Category: Daily Financial Times

Dialog Axiata PLC, last week hosted an event to mark the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026, bringing together stakeholders and cricket enthusiasts as Sri Lanka looks ahead to one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.

Over the years, Dialog has played an enduring role in supporting sport in Sri Lanka, with cricket at its core, enabling access to the game through partnerships and nationwide initiatives, reflecting its commitment to Powering the Passion of the Nation. Against this backdrop, securing the ICC media rights in Sri Lanka for the 2026-2028 period represents an important milestone in Dialog’s ongoing journey of bringing the world’s leading cricket tournaments to Sri Lankan audiences.

The event was attended by representatives from the Sports Ministry, Sri Lanka Cricket, the media, and the corporate sector, alongside former and current national cricketers. It recognised Sri Lanka’s proud cricketing legacy and the deep-rooted following the game enjoys among fans, while underscoring the scale and significance of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for local audiences.

As anticipation builds towards the tournament, the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup trophy was ceremonially showcased during the event, offering those present a closer look at a widely recognised symbol of the competition.

Director General of Sports S. Achhudan said: ‘Sport plays an important role in strengthening national unity and identity. Public-private partnerships, such as Dialog’s continued support for cricket, are important in sustaining the sports ecosystem and in enabling broad public access to major international sporting events.’

Dialog Axiata PLC Director/Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe said: ‘Cricket holds a special place in Sri Lanka, with a following that spans generations and communities. Global tournaments such as the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup are events that fans look forward to and remember. At Dialog, our focus is to play a meaningful role in enabling these experiences – ensuring Sri Lankans can follow the game across platforms, with the quality, reliability, and reach it deserves.’

Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said: ‘The ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup is a major event for the sport and for cricket-loving nations such as Sri Lanka. With Dialog as the ICC media rights holder in Sri Lanka for the 2026-2028 period, this collaboration supports strong engagement around the tournament and reflects the scale of interest cricket continues to enjoy across the country.’

Sri Lankan fans will be able to follow the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 on Dialog Television and the Dialog Play App, alongside a free-to-air broadcast partnership with Supreme TV, ensuring wide access to the tournament.

Kasun Vidura, the former Wennappuwa St. Joseph Vaz College left-hander, scored his maiden double century to steer Badureliya SC to a creditable first innings win against Tamil Union in a high-scoring Major Plate match concluded at the Galle Cricket Stadium yesterday.

In reply to Tamil Union’s first innings total of 469, Badureliya SC came up with a powerful batting performance to make 505-6. Vidura was the key figure, being involved in a double century partnership of 254 with Sammu Ashan (146 off 313 balls, 10 fours) and 96 with Thikshila de Silva (50 off 41 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes). Vidura completed his unbeaten double century off 317 balls (14 fours, 2 sixes) before the match ended. Tamil Union’s ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake took 4/183 off 53 overs.

Spinners Keshara Nuwantha (4/58) and Suminda Lakshan (3/27) bowled Badureliya SC to a nine-wicket win against Nugegoda SWC at the Welagedara Stadium, Kurunegala.

The seam and left-arm spin of Buddika Sanjeewa (5/54) and Malinda Pushpakumara (4/80) accounted for Nugegoda SWC’s first innings of 189 in reply to Badureliya SC’s 417. Following on, Nugegoda SWC were put out for 243. Akram Muthalib scored twin fifties in the match (56* and 70) and Pramud Hettiwatte (43 and 70) for Nugegoda SWC.

Irosh Samarasooriya scored 96 off 215 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes) and skipper Shehan Jayasuriya (100* off 136 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes) to star in Panadura SC’s first innings win against Kurunegala YCC at Surrey Village Grounds, Maggona.

In reply to Kurunegala YCC’s score of 303 in the first innings, Panadura SC replied with 322-5 declared. Kurunegala YCC made 114-5 in their second essay. – [ST]

The opening of the first Technology Incubation Centre, established under the program for the establishment of Technology Incubation Centres being implemented by the Science and Technology Ministry, was held last week at the Vavuniya University Park Road premises.

Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena and Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi officiated at the opening.

This Technology Centre aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, research and innovation commercialisation, and startup development in the Northern Province. This Centre is jointly established by the Science and Technology Ministry and the Vidatha Program operating under the Ministry’s purview in collaboration with the University of Vavuniya.

The Vidatha program, being a key program of the Science and Technology Ministry, envisages bringing technology to the villages. It supports the development of rural small and medium-scale enterprises through science, technology, and innovative knowledge, thereby transferring appropriate technologies to the grassroots level to promote entrepreneurship throughout Sri Lanka. As a further development of the program, Technology Incubation Centres are being established at State universities with special attention being paid to uplifting entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups. 24 Technology Incubator Centres are due to be established in this manner, covering the entire island, both within and outside State universities.

This will be a milestone initiative in developing and strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship, and small and medium-sized enterprises. It also aims to conquer local and foreign markets by improving the standard and quality of products and services.

Concurrent with the opening of the Centre, a science, technology, and innovation exhibition was held at the same premises, bringing together the country’s leading technology and research institutions, universities, and companies. The exhibition was open to the public free of charge.

In addition, 172 Young Inventors Clubs (YICs) and School Science Societies were established for schools in the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar Districts at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.

The Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), operating under the Science and Technology Ministry, aiming to strengthen and promote the national innovation ecosystem has already initiated a program to establish YICs in schools with a novel approach under the guidance of Minister in charge Prof. Abeysena, with a view to fostering creativity and innovation among school students. The inaugural phase of this program for the year 2026 unfolded on Friday (23) at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.

School science clubs are also being established under the guidance of the National Science Foundation functioning under the purview of the Ministry. A number of programs will be implemented through these school science clubs to popularise science in society and to create enthusiasm in school students about the fields of science and technology, including STEM education.

Vavuniya MPs Mylvaganam Jegadeeswaran and Sellathambi Thilakanathan, Science and Technology Ministry Additional Secretary Mahesh Gammanpila, University of Vavuniya Vice-Chancellor A. Atputharaja, Government officials, university students, entrepreneurs, and a large number of participants attended the event.

Evolution Auto, recently announced that it is fully geared for 2026 with the widest and most diverse electric vehicle portfolio available in the Sri Lankan market.

With a comprehensive EV offering that covers luxury, premium, family, commercial, and utility segments, catering to both individual consumers and large-scale business requirements, Evolution Auto continues to lead as the nation accelerates towards cleaner, more sustainable mobility. Evolution Auto is positioned as a future-ready partner for Sri Lanka’s developing mobility needs, because its portfolio currently includes some of the most advanced and globally recognised electric vehicle brands in the world.

Evolution Auto offers a variety of 8 different models, including the AVATR 11, IM6 and IM5, XPENG G6, Riddara Active and Riddara RD6, King Long Kingwin+ and KYC V7, SUVs, Smart crossovers, Sedans, Electric vans,, and Pickups. This range of options highlights the company’s dedication to making electric mobility in Sri Lanka practical, accessible, and scalable across industries and lifestyles rather than niche or limited.

Furthermore, Evolution Auto highlights that its current offerings do not stop with this momentum. In order to further solidify its long-term dedication to Sri Lanka’s electric vehicle ecosystem, the company has clear and structured plans to launch more global EV models and move into new segments in 2026.

Evolution Auto Head of Luxury Sales Sirhan Fernando said: ‘Our vision goes way past introducing electric vehicles. In 2026 and beyond we are focused on shaping what mobility in Sri Lanka will look like. By providing the most extensive EV portfolio in the country, we offer consumers and businesses confidence, choice, and continuity. Evolution Auto is creating a sustainable and future-ready EV ecosystem for Sri Lanka, whether it’s luxury, family transport, or logistics.’

In addition to its product diversity, Evolution Auto’s leadership is supported by its operational capability, after-sales focus, and trusted partnerships with global EV manufacturers. This guarantees that customers get not only advanced vehicles, but long-term reliability, service support, and peace of mind – key elements in accelerating EV adoption across the country.

Evolution Auto is positioned as Sri Lanka’s safest, smartest, and most future-ready EV partner – today and well into the future – with a clearly defined expansion plan, a strong brand portfolio, and a long-term vision for electric mobility.

Navy Sports Club produced a great late surge to edge past Sri Lions 25/20 in a tightly contested encounter at Longdon Place last evening.

With this encounter, Navy SC ended Round 1 on a winning note, sealing their place in the Plate segment feature.

Meanwhile, Sri Lions saw their League campaign come to an end, forced to sit out and watch the Super Round.

At the short breather, Sri Lions led 10/7.

The match opened at a brisk pace with both sides showing attacking intent. Sri Lions struck first through national player Nizran Nilar, who finished off a sharp move out wide to set the tone early. A Dilshan Thanuja try took the home team to a 10/0 lead, but Navy SC hit through a superb try by Isuru Perera, which was goaled by Isuru Congahawatte to cut the deficit to three points.

After the turnaround, Sri Lions went ahead with a Teran Karunanayake try and Kaveesha Nadun conversion. Navy hit back through a Congahawatte penalty and a skipper Denuwan Wickramarachchi try to take the lead 22/17.

Navy SC, however, remained patient and methodical. Wickramarachchi was outstanding, with powerful carries that cut through the Lions’ defensive line. Isuru Perera added another try, capitalising on sustained forward pressure and quick recycling at the breakdown.

Congahawatte proved decisive with his composure under pressure, slotting over another penalty to take the lead to eight points at 25/17. Sri Lions cut the deficit again through a Kaveesha Nadun penalty. Navy, who lacked discipline in the end, were down to 13 men in the field, while Sri Lions were attacking and play was under advantage for the home side, but as the referee ended the game abruptly, Navy were able to keep away the Sri Lions outfit from crossing their line.

The Referee was Kelum Sandaruwan.

With the Inter-Club League 2025/2026 coming to an end, in Round 1, Air Force, Army, Navy, and Police will feature in the Plate segment, while CR, Kandy, CH, and Havies will lock horns in the Cup segment. Sri Lions will need to sit out the remainder of the League. They will get an opportunity for the Clifford Cup Knockout encounters in the eight teams’ event, but will need to beat the no. 8 team in a pre-quarter final encounter once the League is completed.

Sabalenka, Alcaraz and Gauff book Australian Open quarter-finals

Monday, 26 January 2026 03:22 – – {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Iva Jovic (left) will face Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals

Aryna Sabalenka has extended her reign tiebreak queen to book a fourth successive appearance in the Australian Open quarter-finals before Carlos Alcaraz reached the last eight with a Tommy takedown.

Third-seeded Coco Gauff also advanced to her third quarter-finals in a row yesterday with a pulsating 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win over crafty Czech Karolina Muchova in a late-afternoon match at Margaret Court Arena.

The day’s biggest upset was veteran Daniil Medvedev’s straight-sets exit at the hands of Learner Tien.

Two-time champion and title favourite Sabalenka was first out, seeing off Canada’s 19-year-old talent Victoria Mboko 6-1, ?7-6(1) in a match of two halves.

Having taken down one young gun, Sabalenka gets a shot at another in the quarters against 18-year-old American Iva Jovic, who thrashed Kazakh veteran Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 at John Cain Arena, two days after dumping out seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini.

Jovic is the youngest player to reach the women’s quarter-finals at the Australian Open without dropping a set since Venus Williams in 1998.

The men’s tournament has seen few surprises of the magnitude of Mboko and Jovic with the last 16 shut out by seeded players for the first time at any Grand Slam in the professional era.

Top-seeded Alcaraz did his bit in preserving the status quo despite facing arguably his toughest test of this tournament against 19th-seeded , a semi-finalist in 2023.

For all of Paul’s credentials, Alcaraz appeared in cruise control in a 7-6(6), 6-4, 7-5 win in the afternoon sun at Rod Laver Arena.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Gauff saw three match points slip through her fingers before prevailing in a proper scrap against 19th-seeded Muchova, a former semi-finalist. Gauff emerged the winner with a 6-1, 3-6, -3 scoreline.

Later in the day, last ‘s runner-up Alexander Zverev stayed on track in his bid for elusive maiden Grand Slam title, beating Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.

Zverev will face American Tien, who overcame a nosebleed the set to school Medvedev 6-4, 6-0, 6-3 in a late session.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been condemned for practising ‘double standards’ and damaging the reputation of the game after it expelled Bangladesh from the Men’s T20 World Cup over their refusal to travel to India due to security concerns.

Bangladesh were kicked out of the upcoming tournament by the ICC on Saturday following a weeks-long impasse between cricket’s governing body and the South Asian nation over the change of venues for its fixtures in the World Cup.

The move, which resulted in Scotland’s inclusion in the tournament in place of Bangladesh, was criticised by former cricketers, experts, and cricketers’ associations, terming it a ‘sad moment for the game.’

‘The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket’s pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and fans, and one that requires deep reflection,’ World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) Chief Executive Tom Moffat said in a statement. ‘Rather than allowing division or exclusion to take hold, we call on the game’s leaders to work with all stakeholders, including governing bodies, leagues, and players, to unite the sport, not divide it.’

Moffat said the WCA had become increasingly concerned by agreements not being honoured in the sport and by a lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives.

‘It also highlights significant issues with the game’s existing operating model at [the] global level,’ he added. ‘These issues, if continued to be left unaddressed, will weaken trust, unity, and ultimately the health and future of the game we love.’

The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches to tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka, saying it was not feasible to change the schedule so close to the 7 February start of the tournament, while Bangladesh remained firm on their stance on not playing in India, citing safety and security concerns for its players.

However, former players questioned the ICC’s impartiality as it recently relocated India’s fixtures from Pakistan to a neutral venue for the same reason.

India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 based on the Government’s decision. It prompted the ICC to broker an agreement between the two countries, allowing them to play at a neutral venue when their neighbour hosts a global tournament.

All of India’s Champions Trophy matches, including the final, were hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Outspoken former Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi questioned the ICC’s decision and said it left him ‘deeply disappointed.’

‘Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect – not mixed standards,’ he wrote on ‘X.’ ‘The ICC should build bridges, not burn them.’

While India and Bangladesh do not share the same hostile relationship, their ties have been affected by recent political tensions.

Another former Pakistan Captain Mohammad Yousuf said Bangladesh’s cricket fans were being ‘deprived of cricket.’ ‘Very sad to see a cricket-loving nation like Bangladesh being deprived of cricket due to security concerns not being addressed,’ he said.

Yousuf, who also worked as Pakistan’s batting coach, urged the ICC to show fairness in its practices. ‘When similar concerns were raised earlier, a neutral venue was approved,’ he said. ‘Standards cannot change from country to country. The ICC must act as the International Cricket Council, not appear to serve the interests of any single Board. Fairness and consistency are the foundation of global cricket.’

While Pakistan are set to play all their T20 World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, Naqvi said their participation was still not confirmed.

‘The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision,’ Naqvi said when asked to comment on the ICC’s decision. ‘Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the Government of Pakistan instructs me,’ he said. ‘It’s the [Pakistan] Government’s decision. We obey them, not the ICC.’

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been condemned for practising ‘double standards’ and damaging the reputation of the game after it expelled Bangladesh from the Men’s T20 World Cup over their refusal to travel to India due to security concerns.

Bangladesh were kicked out of the upcoming tournament by the ICC on Saturday following a weeks-long impasse between cricket’s governing body and the South Asian nation over the change of venues for its fixtures in the World Cup.

The move, which resulted in Scotland’s inclusion in the tournament in place of Bangladesh, was criticised by former cricketers, experts, and cricketers’ associations, terming it a ‘sad moment for the game.’

‘The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket’s pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and fans, and one that requires deep reflection,’ World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) Chief Executive Tom Moffat said in a statement. ‘Rather than allowing division or exclusion to take hold, we call on the game’s leaders to work with all stakeholders, including governing bodies, leagues, and players, to unite the sport, not divide it.’

Moffat said the WCA had become increasingly concerned by agreements not being honoured in the sport and by a lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives.

‘It also highlights significant issues with the game’s existing operating model at [the] global level,’ he added. ‘These issues, if continued to be left unaddressed, will weaken trust, unity, and ultimately the health and future of the game we love.’

The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches to tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka, saying it was not feasible to change the schedule so close to the 7 February start of the tournament, while Bangladesh remained firm on their stance on not playing in India, citing safety and security concerns for its players.

However, former players questioned the ICC’s impartiality as it recently relocated India’s fixtures from Pakistan to a neutral venue for the same reason.

India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 based on the Government’s decision. It prompted the ICC to broker an agreement between the two countries, allowing them to play at a neutral venue when their neighbour hosts a global tournament.

All of India’s Champions Trophy matches, including the final, were hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Outspoken former Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi questioned the ICC’s decision and said it left him ‘deeply disappointed.’

‘Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect – not mixed standards,’ he wrote on ‘X.’ ‘The ICC should build bridges, not burn them.’

While India and Bangladesh do not share the same hostile relationship, their ties have been affected by recent political tensions.

Another former Pakistan Captain Mohammad Yousuf said Bangladesh’s cricket fans were being ‘deprived of cricket.’ ‘Very sad to see a cricket-loving nation like Bangladesh being deprived of cricket due to security concerns not being addressed,’ he said.

Yousuf, who also worked as Pakistan’s batting coach, urged the ICC to show fairness in its practices. ‘When similar concerns were raised earlier, a neutral venue was approved,’ he said. ‘Standards cannot change from country to country. The ICC must act as the International Cricket Council, not appear to serve the interests of any single Board. Fairness and consistency are the foundation of global cricket.’

While Pakistan are set to play all their T20 World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, Naqvi said their participation was still not confirmed.

‘The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision,’ Naqvi said when asked to comment on the ICC’s decision. ‘Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the Government of Pakistan instructs me,’ he said. ‘It’s the [Pakistan] Government’s decision. We obey them, not the ICC.’

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently made a significant donation of Rs. 25 million to support the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund in support of post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction.

The donation was formally presented at the Presidential Secretariat, where CSE Chairman Dimuthu Abeyesekera, Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike, and Senior Vice President – Finance and Administration Kusal Nissanka handed over the cheque to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

CH and FC and Kandy Sports Club booked their places in the Cup segment in emphatic fashion as the Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 first round concluded with two absorbing encounters over the weekend.

At Longdon Place, CH and FC survived a fierce late onslaught from Sri Lanka Air Force to record a thrilling 31-29 victory in their final first-round outing.

Despite leading 17-3 at halftime and appearing to be in control for long periods, CH were forced to dig deep as the Airmen launched a spirited second-half fight-back. Calm execution in key moments and timely scores allowed CH to hold their nerve, finishing the round third on the points table with 39 points, and confirming their place in the Cup segment alongside top contenders CR, Kandy, and Havies.

CH tries were scored by Pulasthi Dissanayake, Maliksha Perera, Samitha Warunakulasuriya, and Naham Hemachandra, while Janith Chamdimal converted all four tries and also put over a solitary penalty. Meanwhile, for Air Force, their tries were scored by Kaveesha Kaluarachchi, Shashika Fernando, Parakrama Rathnayake, and Manuka Perera. Conversions were done by Gayantha Iddamalgoda and Kaluarachchi.

At Panagoda, defending champions Kandy Sports Club delivered a powerful statement with a commanding 62-17 victory over Army Sports Club.

Kandy dominated proceedings from the outset, racing to a 29-5 lead at the breather before piling on the pressure in the second half. Their attacking intent, pace out wide and clinical finishing saw them cross for 10 tries in an emphatic display of championship pedigree.

Kandy scored their tries through Gayan Perera (3), Kavindu Perera, Diluksha Dange, Kenula Hettiarachchi, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Aruna Perera, Heshan Jansen, and Udara Dias. Conversions were taken by Hirusha Sampath and Aruna Perera. Army tries were scored by Buddi Sreemantha, Chamara Jayawickrema, and Nalin Kumara. Gaurava Panila added one try conversion.

The scale of the win underlined Kandy’s depth and firepower as they move into the decisive phase of the competition. Their ability to convert pressure into points will make them a formidable force in the Cup segment.

With CR and FC topping the table, followed closely by Kandy and CH, the Cup segment now promises high-intensity clashes between the League’s best-performed sides. Havies will be the other side in the Cup segment.

After Round 1, CR lead the points table with 42 points, closely followed by defending champions Kandy SC with 41 points, while CH occupy third place with 39 points and Havies occupy fourth position in the Cup Segment with 34 points.