Category: Daily Financial Times

The Attorney General is under fire by sections of society for a dereliction of duty. He is accused of letting prosecutions off the hook. Perhaps the spotlight on him would have been less harsh had these prosecutions not involved politically sensitive, and what have now come to be known, emblematic cases, which have been languishing unresolved for many years. Families of victims have had their emotions yoyo from despair to hope with successive governments promising them answers that have amounted to nothing.

The Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, 2002, provides a regulatory framework to remove top officials like the Attorney General and Inspector General of Police, from their constitutional inheritance. The framework , dominated by parliamentary and legal oversight, provides these officers with safeguards to do their work in good faith and not risk arbitrary removal at the whim of the Executive.

Under the Act an Attorney General or Inspector General of Police can be removed on one or more grounds where the officer has been adjudged an insolvent by a court, is unfit to continue in office for reasons of ill health or physical or mental infirmity, is convicted of moral turpitude, treason or bribery or is found guilty of misconduct or corruption, or is guilty of a gross abuse of power of his office, neglect of duty or partiality.

In keeping with the provisions of the Act, it is the President who removes the Attorney General. The removal procedure kicks off after the ‘presentation of an address of Parliament supported by a majority of the total number of Members of Parliament (including those not present) for the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry.’ In the case of the Attorney General, the Committee has to comprise the Chief Justice who will act as its Chairman and two former Attorney Generals. Alternatively, the Act provides for the appointment of persons who have gained eminence in the field of law, appointed by the Speaker with the concurrence of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

The Committee has to inquire into and investigate the alleged grounds on which the removal of the holder of the Office is sought and to make findings in respect of these grounds based on written or oral evidence including witness evidence , and communicate them to the Speaker.

Where there is a finding of guilt, the Speaker has to place such a finding in the form of a resolution in the Order Paper of Parliament for the removal of the holder of the Office. When a majority of Members of Parliament vote in favour of the resolution, the holder will be removed from Office by the President.

The most recent instance where the provisions of the Act were invoked was for the removal of former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon. He was also the first sitting Inspector General of Police to be removed in Sri Lanka’s history. There is no known instance in the country’s political history where an Attorney General has been removed.

The current Government has pledged to set up an office of Public Prosecutor and provincial sub officer to carry out prosecutorial functions for the Government, currently being done by the Attorney General. According to the website of the Cabinet of Ministers, this is expected to improve the independence and transparency of the criminal justice system and expedite the criminal justice process to gain the confidence of the people. The Justice Ministry has appointed a three member technical committee of experts to examine and report on introducing new legislation for this office and if necessary, to make recommendations to amend existing laws. The Committee is headed by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, President’s Counsel and Judge of the Supreme Court.

Establishing an Office of Public Prosecutor will help the Government to protect itself from accusations of political witch hunts and vendettas, and the Attorney General from finger pointing about acts of bad faith, partisanship and bias. More importantly, it will uphold the integrity of the office of Attorney General which citizens and the tax payer look to, to act with impartiality and transparency to uphold the rule of law.

More Gold Sponsors have joined the APB Sri Lanka Convention, further strengthening industry confidence in the Association of Professional Bankers. The Convention continues to serve as a premier platform that brings together banking professionals and key stakeholders to advance professionalism, collaboration, and the future development of the Sri Lankan banking sector. Annual convention to be held on 19 and 20 February at Cinnamon Life.

Aruna Jeewantha of Sri Lanka Air Force and Nuwara Eliya Panthers showing spectacular form In the greens to win the National Ranking Tournament Golf which took place at the Victoria Golf Resort (VGR) in Central Hills.

Aruna emerged with a consistent three-day total of 225 (76, 76, 73). He recorded his first win in a national level ranking event beating some of the biggest names in Amateur Golf.

Just one stroke behind was Kumar Dhanushan on 226, while Jacob Norton, another sensational golfer, produced the best final round of 71 to secure third place on 231. The top three showed steady golf under pressure on the challenging par-73 layout.

The Women’s category saw Samdamali Sumanarathne claiming top honours with an aggregate of 280. In the junior event which took place over 2 days saw Sithara Lorance winning the Girls while the Boys event was won by Nirwan Hettiarachchi. (SJ)

Officials of the Digital Economy Ministry outlined plans to provide every citizen with high-speed broadband connectivity by 2029, highlighting a significant infrastructure gap that must be addressed over the next four years.

The timeline was presented at a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation held in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Janaka Senarathne to review the 2026 Budget allocations for the Digital Economy and Science and Technology Ministries.

Senior Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya told the Committee that 100 new telecommunication towers are scheduled to be installed this year. However, he said between 600 and 1,000 additional towers would be required nationwide to meet the full demand for high-speed broadband, with implementation to take place in phases.

Although current internet coverage stands at approximately 98%, officials noted that this does not equate to high-speed broadband access. Capacity would need to be expanded by around 25% to ensure universal high-speed connectivity, including access for schoolchildren.

Dr. Wijayasuriya also said a commercial model would be developed for tower deployment, with opportunities for private sector participation through a bidding process.

The Committee further underscored the need to strengthen digital literacy outside Colombo, proposing that programmes be coordinated through District Secretariat offices.

Discussions also covered the allocation of 2026 Budget provisions for the Ministry of Science and Technology, with several institutional annual and performance reports approved at the meeting.

Sri Lanka’s retail landscape will reach a major milestone with the launch of Ministry of Brands (MOB), the country’s first off-price retailer.

The flagship store is set to open on 16 February, introducing Sri Lankan consumers to authentic global luxury and premium brands at discounts of up to 90% off original retail prices.

Backed by Akbar Brothers, MOB brings the globally established off-price model to South Asia for the first time. The concept allows customers to shop for genuine designer and brand-name products at significantly reduced prices while supporting more sustainable retail practices.

The 10,000 sq. ft. flagship store, located at 28/9, Vajira Road, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 4, will feature an extensive range across apparel, footwear, handbags, accessories, homeware, and more. MOB will carry over 2,000 international and designer brands spanning womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home, and accessories, including names such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Valentino, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Rag and Bone, Lacoste, Puma, UGG, HOKA, Brooks, Air Jordan, and many more.

Off-price retail is one of the fastest-growing global retail segments, helping fashion houses responsibly manage excess inventory. With the UN Environment Programme estimating 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually, sustainable retail models such as off-price are increasingly important.

MOB Director Aamir Akbarally said: ‘Sri Lanka manufactures for many of the world’s leading designer labels, yet these products have often remained out of reach for local consumers. Through off-price retail, we are proud to make genuine designer brands more accessible to our fellow Sri Lankans, offering premium fashion at affordable prices while delivering a world-class shopping experience built on Akbar Brothers’ longstanding values of integrity, quality, and trust.’

MOB Director Ramzey Hammoud added: ‘With decades of experience in off-price retail, we see this as an exciting new growth chapter for Sri Lanka’s retail landscape. Our goal is simple: to allow customers to shop global designer brands locally at the best prices, while rediscovering the thrill of the find through a constantly changing, treasure-hunt shopping experience.’

Following the Colombo flagship launch, MOB will open a second location at the One Galle Face Mall, with plans to expand across South Asia and Australia.

Russel’s Ltd. held its annual awards ceremony on 31 January 2026 at the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Auditorium, Colombo, recognising excellence, commitment, and outstanding contributions of its employees.

The ceremony was graced by St. Nicholas International School Principal Rev. Fr. Sammit Rangana, who attended as the Chief Guest, and Rev. Fr. Kalinga, who honoured the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Their presence added distinction to the event and reflected the company’s emphasis on values-driven leadership. Senior representatives of Russel’s Ltd. highlighted the importance of employee recognition as a key driver of long-term organisational success and a strong corporate culture.

During the ceremony, several staff members were honoured for exceptional performance and dedication throughout the year. Jeewa Prashanthini was recognised as Employee of the Year, while Sameera Rukshan received the Chef of the Year award. The Best Outstanding Stewardess award was presented to Sithara Kumari, and Jude Krishantha was honoured as Best Outstanding Steward.

The Most Hard-Working Employee awards were jointly presented to Sampath Thisera and Sanjeewa Rukmal, while Duminda Asela received the award for Best Outdoor Catering Manager of the Year.

Adding a vibrant cultural element to the evening, the ceremony featured a special musical segment by renowned Sri Lankan artiste Piyal Perera, leader of the legendary Gypsies Band, together with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Sampath Fernando. The live performance created an engaging blend of corporate recognition and Sri Lanka’s rich musical heritage.

At the invitation of Russel’s Ltd. Co-Founder and Chairman Russel Perera, Sampath Fernando curated the musical experience, drawing inspiration from his signature concert series, ‘THALA SAMPATH – The Rhythm Soulful Music Event.’ Recognising the significance of the occasion, Piyal Perera made a special guest appearance, contributing decades of musical excellence to the celebration. The Annual Awards Ceremony reaffirmed Russel’s Ltd.’s commitment to honouring its people while fostering a workplace culture that values excellence, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.

In the record books of Sri Lankan cricket, some milestones are written in ink that simply refuses to fade. While the modern era is defined by T20 pyrotechnics and rapid-fire scoring, a quiet but monumental record established nearly five decades ago continues to stand as a sentinel of resilience and ‘never-say-die’ spirit.

The year was 1979. The setting was the prestigious P. Sara Trophy, the bedrock of Sri Lankan First-Class cricket. The venue was the SSC Grounds at Maitland Place-a cathedral of the local game.

It was a match that, on paper, should have been a one-sided affair. The powerhouse Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) took the field boasting an intimidating lineup that included no fewer than eight National players. Opposing them was BRC Sports Club, who found themselves reeling as the SSC attack tore through their batting order.

When the ninth wicket fell, the end seemed imminent. But what followed was not a surrender; it was a masterclass in tail-end defiance that would etch the names Ranjit Rajapaksa and Asoka Vitharana into the annals of history.

158 runs of pure grit

Against an attack featuring the country’s finest bowlers, the duo of Rajapaksa and Vitharana began to build. What started as a move to save face transformed into a historic onslaught. As the sun beat down on Maitland Place, the pair moved the score along with a mix of clinical precision and daring stroke play.

By the time the final wicket finally fell, they had added 158 runs for the 10th wicket.

To put this in perspective, this stand remains the highest ever recorded for the final wicket in a First-Class or Major League match in Sri Lanka. Despite the evolution of the game, the advent of better equipment, and the increase in matches played, no pair has managed to eclipse this total in nearly fifty years of domestic cricket.

A call for formal r ecognition

While the story is a ‘gem of wisdom’ often shared in the pavilions of Colombo, there is a growing movement to ensure this feat is officially canonised in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) First-Class record books.

‘Acknowledging such milestones is crucial for preserving the legacy of Sri Lankan cricket,’ says the latest formal submission to the SLC Board. ‘It serves to inspire the current generation of cricketers to value every single wicket, proving that the game is never over until the final ball is bowled.’

For Ranjit Rajapaksa and Asoka Vitharana, that February weekend in 1979 wasn’t just about the runs on the board. It was about the psychological battle of two ‘tail-enders’ standing tall against eight national giants.

As the letter for formal recognition reaches the desks of Sri Lanka Cricket at No. 35 Maitland Place-only a stone’s throw from where the record was set-fans and historians alike are hopeful that this 158-run epic finally receives the official status it deserves.

In a world of ‘flash-in-the-pan’ heroes, the Rajapaksa-Vitharana stand remains a timeless reminder: the greatest wealth in sport is often gathered when the odds are most heavily stacked against you.

Ceylinco Life has announced the launch of the 25th consecutive edition of its flagship Pranama Scholarships program, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence among the children of its policyholders.

Under the 2026 program, the life insurance market leader will present scholarships with a total cumulative value of Rs. 22.7 million, continuing a rewards initiative that has now been conducted without interruption for a quarter of a century. Since its inception, the Ceylinco Life Pranama Scholarships program has benefitted 3,466 students across the country, representing a total investment of Rs. 240 million in nurturing academic achievement and outstanding performance in sports, arts and other extracurricular pursuits.

The 2026 program will once again reward high-performing students in four categories, covering academic milestones and national merit-based achievements. Scholarships will be awarded to students who excelled at the 2025 Year 5 Scholarship Examination, the 2024 GCE Ordinary Level Examination, the 2024 GCE Advanced Level Examination, as well as those who have earned national or international recognition in 2024-25 in areas such as sports, drama, invention and creative fields.

Under the Year 5 Scholarship Examination category, 25 scholarships will be awarded, with each district’s top-performing child among Ceylinco Life policyholders receiving a scholarship valued at Rs. 240,000, payable over a period of five years. A further 25 scholarships, each worth Rs. 168,000 and payable over two years, will be awarded to the highest-achieving students in each district at the GCE Ordinary Level Examination.

The GCE Advanced Level category will recognise 100 students, with four scholarships awarded in each district. One scholarship will be granted to the highest achiever in each stream based on the Z-score, with each recipient receiving a one-time scholarship valued at Rs. 120,000. In addition, 10 National Merit Awards, each worth Rs. 50,000, will be presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement at national or international level in sports, drama, invention or creative disciplines.

Applications for the 2026 Pranama Scholarships are now open, with eligible policyholders invited to submit applications on behalf of their children on or before 30 April 2026. The scholarship awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in October 2026.

Through the Pranama Scholarships, Ceylinco Life continues to ease the financial burden of education while motivating young Sri Lankans to pursue excellence and realise their full potential, reinforcing the company’s long-standing philosophy of supporting families beyond the promise of financial protection.

Sri Lanka improved its position in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), rising 14 places to rank 107th out of 180 countries, according to Transparency International’s latest report.

The country’s score increased to 35 in 2025 from 32 in 2024, when it was ranked 121st. The three-point gain lifted Sri Lanka back above the 120-mark range recorded last year, signalling a modest recovery in perceptions of public sector integrity.

Data from recent years show that Sri Lanka’s ranking had deteriorated sharply in 2024, when it reached its worst recorded position of 121 since 2002. Prior to that, the country ranked 94th in 2023, 93rd in 2022, 89th in 2021 and 91st in 2020.

Earlier fluctuations included 115th in 2018 and 95th in 2019, reflecting volatility rather than a sustained trend. The latest move to 107th partially reverses last year’s decline but does not restore earlier positions seen in the 2020-2022 period

Since 2002, Sri Lanka’s average ranking has stood at 89.71, with its best position of 52 recorded in 2002.

The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 represents ‘highly corrupt’ and 100 denotes ‘very clean.’ Despite the improvement, Sri Lanka’s score of 35 remains below the global average of 43, indicating continuing governance and accountability challenges.

Transparency International compiles the index using 13 external data sources, including assessments from institutions such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. The index evaluates factors including bribery, diversion of public funds, the effectiveness of anti-corruption prosecutions, legal safeguards, access to information and protections for whistle-blowers and journalists.

Globally, Denmark retained the top position for the eighth consecutive year with a score of 89, followed by Finland at 88 and Singapore at 84. At the lower end of the index, South Sudan and Somalia were ranked among the most corrupt, each with a score of 9.

The United Arab Emirates secured a tense five-wicket victory over Canada to remain in contention in Group D of the T20 World Cup.

Set a target of 151, the UAE appeared to be drifting off course with four overs left and the required rate climbing. However, a counterattack from Sohaib Khan, who struck 51 off 29 deliveries, shifted momentum. Aryansh Sharma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74, guiding the innings deep into the final over.

With eight required from the last six balls, Sharma cleared the ropes to ease the pressure before debutant Muhammad Arfan sealed the result with a boundary, finishing the match with two deliveries unused.

Earlier, Junaid Siddique delivered a standout bowling performance, claiming 5 for 35 – the UAE’s best figures in T20 World Cup history. Canada’s Harsh Thaker had laid the platform with a half-century, scoring 50 to help his side post a competitive total.