Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (CLTMC) said that it has increased revenue by 31% since it took over administration.

This was disclosed by the CLTMC Chairman Shirantha Peries and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Chamaru de Alwis, at a press briefing on Tuesday evening.

‘Since we took over the administration exactly a year ago, the CLTMC has demonstrated remarkable financial progress under the new management,’ CLTMC Chairman Shirantha Peries, addressing a press briefing on Tuesday which was attended by CEO Dr. Chamaru de Alwis.

‘For the period ending August 2025, revenue reached Rs. 1.43 billion, a 31% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The gross profit grew by 77% to Rs. 786.86 million, with margins improving from 42% to 55%. Our Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged by 192% to Rs. 539.93 million, with margins rising from 18% to 38%. This strong performance reflects disciplined management, prudent decision-making, and effective cost controls,’ Peries said, highlighting the possibility of further enhancing on efficiency and services provided to visitors of the country’s and South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure.

Since October 2024, the Colombo Lotus Tower has been under new management, led by the Chairman Peries, CEO Dr. de Alwis and the Board of Directors. CLTMC boasts a team of more than 120.

The new management has focused on enhancing safety, operational efficiency, visitor experience, and financial performance, while positioning the Tower as a premier cultural, entertainment, and adventure destination in South Asia.

CLTMC remains committed to upholding international standards of safety, operational efficiency, financial transparency, and innovation, and with strategic initiatives underway, the Company is focused on establishing Colombo Lotus Tower as South Asia’s foremost hub for Education, Technology, and Entertainment.

‘Our priorities have been to strengthen operational efficiency, unlock promotional opportunities and deliver greater value to the public. Despite challenges we faced, we have recorded a significant growth in both revenue, which is the number for launching new initiatives that position the local company. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Board of Directors, our highly educated staff, valued partners and stakeholders for their continued trust and support as we take the tower to even greater heights,’ Peries added.

Following the tragic incident of 7 October 2024 under the previous management, in which a young student lost her life, the new management acted swiftly to strengthen safeguards further and maintain international safety standards. A steel mesh barrier was installed around the Observation Deck, security personnel were increased, and CCTV surveillance was enhanced across key areas. These measures, along with revised protocols and heightened monitoring, reaffirm CLTMC’s commitment to ensuring that visitor safety, security, and well-being remain at the heart of its operations.

Peries said, ‘A partnership with the National Research Office around the Lotus Tower has initiated a series of forward-thinking digital projects. First, the digital ticketing platform, from a print to a digital ticketing platform replaced the manual system with a fully digital ticketing platform. Enhanced financial transparency, incident tracking and quality has provided a convenient and seamless entry experience for all guests who visit the tower. A smart digital tower parking solution is under development and all of us hope it will be in operation in the next two months. This includes real-time space monitoring, optimisation of revenue collection and streamlined cash management. We, as the new management, have done justice to the valuable funds of all Sri Lankans, while enhancing the present government’s commitment towards an accountable administration.’

During the past 12 months the CLTMC has upheld its contractual rights in the Court of Appeal against non-compliant tenants, a legal outcome that reinforces the Tower’s standing as a well-managed national asset and safeguards its long-term commercial interests.

As part of its ongoing strategy to maximise the Lotus Tower’s commercial potential, CLTMC has been actively identifying and leasing additional prime commercial spaces. These initiatives contribute to sustainable revenue growth, enhance the vibrancy of services offered, and strengthen the Tower’s role as a dynamic hub for business, leisure, and cultural activities.

CLTMC CEO Dr. de Alwis noted, ‘As the Chairman duly highlighted, every single inch or square foot of the property matters, as potential investments that could enhance the market value of Lotus Tower as a popular destination among local and foreign visitors, as well as investors. We highly admire the commitment of our staff members, who have been genuine the strength behind the success of Lotus Tower during the 12 months under the new management.’

Looking ahead, the CLTMC has laid the groundwork for projects that will shape the Tower’s future and reinforce its position as a premier destination in South Asia. Among these is the proposed Lotus Aquarium Café, a joint venture that will combine a state-of-the-art Aquarium Gallery with a themed Café backed by a proposed Rs. 100 million investment.

In addition, CLTMC has signed an agreement to introduce Sri Lanka’s first-ever bungee jumping attraction, which will also be the world’s highest tower bungee jump. Currently in the engineering and planning stages, this initiative is set to launch next year.

The 28th-floor luxury suites boast breathtaking panoramic views of Colombo’s skyline, Beira Lake, and the lush surrounding landscapes, these suites will be repositioned as exclusive accommodation for high-end guests seeking privacy, elegance, and unmatched scenery.

CLTMC plans to operate them as signature luxury stay experiences, offering elevated comfort, personalised service, and world-class hospitality standards, complete with premium amenities and curated guest services, making them a standout choice for discerning travellers, dignitaries, and VIP visitors alike.

Furthermore, a warehouse project of 42,000 square feet also presents significant opportunities for new investment. CLTMC is in active discussions with multinational investors to develop these spaces into profitable ventures, potentially attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Sri Lanka. By converting underutilised areas into active commercial assets, CLTMC demonstrates its commitment to maximising the Tower’s value for the nation, fostering international partnerships, and welcoming new investment opportunities.

Hutch Sri Lanka recently won six awards at SLIM Digis 2.5, making it one of the most awarded brands at this year’s digital excellence forum.

This achievement is especially meaningful as Hutch stood out as the only telecom operator to receive an accolade.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), SLIM Digis is the country’s most renowned platform for recognising innovation and digital excellence. Hutch’s recognition reflects its ability to combine creativity with measurable results, staying deeply connected to the everyday needs of its customers while setting high benchmarks in the industry. Evidently, Hutch is staying ahead in the evolving digital landscape, guided by data-driven decision-making and fuelled by novel creativity. The honours reaffirm that those approaches are not just relevant but impactful.

In the category of Best Use of Digital in the Telecommunication Sector, Hutch won for its ‘There’s Always an Option’ campaign, which has come to define its renewed brand journey. Hutch was also awarded for the pioneering 2X product, which combines home broadband and mobile data into a single plan, and for ‘Ratatama Hutch ,’ an agile campaign during the election period that connected with the audience through culturally relevant storytelling. Under Best Performance Marketing, Hutch was recognised for its eSIM services, which redefine connectivity without physical SIMs, and for its Roaming campaign, which was praised for improving overseas connectivity via data-driven optimisation.

Hutch Sri Lanka Chief Marketing Officer Hamdhy Hassen said: ‘These awards reflect the commitment of our teams to make great work that resonate with Sri Lankan audiences in the digital age. We are humbled to be amongst the most awarded brands and the only telecom to be recognised this year. We believe this recognition is truly deserved as it mirrors the efforts we have made to deliver real value, innovation, and growth to our customers and the industry.’

.This marks the start of an exciting journey where you will gain in-depth knowledge, explore your passions, and build lasting friendships. At IIT, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders by providing an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and success.

We look forward to supporting you as you take the first step toward shaping your future and making your mark in the world of technology.

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.

The country’s leading state development bank, the Regional Development Bank (RDB), has been close to the hearts and minds of Sri Lankans for four decades, offering a wide range of savings and financial services. The bank has introduced a wide range of savings accounts for children from infants to senior citizens.

Children are the future of a nation and they can be identified as the lifeblood of a country. It is the responsibility of parents and adults to provide them with proper education and guidance to ensure their future security. Accordingly, with the aim of instilling the value of thrift in the hearts of children from an early age and creating a financially disciplined generation for the country, the RDB has introduced the Kekulu Account, a savings account that offers attractive interest rates and many other benefits.

Accordingly, the eco-friendly RDB Kekulu Saving Till can be introduced as the most valuable gift that can be given to children on this World Children’s Day. This has been designed to be used as a pen holder later on.

From October 1, 2025, the RDB branch network will offer this special savings account to children who come to the bank branches to open new Kekulu accounts, as well as to children who come to the bank with their old savings account.

In addition, for the children of RDB Kekulu account holders,

Educational seminars

Special gift scheme based on the account balance

Educational achievement Appreciations

Scholarships for the children who passed Grade 5 scholarship examination

Special savings programs

School banking units

A number of programs to improve savings habits are launched by the RDB throughout the year, and we respectfully invite your children to open a Kekulu account and seize these opportunities.

HNB Assurance PLC has announced the introduction of HANA, a novel AI-powered chatbot designed to transform how customers connect with them.

Developed as part of HNB Assurance’s drive to embrace cutting-edge technology and reimagine customer service, HANA delivers instant, 24/7 assistance, making insurance simpler, faster and more intuitive for every policyholder. From policy inquiries to claims guidance and company updates, HANA offers seamless, personalized interactions that remove the need for wait times on calls or branch visits.

Director/CEO Lasitha Wimalaratne said: ‘At HNB Assurance, our priority has always been to place the customer at the heart of everything we do. With HANA, we are taking that promise to a new level by introducing a virtual assistant who is always available, always informed and always ready to help. This is not just a launch, it is a reflection of the significant investments and digital roadmap we have developed over the past few years to leverage technology in making insurance easier and more accessible to meet the evolving needs of our customers. My sincere thanks and congratulations to all the teams involved in making this milestone a reality and elevating the way we serve our customers.’

Chief Information Officer/General Manager Suneth Jayamanne said: ‘Implementing HANA is more than deploying a chatbot, it is about embedding intelligence into every interaction. Powered by advanced natural language processing (NLP), machine learning algorithms and deep integration with our core systems, HANA is designed to handle complex queries, learn from vast datasets, and deliver responses with human-like understanding. We certainly believe that his launch is an exciting first step in our broader strategy of using AI to create meaningful, customer-centric experiences. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to CodeGen International Ltd., for their invaluable contribution in turning this vision into reality.’

The first-ever Sri Lanka edition of Essentials of Modern Marketing by Prof. Philip Kotler, developed in cooperation with Kotler Impact Inc. and Deyo Consultancy and Advisory, was officially launched at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo recently.

Sampath Bank is the only bank featured as a case study in this landmark publication, a distinction that celebrates the Bank’s commitment to harnessing innovation to address real human challenges while shaping the future of banking in Sri Lanka.

The case study spotlights Sampath Bank’s pioneering Touchless Cash Withdrawals, the first such service in Sri Lanka and among similar innovations in Asia, introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed to minimise physical contact at ATMs, the service enabled customers to withdraw cash using a QR code generated on the Bank’s WePay mobile app, eliminating the need to touch the machine. Initially offered to its own customers, the Bank later extended the service to users of other banks, reflecting its ethos of inclusivity and collective responsibility.

Sampath Bank Senior Deputy General Manager – Marketing and Life Lead Operations Tharaka Ranwala said: ‘Marketing isn’t just about what you do but about what you do for people. At Sampath Bank, we believe that is where true marketing lives, in the space where we solve problems within our society, and in turn, those solutions drive our business to greater heights. Being featured in a publication that has shaped modern marketing thinking across the world affirms our unwavering commitment to innovation with purpose, and inspires us to keep creating experiences that transform lives.’

Its inclusion in Kotler’s Essentials of Modern Marketing reflects how the initiative reshaped industry behaviour and consumer expectations well beyond the pandemic. Pioneering touchless withdrawals accelerated the adoption of contactless technologies in Sri Lanka’s banking sector, setting new benchmarks for safety, accessibility, and digital trust. The service’s rapid uptake demonstrated how empathetic innovation can deepen customer loyalty and drive market differentiation, turning a health-driven necessity into a sustained competitive advantage.

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Krishan Balendra this week told Japanese investors that Sri Lanka is seeing economic revival and it is the right moment to be part of shaping the South Asian hub’s next growth chapter.

He made this observation at the Sri Lanka Business Forum in Tokyo as part of a public-private sector initiative to woo Japanese investor interest in tandem with President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s State visit.

‘Sri Lanka is on a clear path of economic revival. After a period of great difficulty, we are seeing steady and broad-based growth, with renewed momentum in exports, tourism, remittances, and investment. Fiscal consolidation, completion of debt restructuring, inflation control, and macroeconomic reforms have helped lay the groundwork for rebuilding confidence,’ said Balendra who led a 20-member delegation organised by the Sri Lanka Japan Business Council )SLJBC) under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber.

‘The former IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath recently labelled Sri Lanka’s recovery as a stand out experience and remarkable progress within a short-term period of time. The World Bank in their latest Sri Lanka Public Finance Review stated that the scale and speed of the fiscal adjustment standout by historical and international standards. We are seeing this on the ground with economic activity at around 5% GDP,’ Balendra said.

‘For investors, this means Sri Lanka is once again open and ready for business,’ he added at the seminar attended by President Disanayake and Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry State Minister Dr. Ogushi Masaki.

The well-attended forum was organised by the JETRO, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan, the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, and the Board of Investment (BOI). It was supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Balendra also said Sri Lanka’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, just a short distance from India, makes it an ideal gateway to South Asia and beyond.

‘Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to leverage India’s rapid growth from the Colombo Port already handling the bulk of India’s transshipment cargo, to opportunities in tourism, where India is our largest and fastest-growing source market, and in exports, where regional supply chains can be deepened and diversified,’ Balendra pointed out.

Critically, Sri Lanka can leverage formal market access through the existing FTAs with India, South Asia, Singapore, Thailand (signed in 2024 and moving toward implementation). On top of that, exporters benefit from EU GSP+ preferences and the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), widening duty-free or reduced-tariff entry. Taken together, these agreements provide preferential access to 2.5 billion consumers across India, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, the EU-27 and the UK. Combined with an increasingly stable policy environment, Sri Lanka offers Japanese companies a reliable and strategically connected partner in the region.

Japanese businesses were told that despite being a small island nation, Sri Lanka has carved out a reputation in several high-value industries. It is a hub for high-tech apparel manufacturing, supplying leading global brands with innovative, ethically produced garments. The country is world-renowned for its Ceylon Tea, while also rapidly gaining recognition as the world’s leading source of Ceylon Cinnamon. At the same time, Sri Lanka’s services sector is advancing rapidly, with IT and BPM services emerging as a key growth driver, supported by a skilled, English-speaking workforce that serves clients across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Balendra acknowledged that several Japanese businesses have already built a strong presence in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, automobiles, electronics, infrastructure, and trading. Their long-standing contributions have created jobs, technology transfer, and enduring partnerships.

‘Looking ahead, opportunities exist to deepen this engagement in apparel, agri-exports, renewable energy, logistics, and IT services, where Sri Lanka’s strengths align with Japan’s expertise and global networks. Together, these sectors highlight how Sri Lanka offers not just resilience, but also a diverse platform,’ Balendra said.

Balendra observed that discussions and exchanges in Tokyo have reinforced the strong foundations on which partnership rests, and more importantly, the opportunities that lie ahead.

He said that the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce remains committed to fostering meaningful engagement between the two business communities and invited Japanese companies to attend the Ceylon Chamber organised Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit from 2 to 3 December.

‘As Sri Lanka moves from a period of stability to a phase of sustained and accelerated growth, this Summit will be the premier platform to engage with that journey. It will deepen today’s dialogue, explore sector-specific opportunities, and connect with a wide spectrum of Sri Lankan and international business leaders. We believe this is the right moment for Japanese investors to be part of shaping Sri Lanka’s next growth chapter,’ Balendra emphasised.

The forum in Tokyo was the final event under the public-private sector joint initiative to boost greater economic and business cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan, buttressing the State visit by President Disanayake. Prior to Tokyo, a similar business forum was held in Osaka apart from President Disanayake officiating at the Sri Lanka Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

The private sector delegation with over 20 personnel/companies has interests in manufacturing, exports, services, tourism, logistics, and IT. The delegation included SLJBC Vice President and Spear International Ltd., Chairman and Managing Director Shamil Mendis; SLJBC Treasurer and MendisOne Chairman Rohitha Mendis; SLJBC Immediate Past President and Andrew the Travel Company Managing Director Mahen Kariyawasan; BOV Capital Managing Partner Prajeeth Balasubramaniam; Celestia International CEO Chandana Silva; Connaissance De Ceylan CEO Chamin Wickramasinghe; EW Information Systems Chairman Sanjeewa Wickramanayake; Hayleys PLC Director Sarath Ganegoda; hSenid Group Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu; Lanka Harness Executive President Rohan Pallewatta; MAC Holdings Chairman and President Otani San; MAC Holdings Managing Director Andre Fernando; MendisOne Managing Director Rishantha Mendis; Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Manager Harsha Randeny; Tomo Wold Ceylon Chairman Nishantha Perera; Adamjee Lukmanjee and Sons Business Partner – Exports Hashini Kalansuriya; Jayalanka Suppliers Managing Director Ganidhu Ishara; Transfood Lanka Director Sajahan Pasie, NCINGA Group Managing Director Vajira Wijesinghe, and The CCC Assistant Secretary General Dinithi Dias.

Fitch Ratings yesterday affirmed Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘CCC+’. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below.

The ratings agency said Sri Lanka’s ‘CCC+’ sovereign rating remains constrained by elevated general Government indebtedness and a high interest-revenue ratio despite the completion of the sovereign’s debt restructuring in 2024.

‘Sustained adherence to a path of reforms is facilitating a solid economic recovery, low inflation, a substantial fiscal adjustment, and improvements in the external finance position,’ Fitch said in a statement yesterday.

It noted substantial progress Sri Lanka has made under the 48-month IMF program.

Momentum includes passage of the 2025 budget in March in line with program targets, and restoration of cost-recovery pricing for electricity. Additional measures include greater tax compliance and revenue administration, and reforms to the Ceylon Electricity Board and state-owned enterprises. The investment climate, particularly FDI, is likely to remain a priority to bolster medium-term growth, albeit with incremental progress, Fitch noted.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) continues to refrain from monetary financing of the deficit, and exchange-rate flexibility has been maintained. Debt-management functions carried out by CBSL are gradually being taken over by the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO).Full operationalisation of the PDMO is expected by January 2026.

Fitch said debt remains elevated despite the sharp fiscal adjustment and debt restructuring, though we expect gradual debt reduction over the medium term. Fitch forecasts gross general Government debt-GDP to reach about 96% in 2027, but will remain well above the ‘CCC’ median of 74%. Risks to the debt outlook remain high over the medium term, particularly after 2027.

Fitch projects interest/revenue to fall to 46.5% in 2027, although this would still be above the 14.3% ‘CCC’ median. We assume the first threshold of average US dollar GDP under conditions of Macro-Linked Bonds to be triggered due to the economic recovery and stronger exchange-rate assumptions.

‘This would result in higher principal and coupon payments from 2028. We expect this to be accommodated with debt declining if primary surpluses are maintained and GDP growth is sustained at 3.5% in line with our baseline,’ the ratings agency said.

Fitch expects Sri Lanka’s primary surpluses to be around 2.7% of GDP on average between 2025 and 2027. The surplus reached 2.2% of GDP in 2024 from a primary deficit of 5.7% GDP in 2021, driven primarily by a sharp rise in revenues. The 2025 budget targets an overall deficit of 6.7% of GDP , but we see a 5.4% deficit owing to lower interest costs and spending under-execution. We expect further gradual narrowing of the fiscal deficit to 4.2% by 2027 as revenues keep the primary surplus steady and interest costs decline.

Fitch said revenues rose 27% yoy between January-July 2025. Tax revenues – nearly 93% of total revenue – were up by 28% yoy. Revenue gains are also due to the revenue-raising measures announced and implemented. We forecast revenue/GDP at 15.2% and stabilisation at 15.3% over 2026-2027, still lower than the ‘CCC’ median average of 22.5%, reflecting frontloading of revenue gains under the IMF program. Additional revenue-enhancing measures in the pipeline are an upside to our projections.

Fitch noted Sri Lanka’s stable external finances. FX reserves in July-August 2025 were about $ 6.2 billion, up from a low of $ 1.9 billion in 2022. The external liquidity ratio as of end-2024 rose to 96.5% from 55.1% in 2022.

‘We expect reserves to rise gradually to $ 6.4 billion by end-2025 on the expectation of the CBSL continuing to make direct FX purchases. We forecast reserve coverage of current external payments at 2.8 months. Upfront debt relief from restructuring is benefiting external finances,’ Fitch noted.

Fitch forecasts a current account surplus in 2025, having been $ 1.2 billion in 2024 (1.2% of GDP), driven by remittances, receipts from services including tourism, and a slight trade deficit. Remittances were up 19% yoy between January-August 2025.

Fitch said the economy was showing signs of stabilisation after the 2022-2023 contraction, up by 5% in 2024 and 4.8% in 1H25. Growth in 1H25 was supported by industry and services, up by 7.9% and 3.3% yoy, respectively.

‘We expect full-year growth at 4.4%, with 3.8% in 2026 and 3.6% in 2027. US tariffs will be a growth headwind, but the revised reciprocal tariff rate of 20% is now in line with peers, reducing risks to exports. We see low average inflation, but to rise gradually to 5% in 2027, in line with the CBSL’s inflation target,’ Fitch said.

It said Sri Lanka has an ESG Relevance Score of ‘5’ for Political Stability and Rights as well as for the Rule of Law, Institutional and Regulatory Quality and Control of Corruption. These scores reflect the high weight that the World Bank Governance Indicators (WBGI) have in Fitch’s proprietary Sovereign Rating Model (SRM). Sri Lanka has a medium WBGI ranking in the 38th percentile, reflecting a recent record of peaceful political transitions, a moderate level of rights for participation in the political process, moderate institutional capacity, established rule of law and a moderate level of corruption.

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.’