Category: Daily Financial Times

The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development held a special meeting with senior banking officials, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Ministry of Finance to support businesses affected by the Ditwaa Cyclone.

As the year draws to a close, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites guests to gather, celebrate and welcome the New Year with a collection of experiences crafted to suit every style of celebration. From lively entertainment to elegant dining, New Year’s Eve at The Kingsbury promises moments filled with joy, flavour and connection.

The celebrations come alive at Honey Beach Club, where the poolside transforms into a setting for a night of music and movement. With live performances by the sensational Infinity and beats from DJ E2, the evening is designed for guests who wish to dance into the New Year beneath the open sky. High above the city, Sky Lounge offers a rooftop celebration with sweeping views of Colombo’s skyline and one of the city’s most spectacular vantage points to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Live entertainment by The Kingdom, signature cocktails and an elevated ambience create an unforgettable countdown to midnight.

Beyond the music and festivities, guests may also welcome the New Year through exceptional dining experiences across the hotel. From an Eleven-Course Special Tasting Menu at Tenku, All You Can Eat at Yue Chuan, and a Festive Buffet at Harbour Court, each outlet offers its own way to mark the final night of the year.

This New Year’s Eve, The Kingsbury invites you to choose how you celebrate, gather with those who matter most and step into the year ahead with lasting memories.

Hunter and Company PLC has appointed Ranil de Silva to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

After 18 years at the helm of the Publicis Groupe in Sri Lanka, de Silva retired from the company at the end of 2017. From small, local beginnings, he took the company global, establishing Sri Lanka on the world map for creativity. Under his leadership, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka was repeatedly recognised as the Rest of South Asia Creative Agency of the Year by Campaign Asia.

Prior to joining Leo Burnett, de Silva was JWT Colombo’s first Sri Lankan employee, who rose to international Vice President, and was Managing Director of the Colombo office. During his 18 year tenure at JWT, he was posted to JWT Jakarta and served as Regional Account Director, JWT Asia Pacific based in Singapore.

de Silva was the President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) for two terms and was a member of the Worldwide Board.

The IAA conferred upon him the medal of Merit, an honour bestowed upon only five professionals in the world bi-annually. In 2018, the IAA once again honoured him with honorary life membership and their Inspire award.

He pursued his tertiary education in Australia and his primary and secondary education at Royal College. He was the District Interact Representative for Rotary International District 321. He was also a House Captain and a Senior Prefect.

de Silva served as a Director in their family business – Cyril Rodrigo Restaurants. He also served on the Board of Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel and also served as a Trustee of the Lionel Wendt Memorial Trust.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board’s (EDB) National Packaging Centre (NPC) recently hosted an awareness workshop on EU Food Labeling Legislation at the Export Development Board premises.

Over 110 exporters and potential exporters participated and obtained the knowledge on European Union market requirements, gained an understanding of the background and application of EU food labelling laws, mandatory components of EU food labelling and implement current EU food labelling legislation in their business to generate compliant labels.

SGS Lanka Ltd., Food Safety Management System Trainer and Lead Auditor Nishani Maduwanthi, facilitated the workshop and covered critical compliance areas including EU Food Labelling Legislation and its applications, mandatory labelling information (product descriptions, ingredient listing, allergen labelling, nutrition information and quantity marking ), Energy Calculation, Nutrition and health claims (EU permitted nutrition and health claims) and a practical guidance to participants on Energy and reference intake (% RI) calculation for a portion/100g of a food product.

The EDB, through the National Packaging Centre, remains committed to empowering Sri Lankan exporters by promoting innovative and sustainable packaging practices that add value to export products and improve export readiness for international markets.

Shadab Khan has returned to Pakistan’s T20I squad, while uncapped batter and part-time wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay has earned a first call-up for the three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka in January.

Salman Agha will continue to lead the side as it takes part in its last set of games in the run up to the T20 World Cup, to be played in February-March in India and Sri Lanka.

While Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali – have been rested, Pakistan have called up several players taking part in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Nafay, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan are currently playing in the BPL, which clashes with the three-match series. They will leave their respective BPL sides to link up with the squad in Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Salman Mirza began to establish a first-team slot for himself at the back end of last year, playing most recently in Pakistan’s tri-series final win over Sri Lanka. In the absence of either Afridi or Rauf, he will, alongside Naseem Shah, be the leader of Pakistan’s seam attack in Sri Lanka, likely vying for a fast-bowling slot at the World Cup alongside Mohammad Wasim, Naseem and Rauf.

The three-match series will be played at Dambulla on 7, 9 and 11 January.

PAKISTAN T20I SQUAD FOR SRI LANKA

Salman Agha (Captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq

Total container volumes handled by the Colombo Port rose 7.1% year-on-year (YoY) to 6.92 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the first 10 months of 2025, supported by a strong expansion in domestic container traffic, even as transhipment activity continued to account for the bulk of throughput and remain central to Colombo’s regional hub role, data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) showed.

Transhipment container volumes increased 5.1% YoY to 5.52 million TEUs during the January-October period, up from 5.25 million TEUs a year earlier. Despite the more moderate pace of growth, transhipment continued to dominate port activity, accounting for close to four-fifths of total container throughput.

Domestic container volumes, however, recorded a sharper expansion, rising 13.9% YoY to 1.1 million TEUs in the first 10 months of 2025, compared to 0.96 million TEUs in the corresponding period of 2024. The stronger domestic performance points to firmer import and export activity linked to the local economy, even as Colombo’s port operations remain structurally reliant on transhipment flows serving the wider region.

Momentum strengthened further in October. Total container volumes for the month rose 10.8% YoY to 744,792 TEUs, compared to 672,051 TEUs in October 2024. Transhipment volumes increased 7.9% YoY to 578,930 TEUs from 536,611 TEUs, while domestic container volumes climbed 16.5% to 123,962 TEUs, up from 106,395 TEUs a year earlier, reinforcing the faster growth trajectory in domestic cargo.

Re-stowing volume grew 22.8% to 0.31 million TEUs in the first 10 months of 2025, with October recording 41,900 metric tons (MT), up 44% from a year ago.

In cargo terms, the Colombo Port handled 105 million MT in the first 10 months of 2025, reflecting a 4.4% increase from a year ago. Cargo discharged rose 4.7% YoY to 58 million MT, while cargo loaded increased 3.9% to 47 million MT over the same period.

The CBSL noted that its port volume data covers activity at the Colombo Port. However, broader maritime activity across the country also strengthened, with ship traffic into the Ports of Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, and Hambantota increasing 12.5% YoY to 4,251 vessels in the first 10 months of 2025. October alone recorded 459 vessel calls, up 12.8% from the corresponding month last year.

Tranquil and tropical with a rugged beauty and temperate climate, Sri Lanka’s south coast is blessed with a naturally restorative environment. On a rocky outcrop overlooking a secluded cove of golden sand, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort harnesses the nurturing qualities of its shoreline home to create a sophisticated oasis of soothing and renewal.

Entering its second decade, the resort has announced a fresh expansion of its Anantara Spa menu, enriching an already extensive range of traditional and modern therapies. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort now hosts the region’s only spa overseen by three resident Ayurveda doctors.

Led by Head Ayurvedic Doctor Bhagya Wellapilli, these qualified medical officers work alongside accomplished practitioners in immaculate facilities, ensuring authentic and effective experiences, delivered by the safest hands.

In addition to enhancing its wellness team, the resort has also launched the pioneering Ayurvedic beauty sanctuary, Ayu Lavanaya. Named from the Sanskrit words Ayu (life) and Lavanaya (grace), the sanctuary is a modern re-imagination of a quintessential Ayurvedic parlour. It aligns physical care with deeper wellbeing through timeless rituals and ancient wisdom. Offered in a new space within the lush, floral environs of Anantara Spa, each meditative treatment at Ayu Lavanaya is formulated for immediate results and long-lasting benefits.

Signature therapies complement a full menu of Ayurvedic manicures, pedicures and eye rituals. The brightening and firming Kumkumadi Royal Facial uses the esteemed Kumkumadi oil to leave skin supple and luminous. The Kesha Revive Hair Ritual pairs a lime and onion extract head massage with warm triphala therapy to relieve tension, fortify roots and boost scalp health. The 120-minute Prana Radiance Ritual detoxifies the senses and rejuvenates vital energies through carefully crafted steps that promote release, balance and renewal. Also available are Abhyanga massages, Pizhichil Kerala-style oil baths, Sweda thermal infusions and more.

Beyond Ayurveda, the award-winning Anantara Spa has also introduced four specially curated aromatic massages, showcasing the sensory potency of the island’s indigenous ingredients. Melt away stress and tension with a ‘Four Hand Massage’ in which two skilled therapists work in perfect synchronicity to induce profound relaxation. Invoking the natural healing of the ocean, a unique Seashell Massage releases muscles and improves circulation by moving polished shells in graceful, flowing strokes across the body.

Age is no barrier to bliss at Anantara Spa with tailored 30-minute Kids’ Massages for ages four to 12. Using light pressure and natural coconut oils, these gentle treatments support healthy care for growing bodies. For mums-to-be, a 60-minute Pregnancy Massage eases the back, neck, and shoulders, reducing swelling and assisting sleep to boost comfort for mother and baby throughout their shared journey.

Yoga sessions by the sea, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and nutrient-rich menus augment all therapies and treatments, maximising every benefit and laying the foundation for long-term vitality. For more intensive healing, five-day programmes focus on inner harmony, deep sleep, natural weight management, or holistic detox and rebuilding.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort General Manager Erik Billgren said: ‘Since our doors opened, we have been honoured to continue and grow Sri Lanka’s long-lasting tradition of Ayurvedic practices and natural wellness. By expanding our spa menu and opening the exciting Ayu Lavanaya sanctuary, we are proud to set a new benchmark in holistic healing for every treasured guest.’

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort Head Doctor Bhagya Wellapilli said: ‘As a fully-trained Ayurvedic Doctor, I understand the importance of fostering a calm and welcoming environment in which guests can feel completely comfortable. By offering this alongside an extensive menu of expertly delivered rituals, we are excited to redefine the possibilities for soothing stays on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast – now, and for many years to come.’

DIMO Agribusinesses, the sole authorised distributor for Swaraj tractors in Sri Lanka, has significantly strengthened its after-sales service through a further expanded genuine spare parts network and Swaraj Parapura service initiative focused on Swaraj tractor owners who were getting ready for Maha season, providing an enhanced ownership experience for customers.

Further expanding its reach, DIMO appointed a new network of Swaraj spare parts dealers across key agricultural regions-including Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Monaragala-covering the Northern, North Central, Eastern, North Western, and Uva Provinces. This move aimed to ensure faster access to genuine parts and more efficient after-sales support.

Under the initiative titled ‘Swaraj Parapura’, the company introduced an island-wide doorstep service program during the recent Maha cultivation season, offering tractor maintenance and spare parts delivery directly to tractor owners’ homes. The Swaraj Parapura initiative also educated Swaraj tractor owners on tractor maintenance, which helped them to enhance the durability of the tractor. The service team also created awareness of the new parts dealer network, enabling a smooth ownership journey for the Swaraj customers.

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the Constitutional Council has exceeded its authority, while the President has acted strictly within constitutional limits in the process of appointing the Auditor General.

The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the fourth Ashes Test, has been deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’ with the venue handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees delivered the verdict, explaining the decision behind the assessment of the pitch. He stated, ‘The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point.’

England won the toss and put Australia in to bat, immediately putting pressure with a fierce pace attack. Josh Tongue spearheaded the effort, claiming 5/45 as Australia were bowled out for 152.

England looked to capitalise on the modest target but struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions themselves, being dismissed for 110 inside 30 overs.

Australia began their third innings on the opening day itself, which saw a total of 20 wickets fall. The trend continued in the second innings, with Australia managing to post 132, as England bowled relentlessly, helped by Travis Head’s 46, the highest score of the Test match.

England chased down the target in 32.2 overs, losing six wickets along the way, with valuable contributions from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Jacob Bethell.

The fourth Ashes Test concluded after just two days of play, with spectators witnessing a total of 36 wickets fall across only 142 overs and no batter managing to reach the 50-run mark.

Despite England securing their first Test victory on Australian soil since 2011, Australia have already retained the Ashes by winning the first three Tests to take an unassailable 3-0 lead. The final Test of the series will be played in Sydney, beginning on 4 January.