Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Bernard Philknit (Ceylon) Ltd., has launched its new collection of vests and T-shirts.

This launch marks a significant step in the company’s rebranding efforts, reaffirming commitment to quality and innovation under the new brand identity ‘Boths By Bernards.’

Under the leadership of Bernards Managing Director Suveksha Botejue, the company has focused on modernising its product range while staying true to the principles of comfort and durability that have made its products a household name.

The new collection, developed at the company’s factory in Colombo, is crafted from the highest quality materials, offering a luxurious feel and exceptional breathability. The designs have been thoughtfully developed to be uniquely comfortable and lengthened for a modern, relaxed fit.

‘We are incredibly excited to bring this new collection to our customers,’ said Suveksha. ‘Our brand, ‘Boths By Bernards’, represents our commitment to enhancing our range and expanding our reach. We have always been a trusted name in corporate apparel, and this new line allows us to cater to both our loyal corporate clients and a wider consumer base looking for premium, comfortable everyday wear.’

The rebranding to ‘Boths By Bernards’ signifies the company’s strategic move to evolve with the changing market demands and cater to a broader range of customers while upholding the legacy of quality established by its Founder, Bernard Botejue.

Container volumes handled at the Port of Colombo rose 5.7% year-on-year (YoY) to 5.43 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first eight months of 2025, compared to 5.14 million TEUs in the same period last year, the latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data showed.

Transshipment volumes grew 3.8% to 4.35 million TEUs from 4.19 million TEUs a year earlier. Domestic container handling recorded a faster pace of expansion, increasing 13.7% YoY to 858,324 TEUs from 754,834 TEUs in 2024.

In August alone, total container throughput rose 16.8% YoY to 741,124 TEUs from 634,554 TEUs a year earlier. Transshipment volumes increased 16% to 592,413 TEUs, while domestic volumes were up 3.2% to 113,615 TEUs.

Total cargo tonnage handled by Sri Lankan ports in the January-August period rose 2.1% YoY to 82.4 million metric tons from 80.7 million metric tons a year ago.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka, has announced the launch of the SLID – ACCA National Director Awards – a landmark initiative to honour exemplary leadership and governance excellence across Sri Lanka’s corporate sector.

The awards will recognise directors who demonstrate integrity, foresight, and impact, going beyond compliance to set new benchmarks in sustainable value creation and responsible

leadership.

A vision for governance excellence

In an era of rapid economic transformation, robust governance is critical to resilience and long-term growth. The National Director Awards have been established to:

Elevate standards of directorship and accountability.

Showcase role models who champion transparency, innovation, and stewardship.

Strengthen stakeholder trust and position Sri Lanka as a hub of responsible corporate leadership in the region.

National Director Awards Chair Rolf Blaser stated:

‘The National Director Awards have been introduced to recognise and celebrate directors who go beyond compliance to demonstrate how strong governance drives sustainable growth and long-term value. Our goal is to set new benchmarks that inspire responsible leadership and strengthen Sri Lanka’s corporate governance landscape.’

SLID Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody remarked:

‘As we commemorate SLID’s 25th Anniversary, the introduction of the SLID-ACCA National Director Awards constitutes a pivotal moment in our history. Our longstanding mission to advance governance standards in Sri Lanka is now extended through this awards program, which recognizes directors who personify integrity, strategic foresight, and tangible impact. We firmly believe that resilient economies are built on the foundation of strong boards. This initiative is designed to inspire future leaders to champion the principles of innovation, diversity, and accountability.’

ACCA South Asia Cluster Head Nilusha Ranasinghe added:

‘ACCA champions organisations that excel in sustainable business practices, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. Our collaboration with SLID underscores a shared commitment to nurturing directors who balance financial acumen with ethical stewardship-key pillars of sustainable prosperity.’

SLID Chief Executive Officer Anitra Perera emphasised:

‘The SLID-ACCA National Director Awards provide a platform that recognises and elevates the critical role of directors in shaping sustainable, future-ready organisations. This collaboration allows us to combine our shared commitment to governance and accountability, ensuring that Sri Lanka sets a benchmark for responsible leadership in the region.’

Award categories:

Will be presented across nine categories, including:

Outstanding Independent Non-Executive Director

Courage in the Boardroom

Greatest Impact on Corporate Boards

Innovation in Governance

Sustainability Leadership

Equity and Diversity Champion

Outstanding Young Director (Under 40)

Chair’s Award for Boardroom Excellence

Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominations open on 1 October and close on 31 October.

Eligibility:

Open to directors of Sri Lankan private and public companies, State-owned enterprises, and non-profit organisations. Submissions will be assessed by an independent judging panel comprising eminent leaders from business, academia, and civil society. For nomination details, visit: www.slid.lk

Awards Ceremony:

Winners will be honoured at a gala ceremony on 28 January 2026 at The Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Over the weekend we had weather at its worst and best in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup matches in Colombo.

Saturday when Sri Lanka were down to meet defending world champions Australia turned out to be a damp squib as the weather pattern suddenly changed to produce one of the worst downpours forcing the match to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The result was that Sri Lanka and Australia collected a point each. For Sri Lanka it was their first points on the board having lost their first match to India, while Australia went to the top of the table taking their points tally to 3.

Sunday saw the two cricketing giants of Asia, India and Pakistan clashing. Thankfully, the weather kept away even though there were dark clouds hovering around at the beginning, but gradually drifted away allowing for a full game to be played.

Never has the toss become the subject of discussion, since the men’s Asia Cup in the UAE last month. The refusal of Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Agha and subsequently India’s rejection to accept the Asia Cup from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister of the Pakistan Government, sparked off a series of criticism from past Indian cricketing stars and several other international cricketers from around the world.

In the Women’s Cricket World Cup game between India and Pakistan there was much expectation at the toss whether the Indian Captain Harmanpreet Kaur would extend her hand to her rival Fatima Sana. But unfortunately Kaur decided to follow her male counterparts and totally ignored her opposite number after the toss, thus extending the farce of not shaking hands into the World Cup.

No handshakes – Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana at toss during India vs Pakistan match

If India is so emotional with what took place between the two countries at Pahalgam, why play Pakistan at all. There is no necessity to bring their emotions into the sporting field and make the game of cricket a circus for such inappropriate conduct. By doing so they are only spoiling the cricketing atmosphere that exists at such sporting events. Also with a worldwide audience following the Women’s Cricket World Cup what is the message that India is giving to the younger generation by such demeanour?

To come back to the game, Pakistan cut a sorry figure losing the contest to India by 88 runs to suffer their 12th successive loss to them in as many matches and their fifth at World Cups. The two points India gained from the win pushed them right to the top of the table with 4 points after 2 matches followed by Australia (3), England (2), Bangladesh (2) and Sri Lanka (1) with the other three countries yet to secure a point.

Strangely enough Sunday does not seem to be a good day for cricket for Pakistan in contests against India. They have lost four matches on consecutive Sundays – 14 September Asia Cup group match, 21 September Asia Cup Super-Fours, 28 September Asia Cup Final, and 5 October Women’s Cricket World Cup fixture.

The World Cup matches moved to Indore yesterday and to Guwahati today, before returning to Colombo for the Australia v Pakistan game on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

CM Holdings PLC yesterday said that it was seeking shareholder approval to dispose of a 109.2 perches property owned by the company valued at Rs. 382.2 million.

The property located in Thalangama South, Battaramulla was valued in 31 March, the company said.

The Sri Lanka Army has commenced a series of multi-religious blessing ceremonies in connection with its 76th Anniversary, falling on 10 October.

These programs, held across the country, invoked blessings on the Army, its personnel, and the motherland, reflecting the nation’s rich religious and cultural traditions.

The inaugural ceremony was held on 26 September at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura, under the patronage of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo. A procession, carrying flags of all Army establishments, began near the historic Ruwanweli Seya and proceeded to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, where the flags were blessed before the sacred tree.

Simultaneously, Hindu religious rites were conducted at the Sri Kandasamy Kovil, Vavuniya, also under the patronage of the Army Commander. In addition, the Commander paid a special visit to ‘Abhimansala 1′ wellness resort in Anuradhapura, where he inquired into the wellbeing of disabled veterans undergoing treatment.

Continuing the blessings, a flag blessing ceremony was held at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Kandy, on 28 September and special religious ceremony was held at the sacred Kataragama Kirivehera and Devala premises on 29 September. The Commander of the Army, together with senior officers, officers, and other ranks from all regiments, attended these historic occasions.

As part of the inclusive series of events, Christian and Islamic religious ceremonies were also held. On 1 October, a special Holy Mass was conducted at St. Thomas’ Church, Kotte, presided over by Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo His Eminence Anton Ranjith, along with other Christian clergy, to invoke blessings on Army flags. The following day, 02 October, a special Qirath prayer session was conducted at the Jummah Mosque, Kollupitiya, with the participation of Chief Priest Riswan Maulavi and several other maulavis.

Senior Officers, officers, and other ranks representing all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army joined these events, reaffirming the Army’s longstanding tradition of seeking the blessings of all major faiths in Sri Lanka as it enters its 76th year of service to the nation.

The Sri Lanka National Esports teams, powered by Dialog Axiata, represented the nation in the Asian Online Regional Qualifiers for the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) 17th World Esports Championship.

The qualifiers brought together top Esports athletes from across Asia to compete in multiple titles, including Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), MLBB Womens, and PUBG MOBILE.

Sri Lanka’s representatives, selected through national qualifiers conducted earlier this year by the Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA), competed with determination against strong opposition from across the continent.

In CS2, the national lineup, Geeshan ‘Defiance’ Jayarajah, Vibuda ‘ChromnZ’ De Zoysa, Andrew ‘ShAKeRZ’ Damien, Muzakkir ‘plastE’ Fahim, Zayyaan ‘HeLLScrM’ Ali, Afzal ‘Matrix’ Miqdhad and Thisura ‘VeZpuLa’ Lakdinum, battled in the South Asia region bracket.

The Dota 2 squad, Azeem ‘zem’ Uziri, Umar ‘Le Toxicity’ Azmal, Aadil ‘Seijin’ Uziri, Mawshook ‘Mawshook’ Mowlana, Hareshan ‘Harry’ Indravarnan, Jarim ‘Ryze’ Ahamed, and Thilina ‘Zoom’ Dilshan, represented Sri Lanka against regional giants in a challenging qualifier run.

Sri Lanka also fielded strong teams in both MLBB categories. The Open team consisting of Hudson ‘VOLTREX’ Jerianz, Binara ‘DEADZONE’ Lankatilleke, Dasun ‘SKYZONE’ Hansana, Ashan ‘ZEYROX’ Sovis, Sandun ‘TNC’ Madhubhsahana, Tishan ‘THE BLACK CAT’ Dhanuja, and Sithija ‘REBOOT’ Sandaruwan, competed in South Asia. The Women’s team had Kavindhya ‘CLEMENTINE’ Madhubhashini, Yasara ‘YASARA’ Santhunga, Gimhani ‘TIANA’ Thashmila, Sithmini ‘SITHMINI’ Vishma, Sandami ‘CRYSTAL’ Dankoluwa, Shanaz ‘MIDNIGHT’ Dilum, and Hiruni ‘HIRU’ De Silva who showcased the growing presence of women in Esports from Sri Lanka.

In PUBG MOBILE, the Sri Lankan team of Dilshan ‘DILA31’ Bandara, Avishka ‘DESTROxAN’ Srihan, Chanuth ‘Sana’ Santhosh, Thaabish ‘THABSmvp’ Thaabish, Sethum ‘ØMEGA’ Deelaka and Azlan ‘AZLAN’ Ameen competed strongly against some of the best squads in the Asia and Oceania region, demonstrating resilience throughout their matches.

Sri Lanka Esports Association President Raveen Wijayatilake said: ‘International qualifiers such as these are vital stepping stones for our athletes. Competing against Asia’s finest provides them with invaluable exposure and experience that strengthens Sri Lanka’s Esports ecosystem. We are proud of their dedication and look forward to building on this momentum.’

HSBC has been voted as the No. 1 Cash Management Provider in Sri Lanka in Euromoney’s Cash Management Survey 2025, an independent survey based on votes by corporate clients.

The bank provides a wide range of cash management solutions in Sri Lanka serving corporate clients, that include leading local conglomerates, global multinationals subsidiaries, mid-market enterprises, financial institution groups, and non-banking financial institutions.

HSBC Sri Lanka CEO Mark Surgenor said: ‘We are proud to be voted the best cash management provider in Sri Lanka for the second consecutive year. The recognition is not just a testament to the trust our clients place on us, but also the insights and partnerships our team brings to support their ambitions to grow and meet their evolving financial needs.’

With over 130 years of history, HSBC has connected Sri Lanka to the world through its global footprint and connectivity and continues to support its Corporate and Institutional Banking clients by driving two-way trade and investment flows that strengthen the country’s economic growth.

HSBC was also voted as the #1 Overall Cash Management Provider for Large Corporates for a third time globally and #1 domestic Cash Management Provider across 13 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas by 29,500 treasury practitioners worldwide who contributed to survey.

HSBC’s strength and stability are further reflected through the awards won earlier this year. HSBC Sri Lanka was awarded the Best International Bank in Sri Lanka for 2025 by Euromoney and Finance Asia, Best Service Provider for Cash Management in Sri Lanka by The Asset Triple A Treasurise Awards 2025, Best Trade Finance Bank, and #1 in Client Service and Products, and Technology in Euromoney’s Trade Finance Survey 2025.

Wesley College once again underlined their growing dominance in junior rugby when they clinched the All Island Under-16 Elite Rugby Tens 2025 win edging out Science College 5/3 in a nail-biting final played at St. Peter’s College grounds in Bambalapitiya last weekend.

Player of the Tournament was Mohamed Shibly of Wesley College.

The Double Blues, who also emerged champions at Under-14 level on two occasions in recent years, showed remarkable grit to add another feather to their cap at the national stage with the same squad and sent out a warning to other rugby playing schools to watch out the, in the coming three years.

The grand final was a tensed affair where Science struck first, slotting over a penalty in the through Nesandu Pahan to lead 3/0. Wesley, however, came storming back after the break, registering the game’s only try through Mohamed Shibly. The winning score came under some controversy, as the Wesley player appeared to lose control of the ball just before grounding it. Assistant Referee too was nowhere near the incident area.

On their path to glory, Wesley outclassed Lumbini 17/0 in the semi-final after knocking out St. Joseph’s in a thrilling quarter-final encounter which went Double Blues way 19/14. Science College, meanwhile, displayed their own class overcoming Trinity 12/7 in extra time after the match was tied 7-all in regulation. Science got the better of a dangerous POW 14/0 in the Cup Quarter final encounter. Both teams displayed skill and determination, but Wesley held firm when it mattered most.

In the other segments, Joes captured the Plate by defeating Isipathana 12/5, while Vidyartha secured the Bowl with a 14/0 win over home town rivals, Kingswood. The Shield went to D.S. Senanayake, who overcame Ananda 10/0 in the final.

The tournament, played over two days at Ananda and St. Peter’s grounds, was proudly sponsored by Chirpy Chips adding much-needed support to school rugby.

Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh smashed 103 not out to steer Australia to victory in the third T20 against New Zealand and secure a 2-0 series win.

The opener dominated the Australia innings, holding things together while wickets fell at the other end.

The visitors were chasing 157 after a reasonable batting display from New Zealand. Opener Tim Seifert top-scored with 48 from 35 balls after the top order fell to 77-4.

Late cameos from Michael Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham, who hit 26 and 25 respectively, helped the Black Caps to 156-9.

Sean Abbott was the pick of the Australia bowlers, taking 3-25, while Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett took two wickets each.

In reply, Marsh was at his dominant best and almost single-handedly sealed victory – Mitchell Owen’s 14 the second-highest score.

He finished with an unbeaten 103 off 52 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes.

The victory secures Australia a series win – having won the first T20 by six wickets, while the second had no result due to rain.