Category: Daily Financial Times

In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah’s severe flooding across the Western Province, Round Table Sri Lanka (RTSL) has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest and most effective humanitarian responders, deploying urgent relief operations.

RTSL’s first major mission launched in Welampitiya, delivering emergency food parcels, ration packs, medication, and bedsheets to families stranded for days by rising floodwaters. As the disaster expanded, RTSL rapidly scaled its operations, navigating submerged roads and inaccessible areas to reach vulnerable communities across multiple districts.

Relief achievements as of 2 December 2025: 10,000+ food parcels distributed, 1,000+ ration packs delivered, 100 rescues coordinated or assisted, Dry ration airlifts underway to regions inaccessible by road and ongoing fundraising for rations, food parcels, and rescue logistics

In partnership with Yahaguna Padanama and supported logistically by Expolanka, RTSL has begun airlifting dry rations to isolated communities, ensuring uninterrupted support to areas where land access has been completely blocked by floodwaters. Food parcels and ration packs airlifted via the airforce.

RTSL emphasises that the success of its humanitarian mission has been driven by its dedicated volunteers. These teams continue to work long hours in hazardous, waterlogged, and rapidly evolving conditions, providing life-saving assistance and maintaining the organisation’s reputation for speed, compassion, and reliability.

The initiative was founded and directed by Avanka William, whose leadership has been central to RTSL’s rapid response. William coordinated frontline logistics, organised both local and international fundraising, and personally travelled into high-risk flood zones to deliver food, medication, and essential supplies. His efforts have significantly amplified public awareness and mobilised nationwide support.

Supporting him is Randhike Cooray, the operational backbone of the mission. Cooray has overseen dispatching, ground coordination, resource movement, and volunteer management, ensuring the safe and efficient execution of every relief deployment.

RTSL acknowledged the critical support received from its extended family of partner organisations, whose contributions have strengthened and expanded the reach of the relief operations: Ladies Circle Sri Lanka, 41er’s Club Sri Lanka, Tangent Sri Lanka and Round Table International Family, which have provided continuous and generous financial support to sustain and accelerate relief efforts. Their combined assistance ranging from volunteer manpower to essential funding has made a substantial difference in reaching families most affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

RTSL will continue ongoing distributions of ration packs, coordinate further airlift missions, support displaced families, and maintain long-term recovery efforts as Sri Lanka transitions from emergency response into rebuilding.

The Sri Lanka High Commission in London (SLHC), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), organised a Sri Lanka Tourism briefing session at the SLHC on 17 December under the theme ‘Discover the Renewed Sri Lanka.’

The event brought together nearly 70 participants, including tourism industry leaders, tourism officials, travel trade partners, agents, writers, bloggers, and travel and tourism enthusiasts from the UK and Sri Lanka.

Delivering the opening address, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Nimal Senadheera outlined Sri Lanka’s renewed tourism narrative, emphasising resilience, recovery, and sustainable growth. He highlighted the positive recovery of the sector despite recent challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to being a safe, welcoming, and high-quality destination for international travellers.

He also noted that the UK continues to be Sri Lanka’s second-largest source market in 2025 and outlined the role of the SLHC in supporting recovery efforts, engaging the Sri Lankan community in the UK, and providing timely travel updates to UK travellers.

Key travel updates and plans for the coming year, including global marketing initiatives, were presented by SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam. He was joined by Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Nalin Jayasundara, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka President Asoka Hettigoda, and SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager – Europe and the Americas Chinthaka Weerasinghe, who joined virtually from Sri Lanka.

The event was moderated by SLHC Minister – Commercial Somasena Mahadiulwewa. The program included destination and testimonial videos, updates from SriLankan Airlines, and an interactive Q and A session, providing networking opportunities and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s renewed confidence and strong partnership with the UK travel and tourism market.

The Government’s fiscal performance continued to strengthen before the Ditwah crisis, with the Budget deficit in the 11 months to end-November 2025 contracting by over 73% from a year ago and the record primary surplus nearing Rs. 2 trillion.

The Government has earmarked Rs. 700 billion for post-Ditwah relief and recovery measures, comprising Rs. 500 billion via a supplementary estimate for 2026 approved by Parliament on 19 December with an additional Rs. 200 billion to be diverted from the 2026 Budget capital expenditure allocation.

With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approving the $ 206 million Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), Sri Lanka has formally assured the IMF that it will preserve fiscal discipline and maintain an open trade and payments regime while responding to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, as concerns mount over the sustainability of the country’s economic recovery.

The World Bank has estimated initial damage from the disaster at around $ 4.1 billion, while the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has placed the total economic impact at $ 16 billion. The IMF has separately forecast Sri Lanka’s balance of payments (BOP) deficit to widen by about $ 700 million.

According to new Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data, the Government’s Budget deficit for the first 11 months of 2025 reached Rs. 325.6 billion, down 73.25% from Rs. 1.22 trillion a year ago, with tax revenue growth outpacing expenditure.

Tax revenue was up 36.82% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs. 4.94 trillion in the first 11 months of 2025, non-tax revenue was up 19.19% YoY to Rs. 334.3 billion, and grants increased by 16.3% YoY to nearly Rs. 16 billion.

Recurrent expenditure was up 8.55% YoY to Rs. 4.64 trillion, while capital and net lending increased 6.55% YoY to Rs. 645.62 billion, while the total allocation for capital expenditure for 2025 was budgeted at Rs. 1.3 trillion.

The Government reported a primary surplus of Rs. 1.94 trillion for the 11-month period, up 109.28% from Rs. 928 billion a year ago.

Earlier this month, in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said about Rs. 1 trillion was already available for immediate deployment without new legislation. This was prior to the latest data, which place the primary surplus at nearly Rs. 2 trillion.

Disaster spending would not fall under the 13% of GDP cap on other expenditure, and exemptions under the Central Bank Act allowed monetary support in the event of a natural disaster. Additional allocations would be needed in next year’s Budget as rebuilding advances.

Dr. de Silva said fiscal rules and improved public finance management had strengthened discipline, but warned against using buffers to accumulate surpluses ‘larger than necessary’ at the expense of investment. Sri Lanka, he said, could not rely on incremental inflows. Sustainable growth depended on opening the economy, accelerating reforms, and attracting substantial foreign and domestic private capital.

CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe told the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit earlier this month that he was not concerned about the Government’s fiscal performance post-Ditwah, but warned that long-term structural reforms must not be forgotten in order to generate sustainable growth.

The Government yesterday extended the State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka, according to an Extraordinary Gazette notification.

The proclamation was issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake exercising the authority conferred on him under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40), as amended by Act No. 8 of 1959, Law No. 6 of 1978, and Act No. 28 of 1988.

Accordingly, the provisions set out in Part II of the Public Security Ordinance will remain in force across the island.

The State of Public Emergency was first declared on 28 November in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

These regulations grant the authorities sweeping powers aimed at safeguarding national security, public order, and ensuring the delivery of essential services amid ongoing weather disaster conditions.

Under the new framework, the President may appoint by name or by office individuals or officials as ‘competent authorities’ to carry out various emergency functions, either for the entire country or for specified areas. This delegation can also be extended to Ministers or other authorised persons as needed.

A core feature of the regulations is the power to requisition private sector property, vehicles, and even personal services. If buildings or premises are required for relief work, for example, sheltering displaced persons or staging disaster-response operations, senior officers from the Tri-Forces-Army, Navy, or Air Force-are authorised to take possession.

Residents or occupants can be evicted and access restricted to unauthorised persons. The law provides for forfeiture if premises are used in aid of prohibited acts or crimes under the emergency framework. Similarly, the authorities can requisition private vehicles if deemed necessary in the interest of national security, public order, or to maintain supplies and services essential to community life.

The regulations also enable mobilisation of human resources. The President can declare certain services ‘essential services,’ in which case individuals employed in those sectors may be required to work outside regular hours, even on holidays, and refusal without lawful excuse may result in termination of employment and criminal penalties.

To oversee and coordinate these operations, the regulations allow for appointment of a ‘Commissioner-General of Essential Services’ with authority to delegate duties to Deputies or Assistants. This office is responsible for executing and coordinating all activities related to the maintenance of essential services across the country or in designated parts.

Complementing that, a ‘Commissioner of Civil Security’ may be appointed to oversee civil security matters, supported by Deputy Commissioners and other competent authorities. Local level governance is also factored in and for each Divisional Secretary’s Division, an advisory committee composed of public servants and community-recognised persons must be formed to advise authorities on preserving public order and ensuring continuity of essential supplies and services.

Further, the regulations give broad powers of search, seizure, arrest, and detention without warrant for persons suspected of involvement in various offences under specified sections of the penal code, particularly offences related to violence, damage to property, or threats to public order. Armed forces personnel alongside Police are empowered to carry out such operations.

Legal protections are extended to actions taken in ‘good faith’ under these emergency regulations; no civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against persons for acts done in good faith under this framework, except with prior special authorisation.

Sethma Hospitals Ltd., has received the award for Best Entrepreneur in the Services Sector (Hospitality, Tourism and Other Services) – Medium Scale at the Western Province Entrepreneur Awards 2025, organised by the National Enterprise Development Authority in collaboration with the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. The recognition marks another milestone for the Gampaha-based multi-specialty healthcare provider, which has grown steadily since its establishment in 2006. Sethma Hospitals operates under the leadership of Chairman Dr. D.C.S. Jayasuriya and is approved by the Private Health Services Regulatory Council (PHSRC) of the Health Ministry. Over the years, it has strengthened its presence in the district with a modern, 70-bed facility built to meet international standards.

Sethma Hospitals offers a wide range of services during all 24hrs including elderly care, emergency care, maternity and new-born services, dental and cardiology clinics, pain management, dermatology and beauty care, OPD, Eye Care Services, Eye investigations ,medical investigations, laboratory services, pharmacy, and nutrition and weight management support. The hospital also has two fully equipped operating theatres capable of handling major and minor surgeries, including eye surgeries, Orthopedic surgeries and all general surgeries along with an fully automated laboratory offering comprehensive investigations. Sethma hospital is planning to expand their services by adding another 16 luxury rooms, Urology Care Unit Dialysis Unit, Fertility Care Services, Latest X ray technology, Endoscopy Unit and Laparoscopy surgeries within next few months. Patients have access to a range of room options designed to ensure comfort during hospital stays. Facilities include spacious waiting areas, modern consultation rooms, luxury rooms, an information desk staffed throughout the day, ample parking within the premises, and a cafeteria offering fresh meals and beverages. A dedicated children’s play area adds to the hospital’s focus on creating a welcoming environment for families. In 2017 and 2018, Sethma Hospitals was named the Best Service Entrepreneur in the Western Province by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Today, more than 70 specialist consultant doctors from across the country visit the hospital for consultations, reflecting its standing as a trusted healthcare provider in Gampaha district.

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.

A special discussion chaired by Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa was held at the Ministry of Health to strengthen mechanisms for ensuring drug quality standards.