Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

AIA Sri Lanka hosted the Partnership Distribution Diamond Club 2025 event in the city of Osaka, Japan, from 11 to 14 June 2025. This annual celebration brought together the highest achievers in Partnership Distribution from 18 markets, recognising their exceptional performance during the 2024 financial year. The event served as a platform to honour individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to helping customers live healthier, longer and better lives.

Under the theme ‘Illuminate the Future,’ the four-day conference featured a rich and engaging agenda where attendees participated in strategic business sessions designed to promote collaboration, alongside wellness activities that emphasised holistic well-being. A highlight of the event was the exclusive visit to the Osaka World Expo 2025 and the Forbidden City, offering participants a glimpse into future-forward technologies and global cultural showcases. Among the representatives from AIA Sri Lanka were NDB Bank Partnership Assistant General Manager Asela Lokuge, Commercial Bank Partnership Assistant General Manager Amal Sampath and Commercial Bank Partnership Senior Bancassurance Sales Manager Tony Gabriel, whose contributions and commitment to excellence earned them a place in this elite event.

The Partnership Distribution Diamond Club not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reinforced AIA’s strategic focus on empowering its partners and driving meaningful innovation.

Colombo stock market closed in green yesterday with capitalisation crossing Rs. 8 trillion for the first time.

ASPI closed 0.23% up, gaining 51.49 points to 22,372.57 while the active S and P SL20 ended 0.29% higher, up 18.15 points to 6,225.52.

Market turnover was over Rs. 5.7 billion on more than 390.9 million shares traded.

Foreigners were net buyers with a net inflow of Rs.45.6 million

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse closed in positive territory today, gaining 51 points to end at 22,373.

Retail participation increased compared to the previous session, while HNW activity remained moderate. Despite the overall gain, the number of negative contributors exceeded the positive ones.

Key positive contributors to the index included WIND, DIAL, HNB, PLC, and NDB.

Turnover recorded Rs. 5.7 billion reflecting an 18% decline from the monthly average of Rs. 7 billion.

The Diversified Financials sector led sector-wise turnover with a 26% contribution, while the Capital Goods and Utilities sectors collectively accounted for 27%.

Meanwhile, market capitalisation surpassed Rs 8 trillion for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Foreign investors turned net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs 59 million.

Williams’ Carlos Sainz says Formula 1’s TV coverage is going ‘overboard a little’ by showing driver’s girlfriends while missing overtakes during races.

During Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, fans watching at home missed some on-track action, including Fernando Alonso chasing down Lewis Hamilton, who had a brake issue, for seventh place in the final laps.

In the final stages, TV coverage focused on McLaren’s Lando Norris chasing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second place.

However, at various points during the race, high-profile girlfriends and celebrity guests were shown watching from the garages.

Sainz’s recovery drive from the back of the grid to 10th place was also rarely featured on the world feed, which is supervised by F1.

The Spaniard, 31, told Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE that F1 bosses should not lose sight of the main track action.

‘Last weekend they didn’t show any of the four of five overtakes I did at the end, nor did they show Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of things,’ said Sainz.

Aston Martin’s Alonso, who inherited P7 from Ferrari’s Hamilton, also criticised F1’s TV coverage. The Spanish two-time world champion replied to a post on X, quoting him telling his pit wall he would ‘disconnect the radio’ if they spoke to him on every lap.

‘With pole position secured for the private radio broadcast, time to fine-tune the main coverage and bring all the on-track excitement to the fans! Vamos!’ Alonso wrote with a laughing face emoji.

Drivers’ wives and girlfriends have become even more popular in recent years following the rise of social media and the Netflix series Drive to Survive.

Sainz’s girlfriend, model Rebecca Donaldson, Norris’ partner, actress Magui Corceiro and Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend, influencer Alexandra Saint Mleux, all have huge online followings of their own.

‘I understand that if there is an overtake, a very tense moment in the race, it is understandable that the production team might want to show a reaction shot if they have seen that it has worked in the past,’ said Sainz.

‘But [they only should] if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.

‘The other [thing] is fine but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little showing the celebrities and girlfriends.’

An F1 spokesperson said: ‘We always focus on giving our fans the best possible footage of the race and never compromise the key focus – the racing on track.

‘Our team does a great job of covering a highly complex situation with multiple cars at different points on a track and also provide great context moments of the grandstands, high-profile guests and the locations we race at. We are always in pursuit of excellence and improvement in what we deliver.’

Associated Motorways Ltd., a unit of Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Company, has announced the appointment of Jawahar Ganesh as its new Group Managing Director.

In his new role as Group Managing Director, Ganesh will be overseeing the diverse operations of AMW Group. This includes automotive sales and after-sales services, lubricants, batteries and tyres, tyre retreading, and financial services (leasing, hire purchase) and a multitude of other strategic divisions. As part of his responsibilities, he will also serve on the Boards of AMW Ltd., and AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC, working closely with the Al-Futtaim Group to further enhance and strengthen AMW’s operational excellence in Sri Lanka.

Ganesh’s career spans over three decades, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, business transformation, finance and operational management across international markets. He has successfully led large-scale teams, driven process and cultural transformations, and consistently delivered strong growth in both revenue and profitability.

Ganesh has held key leadership roles in after-sales, business planning, finance and development with globally reputed automotive brands, such as Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe and the Middle East. His vast expertise in service strategy, innovation and after-sales delivery has been instrumental in establishing him as a trusted leader in driving performance and customer satisfaction in competitive markets.

Ganesh has expressed great enthusiasm about his appointment as Group Managing Director of one of Sri Lanka’s most respected automotive companies, under the Al-Futtaim umbrella. He is committed to building upon AMW’s long-standing legacy of trust, innovation and customer focus, while navigating the company toward new opportunities for growth and value creation.

He has a strong belief in teamwork and operational excellence and aims to strengthen AMW’s position as a leader in country’s ever evolving mobility landscape. His enthusiasm also mirrors confidence in the country’s economic policies, the stability of its government to drive business investment, and the ongoing development of skilled professionals, the company said in a statement.

Under Ganesh’s leadership, AMW aims to accelerate its transformation journey, and is looking to further strengthen its customer centric focus, while continuously expanding its product and service portfolio, and embracing emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry.

In a powerful celebration of leadership, courage, and empowerment, the Girls on Track inter-school competition, organised by the Student Council of Prospects College of Higher Education (PCHE), was held recently at the Nawam Mawatha public carpark from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Five schools competed in a thrilling display of talent and teamwork with Visakha Vidyalaya emerging as the Winning Team, demonstrating exceptional coordination and racing skill.

Musaeus College secured the 1st Runner-Up position and Gateway International College – Dehiwala claimed the 2nd Runner-Up spot.

Special recognition was also awarded to the fastest drivers on the track, celebrating individual excellence and fearless performance.

The event was designed to inspire young girls to break barriers, discover their strengths, and lead with confidence through a series of engaging challenges.

At the heart of this initiative is McLarens Group, proudly stepping forward as the main sponsor of the event. With its flagship brands Mobil and 3M, McLarens Group brings not only industry excellence but also a deep commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities for the next generation.

McLarens Group Group Managing Director Shehara De Silva, shared her personal journey in motorsports-a story of resilience, passion, and balance. As a businesswoman and mother, De Silva emphasised the importance of creating platforms where young women can explore unconventional paths and thrive.

‘Motorsports taught me discipline, courage, and the value of pushing boundaries. Supporting Girls on Track is our way of encouraging young girls to embrace challenges and lead fearlessly,’ she said.

Mobil, a global leader in advanced engine oils, and 3M, renowned for its innovation across automotive, construction, industrial and consumer solutions, are both aligned with the event’s mission to promote excellence, performance, and empowerment. Their presence at Girls on Track reflects McLarens Group’s broader vision of driving progress-not just in business, but in society.

eChannelling has launched ‘eMindCare,’ a first-of-its-kind holistic mental wellbeing platform designed to make expert mental health and psychosocial wellbeing services more accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.

With psychosocial challenges and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise in Sri Lanka, eMindCare addresses a critical gap by combining professional care with holistic practices and mental health education. The platform is designed to support the diverse needs of individuals, families, and groups including students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and employees in high-pressure industries. It also aims to lend a hand to individuals interested in maintaining their current mental wellbeing.

With the launch of eMindCare, eChannelling is reaffirming a commitment to the community, addressing some of the most pressing psychosocial challenges prevalent today. The platform moves past treatment, focusing on empowerment, awareness, and creating a culture where mental well-being is prioritised. The launch of eMindCare demonstrates eChannelling’s role as a responsible digital health leader, committed to improving access to healthcare and providing psychosocial support across the nation.

Available through the eChannelling website at www.echannelling.com, the platform connects individuals to a wide range of services including psychiatry, counselling, yoga, and meditation while also offering educational resources to empower people with the knowledge and tools needed to foster improved mental health.

For users, eMindCare delivers direct access to qualified psychiatrists, counsellors, and wellness practitioners, ensuring expert guidance at every step of any user’s mental health journey. The platform takes a holistic approach to mental wellness by integrating mind, body, and emotional wellbeing through counselling, yoga, and meditation, creating a well-rounded support system.

In addition, it provides valuable educational resources aimed at reducing stigma and promoting mental health literacy, empowering individuals to better understand and manage their overall wellbeing. Designed for convenience and privacy, eMindCare is accessible anytime and anywhere, via both the website and mobile app, placing inclusive mental health and wellbeing within the reach of all.

Dilmah invited to be Patron of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Water And Ocean Stewardship Working Group

For Sri Lankans, Dilmah is more than a tea brand – it is heritage distilled in a cup, a name synonymous with authenticity, integrity, and the familiar aroma of home. Yet behind its global reputation lies something far more profound: a philosophy rooted in purpose, compassion, and stewardship. This ethos is anchored in the words of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando, who believed that ‘business is a matter of human service.’ It is this guiding principle that continues to shape how Dilmah grows, innovates, and contributes to society – placing purpose above profit.

In recognition of this enduring commitment, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC has been invited to be Patron of the Water and Ocean Stewardship Working Group of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka). This invitation is both an honour and a responsibility: an opportunity to amplify decades of leadership in conservation and inspire others to take action in Sri Lanka’s collective sustainability journey.

‘Being named Patron amplifies the work that we are already doing,’ said Dilmah Head of Sustainability and Conservation Rishan Sampath. ‘But more importantly, it gives us a platform to bring others with us – to build a national conversation, to share tools, and to invite new thinking.’

Legacy in water stewardship

Water has always been at the heart of Dilmah’s philosophy. Reliable access to water sustains the tea industry, just as thriving ecosystems sustain communities. Recognising this, Dilmah Conservation – the company’s environmental arm – has, since 2007, spearheaded over fifty initiatives to conserve, restore, and manage water resources. These include rainwater harvesting systems, community access to safe drinking water, wastewater recycling, and campaigns to reduce plastic pollution that threatens waterways.

In 2024/25, Dilmah took a significant step forward by conducting its first-ever water footprint assessment, aligned with ISO 14046:2014 and validated by a third party. The assessment, based on the methodology of the Water Footprint Network, represents a milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. By adopting internationally recognised standards, Dilmah has enhanced the credibility of its water data and reinforced its commitment to transparent, science-based environmental management.

The results of the assessment provided detailed insights into Dilmah’s water use. At Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company (DCTC), the total direct water footprint was recorded at 19,498 cubic metres per year, while its subsidiary MJF Beverages (MJFB) reported a total of 880 cubic metres per year. The breakdown highlighted direct blue water footprints of 11,851 cubic metres per year at DCTC and 527 cubic metres per year at MJFB, while the direct grey water footprint was 7,647 cubic metres per year and 353 cubic metres per year respectively. These figures provide a critical baseline to guide future water efficiency and conservation strategies.

Importantly, the assessment revealed a clear trend of improvement. In 2024/25, the volume of municipal water withdrawn and consumed fell by 8% year-on-year, decreasing from 39.15 million litres in 2023/24 to 35.93 million litres. Similarly, the volume of water discharged to wastewater treatment plants declined by 44%, falling from 41.11 million litres to 23.01 million litres. These reductions demonstrate Dilmah’s progress in reducing its water footprint and enhancing efficiency across operations.

From waste to resource: Water conservation in practice

Water conservation at Dilmah extends beyond monitoring and reporting. The company has integrated circular practices into its operations, ensuring that water is reused wherever possible. All effluents are routed to on-site wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which are designed to meet stringent environmental parameters, including pH levels, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), oil and grease, and heavy metals. Once treated, wastewater is repurposed for landscaping and gardening, reducing dependence on fresh water and minimising waste.

Rainwater harvesting is another critical aspect of Dilmah’s conservation model. Systems installed at the company’s Headquarters in Colombo, the One Earth Centre in Moratuwa, and selected estates under Kahawatte Plantations PLC collectively offer a harvesting capacity of 129,799 cubic metres. By capturing and storing rainwater, Dilmah reduces reliance on municipal water supplies and ensures water security for operations and communities.

Looking ahead, Dilmah is scaling up its rainwater harvesting efforts even further. In December 2024, preliminary feasibility studies were conducted in collaboration with the Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) at the Endane and Houpe estates. These studies lay the foundation for an expanded rainwater harvesting infrastructure across the Kahawatte Plantations footprint, demonstrating Dilmah’s proactive approach to long-term water stewardship.

‘Without reliable sources, there is no tea. Without healthy ecosystems, there are no resilient communities. Water is everything,’ Rishan emphasised.

Strengthening through Network Sri Lanka

Dilmah’s progress has also been accelerated by its collaboration with Network Sri Lanka. Through the Network, Dilmah has been able to align its water stewardship practices with global frameworks, access international expertise, and share its learnings with peers across industries. The Working Group has provided a platform not only to showcase Dilmah’s pioneering efforts in water footprint assessment and conservation, but also to engage other businesses in advancing shared solutions. By convening companies from diverse sectors, Network Sri Lanka ensures that individual initiatives like Dilmah’s contribute to system-wide change and strengthen Sri Lanka’s collective response to water and ocean challenges.

‘Our collaboration with the Network Sri Lanka has helped us go forward, faster,’ added Rishan. ‘Through the Network, we have been able to benchmark our progress against international best practices, access expertise on emerging issues, and, most importantly, work alongside other Sri Lankan businesses who share our commitment to water and ocean stewardship. That collective approach makes our efforts stronger and more impactful.’

Expanding to ocean conservation

Dilmah has more recently extended its stewardship to Sri Lanka’s oceans and coastal ecosystems. On World Oceans Day, 8 June 2024, Dilmah partnered with the University of Colombo and Uva Wellassa University to launch Phase I of a coral conservation project at Colombo Port City. This initiative builds on Dilmah’s earlier efforts to protect the Kayankerni Marine Reef and focuses on studying coral diversity in an urban setting. Using baseline surveys, mapping, data collection, and impact assessments supported by innovative technologies, the project aims to generate critical insights into the resilience of corals in rapidly developing coastal environments.

At the same time, Dilmah Conservation has embarked on one of Sri Lanka’s most ambitious mangrove restoration programs. In Kalpitiya’s Kappal Adi Lagoon, Dilmah is restoring twenty-five acres of degraded mangrove forest. This project is underpinned by a dedicated mangrove nursery cultivating seven species of saplings. Since its launch in October 2022, the initiative has reported an above-average planting success rate, owing to the use of science-based planting techniques. A comprehensive baseline survey of the site documented 144 wildlife species and 62 native plant species, creating a robust scientific foundation to guide ongoing restoration work.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Dilmah’s approach. Through Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the company is jointly restoring mangrove patches in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a Ramsar-recognised site of international importance. These projects complement ongoing coral reef conservation under the initiative Life to our Coral Reefs.

‘Our responsibility extends from the cloud forests of our estates to the coral reefs on our coasts,’ Rishan noted, highlighting the interconnectedness of land and marine ecosystems.

Road ahead

As Dilmah looks to the future, its ambitions in water and ocean stewardship are growing. Plans are underway for the accurate mapping of Sri Lanka’s fringing coral reefs using high-resolution drone imagery and for the evaluation of ecological and benthic characteristics to guide national policy. The company is also exploring the potential of blue carbon ecosystems – mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes – to act as carbon sinks while supporting eco-tourism and enhancing climate resilience. At the same time, expanding rainwater harvesting infrastructure across its plantation footprint remains a priority to safeguard freshwater resources in the face of climate variability.

By marrying decades of water stewardship with bold new commitments to marine conservation, and through Dilmah’s longstanding participation with Network Sri Lanka to translate global principles into local impact, the company is helping build a future where people, ecosystems, and businesses can thrive together. In doing so, Dilmah continues to advance the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact – safeguarding human and environmental well-being

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Cabinet has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Disanayake to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare amendments to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021.

He said the revisions are aimed at addressing regulatory gaps and investor concerns following the repeal of Port City’s strategic business regulations on 4 August. Those regulations had previously granted key incentives and exemptions to investors.

Colombo Port City, established as a special economic region under the 2021 Act, is intended to position Sri Lanka as a competitive international business hub. The Colombo Port City Economic Commission has identified additional legal changes required to strengthen the region’s competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, and improve Sri Lanka’s global ease-of-doing-business rankings.

The proposed amendments follow an earlier Cabinet decision in July 2024 to update the existing law. The new measures are expected to provide direct solutions to issues faced by investors and restore confidence by clarifying the incentive framework within Port City’s regulatory environment.

Sri Lanka secured the overall 12th position at the YONEX SUNRISE BWF World Junior Mixed Team Badminton Championship 2025 in Guwahati, India. The 25th edition held from 6 to 11 October at the National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon, Guwahati, saw 36 top badminton-playing nations vying for honours.

Sri Lanka secured the 12th position, their best thus far in world mixed team events, with three wins and as many losses from their six outings as China grabbed the Gold medal, pushing defending champions Indonesia to second position. Japan and hosts India shared the Bronze medal, as team Sri Lanka secured two group round wins from three games to record a perfect start.

Sri Lanka secured a 2-1 win against United Arab Emirates, after losing the first round by 30-45 to bounce back with remarkable wins of 45-34 and 45-44. They faced a straight defeat at the hands of India by 27-45 and 28-45 before making a strong comeback against Nepal, who were thrashed by Sri Lankan shuttlers by 45-21 and 45-28 to reach the quarter-finals of the Position 9-16. With a 2-1 win against Poland, with scores of 45-37, 34-45 and 45-26, Sri Lanka moved to face the Philippines in the semi-final as they suffered a straight loss after a strong battle (40-45, 41-45) to book the berth the final of the Position 11-12 against Turkey.

With a straight loss with scores of 37-45 and 36-45 against a strong Turkey side, Sri Lanka secured the overall 12th position out of 36 nations, their best achievement in the recent history. Sri Lanka finished ahead of other top contenders in world badminton viz Denmark, Canada, Poland, Hong Kong, Australia, England, Singapore and Romania to name a few, who possess stronger development programs to elevate their standards in badminton.

The thriving Sri Lanka team was represented by male shuttlers Sanuda Ariyasinghe, Keneth Aruggoda, Thisath Rupathunga and female shuttlers Sandathi Hewagallage, Pawani Illeperuma and star player Ranithma Liyanage. The outcome comes as a result of continuous and consistent training policies adopted at grassroots level in the recent years under former Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan de Silva, whose vision is being successfully carried forward by the incumbent President Roshan Gunawardena, who aims to achieve even greater heights.

Refuting the claim that there is a link to the recent Cabinet reshuffle to ongoing investigations into the controversial release of 323 containers by the Sri Lanka Customs early this year, the Government said that it was done to improve the efficiency of Government’s plans and forthcoming Budget plans.

‘The decision to revise ministerial portfolios was taken after reviewing the scope and workload of several ministries,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Responding to a question on changing Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s portfolio, he dismissed the claim and said that the investigations into the container release including alleged 14 similar incidents happened in the past, were proceeding with no interference.

Addressing the post-Cabinet press briefing, Dr. Jayatissa said that some ministries had become too broad, making it difficult to manage their key functions efficiently, therefore, certain portfolios with wider scopes were narrowed and reorganised to ensure more focused and effective administration.

‘President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as the Minister of Finance, had directed to have a full investigation into alleged irregularities occurred during releasing of containers. This move was taken to maintain transparency and accountability,’ he said referring to the ongoing probe into alleged container release.

According to the Cabinet Spokesman, the President had made it clear that irregularities were reported when following steps to address congestion and expedite container clearance.

‘The Government wants to prevent such occurrences. A committee was appointed to look into this matter and also a separate internal investigation is now being carried out to determine where corruption took place. We also want to find out whether there is a recurring pattern of such irregularities during periods of heavy port congestion, especially in March and December, when a higher number of containers are released, Dr. Jayatissa said adding that investigations have revealed that similar incidents have occurred on 14 previous occasions.

Meanwhile, further explaining the Government’s move to have a Cabinet reshuffle, he said for a year, the Government had been managing those ministries and now had a clear understanding of their functions to prepare its own Budget to implement the policies and strategies accordingly.

‘For example, my Ministry, the Health Ministry, also oversees the indigenous medicine sector. Since it has a wider scope a deputy minister has been appointed to ensure efficiency of the Media Ministry,’ he said.

Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that the reshuffle was done especially to implement the Government’s 2025 budget proposals to full scale.

‘Although the Budget was passed on 21 March, its execution was delayed until the Local Government elections were concluded in early May. Then the Government commenced implementing our new budgetary framework,’ he explained.

Dr. Jayatissa added that the Government had gained a clearer understanding of each ministry’s operational priorities and challenges to reorganise its development goals and national priorities.

‘Therefore, the Cabinet reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the public sector, and to deliver results in line with the policies outlined in the 2025 budget,’ he stressed.