Category: Daily Financial Times

Skipper Ben Stokes described England’s Boxing Day Test victory at the MCG as a ‘pretty special feeling,’ as the tourists finally ended a 15-year wait for a Test win on Australian soil.

After chasing down a tricky fourth-innings target in challenging conditions, the England Captain admitted the closing moments were far from comfortable.

‘Yeah, amazing feeling. 10 runs have never felt so far away, when I got out. I did not want to come back into the dressing room and watch the TV on the delay. So yeah, awesome feeling. Been on a couple of tours before where it has not gone too well, so to end up on the right side of the result after a long period of time is a pretty special feeling.’

The significance of the moment was underlined when the entire squad emerged from the dressing room to share the final moments together – a release years in the making.

‘We, at the end there, when all the boys came out of the dressing room and had a little hug there and we’re like, finally, finally we’ve won one. So, yeah, good feeling,’ he said.

On a surface that offered something for the bowlers throughout, England committed to a proactive approach in the fourth innings, a decision Stokes felt was essential against Australia’s relentless attack.

‘There was only one way of going about, chasing that, that tally down which was to, to go out there and, and try and put the pressure on from ball one.’

Stokes also praised England openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, calling their partnership of 51 runs a ‘huge reason’ behind the successful chase.

‘When Zak and Ben started building a partnership, the field started to go back and then we were able to rotate (the strike). It wasn’t just the boundaries that were allowing us to take that total down. It was the ones and twos and the running between the wickets,’ he explained.

England’s tactical flexibility was also on display with Brydon Carse promoted to No. 3, a move designed to counter the passage of play against the new ball.

‘That wicket was very tricky, especially with a newer ball. we went with an idea of sending someone who’s got talent with a bat. Even if he gets a quick 20-30, that’s massive in a very small run chase.’

While the move didn’t fully come off, Stokes felt it eased the path for Jacob Bethell, whose composed knock of 40 in 26 balls stood out under pressure. ‘I was very impressed watching him construct that innings in the way that he did.’

Stokes highlighted Bethell’s bravery, particularly his willingness to disrupt bowlers’ rhythm, especially hitting Scott Boland over the covers immediately after the tea break. ‘You have got to be brave and courageous in, in the way that you play the game, especially on a wicket like that. You don’t underestimate the impact that a certain shot or a certain intent does to a bowler.’

Beyond the immediate result, the victory carried wider significance for a squad blending experience with youth, from veterans like Joe Root to players like Josh Tongue and Bethell at the start of their Test journeys.

‘We will all share that same satisfaction of winning a game out here and adding to it that it was a Boxing Day Test match, which is a very, very big sporting event that we’re lucky enough to be able to play in. We’re very proud and bosomed that we have managed to get this [win],’ he added.

Damro Group has donated Rs. 50 million to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund.

The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund was established to rebuild the country and restore the livelihoods of people affected by the Ditwah cyclone. Accordingly, financial contributions are being received on a daily basis from the local and foreign business community, organisations and philanthropists.

The relevant cheque was handed over to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, by Damro Managing Director Nalaka Gunathilake and Director Prasanna Kodippili.

Ninewells Hospital Ltd., has officially unveiled Ninewells Eye, Sri Lanka’s first fully integrated eye care hub, marking a major milestone in the country’s private healthcare landscape. The new facility was declared open recently at the Ninewells Hospital premises, bringing together comprehensive ophthalmic services under one roof for adults and children alike.

Designed for efficiency, convenience and clinical excellence, Ninewells Eye integrates outpatient consultations, advanced diagnostics, surgery, optical services and pharmacy facilities on a single floor. This end-to-end model enables patients to move seamlessly from diagnosis to treatment and discharge, setting a new benchmark in patient-centred eye care in Sri Lanka.

Ninewells Hospital Director and CEO Dr. Vibash Wijeratna said the initiative reflects the hospital’s long-term commitment to specialised healthcare excellence.

‘Ninewells Eye represents our vision of integrated, patient-focused care. By bringing consultation, diagnostics, surgery and optical solutions together in one space, we are transforming the eye care experience while maintaining the highest international standards,’ He stated.

He further noted that cataract and glaucoma-among the most common eye-related conditions in Sri Lanka-will be managed comprehensively at Ninewells Eye by an experienced in-house team of specialised ophthalmologists, ensuring timely diagnosis, advanced treatment and continuity of care under one roof.

The centre features two dedicated eye surgery theatres, equipped with the latest ophthalmic technology to support procedures such as modern cataract surgery and other advanced interventions. A full range of diagnostics, including OCT imaging, visual field testing and laser treatments, ensures precise diagnosis and minimally invasive care with faster recovery times.

From a strategic and operational perspective, Ninewells Hospital Chief Financial Officer – Group Sandun Wajira Kumara noted that the investment aligns with sustainable healthcare delivery.

‘This is not just an infrastructure expansion but a value-driven investment in quality, efficiency and long-term patient outcomes, with an investment of Rs. 500 million, Ninewells Eye has been developed to meet international standards, enabling integrated care that allows us to optimise resources while improving accessibility, affordability and overall patient experience.’ He noted.

Clinical leadership remains central to the new hub, Ninewells Hospital Head of Medical Services Dr. Romesh Fernando highlighted the medical advantages of the integrated model.

‘Patients benefit from continuity of care-consultation, investigations, surgery and post-operative follow-up are all streamlined. This significantly enhances safety, accuracy and overall clinical outcomes,’ He said.

Ninewells Hospital Deputy General Manager – Business Development Rajiv Bandaranayaka emphasised its role in meeting rising demand.

‘With increasing eye health needs across all age groups, Ninewells Eye is positioned to bridge critical gaps in specialised eye care while supporting Sri Lanka’s evolving healthcare expectations,’ he noted.

Operational excellence and patient comfort were also key priorities. Ninewells Hospital Group General Manager Ramkishore Krishnamoorthy pointed to features such as a dedicated VIP lounge and streamlined same-day discharge processes.

‘Every aspect of Ninewells Eye has been designed to reduce patient stress and waiting time, ensuring a smooth, dignified experience for patients and their families, adding that the centre is structured to deliver the highest level of personalised care and premium services for those who are able to afford them, while maintaining the hospital’s overall commitment to quality and clinical excellence.

With the launch of Ninewells Eye, Ninewells Hospital further strengthens its specialised service portfolio, reinforcing its mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality healthcare and positioning itself at the forefront of advanced eye care in Sri Lanka.

Lanka Realty Investments PLC yesterday said that its subsidiary On’ally Holdings PLC has commissioned the country’s largest LED display at its property in Unity Plaza in Colombo 3 on an investment of up to Rs. 200 million.

The high-capacity, triple-faced outdoor LED display at Unity Plaza and its related peripherals is projected to cost between Rs. 175 million and Rs. 200 million.

The Board of Directors of On’ally Holdings PLC expects the installation to materially improve advertising potential and contribute positively to the subsidiary’s future profitability, subject to prevailing market conditions.

Based on management projections, the investment is expected to generate approximately Rs. 150 million in additional annual revenue.

The company said the installation constitutes the largest LED display in Sri Lanka and represents the highest technological investment to date in the country’s LED and digital signage sector.

On’ally Holdings closed yesterday up Rs. 0.30 at Rs. 40.40 and Lanka Realty Investments ended Rs. 0.70 lower at Rs. 35.10.

Since assuming the duties of Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) on 2 January 2025, I have embraced an ambitious mission: to transform Sri Lanka›s insurance sector from a peripheral financial service into a central pillar of national economic resilience and social stability. My mission is not merely about increasing insurance penetration statistics, it is about cultivating a fully insured, financially literate, and future-ready society where every citizen, family, and business is protected against unforeseen risks.

The journey ahead is one of profound regulatory, technological, and educational reform. Our goal at the IRCSL is to establish a regulatory environment that is modern, transparent, and robust, earning the full trust of the public while fostering innovation and sustainable growth within the industry. This is a comprehensive blueprint built on three core strategic pillars: Empowering the Public through Education, Achieving Operational Excellence through Digitalisation, and Benchmarking Our Framework with Global Best Practices.

Pillar I: Cultivating a culture of financial preparedness

Sri Lanka’s insurance penetration currently stands at around 1.1%. This figure reflects not only a market challenge but also a deeper social reality, low financial and risk literacy among the general population. One of the main challenges to the growth of Sri Lanka’s insurance sector is how people think about insurance. For many years, insurance has often been seen as something complicated or only meant for the wealthy. Because of this, many people still do not see the real value of insurance or understand how it can protect them from financial risks. The result is that only a small part of our population is insured mainly due to a lack of financial and risk awareness.

The mass-scale ‘Insurance for All: For a Secure Future’ awareness campaigns

To change this, my key priority is to launch a nationwide, long-term education campaign that takes insurance awareness directly to the people, especially those in rural and underserved communities. The goal is to make insurance simple, relatable, and accessible to everyone. We will work with schools, community groups, media, and local institutions to help people understand why financial planning and insurance are essential parts of a secure future.

This is not a short-term project, but a long-term investment in our people and our country’s future. By improving knowledge and understanding, we can help every citizen make better financial decisions, protect their families, and recover more easily from unexpected events such as illness, accidents, or natural disasters.

The inaugural events in the Matara District in June 2025, followed by successful programs in the Northern Province, including Jaffna and Kilinochchi in October 2025, serve as powerful testaments to this commitment. These programs involve comprehensive roadshows, interactive public workshops for Government officials, school and university students, business community and the public. Participants have responded very positively, highlighting the strong need for such direct engagement and community-level awareness. Building on this momentum, similar awareness campaigns will be organised next year across selected districts where insurance penetration remains low, ensuring that the message of financial preparedness reaches every corner of the country. These efforts will continue in close collaboration with the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL), the Sri Lanka Insurance Brokers Association (SLIBA), and the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute (SLII), as part of a collective industry effort to strengthen public understanding and trust in insurance.

Integrating insurance into the national curriculum

To ensure that insurance literacy becomes an embedded societal value, we have embarked on a crucial collaboration with the Ministry of Education to integrate the core concepts of risk management and financial protection into the Government school curriculum. Our proposal advocates for introducing these fundamental principles to students as early as Grade 5.

The rationale is clear, by teaching concepts like actuarial science, underwriting, and investment as they align with existing subjects such as Mathematics, Biological Sciences, and Commerce, we are preparing a generation of youth who are financially well informed and ready to assume the specialised professional roles within the insurance industry. This curriculum development initiative is a mass-scale undertaking, aimed not just at promoting awareness but also at creating a sustainable pipeline of talent that will drive the sector forward for decades.

Fostering tomorrow’s leaders: The Inter-University Quiz Competition

Complementing our efforts in schools, the IRCSL is actively engaging university students. We are organising an Inter-University Quiz Competition that focuses on insurance, risk management, financial literacy and other general aspects. The objective is two-fold: to cultivate intellectual interest among undergraduates and to identify and nurture the next generation of thought leaders who will be vital in navigating the complexities of the modern global financial landscape. Further, through knowledge-sharing guest lectures and support for academic research, we are ensuring that the theoretical output from our universities remains aligned with the dynamic, real-world needs of the insurance industry.

E-Newsletter

The IRCSL e-Newsletter serves as a dynamic platform to share key updates, industry insights, and regulatory developments within Sri Lanka’s insurance sector. It aims to keep all stakeholders including Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL), Sri Lanka Insurance Brokers Association (SLIBA), Association of Actuaries of Sri Lanka (AASL), Sri Lanka Insurance Institute (SLII) and Academia, informed and engaged with the latest initiatives, policy directions, and awareness programs carried out to promote and strengthen the insurance industry. Through this digital publication, we hope to foster knowledge sharing, promote transparency, and enhance collaboration across the industry. Ultimately, this initiative contributes to building a well-informed and financially secure society.

Alongside these initiatives, our team undertook digital awareness efforts, including the development of engaging social media content to promote insurance literacy among the public. The IRCSL also collaborated with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to participate in regional-level financial literacy seminars and exhibitions, further extending our outreach to diverse communities across the country.

Pillar II: Achieving operational excellence through digitalisation

The global insurance industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation, and Sri Lanka must position itself at the forefront of this change. Digitalisation goes beyond efficiency, it enhances security, accuracy, transparency, and policyholder protection. Under my leadership, the IRCSL has prioritised several high-impact digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the insurance system.

The Government of Sri Lanka has made digitalisation a central part of its national plan, as outlined in its manifesto and the National Digital Economy Strategy. By improving digital infrastructure, expanding connectivity, and supporting new technologies, the Government seeks to create a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient economy.

In this context, the insurance industry must embrace digital transformation more fully. While some companies have begun adopting advanced technologies, significant opportunities remain to enhance operations, improve customer experience, and strengthen resilience. By leveraging digital tools and AI-driven systems, insurers can personalise products, detect fraud more effectively, and streamline claims processing, delivering faster, more transparent, and customer-friendly services.

Digitalising motor insurance: The repository and E-Card system

Motor insurance is often the public’s most frequent interaction with the insurance sector. The IRCSL is moving aggressively to establish a Centralised Motor Insurance Database, the national Motor Insurance Repository. This will serve as a single, authentic source of truth for all motor insurance

policies, offering real-time verification capabilities that are essential for law enforcement, claims management, and fraud prevention. By ensuring accurate and accessible information, it will enhance transparency, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen public confidence in the motor insurance system.

This initiative is paired with the introduction of digital motor insurance e-cards, which will replace cumbersome physical documents to ensure immediate, effective implementation, the IRCSL, in collaboration with the industry, has initiated a project to provide the Sri Lanka Police with digital tablets. These devices will enable law enforcement officers to verify the validity of any motor policy on the spot, drastically reducing the instances of fraudulent policies and ensuring that victims of accidents receive their rightful compensation faster.

We aim to build a sustainable and high-performing regulatory workforce capable of driving policyholder protection, financial stability, and the continued development of Sri Lanka’s insurance sector

Enhancing health insurance through digital integration

Digital technology can bring major improvements to health insurance. By using standardised disease coding, electronic health records, and AI tools, insurers can better understand risks, settle claims faster, and create health plans that suit each person’s needs. Having instant access to accurate medical data, helps reduce mistakes, prevent fraud, and support proactive healthcare, such as preventive treatments and early detection of health issues.

Recently, IRCSL held discussions with the Minister of Health to advance the implementation of a standardised disease coding system and electronic health records across hospitals. These discussions focused on enabling insurers to access accurate, real-time medical data, improving claims processing, risk assessment, and the design of personalised health products. Through this collaboration, IRCSL is helping make health insurance more efficient, transparent, and responsive, while strengthening trust and resilience across the sector.

Pillar III: Benchmarking against global excellence and targeted reform

A strong and resilient insurance sector is one that can absorb global economic fluctuations while maintaining the highest standards of international practice. During my tenure, I have been committed to guiding Sri Lanka’s insurance industry towards global best practices, particularly in strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing governance, and ensuring robust risk management. This approach aims to build a stable, transparent, and internationally competitive insurance sector that safeguards policyholders and supports sustainable economic growth.

Adopting global best practices: The India study tour

In August 2025, I led a high-level IRCSL delegation, accompanied by the Director General and two Directors of the IRCSL, on a strategic study tour to India. The delegation engaged with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB), and other key industry institutions. This mission was not a courtesy visit; it was an intensive exercise in knowledge transfer, aimed at extracting practical insights from India’s comprehensive ‘Insurance Vision 2047′ initiative, which seeks to provide insurance protection to every Indian citizen. Key recommendations for

Sri Lanka include the phased implementation of Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) and Risk-Based Capital (RBC) frameworks, adoption of IFRS 17 for transparent financial reporting, expansion of innovative distribution channels, strengthening reinsurance and investment practices, and promoting digitalisation, consumer protection, and insurance inclusion to enhance industry resilience and safeguard policyholders’ interests.

Introducing simple, standardised insurance products

One of the most pressing challenges facing Sri Lanka is the gap in accessible and affordable financial protection. Drawing from insights gained through our international engagements, we are developing strategies to promote the creation of insurance products specifically designed to extend coverage to vulnerable and underserved groups, including those in the informal sector.

Our focus is twofold, promoting affordable, high-benefit schemes offered by insurers, and taking initial steps to introduce insurance coverage for university students as a practical starting point, with the support of the Government. Monetary incentives will be considered to assist students who may not be able to afford premiums. Through these efforts, we aim to ensure that every Sri Lankan beginning with young adults in higher education has access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship.

Strengthening industry engagement and communication

Beyond these major policy pillars, we are committed to fostering continuous dialogue and transparency across the sector. We have initiated a series of programs to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry professionals, ensuring that research and practical knowledge flow freely.

Together with the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL), we are taking proactive steps to engage with leaders beyond the insurance sector, including CEOs from other industries, to facilitate open dialogue and knowledge exchange. This cross-sector collaboration brings fresh perspectives, encourages innovative solutions, and strengthens strategic partnerships, ultimately enhancing the insurance industry’s adaptability, responsiveness, and overall effectiveness.

International Conference; OECD/ADBI Roundtable on Insurance and Retirement Savings in Asia, 2-3 June 2026

The IRCSL will host the OECD/ADBI Roundtable on Insurance and Retirement Savings in Asia, international conference on 2-3 June 2026, bringing together global regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends, regulatory innovations, and strategies for enhancing insurance and retirement frameworks. This roundtable will provide a unique platform for Sri Lanka to benchmark its practices against international standards, foster regional and global collaboration, and gain valuable insights that can guide targeted reforms.

Looking ahead: Strengthening the IRCSL for the future

As the Insurance Regulatory Commission of

Sri Lanka celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, it is a timely moment to reflect on our achievements and prepare for the challenges ahead. Strengthening our staff and enhancing capacity is essential for the IRCSL to continue functioning as a modern, effective regulatory body. Ongoing professional development, knowledge sharing, and strategic reforms are required to ensure that our team performs at the highest professional standards.

IRCSL staff, who are responsible for supervising 29 insurance companies and over 80 insurance brokers, play a crucial role in overseeing a vital and complex segment of the financial system, safeguarding policyholders and upholding financial stability. Similar to their counterparts in other key financial regulatory institutions, such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), they play an essential role in the nation’s financial framework.

To attract and retain the right talent, it is imperative that the remuneration structures, benefits, and facilities offered to IRCSL staff are periodically aligned with those of other key financial regulators such as CBSL and SEC. As the lead authority mandated to supervise, regulate, and develop the insurance industry, the IRCSL is equipped with a highly competent and dedicated team. Sustaining their motivation and commitment is crucial to achieving the Commission’s core objectives of policyholder protection, institutional stability, and sectoral reform.

My next step is to develop a comprehensive proposal for establishing a structured mechanism to strengthen institutional capacity. Through this initiative, we aim to build a sustainable and high-performing regulatory workforce capable of driving policyholder protection, financial stability, and the continued development of Sri Lanka’s insurance sector.

Flag-carrier Turkish Airlines has taken a step further to strengthen its global reach by launching flights to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, in line with its strategic goals.

With this new destination, Cambodia becomes the seventh country served by the flag carrier in Southeast Asia and Phnom Penh joins the network as the 11th city in the region.

Strengthening commercial ties between Trkiye and Cambodia and contributing to the economic growth of this emerging market, the Phnom Penh route expands the airline’s Far East network to 20 cities and 21 airports, the airline said in a statement.

This new route offers Turkish Airlines’ guests easier access to one of the key destinations in the region and showcase once more the unparalleled connectivity the Turkish flag carrier offers as the only European carrier flying to this destination.

Turkish Airlines operates flights to Phnom Penh three times a week-flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while return flights to Istanbul operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Phnom Penh stands as one of the region’s most important tourism and trade centres with its historical fabric, cultural heritage, and vibrant city life.

A financial contribution of Rs. 50 million has been made by National Development Bank PLC to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to restore the livelihoods of people affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to rebuild the country following the disaster.

The relevant cheque was handed over by NBD Deputy Chief Executive Officer K. V. Vinoj, to Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. Sanjaya Perera and C. L. B. Dasanayake from NDB were also present.

Over 14 years after the collapse of the Finance and Guarantee (F and G) group, thousands of depositors say they are once again being failed – this time by those entrusted with reviving the defunct companies under the direct supervision of Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court.

The F and G group, once part of the wider Ceylinco conglomerate, collapsed in 2009, leaving an estimated 7,000 depositors unable to recover more than Rs. 6 billion in savings. Although Court proceedings later acknowledged that the group’s assets exceeded its liabilities, liquidation and recovery efforts have dragged on for over a decade.

During this prolonged process, many depositors have died without seeing justice or restitution.

In recent years, depositors were offered renewed hope when new management was appointed under Court oversight to revive Finance and Guarantee Property Developers (F and G PDL) and its related entities. Acting on representations made to the Court, the Supreme Court approved a structured repayment plan and ordered partial repayments amounting to 51% of deposits, without interest, on the explicit understanding that depositor funds – including proceeds from asset disposals – would be safeguarded and applied strictly in accordance with the Court-approved settlement framework.

Depositors now allege that these assurances have been breached.

According to information shared with depositor associations, assets belonging to F and G have been disposed of in recent months, generating liquidity that depositors say should have been channelled towards scheduled repayments. Instead, depositors allege that portions of these funds were diverted away from the Court-approved repayment plan and utilised for purposes unrelated to depositor settlement.

Most notably, depositor representatives point to an alleged Rs. 200 million investment into a hotel property in Wadduwa.

The hotel, co-owned by a foreign investor and a local partner, had reportedly been struggling to service its loans with the Bank of Ceylon and was facing imminent auction proceedings. Depositors allege that monies drawn from F and G-controlled accounts were used both to partially settle the hotel’s bank liabilities and to acquire an approximately 11% equity stake, at a valuation they claim was significantly inflated.

Depositors further allege that these transactions were carried out while scheduled repayments to depositors – including a payment due in September 2025 under the Court-approved plan – were not honoured.

Depositor representatives say this sequence of events directly contradicts sworn undertakings previously given to the Supreme Court, in which the Court-appointed controllers of F and G pledged that depositor funds would remain unencumbered, would not be deployed in third-party or speculative investments, and would be prioritised for settlement in line with the approved repayment schedule.

‘These funds were never meant to be risk capital or discretionary spending,’ a senior member of the Depositors Association said. ‘They were meant to be protected, preserved, and returned in accordance with a Court-approved plan. Instead, depositors are now watching assets being sold, payments being missed, and funds allegedly being diverted elsewhere.’

In addition to the disputed hotel investment, depositors have raised concerns about other withdrawals from F and G-linked bank accounts which, they allege, were used for personal or non-core expenditures. Depositor representatives say details of these withdrawals have not been disclosed, despite repeated written requests for clarification.

Of particular concern to depositors is the continued silence of directors appointed to safeguard depositor interests. These directors have neither publicly clarified the disputed transactions nor responded substantively to repeated requests for explanations, fuelling fears that depositor protections exist largely on paper.

Many depositors say the situation is especially painful given the long history of court orders, affidavits, and administrative assurances that followed the original collapse of the F and G group. For families who lost retirement savings, insurance proceeds, and lifelong investments, the latest developments feel like a reopening of old wounds.

Legal advisers to the Depositors Association confirm that preparations are now underway to seek renewed intervention from the Supreme Court. Depositors are expected to argue that Court-sanctioned revival powers were exceeded, fiduciary duties were breached, scheduled repayments were not honoured, and depositor funds were misapplied in violation of explicit undertakings given to the Court.

‘This is no longer simply a case of delayed repayments,’ one legal observer noted. ‘The allegations, if established, raise serious questions about contempt of Court, fiduciary responsibility, and whether Court-supervised recovery processes are being implemented in good faith.’

As Sri Lanka continues to emphasise the importance of financial sector credibility and investor confidence, depositors argue that the handling of the F and G case carries implications far beyond a single failed finance company.

‘Justice delayed was painful,’ one depositor said. ‘Justice compromised would be unforgivable.’

At the time of publication, repeated requests for comment from F and G’s current management and entities connected to the disputed investment have not received a response.

The recently held annual session of the College of Cardiology, which took place at Cinnamon Life concluded on a high note with an impactful address by Dr. Sivathasan Cumaraswamy, Consultant of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the Heart, Lung and Vascular Centre of Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, who championed the importance of patient-centric care in transforming healthcare outcomes across Sri Lanka.

The event brought together senior cardiologists, registrars, and healthcare professionals from across the country. Dr. Sivathasan, speaking as the Guest of Honour, highlighted the urgent need to rethink care models, moving beyond traditional treatment protocols to embrace a holistic, patient-first approach.

‘Over the last few decades, research has significantly transformed our understanding of the heart from molecular markers and genetics to regenerative therapies and precision cardiology. But even the most groundbreaking research is of little value if it does not reach the patient’s bed side in a timely, accessible, and treatable manner. And that’s our challenge and our responsibility,’ said Dr. Sivathasan in his keynote. ‘Prevention and preventive cardiology must be integrated into our schools, workplaces, and homes. This is where evidence-based practices meet public health. We must champion lifetime interventions with the same urgency as we do for statics and studies. Let us also remember that access is a matter of justice. Rural populations, economically disadvantaged groups, and rural people often experience the burden of disease. There is access to care. Reaching the gap means advocating for policies that support universal cardiovascular health through screening, education, and accessible treatment.’

Dr. Sivathasan’s visit was supported by IHH Healthcare, one of the world’s largest integrated private healthcare providers, and the event marked collaborative efforts between local institutions and IHH Healthcare, aimed at enhancing training, research, and healthcare delivery models.

The post-event engagement reinforces Sri Lanka’s commitment to aligning with global best practices while prioritising the unique healthcare needs of its population. As IHH Healthcare continues to support such forums, the shared vision remains clear: a healthcare system built around trust, compassion, and measurable patient outcomes.

CR and FC produced a composed and ultimately emphatic performance to defeat Sri Lanka Police SC 46/22 in their Inter-Club Rugby League encounter worked off at Police Park last evening, overcoming a stern second-half challenge to seal a valuable bonus-point victory.

The Red Shirts ran in seven tries, added four conversions, and a penalty, while Police replied with two tries, a penalty try, a conversion, and a penalty.

At the short breather, the Reds led 17/3.

CR dominated the opening exchanges, asserting control through superior ball retention and territorial advantage. Their forwards laid a good foundation at the breakdown and set piece, allowing the backs to play with confidence and width as the visitors built early pressure into a steady flow of points.

CR’s ability to keep Police pinned inside their own half proved decisive in the first period, as the Red Shirts capitalised on space out wide and maintained discipline to carry a 14-point cushion into the interval. For CR, Chamod Muthunayake, Omalka Gunaratne, skipper Lasindu Karunathilake, and Viduna Amaneth played well.

Police, however, showed admirable resolve after the resumption and injected urgency into their play. The home side struck back with three quick tries, exploiting lapses in CR’s defensive structure to narrow the margin to just seven points and briefly swing momentum in their favour.

Faced with a genuine test, CR responded with maturity and composure. Drawing confidence from their first-half lead, the Red Shirts tightened their defensive lines, regained control at the breakdown, and punished Police indiscipline to wrest back command of the contest.

CR’s finishing proved the difference as the match wore on. Their ability to convert pressure into points saw them pull away decisively in the final quarter, securing a bonus point that underlined both their attacking depth and mental resilience under pressure.

The Red Shirts’ tries came through Chamod Muthunayake and Viduna Amaneth, who both crossed twice, along with Pasindu Bandara, Omalka Gunaratne and Thenuka Nanayakkara. Nanayakkara was accurate with the boot, converting four tries and adding a penalty. For Police SC, Pasindu Tharuka and Rukshan Madushanka crossed for tries, with Tharuka also landing a conversion and a penalty.

Referee Raveen Alexander officiated the match.

Meanwhile at Welisara, CH and FC continued their unbeaten run with a hard-earned 29/13 victory over Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club. Leading 12/3 at half time, CH showed defensive discipline and clinical finishing to score five tries and collect a bonus-point win in a match refereed by Jeewaka Fonseka.