Apparel exports grow in Sept., YTD picture remains cautious: JAAF

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports returned to growth in September 2026, an encouraging sign for the sector. Although the nine-month total is still behind last year, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) sees the latest result as a positive step.

Apparel exports for the month came to $ 416.99 million, up 3.47% from $ 403.01 million in September 2025. The United States and the European Union, the sector’s two largest markets, led the gain. Exports to the US grew 7.17% to $ 172.03 million, and exports to the EU (excluding the UK) grew 6.5% to $ 132.46 million.

Performance across markets was mixed. Exports to the UK fell 5.92% to $ 47.33 million, and exports to other destinations slipped 3.89% to $ 65.17 million.

The cumulative figures tell a more sobering story. Between January and September 2026, apparel exports totalled $ 3,588.46 million, a decline of 5.52% from $ 3,798.25 million in the same period last year. That is a shortfall of roughly $ 210 million. One strong month, welcome as it is, does not close a gap of that size.

The decline runs across all major markets over the nine months. The UK saw the steepest fall at 10.85%, followed by the EU at 5.44% and other markets at 5.43%. The US fell 3.69%, the smallest drop among the major markets.

Changing trade flows of major trading countries, are also shaping the global picture. Chinese apparel shipments to the United States were around 34% lower in the first seven months of 2026, according to US import data. Industry representatives in competing countries note that China and India have been turning more of their attention to Europe following higher US tariffs, which has made the market more price-competitive.

China’s share of EU apparel imports edged up from 26.9% to 28.6% between January and April 2026. For Sri Lankan manufacturers, this points to a busier European market at a time when overall demand remains soft, and it underlines the importance of competitiveness, reliability and diversification.

JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said: ‘September’s growth in the US and EU is encouraging, and it shows our manufacturers can compete when demand is there. We’re still more than five percent behind where we were this time last year. What the industry needs now is steady, competitively priced energy and a supportive policy environment, so that this momentum lasts beyond a single month’.

JAAF sees September as an encouraging sign, particularly with the US and EU both growing, but not yet a turnaround. The industry will be watching closely whether this momentum carries through the remaining months of the year, and whether markets such as the UK can recover.

APG opens Sri Lanka’s third AML/CFT evaluation

The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) yesterday held the inaugural meeting of Sri Lanka’s Third Mutual Evaluation on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF), with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stressing that the credibility of the country’s financial system would be judged on how its safeguards work in practice.

A mutual evaluation is a peer review of how effectively a country prevents its financial system from being used to launder money and to finance terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

‘The strength of a country’s financial system depends not only on the institutions and regulations it puts in place, but also on how effectively they work together in practice,’ Dr. Amarasuriya said.

She said the evaluation provided an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to demonstrate its progress in combating financial crime, identify areas requiring further improvement and strengthen alignment with international standards.

Dr. Amarasuriya warned that corruption and the erosion of public trust in State institutions, particularly financial institutions, posed significant challenges to economic and political stability. Addressing these through transparency, accountability, strong institutional coordination and effective enforcement was essential to safeguarding financial integrity, restoring public confidence and strengthening the country’s economic resilience, she said.

She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working constructively with the assessment team and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen Sri Lanka’s AML/CFT/CPF framework, address emerging risks and uphold the confidence of international partners and investors, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said.

The meeting was attended by Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Secretary to the Minister of Justice and National Integration, members of the Financial Intelligence Unit and members of the assessment team.

BASL calls for independent probe into Police custodial death

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern over the death of a 29-year-old suspect in the custody of the Homagama Police, calling for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation.

In a statement, the BASL identified the deceased as Ishara Harshakumara, a father of two from Kiriwaththuduwa, who had been arrested in connection with a drug-related investigation.

Family members who visited the Homagama Police Station on 25 October, 2026 reported observing physical injuries on the suspect, which they believed indicated that he had been severely assaulted, the BASL said. The Police Spokesman, however, gave a different account, stating that the suspect had developed a sudden illness during an operation and died following admission to hospital.

Citing these conflicting accounts, the BASL stressed the need for a credible and independent investigation to establish the circumstances of the death. It said the State has a fundamental responsibility to protect the lives, health and physical safety of individuals in police custody, and that any allegation of custodial violence or ill-treatment must be treated seriously. If wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable under the law, it added.

The Homagama Magistrate’s Court has ordered a post-mortem examination, and a preliminary inquiry has commenced under the direction of the Homagama Assistant Superintendent of Police, the BASL noted. It called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and relevant authorities to ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and examined, and that investigations are conducted without interference or prejudice.

The BASL said it would consider further action if necessary and keep its members and the public informed of developments.

Placating demons still

Sri Lanka has spent recent weeks listening to a curse. Vas Kavi, anonymous verses invoking malevolent forces against the country’s rulers, have spread rapidly across social media.

The latest calls on Vajrapani, a fearsome form of the deity Sakra, to strike down an unnamed ruler accused of gaining power through falsehoods. The verses followed a campaign by a group of Buddhist monks demanding the release of a fellow monk sentenced to six years’ rigorous imprisonment for contempt of court. During the protest, participants reportedly drove wooden nails into a clay effigy in the name of the demon Maha Sona.

It is tempting to treat this as a curiosity, or as proof that a nation proud of its Theravada heritage has strayed from the Buddha’s rational teachings. A former Central Bank Deputy Governor argued as much in these pages this week. Yet the more useful explanation may be economic rather than doctrinal.

Decades ago, the anthropologists Gananath Obeyesekere and Richard Gombrich set out to explain why sorcery and spirit cults were flourishing in and around Colombo, not in remote villages. Their answer, in Buddhism Transformed, was that the post-independence economy had failed to keep pace with rising expectations.

People became poorer and more mobile, and the village community that once cushioned hardship began to disappear. These new stresses created new psychological needs. Gods with fewer moral scruples gained followers, and the sorcery deity Huniyan rose from demon to divinity in urban shrines. Obeyesekere returned to these themes in ‘Placating the Demons’, examining how ideas about demonic misfortune, possession and sorcery persist in new guises.

The point is not that Sri Lankans are unusually credulous. It is that people who feel they have little control over their circumstances look for other ways to explain misfortune and seek redress. When institutions appear unresponsive, the curse becomes a form of protest. When the economy offers no clear route upward, the shrine at least promises intervention.

Seen this way, the Vas Kavi episode is less a cultural throwback than a symptom. The economic crisis of 2022, when the country exhausted its foreign exchange reserves and could not import basic necessities, left deep scars.

Stability has since returned, but stability at the macro level is not the same as recovery for every household. Where gains from the turnaround are unevenly shared, the gap between those who have regained their footing and those still struggling breeds resentment that viral verses can easily tap.

That matters for growth. Once the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program ends, Sri Lanka will need sustained growth to consolidate its recovery. Growth depends on broad confidence in institutions, in the rule of law and in the prospect that effort will be rewarded.

A society that turns to curses to settle political disputes is signalling that such confidence is thin. The same column rightly noted that pressure to pardon a person convicted of contempt of court sits uneasily with the predictability that serious investors require.

Sri Lanka has spent centuries placating demons. The surest way to make them redundant is to give its people fewer reasons to call on them.

The answer cannot simply be to urge people to be more rational. Obeyesekere’s work suggests superstition recedes as insecurity does.

That points to growth that reaches beyond Colombo’s upper tiers, education that rewards understanding over rote learning, social protection that reaches those still recovering from the crisis, and institutions that citizens trust to hear their grievances without help from Maha Sona.

The five forces that will decide Nigeria’s 2027 election

NIGERIA’S 2027 election will not be won by manifestos alone. It will be won or lost on five familiar forces – gimmicks, betrayal, money bag, vote buying and structure. The APC enters the race as the incumbency party. Its strength lies in controlling federal power, over 22 governors, federal appointments and the security architecture. It has the deepest financial arsenal and the easiest access to state resources for logistics. Its main gimmick is continuity, selling the Renewed Hope agenda. Its weakness is that it carries the burden of economic hardship. Inflation, the pressure on the naira and the price of fuel make it vulnerable to anti-incumbency anger. Inside the party, betrayal is already brewing as ministers and governors position themselves for 2027. If it can hold its governors together and bring down food and fuel prices before the second quarter of 2027, it will be difficult to beat. If hardship persists and the northern bloc defects, money alone cannot save it. The PDP comes in as a wounded giant. It still has the oldest national structure with presence in every local government, and experienced canvassers who understand retail vote buying. But it is the worst hit by betrayal. Since 2023, it has suffered mass defections to the APC and is torn between the Wike and Atiku camps with no clear presidential candidate. Its propaganda sounds tired to many voters. Unless it resolves its leadership crisis by December 2026 and presents a fresh face, its structure will remain only on paper.

The Labour Party and the Obidient Movement remain the organic base. Their strength is the youth, urban voters and a powerful social media machine. They are perceived as the most sincere and they proved in 2023 that they can win Lagos, Abuja and the South-East without a traditional structure. Their weakness is the lack of governors and local government foot soldiers to protect votes, and they cannot match APC and PDP cash in rural areas where elections are actually won. They are also prone to ego-driven betrayals. If BVAS and IReV work transparently and youth turnout jumps from 30 percent to 55 percent, they can cause an upset. If the election becomes a cash-at-the-polling-unit contest, they will collapse. The real game is the NNPP and ADC coalition, the third force alliance. The talks around Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, El-Rufai and Amaechi coming together under ADC is significant because their combined votes in 2023 were over 50 percent. Their propaganda is simple – rescue Nigeria from APC. Their biggest weakness is betrayal. Who steps down for who? Who gets the ticket and how is the money bag shared? Nigerians have seen such coalitions betray voters after winning. If they agree on one candidate by mid-2026 and do not field parallel candidates, they become the main threat to APC. If they fail, they split the opposition vote and hand APC victory. On a pure analytical projection based on money, structure, betrayal tolerance and financial capacity, APC holds 45 to 50 percent advantage. A united opposition coalition under ADC would hold 25 to 30 percent, PDP alone 12 to 15 percent, Labour alone 10 to 12 percent, and NNPP and others 3 to 5 percent. If the opposition remains divided as it is today, APC wins with a 40 to 45 percent plurality because the opposition splits 55 percent. If the opposition unites, the race becomes 50-50 and a second round is possible.

Six indices will make or mar any vote in 2027. First is the money bag index. In rural Nigeria, ten to N20,000 at the polling unit overrides television debates. Second is the betrayal and defection index. Governors and National Assembly members defecting in the last 90 days moved 15 to 20 percent of state votes with them. Third is the INEC technology index. If BVAS and IReV work without glitches, vote buying drops by 40 percent. If network fails, manual rigging returns. Fourth is the ethno-religious gimmick index. Muslim-Muslim, North-South balancing still moves 20 percent of votes in the North West and South East. Fifth is the youth turnout versus hunger index. When hunger is high, people collect money and vote for the highest bidder. When hope is high, youth ignore money. Sixth is incumbent control of state apparatus, who controls police, INEC RECs and CBN cash release in the final 48 hours. In one sentence, 2027 will not be won by who is most sincere, but by who can combine sincerity propaganda with betrayal management, money bag depth and structure to protect the vote after buying it.

What we must do to make 2027 free, fair and sustainable.

Voter awareness is higher than ever: Nigerians no longer vote blindly. From market women to students, people now ask about candidates’ track record. The Labour/Obidient wave in 2023 proved sincerity of purpose can challenge money bag. Technology has come to stay: BVAS ended ballot box snatching. IReV made polling unit results visible on your phone. For the first time, rigging must be more sophisticated. Decentralization of power: States now control electricity, more of their resources. Elections are no longer just about President – Governorship and State Assembly matter more. This reduces do-or-die at centre. Youth and women participation: Under-35 are 65% of registered voters. More women, creatives, and diaspora are engaging, funding, and observing. Propaganda is no longer one-way – citizens fact-check on social media instantly.

What is weakening us: Monetisation of politics. Campaign has become pure money market. Delegate buying, polling unit vote buying of N5,000 to N20,000, stomach infrastructure. The richest, not the best, win primaries. This locks out good people. Betrayal and defection without ideology:

Politicians jump party every election cycle. PDP to APC to ADC not because of principle but because of ticket. Party manifesto means nothing. Voters get betrayed after voting. Weak party discipline: Parties are platforms to grab ticket, not to build ideology. No membership register, no dues, no training. So when one candidate loses primary, he betrays party and moves. Propaganda over performance: Campaigns use religion, tribe, fake news, deepfake videos instead of real plans for jobs, power, security. Emotional gimmicks win over facts. Politicians keep people poor so they can buy them cheap on election day. This is the ugliest – weaponizing hunger. Violence and intimidation: Thugs at polling units, attacks on INEC staff, suppression in opponent strongholds. Fear makes people stay home. Institutional capture: When INEC, Police, Judiciary are seen as aligned with incumbent, people lose faith. Once faith is lost, anarchy comes. Monetized Betrayal: Godfatherism – sponsors invest billions and demand refund with interest after winning. Public funds become private repayment.

This is the way forward for 2027 and beyond:

Kill vote buying at source. CBN and EFCC must track bulk cash withdrawals 72 hours to election. EFCC undercover officers at polling units, not just observation. Make vote buying a disqualifying offence, not just fine. If you buy vote, you lose ticket. Fix party system. INEC should enforce electronic party registers and direct primaries. If you did not pay dues for 12 months, you cannot be delegate. Law to stop defection six months to election unless you resign seat. This ends political prostitution.

Protect technology. Mandate by law: No manual collation without BVAS accreditation. BVAS failure = election rescheduled, not manual voting. INEC must publish IReV results in real time and keep server logs open to party agents. Reduce cost of politics. Cap campaign spending and enforce it. Free airtime on NTA, FRCN for all parties by law, so money does not equal airtime. Diaspora and crowdfunding must be legalized and transparent – so good candidates can raise small money from many, not big money from few. National Orientation Agency, churches, mosques, unions must teach people: Collecting N10k today means paying N10m in bad governance for four years. Debates must be mandatory – if you don’t show up for 2 national debates, your name removed.

Post-election justic: Election tribunal must conclude before swearing-in. Justice delayed is what fuels betrayal and violence. If result is proven to be manipulated, INEC officer and party agent must face jail, not just rerun. In one line: The good is that Nigerians now care. The bad is that the system still rewards money over merit. The Ugly is that we are normalizing poverty-for-votes. For 2027 to be free and fair, we must make it more expensive to buy votes than to win by ideas, and more costly to betray the people than to serve them. ý

Following TISL’s contempt application, SC sets deadline for Rs. 275 m payment in medical procurement case

Following an application for contempt of court filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) on 12 October 2026, the Supreme Court made directions on the failure of respondents in a medical procurement case to comply with its judgment requiring payment of Rs. 275 million in total, to the State.

The proceedings arise from the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered in case SC/FR/65/2023 on the 27 of March 2026, which found that five respondents; including former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, former Health Secretary S. J. S. Chandraguptha, and three other senior officials had infringed the fundamental right to equal protection of the law guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The Court ordered the former Minister to pay Rs. 75 million to the State and each of the other four respondents to pay Rs. 50 million.

TISL subsequently moved the Supreme Court for contempt proceedings, alleging wilful disobedience of the judgment and seeking appropriate action since the payments remained outstanding seven months after the judgement was delivered.

At the hearing on Monday, the third respondent, former National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Chairman Prof. S. D. Jayaratne submitted to Court that the payment of Rs. 50 million has been made on 22 October, following the filing of TISL’s contempt application.

The remaining respondents undertook to make payments in the following manner:

*The first respondent, Rambukwella, made a payment of Rs. 20 million on 23 October 2026 and gave an undertaking to pay the outstanding balance of Rs. 55 million within two weeks.

*The second respondent, Chandraguptha, gave an undertaking to pay Rs. 5 million within a week and to settle the remaining Rs. 45 million within three months.

*The fourth respondent, former Chief Executive Officer of the NMRA Dr. Vijith Gunasekara gave an undertaking to pay Rs. 20 million within two weeks and the remaining Rs. 30 million within three months.

*The fifth respondent, former Medical Supplies Division Director Dr. A. Thusitha Sudharshana gave an undertaking to pay all his savings amounting to approximately Rs. 2 million within this week and to settle the outstanding balance of Rs. 48 million within three months.

The Supreme Court, while directing the first, second, fourth and fifth respondents to pay the total amounts due within three months, imposed travel bans on all four respondents.

The Court ordered that they be enlarged on bail with each subject to a cash bond of Rs. 50 million and two sureties who must establish their capacity to pay the specified amount. The respondents were directed to fulfil the bail conditions within one week.

By bringing the non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s payment order before the Court, TISL sought to ensure that the Court’s orders were respected and that appropriate action was taken in response to their continued failure to be held accountable.

TISL emphasises that compliance with judicial orders is fundamental to the rule of law and constitutional accountability. Such compliance must not be dependent on the petitioner’s ability to initiate further proceedings in Court.

TISL further emphasises the following realities to those in positions of public power; their actions carry ethical and legal obligations towards the public they serve. Consequences of corruption carries long-term legal ramifications and permanent reputational harm. Civil Society Organisations and accountability actors will continue to actively monitor decisions to ensure strict adherence to legal frameworks and accountability standards.

Senior Counsel Senany Dayaratne with Attorneys-at-Law Lasanthika Hettiarachchi, Nishadi Wickramasinghe, Janani Abeywickrema and Maheshika Bandara appeared for TISL, instructed by Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayawardena. The matter is fixed to be taken up on 15 February 2027.

Strengthening Nigeria’s immigration

THE Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made encouraging strides in deploying digital technologies, streamlining passport processing and introducing electronic gates at the country’s international airports. These are remarkable feats of an agency whose operations directly affect national security and the everyday experiences of millions of Nigerians. Positive feedback from Nigerians in the diaspora concerning the passport acquisition process is particularly noteworthy. For too long, obtaining or renewing a passport had been an ordeal of bureaucratic delays, uncertainty and frustration. Improvements in this process demonstrate that Nigeria’s public institutions can become more responsive when administrative inefficiencies are confronted with determination. The adoption of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems is another important development. By enabling authorities to assess passenger information before arrival, these technologies can strengthen risk assessment and improve the identification of potentially dangerous travellers. Similarly, the E-Border Solution Project offers opportunities to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering and the monitoring of cross-border movements. Such initiatives reflect an understanding that effective immigration administration must be intelligence-driven, technology-enabled and professionally executed.

The resilience of Kemi Nanna Nandap, the NIS Comptroller-General in addressing human trafficking and other transnational crimes during her service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, further underscores the importance of operational knowledge in immigration leadership. The Service’s emphasis on capacity building, professional development and improved migration management also provides a foundation for more effective operations. President Bola Tinubu’s decision in March 2025 to extend her tenure until December 31, 2026, offers an opportunity to consolidate these achievements and confront longstanding institutional weaknesses. It is equally significant that a woman is leading an agency of such strategic importance. Nandap’s leadership reinforces the principle that competence, vision and professional dedication should determine the advancement of public officials, irrespective of gender. Nevertheless, the enduring value of her stewardship will be measured by their demonstrable impact on border security and institutional effectiveness.

The modernisation of the NIS is encouraging, but porous borders, irregular migration and persistent security vulnerabilities demand more decisive action. The sovereignty of the Nigerian State is not established merely by drawing lines on a map; it is demonstrated by the capacity to secure those lines, enforce the law within them and protect the people and resources which the lines encompass. As the nation is confronted by terrorism, transnational organised crime, human trafficking, smuggling and irregular migration, effective border management is an existential necessity. Thus, the ongoing transformation of the NIS represents a significant step towards a more efficient and technologically advanced institution.

Yet, the ultimate test of these improvements lies in their capacity to translate administrative gains into tangible advances in national security. The greatest test of Nigeria’s immigration system, moreover, is beyond its international airports. Nigeria shares extensive land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, to mention a few. These frontiers present formidable surveillance challenges, particularly where difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure and longstanding cross-border movements complicate enforcement. While many movements arise from legitimate economic, cultural and family relationships, criminal networks can exploit poorly monitored crossing points to give room for trafficking, smuggling and other illicit activities. This is where the NIS must demonstrate greater resolve. If Nigeria cannot adequately determine who enters or leaves its territory, the country risks undermining its security architecture. Where border controls are ineffective, the nation’s capacity to monitor population movements, combat illicit trade and protect its resources is inevitably weakened.

The security challenges confronting parts of northern Nigeria make this imperative even more urgent. Where armed groups operate with limited resistance or communities experience a prolonged absence of effective government authority, the implications extend beyond local insecurity. Such situations demand stronger intelligence coordination, improved frontier surveillance and a sustained government presence. The challenges must also be addressed through evidence-based security assessments and targeted interventions, rather than sweeping claims that entire communities have fallen outside the country’s control. Irregular immigration must consequently receive far greater attention. Enforcement should be firm, consistent and impartial, supported by reliable documentation systems, intelligence sharing and effective cooperation with neighbouring countries. At the same time, legitimate migrants must be treated lawfully and humanely. National security and respect for human dignity are not mutually exclusive; a competent immigration service must uphold both.

Public-health preparedness at the nation’s points of entry also deserves attention. Appropriate health declarations, risk-based screening and secure information-sharing arrangements with relevant health authorities can help Nigeria respond to cross-border disease threats. Such measures must be guided by scientific evidence, medical confidentiality and applicable data-protection laws. The objective should be to strengthen national preparedness without subjecting travellers to unnecessary or discriminatory procedures. The Ministry of Interior must provide the policy direction and institutional support necessary to sustain these advances. The NIS, for its part, should invest further in surveillance equipment, personnel training, operational intelligence and community engagement. Cooperation with other security agencies and neighbouring countries must move beyond formal agreements to producing measurable results on the ground. Digital innovation must also be supported by adequate staffing, maintenance, accountability and reliable funding.

The enduring lesson from the trends in the country’s leadership is that national challenges demand the courage to confront institutional weaknesses and the discipline to sustain effective solutions. The gains recorded under Nandap, within the purview of the Ministry of the Interior, provide a promising foundation for a more efficient immigration service. The priority now is to extend their impact, particularly in border surveillance, migration control and intelligence-led security. Nigeria cannot afford to allow weaknesses at its frontiers to undermine the advances made in its airports and passport offices. Thus, the ultimate measure of an effective immigration service is not merely how efficiently passports are issued, important as that is, but how effectively the country protects its territorial integrity. Nigeria must consolidate its administrative gains, close security gaps and ensure that the management of its borders serves the larger national interest.

CA Sri Lanka secures six-wicket win

The cricket team of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) made an impressive debut in the Professional League Cricket Tournament 2026, securing a six-wicket victory over the Town Planners in its opening match, played at the Katana grounds on Saturday, 3 October. This marks the first time CA Sri Lanka has participated in the tournament.

Batting first, the Town Planners posted 146 for seven, with Savinda Senarathna top-scoring with a well-compiled 52. In reply, the Chartered Accountants produced a commanding batting performance, spearheaded by Lahiru Fernando, who struck a brilliant unbeaten 103 to guide his team to 150 for four in just 18.3 overs and secure a convincing victory.

The result marks an encouraging start to CA Sri Lanka’s campaign in the tournament, which commenced on 1 October 2026. The Institute has fielded a 24-member squad of Chartered Accountants to compete in both the 50-over and 20-over hard-ball formats, marking its participation in a sporting initiative that brings professionals from across the country together through their shared passion for cricket.

The Professional League Cricket Tournament 2026 brings together ten professional communities in a distinctive competition for a single championship title. The participating professions are marketers, engineers, surveyors, doctors, lawyers, aviators, architects, town planners, interior designers and Chartered Accountants.

The 24-member cricket team representing CA Sri Lanka in the Professional League Cricket Tournament 2026 comprises: Raditha Alahakoon (Captain), Janaka Mohan Kumara (Vice Captain), Theja De Sliva, Lakmal Ranasinghe, Lahiru Fernando, Thahir Raza, Tharindu De Silva, Chaminda Senaviratne, Asela Karunathilaka, Navod Sangeeth, Nafaz Nilam, Suranga Fernando, Chalith Rathnaweera, Jeewantha Bandara, Logendran Sivaluxsan, Prasad Lakmal, Saman Sri Lal, Nalin Pushpakumara, Chamara Sampath, Suresh Motha, Gamini Wanasinghe, Rajith Perera, Pasan Ilangaratne and Jezeer Fazeer.

Cabinet clears $ 60 m OPEC Fund Loan

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved entering into an agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) to obtain a $ 60 million loan facility for Phase II of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program.

Following negotiations, the OPEC Fund agreed to provide the facility in two components of $ 48 million and $ 12 million. The Cabinet had earlier approved negotiations for the loan on 20 July 2026, as part of the proposed co-financing arrangement.

The Phase II of the program is aimed at achieving the Government’s long-term objectives of enhancing food security, strengthening water resources management, improving resilience to climate change and reducing poverty in dry zone areas.

‘The estimated total cost is $ 536.5 million, with funding to be raised through a multi-development partnership approach,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The Asian Development Bank has already agreed to provide $ 200 million.

He said under this phase, the remaining section of the main tunnel will be completed, including excavation of around 7 kilometers and related finishing works. Open and covered canals, waterways and small tunnel sections totaling about 68 kilometers will also be constructed, along with an 8-kilometer section of the Allapokana Irrigation Project canal.

The phase also includes the development of commercial agricultural infrastructure, comprising about 13 pressure distribution networks to reliably and efficiently supply irrigation water to high-value crops and field crops.

In addition, he said the agricultural production systems will be transformed through the introduction of climate-resilient value chains and expanded access to financial services and agricultural project services for farmers.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister.

HSBC Trade Cricket Sixes a success

HSBC Global Trade Solutions hosted its highly anticipated ‘HSBC Trade Cricket Sixes’ at the Colombo Gymkhana Club Grounds on 17 October 2026, bringing together 32 corporate clients from a range of sectors for a friendly and competitive six-a-side cricket tournament.

Unpredictable weather did not deter competitors or supporters. Participants remained enthusiastic and determined to take to the field, while colleagues turned out in force to cheer them on. Their energy reflected the lively spirit of the tournament and cricket’s enduring ability to bring people together.

A much-anticipated fixture in HSBC’s corporate calendar, the HSBC Trade Cricket Sixes has been one of the bank’s most awaited annual client events since its inception in 2008. The tournament continues to provide a relaxed and engaging platform for HSBC’s corporate clients to network, foster camaraderie and celebrate their strong and enduring business partnerships.

Defending champions Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd retained the HSBC Trade Cricket Sixes Champions Trophy in 2026, while MAS Legato Ltd., delivered a strong performance to finish as runners-up. The event once again demonstrated the value of bringing clients together through shared experiences, with the enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed throughout the day making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.