Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Skipper, Ramesh Mendis with a swashbuckling unbeaten 153 runs in 137 balls, inclusive of 11 sixes and eight fours and a fine spell of pace bowling by opening bowler, Kavishka Anjula (eight overs 28 runs four wickets) guided Hayleys Group to a fine 63 runs win over CDB, in the 32nd Singer – MCA Super Premier League ‘Knock -out’ tournament 2025 top half semi-final played on 27 September at the MCA Grounds.

Ramesh Mendis’ herculean effort for Hayleys, not only stopped the current League Winner, CDB’s unbeaten run with five straight wins in the league stage, also gained sweet revenge over their loss to them in the league tournament.

Hayleys tottering at 73 for five in 24.2 overs was rescued by Ramesh Mendis and Minod Banuka (50 runs) with a gutsy 75 runs stand in 90 balls for the sixth wicket, as they finished with a challenging 282 for eight in 50 overs.

CDB severely shackled by the Hayleys bowlers, Kavishka Anjula, Prabath Jayasuriya and Inuka Karannagoda was all out for a disappointing 219 runs in 41.2 overs

Hayleys Group will now will meet the 2024 league winner and Knock out runners-up, Maliban Biscuits in the Final. A day-night game at the CCC grounds tentatively fixed for 23 October.

Chief scores:

Hayleys Group – 282 for eight in 50 overs (Nishan Madushka 25, Ramesh Mendis 153 not out, Minod Bhanuka 50, P. Madushan 2/59, T. Ratnayake 3/36)

CDB – 219 all out in 41.2 overs ( L. Udara 31, Avishka Fernando 43, N. Dhananjaya 30, P. Ratnayake 40, M. Subasinghe 24, Kavishka Anjula 4/28, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/49, Inuka Karannagoda 2/43)

.HNB PLC, committed to driving innovation in Sri Lanka’s banking sector, has signed a MoU with the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC) to support the existing and new inventors under the InnovaBiz EliteLink program. The partnership aims to provide Sri Lankan inventors with comprehensive support including financial assistance, technical guidance, commercialisation opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives.

Under the MoU, HNB will extend preferential loan schemes, interest relief, and expedited loan processing to eligible inventors. SLIC will recommend qualified inventors after conducting thorough technical feasibility evaluations, provide advisory support, reimburse interest portions for approved loans, and conduct training sessions to enhance technical and business capabilities. Together, the organisations have created a structured framework that supports inventors from ideation to market-ready products, contributing to national economic growth.

Highlighting HNB’s commitment to innovation, Managing Director / Chief Executive officer Damith Pallewatte said; ‘Innovation thrives when vision meets support, and this partnership with SLIC embodies that principle. At HNB, we are committed and continue to empowering inventors by providing the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to turn ideas into reality. We are grateful to SLIC for joining us on this journey, and together, we aim to create a platform where creativity, perseverance, and collaboration can shape the future of the Sri Lankan economy.’

Representing the SLIC, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission Commissioner Prof. Veranja Karunaratne mentioned that innovation and subsequent commercialisation comes from creating environments where ideas can connect with financial resources. Also, successful innovation requires a commitment to collaboration by financial institutes like HNB

The collaboration ensures a robust system of accountability and transparency, with regular progress monitoring, technical and financial assessments, and strict data protection in line with national regulations. Inventors will benefit from access to investor networks, branding support, commercialisation guidance, and workshops designed to bridge the gap between innovation and market impact. Financial safeguards include interest reimbursement of up to seventy-five percent for patent holders and thirty-seven and a half percent for pending patent holders, as well as streamlined loan disbursement and recovery processes. Capacity-building sessions will strengthen both financial literacy and technical expertise, providing inventors with the tools to succeed.

This collaboration represents a decisive step towards building an innovation-driven economy in Sri Lanka. By integrating financial expertise with inventive talent, HNB and SLIC are creating a platform where ideas are transformed into enterprises, and inventions become engines of national progress.

Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW), one of the fallen heroes at the 2024 Presidential Election, has been reported to be planning to organise 1,000 rallies across the country and calling all Opposition leaders, their aficionados and apparatchiks to rally behind him in his war against what he described as a ‘constitutional dictatorship’. If one understood the logic behind that concoction, one would have gathered that if there is a dictatorship prevailing currently in the country then that dictatorship has been permitted by the constitution.

But what is strange is the fact that that constitution was introduced by none other than RW’s own uncle and Sri Lanka’s first Executive President, J.R. Jayewardene, who boasted that he could do anything under his constitution except to change the gender of a person, and RW was a minister under JR. It was the same constitution but with additional powers that elevated President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to become a virtual dictator. When the Aragalaya youth forced him to run away from the country and resign, RW stepped into the presidential shoes with the consent of the Parliament, and the first thing he accomplished was to order the security forces to end the Aragalaya by arresting its leaders, demolishing their temporary shelters and chasing out the rest to their homes. Now he is calling AKD Presidency and NPP Government a constitutional dictatorship. Is it?

What made RW come out of the woods?

To start with, what was the immediate provocation which made RW to come out of the woods at the age of 76 to announce unofficially his readiness to enter the race for presidency again? It was undoubtedly the shame that he had to endure when he was produced before the court by the Police to face allegations of misusing public funds when he was the stop-gap president. After an incredible drama at the court, which raised questions about the honesty and integrity of the medical professionals who vouched for RW’s failing health condition, he had been granted bail until investigations are completed. He has not been acquitted yet.

When an allegation is made against any person or persons under an existing law then the country’s judiciary is constitutionally bound to deal with it independently. This is what is meant by Rule of Law (ROL) in a democracy. ROL is not just a concept but the cornerstone of a society that values equality and fairness for all individuals. Therefore, RW’s resolve to end ‘constitutional dictatorship’ is in other words his agenda to end ROL. But what happened to ROL before RW fell victim to it?

ROL was professed by all political leaders and was inscribed in all constitutions in operation since independence; but politicians and especially those belonged to the ruling party or parties were virtually elevated to become a special species of individuals whom the arms of law were unable to touch. It was this untouchability which almost became an unwritten ‘convention’ if one may call it that allowed corruption to flourish, illicit businesses with underworld connections to prosper and organised crimes to increase during the reign of several governments. (Is it a coincidence that Tangalle in Hambantota District, the political fortress of Rajapaksas has become virtually an epicentre of narcotics)?

When an allegation is made against any person or persons under an existing law then the country’s judiciary is constitutionally bound to deal with it independently. This is what is meant by Rule of Law (ROL) in a democracy. ROL is not just a concept but the cornerstone of a society that values equality and fairness for all individuals. Therefore, RW’s resolve to end ‘constitutional dictatorship’ is in other words his agenda to end ROL. But what happened to ROL before RW fell victim to it?

New political culture in which ROL remains supreme

It was against such corrupt political culture and system operating with legal immunity that a new generation of awakened youth staged the Aragalaya in 2022, a landmark event in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history. The fundamental message of that revolt was a lot broader than just a narrow regime change. It implied a radical change of an entire system built on identity politics and corrupt governance which ultimately led to economic bankruptcy. The rebels demanded a new political culture in which ROL remains supreme without any political interference and with an independent judiciary as enshrined in the constitution. And that was the pivotal promise made by AKD and NPP in their election campaigns respectively, and which they are delivering now. Is that constitutional dictatorship or constitutional governance?

RW is therefore inviting all reactionary elements to rally behind him to stage a showdown against the current Government, which has just completed the first of its mandated five years. Perhaps to support RW, critics have begun to unleash a vicious propaganda with a catalogue of AKD’s and NPP’s promises before and failure to deliver them after the election. Within one year?

Constructive criticism is a necessary element in a healthy democracy which should be encouraged. But criticism driven by a spirit of seeking vengeance is to create chaos and that is what is driving the current propaganda. Without being overtly apologetic towards the new leadership it is fair to say that the country is not at least worse off than what it was when the new leaders took charge. But given the relative inexperience of several of the cabinet ministers and the enormity of challenges facing the nation, pragmatism and not blind commitment to ideology is the need of the time. That appears to be the strength of the current President.

For example, on the economic front the fact that AKD accepted IMF strategy towards economic stabilisation and growth instead of renegotiating for alternative terms and conditions has stopped the economy from heading backwards. Hasn’t the speed of stabilisation and recovery amazed even the IMF and World Bank? Hasn’t the country’s dollar surpluses higher now than when the Government came to power? Hasn’t AKD’s delivery of corruption-free governance been the main reason why IMF is not insisting on privatisation of the SOEs? Yet, there is a long way to go to achieve economic independence as promised. The incoming Budget should give a better picture about the actual state of play. Given these facts, isn’t it reasonable to wait at least till the end of the first half of the Government’s tenure to make an educative judgement about its performance? As they say, Rome was not built in one day.

Cancellation of perks and privileges

But what really seem to have added to an already angered group of fallen heroes and encouraging them to support RW’s battle cry is the recent cancellation of perks and privileges enjoyed by this self-promoted elite and which had become an unbearable burden to a struggling economy. That cancellation had angered not only RW but more so the Rajapaksas and other previous presidents. Before law catches them, several other politicians and public officials for misusing their powers and privileges, they would prefer a regime change as early as possible. In short, RW’s agenda is a move to restore the ancient regime with its weaknesses.

But these fallen heroes are obviously underestimating the strength and reach of the Aragalaya phenomenon. When RW thought that he had ended the revolt by force, the protestors did not go home to give up their mission but went straight to the voters instead to convince them of the rebels’ radical message. The rest is history. Would RW’s countermove provoke another Aragalaya of different dimensions?

Justice delayed has not only compounded victims’ suffering but has also damaged institutional credibility

Purpose

To analyse the justice delays and inconsistencies following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, and to propose policy measures to strengthen the rule of law, enhance prosecutorial and judicial independence, and restore public trust in Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system.

Background

The Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in April 2019 killed over 260 people and injured hundreds.

Despite extensive investigations, justice for victims remains delayed.

Inconsistencies in prosecutorial decisions by the Attorney General’s Department, coupled with judicial delays, have raised questions about political interference, institutional weakness, and erosion of public trust.

This case has become a litmus test for the credibility of Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system.

1. Rule of law under strain

Justice must be equal, timely, and free from political influence.

Prolonged delays have weakened the principle of equality before the law.

2. Law enforcement challenges

Investigations identified key suspects, but allegations of selective targeting and poor evidence management persist.

Coordination gaps between police and prosecution undermine case strength.

3. Attorney General’s Department

The AG’s independence is questioned due to inconsistent decisions on suspects.

Lack of transparency in prosecutorial choices fuels public suspicion.

4. Judiciary and delayed justice

Courts have been slow to adjudicate, compounding victims’ frustration.

Perception of judicial reluctance in politically sensitive cases undermines independence.

5. Erosion of public trust

Survivors and families perceive justice as politicised and stagnant.

Declining trust risks weakening social cohesion and democratic legitimacy.

Policy recommendations

1. Fast-track mechanisms for high-impact cases

Establish special terrorism and complex crimes courts with statutory timelines.

Ensure judges and prosecutors receive specialised training.

2. Strengthening law enforcement capacity

Develop specialised terrorism case units within police.

Enhance forensic and digital investigation capabilities.

Introduce independent oversight mechanisms for sensitive investigations.

3. Reforming the Attorney General’s Department

Introduce an independent appointments and oversight process for senior AG officials.

Mandate annual public reporting of prosecutorial decisions for transparency.

Strengthen constitutional guarantees of prosecutorial independence.

4. Judicial efficiency and independence

Establish dedicated benches for terrorism and organised crime.

Implement case management systems to reduce delays.

Ensure judicial performance monitoring with accountability for excessive delay.

5. Restoring public confidence

Create a Truth and Accountability Commission to complement criminal trials.

Provide regular public updates on case progress.

Strengthen victim-centred justice measures: legal aid, psychological support, and participation rights in proceedings.

Reform is urgent

A fast, fair, and transparent justice process is essential to uphold the rule of law.

Independent institutions are the cornerstone of democratic stability.

Restoring public trust requires visible accountability and victim-centred justice.

Conclusion

The Easter Sunday case demonstrates a critical breakdown in the alignment of law enforcement, prosecution, and judiciary. Justice delayed has not only compounded victims’ suffering but has also damaged institutional credibility. Reform is urgent: a fast, fair, and transparent justice process is essential to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust, and ensure democratic stability. Failure to act decisively will leave the Easter Sunday tragedy remembered not only as an act of terror but as a failure of justice in Sri Lanka

(The writer is a Senior Law Enforcement and Intelligence Specialist, former Head of Counter-Terrorism – State Intelligence Service, First Secretary (Defence), Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand, and present member of the Sri Lanka Waqfs Board.)

The Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025, themed ‘Gateway to Growth: Asia’s Emerging Opportunity’, will be held on 2 and 3 December at the Shangri-La, Colombo. A key sector deep dive on day one will examine how Sri Lanka can broaden its export base and deliver sustained growth through diversification.

The session, ‘The New Age of Diversified Exports – Delivering on Diversified Export Products and Markets’, will highlight the urgency of moving beyond traditional export sectors as global demand patterns shift and resilience becomes a strategic imperative. The discussion will explore untapped opportunities in high-value industries such as cinnamon, seafood, electronics, minerals, and advanced manufacturing. It will also examine how Sri Lanka can strengthen its position in non-traditional markets through branding, standards, logistics, and strategic trade partnerships.

The keynote address will be delivered by Centre for Social and Economic Progress Visiting Senior Fellow Prof. Sanjay Kathuria. Prof. Kathuria holds a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Oxford, and has over 27 years of experience at the World Bank, and a decade at ICRIER in New Delhi. He is also the Co-Founder of the Trade Sentinel, and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies in Singapore.

In addition to Prof. Kathuria, the panel will feature Hirdaramani Group Managing Director Ranil Pathirana, Joint Agri Products Ceylon Director/COO Chathura Abeyratne, OREL IT CEO Dr. Upendra Peiris, and Sunshine Healthcare CEO Dr. T. Sayandhan, with Verité Research Director Subhashini Abeysinghe moderating the discussion.

Fox Jaffna by Fox Resorts has been honoured with the Silver Award for ‘Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort’ at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the boutique property has received regional recognition, cementing its position as a premier heritage hospitality destination in Sri Lanka.

Located in the culturally rich city of Jaffna, Fox Jaffna offers guests a unique blend of heritage and contemporary comfort. The hotel is housed in a carefully restored historic compound, where the original architectural features have been preserved to maintain the site’s deep cultural significance. One of the standout features of Fox Jaffna is its innovative reuse of the underground bunkers, which have been thoughtfully transformed into a captivating art gallery and history museum. This initiative reflects Fox Jaffna’s commitment to giving back to the community by preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region. These spaces offer guests a tangible connection to Jaffna’s complex history, showcasing local artistry and telling the stories that define the cultural tapestry of the Northern Province. Through this thoughtful curation, Fox Jaffna not only educates visitors but also celebrates and supports the vibrant community that shapes the identity and future of Jaffna.

Fox Jaffna’s commitment to heritage preservation goes hand-in-hand with its dedication to sustainable tourism. The property incorporates eco-friendly initiatives such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation practices, and waste reduction measures. Furthermore, local materials and traditional craftsmanship have been prioritised throughout the hotel’s design and operations, supporting the regional economy and preserving artisanal heritage. This holistic approach ensures that Fox Jaffna not only honours the past but also safeguards the future of Jaffna’s community and environment.

Fox Resorts CEO Chris Quyn said, ‘Receiving the South Asian Travel Award for the fourth year running is a tremendous honour. This recognition reflects the hard work and passion of our team, who strive to create authentic and meaningful guest experiences rooted in the rich history of Jaffna. Our goal is to offer more than just accommodation – we aim to share the unique story of this region with travellers from around the world.’

The South Asian Travel Awards is the region’s most respected hospitality and tourism event, celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership across South Asia. Fox Jaffna’s continued success highlights its role as a leader in heritage hospitality, combining cultural preservation, sustainable practices, and genuine hospitality to inspire travellers worldwide.

One of Sri Lanka’s top amateur golfers, Chanaka Perera won the Gents segment at the 134th Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship 2025 when he got the better of Saad Habib Malik of Pakistan after 36 holes at the Roya Colombo Golf Club last weekend.

In the 119th Ladies event 17 years old, Kaya Daluwatte was in supreme class beating Asara Sawhney of 8ndia in the final.

The F.B. de Mel Cup saw Viv Fowler Watt beat Elsie. This event was sponsored by CEAT Europe.

Trinity College beat Royal College 1/0 at the Under 20 Annual Hockey Big Match played at the Astro Turf Colombo 7 recently. This encounter was played for J C Corea Challenge Shield.

Winning goal was scored by Arkam Rifas of Trinity College. Tevin Liyanage of Trinity College won the Best Player award. The Under 16 match was won by Royal 4/1. This encounter was played for Paul Jeyarajah trophy.

of Mannar. One of the darkest days of this Government has come to pass on the night of 26 September 2025, with the brutal attack by hundreds of police officers of peaceful protestors in Mannar.1 Many protestors have ended up in hospital including women and children.

For years the people of Mannar have been fighting an inspiring battle against sand mining and the wind power project that threatens to destroy their fragile ecosystem. The wind turbines have affected the globally renowned migratory paths of thousands of birds and sandmining is destroying the coastal ecosystem.2The people of Mannar are feeling the social, economic and ecological deterioration caused to the region.3

The Government appears to be carrying through the plans of the previous regime with cosmetic changes. Having stopped the Indian investor, Adani Company from setting up a wind power plant in Mannar, the contract has been handed over to a Sri Lankan company, Hayleys Fenton.4 There are no assurances that the local company will do anything different from the Indian investor in terms of preserving the environment, and not harming the people of Mannar.

November deadline

Similarly, the Mannar wind power project coincides with the Government coming under review by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of their ‘electricity tariff methodology’ in November 2025. This is a pre-requisite for the Extended Fund Facility. The review is to ensure ‘cost recovery and cost reflectiveness’ and the urgency to deliver a broader and privatised energy sector. The bulldozing through of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act in the past few months,5moving electricity closer to complete privatisation by unbundling the services and forming new entities of Ceylon Electricity Board,6 and the now violent removal of people raising concerns about the Mannar wind power project seem to align with the November deadline.

On the other hand, the Government reminds people that the electricity tariffs have been reduced. Taken in light of the monumental increases between 2022 and 2024, the reduction is not a significant relief. The reality is that paying electricity bills has become another burden pushing ordinary Sri Lankans into an incessant debt cycle. The systems of forcing payment of bills are causing households to struggle without electricity for many months.

The people protesting in Mannar surely had hopes for change. Instead, the continued dancing to the tune of the IMF, the blindness to the irreversible environmental and social impact of a wind power plant and sand mining, and the complete failure to engage people’s views, in this instance, cries, means there is no system change. The people of Mannar speak from their lived experiences of existing wind turbines and the loss they have already suffered.7The situation in Mannar is particularly horrifying as the destruction to the fragile ecosystem and erasing of the culture and livelihood of people who are tied to this ecology are irreversible.8

Act of suppression

The attack on the protest is also an act of suppression of Tamil speaking people of the North of the island. The attack took place in the context of a history of marginalisation of Tamil and Muslim communities, and the continued experience of Sinhala majoritarianism. A Sinhala majoritarianism that continues to dictate the actions of this Government within its party and beyond. Populations severely disenfranchised for generations because of the war, violence and top-down imposed ‘development projects’ by the Sri Lankan state will, justifiably, see this as yet another oppressive act by a Sinhala state. The majoritarian mindset has fuelled conflict and justified violence. It is a violence that is valuable to corporations also interested in capturing markets such as the energy sector.

Bringing ‘green energy’ without real consideration for the environment or human rights is an exercise in green washing which many governments and companies across the world are engaging in. Dismantling the subsidised public energy sector to make way for profit extraction by private parties in the guise of expanding renewable energy projects is another trend we are witnessing world over. To see the National People’s Power Government joining these ranks is troubling. The move is particularly tragic, as Sri Lanka has been known as a country that had achieved 99% electrification through its public energy sector.

Right to energy as a fundamental right

We require a thorough review of the energy infrastructure, costs and inflow through a consultative process that takes as its foundation the right to energy as a fundamental right. Through this lens, it will be possible to restructure tariffs and undertake other measures to balance cost and income from the energy sector without bringing ecological and social destruction. This is imperative as the existing mode of addressing the issue, especially through privatisation, is unsustainable in the long run and will only increase costs to the Government and to the people.

People must have a right to energy, a basic necessity for life today. This right must co-exist with the right to a safe environment. To pit one against another is a vulgar mode of functioning which has become all too common in the world. To watch a supposedly ‘progressive government’ that rose to power through the energy of people’s protest join the bandwagon of this vulgarity is heartbreaking.

The recent sentencing of Niraj Roshan, widely known as Ali Roshan, to 15 years in prison and a fine exceeding Rs. 20 million marks the first time a high-profile wildlife smuggler has been held accountable in our courts. Roshan was convicted of unlawfully keeping five elephants without valid permits.

This verdict deserves to be welcomed. For decades, Sri Lanka has watched helplessly as its majestic elephants were ripped from the wild, trafficked under fraudulent documentation, and paraded as trophies of wealth and influence.

Yet, in celebrating this victory, we must not ignore the metaphorical elephant in the room. Ali Roshan, despite his notoriety, could not have operated such a vast smuggling empire alone. His activities thrived because of the politicians, Government officials, business magnates, members of the clergy, and even elements within the judiciary who aided, abetted, and benefitted from his crimes. Unless these powerful enablers are also brought before the law, the justice delivered recently will remain incomplete. Partial justice that risks becoming little more than symbolic.

Among the politicians allegedly entangled in this sordid affair was none other than Gotabaya Rajapaksa. During his tenure as president, the case against Roshan was shamelessly dragged on. Even worse, elephants that had been seized and placed in judicial custody were handed back to their so-called ‘owners,’ an act that amounted to a betrayal of both justice and the voiceless animals whose lives were at stake. At that time, the judiciary seemed paralysed, unwilling to stand up to the Rajapaksa regime. The courage and activism we see from today’s courts were absent then, leaving traffickers free to thrive under the cover of political patronage.

The belated conviction of Roshan is therefore both a triumph and a reminder of how much was lost during those years of cowardice and complicity. How many elephants were torn from their herds? How many were forced into servitude, chained in backyards or temples, while their natural bonds and habitats were destroyed? How many officials lined their pockets? These are questions that demand answers, not merely from Roshan, but from the entire network that sustained him.

If Sri Lanka is serious about turning a corner in the protection of its wildlife, this judgment must be the beginning, not the end. The Attorney General, the Wildlife Department, and the judiciary must act with equal vigour in pursuing those who provided Roshan with cover and legitimacy. Every politician who interfered, every official who falsified permits, every business leader who profited, and every monk who blessed this cruelty and even kept these illegal elephants in their temples must face the same uncompromising standard of justice. Anything less would reduce Roshan’s punishment to a token gesture, harsh enough to shock, but hollow in its effect.

Elephants are more than animals to Sri Lankans. They are living testaments of our rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, symbols of wisdom and strength, and integral to our ecosystems. The subspecies of Asian elephant is endemic to the island and if they were to go extinct that genetic resource will be lost forever. To traffic such an animal is to desecrate not only our biodiversity but also our identity as a nation.

Ali Roshan’s conviction must therefore serve as a warning to all who believe they can hide behind political power, social influence, or religious standing to exploit the voiceless. Sri Lanka has begun to show that justice can reach even those who once seemed untouchable. But until the entire network of abettors is exposed and punished, justice remains unfinished.