Category: Daily Financial Times

Left-hander Anjala Bandara scored his maiden double century and the second in the current Major Club 3-Day League to put CCC on a firm footing on the second day of their match against Group A table leaders Police SC at the NCC Grounds yesterday.

The former Mahanama College cricketer hit 11 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten knock of 200 scored off 338 balls for CCC to declare at 482-6. Bandara added 226 for the fifth wicket with his Captain Sonal Dinusha (121 off 182 balls, 12 fours). Anjala Bandara’s innings was witnessed by Police SC skipper Ashen Bandara, whose score of 200 he equalled.

Police SC were struggling at 106-6, trailing by 376 runs going into the third and final day today.

Off-spinner Nishan Peiris caused the Police SC slide, capturing 3/36 which included the wicket of top-scorer Dhanuja Induwara for 49.

In a crucial match taking place at the CCC Grounds, Colts gained a handy first innings lead against Panadura SC.

In reply to Colts’ first innings of 336, Panadura SC were bundled out for 148 by versatile spinner Akila Dananjaya (7/39 off 20 overs), giving Colts a lead of 188, which they stretched to 322 by the close scoring 134 without loss, with Ravindu Rasantha scoring 70* off 129 balls (6 fours) and Sangeeth Cooray 64* off 123 balls (9 fours). Sri Lanka Test opener Oshada Fernando, leading Panadura SC, made a top score of 42.

Similarly, Tamil Union had their game against Ace Capital CC at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in control. An unbeaten century from Sharujan Shanmuganathan (103* off 196 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes), his third of the season, saw Tamil Union make 312 in reply to Ace Capital CC’s 206, and gain a first innings lead of 106.

Spinners Roshan Jayatissa (4/103) and Wanuja Sahan (4/119) were the most successful bowlers for Ace Capital CC, who finished the day on 98-3, trailing by eight runs with seven second innings wickets in hand.

Chilaw Marians CC ended the second day of their match against Bloomfield at the Galle Cricket Stadium needing 40 runs with five wickets in hand to gain a first innings lead.

Replying to Bloomfield’s score of 312, Chilaw Marians CC made 272-5, their innings largely based on the second wicket partnership of 125 between Thanuka Dabare (87 off 122 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) and Tharindu Amarasinghe (88 off 145 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes).

NCC and BRC were involved in a struggle to gain a first innings lead at Surrey Village Grounds, Maggona.

BRC, resuming at 360-7, were all out for 396, with Raminda Wijesooriya scoring 70 off 75 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes) and left-arm spinner Shakthi Udara taking 4/129. Openers Niroshan Dickwella (65 off 61 balls, 9 fours) and Lahiru Udara (65 off 88 balls, 10 fours) mounted NCC’s reply with a stand of 122. Ahan Wickramasinghe contributed 63 off 86 balls (6 fours, 1 six) for NCC to end the day at 333-7. They trail by 63 runs with three wickets in hand. Off-spinner Murvin Abinash had career-best figures of 6/103.

Group B leaders Moors SC had a fight on their hands to gain the vital first innings lead in their match against bottom-of-the-table Badureliya SC at Colts Grounds.

Badureliya SC hit up an impressive 486, with skipper Geeth Kumara and Suminda Lakshan figuring in a seventh wicket stand of 119. Kumara struck 20 fours and 5 sixes in his 316-ball knock of 185, and Lakshan 6 fours and 2 sixes in scoring 66 off 109 balls. Malinda Pushpakumara chipped in with a useful 41* off 76 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) to see Badureliya SC pass the 450-run mark. Left-arm spinner Chanuka Dilshan took 5/81.

Moors SC began well, scoring 127-1, but the loss of three cheap wickets for 32 runs in the final hour saw them finish on 159-4 to trail by a massive 327 runs with six wickets intact.

All the matches will continue on their third and final day today.

At a time when Sri Lanka’s property landscape is experiencing rapid transformation, one organisation continues to define the direction of the market through scale, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. At the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka), the Home Lands Group of Companies maintained its place at the peak of the industry, acquiring two of the most influential awards of the year: Best Developer for the Group and Best Lifestyle Developer for Home Lands Skyline (Private) Limited.

These distinctions signify more than just project-level success. They reflect the organisation’s leadership in shaping how Sri Lankans aspire to live, work, and invest.

The Home Lands Group has built a broad presence throughout Sri Lanka’s most active corridors, from the rapidly evolving suburbs of Colombo to the developing lifestyle hubs of Negombo, Malabe, and Kahathuduwa, guided by extensive market research. The Group has transformed its in-depth knowledge of the property market into a portfolio of assets embodying superior residential living experiences, supported by strategically located branches that deliver an integrated suite of real estate services for buyers nationwide.

Home Lands Skyline, the Group’s flagship development arm and the 2025 Best Lifestyle Developer, is responsible for this on-ground reach. The company was commended for shaping communities through visionary residential environments and for its ability to combine cutting-edge sustainability with expansive lifestyle amenities. With 19 completed projects, including the largest integrated golf community in Sri Lanka and nine sustainable developments, Home Lands Skyline keeps raising the bar for efficiency, design, and placemaking.

Both ambition and operational strength are evident in its recent accomplishments. The company completed a number of landmark projects such as Elixia 3C’s Apartments, Santorini Resort Apartments and Residencies, and the 1,200-unit Canterbury Golf Resort Apartments and Residencies, which has more than 50 resort amenities that meet international standards and the nation’s first day-and-night golf course. In addition, the Group’s remarkable 58% market share earned it the title of Sri Lanka’s Most Preferred Residential Real Estate Brand in the RIU Brand Health Survey.

This growth is supported by a sustainability-first philosophy. The company incorporates environmental responsibility into every stage of development, from modular construction, renewable energy integration, and ethical sourcing throughout its supply chain to passive design principles that improve natural light and ventilation. This dedication is demonstrated by its Platinum Award at the CIOB Green Awards 2024.

The Home Lands Group is at the forefront of creating new lifestyle expectations as demand for well-planned, resort-style communities rises. In addition to confirming past achievements, the Group’s 2025 victories at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka) indicate a trajectory of ongoing leadership, positioning it as a transformative force in the future of Sri Lankan real estate.

SDB bank has welcomed Manoj Akmeemana as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership appointment as the Bank continues to strengthen its executive capacity to support long-term growth, sharper execution, and stronger institutional resilience.

A highly accomplished banking professional with over 35 years of experience in the financial services sector, Akmeemana brings deep expertise across corporate lending, credit administration, recoveries, legal coordination, and risk management, with a strong track record in driving business transformation through strategic initiatives. Over the years, he has played an active role in enhancing portfolio quality through structured credit oversight, including the restructuring and resolution of distressed portfolios, a critical area for sustainable banking performance, governance, and stability.

Prior to joining SDB bank, Akmeemana held several senior leadership roles at Sampath Bank PLC, building a reputation for delivering results in complex, high-impact functions spanning credit, risk, and operational oversight. He last served as Senior Deputy General Manager – Credit Control, Credit Administration, Recoveries and Legal, leading teams focused on strengthening credit discipline, improving monitoring frameworks, and ensuring alignment with regulatory and internal policy requirements. His career reflects consistent recognition for combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution, particularly in environments requiring decisive leadership and cross-functional coordination.

Akmeemana is widely recognised for formulating and implementing financial strategies that enhance profitability, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce compliance standards. He has demonstrated strong stakeholder engagement capabilities and an ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, navigating complex operating conditions while implementing growth strategies anchored in sound credit and risk fundamentals.

In his new role, Akmeemana will support SDB bank’s leadership team in driving strategic priorities, strengthening enterprise-wide performance, and advancing initiatives aimed at building a more agile, future-ready organisation. His depth of experience is expected to add significant value as SDB bank accelerates its transformation agenda while maintaining robust governance and risk management frameworks.

SDB bank said that this appointment reflects its commitment to bringing on board experienced leaders who can contribute to sustained growth and long-term value creation. The Bank looks forward to working closely with Akmeemana as it continues to strengthen institutional capability and deliver stronger outcomes for customers and stakeholders.

Army SC’s joy of gaining a first innings lead of 48 over SSC was short lived when the table toppers came storming back in the second innings with all guns blazing to pull off a seven-wicket win and thereby register their sixth outright victory out of seven matches in the Tier B 3-Day League game concluded at SLLDC Grounds, Kirimandala yesterday.

Army SC’s last two wickets added only five runs to their overnight total to be all out for 127, leaving SSC with 176 to get for an outright win, which they did with ease. Shevon Daniel (57 off 95 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) and Nipun Dananjaya (77* off 127 balls, 5 fours) shared a second wicket stand of 104 to get them there quite comfortably. The destruction of Army SC’s second innings was caused by Test bowlers Kasun Rajitha (5/27) and Prabath Jayasuriya (4/62).

Colombo Malay CC’s dogged performance with the bat in the second innings failed to stop Kandy Customs SC from registering a nine-wicket win at the BRC Grounds.

Forced to follow-on 253 runs in arrears, Malay CC came up with some sturdy batting, with contributions of 95 off 192 balls (7 fours, 1 six) from Pulasthi Athapaththu, 55 off 85 balls (6 fours) from Kavisha Dulanjana, and 45 and 42, respectively, from Chanaka Devinda and Teron Baskaran, to score 329. All-rounder Mithun Jayawickrama, bowling off-breaks, took 5/121 off 50.2 overs for match figures of 9/169. Kandy Customs SC reached the required target of 77 for the loss of one wicket.

Ragama CC put up staunch resistance to take vital first innings points against Navy SC at Salawa Army Grounds, Kosgama.

Having conceded a first innings lead of 194 by being bowled out for 77, Navy SC came up with a much-improved batting display the second time around, scoring 332 with fifties from Thevindu Dickwella (85 off 135 balls, 9 fours, 1 six), skipper Ishan Abeysekara (68 off 99 balls, 9 fours), and Poorna Charuka (57 off 109 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes). Left with a target of 139 to chase for an outright win, Ragama CC found themselves defending to save the match at 75-7. Left-arm spinner Dilanka Auwardt caused strife in the Ragama CC ranks, taking 4/22. Spinners Koshan Jayawickrama and Upul Indrasiri shared eight Navy SC wickets between them in the second innings.

Sebastianites also hung onto dear life in their match against United Southern SC, which ended in a draw at the Panadura esplanade.

United Southern SC had to be satisfied with first innings points only as Sebastianites’ last pair played out 20 balls adding one run in their second innings of 138-9 in pursuit of 250. Himal Ravihansa, 17-year-old leg-spinner from St. Joseph Vaz, Wennappuwa, caused much anxiety in the Sebastianites batting, capturing 4/34. United Southern SC in their second innings were dismissed for 168, with Adithya Siriwardhana (55 off 81 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) and Pesandu Sanjan (50 off 57 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) contributing 105 to the total. Left-arm spinner Miranga Wickramage finished with figures of 6/49.

Moratuwa SC got the better of Negombo CC in their match played at the De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa.

Moratuwa SC did not have sufficient time on their hands to pull off an outright win. Chasing a target of 177, they ended up scoring 102-3, with Rashmika Mevan contributing 53* off 63 balls (5 fours, 1 six). Negombo CC’s batting in the second innings showed much resilience, scoring 365-8 declared. Umesh Lakshan (120 off 211 balls, 9 fours) and Pasindu Thirimadura (86 off 143 balls, 7 fours) led the revival with a third wicket stand of 171. Left-arm spinner Gayan Sirisoma with 4/98 (match bag of 8/138) did the honours for Moratuwa SC.

Leo CC had to thank their last pair Vishwa Rajapakse (50* off 106 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes) and skipper Malshan Gunasinghe (23* off 47 balls, 4 fours) for helping them gain a first innings win against Galle CC at Welisara.

Replying to Galle CC’s first innings of 314, Leo CC lost nine wickets for 282, when Rajapakse and Gunasinghe came together in a face-saving stand of 48* off 93 balls. Pressing for an outright win, Galle CC declared at 229-7 (Lisula Lakshan 55*, Mangala Pradeep 4/79) to leave Leo CC with a target of 214 to chase. Leo CC lost seven wickets for 79, but Rajapakse bailed them out again with an unbeaten 31 off 80 balls as they finished on 136-8. Left-arm spinner Chathura Randunu took six of those wickets for 63 runs. – [ST]

The Taxation Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) recently conducted a timely in-house seminar on the New VAT Tax Invoice Format and Its Implementation Requirements, bringing together policymakers, tax professionals, and members of the business community to examine readiness for the changes scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2026.

The seminar was convened with a clear objective: to assess the preparedness of businesses for the new VAT invoice regime, identify practical gaps and ambiguities, and develop constructive proposals for the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to ensure the smooth, effective, and business-friendly implementation of the new system.

Delivering the keynote address, ICC Sri Lanka Chairman Johnny Fernando, underscored the urgency and relevance of the discussion. He emphasised that the VAT invoice reform is not a routine administrative adjustment, but a structural shift that directly impacts how businesses document transactions, claim input tax credits, and maintain compliance. He noted that clarity, predictability, and adequate transition time are essential to protect both revenue objectives and economic activity.

The seminar was moderated by ICC Sri Lanka Taxation Committee Chairperson Dr. Nadee Dissanayake, who framed the discussion around a central concern: turning policy into practice without creating unintended economic friction. She highlighted that invoice design, while technical in nature, has far-reaching consequences for business confidence, system costs, and ease of doing business in Sri Lanka.

The event featured two distinguished resource persons who brought complementary perspectives to the discussion.

KPMG Principal – Tax and Regulatory Services Rifka Ziyard, presented the policy and structural rationale behind the new VAT invoice format. Her presentation traced the evolution from the pre-2026 invoice framework to the proposed structure, explaining why change was considered necessary. She highlighted revenue assurance objectives, the need for greater traceability, alignment with digital compliance trends, and efforts to curb fictitious invoicing and abuse of input tax credits. Ms. Ziyard also explained the newly introduced mandatory fields, enhanced identification requirements, and stronger legal enforceability built into the new format.

Ernst and Young Principal – Tax Velauthapillai Shakthivel shifted the focus from design to practical implementation realities. Drawing on field experience, he outlined key challenges businesses are already encountering or anticipating, including system and software readiness, transitional confusion, sector-specific issues, and the disproportionate burden on SMEs and micro businesses. He also highlighted common risks such as invoice rejection, denial of input tax credits due to minor errors, timing mismatches, and rising compliance costs.

A major theme emerging from the discussions was the need for clarity and certainty before full-scale implementation. Participants expressed concern that several areas of the new invoice format remain unclear or open to interpretation. They cautioned that proceeding with implementation on 1 April 2026 without resolving these issues could lead to negative economic consequences, disrupt business operations, and discourage entrepreneurship and investment.

The business community strongly emphasised that invoice complexity directly affects daily business transactions, particularly in high-volume and service-oriented sectors. If unresolved ambiguities persist, businesses may face increased compliance risks, higher costs, and operational inefficiencies, ultimately affecting the broader economy.

Participants proposed that the IRD consider allowing adequate lead time for companies to adjust systems, train staff, and conduct awareness programmes. They also stressed the importance of finalising and communicating a reviewed, practical, and unambiguous invoice format before businesses incur significant costs on system development and compliance infrastructure.

The seminar further highlighted the need for a balanced transition approach, where initial implementation prioritises education and guidance over strict enforcement. Participants called for practical guidance notes, illustrative examples, and consistent interpretation by officers to distinguish genuine errors from high-risk non-compliance.

The event was attended by several senior ICC Sri Lanka office bearers, including Vice Chairman Hemakumara Gunasekara and Past Chairman Shanil Fernando, alongside members of the business and professional community.

Concluding the seminar, ICC Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to acting as a bridge between the private sector and policymakers. The insights gathered during the session will be consolidated into formal proposals to the Inland Revenue Department, with the aim of strengthening the VAT invoice framework while safeguarding ease of doing business and economic stability.

The seminar marked an important step toward collaborative, informed, and practical tax reform ensuring that compliance systems support growth rather than hinder it.

Kandy Sports Club produced a good team performance to overpower Havelock Sports Club in a six-try blitz, sealing second place on the points table with a 36-26 victory in front of a packed Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

Although Havies showed flashes of resistance, Kandy’s control, pace, and clinical finishing proved decisive in their final home game before the Super Round finals.

At the short breather, the defending champions had already laid a strong foundation, leading 19-7 after dominating territory and possession. Their ability to convert pressure into points set the tone for the remainder of the contest. Havies almost gave up the game 15 minutes in the earlier half but settled later after conceding two tries to Kandy.

Kandy dictated proceedings superbly through their three-quarter line, which looked sharp and dangerous throughout. Dinal Ekanayake, Akash Madushanka, and Srinath Sooriyabandara were outstanding in open play, repeatedly breaking the defensive line. Among the forwards, Dilshan Fareed and Dahan Wickramarachchi stood out with strong carries and tireless work at the breakdown.

Havelock SC played well in patches and briefly threatened to turn the game around when they narrowed the margin to a single try. However, Kandy showed composure under pressure and finished strongly to secure a well-earned bonus-point victory. Havies failed to start early, plus did not finish their moves. Azmir Fajudeen, Abdullah Faiz, and Jayathu Rajarathna had a good outing.

Kandy drew first blood in the opening minute when scrum-half Heshan Jansen sniped through for an early try. Hirusha Sampath took over kicking duties but failed to convert. The hosts struck again through a sweeping backline movement that ended with Dinal Ekanayake scoring, with Sampath adding the extras.

Havelock responded after Samuel Maduwantha missed a 40-metre penalty, as Abdullah Faiz crossed for their first try after coming from seeing Yellow, which Maduwantha converted. Kandy, however, had the final say in the half when Ekanayake touched down for his second try just before the break.

After the turnaround, the introduction of Mohamed Rifan added tempo to the Havelock backline. Samoan centre Amituanai Visesio crossed the line, with Maduwantha converting to reduce the deficit.

Kandy responded emphatically with back-to-back tries from Dilshan Fareed and Sooriyabandara. Havies refused to go away, replying with two well-worked forward tries by Azmir Fajudeen to close the score to 31-26.

A defining moment came when Kandy winger Ekanayake produced a superb tackle on Maduwantha near the line, forcing a crucial knock-on. Kandy maintained pressure, and another sweeping three-quarter move saw Sampath score the final try to seal the 36-26 victory.

Referee Raveen Alexander handled proceedings well in an entertaining, high-intensity contest.

In another Inter-Club game, CH and FC outclassed Sri Lions 59/12 at Longdon Place.

The Sri Lankan Traffic Police are now believed to possess more advanced speed cameras. This is a positive development, undertaken at significant public expense. As ordinary citizens, we have both the right and the responsibility to express our views on how such systems can be implemented more effectively. If properly designed and enforced, speed cameras can help reduce road traffic accidents and ultimately save lives, public funds, and property by minimising avoidable losses on our roads. This is especially important at a time when the country is striving to reduce its debt burden, at least for the benefit of future generations.

This brief opinion is offered for the consideration of policymakers, policy implementers, road users, and the general public.

Excessive or inappropriate speed is a well-recognised contributor to road traffic accidents, resulting in serious injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Sri Lanka has long struggled with an unacceptably high rate of road traffic accidents, with little evidence of sustained improvement, despite repeated and highly publicised claims by the authorities that exceptional efforts are being made to address this issue.

Effective solutions in any field require reliable data, credible analysis, identification of contributory factors, and the implementation of corrective measures that do not unnecessarily harass the public. While many issues deserve attention-most notably poor road discipline among all categories of road users-speed remains a critical and well-established risk factor worldwide. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that excessive speed is also a major contributor to Sri Lanka’s persistently high accident rates.

Although speed cameras have been in use in Sri Lanka for over three decades, drivers have witnessed no meaningful transformation in the enforcement system. Manual roadside detection, selective and biased enforcement, unequal treatment of offenders, exemptions for politically influential individuals, and the absence of a reliable mechanism to identify repeat offenders have collectively undermined the effectiveness of speed control measures. As a result, despite the visible presence of traffic police on the roadside, there has been little demonstrable impact on accident reduction.

In countries where speed cameras have been shown to significantly reduce road traffic accidents, enforcement practices differ markedly from those commonly observed in Sri Lanka. Drivers are not stopped at the roadside to issue fines or to retain driving licences until payment is made. Instead, offences are processed centrally and independently of roadside officers, with penalties communicated to vehicle owners through official postal or electronic channels.

Locally, concerns have been raised that in some police divisions, formal or informal expectations regarding the number of fines issued per shift may exist. This creates the perception that traffic fines are treated primarily as a revenue-generating exercise rather than as a road-safety intervention. In certain instances, roadside enforcement has also created opportunities for unofficial concessions and personal gain.

It is essential that all stakeholders-including enforcement officers, drivers, and other road users-clearly understand that traffic fines exist to deter repeated dangerous behaviour and to promote safer roads. Road safety, not revenue generation, must remain the primary objective of enforcement.

In recent years, Sri Lanka appears to have invested substantial public funds in importing handheld speed cameras for police divisions nationwide. These devices are capable of recording vehicle speed, registration numbers, location, and the date and time of offences. However, if this technology is deployed using the same flawed practices that have characterised speed enforcement for decades, it risks becoming an ineffective and wasteful use of public resources.

Historically, weaknesses in traffic law enforcement in Sri Lanka have not stemmed from a lack of technology, but from biased and inconsistent implementation. Individuals have often avoided legal consequences due to political influence, social status, or on-site corruption. Furthermore, speed cameras have frequently been deployed in locations with limited relevance to accident prevention, rather than in areas identified through accident data as high-risk zones.

I have personally observed speed enforcement operations conducted late at night-sometimes around 2.00 a.m.-on dark, sparsely populated roads where pedestrian presence and traffic risk are minimal. The deterrent or safety value of such enforcement is, at best, questionable.

Furthermore, as some speed cameras can detect vehicle speeds from up to 1.2 kilometres away, it is essential to ensure that both the camera and the driver are within a road section governed by the same speed limit. It is not a secret that speed cameras positioned in 50 km/h zones are sometimes used to detect vehicles while they are still approaching the reduced speed limit from a higher-speed zone.

In such situations, drivers may already have slowed from, for example, 70 km/h to 50 km/h in accordance with road signage yet remain unaware of why they were stopped or charged. These practices create confusion and undermine public confidence in enforcement. Addressing such inconsistencies would improve fairness and reduce avoidable disputes between the public and law enforcement officers.

Justice must also be ensured for all parties when technological solutions are employed. Speed cameras require regular calibration, and a valid calibration certificate must be available for any recorded evidence to be admissible in court. Accordingly, this information should be uploaded with each charge so that the accused can be assured that validated and reliable equipment was used.

In addition, vehicle speedometers are not always accurate or functional; in particular, some buses’ speedometers may not be working. To address this limitation fairly, enforcement decisions should incorporate a reasonable margin of error. A 10 per cent buffer zone should therefore be considered when enforcing speed limits.

In practical terms, on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h, enforcement action should be initiated only when the recorded speed exceeds 55 km/h. This approach would provide a fair allowance for measurement variability and reduce unnecessary legal disputes regarding the validity of speed readings.

If newly introduced speed cameras are to achieve their intended purpose, a fundamental shift in enforcement philosophy is required:

1. The primary objective of using speed cameras must be accident reduction, not revenue generation.

2. Camera locations should be determined by an independent authority based on accident data and risk assessment, rather than by officers conducting enforcement.

3. Clear signage stating ‘Speed Cameras in Operation’ should be displayed at least 500 metres in advance, as driver awareness-not concealed enforcement-is what prevents accidents.

4. All captured data should be transmitted to an independent review system, with fines issued through postal or electronic notification rather than roadside intervention.

5. Vehicles should not be stopped at enforcement sites, as roadside stops increase accident risk and create opportunities for corruption.

6. All images and data must be automatically uploaded to a secure, tamper-proof, cloud-based system. Any deletion or alteration should trigger a formal investigation, as such actions are often associated with corrupt practices.

Without these safeguards, even the most advanced technology will fail to improve road safety and will merely perpetuate the systemic failures of the past. Our objective must be to make roads safer-not to turn road enforcement into a revenue-generation exercise accompanied by public harassment.

Magi Enterprises Lanka Ltd., is shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s garment industry with a landmark investment and a bold vision for growth, marking its 10th anniversary with a major modernisation initiative and the laying of the foundation stone for a new factory complex.

With the objective of strengthening the local economy and enhancing industrial capacity, the company is investing over AUD 12 million (around Rs. 2.4 billion) in advanced technology and infrastructure. This modernisation project aims to elevate operational efficiency through state-of-the-art manufacturing systems while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive global apparel hub.

Originally established in 1993, Magi Enterprises Lanka began contributing to the local garment sector in 2016 under the ownership of the world-renowned Australian fashion brand KOOKAI. Since then, the company has played a significant role in employment generation, skills development, and sustainable industrial growth.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, stated that investments of this nature provide vital support to local industries and contribute positively to national economic growth. He further noted that the government highly appreciates such private-sector initiatives that align with its economic development policies.

Currently employing over 1,000 employees, the modernisation of Magi Enterprises Lanka aims to expand its workforce to 3,000 employees in the near future.

Magi Enterprises Lanka Ltd., CEO Jeevaka Raddalgoda, said: ‘I am extremely proud of the journey of this institution. We provide some of the best facilities and the highest salaries in the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha area. Our employees are treated as members of our extended family, from providing school supplies for their children to covering hospital expenses for their families for an entire year. Our vision extends beyond business; it is about sustainable local economic development.’

KOOKAI Managing Director Robert Cromb, commended the organisation’s values, stating: ‘I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to building an institutional culture rooted in human values. I firmly believe Sri Lanka’s economic progress should be driven by its strong cultural identity and human qualities. The management and the dedicated workforce of this institution truly deserve this recognition.’

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, highlighted the significance of the investment, noting that Magi Enterprises Lanka is the largest Australian-owned manufacturing operation in Sri Lanka. He emphasised that such partnerships reflect the evolving global economic model and expressed pride in the institution’s contribution under the Australian flag.

At a time when the garment industry plays a critical role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economy, this initiative by Magi Enterprises Lanka Ltd. stands as a benchmark for the sector. The company also called upon the country’s youth to join hands with Magi Lanka in shaping a progressive, inclusive, and sustainable industrial future.

Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday as the new Michael Carrick era got off to a sensational start at Old Trafford.

In a game which was played to the tempo United set, goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu saw United grab a deserved win in the derby.

With every other Premier League game still to kick off, it pulled Manchester United to fourth in the standings. Man City, meanwhile, remain six points behind table toppers Arsenal and now have an anxious wait to see if Arsenal can push that lead to nine points after their match vs. Nottingham Forest.

United scored their opener on the counter – a City freekick cleared by Harry Maguire saw Bruno Fernandes feed Mbeumo on a 4-v-2 counter, and United’s top scorer made no mistake with a lash to the bottom far corner. The second came after a spell of patient possession, and he wriggled past Nico O’Reilly to whip in a cross across the face of the goal, where a lax City defence did not see Dorgu ghost in and smash it in.

After the match, Guardiola said that ‘the better team won’ and that City simply didn’t control the game.

IT is reported that a Trial-at-Bar is being contemplated in respect of allegations against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding misuse of State resources for a visit to a British university on his return from attending sessions of the United Nations in New York and an official visit to Cuba. If this is correct, it would make legal history in our country, because there has been no previous instance of the procedure of a Trial-at- Bar being invoked against a former Head of State.

In view of the constitutional importance of the issues involved, the attempt is opportune to consider the conceptual and statutory foundations of our law relating to Trials-at-Bar, the boundaries of its application in practice, and the nature of the responsibilities attributed to the principal functionaries with regard to the conduct of these proceedings.

I. The statutory framework

A Trial-at-Bar is an extraordinary procedure operating over and above proceedings in regular courts exercising criminal jurisdiction at first instance. Its form is that of three judges of the High Court, sitting usually without a jury, to try an indictable offence. The main provision is contained in Section 12 of the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978: ‘Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act or any other written law, a Trial-at-Bar shall be held by the High Court in accordance with law for offences punishable under the Penal Code and other laws’.

The law of Sri Lanka makes provision for Trials-at-Bar in two different contexts.

(a) Mandatory

The trial of any person for the gravest offences against the State, constituted by Sections 114, 115, and 116 of the Penal Code, must in all circumstances be held before the High Court at Bar by three judges without a jury, despite any other law. This is the effect of Section 450 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Act No. 15 of 1979.

The gist of offences to which this provision is applicable is conspiracy or preparation to overthrow, by unlawful means, the Government of Sri Lanka. This provision was applied in the case of 24 persons alleged to have attempted a coup d’état against the Government of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, a year after its election in July 1960 (R v. Liyanage).

(b) Discretionary

Outside this category, where recourse to a Trial-at-Bar is compulsory, there are other situations in which, as a matter of discretion, the Chief Justice may order use of this procedure. This course of action may be resorted to ‘in the interest of justice and based on the nature or circumstances of the offence’.

Trials-at-Bar, which may proceed either on indictment or on an information exhibited by the Attorney-General, are required to be held as speedily as possible, and generally in the manner of a High Court trial without a jury.

The power of appointment of High Court judges conducting a Trial-at-Bar is specifically vested in the Chief Justice. The Court, once appointed, has full authority regarding summoning, custody, and bail, subject to the restriction that bail may usually be granted only with the consent of the Attorney-General.

II. Appropriate parameters

A useful point of departure, as a means of determining the proper limits of this judicial procedure, is to examine the character of offences which have led in our country throughout the post-Independence era to the constitution of Trials-at-Bar. A classification of the decided cases during this entire span of more than seven decades is attempted here for this purpose.

(1) Murder

Several Trials-at-Bar in Sri Lanka have been concerned with charges of murder, not per se, but invariably combined with circumstances which impart to the offence the added element of exceptional public importance, in terms of grave jeopardy to established institutions, public tranquillity, or seminal values underpinning governance.

The following are examples:

(a) the murder of a High Court judge engaged in the trial of five persons accused of capital offences pertaining to trafficking in drugs (Sarath Ambepitiya);

(b) the murder of a Member of Parliament in the midst of mob violence on a street, in the throes of widespread protests aimed at bringing down the incumbent Government (Amarakeerthi Athukorala);

(c) the killing of two youth while in police custody (the Angulana case);

(d) the killing of villagers by army personnel during a public demonstration (the Rathupaswala case);

(e) the disappearance of a social activist and human rights defender (Prageeth Ekneligoda).

(2) Offences involving State security and possible contravention of International law charges pertaining to firearms and ammunition and their use on the high seas (the Avant Garde case).

(3) Alleged gross dereliction of duty by senior Government officials, including a former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and a former Inspector-General of Police, leading to the death of a large number of persons by explosions in public places such as churches and hotels (Easter Sunday Bombing case).

(4) Grave corruption allegations in respect of procurement or other major misdemeanours

two Trials-at-Bar were appointed to hear cases arising from the Central Bank bond scam in 2016, alleged to involve a former Minister of Finance, a former Governor of the Central Bank, his son-in-law and others (Central Bank bond case);

charges against a previous Minister of Health, senior officials of the Ministry, and others in connection with the procurement of substandard immunoglobulin vials, leading to deaths and grievous bodily harm (Keheliya Rambukwella);

charges filed by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division against the Chief of Staff of a former President and a former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation for alleged large-scale misappropriation of public funds (Gamini Senerath, Priyadasa Kudabalage).

(5) Sedition involving communal overtones and potential disturbance of the public peace (S.J.V. Chelvanayakam and others).

(6) Allegations relating to extra-judicial executions

the trial of a previous Army Commander for statements made by him regarding unlawful execution of surrendering LTTE cadres (Sarath Fonseka White Flag case).

(7) Criminal defamation in volatile contexts

In 1954, in the earliest of this series of cases, allegedly defamatory remarks were published by the defendant in a newspaper known as Trine. The gist of the allegations was that Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, who had just relinquished the position of Minister of Finance to accept appointment as Governor-General, had engaged in ‘swindles on an international scale’ (R v. Thejawathie Gunawardena).

The heinous character of the offences alleged, and the scope of their potential ramifications in all these settings, are evident at a glance. The distinguishing feature is not merely the gravity of the offence, but imputation of a wider dimension to it, typically in the form of a serious affront to the public wellbeing.

In the Thejawathie Gunawardena case, for instance, where the propriety of recourse to a Trial-at-Bar was vigorously challenged, the Supreme Court held that there was no ground for complaint because of the predominant element of public mischief apparent from the circumstances. This was due to the inflammatory content of the statements published, which could foreseeably ‘disturb or endanger the Government» by igniting public feeling. Gravity of the allegations, from this point of view, and their probable impact on public confidence in the integrity of basic institutions of governance, were the factors relied upon to take the case out of the regular category of defamation litigation and justify use of the Trial-at-Bar procedure.

This characteristic of a high threshold of public importance, accompanied by complexity and volatility of the surrounding circumstances, is the central thread which runs through the diverse situations in which Trials-at-Bar have been constituted in Sri Lanka.

III. The roles of pivotal functionaries

The principal responsibility is that of the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General. The essential nexus between their statutory functions is a salient feature of the law.

(i) The Chief Justice

In Somaratna Rajapaksa v. Attorney-General, it was clearly recognised that the repository of power to constitute a Trial-at-Bar is the Chief Justice, but subject to the requirement that an indictment or information ‘furnished by the Attorney-General’ operates as the material basis for exercise of the Chief Justice’s authority in this regard.

An explicit trajectory is established, linking the initiative by the Attorney-General with the Chief Justice’s decision.

(ii) The Attorney-General

Action by the Attorney-General is located within the overall ambit of prosecutorial discretion vested in him in respect of a wide range of matters, including assessment of the sufficiency and probative value of evidence to warrant institution of criminal proceedings, the decision to indict, and withdrawal of a prosecution by means of the entering of a nolle prosequi. The recommendation in respect of a Trial-at-Bar falls into place within the field of this broad authority.

The crucial attribute of the Attorney-General›s functions in this area is that he acts in a quasi-judicial capacity. A basic anomaly in the role of the Attorney-General in our constitutional system is that he combines, in his office, a variety of functions and responsibilities which entail some degree of conflict with one another. Despite this lack of institutional coherence and consistency, what is beyond doubt in the present condition of the law is that, throughout the whole gamut of prosecutorial decision making, the Attorney-General is required to eschew all political and other extraneous considerations and to arrive at his decisions in a spirit of total objectivity.

This is one of the cornerstones of our system of criminal justice. Although there is a statutory choice or discretion built into the Attorney-General›s responsibility, H.N.G. Fernando C.J. has aptly commented: «Our law has conferred on the Attorney-General powers which have been commonly described as quasi-judicial and traditionally formed an integral part of the system of criminal procedure» (Attorney-General v. Don Sirisena). In similar vein, the Supreme Court, in Victor Ivan v. Sarath N. Silva, Attorney-General, observed: ‘The Attorney-General’s power is a discretionary power similar to other powers vested in public functionaries, held in trust for the public, and not absolute or unfettered’.

While the purview of prosecutorial discretion residing in the Attorney-General, by virtue of enacted law as well as inveterate tradition, is strikingly extensive, it is not an untrammeled power: it is not beyond the reach of the courts. In a trilogy of progressive decisions by the Court of Appeal, Sobitha Rajakaruna J., (prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court), asserted the principle that the Attorney-General’s decisions, in appropriate circumstances, are amenable to judicial review: Sandresh Ravi Karunanayake v. Attorney -General (CA/Writ/ 441/2021) ,Duminda Lanka Liyanage v. Attorney-General (CA/Writ/323/2022), Nadun Chinthaka Wickremaratne v. Attorney-General (CA/Writ/523/2024).

In Attorney-General v. Karunanayake, Samayawardhana J (with the concurrence of Thurairaja and Janak de Silva JJ.) declared: ‘Politically motivated indictments following regime change pose a serious threat to the rule of law and public confidence in the office of the Attorney-General and the entire justice system. Judicial oversight plays a vital role in ensuring that prosecutorial discretion is exercised independently, fairly, and in compliance with the law’.

The Supreme Court of our country has shown no inhibition in directly addressing the question whether the Attorney-General has properly exercised his discretion in laying the information which served as the basis of a Trial-at-Bar.

In Thejawathie Gunawardena’s case, in proceedings before the Supreme Court, it was strenuously contended on the defendant’s behalf that the Attorney-General had acted ultra vires for a collateral or improper purpose. The submission was that the person allegedly defamed was no longer holding public office, and invocation of the extraordinary procedure associated with a Trial-at-Bar was, therefore, unjustifiable. The Supreme Court, sitting in appeal, having considered the issue in depth, rejected the submission on the ground that his tenure had been very recent, and that the proximity of his connection with the incumbent Government gave rise to the likelihood of intensifying public feeling because of the volatility and range of the allegations made against him.

These trends of judicial opinion have the effect that the principle of justiciability of the Attorney-General›s initiative in this regard is firmly embedded in our law.

IV. Conclusion

Trials-at-Bar serve a salutary purpose, but within stringently circumscribed limits. The decided cases in our country, spanning more than 75 years, indicate with exemplary clarity the confines within which this extraordinary procedure has legitimacy. The essential consideration is that there should not be room for the slightest doubt that immaterial factors may have come into play in the exercise of discretion.

This far transcends the entitlement of individuals to due process and impinges upon the health and vitality of procedures central to the administration of justice. My teacher, Professor Sir William Wade, pre-eminent among exponents of administrative law in our time, who had the distinction of holding Chairs of Law successively in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, told me that if he were asked to identify succinctly, in one sentence, the substance of the common law tradition, he would have no hesitation in replying that it consisted of robust hostility to unbridled discretion in public functionaries. Even the appearance of neglect of this rudimentary principle, places in jeopardy the fulfilment of public aspirations about the quality of criminal justice.