Category: Daily Financial Times

Australia and Ireland teams who will play Sri Lanka in Group B of the ICC T20 World Cup arrived yesterday for their matches which will be played in Pallekele and Colombo (RPICS) respectively.

Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) Chairperson Rajitha Jayasuriya said the industry has identified deeper integration with India, accelerated technological transformation and urgent policy reforms as key priorities for 2026, warning that intensifying regional competition leaves little room for complacency.

Speaking at the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting recently on the industry’s forward agenda, SLAEA Chairperson said securing quota-free access to the Indian market, ensuring consistent and predictable trade flows, and strengthening integration within regional value chains will be critical to sustaining growth.

Jayasuriya described a stronger India-Sri Lanka apparel corridor not merely as an economic opportunity, but as a strategic imperative for both countries, given India’s rapid expansion as a global apparel market, sourcing hub and retail powerhouse. ‘By working more closely together, we can strengthen trade, deepen regional value chains, and increase Sri Lanka’s participation in India’s growing retail and apparel Ecosystem,’ she added.

Emphasising the importance of diplomatic and institutional support, Jayasuriya said the industry looks to Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and senior Indian officials, including Deputy High Commissioner of India Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, to support this vision through active engagement and representation.

She said a mutually value-adding partnership would enable Sri Lanka to deepen its participation in India’s growing apparel ecosystem while strengthening regional supply chains.

At the same time, she cautioned that Sri Lanka faces fast-moving competition across Asia. Cambodia has emerged as the fastest-growing apparel supplier to the US, European Union (EU) and the UK, while Vietnam continues to advance through automation, smart factory investments and an expanding network of free trade agreements. Bangladesh, meanwhile, retains a dominant position in large-scale basic apparel production. Against this backdrop, she stressed that Sri Lanka cannot afford to stand still if it is to protect and expand its market share.

Jayasuriya noted that the Government’s 2026 Budget has sent encouraging signals, including export-friendly measures, digital tax reforms and targeted investment incentives. However, she said much of the reform agenda remains unfinished, and the industry’s roadmap for 2026 and beyond is built around urgency, sharper focus and sustained forward momentum.

‘We are prioritising technology and innovation-accelerating automation, deepening our adoption of AI, and making operations fully data-driven. Market diversification is a core focus, expanding Sri Lanka’s presence across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where opportunities are growing,’ she pointed out.

SLAEA Chairperson also said workforce development remains equally critical, noting that the industry plans to invest further in skills development, strengthen gender equity and safeguard worker wellbeing. She stressed that people remain the foundation of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector and are essential to maintaining its reputation for quality and ethical production.

‘Sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance will play an even stronger role going forward, with the industry committed to enhancing traceability, embedding circularity into production processes and reducing emissions across the value chain to meet evolving global buyer and regulatory expectations,’ she added.

To support these efforts, Jayasuriya reiterated calls for urgent and decisive Government action. These include improving ease of doing business through the full implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) systems, establishing a dedicated trade office to prioritise key free trade agreements with the US, EU, UK and emerging markets, and developing supply chain infrastructure, including the full operationalisation of the Eravur Fabric Park.

She also stressed the need for policy stability and closer collaboration with domestic and international partners to build a skilled workforce and provide training and financial support to SMEs, enabling them to comply with global sustainability and traceability requirements.

She highlighted the continued engagement between industry, State agencies and international partners as essential to building long-term competitiveness and resilience. Jayasuriya extended appreciation to the Export Development Board (EDB), the Board of Investment (BOI), Sri Lanka Customs and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), noting that their cooperation has enabled the apparel sector to respond to global demand, manage complexity and continue generating value for the national economy.

Reflecting on her first year as the first woman Chairperson of the SLAEA, Jayasuriya said that while the milestone was significant, the overriding focus quickly shifted to navigating the scale and complexity of challenges confronting the industry.

‘At the outset of the year, we set clear goals, not only for export growth, but also for the policy and operational reforms required to sustain competitiveness. Many of these objectives were tested by forces beyond our control: tariff uncertainty in the United States, heightened geopolitical instability arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, disruptions linked to the Red Sea crisis, and domestically, the removal of SVAT and severe climate-related events, all unfolding while Sri Lanka was navigating economic recovery under an IMF-supported program,’ she said.

Despite these pressures, Jayasuriya said export performance remained strong. Exports to the US grew by 2.15% during the year, even amid tariff uncertainty, while shipments to the UK increased by 0.74%. Non-traditional markets recorded growth of 4.8%, and exports to the EU rose sharply by 12.48%, reinforcing Europe’s position as one of Sri Lanka’s most stable and strategically aligned long-term partners.

She noted that achieving overall growth in such a disrupted year was a testament to the resilience, discipline and adaptability of Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers.

She also stressed that the negotiated reduction of US tariffs from 44% to 20% helped ease cost pressures and protect competitiveness, and acknowledged the role played by the Government of Sri Lanka and industry stakeholders in securing this outcome.

Looking ahead, she said the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which came into effect from 1 January 2026, provides Sri Lanka with tariff-free access and full global sourcing flexibility, describing it as one of the most advantageous trade regimes the country has secured.

Jayasuriya thanked the UK Government, High Commissioner Andrew Patrick and UK economic and trade teams, and also acknowledged the role of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) in working closely with the UK High Commission to secure favourable terms.

She asserted that the deepening relationship with Europe was particularly significant, pointing to sustained interest from EU-based entrepreneurs and brand owners such as Dr. Veronesi as evidence of long-term confidence in Sri Lanka.

She said such investments have translated into increased EU exports, higher value addition and stronger integration into European supply chains, and stressed that attracting more long-term, value-aligned investment is critical to balancing Sri Lanka’s export portfolio and reducing exposure to tariff-related risks in its largest market, the United States.

However, she cautioned that compliance with evolving EU sustainability and due diligence regulations has become a non-negotiable requirement for market access.

Frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), enhanced traceability standards and digital product passports (DPP) will increasingly determine competitiveness. ‘To remain competitive and credible, we must create a support system to enable SMEs and supply chains to meet these standards, through transparency, sustainable materials and processes, and robust data systems,’ she said.

Jayasuriya also called on the Government to take urgent policy steps to secure the renewal of GSP+, warning that with India nearing the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, Sri Lanka must move faster to avoid losing ground in one of its most important growth markets.

Outlining the industry’s immediate policy priorities, she stressed the need for sustained and proactive trade diplomacy to protect and expand preferential market access, predictable and timely fiscal administration, particularly VAT refunds and the acceleration of the Government’s digital reform agenda for exporters.

While the removal of SVAT could not be reversed, she noted that continuous engagement through industry chambers and JAAF has already resulted in significantly improved VAT refund timelines, and thanked Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Inland Revenue Department officials for their responsiveness, urging that such performance be institutionalised.

She acknowledged progress made through a pilot project integrating an API with RAMIS 2.0 to enable data matching between enterprise resource planning systems and the tax platform, describing it as an important first step. However, she said the next priority must be the introduction of a fully fiscalised e-invoicing system for exporters, treated as a national priority to improve liquidity, compliance, transparency and competitiveness, and to align Sri Lanka with peers such as India, Indonesia and Kenya.

Jayasuriya said strong partnerships between Government, industry, brands, development agencies and workers’ organisations will be essential for Sri Lanka to not only compete but thrive in a rapidly evolving global apparel landscape.

She reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to being a constructive, solution-driven partner and said Sri Lanka’s apparel sector will continue to lead with purpose, grounded in ethics, craftsmanship, innovation and resilience.

‘As global conditions continue to shift, with bold and decisive action, Sri Lanka will not merely participate in the future of global apparel, but play a role in shaping it, driven by belief in its people and clarity in its strategic direction,’ she expressed confidence.

The Event Management Association (EMA) of Sri Lanka marked a historic milestone during its 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 27 January, at the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC). The evening was defined by a celebration of past achievements and a transformative announcement for the future of the events landscape in Sri Lanka.

A legacy of impactful initiatives

Outgoing President Nisal Caldera addressed the assembly, reflecting on a highly successful tenure characterised by community engagement and professional development. Highlighting the association’s recent triumphs, Caldera revisited several key projects:

The Hadagasma Concert: A landmark event.

EMA Staff Workshop: Focused on upskilling the backbone of the industry.

The Help Apeksha Fundraiser: Demonstrating the industry’s commitment to social responsibility.

EEMA India Partnership: Strengthening cross-border networking and knowledge exchange with the Event and Entertainment Management Association of India.

A historic milestone: Official industry status

The highlight of the evening was the inaugural address by the newly elected President Saliya Weerasekera. Following years of persistent advocacy, Weerasekera announced that the Event Management sector has finally attained formal recognition as an industry.

This achievement follows the recent securing of Cabinet approval, a feat made possible through the dedicated support of the Industries Minister Sunil Hadunneththi, alongside the tireless efforts of the Ministry staff and the EMA.

‘Formal recognition as an industry opens doors to structured growth, better regulation, and the economic respect our sector deserves,’ said Weerasekera.

Leading the future: The new Executive Committee

The AGM also served as the platform to introduce the leadership team tasked with navigating this new era. The newly appointed Executive Committee members for the 2026/2027 term include a diverse group of veterans and innovators dedicated to the EMA’s mission.

Setting the ‘Gold Standard’

President Saliya Weerasekera set a bold vision for his term, emphasising that the focus will now shift from recognition to excellence. ‘It is now time to elevate the industry and set gold standards in everything we do. We will achieve this through rigorous professional benchmarks, deeper collaboration with international partners, and a commitment to global best practices.’

The proceedings concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by the newly appointed Vice President, Bathiya Jayakody, who expressed gratitude to the members and partners for their unwavering support in professionalising the industry.

The EMA remains the apex body for event professionals in Sri Lanka, dedicated to fostering a sustainable, ethical, and world-class event ecosystem.

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) has appointed Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam as its new Parliamentary Group leader, replacing Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan following an internal dispute over party positions and accountability.

The decision was taken after Shritharan declined to step down from his position on the Constitutional Council, despite objections raised within the party. ITAK leaders have stated that his stance, including support for senior military officers, was inconsistent with long-standing party policy and the views of its voter base.

ITAK said it had determined that Shritharan could no longer continue as Parliamentary Group leader and that disciplinary action has been initiated after he refused to relinquish the post voluntarily. Shritharan has not issued a public response to the decision.

Rasamanickam, a second-term MP from Batticaloa, was nominated to the position amid what party sources described as a need for renewed leadership within the Parliamentary Group. At the most recent Parliamentary election, he secured the highest preferential vote recorded in Batticaloa District, where ITAK retained three seats despite a broader national shift towards the National People’s Power coalition.

He has been a vocal critic of militarisation and has consistently advocated governance reforms and democratic accountability in Parliament.

The leadership change reflects broader internal realignments within ITAK, which has faced divisions in recent years. The party’s Parliamentary Group was previously led by veteran Tamil leader R. Sampanthan, whose tenure marked an earlier phase of Tamil Parliamentary representation.

Ocean Lanka’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce continues through the OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel, which recently marked the successful completion of its second training batch, with 33 employees graduating from the program. The OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel was established in 2023 with the goal of methodically improving industrial knowledge, practical proficiency, and technical expertise in the textile and apparel sector.

The academy’s first batch, which started back in September 2023, concluded in December 2024, with 32 employees successfully completing the program and receiving certificates after examinations, a milestone that underscored the effectiveness of the academy’s learning model. Building on this success, the second batch started in March 2025. The academy’s official registration with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) marked a significant achievement.

The academy’s flagship program, the Certificate in Textile and Apparel Manufacturing (PT-Skills Upgrading), is officially recognised by the TVEC registration. This further strengthens the academy’s reputation and compliance with national vocational education requirements. In December 2025, the second group completed the course with full TVEC recognition.

Commenting on the milestone, Chief Officer Human Resources and Administration Indrani Narampanawa said: ‘Our long-standing dedication to structured education and skill development within the organisation is reflected in the OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel. We are strengthening the overall competitiveness of the Sri Lankan apparel industry while providing our employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet changing industry needs by fusing recognised certification with hands-on, industry-aligned training.’

OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel Head and Director – Fabric Development and Innovation Chathumadura Liyanagama said: ‘The academy was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world manufacturing challenges. With TVEC recognition now in place, our curriculum delivers structured, industry-relevant learning across the entire textile value chain, ensuring participants are not only technically proficient but also innovation-ready for the future of apparel manufacturing.’

The program is thoughtfully designed to provide a well-balanced combination of academic instruction and hands-on training, guaranteeing that participants acquire both fundamental knowledge and practical exposure in line with actual industry demands. Fibre science, yarn manufacturing systems, fabric structures, knitting, dyeing, finishing, printing, fabric inspection and testing, garment technology, textile innovation, and emerging industry trends are all covered in training modules that cover the entire textile and apparel value chain.

A well-defined vision and mission serve as the foundation for the academy’s operations. Its vision is to be the leading corporate learning hub that inspires excellence, innovation, and professional development in the textile and apparel industry. Its mission is to empower employees through high-quality theoretical, technical, and practical education, forming a skilled, knowledgeable, and future-ready workforce that contributes to the sustainable growth of Ocean Lanka and the wider apparel industry.

The OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel is preparing to start its third batch in February 2026, reaffirming its long-term commitment to workforce development, capability building, and industry advancement in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, after completing two batches successfully and receiving TVEC recognition.

Not long ago, the general perception was that the Attorney General’s office was pretty much an extension of the Government of the day. The Government says to charge or discharge this or that citizen, the Attorney General complies promptly. Let time decide the small matter of evidence; after all, in the Sri Lankan reality the case will be heard only many years later. By then, it will be a different stage, with different actors enacting a different drama. God knows how Sri Lankans love cheap drama!

Governments usually do not have an interest in run-of- the mill criminal matters, although at a village level that happens in this country sometimes; a local politician intervening on behalf of a rapist or a murderer who is his supporter is not uncommon. Such interventions rarely come to the public domain, an injustice happening in a remote setting; the feeble victims of improper political interference cannot fight back, they are too vulnerable.

However, we are concerned here with cases which have political connotations or are so perceived. Sometimes these cases arise out of public demand for action, in a matter like the Easter Sunday outrage. If a deeper conspiracy can be found, if there were men pulling strings in the shadows to be exposed, there is bound to be a political dividend. Then, there are situations where the process can be manipulated to harm political opponents, such as the Sarth Fonseka persecution, a travesty in the general opinion. He was the main opposition candidate against Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential elections in 2010. The same Sri Lankan State (Democratic and Socialist Republic!) that dealt with Sarath Fonseka harshly, later pardoned him and even made him Field marshal. The Government had by then changed, and with that, the concept of justice!

Sri Lanka has never been an exemplar for high standards in public life. The brown ‘sahibs’ who took over from the British were for the most part a mimicry. As the post-independence years have shown, in both temperament and skill, they were unsuited for the public roles they assumed. Having neither the character attributes nor the supporting culture which enabled the British to hold together a world-wide empire, the local bigwigs got into those shoes with amazing hubris. From then on it has been a tragicomedy, the country has lurched from crisis to crisis.

Even in the early years of the 20th Century when the franchise was introduced to the country, our election campaigns were marred by abuse and thuggery; the objective was to win, by any means. ‘Elections’, a new method of finding leaders (unlike the hereditary leaders we were used to), could be manipulated too! A few families dominated the parliament; very many of these so-called leaders came from two schools in Colombo. The selfsame class also dominated the commercial establishments, public service and even the professions.

Everything in the country was done on a who’s who basis, old boy networks and of course by oiling the palm. The culture connived, every individual was assessed by his family connections, school or place of origin. Businesses were built on patronage and favouritism. Whenever manufacturing was attempted by local businesses, they could not compete globally, their quality was doubtful. To survive, they advocated import bans on similar products, and, thrived on the monopoly status they enjoyed. The consumer got a bad deal, a poor product, at a higher price!

This crude monopoly of power was justified by references to British schools like Eton and Harrow; arrant nonsense of a people of little significance in the global scale, equating themselves with Anglo-Saxon institutions of a country which dominated the world for nearly two centuries. Such easy comparisons ignore many things, the initiatives that engendered these institutions, and other ideas in the originating country that acted as a check as well as qualified these concepts and institutions. The organic culture which developed Eton and Harrow, the outlook and capabilities that actuated them, were totally absent in the imitating country.

The preceding seventy years have shown that our leaders were not institution builders, they used them to their advantage, only to leave the institutions drained of credibility.

It will not be wrong to say that in our diminishing public sector, the Attorney General’s Department bucked the downward trend for many years, earning a reputation for a sturdy independence and reliable competence. The concept of this office has inherent safety valves; its officers are reasonably sheathed from undue interference; they turn a deaf ear to mass hysteria and in its internal processes an officer’s independent professionalism carries value. The career path of an officer of the Department eventually leads to judicial office or a practice in the private bar, a good reputation and well-honed skills help in either path.

Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the fact that both concepts, an independent judiciary as well as a quasi-judicial Attorney General’s office, are borrowed ideas. They did not grow organically from whatever systems we had in the past. One might even say that these adopted concepts were planted in a not so hospitable soil. In a patronage-based culture, the ultimate patron cannot be seen to be subject to checks and balances without losing face! While every Government pays lip service to the idea of independent judicial institutions, every Government has attempted to bend these institutions to their will when it suits them. They differ only in the degree of abuse.

History will judge the Rajapaksa years as one of the most abusive periods; institutional rules, public ethics and general standards were all bent to their will. The tragedy was that the bending was not always coerced. Men who should have known better, men holding high office collaborated in the diminishing of their own office. Some professed that they were doing it due to their personal closeness to Rajapaksa, an attitude with a particular meaning in the Sri Lankan culture. But this is not a selfless friendship with an ordinary mortal, the subject of that ready loyalty is a huge benefactor, a man who did not hesitate to bestow plum jobs on those he favoured.

Others claimed patriotism as their motivation, a catchword in that era. Not that they fought in the trenches, they were desk-bound paper tigers. From one top job to another they maneuvered: Government lawyer, judge, Bank boss to Government’s mouthpiece at international forums. Even family members of the collaborators were rewarded. One must marvel at the complex compound of talents these persons carry, the one constant being the fickleness of their moral compass. Examined objectively, nothing improved for the country in these years; if at all, Sri Lanka’s standing internationally only weakened, there was a perception that politicisation was creeping into the judiciary and in the eyes of the public the image of the Attorney General’s Department hit the nadir. Samuel Johnson’s famous observation that ‘patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel’, was never truer.

In that era, there was no question that any person the Government wished to be prosecuted , would be; if the Government wanted a matter soft-peddled, that was it; and, if the Government wanted a case kept in limbo, it would.

The resulting loss of public confidence in the system is bound to be a burdensome legacy for any succeeding Attorney General. Whatever he does, will be looked at through the past record of his office.

However, there is a shift in the perception today, the Attorney General is not a rubber stamp, at least not for some vociferous elements claiming to be supporters of the Government. They are apparently unhappy that the Attorney General does not satisfy them promptly. Any matter concerning a citizen demands responsible deliberation. For the clamorous agitators, facts do not matter, nor do they take the responsibility.

Sysco LABS Sri Lanka, the Global Innovation Center of Sysco Corporation, recently partnered with EDEX Expo 2026, as the Principal Sponsor of the renowned Expo’s Job Exhibition.

The collaboration provided a structured platform for Sysco LABS to interact with emerging talent, offering guidance, exposure, and career insights while contributing to the growth of a skilled and future-ready technology talent pool in Sri Lanka.

This year’s EDEX Expo brought together students, graduates and professionals exploring career and higher education opportunities. As the Principal Sponsor of the job fair, Sysco LABS played a leading role in engaging young talent, demystifying careers in technology, and showcasing a breadth of opportunities available within the industry.

At EDEX Expo 2026, Sysco LABS engaged directly with attendees through two dedicated stalls-the Sysco LABS Academy stall and the Sysco LABS Careers stall. The Sysco LABS Academy stall focused on guiding students toward technology career pathways, industry expectations, and skill development, offering insights into how young talent can prepare for careers in the technology sector. The Careers stall provided students and graduates with information on open roles, career tracks, and potential growth opportunities within Sysco LABS, while enabling direct conversations with teams on life at Sysco LABS, its culture, and opportunities to work at the global-scale technology arm of the largest food-service provider in the world.

Sysco LABS Managing Director Thushera Kawdawatta said: ‘Partnering with EDEX Expo 2026 reinforces our deep belief in Sri Lanka’s potential as a global innovation hub. At Sysco LABS, we aren’t just offering jobs; we are providing a platform for local talent engineer solutions that power the world’s largest foodservice company. As the four-time ICT Exporter of the Year at the Presidential Export Awards, we have proven that Sri Lankan tech talent can compete at the highest level. We want to inspire the next generation to view technology not just as a career, but as a vehicle for driving global transformation.’

Sysco LABS Sri Lanka Senior Director People Operations Rehan Anthonis said:

‘Our focus goes beyond hiring; we want colleagues to build long-term careers with us. Through initiatives such as the Sysco LABS Academy and our early-career development programs, we create clear pathways for students and graduates to transition into the industry with confidence.’

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday, agreed on awarding the contract to purchase five shipments of petrol 92, starting January next year, to Singapore’s Epdesa Ltd., following competitive bids.

The Government said the move follows bids called from registered suppliers of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

It said bids called from the registered suppliers of CPC for the long-term contract to import 300,000 ± 5% barrels of Petrol 92 Unl for a period of six months from 15 March 2026 to 14 September 2026. For that purpose, bids have been submitted by six suppliers.

Accordingly, the proposal tabled by the Energy Minister to award the relevant contract for the Epdesa Ltd., as recommended by the Special Standard Procurement Committee was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS) was the Platinum Partner at EDEX Expo, marking a strong presence at both the Colombo and Kandy editions of the largest education and careers exhibition.

EDEX Expo continues to serve as an important platform for students and parents seeking clear, reliable guidance on higher education opportunities in Sri Lanka and overseas. At the NCHS stall, prospective students explored a wide range of study pathways, from locally delivered degrees to international transfer options, all under one roof.

Throughout the event, students and parents engaged in one-on-one consultations with experienced student counsellors, gaining personalised advice on program selection, university pathways, and career prospects. Many students took the opportunity to register for study programs on the spot, while also benefiting from exclusive expo-only offers and concessions available during the event. Students were also able to claim discounts over Rs 100,000 at the events.

With a portfolio of over 100 degree programs across Business, Information Technology, Health Sciences, and Engineering, NCHS showcased flexible study options designed to suit diverse interests and career goals. The programs allow students to shape their academic journey based on their ambitions, whether they aim to enter the workforce early or progress to international universities.

NCHS said it places strong emphasis on industry-engaged learning, ensuring graduates are well-prepared, confident, and employable upon completion of their studies. Through its long-standing partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, students have the option to transfer to Australia or Malaysia, while additional partnerships open pathways to leading universities in the UK, USA, and other global destinations.

With campuses in Colombo and Kandy, NCHS offers a modern and supportive learning environment. Facilities include purpose-built engineering and computer laboratories, well-resourced libraries, dedicated study areas, ample parking, and access to highly reputed academics who guide students throughout their academic journey.

The strong response at EDEX Expo reaffirmed NCHS’s role as a trusted partner in higher education, committed to helping students make informed choices and build successful futures.

The NCHS Open day on 7 of February where participants can explore scholarships, discounts and many more benefits.

It was Sri Lanka’s game to win and they flopped badly losing by 12 runs to England the third and final T20 International played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday and with it the 3-match series 3-0.

Having restricted England to a score of 128-9, Sri Lanka gave one of their worst batting displays to be shot out for 116 in 19.3 overs and thereby lose a match which they should have won hands down and gone into the T20 World Cup with a lot of confidence. But instead, the batsmen gave a feeble display against spin and crumbled like nine pins which does not augur well with their preparations for the T20 World Cup which commences in four days.

England’s comprehensive series sweep with a clinical performance left Sri Lanka searching for answers. That England defended a modest target of 128 was largely due to an amazing bowling performance by spinners Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks. Sri Lanka’s batsmen could never build the big partnerships they needed, as the England’s bowlers kept chipping away with wickets every time a stand started to look dangerous.

The pitch was very dry, which helped the ball grip and spin a lot, making it very hard for the Sri Lankan batters to hit. Will Jacks took 3 wickets for only 14 runs to break the middle of the batting lineup, while Bethell took 4 wickets for 20 runs to finish off the game. A key moment was Jos Buttler’s incredible diving catch to dismiss Wellalage, which showed how hard England fought for every run.

Sri Lanka came up with a terrific bowling performance to restrict England to an under-par score. Harry Brook won the toss for the third time in a row but he chose to bat this time around. The Sri Lankan bowlers were on the money with the new-ball and also got the rewards for it. England lost four wickets within the powerplay and were in a precarious position at 35-4. Buttler was looking good at one end and was showing some promise with 25 off 21 but a sharp off-spinner from Maheesh Theekshana knocked him over.

Sam Curran was the only one who converted his start into something substantial as he built his innings nicely to notch up a fifty (58 off 48 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) under pressure. His 47-run partnership with Liam Dawson was the only noteworthy stand worth mentioning. Only three English batters managed to score in double-digits as Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage found grip and turn off the surface and bowled nicely. The slower balls from the seamers were gripping and Sri Lanka used plenty of that to tie the opposition down. Even though Dushmantha Chameera returned for his first game after a groin niggle bowled a great spell to take a career best 5/24, England’s Curran face-saving knock of 58 for his team won him the Player of the Match award.

Kusal Mendis was handed a cap by Sanath Jayasuriya before the start of the match to celebrate his 100th T20I appearance for Sri Lanka, making him only the second Sri Lankan to achieve the landmark after Dasun Shanaka (124 T20Is).