Category: Daily Financial Times

HighVoltagePR, a premier boutique public relations and reputation management agency in Sri Lanka, celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of excellence in strategic communications, responsible media engagement, and impactful storytelling.

Established in 2016 by veteran journalist and corporate communications specialist Supun Dias, HighVoltagePR was built on a foundation of absolute credibility, strong media relationships, and transparent results.

Over the past ten years, the agency has evolved into a trusted communications partner, steering the public positioning and corporate reputations of leading brands across FMCG, healthcare, construction, automotive, financial services, logistics, retail, IT and non-governmental sectors.

HighVoltagePR Founder Supun Dias said: ‘When we established this agency a decade ago, our vision was simple yet uncompromising: To bring authentic, responsible, and journalist-friendly storytelling to the forefront of corporate communications in Sri Lanka. Our longevity is a direct reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the respect-driven relationships we maintain with the media fraternity. As we look ahead, we remain focused on evolving alongside the changing media landscape while preserving the high standards of clarity and integrity that define us.’

Marking its forward-looking growth trajectory, HighVoltagePR has entered into a strategic partnership with Ncatalysts, one of Sri Lanka’s emerging growth and performance marketing agencies. Founded in 2022, Ncatalysts combines creative strategy, video production, performance marketing, and digital infrastructure development – including web, app, and AR/VR experiences – to help brands grow with bold creativity and relentless execution. Its portfolio includes some of the country’s most prominent names: Dialog, LOLC Group, Exide, TVS, Prima Flour and AIA.

This collaboration creates an integrated model where HighVoltagePR’s unmatched traditional media relations and reputation management expertise seamlessly align with Ncatalysts’ strengths in digital execution, performance marketing, and online discoverability.

Ncatalysts Founder Namal Fernando said: ‘This partnership brings together two critical pillars that brands in Sri Lanka need right now: Credibility in the public space and performance in the digital space. Sri Lankan businesses are competing in a highly crowded, digital-first environment. By partnering with HighVoltagePR, we are creating a unified model where PR, digital marketing, and customer experience work together under one strategy and one accountable team, ensuring clients move faster and achieve stronger business outcomes.’

The decade-long journey of HighVoltagePR has been characterised by a lean, highly strategic operational model ensuring senior-level counsel. With a solid ten-year legacy as its foundation and a fortified multi-channel communication capability through Ncatalysts, the agency is uniquely positioned to guide modern brands through the next decade of reputation management, ensuring client messages resonate seamlessly across print, broadcast, and emerging digital channels.

C.W. Mackie PLC has promoted Mangala Perera as its Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director from its previous position as Group Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director.

A graduate of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, he holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Marketing Management (Special) and a postgraduate diploma in Business and Financial Administration. He also holds fellowship status with the Australian Sales and Marketing Association.

Perera brings extensive experience in branding, marketing and general management. He previously served as Asia Pacific Regional Business Development Manager for an Australian company, where he worked with multinational corporations including Kimberly-Clark, Sanitarium Health Foods, Golden Circle, Arnott’s Biscuits and Eveready, engaging directly with a range of global brands.

An active contributor to the marketing profession in Sri Lanka, Perera has served on several national-level project committees and has been involved in initiatives aimed at advancing the country’s marketing sector.

In addition to his new role, he serves as Managing Director of Sunquick Lanka Ltd., and as a Director of Kelani Valley Canneries Ltd., Sunquick Lanka Properties Ltd., and Phoenix Industries Ltd.

Vidyartha College have secured promotion to the Dialog Schools Rugby 1A Division for the 2027 season following an outstanding campaign in the Division 1B tournament. The Kandy school remained unbeaten in its matches and will face Rajans in its final outing on 20 June.

The side was guided by Head Coach Anurudha Wilvara, whose leadership played a key role in the team’s success. He was well supported by Forward Coach Radeesha Senevirathne, Trainer Oshada Kodagoda and Kicking Coach Chamara Kumara. Veteran Team Manager Upul Bandara Weerasinghe, who has served the college for more than a decade, also played a vital role behind the scenes in the successful campaign.

Captain Sadew Dilshara led the side with confidence and determination, while Vice-Captain Pamudotha Narayana provided valuable support both on and off the field.

The Kandy outfit recorded impressive victories over St. Sylvester’s College (41-17), St. Aloysius’ College (68-8), Sri Piyarathana College (103-0), St. Benedict’s College (42-17) and Maliyadeva College (22-14) to confirm promotion before its final league fixture.

A school with a proud rugby tradition, Vidyartha has produced several outstanding players who have represented leading club sides and Sri Lanka. With promotion now secured, the Kandy school will aim to re-establish itself among the country’s elite when it returns to the highly competitive 1A Division in 2027. (SJ)

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has issued a public warning against Evolute, alleging that the entity is linked to illegal operators previously associated with investment schemes promoted under the names Copreus and Gladius, and cautioning investors against handing over funds for purported investments in foreign stock markets.

In a social media awareness campaign, the regulator claimed that Evolute represents the latest rebranding of a group that has changed names and locations over time while continuing to solicit investments from the public.

‘First it was Copreus, then it became Gladius, and now it has reappeared as Evolute – a new name, a new location, but the same people behind it, simply changing identities over time,’ the SEC said.

The Commission warned investors to be cautious of unsolicited telephone calls and promotions offering access to overseas stock market investments, noting that legitimate investment opportunities do not typically rely on cold-calling prospective clients.

The regulator also highlighted Sri Lanka’s financial literacy gap, observing that while the country’s literacy rate exceeds 93%, financial literacy remains around 55%.

‘Many can read the offer, but not always the risks hidden within it,’ the SEC said.

The warning forms part of the SEC’s broader investor protection initiative aimed at raising awareness of unregulated investment operators and schemes that claim to invest public funds in foreign markets.

The Commission urged the public to verify the regulatory status of any investment provider before committing funds and to exercise caution when confronted with promises of attractive returns or exclusive overseas investment opportunities.

‘Stay alert, question everything, and don’t let smooth talkers turn your savings into their profits,’ the SEC said, adding that it continues to monitor such activities as part of its public awareness mandate.

The SEC’s mandate is to regulate domestic capital market participants including licenced stock brokers.

Companies accepting public funds to invest in foreign stock markets ought to be licenced in the jurisdictions they are investing in. However, accepting public funds for investing overseas falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The CID is investigating and CBSL has also been instructed by the Attorney General to look into the matter.

Last December, SEC warned the investing public that ‘Gladius South Asia’ is not licenced by the SEC to operate as a Market Participant within or outside Sri Lanka.

‘The SEC does not regulate, nor does it grant licences for entities to operate in foreign jurisdictions,’ a statement issued then by capital markets regulator said. It said that Gladius South Asia, in some instances, informs clients that it is licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. However, the FCA has officially confirmed to the SEC that Gladius South Asia is not a registered entity with the FCA. ‘Please note that in the United Kingdom, all financial services activities must be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA),’ the SEC added.

Now, the SEC says Gladius is operating under a different name, Evolute, allegedly out of the World Trade Centre.

The winners of the grand prize of the 19th edition of Ceylinco Life’s flagship ‘Family Savari’ mega promotion have returned from an immersive and memorable tour of Beijing, experiencing some of China’s most iconic landmarks and cultural highlights.

The all-expenses-paid tour brought together five winning families, a total of 20 participants, for a curated journey through China’s historic capital, accompanied by Ceylinco Life brand ambassador Roshan Ranawana and his family, adding a special dimension of warmth and camaraderie to the experience.

The itinerary combined history, culture and entertainment, offering participants the opportunity to explore globally renowned sites including the Great Wall of China, accessed via the Mutiyanu entrance with a scenic cable car ride, and the 2008 Olympic Stadium. The group also visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, gaining insight into China’s rich imperial heritage.

Adding further variety to the tour were visits to a jade factory, a panda zoo and a professionally staged acrobatic performance, alongside opportunities to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and leisure time for shopping.

The Beijing tour represented the pinnacle reward of Family Savari 19, under which five policyholder families were selected at the grand draw to receive this exclusive overseas holiday. The winners were drawn from branches located in Wennappuwa, Kelaniya, Godakawela, Kamburupitiya and Homagama.

Family Savari, launched in 2007, has grown into the largest and most enduring loyalty-cum-rewards programme in Sri Lanka’s life insurance sector, benefitting more than 37,000 people from over 11,000 policyholder families. The promotion is synonymous with shared family experiences and meaningful rewards, reinforcing long-standing relationships between Ceylinco Life and its policyholders.

Over the years, Family Savari winners have travelled to destinations across the globe, with each edition designed to create lasting memories through carefully curated experiences. The successful completion of the China tour marks yet another milestone in the continuing evolution of this iconic programme.

Ceylinco Life has been the market leader in Sri Lanka’s life insurance industry for 22 consecutive years. Recognised as the Best Life Insurer in Sri Lanka by World Finance for the 12th consecutive year and voted the ‘Peoples Life Insurance Service Provider of the Year’ for an unprecedented 20th consecutive year in 2025, Ceylinco Life offers innovative insurance solutions that protect and de-risk the ambitions of policyholders. In 2025, Ceylinco Life was also ranked the most valuable insurance brand in Sri Lanka and the 22nd most valuable brand overall by Brand Finance.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday granted bail to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, hours after he was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered Rajapaksa’s release on three personal bails of Rs. 5 million each.

The court also imposed a travel ban, preventing him from leaving the country pending further proceedings.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested yesterday by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after appearing before the Commission to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Rajapaksa appeared before CIABOC regarding an investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and his subsequent training at the British Royal Naval College.

Following questioning by investigators, Commission officials had placed him under arrest. Rajapaksa had initially been summoned to appear before the Commission on Monday. However, he informed the authorities in writing that he was unable to attend due to a hearing before the Court of Appeal.

His appearance was subsequently rescheduled for yesterday, when he reported to the Commission and provided a statement.

Sri Lanka has secured the resumption of ammonium nitrate imports from India after the neighbouring country approved a monthly export quota of 220 metric tonnes (MT) in response to a request from the Sri Lankan Government.

India had imposed a ban on the export of ammonium nitrate on 18 March 2026, citing ongoing global supply chain challenges.

Following representations by the Sri Lankan Government highlighting the urgent requirements of local industry, the Government of India has now granted permission for the export of 220 MT of ammonium nitrate per month to Sri Lanka with immediate effect.

The move is expected to provide relief to industries dependent on ammonium nitrate, which is widely used in sectors such as mining, quarrying, and construction.

The approval comes amid efforts by Sri Lanka to secure uninterrupted access to essential industrial inputs and maintain production activities in key sectors of the economy.

India remains one of Sri Lanka’s principal trading partners and has played a significant role in supporting the country’s economic recovery through trade, investment, and development cooperation initiatives.

The spotlight of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 will firmly fall on Maradana this Saturday (20 June) when defending champions Trinity College travel to Colombo for the ninth time this season in what promises to be the league-deciding clash against an inspired Zahira College outfit.

An overflowing crowd is expected hours before the 4 p.m. kick-off as two of the most exciting teams of the 2026 season battle for supremacy. Trinity arrive unbeaten and carrying the weight of expectations, while Zahira have emerged as the competition’s surprise package with a series of memorable victories that have rekindled the school’s rugby tradition.

The Lions from Kandy have been in irresistible form throughout the season. Under the captaincy of Shan Althaf, Trinity have already captured the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship by winning all four of their matches away from home in Colombo.

Their league campaign has been equally impressive, recording convincing victories over Lumbini College (65-3), St. Anthony’s College (65-3), Sri Sumangala College (39-0), D.S. Senanayake College (41-10), and Isipathana College (36-12) before entering the Super Round. In the Super Round, Trinity continued their unbeaten march with dominant wins against Wesley College (43-10) and Royal College (48-15), underlining their status as favourites to retain the league crown.

Head coach and Sri Lanka rugby legend Fazil Marija has moulded a well-balanced outfit, combining a powerful forward pack with a dangerous back division, assisted by forwards coach Viraj Prashanth.

Captain Shan Althaf has led from the front throughout the campaign, while vice-captains Udan Wijekoon and Nisith Kumarasinghe have consistently delivered influential performances. Achintha Jayasena, Hamza Abdeen, Abdul Malik, Minula Yaddehige, and Deemath Ambepitiya have also been among Trinity’s standout performers this season.

However, Zahira will enter the contest full of confidence after producing one of their finest seasons in nearly three decades. Led by Hakeem Chunchie, with outstanding contributions from Zain Zahim and Muzil Mohamed, the Maradana outfit, coached by Radhika Hettiarachchi, has revived memories of the celebrated 1998 side captained by Riyas Hanis.

Zahira have compiled an impressive record, defeating Kingswood College (20-15), Science College (31-25), Royal College (29-26), and Thurstan College (38-28), with their only setback coming against S. Thomas’ College (35-25). They have continued their outstanding form in the Super Round, overcoming St. Peter’s College (38-34) and Wesley College (38-24).

Among the season’s biggest milestones, Zahira defeated Royal for the first time in 63 years and ended a 28-year wait for victory over St. Peter’s, achievements that have transformed belief within the camp.

History also adds significance to the occasion. Trinity first won the league title in 1987 under Tyrel Rajapakse before reclaiming the championship last season under Safraz Usmaan. Another victory on Saturday would see them successfully defend their crown, while Zahira stand on the threshold of one of the greatest achievements in the school’s rugby history.

With two attacking teams, outstanding individual talent, and the league championship at stake, all signs point towards a thrilling contest that could be remembered as one of the defining school rugby matches of the season.

The action begins tomorrow with a Plate Segment encounter between Thurstan College and St. Joseph’s College at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Both teams have shown glimpses of quality during the season and will be eager to secure valuable points as the Plate competition enters its decisive phase.

Saturday promises to be the busiest day, with six matches on the card.

The spotlight will firmly be on the Cup Segment, where Royal College host St. Peter’s College at the Royal Sports Complex. Royal have been one of the strongest teams this season but have lacked the finishing touch and will look to return to winning momentum, while the Peterites will be determined to upset the hosts and strengthen their own title ambitions with one more game against Trinity still to come.

Another major Cup Segment fixture will see Wesley College take on Isipathana College at Longden Place. Isipathana, traditionally one of the powerhouses of schools rugby, will start as favourites, but Wesley have shown considerable improvement and will be keen to produce a strong performance against their more fancied opponents.

In the Plate Segment, Ananda College face St. Anthony’s College at the Air Force Rugby Ground in Rajagiriya. Both sides are evenly matched and a close contest is anticipated. Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ College welcome Sri Sumangala College to Mount Lavinia, where the Thomians will be looking to make home advantage count against a spirited Sumangala outfit.

The Bowl Segment will also feature an interesting battle when Kingswood College meet D.S. Senanayake College at Pallekele. Kingswood have displayed steady progress throughout the season and will aim to maintain their upward trajectory.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with two Bowl Segment matches. Science College host Mahanama College at Mount Lavinia in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter. Science have enjoyed a productive campaign and will seek another victory on home turf.

The final fixture of the week will see Prince of Wales College take on Lumbini College at the Air Force Ground in Ratmalana. Both teams will view the match as an opportunity to finish the weekend on a positive note and improve their standing in the Bowl competition.

The two teams finishing at the bottom of the Bowl Segment will be relegated, while Vidyartha College and Dharmaraja College are tipped to earn promotion for the 2027 season.

All matches kick off at 4 p.m.

19 June

Thurstan College vs. St. Joseph’s College at Sugathadasa Stadium

20 June

Zahira College vs. Trinity College at Maradana

Royal College vs. St. Peter’s College at Royal Sports Complex

Wesley College vs. Isipathana College at Longden Place

Ananda College vs. St. Anthony’s College at Rajagiriya

S. Thomas’ College vs. Sri Sumangala College at Mount Lavinia

Kingswood College vs. D.S. Senanayake College at Bogambara Stadium

21 June

Science College vs. Mahanama College at Mount Lavinia

Prince of Wales College vs. Lumbini College at Ratmalana

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) successfully concluded an insightful and engaging Experience-Sharing Forum (ESF) on the topic ‘The Evolving Leadership Role of Marketers’ on 18 May 2026 at the Jubilee Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel.

It brought together over 70 SLIM members, associate members, and SLIM professional members for an evening dedicated to thought leadership, professional learning, and industry networking.

The keynote session was delivered by globally renowned academic, INSEAD Singapore Unilever Chaired Professor of Marketing and marketing expert Prof. Paddy Padmanabhan. Widely respected for his research and contributions in the areas of business disruption, organisational renewal, transformation, and emerging markets, Prof. Padmanabhan shared valuable insights on how the role of marketers has evolved far beyond traditional brand communication to become a critical driver of business growth, innovation, and strategic leadership.

The event was attended by SLIM President Enoch Perera, SLIM Joint Secretary Asanka Perera, and SLIM Executive Committee Member Channa Jayasinghe, along with members representing various sectors of Sri Lanka’s marketing and business community.

Sharing his thoughts during the session, Prof. Paddy Padmanabhan said, ‘The marketer’s role today is increasingly intertwined with enterprise leadership. Organisations now expect marketers to not only understand consumers and markets, but also to guide transformation, navigate uncertainty, and help businesses remain relevant in highly competitive environments. It was a pleasure to engage with Sri Lanka’s dynamic marketing community and exchange ideas on these important developments.’

SLIM President Enoch Perera said: ‘SLIM continuously strives to provide meaningful learning opportunities that connect Sri Lanka’s marketing professionals with globally recognised expertise and contemporary industry thinking. Prof. Paddy Padmanabhan’s session offered valuable perspectives on the evolving expectations placed on marketers and highlighted the importance of leadership, adaptability, and innovation in today’s business environment.’

Throughout the session, participants were encouraged to rethink the future responsibilities of marketers in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global business environment. Discussions focused on leadership agility, customer-centric transformation, data-driven decision-making, and the growing expectation for marketers to contribute meaningfully to overall organisational strategy and long-term value creation.

SLIM Vice President – Education and Research Manthika Ranasinghe said: ‘Today’s marketers are expected to lead with both strategic vision and adaptability in an increasingly dynamic business environment. This ESF created an important platform for professionals to gain fresh global perspectives on leadership, transformation, and the expanding role marketers play in shaping organisational success.’

SLIM Vice President – Events and Sustainability, Rajiv David said: ‘SLIM remains committed to curating impactful forums that encourage meaningful industry dialogue and continuous professional growth. The strong participation and engagement witnessed at this ESF reflected the growing importance of leadership-driven marketing and the value of knowledge-sharing within Sri Lanka’s marketing community.’

The event concluded successfully with an interactive networking session, reaffirming SLIM’s commitment to advancing marketing excellence, professional development, and thought leadership within Sri Lanka’s evolving business landscape.

Congo DR produced another shock result at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, holding one of the tournament favourites, Portugal, to a 1-1 draw in Houston on Wednesday.

The African side created history when Yoane Wissa scored Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal deep into first-half stoppage time, cancelling out João Neves’ sixth-minute opener for Portugal.