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Technology has transformed communication, healthcare, finance and entertainment-but many elders are left behind due to limited digital literacy. On World Elders’ Day, it is important to recognize that bridging the digital gap for senior citizens can improve independence, safety and social connection.

Many elders find smartphones, apps and online services confusing or intimidating. Without guidance, they may avoid using technology altogether, missing opportunities for telemedicine, virtual banking, video calls or online information. Digital exclusion can increase loneliness, limit access to services and reduce independence.

Teaching digital skills to elders requires patience, clear instructions and practical examples. Family members can start with simple tasks such as making video calls, sending messages or using health apps. Community centres, libraries and NGOs can organize digital training sessions specifically designed for senior learners.

Affordable devices with accessible features such as larger fonts, voice commands and simplified interfaces can make technology less overwhelming. Governments and private sectors can offer subsidies, senior-friendly devices and helplines to assist with technical support.

Technology can improve elder safety and convenience. Telemedicine allows medical consultations without travel. Emergency alert systems and health monitoring apps provide peace of mind to both seniors and families. Online banking helps elders manage finances securely without standing in queues.

Most importantly, technology reduces isolation. Video calls allow grandparents to connect with family abroad. Social media and messaging platforms help them maintain friendships and participate in community groups. Entertainment apps, audiobooks and educational videos can stimulate cognitive activity and reduce boredom.

However, cybersecurity awareness is essential. Elders must be taught how to recognize scams, protect passwords and avoid sharing personal data. With the right guidance, they can use technology confidently and safely.

Digital inclusion is not about replacing human connection; it enhance

India overcame pressure and difficult batting conditions to score a first-up win at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2025.

India’s mission to claim a maiden 50-over Women’s CWC is off to a positive start, beating foes Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method) in Guwahati. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the home side, who lost four wickets for just four runs in the middle stages of their innings, falling to 124/6 after 27 overs.

Sri Lanka’s sixth pole brought Amanjot Kaur to the crease, who steadied things for India alongside Deepti Sharma. Outside of putting their team’s batting depth on full show, the pair put on 103 runs for a stand that would help set up a first-up World Cup victory.

Post-game, Amanjot (57 off 56) shot down suggestions there were nerves when she came to the crease, clinging to full belief in not only the process, but the talent she shared a wicket with.

‘I knew that Deepti was with me,’ she told media. ‘We can make a long partnership. I wanted to stay on the wicket. The wicket was a little sticky, it was holding, it was moving, so as long as we played, we knew that we could get a decent total for India, and we did just that. I rarely get a chance to bat; I got the chance today and I enjoyed it when I batted and I’m sure Deepti was also very happy to do batting.’

‘If I would have played slowly and got out, then you’ll would say I wasted so many balls and didn’t get any runs. That is how cricket is. At least that ball will not be spoilt for the next person. Because ultimately, you have to put up some score on the scoreboard to defend.’

With a win on the board, India will look to stay in the moment and turn their attention to what promises to be a huge matchup with Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday.

‘We’re going to take this game by game,’ Amanjot continued. ‘Day one, we have done well and we have won, now we have to have eight more good days; hopefully, we will have eight [more] good days.’

The Government is to fast-track passport processing for overseas applicants, more efficient handling of dual citizenship requests, and expanding digitalisation to streamline administrative procedures.

This was discussed at a meeting held by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra at a high-level joint meeting bringing together senior officials of the Ministry’s Consular Division and the Department of Immigration and Emigration to review and enhance key aspects of Sri Lanka’s consular and immigration services.

The meeting, was attended by Additional Secretaries of the Consular and Foreign Employment Divisions, the Director General of Consular Affairs, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, senior Directors from both Departments, and the Chairman and Additional General Manager of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

Commending officials for their continued dedication, particularly for their efforts in successfully clearing the backlog of passport applications, the Deputy Minister said it was an achievement that significantly improved service delivery, especially for Sri Lankan citizens living and working overseas.

Discussions at the meeting focused on accelerating the processing of passport applications submitted from abroad, improving the efficiency of dual citizenship application handling, and expanding digitalisation to streamline administrative procedures.

Several operational and field-level issues were also examined with the aim of strengthening the quality and responsiveness of services offered by the two institutions.

‘We are committed to fostering greater coordination between institutions to ensure efficient, transparent, and people-centred service delivery for all Sri Lankans, both locally and overseas,’ Hemachandra said.

World Elders’ Day is a time to recognize the wisdom, sacrifices and lifelong contributions of senior citizens. As life expectancy increases globally, societies must ensure that older people are not marginalized but supported to live with dignity, independence and purpose. Ageing is not a burden-it is a natural stage of life that deserves respect, planning and care. Building an inclusive society for elders involves addressing healthcare needs, social inclusion, financial security and emotional wellbeing.

Healthcare is one of the most critical areas affecting elders. Age-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and memory disorders require consistent medical attention. Unfortunately, many senior citizens face limited access to quality healthcare due to high costs, long travel distances or lack of support systems. Creating affordable and accessible healthcare facilities, mobile clinics and home-care services can significantly improve quality of life. Training caregivers and expanding geriatric healthcare programmes can also strengthen support for ageing populations.

Social inclusion is another essential element of elder wellbeing. Many senior citizens feel isolated after children migrate, friends pass away or retirement reduces daily social interactions. Loneliness can lead to depression, cognitive decline and other health issues. Community centres, religious institutions and social organizations can create opportunities for elders to interact, share experiences and participate in recreational or cultural activities. Intergenerational programmes that connect youth with older adults foster mutual understanding and combat age-based stereotypes.

Economic security is vital for elders to live independently. Many retirees rely on pensions, savings or their children for daily expenses. However, inadequate financial planning and rising living costs can place them in vulnerable positions. Governments and financial institutions should promote pension schemes, senior-friendly banking services and financial literacy programmes. Encouraging businesses to offer flexible part-time roles for capable retirees can also help them remain productive and maintain a sense of purpose.

Support for caregivers is equally important. Families often struggle to balance work, finances and elder care responsibilities. Providing caregiver training, respite services and community support networks can ease the burden and improve the standard of care. Policies that protect the rights of elders against neglect, abuse or exploitation are crucial to maintaining their dignity.

Technology can also be used positively to enhance the lives of older people. Telemedicine, emergency alert devices and digital communication platforms can help them stay connected and safe. However, many seniors may feel intimidated by technology. Offering training programmes and user-friendly tools ensures they are not left behind in the digital world.

Respect and compassion are the foundation of an inclusive society. Elders are reservoirs of wisdom, culture and life lessons. Family members, especially younger generations, should spend time listening to their stories, seeking their guidance and appreciating their experiences. Media and public campaigns can promote positive images of ageing and encourage communities to honour their elders.

On this World Elders’ Day, we are reminded that ageing with dignity is not a privilege but a right. A society that values its elders is one that preserves its history and strengthens its future. By investing in healthcare, social inclusion, financial stability and emotional support, we can create a world where senior citizens are not merely cared for, but celebrated. Ageing should be accompanied by respect, independence and happiness-and it is our collective duty to ensure that every elder has the chance to live with purpose and pride.

The Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) proudly welcomes our newest cohort to the Business Degree programmes. This is the start of an exciting journey where you’ll gain practical knowledge, discover your passions, and build a strong professional network.

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The Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT), Sri Lanka’s leading private higher education provider with over 35 years of excellence, offers Foundation, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programmes in collaboration with two prestigious UK universities – the University of Westminster and Robert Gordon University.

Sri Lanka’s current account surplus expanded in the first eight months of 2025, reaching $ 2.04 billion on the back of stronger remittances, services and tourism earnings, and moderate export growth, even as the merchandise trade deficit widened, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

In its latest external sector data release, the CBSL said that the current account registered a surplus of $ 2.04 billion during the first eight months of 2025, up 26.1% year-on-year (YoY) from $ 1.6 billion in the same period last year.

Merchandise trade dynamics showed signs of easing as the trade deficit narrowed in August 2025 to $ 414 million, compared to $ 422 million a year ago, with exports growing at a faster pace, up 4% YoY to $ 1.28 billion in August 2025, compared to imports, which grew 2.6% to $ 1.69 billion during the month.

In the first eight months of 2025, the merchandise trade deficit widened 19.6% to $ 4.26 billion, up from $ 3.56 billion a year ago. Imports grew by 10.5% YoY to $ 13.34 billion, compared to $ 12.07 billion a year earlier, while merchandise exports grew at a slower 6.7% to $ 9.07 billion from $ 8.5 billion a year ago.

The terms of trade deteriorated in August 2025, as the rise in import prices outpaced the increase in export prices, while the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated 3.3% year-to-date (YTD) to end-September 2025 against the US Dollar.

The services sector declined by 5.4% year-on-year in August 2025 to $ 291 million relative to its $ 308 million performance in the corresponding period of 2024.

However, net inflows in the services sector recorded a 2.3% YoY increase during January-August 2025, amounting to $ 2.66 billion.

Tourist arrivals reached 198,235 during the month of August 2025, marking a growth of 20.4% compared to August 2024.

However, tourism earnings fell 8.2% YoY to 259 million. Further, earnings from tourism were estimated at $ 2.3 billion during January-August 2025, recording a 5.7% increase compared to $ 2.1 billion in the corresponding period of 2024.

Workers’ remittances amounted to $ 681 million in August 2025, up 18% from a year ago with cumulative remittances growing 19.3% to $ 5.1 billion from $ 4.3 billion a year ago.

However, foreign investment activity was mixed.

Foreign investments in the Government securities market continuing to record a net inflow of $ 32.9 million in August 2025, compared to $ 30 million outflow a year ago.

Foreign investments in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), covering both primary and secondary markets, recorded a net outflow of $ 15.2 during the month, down 219.6% from a $ 12.7 million inflow a year ago.

During the eight-month period, the CSE recorded a $ 69 million outflow, down 258% from a $ 43.6 million inflow a year ago while inflows to Government securities surged 155% to $ 140.2 million compared to a $ 251 million outflow a year ago.

Debt related investment inflows grew 34% YoY to $ 714 million in the eight-month period while portfolio investments fell 39% to $ 332.6 million.

Gross official reserves, including the swap facility with the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), was up marginally from a month earlier at $ 6.2 billion as of end-August 2025 amid debt servicing, the CBSL said.

A special discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat between the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Secretariat officials, coordinated by the National Initiative for Research and Development Commercialisation (NIRDC).

The CMA Sri Lanka SME Development Committee comprises members from professional bodies, commercial banks, chambers of commerce and industry, and industry experts who have been meeting since April 2020 to find solutions and support the SME sector. One of the main recommendations made was to revive the SME Credit Guarantee Institution which was appearing as an approved project in the ADB project proposals since 2019 which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers and was launched in June this year.

The annual conduct of the UN MSME day conference 2021 with the latest one on 27 June 2025 with the participation of 11 commercial banks and two finance companies with their SME customers totalling 250 with a competition to judge the best SME projects nominated by the banks.

The Budget proposals made for the development of the MSME sector which would generate employment to around 100,000 unemployed persons are given below:

1. Setting up of the National Credit Guarantee Institution should benefit entrepreneurs and start up projects:

We are very happy to see the launch of the National Credit Guarantee Institution in June this year and wish to suggest that action be taken to grant loans to entrepreneurs, and start up projects with special reference to women.

2. The setting up of export houses to promote and develop MSME exports

The committee also wishes to recommend the setting up of export houses to promote exports of MSMEs. We suggest that the Export Development Board should grant the necessary approval to these export houses which will have recognition as exporters linked to MSMEs and also for banks to consider them for financing at favourable interest rates. The export houses will market the products and services of MSMEs and SMEs in overseas markets and will mainly support local farming and fishery communities, local suppliers – producers – manufacturers, export villages, service providers such as IT and suppliers of technical skills with international buyers in the global market to increase the MSME contribution towards national exports from the present 5% to 15% within 3-5 years. The registration with the EDB will give official recognition to the export houses and it is requested that EDB supports them when organising international exhibitions and this status will also assist them in obtaining bank facilities for undertaking exports.

3. Definition for MSMEs

a) It is suggested to revise the present definitions to fall in line with the depreciation of the currency which has resulted in the price of most goods increasing substantially including capital goods, raw materials, wages, etc. It is suggested to increase the upper limit of turnover of medium sized enterprises officially to Rs. 1,000 million which is similar to the Central Bank classification.

4. Suggest that an MSME Development Act be enacted with the object of promotion and development and enhancing the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (‘MSME’) similar to other countries to give necessary support to this most important sector.

The Act should be a single legal framework acting as a one stop shop for all activities of the SMEs including registration, governing and providing protection to small industries and its employees throughout Sri Lanka. The National Board established under the Act shall have power to implement various schemes and policies for upliftment of the SME sector and as a result the SME sector to be made a major contributor of industrial production and exports. The Act should as a necessity make the MSME sector a vibrant and dynamic sector of the Sri Lankan economy and which will provide protection to the SME sector. We will be able to provide necessary assistance to formulate the MSME Development Act. This will immediately result in the establishment of a large number of new projects throughout the country with the support of commercial banks, finance companies and the National Credit Guarantee Institution.

5. Support in accounting, financial and cost management, digitisation and e-commerce for marketing

The maintenance of proper books, accounts and cost records is recommended as this will enable the business organisations to determine their costs, prepare proper accounts, run profitably and to gradually advance from Small to Medium sized enterprises. Digitisation will support accounting while marketing aspects could be expanded using e-commerce. Maintenance of financial and cost records should be made mandatory and will also assist the banking sector when lending to the SME sector to provide loans with no additional security and lower interest rates.

6.Building entrepreneurship

Support be given to building entrepreneurship at all levels and this will enable creating decent jobs and improving livelihoods, small businesses also depend more than ever on an enabling business environment, including support for access to finance, information, and markets. The Grameen concept from unemployment to entrepreneurship should be implemented to promote job creation and innovation.

7. Linking small business with bigger companies

This is currently been practiced by some big companies and this has assisted in the technical, marketing and financial support for MSMEs. This will also result in reducing the costs of big companies and providing affordable pricing to the society. Hence this should be supported by the Government by getting banks to give priority for such projects and getting the big companies to support the MSME sector.

8. We give a quote from the United Nations which is supporting MSMEs worldwide: ‘Let’s not forget that these enterprises, which generally employ fewer than 250 persons, are the backbone of most economies worldwide and play a key role in developing countries’. In Sri Lanka, MSMEs comprise more than 75% of enterprises and account for 52% of GDP, 45% of employment, and a meagre 5% in exports.

9. The UN General Assembly has declared 27 June Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, to raise public awareness of their contribution to sustainable development and the global economy. CMA Sri Lanka SME Development Committee has been celebrating this event annually by organising conferences along with the banking sector and their SME customers which have been very successful.

We recommend that the Government officially declares 27 June every year as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day to recognise the major role played by MSMEs for the development of the economy of Sri Lanka.

We do hope that our Budget proposals will be implemented in the current Budget to bring benefits to the MSMEs and the society.

People’s Bank, one of the country’s leading banks, celebrated World Children’s Day and Senior Citizens’ Day, which falls annually on 1st October, by continuing to fulfil its responsibility towards the children of the nation. It has also taken steps to offer many benefits to the proud senior citizens of the country who are peacefully enjoying the twilight years of their lives.

Sharing her thoughts on this, Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking and Overseas Customer Services Aruni Liyanagunawardana stated:

Children and the elderly constitute a significant percentage of the population of a country. Children are the future of the country, and the elderly are the people who have laid the foundation for that future and spend the twilight years of their lives in peace. Every year, World Children’s Day and Senior Citizens’ Day are celebrated on 1st October with all of them in mind, and People’s Bank marks the occasion by launching many special programs for their benefit.

Accordingly, during the period 1st October to 31 December 2025, steps have been taken to present valuable stationery kits and other useful gifts to children who deposit Rs. 1,000 and above in their People’s Bank Isuru Udana Account or Sisu Udana Account which were introduced with the aim of familiarizing school children with the concept of saving.

Furthermore, the children of People’s Bank’s Ethera Udana Personal Foreign Currency Minors’ Account who open and receive remittances during the period 1st October to 31st December 2025, will be eligible to win Ethera Udana stationery sets worth Rs. 5,000.

In addition, special discounts have been made available to senior citizens with Parinatha Savings Accounts from 1st October 2025 to 31st December 2025 at the island’s leading hospitals, opticians and bookstores. Parinatha Savings Account was introduced by People’s Bank for senior citizens provides the highest interest for deposits.

These accounts can be opened at over 750 People’s Bank branches or service centers located across the island. As a leader in digital banking, People’s Bank is fully-committed to providing customers with an innovative and efficient service through a range of unique digital banking facilities. Further, since People’s Bank is a fully state-owned bank, customers will also enjoy unparalleled security on their funds. For more information on these benefits, you can call People’s Bank’s hotline on 1961 or visit www.peoplesbank.lk.

Isuru Udana

People’s Bank introduced the Isuru Udana account in 1998 under the theme ‘The wisest gift for a child’. This account is designed with a number of special benefits for children under the age of 5.

Sisu Udana

People’s Bank introduced the Sisu Udana account in 1996 with the aim of inculcating the habit of savings among school children between the ages of 5 and 18.

In addition to this, with the aim of providing a strong support to the educational journeys of students, People’s Bank recognizes students who pass the Grade 5 Scholarship examination by giving a special gift while students who pass the Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) examinations with Distinction passes are presented with financial rewards.

Today, the largest number of children in Sri Lanka maintain their savings accounts with People’s Bank. In addition to interest, children are entitled to various rewards and benefits depending on the amount deposited in these accounts. People’s Bank is also committed to building a stable future for them by providing them various financial services up to the higher education level.

Ethera Udana

People’s Bank has introduced the Ethera Udana Personal Foreign Currency Minors’ Account to help parents who are working abroad to save for their children in foreign currency and thereby build a strong financial foundation for their children’s education, future investments and important life events.

Ethera Udana Personal Foreign Currency Minors’ Account holders can enjoy higher interest on the increasing account balance, receive up to Rs. 100,000/- towards the first airline ticket for studying abroad, and cash prizes for the highest results in both O/Ls and A/Ls (local/international). Children holding Ethera Udana accounts will also be able to enjoy a number of benefits including tuition fees for foreign education, exemption from bank charges, and many more benefits.

Parinatha

People’s Bank has launched the Parinatha Senior Citizen Savings Account, through which you can enjoy a host of benefits for your hard-earned money, including debit and credit card facilities and the ability to transact from home through our state-of-the-art digital banking services.

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the 7th edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz on 17 October 2025 from 3:00 p.m. onwards at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, the event will bring together teams from the public and private sector to compete for glory in six subject areas, in international business, global markets, Sri Lankan economy and business, local capital market, sports and entertainment, and current affairs.

This year’s competition will offer prizes worth over Rs. 3.5 million. The champion team will walk away with Rs. 1,000,000, while the second and third-placed teams will receive Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 375,000, respectively.

In addition, the winning teams of the first three places will have the opportunity to double their prize money, provided that all team members hold CDS accounts with at least one transaction completed during 2025. Sector prizes will also be awarded to the best-performing teams representing each sector.

Sponsorship Partners are: Platinum Sponsors: SC Securities Ltd., and Almas Equities Ltd.

Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Bartleet Religare Securities Ltd., NDB Capital Holdings Ltd. and TWC Capital Ltd. Silver Sponsors: Asha Securities Ltd., Lanka Securities Ltd., Softlogic Stockbrokers Ltd., Nestor Stock Brokers Ltd., and LOLC Holdings PLC.

Shangri-La Colombo will serve as the Official Hospitality Partner, FitsAir Ltd., as the Official Airline Partner, and Co-sponsors including Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, CT Smith Holdings Ltd., People’s Leasing and Finance PLC, Alliance Finance Company PLC, Capital Trust Holdings Ltd., Barista Coffee Lanka Ltd., Crypto Gen Ltd., Hemas Holding PLC and Teejay Lanka PLC.

The event’s print media partners include Daily FT, Daily Mirror and the Sunday Times.

The goodie bag provided to all participants are sponsored by Flora Food Group, Stripe and Checks Inc., Serendib Flour Mills Ltd., and Design Square Ltd.

The sector winners’ prizes will be sponsored by HNB Investment Bank Ltd., and the audience question section will be sponsored by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Beyond the competition, CSE Masterminds 2025 promises an engaging evening for participants and guests, with an after-party featuring live music, unlimited food, and beverages creating an ideal space to network, celebrate, and unwind.

For further information and team registrations, please contact Charundika – 077 7280 028, Shanika – 076 305 6691 or Dinusha – 076 431 6907.