Category: Daily Financial Times

Sri Lanka batted better again but could not prevent India from beating them by 15 runs and completing a 5-0 whitewash of the five-match Women’s T20I series in the fifth and final match played at Thiruvananthapuram yesterday.

Sri Lanka women have played only four five-match T20I series and this is the first instance they lost by a 5-0 margin.

Sri Lanka’s attempt to chase down a target of 176 was just not enough after they lost skipper Chamari Athapaththu early. Although the impressive Imesha Dulani and Hasini Perera added 79 for the second wicket and kept their side in the hunt, India seized control of the match once the stand was broken. Imesha got her maiden fifty off 39 balls (8 fours) but fell to Amanjot Kaur’s first ball. Hasini carried on and till she was there, there was hope for Sri Lanka. But she didn’t get the support from the others. Once she fell for 65 off 42 balls (8 fours, 1 six), victory was a foregone conclusion. All the six bowlers employed by India were among the wickets but it was Deepti Sharma who was the pick. The first three games were totally one-sided and even though Sri Lanka fought hard in the last two, India managed to complete the whitewash.

The 20 runs Sri Lanka conceded in the final over proved the turning point. Arundathi Reddy’s 11-ball 27* (4 fours, 1 six) took India to an above par score. India were asked to bat first and then kept losing wickets in regular fashion to be 77-5 at one stage. It was a rare failure for Shafali Varma, 17-year old debutant Gunalan Kamalini who didn’t last long, and neither did Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh. But Harmanpreet Kaur held the innings firm. The Indian skipper’s 43-ball 68 (9 fours, 1 six) was the knock around which India built their innings. She was well supported by Amanjot Kaur (21), the pair adding 61 off 38 balls for the sixth wicket. That set-up the platform for Arundathi’s blazing cameo which gave India a total to defend.

Harmanpreet was Player of the Match and Shafali Player of the Series.

Scores: India Women 175-7 (20) (Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Amanjot Kaur 21, Arundhati Reddy 27*, Kavisha Dilhari 2/11, Rashmika Sewwandi 2/42, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21)

Sri Lanka Women 160-7 (20) (Hasini Perera 65, Imesha Dulani 50)

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended the penultimate trading session for 2025 on the up, gaining Rs. 84 billion in value on improved investor sentiment.

The ASPI was up 1.42% or 313.56 points to close at 22,445.89 and the active S and P SL20 gained 1.22% or 73.56 points to 6,111.35.

Turnover was over Rs. 3.4 billion on nearly 101.37 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 36.7 million.

First Capital Research said the CSE experienced improved investor sentiment following the holiday season. During the trading session, the ASPI opened with a slight uptick and then moved steadily upward throughout the trading session, showing consistent buying interest across the day.

Top positive contributors to the ASPI were DOCK, MELS, HNB, RICH and COMB. Both retail and HNW investor sentiment remained strong, with retail investors showing particular interest in banking sector counters during the trading session.

Consumer Services sector counters, particularly hotel stocks, attracted notable buying interest following the strong post-crisis tourism arrival numbers recorded. The Capital Goods sector accounted for 34% of total turnover, while the Banking, and Materials sectors contributed a combined 34%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Colombo Dockyard, Melstacorp and Hatton National Bank.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Access Engineering, and Royal Ceramics. Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Bogala Graphite Lanka and Hatton National Bank nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Renuka Agri Foods, SMB Leasing and Co-Operative Insurance Company.

The Capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Colombo Dockyard, Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics while the sector index gained 1.61%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard gained Rs. 21 to close at Rs. 192.75. The share price of Access Engineering moved down by 30 cents to close at Rs. 72.30. The share price of Royal Ceramics appreciated by 60 cents to close at Rs. 45.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Commercial Bank while the sector index increased by 1.36%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 2.50 to close at Rs. 200.75.

Bogala Graphite Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Bogala Graphite Lanka recorded a gain of Rs. 31 to close at Rs. 167.50.

Abans PLC recently hosted the 2025 edition of its annual Achievers Night at Shangri-La Hotel in heartfelt recognition of outstanding staff members, transforming the venue into a radiant celebration of enduring loyalty and relentless performance.

The night was graced by top management personnel at Abans, including Managing Director Rusi Pestonjee and Directors Dr. Saroshi Dubash, Tanaz Pestonjee, Matthew Roche, and Director Operations Buddhika Dharmawardena, in addition to a delegation from LG Electronics, which included Managing Directors of LG.

Blending prestige with talent, the night themed ‘Cosmic,’ was a tribute to the individuals whose brilliance illuminated the company’s path forward. Around 750 participants contested for over 170 awards that sought to recognise their exceptional efforts. The awards went out to those who lit up the path for the success of Abans within the past financial year.

The event reinforced the cornerstone of the Abans Group culture; that success is not simply earned, but it is crafted, polished, and earned by individuals who choose to shine through challenges and stand out like gems among many. All the awards conferred at the event were made to align with global standards, providing a comprehensive platform to acknowledge employees’ exceptional contribution through all subsidiaries.

The event dedicated long service awards to those who sparkled with excellence, embraced change, and continued to shine even in challenging times with the company.

The night also saw an award of appreciation being presented to LG, for standing by Abans since 1985, redefining Sri Lanka’s relationship with modern technology.

The highlight of the evening was a mesmerising choir performance led by Umara, whose harmonies added elegance to the spirit to the night.

The evening stood as evidence to the core of what makes Abans; that collective success is built on individual brilliance. It culminated as a night of pure prestige, meticulously designed to honour teams that consistently deliver excellence. As glasses were raised to the exceptional employees, the message was quite clear; the enduring glow of their dedication is what truly makes Abans shine.

Singer Sri Lanka PLC has announced the launch of Signature by Singer, a premium home and living experience at the Singer Flagship Store, One Galle Face Mall. The new showroom marks a significant expansion of Singer’s mission to deliver global-standard, design-driven home solutions to Sri Lankan consumers.

Developed in partnership with the Signature Group, Malaysia’s largest kitchen cabinet and wardrobe manufacturer with nearly three decades of industry leadership, the showroom brings together contemporary design, luxury craftsmanship and complete lifestyle concepts under one roof. The space has been curated to offer an immersive environment where customers can experience the look and feel of refined living, enhanced by Singer’s trusted service excellence and longstanding reputation for quality.

Singer Sri Lanka PLC Group Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardene said, ‘At Singer, our vision is to enhance the quality of home living for every Sri Lankan. Our partnership with Signature marks another important step in that journey. The new showroom at One Galle Face is designed to inspire; offering complete living concepts that reflect luxury, elegance and modern functionality. We are proud to bring international-standard craftsmanship to Sri Lanka, backed by Singer’s trusted service, nationwide reach and long-term commitment to our customers.’

Set within one of Colombo’s most prestigious retail destinations, the Signature by Singer showroom presents a seamless journey through modern kitchens, sophisticated wardrobe systems, elegant bedroom settings, integrated home-office solutions and refined bathroom vanities. Each space has been designed to harmonise functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering homeowners, architects and interior designers a clear vision of elevated living. Complementing these environments are thoughtfully selected sofas and seating solutions that blend effortlessly into contemporary interiors, enabling a cohesive and luxurious living experience.

The opening ceremony brought together the senior management from Singer and the Signature Group, alongside interior designers, industry professionals and distinguished guests. Their presence underscored the growing demand for curated, international-standard home concepts within the country.

With the unveiling of this exclusive showroom, Singer strengthens its position as a total home-solutions provider, making premium global design more accessible to discerning Sri Lankan customers. The Signature by Singer showroom at the Singer Flagship Store, One Galle Face Mall, is now open daily during mall hours.

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed former fast bowler Lasith Malinga as Consultant Fast Bowling Coach for the national men’s team.

Malinga’s appointment is on a short-term basis for a period of one month, effective from 15 December to 25 January.

He will support the preparation and development of Sri Lanka’s national fast bowlers as part of the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga’s vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will commence on 7 February with the opening match scheduled to be played at the SSC grounds.

Janandi Sandanika has made a personal financial contribution of Rs. 10 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The cheque was handed over by Sandanika at the Presidential Secretariat to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said Sri Lanka’s Police Computer Crimes Unit is continuing investigations into a series of bomb threat emails sent to several Government institutions and a Qatar Airways flight.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing he said, the threats were directed at the Divisional Secretariats of Poojapitiya, Nawalapitiya and Pasbage Korale, in addition to the Kandy District Secretariat, prompting heightened security measures and emergency responses at all locations mentioned in the messages.

Dr. Jayatissa also confirmed that a similar bomb threat had been received by a Qatar Airways flight on 28 December, raising concerns over potential attempts to disrupt public services and aviation operations.

Following the alerts, emergency response teams, including the Police Special Task Force, the Police and Army bomb disposal units, were immediately deployed to conduct thorough inspections at all affected sites. Authorities carried out standard security sweeps in line with established protocols for such threats.

The Cabinet Spokesman said investigations are now focused on determining whether the emails were part of a deliberate attempt to create public fear or panic, noting that the Police Computer Crimes Unit is examining the origin and digital trail of the messages.

‘No explosives were found at any of the locations,’ Dr. Jayatissa said, adding that there have been no further developments or related incidents reported so far.

He stressed that security agencies remain on alert and that law enforcement authorities are taking the threats seriously, while urging the public to remain calm and rely on official information as investigations continue.

Myland Developments PLC has appointed Independent, Non-Executive Director Savanth Sebastian as Chairperson of its Board.

Sebastian has a wealth of experience in economics, financial services and investment management and presently serves as Chairman of Colombo City Holdings PLC and Director of Ambeon Capital PLC, Ambeon Holdings PC, Voguetex Ltd., and Arpico Ataraxia Asset Management. He also served on the Board of Directors of Nations Trust Bank PLC.

Sebastian brings with him 21 years of industry experience, having carried out responsibilities for nine years as the Senior Economist within the Global Markets research team at Commonwealth Bank in Australia, advising Federal and State Governments, high net worth private and institutional clients, and internal stake holders, including Colonial First State and the Commonwealth Bank senior leadership team.

Prior to this, he spent four years working in and then managing the international trading desk for Commonwealth Securities, the stock broking division of Commonwealth Bank, Australia which transacted across 31 international markets. While in the role he was responsible for the facilitation of Strategic Trading Accounts, allowing CBA Treasury to manage risk and drive an alternative source of revenue.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Actuarial Studies and Finance, is an Accredited Advisor of the Australian Stock Exchange, and a Master Practitioner of the Australian Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association.

Sebastian has published numerous research reports for institutional clients covering domestic and global macroeconomic policy and analysis of equity markets.

Senior figures from the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) held discussions on national issues and potential policy directions, as dialogue continues over closer political cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa along with Ruwan Wijewardene and senior UNP members Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Navin Dissanayake. Discussions focused on the challenges facing the country and the need to develop forward-looking and practical policy approaches aligned with national priorities. The engagement comes amid heightened public and political speculation over a possible alliance between the SJB and the UNP.

Premadasa said on X: ‘Had productive and constructive discussions on challenges faced by our motherland and the importance of formulating innovative policy prescriptions that would fulfil the national objectives in an effective and efficient manner’.

Kandy-based Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Bandara Kiridena has filed a Fundamental Rights application before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, alleging that lapses by the President, the Cabinet of Ministers and several State institutions exacerbated the impact of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah despite advance warnings of the disaster.

The petition names President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Council for Disaster Management and other relevant authorities as respondents. In terms of Article 35 of the Constitution, the Attorney General’s Department has been cited as the first respondent in relation to alleged violations attributed to the President acting in his official capacity.

Kiridena states that the President serves as Chairman of the National Council for Disaster Management, which has also been named in the proceedings. The Cabinet, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, has likewise been cited as respondents.

According to the application, the petitioner’s professional chambers at the Kandy Lawyers’ Complex, located near the Kandy Court Complex, were completely inundated due to flooding triggered by the cyclone. He says the damage resulted in the total loss of his computer systems and legal database, which he describes as essential to the discharge of his professional responsibilities.

The petition argues that the conduct of the respondents reflects a failure to discharge statutory and constitutional obligations relating to disaster preparedness and mitigation. It alleges that authorities did not take timely preventive measures, including the controlled pre-release of water from major reservoirs such as Kotmale, despite receiving early warnings of the cyclone.

Kiridena further contends that the Mahaweli River overflowed after spill gates at the Victoria Reservoir were kept closed for an extended period, contrary to established disaster-management protocols. The subsequent release of water is alleged to have caused extensive flooding in areas including Galaha, Peradeniya and Kandy, damaging both public and private property, notably the Kandy Court Complex and the University of Peradeniya.

Through the application, the petitioner seeks a declaration that his Fundamental Rights under the Constitution were infringed due to the respondents’ failure to act with due care, foresight and coordination in responding to the impending natural disaster.