Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), made its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, this week unveiling the BYD RACCO, a lightweight all-electric K-EV designed specifically for the Japanese market, and launched its dual ‘EV + PHEV’ strategy with the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid model for the Japanese market, BYD SEALION 6 DM-i.

Under the theme ‘ONE BYD’, BYD showcased both passenger and commercial vehicles, marking an important step toward building a comprehensive line-up that integrates hybrid and pure-electric technologies for Japan. This milestone further expands BYD’s presence in the Japanese market, enhancing its brand strength and advancing a complete ecosystem for both passenger and commercial mobility.

BYD’s passenger vehicle booth featured the all-new BYD RACCO and BYD SEALION 6 DM-i, alongside the upgraded BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN, BYD SEAL, and the YANGWANG U9 supercar from BYD’s premium brand. The diverse display demonstrated BYD’s comprehensive product portfolio and commitment to offering Japanese customers innovative, sustainable mobility choices.

Since entering the Japanese passenger vehicle market in July 2022, BYD has introduced several successful models, including the BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN, BYD SEAL, and BYD SEALION 7. With the addition of the BYD RACCO and BYD SEALION 6 DM-i, BYD continues to strengthen its product line-up, aiming to launch seven to eight electric and hybrid models by 2027. To date, the BYD has established 66 retail outlets across Japan, steadily expanding its sales and service network.

On the commercial vehicle front, BYD made the global debut of the BYD T35 all-electric truck and the J6 Living Car Concept, while also displaying the J7 medium-sized and K8 large electric buses.

The BYD T35, developed in accordance with Japanese regulations and vehicle dimensions, is equipped with BYD’s signature Blade Battery, ensuring reliable performance and practicality. The model is expected to enter the Japanese market in 2026.

Since entering Japan’s new energy commercial vehicle market in 2015, BYD has achieved cumulative sales of approximately 500 electric buses, including the J6, J7, and K8 models, becoming the market leader in Japan’s electric bus segment. BYD’s pure-electric buses operate across the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, contributing to cleaner, more efficient public transportation systems.

BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang said: ‘This year marks the 20th anniversary of BYD in Japan and the first time our passenger and commercial vehicles are showcased together. From electric buses to electric cars and now our Super Hybrid DM-i models – BYD SEALION 6 DM-i and the world premiere of the K-EV – BYD has always aimed to offer safe, efficient, and high-quality new energy vehicles suited to Japan’s needs. We will keep strengthening our services, expanding our line-up, and working with Japanese customers toward a more sustainable future.’

Beyond Japan, BYD’s Asia-Pacific business covers more than 20 countries and regions across Asia and the Pacific Rim, spanning commercial vehicles, passenger cars, forklifts, and rail transit systems.

From early leadership in commercial EVs to expanding its passenger car line-up, BYD continues to align closely with local customer demands and industry trends. With the introduction of the BYD RACCO K-EV, the extension into both electric and hybrid product lines, and the addition of customised electric trucks, BYD is actively contributing to the evolution of Japan’s new energy vehicle ecosystem. As its retail network and product portfolio continue to grow, BYD remains dedicated to localised innovation, supporting Japan’s sustainable mobility transformation and creating greater value for society.

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, has announced its entry into the electric mobility sector through the introduction of TAILG Electric Motorbikes in Sri Lanka.

Singer’s ongoing expansion into sustainable product categories and its goal of increasing access to affordable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions are reflected in this collaboration with TAILG, one of the world’s largest electric two-wheeler manufacturers.

Singer PLC Group Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardene said: ‘At Singer, we believe that future mobility must be useful, affordable, and environmentally friendly. An important step in fostering sustainable innovation in Sri Lanka’s transportation sector is our partnership with TAILG.’

TAILG Marketing Director for Asia Lin Peng said: ‘We are proud to partner with Singer Sri Lanka, a brand that shares our vision for a sustainable and cleaner world. Combining Singer’s local strength with TAILG’s global expertise in electric mobility, this partnership goes beyond business-it’s a shared commitment to a greener future for generations to come.’

Established in 2004, TAILG has developed into a global manufacturer with exports to over 90 countries. The company’s electric two-wheelers are recognised for their range, performance, and design standards. The partnership combines Singer’s national retail and service infrastructure with TAILG’s technological expertise to deliver electric vehicles that meet international performance benchmarks and are supported locally through a reliable after-sales network.

The new TAILG model line-up introduced in Sri Lanka comprises the F71, F55, and F72, designed to meet the practical and performance requirements of local users. With a 1500W motor and a 72V 38Ah battery, the TAILG F71 can travel up to 100 kilometres at a maximum speed of 55 km/h. With a 2000W motor and a comparable 72V 38Ah battery, the F55 can travel 100 kilometres at a maximum speed of 65 km/h. With a 96V 52Ah battery and a 3000W motor, the flagship F72 can travel 200 kilometres at a top speed of 60 km/h. All models come equipped with 12-inch tires, front and rear disc brakes, and advanced battery management systems and come in red, grey, green, and white.

Aligned with its global tagline, ‘Long Range Electric Vehicles,’ TAILG focuses on maximising energy efficiency and minimising maintenance requirements. The electric motorbikes provide zero-emission mobility and significantly lower running costs compared to fuel-powered vehicles, making them suitable for urban commuters, delivery riders, and other daily users.

In celebration of the launch, Singer is providing an introductory customer package that includes attractive financing options two free services and more. Making the TAILG electric bike ownership more accessible and cost-effective for Sri Lankan consumers.

Ambassador (Retd.) Ravinatha Aryasinha, former Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, has been appointed Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS).

As a career member of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, he previously served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States; Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva; and Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. He holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Peradeniya; a MA in International Relations from the University of Colombo; was a Hurst Fellow in International Relations at the School of International Service (SIS), American University, Washington DC, USA; and is currently a PhD candidate in International Relations at the University of Colombo.

The RCSS is an independent, non-profit, policy research centre co-founded in 1992 by Prof. Shelton Kodikara – its first Executive Director, to focus on a broad range of conventional and non-conventional sources of conflict and conditions of peace.

Headquartered in Colombo, the RCSS Board of Management includes scholars from South Asia, a Research Committee which also draws on international experts, and a wide network of alumni from its residential workshops and its annual awardees.

‘The RCSS has a proud history of convening serious scholarship with real-world policy relevance,’ said Ambassador Aryasinha. ‘My priority is to strengthen our research programme, deepen regional and international partnerships, and to expand opportunities for emerging scholars.’

Ambassador Aryasinha began his career as a pioneer TV Correspondent at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini (TV) Corporation and has also served as National Information Officer at the UN Office in Sri Lanka. Following retirement, until recently he was the Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI). He also serves on the Board of Management of the Gamani Corea Foundation, and is on the visiting faculty of the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), the National Defence College (NDC), and is a Distinguished Mentor at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA).

The second round of political consultations between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of the Netherlands took place in The Hague, on Wednesday.

The Dutch delegation was led by the Director of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Dominique Kuhling, while the Sri Lankan delegation was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Europe and North America Division Director-General Sugeeshwara Gunaratna.

The meeting was held in a spirit of the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, and shared values. Whilst reaffirming the commitment to the bilateral relationship, both delegations reviewed the full spectrum of the ongoing cooperation and emphasised the need for a renewed focus, amongst others, on maritime and cultural cooperation, as both countries look ahead to celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Both sides discussed ways and means of marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in a fitting manner.

The two delegations welcomed the ongoing cultural collaboration as a cornerstone of the relationship. The Sri Lanka side appreciated the commitment of the Netherlands to addressing historical legacies through the respectful return of items of cultural heritage. The ongoing Dutch-Sri Lanka collaboration between the National Archives of the Netherlands and the National Archives of Sri Lanka to conserve, restore, and digitise the archives currently deposited at the Sri Lanka Archives, was welcomed by both sides.

The two sides reviewed the current level of trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two countries and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation emphasising the need to explore greater collaboration between the relevant trade chambers. The Sri Lankan side noted that currently, the Netherlands is among the top 10 source markets for tourism and outlined the attractions Sri Lanka offers as a tourist destination, as well as the opportunities available for investment in tourism infrastructure.

Discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration in areas such as port development and maritime safety, highlighting the long-term technical and commercial partnerships that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has maintained with Dutch institutions.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and cooperation at multilateral institutions, as well as possible support for each other’s candidacies within the United Nations system. Further, both sides underscored their commitment to maintaining regional stability and maritime security through, amongst others, initiatives such as BIMSTEC and IORA.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, including periodical consultations. Both sides agreed to convene the next meeting at a mutually convenient time to assess progress and further strengthen the partnership.

The Sri Lanka delegation comprised Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands Rekha Gunasekera, the National Archives of Sri Lanka Director-General Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe, Sri Lanka Embassy in The Hague First Secretary Sashiprabha Wijeratne, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Director Kaumadie Wijesinghe.

The Netherlands delegation consisted of the Policy Coordinator for Cultural Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, two Sri Lanka Desk Officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and a Consular Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

The most iconic and the most luxurious of the W15 Collection of hotels, W15 Hanthana Estate rises to the forefront yet again with the accolade of the prestigious Michelin Key distinction, the hotel equivalent of a Michelin star, in the inaugural celebration of the world’s most outstanding hotels in 2025.

In a highly distinguished selection of over 2000 hotels worldwide, Sri Lanka secured ten spots, an honour that places the island nation firmly on the global landscape of the best in terms of luxurious hospitality.

W15 Hanthana Estate is a perfect and exceptional experience encapsulated within an elegant colonial bungalow in Hanthana, with luxuriously appointed suites. The world renowned W15 hospitality, the most sublime of views and climate, exquisitely crafted and scrumptious cuisine, and the highly thoughtful and personal care promise to turn every holiday from an amalgamation of moments into the most wondrous of memories.

W15 Collections’ Founder and Visionary Hardy Jamaldeen said: ‘Receiving a Michelin Key is a humbling reminder that what began as a dream to redefine Sri Lankan hospitality, now stands among the worlds’ most refined experiences. It is not just a recognition of excellence; it is a celebration of the passion and people who give W15 its spirit.’

The Michelin group created the Michelin guide in the 1920’s, a platform that recognised and recommended top hotels across Europe and Asia, and in 2024, the Michelin Key distinction was created to highlight and honour the crème de la crème of this selection. Entry into the prestigious Michelin guide was based on exemplary service standards, personality, design and architecture and the Michelin Keys denote the most outstanding of these hotels. 2457 hotels worldwide were lauded with Michelin Keys this year and the first global unveiling of the same was carried out on the 8th of October 2025 at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris.

In the immediate aftermath of the recognition by the Condé Nast Traveller (2025 readers’ choice awards) as the seventh best country in the world for food, Sri Lanka is well on its way to shine alongside the world’s most celebrated hospitality hotspots. The ten exceptional Sri Lankan properties recognised this year are, W15 Hanthana Estate, Hanthana, Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala, Kurulubay, Ahangama, Malabar Hill, Weligama, Karpaha Sands, Kalkudah, Santani Wellness Resort and Spa, Kandy, Amangalla, Galle, Cape Weligama, Weligama and Villa Sielen Diva, Talpe

Union Bank has reported an impressive financial performance for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, reaffirming its position as one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing private commercial banks.

The bank posted a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 1,178 million, an impressive 52% increase compared to the corresponding period of 2024. Profit After Tax (PAT) rose by an exceptional 194% to Rs. 343 million, underscoring the bank’s successful strategic execution and prudent financial management.

The bank’s gross income rose by 7% to Rs. 13,199 million, reflecting continued business expansion and improved earnings from both core and non-core activities. Net Interest Income (NII) increased by a healthy 11% to Rs. 3,981 million, supported by strong loan growth and effective margin management. Complementing this performance, Net Fee and Commission Income recorded an outstanding 39% growth to Rs. 1,133 million, driven by higher transactional volumes, digital channel utilisation, and trade-related services. As a result, Net Operating Income increased by 19% to Rs. 5,705 million.

Union bank’s results from Operating Activities improved significantly by 41% to Rs. 1,106 million, despite a 14% rise in operating expenses, reflecting continued investments in digital infrastructure and capacity building. This demonstrates enhanced operational efficiency and earnings quality.

Meanwhile, the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio was maintained at a stable level, reflecting the bank’s robust credit risk management framework and proactive portfolio oversight, which have ensured high asset quality amidst a challenging operating environment. The bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratios remain within regulatory thresholds, reinforcing its prudent risk and capital management practices. The bank has also announced its intention to raise up to Rs. 3 billion through Tier II Basel III compliant debentures to reinforce its capital base and support future business growth.

The bank’s total assets grew by a robust 17% to Rs. 171,864 million as of 30 September 2025, reflecting solid balance sheet expansion. Loans and Advances increased by a remarkable 32% to Rs. 107,592 million, affirming its strengthened lending portfolio and continued support for businesses and individuals. Meanwhile, Customer Deposits grew by 8% to Rs. 111,895 million, underscoring growing customer confidence and deepening relationships across market segments. Total assets of the Group grew by 18% to Rs. 182,946 million.

Key operational highlights included the expansion of the bank’s product range with Junior Elite for children, Power HER for women entrepreneurs, and the introduction of Gold Loans alongside pawning. The bank also leveraged its BizDirect cash management solution to grow Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses, while Corporate Banking focused on enhancing customer profitability. Advancing its digital agenda, the bank upgraded its core banking infrastructure and mobile app, reaffirmed its PCI-DSS certification, and partnered with Mastercard to enhance digital payment solutions.

Director/CEO Dilshan Rodrigo said: ‘Union Bank’s exceptional performance in the first nine months of 2025 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to growth and customer-centricity. We remain focused on leveraging technology, innovation, and strong governance to deliver sustainable value. The significant improvement in profitability and balance sheet strength reflects our disciplined strategy, the agility of our teams, and the trust placed in us by our valued customers and stakeholders.’

Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody added: ‘These results reflect the continued progress of Union Bank’s transformation journey and the disciplined execution of its strategic priorities. Our focus remains on building a more productive, technology-driven, and customer-centric institution that consistently delivers value to shareholders, customers, and the broader economy. We will continue to pursue sustainable growth and strategic partnerships that further strengthen Union Bank’s position in Sri Lanka’s financial sector.’

In the highest run chase in the history of Women’s ODIs, India beat defending champions Australia by five wickets with nine balls to spare in the second semi-final played at Navi Mumbai yesterday to book a place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.

India qualified for the Women’s ODI final for the third time, having finished runners-up in 2005 and 2017.

It was a tough chase and not easy as Australia, batting first, ran up 338. India were up against a total no team had ever chased in a Women’s ODI before. They lost their opening bat Shafali Verma (injured) and then the in-form Smriti Mandhana, but they had someone in the shape of Jemimah Rodrigues, who played one of the all-time great knocks (127* off 135 balls, 14 fours) to see India through, even as her partners ran out of steam. It was her partnership of 167 off 156 balls with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes) that truly put Australia under pressure. Deepti Sharma (24 off 17) and Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) did their bit, along with Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8) to put the icing on the cake for India.

Australia were left shell-shocked, unable to believe what had hit them, and for the first time in a long while, they did crack under pressure. Catches went down, and Rodrigues made them pay for it dearly. They were also struggling to come to grips with the dew and they were left ruing the small collapse towards the end that curtailed them to a sub-350 score.

Australia came up with another powerful and bruising batting display to post an imposing 338.

After their Captain Alyssa Healy departed early, Phoebe Litchfield rose to the occasion, crafting a hundred of immense quality (119 off 93 balls, 17 fours, 23 sixes) – her first World Cup hundred in a big game. With Ellyse Perry (77 off 88 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes), who played second fiddle, they added 155 off 133 balls. At that stage, India were under the cosh. But attempting a scoop brought about her dismissal and allowed India to get back in.

India continued to pick wickets but Ashley Gardner played a quickfire knock to notch up 63 off just 45 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes), adding 66 off 41 balls with Kim Garth (17). Her innings helped Australia in the back end, as she cleared the fence often and went past 330, even though at one stage it looked like they would cruise to a 350+ score. India’s fielding was very ordinary and there were a lot of fumbles and runs gifted away. Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers, but the rest struggled to assert any sort of sustained authority.

Scores:

Australia Women 338 (49.5) (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ellyse Perry 77, Beth Mooney 24, Ashleigh Gardner 63, Shree Charani 2/49, Deepti Sharma 2/73)

India Women 341-5 (48.3) (Smriti Mandhana 24, Jemimah Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet Kaur 89, Deepti Sharma 24, Richa Ghosh 26, Kim Garth 2/46, Annabel Sunderland 2/69)

Picking the Sri Lanka ODI and T20I squads for the tour to Pakistan next month was the final task of the four-member cricket selection committee headed by Upul Tharanga whose two-year term will come to an end in December.

After Pakistan, Sri Lanka don’t have any international fixtures till January when Pakistan is due for an ODI and T20I series followed by England for a similar series and then the ICC T20 World Cup in February-March. The teams for these matches will be selected by a new selection committee or by the same committee if they are retained.

Looking back on the two years they have been serving as national selectors, Tharanga said, ‘I won’t say that we were 100% in our selections but it was a mixed performance. I think we have built a foundation by giving players opportunities and a stable team.’

‘We tried as much as possible to give players opportunities without making any big changes to build their trust. In certain areas we couldn’t do it but if you take the overall percentage I think we were successful with the exception of one or two cases.’

It was the Tharanga-led committee comprising Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavithana, Indika de Saram and Dilruwan Perera (resigned after one year) that appointed Charith Asalanka captain of the two white ball sides – ODI and T20I that has brought about a revival in the team’s performances.

‘We appointed Wanindu (Hasaranga) as T20I captain but after the 2023 Cricket World Cup we selected Charith as captain for both ODIs and T20Is. I think the appointments were successful,’ said Tharanga. ‘If you take the ODIs we were ranked somewhere 9th or 10th after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Today we are ranked no. 4. Charith has led the side well. It is only in the T20I format that we could not come up to the expected level. We are still ranked no. 8. We are a team that is capable of improving from that position. It is only small mistakes that need to be rectified.’

‘We are okay in the Test matches, there is a vast improvement in the ODIs. T20I is the only format we could not improve as a team. We can’t make big changes to the T20I side but there are areas which we need to resolve. We have a good team and with the T20 World Cup going to be held in Sri Lanka (and India) it’s a good opportunity for us. We have to improve our consistency.’

Whether the Tharanga-led selection committee deserves another two-year term is left to the stakeholders of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Sports Minister. If they have faith in this committee they can always reappoint them.