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Two former Navy chiefs whose wartime background was in naval intelligence, are incarcerated. The Government insists that it doesn’t decide to arrest anyone and that any such decisions are not taken by the political authorities but have been and are being taken quite independently by state authorities, i.e., state machinery that has been newly rendered independent by the NPP government.

If so, isn’t it a little odd that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made the following announcement to an audience of Sri Lankans in New York City?

‘.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks are continuing and advancing and that one or two former Army officials are expected to be arrested over the incident.

.’Several former military officials are to be arrested soon and investigations are both continuing and advancing.’.’ National independence, sovereignty

A hallmark of a progressive in the Global South is the defence of national independence and sovereignty. In his speech to Lankans in Japan, Anura announced the retrenchment of military camps in the North on the assumption that enlightened policy can achieve permanent peace. He is unaware that in no country is a successful postwar security posture, a return to a prewar security posture, because the war itself revealed strategic vulnerabilities. He reassures us that in case there is a war, constitutionally the troops can always be sent back. He’s got to be kidding. Despite the evidence of this island’s long history, AKD is oblivious to dangerous external cross-currents from near and far. Realistic, rational defence strategy and security planning is not based on and derivative of ephemeral domestic politics and policies, but in the axiomatic geopolitical realities that define our island-nation’s existence, namely ‘Who, What and Where we are’ (Mervyn de Silva).

President Premadasa removed an intrusive British High Commissioner and de-coupled a massive Indian military presence. Mahinda pushed-back wartime interference by UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband. But Anura has refused to make public the contents of his administration’s agreements with India. He wouldn’t do that unless there’s something to hide. The multiethnic, multireligious, multilingual agitation in Mannar seems a defensive response to rampant economic Indianisation. Meanwhile, having avoided the 25th anniversary SCO Summit in China, Anura went to Japan, a member of the Quad, and declared to Japan’s corporates: ‘Sri Lanka can be your strategic partner to enter South Asia’. Where is Sri Lanka’s traditional ambidextrous balancing? JVPer in New York

Among those delivered this year at the UN General Assembly in New York, my favourite speeches were those of three democratically-elected presidents from the Latin American left: Brazil’s Lula, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro and Chile’s Gabriel Boric.

President AKD’s speech didn’t make my short list for several reasons. This must be contrasted with the speech by Chile’s Gabriel Boric who explicitly denounced Israel for perpetrating the massacre of Gazans and the destruction of Gaza.

President Anura Dissanayake chose to quote President Harry Truman towards the closure of his speech. ‘As President Harry Truman stated on the occasion of founding the United Nations.’ If he wanted to quote an American president he could have chosen President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his ‘Four Freedoms’. Instead Anura chose FDR’s successor President Truman who chose to drop atomic bombs on the entirely civilian, fellow Asian population of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

AKD didn’t have bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the UNGA with a single democratically-elected progressive leader from Latin America and the Caribbean– leaders from countries which have experienced the debt trap and are in the forefront of initiatives against it.

Sri Lanka’s Palestine policy

Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike broke off diplomatic relations with Israel. President Premadasa faced a situation that Anura did, in that his predecessor JR Jayewardene had permitted an Israeli presence and role-though it must be said that President Jayewardene’s government was also among the world’s first to recognize the PLO’s Government-in-exile headed by Yasser Arafat.

President Premadasa shut down the Israeli Interests Section. When highly-influential US Congressman Stephen Solarz flew to Sri Lanka, called on the president and cautioned him that such a closure would have consequences, Premadasa replied ‘Congressman Solarz, do you think we Sri Lankans believe that actions don’t have consequences? This meeting is now over’. He stood up and left the room.

In 1991, with the US leading a coalition that won the first Gulf War (‘Desert Storm’) and the USSR in meltdown, months away from self-dissolution as a state, unipolarity was dawning in the global order for the first time since the zenith of the British empire. US President George HW Bush addressed the UN General Assembly, reminded it that in 1975 (the height of the Third World’s power) when it had passed a resolution defining ‘Zionism as a form of Racism’, the US had pledged to repeal that resolution. Bush Sr. declared he had come to honour that pledge and insisted the UNGA repeal the 1975 resolution.

The UNGA did so with only 25 states voting against repeal. Of the 25 there was only one that was neither Islamic nor Communist-led. That was Sri Lanka under President Premadasa. He had telephonically instructed our Permanent Representative Prof Stanley Kalpage not to abstain or absent himself ‘by heading for the bathroom’.

President Premadasa’s view was that the 1975 resolution should have been repealed only after Israel had agreed to the establishment of a Palestinian state, because until then, the denunciation that Zionism was a form of racism would have remained valid. Premadasa has been proven prophetic by Israel’s ongoing genocide of the Palestinians of Gaza.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was known for his principled and resolute solidarity with Palestine, and personal affection and respect for Chairman Yasser Arafat.

During Israel’s war on Gaza in 2008-2009 (‘Operation Cast Lead’) Sri Lanka was among those prominent in successfully achieving at the UNHRC in Geneva what was sabotaged at the UNGA, New York at the time: pass a Resolution of condemnation. I was Sri Lanka’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative. When an incensed Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa phoned me to rudely demand ‘who told you to speak condemning Israel?’ I replied with complete honesty, ‘your brother’-with whom I’d had a conversation before the resolution.

A few months later came the US-backed EU resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC which we were able to pre-emptively and decisively defeat with our own. Our defence of the Sri Lankan military’s offensive against the Tigers had added legitimacy in the Council because we had earlier demarcated ourselves from the barbaric behaviour of the Israelis by our prominent role in the resolution on Gaza. All Arab and Islamic (OIC) members elected to the UNHRC voted for Sri Lanka.

Much more historic was Sri Lanka’s role in 2011 in Paris. Prefiguring the UNGA vote last week, the first UN body to vote Palestine in as a new member was the UNESCO in Paris. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flew over before the vote and addressed us. I was Sri Lanka’s ambassador to France, accredited to Spain and Portugal, as well as Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Hillary told us that the US Congress had resolved to cut 60% of America’s funds to UNESCO if it voted to admit Palestine. It posed a daunting challenge because the entry of a new member required a two-thirds majority of the UNESCO membership.

The decisive debate was at the UNESCO Executive Board consisting of 58 ambassadors representing member states. When collectively deliberating on Hillary Clinton’s polite but pointed threat of financial amputation if not decapitation, I spoke up reminding members of a framed quote that we passed on the corridor to the venue, by Jawaharlal Nehru who had said that ‘UNESCO must serve as the conscience of the world’. My question was: ‘Are we going to allow funding, i.e., money, to determine that role? How can we put a price on conscience?’ Dr. Tissa Vitharana was attending another UNESCO conference pertaining to his portfolio as Science and Technology Minister, accompanied by Prof Sirimali Fernando, head of the National Science Foundation. We arranged for him to address the UNESCO General Conference assembly. Having phoned MR, he made a strong speech recalling President Rajapaksa’s consistent support of Palestine and urged a ‘Yes’ vote.

When the UNESCO general conference voted, Palestine won more than the required two-thirds majority. In a precursor of what was to come in New York 14 years later, France too voted to admit Palestine.

In 2013 when a High Commissioner friendly to Colombo suggested that having just returned from my Paris stint, I should be redeployed to Geneva because Sri Lanka’s majority had collapsed and long-term defeat in facing UNHRC resolutions was highly probable, Gotabaya Rajapaksa unabashedly expostulated that he ‘had to fly to Tel Aviv to explain’ my role in support of Palestine at UNESCO.

Once, when attending the UNGA in New York, Mahinda Rajapaksa insisted that Sri Lanka’s Ambassador/PR cancel a meeting that had been arranged at the latter’s initiative with New York’s Jewish lobby.

Mahinda’s strong commitment to the cause of Palestine earned him the honour of a road named after him by the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, in the West Bank.

High marks, no Marx

If AKD’s foreign policy is retrogressive rather than progressive, his economic policy is worse. Evaluating Anura’s first year in office, Advocata’s Dhananath Fernando, the popular young preacher of free-market fundamentalism, gives AKD ‘100 marks’ precisely for his preferential options among the choices available to him.

The chief economic ideologue of the leading right-wing economic think-tank commends Anura fulsomely for ‘maintaining policy continuity in all the critical areas’, and having ‘accelerated the debt restructuring process, signed most of the debt contracts’. He praises him also for ‘the digitization drive, getting Dr Hans.’.

Summarising Anura’s first year achievement, Dhananath applauds him and his comrades for the ‘courage’ to embrace exactly what they had opposed.

‘Consistency is what they brought in without changing the key reforms.they went to courts against Central Bank independence, but they didn’t change it once they came to power’. Can the JVP-NPP ideologues who advocate giving AKD time and the benefit of the doubt, explain why a supposedly leftwing or progressive administration didn’t prefer to invite Lankan-born economist Prof Howard Nicholas, based in a prestigious European university, author of a book on Marx’s economics, occasional consultant in Vietnam, and analyst of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt crisis in a scholarly economics journal, to advise the President and be a chief negotiator? What manner of ‘progressive’ president/govt prefers Nandalal Weerasinghe, Mahinda Siriwardana and Duminda Hulangamuwa instead?

President Ranasinghe Premadasa picked Oxford-educated ex-civil servant, ex-political prisoner and radical-left Third Worldist intellectual Susil Sirivardhana, editor of the Maoist-inclined cultural journal Mawatha, as head of both his emblematic programs, Housing and Janasaviya. Susil co-authored Prime Minister and Presidential candidate Premadasa’s 1988 election manifesto. He was Premadasa’s key ideologue and spokesperson on development policy.

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s long-time ideologue and policy intellectual was Dr Sunimal Fernando, leftwing social scientist and product of the London School of Economics.

How are Anura Dissanayake and his policy troika Nandalal Weerasinghe-Mahinda Siriwardena-Duminda Hulangamuwa, more progressive than Ranasinghe Premadasa and Susil Sirivardhana (or Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sunimal Fernando)?

Speaking to Sri Lankans in New York, there was an interesting moment when Anura was posed a question in English by a senior gentleman, broadly on the issue of social welfare. AKD tossed the question to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, high-ranking JVP Politbureau member of long-standing. Vijitha reply was ‘as you know we are now in a crisis, and we shall proceed to a strong social welfare net in 3-4 years.’ So, the economic crisis which disproportionately impacts the poor and the working people including the middle classes, will not have a robust social safety net on the JVP-NPP’s watch, until the crisis is over. This is to the right of the World Bank and UNDP.

Vijitha Herath cannot be chiefly blamed because President Anura Dissanayake said much the same thing in his speech to Sri Lankan New Yorkers:

‘.However, stability, he noted, is only the beginning. The next phase is ensuring that these economic gains ‘flow down to the ordinary people.’.’ So, the first phase is stability/stabilisation, the next is ‘economic gains.flowing down to the ordinary people.’ (My emphases-DJ)

First come the foreign private creditors, the top local corporates and the wealthiest decile– the ‘extraordinary’ people ‘up’ there– and next come ‘the ordinary people’ who are ‘down’ there. If this isn’t trickle-down, what is?

Contrast that with President Premadasa who kicked off the Janasaviya poverty alleviation program in Hambantota, the cradle of the Southern insurgency, at a time of twin civil wars or as he put it ‘a torch burning at both ends’, South and North, a foreign military presence (which fed the Southern insurgency), and an economy reeling from destruction and sabotage.

He didn’t seek to stabilise first, then grow, then channel the resultant prosperity down to the ordinary people. He led with Janasaviya, reduced absolute and relative poverty, narrowed the inequality gap while accelerating growth, energised the stock-market, attracted foreign investment and launched an export-led, province-based industrialisation drive which is still keeping our economy afloat. Premadasa achieved stabilisation and recovery through ‘growth with equity’.

Provincial devolution

40 years ago (1985), two years before the intrusive Indian airdrop, the Sri Lankan State led by President JR Jayewardene, represented at bilateral talks in Delhi by his brother Harry Jayewardene QC, agreed to the devolution of power within a unitary state to a provincial (no longer district) unit. Legislated in 1987, activated in 1988, it is the most progressive democratic structural reform of the State since Independence.

Snarled-up for years including by the JVP, Provincial Councils are being kept open-endedly unelected and comatose by the AKD-JVP-NPP administration which is silent about provincial devolution, unlike other mainstream parties.

In the core domains I call ‘the 3-Es’– economic policy, external relations and ethnic autonomy– the AKD-JVP-NPP Government is way behind most leaderships and governments we’ve had since Independence. It isn’t ‘progressive’, ‘left-oriented’ or ‘centre-left’ by any comparative international or national standard. It is a retrogressive rightward shift; a Great Leap Backward.

It said vehicle imports in the first eight months of 2025 amounted to $ 918 million aided by $ 240 million in August. In July the amount was $ 193 million.

Vehicle imports

Since April, value of vehicle imports has been on the rise following the lifting of the ban in late February. In April it amounted to $ 134 million but grew to $ 163 million after dipping to $ 118 million in May.

SriLankan Airlines, in collaboration with UnionPay International and Bank of Ceylon, has introduced UnionPay as a payment option on its official website, expanding its online payment ecosystem and offering greater convenience to the growing number of Chinese travellers.

This addition not only enhances the airline’s range of payment options, which already includes Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners, Discover, UATP, Alipay and WeChat Pay, but also reinforces SriLankan Airlines’ position in the rapidly growing digital travel market.

SriLankan Airlines Head of Commercial Dimuthu Tennakoon said, ‘As the national carrier of Sri Lanka, we strive to enhance the travel experience for our customers, from flight booking to completing their journeys. By enabling UnionPay card acceptance, we provide a more inclusive and seamless payment experience, making it easier for international travellers to book their flights conveniently.’

‘UnionPay is delighted to collaborate with Bank of Ceylon and SriLankan Airlines to enhance payment accessibility for our cardholders. This partnership aligns with our broader expansion strategy in Sri Lanka, providing domestic UnionPay cardholders and international travellers with a seamless payment experience. As a key merchant, Sri Lankan Airlines plays an essential role in supporting our issuance business and driving greater adoption of UnionPay in the market,’ said UnionPay International Country Manager of Sri Lanka and Maldives Crispin Wijesekera.

Bank of Ceylon Acting General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer Y.A. Jayathilake added, ‘We are excited to enable UnionPay’s online acceptance for SriLankan Airlines. This initiative not only improves the airline’s payment options but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s payment infrastructure, fostering digital transactions and aligning with our vision of a cashless economy.’

To celebrate this launch, SriLankan Airlines and UnionPay are in discussions to introduce a special promotional campaign for UnionPay cardholders.

Excited children of all ages rushed to over 31 HNB Customer Centers across the island to participate in mega-celebrations for ‘Singithi Day’ on Saturday 20th September in line with World Children’s Day.

The Singithi Day programme included a number of games and activities such as an art competition, face painting, musical chairs, magic shows, puppet shows and cartoon shows and saw all children enthusiastically taking part in the diverse and fund range of activities of the day.

HNB gave away valuable gifts and prizes to the winners of the games and activities, while every child who took part received a certificate of participation.

The national theme for World Children’s Day 2025, ‘Protect Us with Love – To Win the World,’ emphasizes the importance of building a safe, loving, and knowledgeable environment for every child.’ Bank of Ceylon has consistently committed to nurturing children’s futures by guiding them the leaders of tomorrow with love and care, while also encouraging them to develop the habit of saving from an early age.

Among BOC’s portfolio of products designed for young savers, the BOC Ran Kekulu Smart Children’s Savings Account remains the most popular children’s savings account in the country. In addition, the bank offers the BOC 18+ Account, which supports youth as they transition into adulthood, along with BOC 14+, and other dedicated savings accounts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Priyal Silva, Deputy General Manager (Branch Operations) at Bank of Ceylon, said:

‘As the ‘Bankers to the Nation,’ we are committed to providing the next generation, who will bear the responsibility of tomorrow, with a host of benefits. The BOC Ran Kekulu Smart Account has been redesigned in line with evolving needs, combined with modern technology, to remain relevant for young savers. A key feature is the additional 1.5% interest rate above normal savings accounts. Once a child turns 18, the Ran Kekulu Smart Account automatically converts to a Youth Savings Account with the applicable benefits. Furthermore, we introduced the Ran Kekulu Smart Investment Account, which allows weekly, monthly, or quarterly deposits through standing orders. This account also offers an additional 2.5% interest above regular savings.’

Announcing a month of celebrations for World Children’s Day, Bank of Ceylon has also introduced a special cash reward scheme to encourage children’s savings. Accordingly, a cash reward of Rs. 500 will be credited to children’s savings accounts with a fresh deposits from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000, and a cash reward of Rs. 1,000 will be credited to accounts with a fresh deposits exceeding Rs. 10,000, directly to the child’s account.’

The Ran Kekulu Smart Account also provides insurance protection at no extra cost. Children, parents, and guardians are covered under this scheme, which offers up to Rs. 150,000 for accidental injuries and 12 critical illnesses. In the unfortunate event of the death or permanent disability of a parent or guardian up to the age of 65, a benefit of up to Rs. 1 million is paid. To qualify, accounts must maintain a minimum balance of Rs. 50,000 for 12 months. For hospitalization of the child, a minimum balance of Rs. 5,000 for the same period applies.

BOC further supports children’s education and creativity through initiatives such as the annual Ran Kekulu Seminars, conducted across all provinces for Grade 5 Scholarship Examination candidates, and the Punchi Picasso art competition. Each year, 2,000 Ran Kekulu account holders with top marks at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination are awarded scholarships of Rs. 15,000 each, totaling Rs. 30 million.

Speaking further, Mr. Silva added:

‘Bank of Ceylon has taken significant steps to support both present and future generations through a range of financial products such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, debit cards, and online banking facilities. For senior citizens, we offer the ‘BOC Senior Citizen’ account to provide added benefits for a comfortable retirement. In this way, BOC works to secure the future of children as well as the retirement of elders. We are also committed to introducing innovative financial services to meet evolving national needs.’

For over 86 years, Bank of Ceylon has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, connecting individuals and businesses to global opportunities. BOC’s extensive network with over 2,300 touch points spread across the nation, ensures that bank’s customers have convenient access to a wide range of financial services. Moreover BOC was ranked as the top Sri Lankan Bank among the Top 1000 World Banks 2025 and the Banker of the Year 2021, 2023 and 2024 by The Banker Magazine UK, The most valuable Sri Lankan brand by Brand Finance Lanka. BOC also received the People’s Banking Services Brand of the year at the SLIM KANTAR Peoples Awards 2024.Internationally, Bank of Ceylon has established a strong presence in key locations such as a Subsidiary in London, UK; branches in Male and Hulhumalé in the Maldives; Chennai, India; and the Seychelles.

In the intricate tapestry of philanthropy, the Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation (CDF) emerges as a radiant thread, weaving compassion and care into the lives of terminally ill patients in Sri Lanka. Established in 2013 by Cyril’s son BinaraDharmawardana, this Australian-based Non-Profit charity organization holds a singular focus: providing transportation facilities for every single cancer and terminally ill patient during their treatment. Rooted in a vision of dignity and comfort, CDF operates the only state-of-the-art Non-Emergency Ambulance service dedicated to cancer patients in the Developing World.

A Vision Realized

The genesis of CDF finds its roots in the poignant journey of renowned Sri Lankan actor and public figure, Cyril Dharmawardana. Diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, Cyril underwent treatment in Australia, where he experienced the stark contrast in medical facilities between his host country and his homeland. Witnessing this disparity, Cyril envisioned a service that would extend a compassionate hand to underprivileged communities grappling with poverty-related hardships. Tragically, Cyril Dharmawardana passed away in November 2013. Within a year of his demise, his vision crystallized into the Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation. BinaraDharmawardana, the founder, committed himself to honoring his father’s legacy by providing a crucial service that addressed the unmet needs of terminally ill patients in Sri Lanka.

A Lifeline for the Vulnerable

At the heart of CDF’s mission is the provision of free transportation services for patients between hospitals and their homes during their treatment. Currently operating in the Southern and North Central regions of Sri Lanka, as well as the main Cancer hospital in the Western Province of Colombo, this service is a beacon of hope for those grappling with the challenges of post-treatment journeys. In the Developing World, the reality for many terminally ill patients is a daunting journey home after treatment. Dusty, unhygienic roads and long trips on public transport exacerbate both physical and financial burdens. Some patients, constrained by financial difficulties, resort to lying on hospital floors or forgoing meals to save for bus fare. In response to this dire need, CDF has pioneered a Free Non-Emergency Ambulance service, offering a lifeline to patients by ensuring safe transportation from hospitals to their homes. Beyond the physical comfort it provides, this service shields patients from exposure to infectious diseases prevalent in public transport.

Global Contributions to Cancer Research

CDF’s impact extends beyond immediate patient care; the foundation actively supports the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer research based in Australia. Through volunteer activities at Peter Mac’s fundraisers and annual donations, CDF contributes to breakthrough discoveries and effective treatments for various cancers, benefitting patients worldwide.

Proud Insurance Partner: Continental Insurance

Since 2015, Continental Insurance proudly stands as a partner to the Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to assisting terminally ill patients with their transportation requirements between hospitals and homes during treatment. Regardless of the distance a patient needs to travel, this service is provided free of charge. Continental Insurance plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and success of CDF’s endeavors, further solidifying the foundation’s dedication to compassionate care.

Binara Dharmawardana: Steward of Compassion

At the helm of CDF stands Binara Dharmawardana, a visionary leader committed to translating compassion into action. Binara’s journey began with a profound personal experience – witnessing his father’s battle with stage IV lung cancer and the challenges he faced. This personal encounter fueled Binara’s commitment to realizing his father’s vision, providing dignity and comfort to the terminally ill. Under Binara’s leadership, CDF has become synonymous with compassion and care, symbolized by its state-of-the-art non-emergency ambulance service dedicated to cancer patients in the Developing World.

Elite Philanthropy Recognition: Royal Flying Doctor Service Gala

Binara Dharmawardana and the CDF team had the privilege of attending the Royal Flying Doctor Service annual Gala event in Australia. This exclusive event, attended by elite philanthropists, board members, and executive committees, recognized outstanding contributors to CDF in 2022. The gala not only highlighted the impactful initiatives of CDF but also showcased its commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare services.

A Symphony of Compassion: How to Contribute

To sustain and expand its crucial services, CDF invites individuals and organizations to contribute in various impactful ways:

Sponsoring Operational Costs of Ambulances – Marketing and Advertising: Businesses and individuals can feature their signage or logos on ambulances, aligning with long-term projects and events.

Setting Up a Standing Order: Individuals can make regular contributions, dedicating specific days or periods in memory of loved ones.

Sponsoring an Ambulance: This option allows for personalized dedications or business logos on ambulances, creating a lasting tribute.

Instead of Flowers: Families can honor their loved ones by requesting donations to CDF in lieu of flowers at funerals.

Leave a Bequest in Your Will: Writing a will or part will for a benevolent cause ensures continued support for patients with terminal illnesses.

Organize a Birthday/Anniversary Fundraiser using Online Platforms Such as Facebook: Individuals can leverage online platforms like Facebook to create fundraisers, engaging friends and the wider community in contributing to CDF’s mission.

The Impact of Your Contribution

Contributions to CDF go beyond mere financial transactions; they represent a lifeline for those in desperate circumstances. By supporting CDF, donors contribute to the survival of a vital facility that ensures the highest level of quality care for patients with terminal illnesses during their most vulnerable times. Additionally, these contributions provide employment opportunities for dedicated staff, including ambulance drivers and patient careers, helping their families break free from the cycle of poverty. Donations and investments made to CDF are fully protected by the foundation’s insurance partner, Continental Insurance, and backed by DIMO agents for Mercedes Benz and Toyota in Sri Lanka.

Proud Collaborations: DIMO Lanka Mercedes Benz, Continental Insurance, CMA CGM

Since 2015, DIMO Lanka Mercedes Benz has served as the engineering partner for CDF, contributing their expertise and support. Alongside them, Continental Insurance, also a partner since 2015, has played a crucial role as the insurance partner, ensuring the protection and well-being of CDF’s operations. Adding to this collaborative effort, CMA CGM has been the shipping partner of CDF since 2014, facilitating the logistics and transportation aspects of the foundation’s endeavors. The enduring partnerships with these entities showcase the sustained commitment and support that CDF has garnered from key collaborators in different sectors, reinforcing the foundation’s ability to fulfill its mission effectively.

About Cyril Dharmawardana

Veteran actor and former Southern Provincial Council member Cyril Dharmawardana (67) passed away on November 8, 2013, at the Melbourne Peter Mac Hospital in Australia after battling cancer. Cyril JayatissaDharmawardana, who studied at Richmond College, Galle, made his debut as an actor in Henry Jayasena’s play ‘ManaranjanaWedaWarjana’.

He later acted in stage plays like Makara, ApataPutheMagakNethe, DiriyaMawa, Duwili, etc. but his role as Saranapala in KelaniPalama became the turning point in his career. As a film actor, he displayed his prowess in Walampuri, HimaGira, Mother Teresa, AmmaiDuwai, and other creations apart from tele dramas like Giraya, Bodima, NadeeGeethaya, Hiruta Muwawen (IndiappaKathawa), Siwu Diya Dahara, and several others.

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Annual Report 2024, themed ‘Redefining Horizons’, has achieved global recognition by taking home the Gold Award amongst five other awards under the Financials – Capital Markets category, at the League of American Communications Professionals LLC (LACP) 2024 Vision Awards.

The CSE had the distinction of holding the award back-to-back having also won the Gold Award for its annual report in 2023.

The report’s compelling design, in-depth content, and innovative presentation earned its five 2024 vision awards including the Gold Award, the Technical Achievement Award, ranked as the Top Ranked Sri Lankan Report, and ranked amongst the Top 100 Reports in the Asia-Pacific Region and Top 100 Reports Worldwide.

The LACP Vision Awards, widely regarded as one of the most prominent platforms for recognising annual reports worldwide, received submissions from leading organisations across the globe.

The Annual Report 2024 captures the CSE’s strategies, achievements, and vision, illustrating its pivotal role in navigating market dynamics while integrating technological advancements and inspiring trust in stakeholders. The recognition reaffirms the CSE’s position as a leading force in Sri Lanka’s financial sector and a benchmark for reporting standards in the region.

CSE Senior Vice President Finance and Admin Kusal Nissanka said that this year’s theme Redefining Horizons reflects the CSE’s support for a year of transition towards a green Sri Lankan economy in line with its vision to create sustainable wealth and value.

The year 2024 saw the CSE initiate Green Bond trading, an innovative financial instrument to raise capital for environmental benefits, and initiate frameworks for Sustainable Bonds including the unique Blue Bonds, tied to protection of Sri Lanka’s diverse marine life.

With a Sri Lankan capital market primed with attractively competitive Price-Earnings ratio in a strengthened economy the CSE continues to innovate in the Sri Lankan capital market. These successive back-to-back awards demonstrate the organisation’s professionalism and dedication to create a transparent and productive capital market inspiring confidence abroad and domestically.

Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape received a remarkable spotlight this year as Browns Hotels and Resorts secured two of the most coveted titles at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, South Asia’s foremost platform celebrating excellence in travel and tourism.

At the gala night held in Colombo on 20th September, Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal, was honoured as South Asia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort, while Occidental Eden Beruwala was crowned South Asia’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort. This dual recognition marked another milestone for Browns Hotels and Resorts, showcasing the diversity and strength of its portfolio, which spans from vibrant family resorts to tranquil beachside retreats.

Located just 20 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, Club Hotel Dolphin has become synonymous with all-inclusive holidaying in Sri Lanka and celebrated its second consecutive win as the region’s best all-inclusive resort. The property is home to the country’s largest swimming pool, a pristine stretch of beachfront, and a renowned animation team whose lively entertainment programme has made the resort a favourite among families, couples, and friends. Guests can enjoy expansive buffet spreads, intimate beachfront dining, or creative cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologists. One of the resort’s most cherished hallmarks is its deep connection with guests. Many loyal visitors from around the world have returned over 30 or even 40 times, drawn back by the thoughtful touches of a team that remembers favourite meals and celebrates family milestones. Accepting the award at the gala night, Manoj Perera, Resident Manager of Club Hotel Dolphin, represented the passion and spirit that make the property the island’s largest and most celebrated all-inclusive resort.

On Sri Lanka’s Golden Mile coastline, Occidental Eden Beruwala has long stood as an icon of beachfront luxury. With one of Beruwala’s most expansive stretches of beach, Eden has become a sanctuary for travellers seeking timeless serenity by the sea. The resort brings together world-class dining, thrilling watersports, and holistic spa and wellness experiences, all designed to capture the essence of coastal living while delivering personalised luxury.

Accepting the award on behalf of the property, Occidental Eden Beruwala General Manager Rohan Gamage, acknowledged the dedication of his team in curating experiences that have made Eden one of the island’s most sought-after escapes.

Browns Hotels and Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne said: ‘These dual wins are a celebration of our people and our guests. Eden and Dolphin each tell a different story-one of timeless coastal elegance, the other of vibrant all-inclusive energy-but both carry the soul of Sri Lankan hospitality. At Browns Hotels and Resorts, we take pride in creating resorts that are not only celebrated locally but recognised on an international stage for their standards of service, innovation, and guest experience.’

Every year, Children’s Day celebrates the boundless potential of our country’s youngest minds. The celebration holds deeper significance, as Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL), the largest government-backed insurer, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, reiterates the solemn pledge to protect over four million schoolchildren through the Suraksha Insurance Scheme.

Suraksha rises above an insurance policy. It is a promise of peace of mind for every family. Watching over children, making certain no family must choose between a child’s health and their education. It is a pledge to every student, regardless of family’s circumstances, can pursue dreams without the shadow of financial hardship.

Even in the event of surgery for children, Suraksha covers students’ hospitalization and surgery costs up to a set annual limit. They are able to continue their education, easing the financial burden on parents. It is a safety net protecting children, supporting families, strengthening the nation’s future, investing in the wellbeing of the next generation.

Launched in 2017 through a visionary collaboration between the Ministry of Education, and SLICGL, the scheme extends free, comprehensive coverage to every student aged 5 to 21 across government schools, government-approved private schools, Pirivena institutions, and assisted special schools. The Government’s unwavering commitment ensures every child can learn, grow, and thrive without the fear that a medical emergency could derail their future.

For parents, Suraksha brings reassurance. The scheme recognizes a family’s stability rests beyond a child’s wellbeing. For low-income households, Suraksha provides life insurance coverage, offering Rs. 75,000 per child should tragedy strike.

In the event of a parent’s passing, the financial benefit helps eases economic burdens and children are able to continue their parents’ dreams through education.

Under the Suraksha banner ‘Protect Forever – The Children of the Nation,’ every child receives comprehensive protection:

Hospitalization cover of Rs. 300,000 for in-patient care

A special outpatient benefit of Rs. 20,000

Critical illness protection up to Rs. 1,500,000

A personal accident cover of Rs. 200,000, including Rs. 150,000 for permanent partial disability and up to Rs. 100,000 for temporary disability.

These numbers offer more than financial protection. They represent hope, resilience and children being able to continue their education despite setbacks.

Understanding families face emergencies at all hours, the Government and SLICGL have upheld support is always within reach. To make access even easier, every student is provided a QR-enabled Suraksha card. For those who prefer personal assistance, over 142 branches and service centers islandwide, from Colombo to even the remotest villages, with a 24/7 hotline affirming help is just a phone call away.

The Government of Sri Lanka and SLICGL recognize protecting the country’s children rises above responsible governance. It is the foundation of our nation’s future prosperity. Maintaining every child can access healthcare without disrupting their education, Suraksha strengthens individual families, and at the same time, the entire fabric of Sri Lankan society.

Parents who once worried about affording emergency care now watch their children study without fear. Students who might have dropped out due to medical expenses continue pursuing their aspirations. Communities which might have seen talented youth lost to circumstance now see those same children fulfilling their potential.

As Children’s Day 2025 is celebrated, Suraksha showcases what is possible when government and institutions unite with a single purpose of safeguarding children’s health, preserving their educational journeys, and upholding families against life’s uncertainties. SLICGL aims to continue the commitment to champion Sri Lanka’s youngest voices to be empowered to shape the country’s future.

Play is not a luxury for children-it is a fundamental part of their physical, emotional and intellectual development. In an age where screens often replace playgrounds, it is vital to restore the value of outdoor activities and unstructured playtime. On World Children’s Day, we are reminded that a child’s wellbeing depends not only on education and safety, but also on the freedom to explore, imagine and move.

Outdoor play helps children build stronger bodies through running, climbing, jumping and balancing. These physical activities improve coordination, bone strength and immunity while reducing the risk of childhood obesity. Exposure to natural sunlight supports essential Vitamin D production, which strengthens bones and promotes overall health.

Beyond physical benefits, outdoor play stimulates cognitive development. When children engage in games, build with natural materials or explore their surroundings, they develop problem-solving skills, curiosity and creativity. Activities such as hide-and-seek, sand play or nature walks enhance imagination in ways screens cannot replicate.

Social skills also flourish during play. Group games teach children about teamwork, negotiation, sharing and conflict resolution. They learn how to handle winning and losing, how to communicate feelings and how to respect others. These experiences shape emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience.

Play is also closely linked to mental health. Children who have time to play freely are better able to manage stress and express emotions. Activities like cycling, running or playing with friends release endorphins and reduce anxiety. In contrast, a lack of outdoor time can lead to irritability, inactivity and decreased concentration.

Parents and schools must work together to create more opportunities for active play. Limiting excessive screen time, organizing community playground programmes and making outdoor spaces safe and child-friendly can make a significant difference. Schools should ensure that physical education and outdoor breaks are not sacrificed for academics.

Playgrounds, parks, home gardens and even village grounds can serve as learning spaces. Traditional games such as hopscotch, cricket, tag and ball games build cultural connection and encourage intergenerational bonding. When adults participate or supervise positively, children feel encouraged and secure.

On World Children’s Day, let us reaffirm that play is not separate from learning-it is an integral part of childhood. Giving children the space and freedom to play outdoors helps them grow into healthier, happier and more confident individuals.