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Sri Lanka’s young shuttlers showed exceptional talent and fighting spirit at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025 producing some of the country’s finest badminton performances in recent history. The quartet of Nethmi Rathnayake, Padumudu Randiligama, Sithuli Ranasinghe, and Keneth Aruggoda led the charge with remarkable victories in both singles and mixed doubles, bringing pride to the island nation.

In the Mixed Doubles Sri Lanka got off to a flying start when Nethmi Rathnayake and Padumudu Randiligama teamed up to record a convincing 2/0 win over, Qatars Alma’s Almoki and Noor Abel displaying excellent coordination and attacking flair. Their seamless teamwork and strong net play gave Sri Lanka early momentum in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Keneth Aruggoda and Sithuli Ranasinghe also performed admirably in their opening encounter, though their campaign came to a halt in the pre-quarterfinals against China’s Xing Zhibo and Chen Sihan, who prevailed 2/0. The Sri Lankan pair fought gallantly, but the Chinese duo’s speed and precision ultimately proved too strong.

Rathnayake and Randiligama too advanced to the pre quarter finals, to fall short against the experienced Indonesian combination of Raihan Pramono and Athresia Candani, who secured a straight-sets victory. Despite the loss, the Sri Lankan pair’s earlier dominance reflected their growing maturity and potential on the Asian stage.

In the singles event, the island’s young players made a strong impression. Sithuli Ranasinghe defeated the Maldives’ Aminath Farha 2/0, displaying confidence and sharp shot selection. However, her inspiring run ended in the pre-quarterfinals when she went down to Yin Yi Qing of China, one of the region’s top-ranked juniors.

Keneth Aruggoda was equally impressive, overcoming Faroozan Ahmed of the Maldives 2/0 with an aggressive all-court game. His consistency and composure stood out, signalling his potential to develop into one of Sri Lanka’s future badminton stars.

Padumudu Randiligama also made his mark, defeating Rathana Viraksak of Cambodia 2/0 in a confident display. Though his singles journey concluded in the early knockout rounds, his dual success in both singles and mixed doubles underlined his versatility and stamina. Padumudu Randiligama

At the time of going to press Keneth Aruggoda was to take on Indonesian Maharishiel Gain in the pre quarters while Pamuditha Randiligama to take on Leo Jing Yu of China for a possible quarter final move.

Together, these performances marked a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s badminton, proving the nation’s youth can now challenge established Asian nations. Their technical growth and mental resilience stood out throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, in wrestling, Vinod Dilshan delivered a valiant effort in the 45 kg category, defeating John Malazarte of the Philippines 13/8 to reach the semifinals. However, his Bronze Medal hopes faded when he was overpowered by Adilet Mukanbetov of Kyrgyzstan and later fell just short against Mirjaiol Mukammilov of Uzbekistan.

Despite falling narrowly short of medals, Sri Lanka’s young shuttlers and wrestlers di

With a shared mission to enhance Sri Lanka’s position on the global stage, leading diversified conglomerate DIMO and young racing prodigy Yevan David have forged a partnership that redefines the country’s path to the international motorsport arena.

Yevan’s exposure to motor racing started at the tender age of six, when he went karting with his father at Sri Lanka’s premier facility, the Sri Lanka Karting Circuit (now SpeedBay) in Bandaragama. Showing great promise, his family recognised that this could be Yevan’s true calling, and by 2015, he was competing in kart racing in Singapore. Showcasing his talent and masterful driving technique, he was soon racing in Malaysia and Macau as well. By 2017, ten-year-old Yevan became the IAME Asia Series X30 Champion in the Cadet category. The following year, he secured the X30 Asia Cup in the Cadet Category, winning the race at the very place he first stepped into a kart – SpeedBay, Bandaragama. From there, he continued in professional kart racing before entering the worlds of Eurocup3, Formula 4, and Euroformula Open in 2024. In 2025, he stormed to a sensational rookie season in the Euroformula Open Championship, clinching the Rookie trophy as well as securing the overall second place in the Championship. He will become the first Sri Lankan to compete in FIA Formula 3.

Yevan David said, ‘I am confident that this partnership will spur us to succeed, to shine, and to take the Sri Lankan flag further into the world of motorsport. It represents far more than a collaboration-it’s a shared belief that Sri Lanka can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in global racing.’

DIMO Executive Director Rajeev Pandithage said, ‘DIMO has always been at the forefront of automotive trends and innovations in Sri Lanka, and we pride ourselves on supporting local young talent to reach the global arena. Yevan’s effervescent energy, inimitable talent, and racing spirit are all qualities that bring us immense pride as a nation. We believe this partnership enables us to enhance Sri Lanka’s position on the global stage.’

DIMO believes this partnership with Yevan David will help place Sri Lanka on the global motorsport map.

Beyond racing, this collaboration captures a national vision to see Sri Lanka thrive on the global stage and to inspire young talent to chase their dreams without boundaries.

Dulanjana Wijesinghe

Sri Lankan rugby stalwart Dulanjana Wijesinghe is set to embark on a new chapter, officially taking the helm as Head Coach of Sri Lions SC for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. The appointment marks a significant step for both the former Wesley College star and the club, with the new season kicking off later next month.

Wijesinghe brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record from the domestic rugby scene to his new role.

His credentials are deeply impressive, blending a celebrated playing career with extensive coaching experience. As a former Wesley College player in 2008 and 2009, he was the highest try scorer in his final year.

He transitioned seamlessly into coaching, first handling his alma mater, Wesley, from 2016 to 2020, before moving to St. Joseph’s College.

Most notably, Wijesinghe has been serving as the Head Coach of the prestigious St. Joseph’s College rugby outfit, a role he held in 2024 after a three-year stint as their Assistant Coach from 2021. Concurrently, he honed his skills at the club level, working as an Assistant Coach with Police SC from 2022-2024.

This move to Sri Lions SC represents a carefully planned progression in Wijesinghe’s coaching career. His immediate experience as a Head Coach at a top-tier school, combined with his recent involvement in the club game, positions him perfectly to elevate Sri Lions.

Kia Motors Lanka has set the stage for a new era in Sri Lankan motoring with the simultaneous unveiling of two landmark models-the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the Kia EV5-at an exclusive preview in Colombo.

This dual launch marks Kia’s most significant introduction to the local market since the lifting of Sri Lanka’s import restrictions on motor vehicles, and comes at a time when the industry is being reshaped by a wave of electrification. In a market awash with new entrants and electric options, Kia Motors said it has chosen to make a statement of substance-uniting heritage and innovation in two vehicles that together embody the brand’s evolution from admired SUV maker to innovator in sustainable mobility.

Kia Motors (Lanka) Chairman Mahen Thambiah said: ‘Today’s unveiling symbolises the bridging of two worlds, the trusted Kia legacy that Sri Lankans know and love, and the bold, electrified future that defines our global direction. The Sorento Hybrid continues the story of an icon, while the EV5 opens a new chapter in Kia’s journey towards full electrification.’

He disclosed that in addition to the internal combustion engine (ICE) models in the market, Kia will be launching three all-new Hybrid models besides the Sportage, Sorento and Carnival already offered, as well as three new electric models in 2026 to supplement the EV9, EV6 and EV5 offered to the market.

A familiar name in Sri Lanka’s premium ‘D’ segment, the Kia Sorento has built its reputation as a versatile, high-performing SUV that rivals leading European and Japanese marques for capability and comfort, but without the inflated price tag. The fifth-generation 2026 Sorento Hybrid (HEV) continues this legacy, combining bold design, advanced hybrid technology, and a remarkably human-centred interior to deliver a driving experience that is as intelligent as it is instinctive.

KIA Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. President and CEO Kiseok Ahn KIA Motors (Lanka) Chairman Mahen Thambiah

The new Sorento’s exterior is defined by its confident stance and sophisticated detailing. Vertically-oriented tail lamps, muscular rear contours, and a distinctive black cladding and skid plate reinforce its commanding presence, while the interior introduces a new benchmark for refinement and space. With seating for up to seven, the cabin embodies Kia’s philosophy of ‘natural intelligence’ – minimalist design, clean horizontal lines, and flowing surfaces that calm the senses and maximise usability.

An integrated 12.3-inch driver cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display anchor the cockpit, offering an immersive, connected experience enhanced by intuitive controls and a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system. The driver’s Integrated Memory System, Smart Power Tailgate, and generous cabin configuration further accentuate comfort, practicality, and luxury.

Under the hood, the Sorento Hybrid’s 1.6L petrol-hybrid powertrain combines efficiency and agility with the option of 2WD or AWD drivetrains. The ride quality benefits from new bushings and frequency-sensitive dampers for smoother control and dynamic responsiveness on varied terrain.

Safety and vigilance are integral to the Sorento Hybrid’s DNA. A suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)-including Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-keeps the driver supported and secure in all conditions.

From its sophisticated form to its hybrid heart, the 2026 Sorento Hybrid reflects Kia’s commitment to human-centred innovation and sustainable performance-an evolution of an icon, re-engineered for a new era.

Debuting alongside the Sorento, the Kia EV5 marks the brand’s first electric vehicle introduction to the Sri Lankan market and a bold step into Kia’s fully electrified future.

Positioned as a compact electric SUV designed for millennial families, the EV5 draws inspiration from its larger siblings, the EV6 and EV9, while bringing the brand’s visionary ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy to life. Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the EV5 blends versatility, advanced technology, and class-leading efficiency to redefine what electric mobility means for everyday drivers.

Its performance credentials speak for themselves. The EV5’s standard variant houses a 64 kWh battery with a 160 kW motor, delivering a range of up to 400 km per charge (CLTC standard), while the long-range version extends this to 555 km. Kia’s acclaimed heat pump system ensures consistent battery performance even in extreme conditions, while the regenerative braking and i-Pedal system enable drivers to accelerate and slow using a single pedal, maximising convenience and energy efficiency.

Inside, the EV5 reimagines space itself. With an interior designed to feel more like a home lounge than a car cabin, it offers a serene environment of recycled PET fabrics and Bio-PU leather, three-zone climate control, and Panoramic Wide Display technology combining dual 12.3-inch screens with a 5-inch climate display. Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system provides real-time connectivity and over-the-air software updates, while the Kia Connect Store allows owners to upgrade and personalise features without visiting a dealership.

Safety remains uncompromising, with seven airbags, reinforced structure, and Kia’s full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Together, they create an electric SUV that is not just futuristic in concept, but deeply practical and family-oriented in execution.

‘The EV5 isn’t just an addition to Kia’s global electric line-up,’ Thambiah noted. ‘It represents our vision of where mobility is headed-efficient, connected, and emotionally engaging. The arrival of the EV5 in Sri Lanka is not just a launch, but a signal that the electric future has arrived.’

The spirit of innovation came alive at Next@Acer: Sri Lanka 2025, was recently held at the Waters Edge Grand Ballroom, where Metropolitan Technologies Ltd., the authorised distributor for Acer in Sri Lanka, unveiled the brand’s latest line-up of next-generation laptops, AI-powered devices, and productivity devices set to shape 2026 and beyond. For nearly four decades, Metropolitan has proudly represented Acer in Sri Lanka, building a trusted legacy of partnership, service, and customer confidence. As part of the Metrocorp Group, Metropolitan carries a heritage of over 67 years of excellence, innovation, and leadership across technology, office automation and engineering sectors, a testament to its enduring contribution to Sri Lanka’s business and consumer technology landscape.

This year’s Next@Acer event brought together an audience of industry partners, dealers, and technology enthusiasts to witness Acer’s newest breakthroughs first-hand. A plethora of Copilot+ PCs, Acer’s latest leap in AI-powered computing, were also unveiled, marking a bold step into the next era of intelligent performance. Among the highlights was the debut of the Acer Swift Air, the company’s newest and lightest 16-inch laptop, weighing just 1.09 kilograms, setting new benchmarks in portability and design. From the ultra-light Acer Swift Edge 14 AI and AI-driven Swift 14 AI, to the performance-packed Predator Helios Neo 16 AI and Predator Helios 18 AI, the evening showcased Acer’s full spectrum of solutions, spanning consumer, corporate, and gaming needs. The line-up also included innovative portable single and dual-display monitors, built for professionals on the move. All Acer devices sold in Sri Lanka come with two or three-year warranties, reflecting the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.

Representatives from Acer Computer Singapore Pte Ltd., including Managing Director Chia Li Shi, graced the event, highlighting Acer’s vision to expand its presence and elevate the digital experience for Sri Lankan consumers and businesses alike. The highlight of the evening was the Acer Partner Awards 2025, which recognised outstanding performance across the island. Awards were presented in three categories, Recognition Awards, Excellence Awards, and the coveted Elite Top Performer Awards, honouring the best of the best among Acer’s dealer network in Sri Lanka. As the curtains closed on a night of inspiration, recognition, and innovation, Next@Acer: Sri Lanka 2025 stood as a proud reminder of Metropolitan’s unwavering partnership with Acer, empowering Sri Lanka’s digital journey for decades to come. Acer products are available at Metropolitan MCentre branches, at authorised dealer points islandwide and online at https://mcentre.lk/.

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday, agreed on awarding the contract to supply diesel for seven months, starting 15 November, to Singapore’s Trafigura Ltd., following competitive bids.

The Government said the move follows seven bids called from registered suppliers of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

‘Bids were called from the registered suppliers of CPC to purchase five shipments of diesel (0.05% M.S.) barrels of 1,400,000 +/- 5% for the period of seven months from 15 November 2025 to 14 June 2026,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the post-Cabinet meeting with the media yesterday.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal tabled by Power Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody to award the relevant contract for Vitol Asia (Singapore) Ltd., as recommended by the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of $ 2.7 million from global fashion brand, Michael Kors to bolster Sri Lanka’s National School Meals Program.

The support, through the brand’s long-running ‘Watch Hunger Stop campaign’ will contribute to WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) initiative.

The funding will enable WFP to expand its Home-Grown School Feeding program from eight to ten districts, ensuring that 250,000 children receive daily nutritious meals, over the next three years. The money will also support 1,500 local farmers and caterers supply fresh and locally sourced produce.

In addition, 30 schools will benefit from infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of solar-powered kitchens that, reduce costs, lower emissions and promote sustainability.

‘We deeply appreciate Michael Kors’ commitment and partnership in advancing Sri Lanka’s school meals program,’ said WFP Sri Lanka Representative and Country Director Philip Ward. ‘For many families, these meals are a lifeline, made possible by the dedication of caterers and farmers who drive the program every day.’

WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding initiative enhances the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s National School Meals Program by strengthening local food systems. It empowers primarily women farmers and school meal providers to produce their own vegetables and poultry, enabling schools to serve fresh, safe, and nutritious meals.

This integrated approach promotes women’s economic empowerment, supports rural livelihoods, and advances national resilience against food insecurity.

As part of its 2025 campaign, Michael Kors has launched two special-edition T-shirts featuring photographs by Maxime Poiblanc of fruits and vegetables grown through WFP’s HGSF initiative in Sri Lanka. Made from a cotton and linen blend, the T-shirts are available globally at michaelkors.com and select stores, with all profits donated to WFP.

Michael Kors’ partnership with WFP began in 2013, with a shared mission to provide nutritious school meals to children in food-insecure regions. Over the past decade, the brand has helped WFP deliver more than 35 million school meals worldwide.

Officers of the Narcotics Control Unit (NCU) of Sri Lanka Customs have arrested a 21-year-old Canadian national for attempting to smuggle over 18 kilograms of hashish into the country.

The detection was made on Monday (27) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), when the suspect arrived from Dubai aboard Emirates flight EK 648, which landed around 10:30 p.m. Upon inspection, NCU officers found 18,253 grams (18.25 kg) of hashish carefully concealed inside the suspect’s checked-in luggage. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 182.53 million in street value. Following preliminary investigations conducted by Customs officials, the suspect and the narcotics were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation and legal action.

Sri Lanka Customs noted that this detection underscores the continued vigilance of its NCU in preventing transnational drug trafficking through the country’s main international gateway.

In a bid to strengthen the judicial system’s capacity and expedite cases under the Anti-Corruption National Action Plan (2025-2029), the Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved the establishment of four new High Court premises in Colombo.

Announcing the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Acting Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath said the move comes as part of wider efforts to ensure timely execution of justice sector reforms and enhance the efficiency of anti-corruption proceedings.

‘The Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Ministry will hand over four State-owned buildings currently under its purview to the Justice and National Integration Ministry. These buildings, located in central Colombo, will be repurposed as new High Court premises,’ he said.

The designated buildings are situated at: 1) No. B 88, Gregory Road, Colombo 7, 2) No. C 76, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, 3) No. B 108, Wijerama Road, Colombo 7 and 4) No. B 12, Stanmore Crescent, Colombo 7.

When inquired whether any of these premises were previously occupied by former Presidents, Herath said he was not aware of such details.

However, he confirmed that all four properties are under the control of the Public Administration Ministry, which has identified them as suitable for judicial use and it will soon be established.

‘The establishment of these new High Courts is expected to ease the backlog of cases, particularly those related to corruption and financial crimes and marks another step in the Government’s ongoing judicial and governance reforms agenda,’ he added.

Herath also revealed that a considerable number of underutilised State-owned buildings remain across Ministries, noting that the Education Ministry accounts for the highest number with a total of 436 properties that are currently unused or underused.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

As part of its year-long 40th Anniversary celebrations, the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) hosted another flagship initiative, ‘Empowering Future Female Entrepreneurs’, at Trace Expert City. The event brought together 60 ambitious female undergraduates from 16 universities across Sri Lanka for a full day of learning, mentorship, and inspiration.

The program is one in a series of monthly events designed to celebrate WCIC’s 40-year journey while investing in the future of women entrepreneurs.

WCIC Chairperson Gayani de Alwis said, ‘WCIC’s 40-year legacy is one of evolution and impact. We have always been and will continue to be a relevant and dynamic force, empowering women to transform Sri Lanka’s economy as powerful nation builders.’

The day featured a rich agenda of interactive workshops and sessions. The Makers Founder and CEO Nevindaree Premarathne led a practical workshop on Entrepreneurship on a Budget, teaching participants how to test ideas quickly through minimum viable products (MVPs) and creative branding.

WCIC Vice Chair, Macbertan Ltd., Managing Director and Pidilite Lanka Director Ramani Ponnambalam shared her entrepreneurial journey spanning manufacturing, finance, and leisure. She highlighted the importance of resilience and global partnerships, noting: ‘This was WCIC’s very first university-focused program, and it is just the beginning of building a robust pipeline of women entrepreneurs for Sri Lanka.’

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe introduced the Brain to Business graduate entrepreneurship program, urging participants to think big and adopt a purpose-driven approach: ‘Entrepreneurship is not only about creating a product, it is about solving problems, building networks, and having the passion to scale. Investors don’t invest in slides; they invest in people.’

WCIC Board Member, Magellan Champlain Founder Sarrah Sammoon delivered a session on Being a Global Citizen, highlighting that in today’s interconnected world, entrepreneurs should view the world as a marketplace. She emphasised the importance of strengthening one’s passport profile and building travel histories as a foundation for future opportunities: ‘Your passport may seem limited, but each visa proofed destination is a stepping stone. Global citizenship is a mindset, and it will transform your ventures.’

Collaboration was at the heart of the event. WCIC Board Member Zahara Ansary, who worked closely with the organising leads and board members, played a key role in making the initiative a success. She emphasised that programs like this both empower young women and strengthen WCIC’s role as a national platform for female-led innovation.

The workshop drew undergraduates from 16 universities, including the University of Colombo, University of Moratuwa, University of Peradeniya, University of Kelaniya, Sabaragamuwa University, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, NSBM Green University, NIBM, ICBT, ESOFT, Limkokwing University, and the Postgraduate Institute of Management, among others. Participants represented disciplines ranging from IT and engineering to agriculture, design, and economics. Notably, around 30% had already registered businesses, showcasing promising ideas from eco-products to fashion startups.

Students left not only with Certificates of Participation but also with actionable insights from testing business models on a shoestring, to building financial credibility, to leveraging global opportunities. Encouraged by the strength of this first cohort, WCIC announced its intent to make this initiative an annual program, expanding mentorship and support to help these future leaders scale their ventures and inspire the next wave of women entrepreneurs.

With over 360 members and a goal of reaching 500 by year’s end, WCIC continues to champion diverse, ethical, and sustainable growth. The Chamber’s mission remains clear: shaping the future of women in Sri Lanka by creating opportunities for professional development, fostering valuable connections, and empowering women to reach their fullest potential.

As WCIC’s 40th Anniversary celebrations continue month by month, the Empowering Future Female Entrepreneurs workshop stood out as a landmark investment in the next generation of women who will drive innovation, job creation, and economic transformation.