Category: Daily Financial Times

A discussion on addressing challenges in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector and strengthening export earnings was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (22), under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Government has reaffirmed plans to launch its long-delayed national digital television service in 2029, with authorities moving to accelerate implementation of the project and secure the financial and administrative support required for its completion.

The decision was reached during a high-level discussion recently between the Digital Economy Ministry and the External Resources Department (ERD) of the Finance Ministry, focusing on expediting the National Digital TV Project, widely described as the country’s second major technological revolution in the television broadcasting sector.

The meeting was held under the patronage of Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne.

Officials reviewed the financial and administrative measures needed to ensure that future construction and technical activities proceed without delays and confirmed that the digital television service would be introduced to the public in 2029 as scheduled.

The discussions also highlighted the implementation of a special technical cooperation program aimed at ensuring the successful completion of the digital broadcasting transition.

As part of the initiative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide an additional grant assistance of 400 million Japanese Yen to support the project. The funding is expected to finance a countrywide public awareness and consumer education campaign to prepare Sri Lankans for the transition to digital television following the completion of the infrastructure rollout.

The digital television project is expected to modernise the country’s broadcasting sector by replacing analogue transmission with digital technology, improving spectrum efficiency and enhancing the quality and range of television services available to viewers.

Among those attending the meeting were Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Director General Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, Digital Television Project Director Prasanga Rajapaksa, and senior officials from the ERD, the Finance Ministry, and the Digital Economy Ministry.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team will visit Sri Lanka from 24 to 30 June to review recent economic developments and assess progress under the country’s economic reform program.

IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou said the delegation will hold discussions with authorities and a broad range of stakeholders during the visit as part of its ongoing engagement with the country.

‘We will engage with the authorities and a broad range of stakeholders to take stock of recent economic developments and discuss Sri Lanka’s economic reform program performance,’ Papageorgiou said, adding that the Fund looks forward to ‘constructive and productive discussions.’

Singer Sri Lanka PLC has marked a significant milestone in its partnership with global technology brand HONOR with the opening of the first HONOR Experience Store in Sri Lanka, located at the One Galle Face (OGF) Mall.

The launch reflects both brands’ long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market and highlights HONOR’s strong expansion in the country.

Since commencing operations in Sri Lanka in April 2023 through its exclusive partnership with Singer Sri Lanka, HONOR has witnessed exceptional growth, rapidly building consumer trust and brand affinity. In just three years, the brand has achieved a meteoric rise to become the number one smartphone brand in Sri Lanka, a testament to its innovation, quality, and customer-centric approach.

To celebrate this success and signal its future ambitions, the HONOR Experience Store was officially opened at Level 03 of One Galle Face Mall. The launch event was attended by key management from Singer Sri Lanka and HONOR, along with a large gathering of consumers.

The newly opened store has been designed to deliver an immersive and interactive retail experience, offering visitors a comprehensive journey into HONOR’s ecosystem. From flagship smartphones and AI-powered innovations to smart accessories and connected lifestyle products, the space enables visitors to explore and engage with cutting-edge technology in a global-standard retail environment.

Singer Group Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardene said: ‘The launch of the first HONOR Experience Store at One Galle Face Mall is a proud milestone for us and reflects our long-term vision for the brand in Sri Lanka. In a short span of time, HONOR has earned the trust of Sri Lankan consumers and established itself as a market leader and trend setter. This store is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class retail experiences while making the latest innovations more accessible to our customers.’

HONOR Sri Lanka Country Manager Zeng Lexing said: ‘Sri Lanka has become an important market for HONOR, and our strong partnership with Singer has played a pivotal role in our rapid growth. Achieving the number one position is a significant accomplishment, and the opening of this flagship experience store reflects our confidence in the market and our commitment to long-term investment. We look forward to bringing even more innovative products and technologies to Sri Lankan consumers.’

The HONOR Flagship Store is powered by Singer Sri Lanka PLC, HONOR’s trusted partner in the country, through its flagship retail concept. With its premium design and experiential layout, the store sets a new benchmark for smartphone retail in Sri Lanka.

PayMedia Ltd., one of Sri Lanka’s foremost financial technology companies, marks its 12th anniversary this year, a milestone that reflects over a decade of relentless innovation, trusted partnerships, and leadership in the nation’s digital payments journey. Founded in 2014 by visionary entrepreneur Kanishka Weeramunda, PayMedia set out with a clear ambition: to deliver robust software solutions to banks and financial institutions, and to make digital technology something people could genuinely trust and enjoy. Twelve years on, that vision has grown into a comprehensive suite of products that simplify the financial lives of millions across Sri Lanka and the wider region.

From its head office in Colombo, PayMedia has built a reputation for engineering solutions that sit at the heart of modern banking, including Digital/electronic wallets, smart banking platforms, micro-finance mobile applications, and fully digitised customer onboarding and also AI powered digital solutions. These technologies have empowered financial institutions to operate around the clock, reduce friction, and bring secure, convenient services to customers who need them most. The past few years have been especially defining. PayMedia earned the certifications, underscoring its unwavering commitment to information security and the protection of client and stakeholder data. ‘Reaching twelve years is not just about how far we’ve come, but about the trust our partners and customers have placed in us,’ said PayMedia Founder Kanishka Weeramunda. ‘Every solution we build is designed to make financial services more accessible, secure, and seamless. As we look ahead, our mission remains the same – to keep disrupting the way payments work, in Sri Lanka and across the world,’ he further added. As it celebrates this anniversary, PayMedia reaffirms its dedication to driving financial inclusion through technology, nurturing local talent, and contributing to Sri Lanka’s emergence as a competitive hub for fintech innovation. With a culture built on thinking differently every single day, the company is well positioned to deliver the next generation of digital financial experiences.

Sri Lanka Emerging and West Indies Academy will commence a three-match unofficial ODI series at the SSC Ground today (22).

The second match of the series is scheduled at the same venue for 24 June and the third and final match on 26 June at the NCC Grounds.

WISTA Sri Lanka successfully hosted its International Women’s Day 2026 celebration, ‘Waves of Impact,’ on 23 April 2026 at NH Collection Colombo, bringing together professionals from across the maritime, shipping, logistics, and international trade sectors for an evening dedicated to inspiration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful industry connections.

Held under the theme ‘Give to Gain,’ the event reflected WISTA Sri Lanka’s belief that collective growth is achieved when individuals and organisations invest in others through mentorship, support, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences. The evening served as a reminder that by giving our time, guidance, and encouragement, we create waves of impact that extend far beyond ourselves and resonate throughout the industry.

Established in 2014 under WISTA International, WISTA Sri Lanka has consistently championed inclusion, mentorship, and collaboration, encouraging more women to step forward, lead, and shape the future of the maritime industry. As a professional association dedicated to empowering women in maritime, shipping, logistics, and international trade, WISTA Sri Lanka continues to create opportunities that foster leadership, professional growth, and stronger industry networks.

The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Vera Wickremasinghe, a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in logistics, hospitality, and international trade. Drawing on her own professional journey, she shared valuable insights on leadership, resilience, the importance of strong support systems, and the role of networking and knowledge sharing in achieving both personal and professional success. Her reflections set the tone for an evening centred on empowerment, ambition, and creating meaningful impact.

Building on these themes, the panel discussion brought together two remarkable women whose entrepreneurial journeys have left a lasting mark on their respective industries. Blue Fish Ceylon Ltd. Founder and Director Bhagya Sandakelum shared her experience of transforming a home-based venture into Sri Lanka’s first ready-to-eat premium canned fish brand. Her candid reflections on embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and continuously evolving as a professional resonated strongly with the audience. Her story highlighted the importance of perseverance, innovation, and the willingness to grow through experience.

Joining her on the panel was Penguin Shipping Enterprises Ltd. Founder and Managing Director Devika Wijesuriya, whose journey of entrepreneurship and reinvention inspired many in attendance. Having started her career in the food supply sector before successfully transitioning into the maritime industry, Wijesuriya shared insights into overcoming adversity, adapting to change, and building a successful business through determination and self-belief. Her story served as a powerful example of resilience and the value of remaining bold in the face of challenges.

The discussion was expertly moderated by Ayesha Abeyratne, whose thoughtful facilitation guided a rich and engaging conversation. Drawing from her own professional experience in sustainability and enterprise risk management, Ayesha encouraged meaningful dialogue around leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the evolving role of women within the maritime and logistics sectors. The session provided attendees with practical insights while fostering open conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing women in the industry today.

The evening concluded with a networking high tea, creating a welcoming environment for attendees to exchange ideas, build new professional relationships, and strengthen connections across the maritime and logistics community. WISTA Sri Lanka extends its sincere appreciation to its corporate partner South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) for its continued support in making the event possible. The association also gratefully acknowledges its gift partners Nestlé Lanka PLC, Advantis Express, Hemas Consumer Brands, and Regency Teas for their generous contributions.

‘Waves of Impact’ was a celebration of leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. Through events such as these, WISTA Sri Lanka continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering women, strengthening industry collaboration, and creating lasting impact within Sri Lanka’s maritime sector and beyond.

Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) No. 09 of 2022 moved closer to becoming an operational reality last week, as the Finance Houses Association of Sri Lanka (FHASL) convened an awareness session at the Galadari Hotel, bringing together some of the country’s foremost legal, regulatory, and cybersecurity minds to chart the compliance road ahead for the Licenced Finance Company (LFC) sector.

The forum, held under the Association’s Compliance Forum 2025/26, titled ‘Data Protection in Action: Navigating Compliance, Challenges and Opportunities,’ drew key responsible persons from across the LFC sector for what turned out to be one of the most substantive public conversations yet on what enforcement of the PDPA will actually look like and what financial institutions must do now to avoid being caught flat-footed when the Act comes into full force.

The experts discussed the practical side of data privacy. The session was led by DL and F De Saram, Consultant Counsel, Shenuka Jayalath.

The panel included the Data Protection Authority of Sri Lanka Director General Dimuth Atapattu; Heritage Partners Partner and Data Protection Law Drafting Committee Chair Jayantha Fernando; Hatton National Bank Chief Information Security Officer Suresh Emmanuel; and Information Privacy and Technology Law Legal Consultant Sanduni Wickramasinghe.

The Data Protection Act is becoming fully operational as the Data Protection Authority of Sri Lanka expands its team; as new regulations are set to be gazetted, organisations are required to take proactive steps to align with strict standards before formal enforcement begins.

The regulatory timeline

Atapattu discussed the progress being made, noting that since his appointment, he has frequently received the same question from regulators, industry leaders, and the public: when will enforcement begin?

He confirmed that the Data Protection Authority remains active while completing its staffing process. Several sections of the Act are currently with the Legal Draftsman’s Department and will be published as official gazette notices shortly. These notices will affect compliance obligations for financial institutions. Additionally, drafted regulations, rules, and directives are already available on the Authority’s website and will also be published in the gazette.

Atapattu highlighted that many upcoming changes will directly affect data protection compliance within technical operations. With senior roles expected to be filled in the coming weeks, he indicated that the Authority will significantly increase its public visibility and pace of operations in the near future.

Understanding the enforcement approach

With the regulatory deadline approaching, the primary concern for compliance officers was the scale and application of penalties. Fernando, provided reassurance while noting that the law’s architecture is designed to be firm, not reckless.

He described Sri Lanka’s enforcement model as unique compared to regional neighbours, noting that the PDPA balances data protection with the needs of growth and innovation. ‘I don’t think that any regulator, given the circumstances through which the country has gone, will look at its own subject of enforcement in a disproportionate manner.’

On the international front, Fernando mentioned that Sri Lanka is expected to become a member of the Global Privacy Assembly within the next year. This will align the country’s approach with international standards for independent oversight and cross-border cooperation. He noted that this membership will strengthen the Authority’s independence, which sets it apart from neighbouring countries where data protection oversight is managed by Government Ministries.

Prior to any penalty being imposed, the law mandates an inquiry process through which a violating party must be given an opportunity to correct its non-compliant behaviour. Only if a direction under Section 35 is ignored or if a deliberate subsequent violation occurs does Section 38 the penalty provision become operative.

He also drew attention to Section 39, which provides a defined set of mitigating factors that the Authority must consider when calculating any penalty. Crucially, the extent to which an organisation has established and maintained an internal compliance system is explicitly listed as a mitigating factor.

Fernando’s message to boards and compliance teams was direct: document everything, engage cooperatively with the regulator, and treat compliance not merely as a legal burden but as a tool for building customer trust. ‘I would argue that while this is a regulatory requirement, you can use this as a tool or legal instrument to build your customer trust,’ he said.

Managing data processing beyond consent

Wickramasinghe described as a misconception going around the idea that the PDPA is essentially a consent-driven law, requiring financial institutions to obtain customer consent for every instance of personal data processing.

‘The PDPA requires you to meet all processing via consent, this is personal data under the PDPA, and individuals think it’s primarily a consent-driven law, which is not the case,’ Wickramasinghe said, drawing an explicit parallel with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Wickramasinghe explained that the Act allows for data processing based on more than just consent. Other valid bases include fulfilling a contract, meeting a legal obligation, and pursuing a legitimate interest. For a Licenced Finance Company (LFC) subject to the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, which requires Customer Due Diligence, transaction monitoring, and the filing of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), these activities are legal requirements and do not need separate customer consent.

‘If you are filing an STR, you must report the transaction. You do not need to seek consent for this type of compliance activity,’ Wickramasinghe noted. ‘The law requires you to use certain data for this purpose, and you have an obligation to act within the governing laws.’

She identified one exception where consent is mandatory: marketing communications. If an institution uses customer data for marketing, it must obtain consent through a specific request that is entirely separate from general terms and conditions and the institution’s privacy policy.

Wickramasinghe emphasised the difference between a privacy policy and a consent form. A privacy notice is an informational document explaining how data is processed; it does not count as consent. ‘You cannot include it in your general terms and conditions, or claim that agreeing to those terms also counts as accepting the data protection notice,’ she stated.

She also warned about the risks of asking for consent when it is not strictly required. Requesting consent grants the individual the legal right to withdraw it at any time, which forces the institution to maintain systems capable of processing these withdrawals. ‘Consent can be difficult to manage,’ she cautioned. ‘It seems simple, but it is more complex than it appears.’

Finally, she argued that ‘legitimate interest’ is often a more suitable basis than many organisations realise. It allows an institution to balance its operational needs against an individual’s expectations without requiring explicit consent, provided the institution can show that the individual’s rights are protected.

Facing artificial intelligence and cyber risks

Emmanuel offered a practical perspective on a difficult aspect of PDPA compliance: mapping and protecting personal data across complex systems while cyber threats are increasing.

He identified AI as a complex issue, for example large language models and AI platforms create new risks regarding data governance, including the possibility that personal data collected for an original purpose is fed into AI systems for extended purposes that customers were never informed about.

Obtaining updated consent from a large existing customer base remains a significant practical hurdle that the industry has not yet resolved, particularly in banking where many customers do not use digital services.

‘Gaining consent from existing customers is quite difficult,’ he acknowledged. ‘Sometimes there is the excuse that they cannot opt in. If we send out a notice and people do not respond, what do we do? Do we have to remove them as customers?’

He described how cloud migration complicates matters further. Most organisations have already moved infrastructure to cloud space, meaning customer data is hosted beyond local perimeters, often without explicit consent having been obtained when the migration occurred.

Regarding cybersecurity threats, he mentioned that financial scams exploiting personally identifiable information have become increasingly sophisticated, with targeted phishing approaches that leverage personal data in highly advanced ways. Managing this threat has become a full time job for banking and financial institutions.

The sheer scale of PDPA compliance was best shown by the Hatton National Bank’s data mapping exercise. When the bank undertook the process of identifying and cataloguing its personal data flows, it discovered approximately 100 distinct business departments running close to 1,500 separate business processes, each handling different categories of personal data.

It takes a lot of resources, even if you use automated software tools, it is a tedious process. He advised, ‘start now, start early, and begin at the collection point. You should not collect any data that is not compliant with processing requirements. That is where data protection begins.’

Public sector readiness

Atapattu turned his attention to the public sector, which holds a larger volume of sensitive personal data regarding Sri Lankans than the private sector. He described an organisation actively prioritising readiness, even while acknowledging there is much work to be done.

Unlike India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which only covers digital data, the Sri Lankan PDPA covers both digital and physical structured data. This wider scope makes compliance considerably more complex for government agencies, such as the Department for Registration of Persons, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Pensions Department, the Motor Traffic Department, and Land Registries.

‘From my experience in the public sector, the accountability and responsibility structures have not always been as robust as expected,’ Atapattu said. ‘When it comes to personal data protection, privacy, or even cybersecurity, the private sector is often further ahead, while the public sector requires significant support.’

The Authority has already issued a formal circular to public sector organisations outlining data mapping requirements, Data Protection Officer obligations, and capacity building programmes. Guidance and circulars are updated regularly. However, Atapattu was clear that this is a phased process. The goal at this stage is to drive awareness and build internal capacity across Government departments, before requiring full compliance.

‘The public sector needs more resources and policy support from the government, alongside external expertise. A Data Protection Officer cannot achieve this alone. Success requires policy frameworks, financial resources, capacity building, and clear liability structures to come together.’

Taking responsibility at the Board level

Fernando argued that data protection can no longer be treated as a matter solely for the IT or compliance departments. It is a governance function equal to financial risk management or corporate taxation, and boards that treat it as less are exposing themselves and individual directors to significant personal liability.

Section 38(6) of the Act explicitly extends corporate liability to every director and officer responsible for managing and controlling the activity. Wilful blindness or institutional negligence regarding data subject rights creates clear pathways for personal penalties against individual board members.

‘Boards often fail to provide deliberate oversight based on proper insights,’ Fernando said. ‘Just as the board oversees audit, risk, and compliance committees, they must ensure dedicated discussion on data protection practices.’

The draft criteria under the Act make it clear that the responsibility for data protection compliance cannot be delegated entirely to one individual. An integrated management framework is required, supported by board level resource allocation and a genuine understanding of the organisation’s data flows.

Defining the Data Protection Officer role

Wickramasinghe explained the role of the Data Protection Officer. The PDPA specifies the categories of organisations required to appoint a DPO, which generally includes those where data processing is a core activity and that meet established thresholds. This role can be filled by existing personnel, such as a general counsel, Chief Risk Officer, or Chief Information Security Officer, provided they can fulfil statutory obligations without a conflict of interest.

She noted that a Chief Marketing Officer would represent such a conflict, given the tension between maximising data collection for commercial purposes and the mandate of the DPO to enforce data minimisation and protection.

While current draft regulations do not yet impose the strict autonomy requirements seen under the GDPR, Wickramasinghe indicated that organisations should move towards a structurally independent DPO function as their data management programs mature, even if this is not currently a strict legal requirement. ‘Combining these functions might be necessary during the initial implementation phase,’ she said, ‘but organisations should consider making the DPO role an entirely independent function as their data management program matures.’

Lessons from practical implementation

Emmanuel provided a survival guide for practitioners based on the extensive compliance journey of the bank, which he emphasised is still ongoing.

The starting point, he said, is ownership. Senior personnel must be personally accountable for the data protection programme, with the authority to drive it across departmental lines. Following this, the priority is a systematic data inventory. This involves identifying the personal data the organisation collects, tracing its path, noting how it is processed, identifying who has access to it, determining how it is archived, and establishing an exit strategy for when it moves to or from third parties.

The approach taken by the bank regarding Data Subject Requests provided a valuable lesson. When the institution published its data privacy policy and made data subject rights accessible early last year, the response was immediate and voluminous.

Customers requested confirmation of what data the institution held, asked for the deletion of data, and raised various queries related to rights. The bank had to develop formal, legally reviewed processes that were friendly to customers to manage these requests. ‘We went through the cycle, learned new areas, and now we know how to respond properly,’ Emmanuel said. ‘Figuring out this DSR process itself is a major process.’

His final note of warning was measured. For a large institution, the journey from initiation to reasonable compliance took more than three years, and refinement continues. For Licenced Finance Companies that have not yet started, the clock is already running. ‘He suggested initiating the process as soon as possible, as the framework is a challenge for any organisation.’

Former Defence Secretary and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains one of the most controversial and polarising figures in contemporary Sri Lankan politics. For the nationalists and chauvinist elements within the majority community, he

remains a war hero who significantly contributed to the defeat

of terrorism, still retaining his projected image of discipline and a decisive leader. To the rest, he represents something darker, with the consolidation of impunity, the erosion of democratic accountability, and a political culture in which proximity to executive power appears to shield individuals from scrutiny.

The country’s inability to meaningfully confront allegations surrounding those who occupy positions of power has become one of the defining failures of the post-independence State, especially since the insurrection of 1971. Allegations linked to enforced disappearances, attacks on journalists, intimidation of activists, political violence, and wartime abuses are common knowledge, with a majority of the population identifying the culprits with great accuracy, yet only rarely have these cases translated into judicial outcomes and accountability for those crimes. In that context, public frustration is not simply about one man in the case of Gotabaya Rajapaksa but the whole system of failed justice.

The principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty remains one of the most important foundations of any functioning judicial order. Without it, justice becomes arbitrary and political persecution becomes easy. Yet this principle assumes the existence of institutions capable of conducting independent investigations, prosecuting wrongdoing, and applying the law equally. When those institutions repeatedly fail to act against politically powerful actors, public confidence inevitably begins to collapse.

This tension sits at the centre of the issue of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Among the most enduring controversies is the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge in 2009. For years, allegations and suspicions circulated in public discourse regarding the involvement of a military intelligence unit loyal to Rajapaksa, including claims made by journalists, investigators, and members of Wickrematunge’s family. However, despite investigations, political promises, and renewed attention across successive administrations, accountability has remained elusive and no court has established Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s responsibility.

That failure along with similar high-profile cases, which have progressed somewhat in the judicial system have consequences. During the Yahapalana administration, expectations emerged that long-stalled cases involving political violence and abuse would move forward. Instead, many Sri Lankans came away with the impression that justice itself had become politicised, activated when useful, slowed when inconvenient, and ultimately abandoned when political calculations changed. Investigators, prosecutors, and journalists associated with sensitive cases later found themselves facing pressure and criticism, while the leaders of the Yahapalana regime, who

cut numerous deals with the Rajapaksa’s walked away free souls after their defeat in 2019.

Today, renewed scrutiny surrounding questions of accountability, including over responsibility connected to the Easter Sunday attacks, has again placed Gotabaya under the magnifying glass. Whether these developments ultimately produce legal consequences remains uncertain.

But one lesson should already be clear. We cannot continue relying on cycles of outrage followed by selective amnesia. Accountability cannot depend on which coalition is in office or whether a case remains politically useful. If there is evidence, it must be investigated independently. If wrongdoing is established, there must be consequences. If allegations cannot be substantiated, that too must be made clear.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa must face his crimes and, his victims, either dead or alive, must be delivered justice.

Sri Lankan javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, on the afternoon of 20 June after competing in four of the world’s leading athletics meets held in Europe and the Middle East, where he won three Gold medals and one Silver medal.

Tharanga showcased his talent at Diamond League athletics competitions held in Morocco, Rome, the Czech Republic and Doha, Qatar.

Fresh from those achievements, Tharanga arrived at Katunayake Airport at 4:54 p.m. on 20 June aboard Qatar Airways flight QR664 from Doha.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, Tharanga said he hoped to deliver even better performances at the Diamond League Final, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the World Athletics Championships scheduled to be held in Hungary.

His parents, relatives, and senior officials from the Ministry of Sports and the Sri Lanka Air Force were present at the airport to welcome him on his arrival.

The 23-year-old continued his impressive form by claiming victory in the men’s javelin throw at the Doha Diamond League 2026 in Qatar, overcoming a world-class field featuring several global champions and Olympic medallists.

Tharanga secured the gold medal with a throw of 88.68 metres on his fourth attempt, comfortably finishing ahead of Grenada’s two-time world champion Anderson Peters, who managed 86.38 metres. American world bronze medallist Curtis Thompson finished third.

The Sri Lankan star defeated a formidable line-up that also included India’s former Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra and reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago.

Chopra, making his first appearance of the year after recovering from multiple injuries, finished fourth with a best throw of 85.69 metres.

‘I’m glad I had a win today. It was one of my dreams to compete here as the first ever Sri Lankan in the Diamond League circuit,’ Tharanga said after the event.

The Doha victory marked Tharanga’s second Diamond League title this month following his breakthrough performance in Rome, where he stunned the athletics world with a world-leading personal best throw of 92.62 metres.

Last week, Tharanga climbed to second place in the latest world rankings, a milestone achievement for Sri Lankan athletics. He currently holds 1,333 ranking points, behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who leads the standings with 1,360 points.

His achievements over the past month have firmly established him among the world’s leading javelin throwers and raised hopes of further success for Sri Lankan athletics on the global stage.