Ltd., a family-owned tea manufacturer in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa region, and of ROBA Investments Ltd., focused on hospitality and wellness investments. He holds a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Durham University, UK, and is a former Sri Lanka national water polo player. His career has spanned business strategy, brand development, and product innovation, with a particular interest in promoting Sri Lankan products internationally.

Vijayananth is an entrepreneur who has thrived in the logistics and food and beverage industries from a young age, and has been instrumental in developing a solid client base across Maharaja Foods and its subsidiary and associate companies. He led the restructuring of the company from a family-oriented partnership into a Group with dedicated business units in retail, logistics, and food and beverage. In his new role, he will focus on retail expansion and new venture development. He holds a Degree in Business Management, specialising in Economics and Consulting, from Aston University.

Vithyanath continues in his role as Managing Director of Maharaja Foods PLC, providing continuity in the leadership of the company’s day-to-day operations as the Board transitions into its new structure.

The Most Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thero, Deputy Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter of the Maha Vihara tradition of the Siam Maha Nikaya, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The appointment was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the tenure taking effect from yesterday.

The formal letter of appointment was handed over to the Most Ven. Ananda Thero by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

Dialog Axiata PLC, yesterday announced the commercial launch of Dialog Air Fibre, the country’s first 5G-powered, ultra-fast wireless broadband service, following exceptional demand during its pre-order phase.

Powered by Dialog’s rapidly expanding 5G network, now spanning over 1,000 sites nationwide, Air Fibre delivers high-speed internet without the need for physical cables. Built for modern digital lifestyles, the service seamlessly supports streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and remote work across multiple devices, and includes a built-in battery offering up to six hours of connectivity during power outages.

Air Fibre is available in three plans: 100GB at Rs. 2,795, 200GB at Rs. 3,795, and 300GB at Rs. 5,495 (tax inclusive). Dialog Air Fibre Customers also enjoy complimentary access to over 100 TV channels via Dialog Play, along with a range of digital entertainment benefits, bringing connectivity and content together in a single, compelling offering.

Head of Business, Fixed Broadband and Global Tharindra Gooneratne said: ‘Dialog Air Fibre redefines how Sri Lankan households access high-speed broadband. By leveraging the power of our 5G network, we are delivering a flexible, home broadband solution that meets the evolving connectivity needs of our customers.’

Each Air Fibre connection undergoes a comprehensive onboarding and validation process, including a location assessment and installation within 48 hours of purchase at no additional cost. Customers who do not meet the required service standards following validation are eligible for a full refund, underscoring Dialog’s commitment to quality and transparency.