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Defending champions Australia began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2025 campaign with a commanding 89-run win over New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore yesterday, bowling them out for 237.

New Zealand never found momentum in the chase despite a valiant effort from Sophie Devine, who struck a fighting 112 off 112 balls. Once she departed, Australia’s bowlers wrapped things up quickly with Sophie Molineux (25-3) and Annabel Sutherland (26-3) sharing the last five wickets to seal a comprehensive victory while Alana King (44-2) also bagged crucial wickets.

Sutherland turned the tide decisively in Australia’s favour, claiming three wickets in a single over. Along with Devine, she also removed Jess Kerr and Eden Carson, leaving New Zealand with little resistance in the closing stages.

New Zealand’s struggles deepened when Maddy Green was run out after another mix-up, the second such dismissal of the innings. The setback came soon after King had struck twice, removing Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday to break crucial partnerships, leaving Sophie Devine short of support at the other end.

Their chase of 327 began on a disastrous note as they lost two wickets inside the first two overs with Georgie Plimmer and Suzie Bates out for ducks

However, walking in at 0-2, Sophie Devine offered New Zealand hope in their big chase, standing firm even as wickets tumbled around her.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Ashleigh Gardner (115 of 83 balls) steered Australia past the 300 mark after a shaky start against New Zealand with her second ODI ton which arrived at a crucial stage when wickets were tumbling regularly. The defending champions eventually closed their innings with 326 runs on the board.

Earlier in the first innings, New Zealand had Australia reeling thanks to Leah Tahuhu (42-3). She dismissed Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney before removing Tahlia McGrath, breaking a 64-run partnership with Gardner. Amelia Kerr (54-2) added to the pressure, claiming the wickets of Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield. Jess Kerr (59-3) claimed the last three wickets for New Zealand while Breearne Illing (75-2) struck with two wickets, including that of Gardner.

Litchfield’s wicket was a milestone moment for Kerr, as it brought up her 100th in Women’s ODIs, making her only the third New Zealand bowler to reach the landmark.

Earlier, playing in her first CWC, Illing removed Australia Captain Healy early on in New Zealand’s opening game of the tournament. But even as partnerships around her crumbled, Gardner stood strong and struck a crucial century to power Australia to a formidable total.

Defending champions Australia, one of the prime contenders for the title, will look to bag their second win when they take on Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday. Meanwhile, New Zealand will once again play at the Holkar Stadium as they look to regroup against South Africa on 6 October.

The Sri Lanka Badminton Novices Championship 2025 began in Ratnapura following the opening ceremony where top officials of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB), the Regional Development Committee and Sabaragamuwa Province Badminton Association graced the occasion.

The five-day grand competition for novice shuttlers, has drawn a large number young and aspiring shuttlers from all parts of Sri Lanka, where the next generation of badminton stars are expected to compete under exciting surroundings. The event is underway simultaneously at three prominent indoor facilities in the Sabaragamuwa region – the Deshabandhu Lt. Col. W. Wimaladasa Indoor Stadium in Kuruwita, the Sabaragamuwa Province Indoor Sports Complex, and the Seevali College Indoor Stadium, both situated in Ratnapura. The organisers, SLB, have been fully supported by the Regional Development Committee and Sabaragamuwa Province Badminton, the entity who have taken the responsibility to conduct the event.

The five-day event includes competitions for shuttlers of the age categories of Under-19, Under-17, Under-15, Under-13 and Under-11. The vast number of shuttlers will compete under Boy’s and Girl’s in Singles as well as Doubles under Junior Events. The Open Event for shuttlers of 14-years and above, includes competitions Singles and Doubles events for Men and Women and Mixed categories. The entire tournament will be conducted in accordance to the BWF Laws of Badminton.

The competition continued at all three venues with the preliminary round matches from 28 September, until 30 September before the knockout stages. The quarter-finals and semi-finals have been slotted to take place today, followed by selected semi-finals and finals of all age categories tomorrow, followed by the awards ceremony.

In every society, two groups need the most care and protection-children and elders. They are at opposite ends of life’s journey, yet they share similar vulnerabilities. Both depend on the love, guidance, and responsibility of families and communities. Strengthening protection for these two groups does not require separate systems; instead, it calls for an intergenerational approach where both are valued, respected, and supported together.

Shared Vulnerabilities, Shared Responsibilities

Children need protection from neglect, abuse, exploitation, and harmful influences-both online and offline. Similarly, elders often face abandonment, financial insecurity, loneliness, and emotional neglect. What is common is their dependence on others for safety, dignity, and wellbeing. Societies that care for children while ignoring elders, or vice versa, miss the bigger picture. True compassion requires creating systems where both generations feel seen and secure.

The Family as the First Shield of Protection

Families are the first line of defence for both age groups. Children rely on parents and guardians for guidance, affection, education, and safety. Elders rely on family members for emotional support, caregiving, mobility, and medical assistance. When families are strong, both children and elders thrive. When families are under stress-from migration, financial difficulties, or work pressures-neglect can occur unintentionally.

Sharing responsibility within families helps prevent burnout. Older grandparents can play active roles in childcare, storytelling, and passing on values, while adults ensure elders receive proper healthcare, companionship, and respect. This exchange builds mutual trust and reduces feelings of isolation.

Intergenerational Bonds as a Protective Force

One of the most effective ways to protect both children and elders is by strengthening intergenerational relationships. When children grow up with engaged grandparents or older relatives, they learn empathy, respect, culture, and history. Elders, in turn, feel needed, valued, and mentally active.

Simple interactions-reading together, doing homework with grandparents, gardening, or sharing traditional games-can improve emotional wellbeing for both. Research shows that children who grow up close to elders develop stronger emotional intelligence, while elders who interact with young people experience less loneliness and sharper memory.

Communities as a Second Home

Beyond families, communities also play a crucial role in protecting children and elders. Community centres, religious institutions, schools, and local organisations can create programmes that bring these generations together. Intergenerational clubs, neighbourhood care teams, and social events can reduce isolation and offer safe spaces for learning and companionship.

Local volunteers can visit elders living alone, while youth groups can assist with errands, technology, or home needs. Likewise, community childcare programmes or safe play areas can reduce risks for children whose parents are working.

Health and Mental Wellbeing

Protection is not limited to physical safety-it also includes mental and emotional health. Children today face rising stress from school pressure, bullying, technology overuse, and social comparison. Elders often struggle with depression, memory issues, loneliness, or limited mobility. Supporting both groups requires accessible mental health services, regular check-ins, and open communication.

Listening to children when they express fear or discomfort, and giving elders the confidence to ask for help, are essential steps in creating a supportive environment.

Policy, Law, and Social Care

Governments also have a duty to protect both generations. Child protection laws, digital safety regulations, helplines, and school safeguards help prevent abuse and neglect. Similarly, policies on elder rights, pensions, caregiving support, and healthcare access ensure seniors are not forgotten.

However, policies should not treat these groups separately. Integrated care systems-where childcare services, elder support, and family welfare programmes work together-have far greater impact. Encouraging flexible work arrangements allows caregivers to look after both their children and ageing parents without financial fear.

Technology as a Tool for Safety

Technology, when used responsibly, can protect both elders and children. Video calls help families stay connected across distances. GPS trackers and emergency alert systems can assist elders with mobility or health concerns. Parental controls and digital literacy programmes protect children from online threats.

At the same time, teaching elders how to use smartphones and internet tools empowers them to stay connected and reduces isolation. Children can even help elders learn technology, creating meaningful collaboration.

A Culture of Care and Respect

Ultimately, the greatest protection comes from mindset. Children should be taught from a young age that elders deserve gratitude and respect, not inconvenience or neglect. Similarly, elders should be encouraged to share time, wisdom, and kindness with children. When both feel valued, families grow stronger and communities become more compassionate.

Moving Forward Together

Protecting one generation should never come at the cost of the other. By building systems that support both children and elders-within families, communities, and national policies-we create a society that honours life at every stage. Their needs may be different, but their right to safety, love, and dignity is the same.

A nation that cares equally for its youngest and oldest members shapes a kinder, more resilient future-one where protection is not a duty, but a shared promise across generations.

As populations around the world grow older, the question of how we care for our senior citizens becomes increasingly important. World Elders’ Day serves as a powerful reminder that ageing is a natural phase of life that should be met with dignity, empathy and meaningful support. One of the most impactful ways to protect and uplift the elderly is by strengthening family-based care and community support systems. Together, these two pillars can ensure that elders live not just longer lives, but happier, safer and more fulfilling ones.

The Changing Reality of Elder Care

Traditionally, elders were cared for within extended family households. Grandparents played active roles in raising children, guiding families and preserving cultural values. However, modern lifestyles have transformed these structures. Urban migration, overseas employment, nuclear families and busy work routines have left many elders without consistent support. Even when families are willing, time constraints and financial pressures can make caregiving a challenge.

Yet, elders continue to contribute to families and communities in countless ways-through wisdom, childcare, life experience and emotional guidance. Strengthening family-based care is not only a moral obligation, but an act of gratitude and respect.

Family-Based Care: A Lifeline of Love and Security

Family care provides emotional stability that institutional care often cannot match. For many elders, familiarity, routine and affection are essential for mental and physical wellbeing. However, caregiving must be shared, not assigned to one individual alone.

Families can strengthen elder care through:

Shared responsibility: Siblings and relatives can divide roles such as financial support, hospital visits, meal planning or companionship.

Flexible arrangements: Adult children living abroad can stay closely involved through regular calls, digital check-ins or financial assistance.

Home adjustments: Simple changes like ramps, railings, non-slip mats and accessible bathrooms help elders remain independent and safe.

Respectful communication: Including elders in decisions about their own care helps them retain dignity and autonomy.

Caregiving should not be seen as a burden, but as an extension of the affection and sacrifice elders once gave.

Emotional Support: The Heart of Family Care

Elders often face loneliness, especially after retirement, the loss of a spouse or when children move away. A supportive family can prevent emotional decline by offering companionship, regular conversations and involvement in family life. Asking elders for advice, listening to their stories or including them in celebrations strengthens their sense of belonging.

Younger generations also benefit from these interactions. Children who spend time with grandparents learn kindness, cultural heritage and respect for ageing.

When Families Need Help: The Role of Communities

Not all families have the resources, time or capacity to provide complete care. This is where community-based support systems become vital.

Community involvement can take many forms:

Elder day-care centres that offer social engagement, activities and meals.

Religious and cultural organisations that coordinate visits, check-ins and festive gatherings.

Volunteer networks that assist with groceries, medical visits or companionship.

Local health clinics that provide free or subsidized check-ups, medicine and screenings.

Senior clubs and activity groups that keep elders mentally and socially active.

These initiatives reduce isolation, promote independence and give families peace of mind.

Government and Policy Support

Strong policies are essential to combine family and community care effectively. Governments can support elder wellbeing by:

Offering financial assistance, pensions or subsidies for low-income seniors.

Providing training and respite services for caregivers to reduce burnout.

Establishing home nursing and mobile medical teams for immobile or rural elders.

Supporting emergency hotlines and legal protections against abuse and neglect.

Encouraging public-private partnerships to build senior-friendly community facilities.

By investing in eldercare infrastructure, governments reduce hospital costs and enhance community strength.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Care

Technology is often viewed as intimidating to the elderly, but with proper guidance, it can greatly improve their quality of life. Families and communities can help elders use:

Video calls to stay in touch with distant relatives.

Telemedicine platforms for medical consultations without travel.

Emergency alert devices for safety.

Messaging apps for staying socially connected.

Digital tools can complement, not replace, personal care.

Respect and Dignity: Non-Negotiable Values

Strengthening elder care is not only about physical assistance, but about preserving dignity. Elders should not feel like burdens or afterthoughts. They deserve:

Autonomy in daily decisions.

The right to express preferences.

Freedom from neglect or abuse.

Recognition for their contributions and experiences.

Showing appreciation, patience and empathy fosters mutual respect and strengthens family bonds.

Building a Compassionate Society

A society that looks after its elders reflects its core values. When communities, families and institutions work together, elders are empowered to live with confidence and purpose. Caring for them also strengthens social fabric, reinforces intergenerational understanding and inspires younger generations to follow the same example in the future.

A Shared Responsibility

Family-based care and community support are not separate approaches-they are interconnected. When families take the lead and communities offer support, elder care becomes sustainable and dignified. No elderly person should feel abandoned, invisible or unheard.

On this World Elders’ Day, let us renew our commitment to those who once supported and nurtured us. By strengthening home care, building community networks and upholding compassion, we can create a world where elders age with love, security and purpose.

Ageing is not the end of usefulness-it is the continuation of humanity’s wisdom. Our duty is to ensure our elders walk their final chapters surrounded by care, respect and dignity.

A new three-storey ward complex costing Rs. 1 billion has been opened at the Dharga Town District Hospital, with Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attending the ceremony.

The project is part of a Chinese-funded initiative to upgrade 13 hospitals across the country.

The 38,400-square-foot facility includes a 96-bed maternal and paediatric ward, a four-bed ICU, general wards, and an outpatient department. The Health Ministry has set aside an additional Rs. 50 million to procure essential medical equipment.

According to Dr. Jayatissa, the facility addresses a longstanding requirement in the area and will help reduce pressure on the Kalutara and Beruwala hospitals. Staffing will be expanded gradually, with more doctors, nurses, and support personnel to be deployed.

The hospital, managed by the National Institute of Health Sciences, is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare in the Kalutara District.

World Children’s Day is celebrated in Sri Lanka on October 1st annually. This year the theme for World Children’s Day is ‘Nurture with Love – To Lead the World’.

The week leading up to Children’s Day has also been declared as the National Children’s Week. It will take place from 25th September to 1st October. Several programmes and initiatives will take place during this time.

Interestingly the date for World’s Children’s Day changes according to region and country. It was first proclaimed during the World Conference of Child Welfare in 1925 and since 1950 is celebrated by several countries on June 1st. Several other countries began celebrating it on November 20th to commemorate the issuance of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly.

While here in Sri Lanka we celebrate it on October 1st each year, the day is a great reminder that children are often overlooked and are among the more vulnerable in our society. Giving them a space to grow in security and freedom, looking after their interests and making sure that their rights are protected, is a sign of a healthy and thriving country and people. Most importantly helping them grow in their creativity too, gives children the opportunity to discover their potential and what they would like to be when they grow up.

While conventional education is and always will be a strong foundation for our children, we must not forget that every child cannot fill the formulaic mold. As parents and teachers, giving room for a child’s imagination and encouraging them with what they are good at, can help nurture them to become good leaders and grow to bring true change in the world around them.

In the Junior Mirror, which is the children’s section of the Daily Mirror, you will find a space for your kids to discover creativity and grow their imagination. So get your children to read, to write, to draw and paint, encourage them to do more activities that they love, to nurture a future in which they will find contentment, joy and peace.

SLIM Brand Excellence has received the highest number of entries in its history as the judging process formally gets underway.

SLIM said the record-breaking response underscores rising industry confidence and participation. This year’s competition includes an international judging component, bringing global expertise and elevated benchmarks to the evaluation process. The jury brief took place on 22 September, initiating a rigorous, multi-stage assessment designed to reward strategic clarity, creative strength, and measurable market impact. With enhanced oversight and transparent criteria, SLIM Brand Excellence continues to raise the bar for credibility and standards across the marketing and business community.

The momentum around this year’s cycle affirms SLIM Brand Excellence’s role as a catalyst for professional development and industry progress. Entrants represent a broad cross-section of sectors and disciplines, reinforcing the program’s relevance to brands at different stages of growth. As judging commences, participants can expect a clear, timely process overseen by an experienced jury panel with deep regional and international exposure.

Building on this success, SLIM Brand Excellence will continue to strengthen its framework and partnerships to align with international best practice, ensuring the platform remains contemporary, inclusive, and forward-looking. Details on category evaluations, shortlists, and subsequent milestones will be shared in due course through official SLIM channels.

Sri Lanka Tourism showcased ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ at the International and French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2025, held at Porte de Versailles in Paris from 23 to 25 September 2025. The spacious, well-designed Sri Lanka Pavilion, organised by Sri Lanka Tourism, was a key attraction at the fair, presenting the many facets of Sri Lanka along with Ceylon tea and traditional Sri Lankan dance and music.

Thirty (30) Sri Lankan travel and tourism companies took part in this year’s IFTM, including leaders in the French market such as Aitken Spence Travels, Jetwing Travels, Connaissance de Ceylan, Oak Ray Holdings, Thema Collection, Walkers Tours Ltd., and LSR Travels, among others. Several new companies, including Orinway Leisure Ltd., also joined the French travel fair for the first time.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was formally inaugurated by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, together with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Director (Marketing) Dushan Wickramasuriya. Also present were Sri Lankan Airlines Regional Manager for Europe and the Americas, Chinthaka Weerasinghe, industry leaders, and representatives including senior members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. The ceremony was followed by the serving of Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon tea.

In her remarks, the Ambassador underlined the pivotal role of the travel and tourism industry in driving Sri Lanka’s economic growth and development. She commended the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for showcasing the country at IFTM with a state-of-the-art pavilion, and congratulated industry leaders for their enduring commitment to promoting Destination Sri Lanka in France.

Sri Lanka Tourism Director (Promotion) warmly welcomed the French travel industry to the Pavilion, emphasising the resilience, dynamism, and upward trajectory of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and its strong potential. He also referred to several major promotional campaigns in the pipeline aimed at further consolidating France as a top target market for Sri Lanka.

On 23 September, the Embassy of Sri Lanka hosted a networking dinner reception at its premises for Sri Lankan travel and tourism representatives. Distinguished French participants at the reception included MEDEF President of the Sri Lanka-France Business Council Eric Le Corre, and Guayapi Lanka Founder Claudie Ravel.

France is Sri Lanka’s sixth largest source market and the second largest within the European Union. From January to August 2025, 83,011 French tourists visited Sri Lanka, reflecting a 23.3% increase compared with the same period last year. This positive trend is expected to continue.

IFTM Top Resa is the foremost and most prestigious travel and tourism exposition in France, showcasing over 170 destinations and bringing together nearly 30,000 industry professionals from the travel and leisure sector annually in Paris. Sri Lanka’s participation in IFTM 2025 was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in partnership with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France. The Embassy Commercial Secretary Prasadi Boomawalage, and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Assistant Director, Viranga Bandara were also associated with the event.

England Captain Harry Kane continued his incredible goalscoring run with two goals as Bayern Munich crushed Pafos in the Champions League.

Kane, 32, has now scored 102 goals in 105 games for the German giants following his £ 86.4 million move from Tottenham in August 2023.

He has 17 goals in nine club matches in 2025-26, including 11 in his past five appearances, as well as one goal for England in their 5-0 thrashing of Serbia this month.

Bayern, two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, have now won all nine of their matches this season, scoring 35 goals in the

process, and have two victories from two in the Champions League.

As Sri Lanka commemorates International Day of Older Persons on October 1st, the nation echoes on the immeasurable contributions of senior citizens, among them parents, teachers and all other professionals, workers, and community leaders who have devoted their lives to building the country’s foundations. Providing for their wellbeing is no longer a responsibility, but a moral duty and a national priority.

However, as many are entering their golden years’ they face increasing health challenges. The government has introduced important provisions to support senior citizens, but more needs to be done to strengthen their healthcare and protection.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL), the trusted, government-owned insurer serving the nation for over six decades, has stepped forward with Medi 60, a pioneering medical insurance plan designed exclusively for senior citizens. The policy is intended for individuals between the ages of 60-70 and continues to provide protection, subject to health assessment, until the policyholder reaches 80 years of age.

Medi 60 recognizes turning 60 is not the end of an active life, but the beginning of a new chapter requiring specialized care tailored to the realities of aging. The plan offers three flexible policy options, providing additional coverage for both government and private hospitals. Importantly, the policy is issued with pre-existing medical conditions being excluded other than diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension, in addition to common health concerns without prior complications. The approach supports older adults that have too often been excluded from traditional insurance.

Especially for families with aging parents, Medi 60 brings peace of mind. Thousands of Sri Lankan children living and working abroad carry the worry of not being able to care for their parents back home. With Medi 60, they can be assured their loved ones have access to quality medical care, even in their absence.

The scheme also addresses one of the greatest fears of older age, unexpected medical emergencies. Covering both routine care and urgent treatments, Medi 60 turns what was once financial uncertainty into predictable, reliable protection.

Sri Lanka’s demographic shift toward an aging population presents both challenges and opportunities. The wisdom and experience of senior citizens are invaluable national assets, but their healthcare needs demand innovative solutions. Medi 60 is SLICGL’s response, as a social responsibility initiative making medical insurance accessible, affordable, and dignified for those who built the nation.

SLICGL recognizes senior citizens as deserving of protection and respect. The approach positions the company also as a partner in national development, one who understands that caring for elders strengthens society.

On this International Day of Older Persons, Medi 60 stands as a living tribute to Sri Lanka’s elders. It transforms respect into tangible protection, securing those who built the past can enjoy today and tomorrow with confidence, dignity, and security.