Category: Daily Financial Times

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved to enter into the necessary financial agreements to secure $ 100 million facility from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to support regional development in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

The funding is part of a broader $ 1 billion financial assistance package expected to be provided by the IDA to Sri Lanka during the 2026-2031 period. Of this allocation, $ 100 million has been earmarked for the Northern and Eastern Provinces Integrated Regional Development Project.

The Cabinet approved the move following the conclusion of negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank Group for the relevant credit facility. The negotiations were conducted subsequent to Cabinet approval granted on 9 February 2026.

The project is designed to promote sustainable economic development across the Northern and Eastern provinces by strengthening sectors with economic potential and supporting micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs).

According to the Government, the initiative will also focus on expanding economic opportunities, improving regional connectivity and livelihoods, accelerating regional economic growth and enhancing the competitiveness of the two provinces.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister.

Last week, much Parliamentary time was taken up by MPs arguing for and against extending the tenure of superior court judges, with both sides casting serious doubts on the credibility of the Judiciary.

Too often in Parliament and its committees, one hears the dictum: ‘Parliament is supreme.’

Members of Parliament also enjoy privileges. Parliamentary privilege grants them legal rights and immunities to discharge their constitutional functions without interference, intimidation, or legal liability for what they say during Parliamentary proceedings – and some MPs take their role seriously; one was publicly hurt to find that MPs’ salaries matched those of Postal Clerks!

But privilege has a purpose. It protects the work of Parliament. It does not place Parliament or its members above the constitutional order. Separation of powers is not an academic nicety. It exists to prevent one arm of the State encroaching on another.

That concern underpins objections by the legal fraternity to proposals to extend the retirement ages of superior court judges. Whether judges should serve another two years is only part of the dispute. The question is how far the Legislature and Executive can reach into judicial tenure, and whether the proposed change requires the consent of the people at a referendum.

Sri Lanka has been here before, though with many of the roles now in reverse. The Executive and Legislature once combined their powers to remove a sitting Chief Justice. Today, different individuals occupying the same institutions seek to extend judicial tenure. The purpose may be different. The intrusion remains a matter for concern.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is right to scrutinise the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. Parliament will consider the proposals. If petitioned, the Supreme Court will decide whether they pass constitutional muster and whether a referendum is required.

But the Bar cannot invoke judicial independence against the Executive and Legislature, and then look away when MPs use Parliamentary privilege to assail judges.

That is what happened during last week’s debate. MPs on both sides ventured beyond the merits of extending judicial tenure. Aspersions were – inadvertently or by design – cast on the Judiciary and the incumbent Chief Justice, raising questions about the standing of the institution itself.

The BASL has had much to say about extending judicial tenure. Its silence when the Judiciary is assailed from inside Parliament is harder to explain.

Parliamentary privilege protects an MP’s right to speak. It does not certify what is said as fact. Nor does it oblige the Bar or the public to accept allegations made under its cover. Privilege should not provide convenient shelter to attack judges who cannot enter the Parliamentary chamber and answer their accusers.

Judges are not beyond criticism. Courts can be scrutinised, judgments dissected and judicial conduct questioned through the means provided by law. Judicial independence does not extinguish accountability.

But there is a difference between scrutinising the Judiciary and dragging it through the political gutter.

The BASL should recognise that distinction. Its responsibility to judicial independence does not change according to whether the pressure comes from the Government, Opposition or elsewhere. Silence in one instance weakens objections in another.

Finally, the true measure of the various actors in this unfolding constitutional debate will emerge only at the end, which brings us back to the dictums.

Parliament – on both sides of the aisle – proclaims its supremacy. The Judiciary claims sanctity as the guardian of the Constitution. The Presidency wields the executive power of the people.

And all of us? Merely sovereign.

The SITREK Group celebrated its 49th Anniversary and Annual Awards Ceremony on 23 July 2026 at Grand Maitland, bringing together employees, directors and invited guests for an evening dedicated to recognising outstanding achievement and celebrating the people who have driven the organisation’s success over nearly five decades.

The ceremony marked another milestone in the Group’s journey, reflecting on its continued growth while recognising the dedication and professionalism of employees across its diverse business operations. The evening commenced with traditional ceremonial proceedings, followed by addresses by Joint Group Managing Directors Jeevaka Wijesinghe and Minoli Wijesinghe, who expressed their appreciation to employees for their commitment to delivering excellence and maintaining the high standards that have become synonymous with the SITREK name.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Annual Awards, honouring employees who demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership and commitment within their respective business units. Awards were presented across several categories, including Long Service Recognition, Best Branch of the Year, Security Officer of the Year, Officer In Charge of the Year, Customer Servicing Manager of the Year, Driver of the Year, Courier of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Employee of the Year, Lady Security Officer of the Year, and Male and Female Nurse of the Year.

The event also featured company presentations and entertainment, creating an atmosphere of celebration while reflecting the strong culture of teamwork and unity that has contributed to the organisation’s continued success.

Over the past 49 years, the SITREK Group has grown into a diversified organisation providing integrated solutions across security services, cyber Security, healthcare, electronic security technologies, secure logistics, courier services, and A/C solutions. Throughout its journey, the Group has remained committed to its core values of Structure, Integrity, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Excellence and Knowledge, which continue to guide its operations and customer relationships.

As the organisation prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee next year, the anniversary served as both a reflection on its achievements and a reaffirmation of its commitment to innovation, service excellence and investing in its people. The evening concluded with congratulations to all award recipients and appreciation to every employee whose dedication continues to strengthen the SITREK Group’s legacy of trusted service.

Ajman Crown Prince and Ajman Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi received Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UAE Arusha Cooray recently.

Sheikh Ammar welcomed the Sri Lankan Ambassador and wished her success in performing her duties.

The meeting touched upon bilateral relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka and ways to strengthen them to serve the interests of the two friendly peoples and boost cooperation across various fields.

For her part, the Sri Lankan Ambassador expressed her appreciation to Sheikh Ammar for the warm welcome and hospitality, commending the development witnessed across the UAE in general and the Emirate of Ajman in particular

Setting up a Customer Experience (CX) culture is a core responsibility of the C-Suite. Building a strong culture should be considered a strategic priority, where alignment takes place from the top down. Whilst frontline employees deliver the experience, the C-Suite must architect the best-fit environment that allows their staff to perform and succeed. Forward-thinking organisations that believe an excellent customer experience culture is the only distinctly sustainable differentiator for the organisation will place direct emphasis on customer metrics such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the C-Suite, linked to rewards and recognition. Tying the C-Suite’s compensation to customer satisfaction metrics ultimately keeps the entire organisation focused on the CX culture.

Three factors the C-Suite must be mindful of when setting up a CX culture

In establishing a customer experience culture, there are three internal factors that matter most. They are namely Policies (rule set), Processes (tool set), and People (mind-set). The C-Suite has to give due emphasis to these in the following ways:

(1) Policies (The Rules): Establishing appropriate KPIs while adhering to the philosophy of the organisation and ensuring that the best interests of all stakeholders are protected.

(2) Processes (The Operations): Making strategic investments and integrating cross-departmental tools to create a customer journey that is as friction-free as possible.

(3) People (The Behaviours): Giving the right signal that CX is a core value, directly influencing employee engagement and empathy. Consequently, the development of human resources should be considered an investment rather than a cost.

Five ways the C-Suite should drive a CX culture

(1) Strategic alignment

To begin with, the C-Suite must anchor the organisational vision and mission explicitly around customer success. They should connect CX initiatives directly to business growth and financial performance. It is essential to implement robust ‘Voice of the Customer’ programmes to gather real-time feedback. The C-Suite must clearly define what the intended customer experience should look like by using a distinct statement, such as a ‘Service Credo’, that employees across the organisation can easily understand. Continuous communication by the C-Suite through internal channels reinforces that customer centricity is a permanent way of doing business rather than a temporary initiative.

(2) Resource allocation

Only the C-Suite can take the initiative to remove barriers and approve the budgets necessary for updating processes, investing in CX technologies, implementing data tools, improving workflows, providing staff training, empowering employees, and introducing recognition programmes. Recruiting the right talent that aligns with the desired CX culture is essential. In building a culture, the principle that ‘we are what we recruit’ matters significantly. Moreover, when the C-Suite establishes formal programmes to recognise and celebrate employees who go above and beyond to create value for customers, frontline engagement and retention improve directly. The C-Suite must provide a conducive environment in which staff can take pride in the work they do.

(3) Cross-department collaboration

The C-Suite is critical to CX because only top executives possess the cross-functional authority to align policies, processes, and people into a unified culture. Therefore, only the C-Suite can bridge the gap between abstract corporate values and concrete operational expectations, ensuring that every department understands its role in the customer journey. In doing so, leadership transforms organisational ‘divisional silo mentality’ into a ‘total solution-focused’ approach, where data flows freely across all functions. Consequently, all divisions perform as ‘centres of expertise’ in their respective disciplines, such as manufacturing, operations, marketing, and finance, while working together to achieve overall stakeholder delight. Only the C-Suite has the authority to ensure that these distinct departments collaborate effectively.

(4) Identification of pain points

Identifying customer pain points at the C-Suite level ensures that an organisation remains competitive and profitable. When the C-Suite aligns strategic decisions with customer needs, it prevents costly mistakes. Organisations should have a clear and rapid plan to address service failures as and when they occur. Resolving customer frustrations reduces the likelihood of customers switching to competitors. Satisfied customers naturally recommend products and services to others. Customers are also more likely to spend more when a product or service consistently solves their problems.

(5) Modelling the way

The C-Suite can ‘walk the talk’ by transforming marketing catch phrases into operational realities because frontline behaviours mirror leadership priorities. An organisation will only prioritise the customer if its most senior executives actively demonstrate that behaviour. A brand cannot deliver authentic empathy to customers if its C-Suite does not treat employees with the same respect and spirit. Whenever possible, the C-Suite should demonstrate that frontline staff have been granted the autonomy and authority to resolve customer requirements immediately without requiring multiple layers of management approval, embracing the principle of ‘lead without the title’. By openly acting as the public face of customer accountability, the C-Suite signals to both employees and customers that the organisation is deeply committed to earning long-term trust. Outstanding C-Suite executives do not simply read spreadsheets; they actively listen to live support calls, review raw customer complaints, and visit physical customer interaction points.

Sri Lanka have secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, joining eight teams earning automatic berths through the ICC ODI rankings.

The top eight teams in the ODI rankings as of 30 September, excluding co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, qualify directly for the tournament.

Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have qualified through the rankings, with Afghanistan sealing the final direct berth following their win over Ireland.

South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as co-hosts, while Namibia will also stage matches at the tournament.

West Indies have missed direct qualification and will have to secure their place through the World Cup Qualifier.

The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

One of hockey’s fiercest rivalries will be renewed when India and Pakistan face-off in the upcoming 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.

The South Asian neighbours, who share a history of conflict and partition, are in the same group in the men’s edition of the World Cup, which begins on Saturday.

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be jointly held in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, The Netherlands, from August 15 to 30.

Both the men’s and women’s editions will feature 16 teams each, divided into four pools.

Germany are the defending men’s world champions from 2023, while the Netherlands are the women’s title holders from 2022.

Men’s pools

Pool A: Argentina, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand

Pool B: Belgium, France, Germany, Malaysia

Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa

Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales

Women’s pools

Pool A: Australia, Chile, Japan, Netherlands

Pool B: Argentina, Germany, Scotland, United States

Pool C: Belgium, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand

Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa

India’s men’s hockey team will face Pakistan in a Pool D match on 19 August.

The match will be held at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, The Netherlands, and starts at 15:00 local time (6:30pm in India and 6pm in Pakistan).

To a country, an elephant is a unique asset, and Sri Lanka is privileged to have elephants amongst few other countries.

Elephants are giant animals venerated and made use of in rituals, agriculture, and many other commercial and domestic matters. Elephants are exceptionally intelligent animals, so remarkably smart and aware that when carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic in the procession, they will refuse to walk unless the pawada (sacred white floor cloth) is laid out before them. They show immense respect for the tradition and truly seem to take pride and joy in being an active part of the Perahera.

In Sri Lanka, the elephant is a cultural symbol representing power and strength, as it served on the frontline protecting the nation alongside the army.

The elephant›s presence is documented from 1825 to 1948, but unfortunately, the population is dwindling due to human-elephant conflicts and killings. During colonial times, an estimated 15,000 elephants were shot dead by colonial masters. Historically, writers like Robert Knox in his 1681 account,

‘An Historical Relation of Ceylon’ observed how deeply tied native traditions, agriculture, and royal decrees were to the daily life and social order of the Kandyan kingdom, showing just how deeply rooted these cultural traditions are in our history.

The elephant carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic, the remains of the Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and Prince Danta in 310 AD is respected by Sri Lankans as it carries the casket in procession, a tradition practiced since the time of kings. As Knox noted during his two-decade captivity, the King held absolute authority over the realm, and carrying out these sacred royal customs and processions was central to demonstrating the power and standing of the monarch, as possessing the Danta Dhatu was necessary for kinghood.

Respect was shown by the number of elephants walking in the procession. Though chained for safety, they are very well looked after by private owners for, whom maintaining an elephant is a significant expense, while others live in the jungle or in wealthy temples.

Sri Lanka is known worldwide for the Dalada Maligawa, the annual Esala Perahera, and these long-standing traditions that continue to this day.

There is an Animal Welfare Bill which some argue is targeted specifically at elephants to curtail the Esala procession of the Tooth Relic. Critics express concern that such legislation undermines traditional and cultural practices. If the Dalada Perahera cannot be performed due to administrative restrictions, the country, its culture, and its tourism industry will suffer. Rather than relying on romanticised sagas or modern hyperbole, we must objectively look at our long-standing traditions to preserve what is genuine about our heritage.

Therefore, this is a serious matter that requires careful reconsideration to address genuine instances of animal cruelty. The standard practices used for food production or farm execution can be harsh, and stray animals face severe neglect. In the UK, institutions like the RSPCA hold significant authority because citizens actively report instances of animal cruelty.

In Sri Lanka, it is time for those who value the country’s culture and traditions to seek a balanced and realistic approach. Handlers (mahouts) form deep bonds with their elephants, cleaning, bathing, and caring for them daily. Chaining, however, remains a necessary safety precaution to prevent the animals from being startled or disturbed in large crowds. Modern animal activists must consider these practical realities, along with the severe impact wildlife such as crop-destroying animals, has on local agricultural communities.

The main concern regarding the proposed Bill is the broad executive authority it grants to penalise and imprison elephant owners. This could discourage private ownership and temple custody altogether, leaving Sri Lanka with fewer tamed elephants and exacerbating human-wildlife conflicts in the wild. Consequently, a vital aspect of the country’s living heritage risks being lost.

In these circumstances, the Government should reconsider the proposed Bill and introduce realistic guidelines for managing domesticated elephants. These traditions remain a central part of Sri Lankan culture and a point of admiration worldwide. Just as traditional ceremonial practices involving horses continue in countries like the UK without facing prohibition, Sri Lanka’s long-standing cultural traditions deserve practical preservation.

Therefore, we urge the minister in charge to carefully review the proposed legislation and introduce necessary amendments that allow temples, the Dalada Maligawa, and private owners to continue maintaining elephants responsibly.

Mediafactory has been named among Asia-Pacific’s top 100 most effective agency offices, securing 35th place in the 2025 Effie global Index for APAC region.

The achievement places the Sri Lankan media agency among leading agencies from some of the region’s largest and most competitive advertising markets.

Released by Effie Worldwide in June 2026, the 2025 Effie Index ranks the marketing industry’s most effective agencies, marketers and brands based on finalist and winner data from Effie Awards programs around the world. Building on Effie’s recognition of marketing effectiveness since 1968, the annual Index is widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading benchmarks. Its agency office rankings recognise the work credited to individual offices through Effie-recognised campaigns.

For Mediafactory, the result marks an important milestone in a journey that began in 2005, when it entered the market as Sri Lanka’s first specialised independent media agency. Over two decades of industry firsts and achievements, the agency has continued to evolve while remaining a pioneering force in Sri Lanka’s marketing communications landscape.

Mediafactory CEO Bratheepa Emmanuel said the recognition was a proud moment for the agency and reflected the vision on which it was founded more than two decades ago.

‘When Mediafactory was established as Sri Lanka’s first dedicated media agency, we believed there was an opportunity to do things differently. To see that vision recognised today through the Effie Index is something we are truly proud of. This recognition belongs to every member of the Mediafactory team. It is their passion, commitment and hard work that made this possible. We are also grateful to our clients for the trust they have placed in us over the years. Their confidence in our team has given us the opportunity to do work that has delivered results, and this recognition belongs to them as much as it does to us.’

‘Being ranked alongside agency offices from some of Asia-Pacific’s largest advertising markets shows that work developed in Sri Lanka can stand alongside the very best in the region. While we are proud of this achievement, we see it as motivation to keep improving, continue delivering the best possible solutions for our clients and build on what we have achieved together,’ Emmanuel added.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) will mark World Elephant Day with its August monthly lecture titled ‘Elephant Conservation in a Human Dominated Landscape’, to be delivered by renowned Indian conservationist Praveen Bhargav today at 6.00 p.m. at Jasmine Hall, BMICH.

The lecture comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, as the country continues to grapple with the growing challenge of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC). Expanding human settlements, agriculture, infrastructure development and the fragmentation of natural habitats have increasingly forced elephants to navigate landscapes heavily influenced by human activity.

As traditional migratory routes disappear and habitats become degraded, encounters between people and elephants are becoming more frequent, resulting in significant losses for both communities and wildlife. In 2025 alone, 397 elephant deaths were reported, highlighting the urgent need for practical, science-based and long-term solutions.

The challenge facing Sri Lanka is therefore not simply how to protect elephants or how to protect people from elephants, but rather how to manage the landscapes they share. Against this backdrop, the lecture will examine whether conservation efforts can move beyond the boundaries of protected areas towards a more comprehensive model of coexistence.

Praveen Bhargav brings more than four decades of experience in wildlife conservation, policy, advocacy and law to the discussion. His journey as a conservationist began in 1982, and in 1995 he co-founded Wildlife First, one of India’s leading conservation organisations, where he continues to serve as Managing Trustee.

Over the years, he has served on India’s National Board for Wildlife, advised numerous government institutions and contributed extensively to wildlife conservation policy and legislation. He presently serves on the Inquiry Committee on the Segur Elephant Corridor constituted by the Supreme Court of India and has played a pivotal role in several landmark conservation interventions.

His work spans scientific field research, wildlife law, habitat protection, environmental advocacy and capacity building for law enforcement agencies, making him uniquely qualified to address the complex relationship between wildlife conservation and human development.

WNPS Monthly Lecture Series has, for many years, brought together leading scientists, conservationists and environmental thinkers from Sri Lanka and around the world, creating a platform for informed dialogue on the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The Monthly Lecture is supported by Nations Trust Bank and this special edition, featuring Praveen Bhargav, is made possible through the generous support of Spa Ceylon Ayurveda Wellness. Be there to Witness the wild, reimagined. The lecture is open to all, entrance free.