Category: Daily Financial Times

Dedicated to nurturing talent and empowering Sri Lanka’s future champions, HNB PLC Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank and the most awarded bank in 2025, has announced its role as Title Sponsor of the HNB Novices Age Group Swimming Championships 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU).The championship is scheduled to take place from 28 to 31 January 2026 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium Swimming Pool Complex, Colombo, bringing together thousands of young swimmers from across the island for their first formal experience in competitive swimming.

Spectators will be able to follow the championship live on Dialog Television via ThePapare TV2 (Channel 63), with live streaming available on ThePapare.com and the Dialog Play App, ensuring nationwide access and visibility for emerging talent.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s largest and most significant entry-level swimming championship, the Novices Age Group Championships form the foundation of the national athlete development pathway. For many participants, this event marks a defining milestone; their first appearance in swimming, starting block setting the stage for progression into age-group, intermediate and national-level competition.

HNB Vice President – Marketing and Corporate Communications Upul Adikari said: ‘Sport uniquely challenges young people mentally, physically and emotionally, building character well beyond competition. At HNB, we see this transformation begin at the grassroots. By supporting the Novices Age Group Swimming Championships, we are investing in opportunity, access and aspiration, and we commend the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union for sustaining a platform that strengthens the future of swimming in Sri Lanka.’

HNB Brand Ambassador and Sri Lanka National Swimming Captain Kyle Abeysinghe, an Olympic hopeful for Los Angeles 2028, continues to play an inspirational role for emerging swimmers, reinforcing the importance of early exposure, mentorship and belief in the development journey.

Through the HNB Novices Age Group Swimming Championships 2026, HNB reaffirms its belief that every champion begins with a first dive – and remains ‘in it to win it’, championing Sri Lanka’s future by empowering the nation’s next generation of athletes.

Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide PLC has appointed Monali Gunatunga, Manoj Ruwan Kumara and Harsha Prageeth Perera to its Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors.

Gunatunga is a senior finance professional with over 19 years of experience across multiple sectors including marine, education, retail, manufacturing, and business process outsourcing. She currently serves in a senior finance leadership role and has held progressive positions such as Finance Controller, Finance Manager, and Finance Consultant in reputed organisations.

She holds a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, an MBA from the University of Suffolk (UK), and a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA, CGMA – UK) and an Associate Member of AAT Sri Lanka.

Gunatunga possesses strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, tax and regulatory compliance, cash flow management, internal controls, audit coordination, and ERP systems. Her extensive professional experience and financial acumen will add significant value to the Board’s oversight, governance, and strategic decision-making processes.

Perera is a senior finance and governance professional with over 20 years of experience in audit, taxation, corporate finance, company secretarial practice, and financial management, serving both listed and private sector entities in Sri Lanka. He is currently reading for the Final Subject CL-25-3 (Risk, Governance and Audit) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and is a Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AAT Sri Lanka). He has completed the Licentiate and Professional level training requirements of CA Sri Lanka, including training at HLB Edirisinghe and Co., Chartered Accountants, and Mercantile Investments Ltd., Colombo.

Since April 2011, he has been engaged in independent practice as a Registered Auditor, Tax Consultant, Company Secretary, and Financial Consultant, advising clients on statutory compliance, financial reporting, taxation, and corporate governance. Prior to this, he served as Finance Manager at Schneider Electric Lanka Ltd. and previously as Finance Manager of the Bettans Group of Companies, overseeing finance functions across multiple entities. He also served as Assistant Finance Manager at Taprobane Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Browns Group PLC, where he was responsible for internal controls, financial reporting, management accounts, and financial analysis.

Kumara is a highly qualified finance professional with over ten years of experience in audit, finance, taxation, and corporate governance. He currently serves as the Managing Partner of Mallikarachchi Associates, a Chartered Accountancy and Consultancy firm.

An Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ACA), holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Special) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Currently reading for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the same university, with additional professional training in forensic accounting through a specialized certification awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

Kumara’s background in both investigative accounting and strategic leadership is expected to significantly bolster the Board’s oversight capabilities. His appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to transparency, financial integrity, and the highest standards of corporate governance as required by the listing rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Tess Agro PLC said its Board of Directors has resolved to issue and list unsecured debentures with attached warrants, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance.

The company plans to issue 2.5 million unsecured debentures at a face value of Rs. 100 each, raising Rs. 250 million. The debentures will carry a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum, payable annually, with a tenure of five years and repayment at maturity.

The debentures will rank pari passu with other unsecured creditors, and a trustee will be appointed prior to the opening of the issue.

Alongside the debentures, Tess Agro proposes to issue 100 million warrants, on the basis of 40 warrants for every one debenture. Each warrant will entitle the holder to subscribe for one ordinary voting share of the company at an exercise price of Rs. 2.20 per share. The warrants will be exercisable after one year from the date of issue and will remain valid for a period of two years.

If fully exercised, the warrants could raise up to Rs. 220 million in additional equity capital, although the company will receive these proceeds only to the extent that warrant holders choose to exercise their rights during the exercise period.

The warrants will be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and will be freely transferable. The total number of shares arising from the exercise of warrants, together with any other outstanding unexercised warrants, will not exceed 15% of the company’s total voting shares at the time of submission of the listing application, in line with Colombo Stock Exchange listing rules.

Tess Agro said proceeds from the debenture issue will be used to repay existing borrowings and to meet working capital requirements and capital expenditure. Funds raised through the exercise of warrants, if any, will be used to strengthen the company’s capital base and support future expansion.

The company said its current public holding stands at 48.7%.

The proposed issue and listing remain subject to approvals from the Colombo Stock Exchange and shareholders by way of a special resolution at a duly convened general meeting.

The company reported net assets of 38 cents per share as of end-September 2025. It reported short term borrowings at Rs. 50.3 million and long-term borrowings were Rs. 378.3 million on a balance sheet of Rs. 884.2 million with retained losses at Rs. 441.9 million.

Major shareholders were IPEK Ltd (29.99% stake), Silver Edge Investments Ltd (24.87%) D. Fernando (16.32%) and S.A. Fernando (3.59%), as of end-September 2025.

Tess Agro shares closed up 30 cents yesterday at Rs. 2.20 on over 28.1 million shares traded for a turnover of Rs.60 million.

Pan Asia Bank recently paid tribute to the loyalty and dedication of its long-serving employees at a special recognition event organised by the Bank’s Human Resources Division.

The glamorous event was graced by the Chairman Aravinda Perera, the Director/CEO Naleen Edirisinghe, and the Corporate Management members. The occasion celebrated individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s journey and strengthening its performance over decades. The event brought together colleagues from branches and business units across the island to acknowledge staff members who have completed 15,20,25 and 30 years of service.

The event was especially significant as Naleen Edirisinghe and the Assistant General Manager – Human Resources, Thushari Malalgoda were also recognised on the occasion for completing 25 years of service.

The evening was marked by inspiring addresses, award presentations and entertainment, creating a warm and memorable platform to appreciate the people who have grown alongside the Bank.

Delivering the keynote Edirisinghe commended the award recipients for their unwavering commitment and professionalism, adding: ‘When employees choose to grow with an organisation for decades, it speaks volumes about belief, belonging and pride. We are deeply grateful to our long-serving staff for walking this journey with us and helping shape who we are today.’

Chairman Aravinda Perera said: ‘The long service of our employees reflects the strength of Pan Asia Bank’s values and governance culture. Their loyalty and professionalism have been instrumental in building a trusted institution that continues to serve the nation with integrity, stability and purpose.’

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards, recognising employees for their long-standing service and reaffirming the Bank’s culture of valuing and celebrating its people.

Designed for discerning business travellers seeking a refined city staycation, NH Collection Colombo offers a sophisticated retreat at the heart of the capital, where comfort, convenience, and contemporary elegance come together seamlessly.

Ideally located within Colombo’s business and commercial district, the hotel presents a calm and considered escape from the pace of the city, allowing guests to transition effortlessly between work and relaxation. With 219 spacious rooms and suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and modern amenities, NH Collection Colombo delivers an environment shaped for productivity by day and restful comfort by night.

Guests staying in Executive Rooms and Suites enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge, an elevated space designed for quiet moments and informal meetings. The lounge offers personalised service, a refined ambience, all-day refreshments, and premium beverages, creating an ideal setting to unwind, recharge, or connect in privacy.

Complementing the stay experience is a selection of thoughtfully curated dining venues. AYU, the all-day dining restaurant, serves a range of international cuisines in a relaxed setting, suited for business breakfasts, casual lunches, or unwinding after a long day. Thai Rasa brings authentic Thai flavours to Colombo under the guidance of a dedicated Thai chef, while Adityaa, the hotel’s Indian restaurant, presents a refined menu of North and South Indian specialities curated by its resident Indian chef.

For evenings above the city, Vistas Rooftop Bar offers a refined setting for relaxed conversations, elevated dining, and intimate moments, framed by panoramic views of Colombo’s skyline as day turns to night.

With its prime location, considered design, and attentive service, NH Collection Colombo redefines the city staycation for business travellers-offering a balanced experience where efficiency meets comfort, and every stay is defined by quiet sophistication and ease.

Colombo will come alive with vibrancy and festivities as ‘Salam Ramadan’, the country’s foremost Muslim cultural event, returns for a second successful year to Green Path (Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha), from 27 February to 1 March 2026, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight each evening.

This unique three-day event will take place during the holy month of Ramadan, under the patronage of the Office of the Governor of the Western Province and the Mayor of Colombo. Joining hands as the host hotel is Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Salam Ramadan will showcase the cultures and traditions of all Muslim communities in Sri Lanka, including the Moors, Malays, Memons, and Bohras, through various aspects such as their rich culinary heritage, traditional attire, handicrafts, and cultural performances. Green Path will transform into a festive boulevard atmosphere, commonly found in Middle Eastern countries during the festive season, complete with brightly lit surroundings and decorative motifs.

‘This is a cultural initiative that reflects not only the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, but also the shared values of unity, coexistence, and mutual respect that define Sri Lanka,’ said Salam Ramadan Task Force Chairman, Rizan Nazeer, at the launch press conference held to announce the 2026 program lineup.

Salam Ramadan was inaugurated in 2025 as an initiative of the Governor of the Western Province, Political Council, Hanif Yusuf, in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council, to foster understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural diversity during a sacred and reflective time of the year. The event drew more than 15,000 visitors over three days, including Sri Lankans from across the island and foreign nationals.

‘We united communities from all faiths and backgrounds. Transformed Colombo through illuminated streets, places of worship, and commercial institutions. We demonstrated that cultural celebration can be a powerful platform for social cohesion,’ Nazeer said further, recalling the success of last year.

A citywide celebration open to all communities

Encouraged by the positive impact of its inaugural edition, Salam Ramadan returns this year as a larger, more inclusive, citywide celebration. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant food and retail marketplace, with countless sales booths lining the road, alongside cultural performances by schools and community groups – including song, dance and drama – a new highlight for this year. Traditional attire, handicrafts, and heritage displays will also be featured, complemented by Henna art (Mehndi), Arabic calligraphy, and an educational cultural booth, for a unique cultural experience. Together, these elements come together to create a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration to launch an initiative of this nature and scale, the organisers requested the support of mosques, commercial establishments, malls, supermarkets, as well as public and private institutions, to illuminate and decorate their premises throughout the month of Ramadan, helping create a shared festival atmosphere across the city.

Over 100 stalls are expected to line up Green Path, including a stall by the host hotel, Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, to cater to the crowds that will be thronging to the venue through the three-day celebration. Provisions are underway to make ‘Sahar food’ available at various stalls, encouraging the Muslim community to join Salam Ramadan after evening prayers, enabling them to break fast at the venue with their families.

Nazeer also said that the initiative creates the most opportune moment for Colombo’s business community. ‘It is a platform for entrepreneurs and emerging brands from the Muslim community to be able to showcase their products and services. We welcome our fellow Sri Lankans to join with us in fellowship and goodwill to make this year’s event a vibrant representation of the Sri Lankan spirit’.

Multicultural Colombo – a city of celebrations, a city of unity

‘Colombo is a truly unique city, home to more than 15 diverse cultures, identities, and communities. Within this rich multicultural setting, we sought ways to bring people together through a shared celebration, which led to the inception of Salam Ramadan in 2025. This year, once again, the initiative offers an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together to celebrate Ramadan, both as a city and as a nation,’ said Mayor of Colombo, Vraîe Cally Balthazaar.

The Mayor extended an open invitation to residents of Colombo and beyond to attend the event and join in breaking fast with the Muslim community, experiencing a distinctive cultural gathering that celebrates unity through diversity.

Echoing the Mayor’s sentiments, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof highlighted Colombo’s evolving calendar of multicultural celebrations. ‘You don’t have to be Muslim to celebrate Ramadan. As Governor, we have just concluded Christmas celebrations, followed by the upcoming Gangaramaya Perahera, a relic exposition, and after that, Salam Ramadan,’ he said, outlining the citywide line-up of inclusive cultural events. Such initiatives, he added, bring communities together to celebrate collectively. ‘We want Colombo to be a city of celebrations, a city of art, culture, and unity,’ Governor Yusoof emphasised.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, stated that a special vehicular traffic plan and designated parking facilities will be in place throughout the three-day event. ‘The Sri Lanka Police will extend its fullest support to ensure a safe and secure environment, enabling the Salam Ramadan 2026 celebrations to be conducted peacefully,’ he said

Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Hotel Manager Rida Marikkar shared that the spirit of inclusivity – where festivals of all cultures are celebrated together – was what drew the hotel to host Salam Ramadan. He noted that this sense of unity stood out as uniquely Sri Lankan compared to his international experiences. ‘Events such as this are the perfect way to showcase the beauty of our country,’ Marikkar added.

The Salam Ramadan 2026 Organising Committee extends an open invitation to all Sri Lankans to visit and experience this joyous citywide celebration, marking a month of light, culture, and harmony.

The Royal College Union Aquatics Club (RCUAC) has announced the return of the RCUAC Challenge Shield, set for 7 and 8 February 2026 at the Royal College Swimming Pool. Expanding into a vibrant two-day celebration themed ‘A Weekend at the Pool’, the event brings together junior athletes, schools, families, and supporters for Water Polo, Swimming, and more.

Long hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s premier junior water polo tournaments, the fifth edition this year evolves to include Swimming, blending intense competition with cherished traditions and community spirit.

The action kicks off on Saturday, 7 February, with water polo matches featuring teams across age groups from both boys’ and girls’ schools and clubs nationwide, a vital proving ground for rising stars. Fixtures and participants will be revealed soon.

Sunday, 8 February, shifts to the Swimming Shield, where more than 800 swimmers vie for age-group honours and the prestigious Dr. Jey Gunasegaram Trophy. Presented by RCOBANA (Royal College Old Boys Association of North America) Board Chairperson Athula Meepe, the trophy immortalises the late Royal College old boy’s lifelong commitment to sport and his alma mater.

RCUAC deepens its impact through a continued partnership with the Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown’s Run For Their Lives (RFTL) 2026. On-site promoters will rally registrations for RFTL’s 12th edition that same day, supporting Apeksha Cancer Hospital in Maharagama, building on a decade of raising over Rs. 50 million for essential medicines and equipment, following last year’s Spectra success.

Festivities extend beyond the pool with a lively car-park carnival and artistic swimming performances before Saturday’s age-group finals. Diving takes centre stage during Sunday’s lunch break, while an exciting raffle adds extra thrill: Follow RCUAC’s social media for a special post, where 3 winners will be randomly selected and announced on 8 February, claiming fantastic prizes.

Anchored at Sri Lanka’s premier aquatic venue and backed by key sponsors, including Norfolk Foods Ltd., Pelwatte Dairy, George Steuart Health, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Ltd., Royal College Group of 2003 (Rangers), RCOBANA, Royal College Doctors Association, Sports Ministry, Royal College Union (RCU), and Board of Management, the RCUAC Challenge Shield 2026 promises competition, connection, and unforgettable moments for all.

For over four decades, ZILLIONe has stood at the forefront of technology consulting and integration, quietly powering the digital ambitions of organisations across industries. Founded at a time when computing was a fledgling promise, ZILLIONe has spent more than 46 years growing from a traditional IT partner into a trusted leader in digital transformation.

Today, as the business world pivots toward AI-driven strategies and agile digital cores, ZILLIONe’s legacy is more relevant than ever, offering clients not just technology but a competitive edge in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Agile Digital Core: Cloud and Business Applications as Competitive Enablers

At the heart of ZILLIONe’s transformation toolkit lies an agile digital core, built on the pillars of cloud computing, ERP and CRM. These technologies, once considered back-office necessities, have become strategic enablers for operational excellence and innovation. ZILLIONe’s expertise in integrating powerful, scalable cloud platforms allows organisations to rapidly adapt to changing demands, scaling resources up or down as needed without sacrificing security or performance.

ERP and CRM solutions, when thoughtfully deployed, unify disparate data and processes while breaking down silos, enhancing collaboration and delivering a single source of truth across the business. This agility is crucial in today’s environment, where the window for responding to new opportunities or disruptions is narrower than ever. ZILLIONe ensures that clients’ digital foundations remain flexible and future-ready, able to accommodate emerging technologies and evolving business models with minimal friction.

Cyber-Resilience: Shifting Cybersecurity from Cost to Brand Asset

As enterprises digitise, the risks of cyber threats and data breaches have grown exponentially. ZILLIONe recognises that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as a line-item expense or a reactive fix. Instead, ZILLIONe reframes from cyber-resilience as a brand asset, one that protects not just data but also reputation and trust. Through layered, adaptive security architectures, ZILLIONe helps clients anticipate vulnerabilities and respond proactively, turning resilience into a source of competitive differentiation.

In a marketplace where partners and customers demand transparency and accountability, resilient cybersecurity is now a signal of reliability and corporate responsibility. ZILLIONe’s Zero-Trust Framework approach integrates real-time monitoring, incident response planning and employee awareness initiatives, ensuring that protection is holistic and continuous. By embedding security into the fabric of digital operations, the company elevates it from a defensive measure to a strategic advantage.

Weaponizing Data and AI: From Passive Insights to Predictive Action

Digital transformation once meant digitising records and automating processes; now, it is about harnessing data as an active catalyst for growth. ZILLIONe has been instrumental in guiding clients beyond static dashboards and retrospective analytics, enabling them to anticipate market shifts, customer behaviours and operational risks before they unfold. By embedding AI at the core of digital strategy, ZILLIONe empowers businesses to move from reactive to predictive by using machine learning models to forecast demand, optimise supply chains, and uncover new revenue streams.

Rather than overwhelming decision-makers with raw numbers, ZILLIONe’s approach prioritises actionable intelligence. AI-driven tools are tailored to synthesise complex data into clear, forward-looking recommendations, allowing leaders to navigate uncertainty with confidence. In an era where speed and precision define market success, this shift from passive insight to predictive action is transforming how enterprises compete and thrive.

The Human Factor: Building a Culture of Collaboration and Data Literacy

While technology forms the backbone of digital transformation, ZILLIONe understands that true change is human-centric. They invest heavily in cultivating a culture where collaboration and data literacy are prized. This means equipping teams, not just IT specialists, with the skills and mindset to leverage new tools, interpret data, and participate actively in innovation. ZILLIONe leads clients through change management programs that harness AI, encourage cross-functional teamwork, and empower employees to become stewards of digital progress.

Such an inclusive approach ensures that transformation is sustainable and widely adopted, reducing resistance and unlocking the creative potential of the workforce. By fostering a shared sense of purpose, ZILLIONe helps organisations not only implement technology but also embed it into their DNA.

A Holistic Approach to Future-Ready Enterprises

ZILLIONe’s journey as an AI transformation partner exemplifies the evolution demanded by today’s business environment. Its holistic playbook is driven by leveraging predictive AI, agile digital cores, cyber-resilience and a collaborative workforce that offers a blueprint for enterprises seeking to thrive in the digital age. As technology continues to redefine what is possible, ZILLIONe remains committed to guiding clients not just through the present but toward a future where innovation and resilience go hand in hand.

Softlogic Holdings PLC, yesterday announced the appointment of Chandana De Silva, an accomplished aviation specialist, as the new Country Head of Sabre Sri Lanka.

Sabre Sri Lanka is a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings PLC and a joint venture between Softlogic Holdings and Sabre.

With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the aviation industry, De Silva has contributed significantly to operational excellence, advancing airline commercial strategy, sustaining revenue growth, fostering government and tourism partnerships, and elevating aviation profiles in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

As a seasoned aviation industry leader with global airline experience, he performed in senior roles in sales, corporate communications, government relations, and executive country management and recognised for leading strategic industry initiatives and enhancing tourism promotion through cross-sector collaboration.

His professional work experience includes key positions in the National Carrier SriLankan Airlines and Emirates Airlines. He performed as Emirates Airline Sales Manager – Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines

Manager – Sri Lanka and Maldives, SriLankan Airlines Head of Corporate Communications, Emirates Airline Country Manager – Sri Lanka and Maldives, Emirates Airlines Manager – Government Liaison Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Softlogic Group Chairman Ashok Pathirage said: ‘We are pleased to welcome Chandana De Silva, a renowned personally in the aviation industry to our Softlogic family. We are confident that his expertise and experience will contribute to expand our market presence and expedite the growth.’

Expressing enthusiasm about the new role, De Silva said: ‘It gives me great pleasure to join an

organisation as prestigious as Softlogic and to bring with me all the experience I have garnered in my over 30 years in aviation, hopefully we can reach for the skies together in my new chapter in the business of Aviation and Travel trade.’

IT is now said the JVP/NPP Government›s decision to close schools with less than 50 pupils, noticed through Circular 34/2025, will be implemented this year. This would mean that 1,506 schools will be shut down. Closing schools with a few pupils has been a topic for some years. There were schools closed in the past, with little notice. Often it was simply said they «wound up».

Here is a reason why I want Government authorities to speak to parent-teachers, before deciding to close schools. According to the «Annual School Census Reports» of the Ministry of Education a decade ago in 2015, there were 10,144 schools in total. By 2020 that number had increased to 10,155. Also, the number of schools with less than 50 pupils had decreased to 1,439 from 1,515. It’s a decrease of 76 schools within five years. Added to this is the fact that the number of schools with less than 10 teachers in the staff had also decreased from 3,113 to 3,044 during the same five-year period.

That certainly was the trend in formal school education during the five years from 2015 to 2020. While the total number of schools increased, the number of schools with less than 50 pupils decreased along with schools having less than 10 teachers. This was a positive factor, despite all other defects, degenerations and disruptions to school education.

Closed or wound up?

There perhaps wasn’t time to complete a school census for the year 2025. Thus a focus on the 2024 school census report reveals that the number of schools had reduced from 10,155 to 10,047 during that four-year period. This is a decrease of 108 schools. Were they closed, or had they also just ‘wound up’? From these remaining 10,047 schools, how did the number of schools with less than 50 pupils increase to 1,645? When the total number of schools decreased by 108, how did the number of schools with less than 10 teachers increase to 3,065 by 21 schools? These are issues that should be investigated.

In such a scenario, there should be serious factors impacting education to improve its status during the five years from 2015 to 2020 and then to disrupt and dissolve its gains during the next four years. Although it is easy for officials in the Education Ministry and the Government to shut down schools with less than 50 pupils, it is wholly unjust, oppressive, undemocratic, illogical and unprincipled, though easy for officials in the Education Ministry and the Government, to shut down schools with less than 50 pupils in a national education system bound to ensure the right to education for all children.

It is important to find out where these 1,506 schools with less than 50 pupils that have been identified for closure in Circular 34/2025 are located. A vast majority of them are apparently outside urban areas. In the Colombo education zone, out of 122, only two schools have less than 50 pupils in their registers. In the two education zones in Homagama and Piliyandala, out of a total 184 schools, each have only 11 schools with less than 50 pupils. The majority of them are in Pradeshiya Sabha areas. In Sri Jayawardenepura there are six out of 85 schools.

Outside the Western Province and the Central Province, 31 schools out of 96 in the Theldeniya education zone will have to be closed according to Circular 34/2025. In Wilgamuwa, 15 out of 45 schools will have to put up shutters. In Walapane it is 29 out of 89 schools. In two districts in the Uva Province, out of a total of 892 schools, 172 will have to be closed for having less than 50 pupils in each. In the Mannar district, 40 schools out of 132 will have to be closed while in the Thunnukai education zone in Mullaitivu, 25 schools out of 58 will have to be closed. In the three education zones in Kegalle district, 120 schools with less than 50 pupils in each will have to close. This is, out of a total 498 schools. In such remote, rural areas, an average of 20 to 25 percent of the schools will have to face the axe.

Tied to this decision to close schools, there are three serious issues which the Government and Education Ministry officials will have to pay attention to. (1) How many children in the locality of the school to be shut down go to other schools and why (2) Why does a small fraction of the children in the area still attend the school to be shut down (3) Will there be a substantial number of children attending schools outside their locality returning to the school to be closed if that school is adequately improved.

The lack of a moral right and urgency to close the schools

As far as I am aware, there is no official survey nor estimate to understand this negative development. There is therefore no moral right for the Government to decide to close schools on the recommendations of Education Ministry officials who have not even looked at the matter with responsibility. There is also no urgency at this moment to close these schools.

I therefore propose to the Government to (i) immediately withdraw Circular 34/2025 and stop closing schools (ii) initiate a discussion with principals and teachers of these schools, parents of pupils in the school and also with other parents in the locality (iii) in the next three months, initiate a discussion with the relevant elected Local Government body and provide a comprehensive report on the discussions held with observations and recommendations for scrutiny and also request the LG body to adopt a resolution based on their contribution(s) to resolve the issue positively.

I firmly believe it is necessary to insist on «democratising the problem-solving process» by gaining the consensus of parents and teachers. This is especially the case where there is a question about the right to education of children whose schools are identified for permanent closure. Social and teacher union activists must request for such democratisation in this instance.