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NDB Investment Bank (NDBIB) has been recognised as the ‘Best Investment Bank in Sri Lanka’ by Euromoney Magazine at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, securing the accolade for a 15th consecutive year.

This latest recognition marks a remarkable milestone in NDB Investment Bank’s journey of nearly three decades of excellence in Sri Lanka’s capital markets. While NDBIB’s legacy has been built over 30 years through innovation, resilience, trusted partnerships and an unwavering commitment to its clients and the market, being recognised by Euromoney as Sri Lanka’s Best Investment Bank for 15 consecutive years stands as a defining chapter in that journey. More than an award, this 15-year distinction reflects the consistency, strength and enduring trust that have shaped NDBIB’s legacy and its contribution to the evolution of Sri Lanka’s capital markets.

The achievement is particularly significant as NDBIB continues to be the only investment bank from Sri Lanka to have received this global recognition for 15 consecutive years. The milestone reflects the institution’s ability to consistently evolve with the changing needs of clients and investors, while remaining deeply connected to the Sri Lankan market it has helped develop.

NDBIB’s journey over the past 15 years has been characterised by a willingness to venture beyond conventional investment banking solutions and to introduce innovative products and structures to the Sri Lankan market. Its track record includes pioneering transactions across debt and equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory and structured finance, including cross-border transactions.

The latest award follows another year of significant activity and innovation from NDBIB. During 2025, the Bank facilitated and raised Rs. 44.2 billion through a range of debt capital market instruments, including debentures, securitisations, commercial papers and structured finance loans. This performance came against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s continuing economic and capital market recovery.

The year also saw NDBIB deliver several notable market firsts. These included Sri Lanka’s first listed Shariah-compliant Sukuk, the first Green Bond issued by a non-bank financial institution, the first Green Bond issued by a power and energy company, as well as the country’s first Social Bond and Blue Bond. The Sukuk, Social Bond and Blue Bond remain the only issuances of their respective categories in Sri Lanka as at the date of the Euromoney submission.

CEO Harshana Jayaweera said: ‘Fifteen consecutive Euromoney recognitions is an extraordinary milestone for NDB Investment Bank and, above all, a reflection of the dedication, expertise and resilience of our people. Over these 15 years, the markets have evolved and the needs of our clients have become increasingly sophisticated. What has remained constant is our commitment to finding the right solutions and creating value for our clients and stakeholders.’

NDBIB’s capabilities have increasingly extended beyond Sri Lanka. During 2025, NDBIB successfully executed cross-border debt capital market transactions in the Maldives, including a $ 40 million syndicated facility for Maldives Airport Company Limited. NDBIB also arranged two additional USD-denominated facilities in the Maldives amounting to $ 28 million.

Deputy CEO Kaushini Laksumanage added: ‘Receiving the Euromoney Award for the 15th consecutive year is a tremendous honour. It is also a reminder of the responsibility we carry to continue raising the bar. Our clients operate in an increasingly interconnected world, and our role is to anticipate their needs, bring innovative solutions to the table and connect them with opportunities and capital wherever those opportunities may exist.’

‘The Sri Lankan market remains at the heart of who we are. Our ambition is to build on that uniquely Sri Lankan foundation while expanding our regional reach and bringing international perspectives, capital and opportunities back to our clients and our country,’ she said.

Over the years, NDBIB has established a reputation for taking on complex transactions and developing solutions suited to the evolving Sri Lankan market. The latest year was no exception, with the Bank acting on a number of complex advisories, capital raising and structured finance mandates.

For NDBIB, however, the 15-year journey is not solely defined by transactions and awards. It is also a story of relationships.

The Bank’s work has been built on long-standing relationships with corporates, investors, financial institutions, regulators, professional advisors and other market participants. Its ability to secure the role of Exclusive Advisor across a majority of transactions during the review period reflects the confidence clients place in its expertise, execution capabilities and understanding of their requirements.

Head of Debit Capital Market Eshani Thenuwera said: ‘Fifteen years of recognition does not happen through one transaction or one moment. It is built deal by deal, relationship by relationship and year after year. Our advantage has always been our ability to combine deep local knowledge with international standards of execution. That combination has allowed us to support our clients through changing market conditions and to continually strive to introduce solutions for the gaps in Sri Lanka’s capital markets.’

The St. Servatius’ College Matara Old Boys’ Association – Colombo Branch will host ‘Servatians Colombo Night 2026′ on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, from 6:30 p.m. onwards.

The event is organised as an evening of fellowship, bringing together old boys of St. Servatius’ College Matara living in and around Colombo. A special feature of this year’s event will be the felicitation of Sri Lanka Army Commander and a distinguished old boy of St. Servatius’ College Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne. He is recognised as the first Army Commander produced by the College.

For further details, please contact the Joint Secretaries: Sajeewa Sapukotana on 071 077 9779 or Maj. Vibeeshan Perera on 071 436 3673.

A delegation of 20 officials of various Fisheries Societies from Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry, Government of Sri Lanka underwent capacity building and knowledge-sharing program at Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, Maharashtra from 15 – 22 September 2026.

The program aimed to strengthen the institutional, managerial, and entrepreneurial capacity of Sri Lanka’s fisheries cooperatives. It also sought to support the development of viable, commercially oriented, and sustainable cooperative enterprises.

The program featured a comprehensive set of technical sessions and practical exposure on cooperative governance and management; formation and strengthening of fisheries cooperatives; cooperative business models and livelihood development; fisheries management and sustainable aquaculture; fisheries value chains, post-harvest handling and value addition; quality control and processing practices; marketing and branding of cooperative products; entrepreneurship and financial management; leadership and institutional development; and sharing of best practices from successful Indian cooperative organisations.

The delegation also visited established fisheries, dairy, agricultural and agro-processing cooperatives, to gain practical insights into cooperative-based business operations, value addition, technology adoption and market linkages.

The program was organised under the ongoing capacity-development cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. This partnership was further strengthened following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, during which he announced 700 customised annual training slots for Sri Lankan professionals. Combined with the 300 Sri Lankan civil servants trained annually under a MoU between India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), India’s capacity-building initiatives now benefit 1,000 Sri Lankans every year.

A group of Muslim and Tamil party MPs has appealed to Saudi Arabia to grant Royal clemency to Sri Lankan migrant worker Sivarasa Anojan, who faces a death sentence in the Kingdom over a Facebook comment.

In a letter dated 24 September, 2026 and addressed to the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, the MPs wrote: ‘The purpose of this communication directly to your Excellency is to appeal for your most urgent and empathetic assistance to seek Royal clemency for a Sri Lankan youth, who is a victim of circumstances, charged with a criminal offence and held in prison in Saudi Arabia.’

The signatories are Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem, All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) MP Rishad Bathiudeen, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) MP V. Radhakrishnan, Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) MP Jeevan Thondaman, Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) MP Selvam Adaikalanathan and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam.

The MPs said they had learnt through media reports that Anojan’s original sentence had been enhanced to death by the higher court that heard his appeal. ‘The original sentence imposed by the lower court amounted to five years’ imprisonment and payment of a penalty, for an offence said to have been committed against religion,’ the letter said.

They said a final appeal to the Kingdom’s highest court would involve ‘huge legal costs, beyond any means of affordability’ for his family, whom they described as coming from ‘the lowest social strata and underprivileged background’ in Sri Lanka.

‘As representatives of the people of Sri Lanka, we wish to inform your Excellency that we collectively vouch for that youth’s innocence (or his consistent pro-peace profile and conduct),’ the MPs wrote.

‘As a migrant worker, living far off from his family and community, it was likely that he may have had a disturbed mind, which may have instantly reacted to an untoward situation that occurred in Sri Lanka. However, we would assure you that he immediately retracted his comment on his Facebook and deleted it by offering an apology as well. We further affirm that it was not his character to have intentionally committed it, expecting to disrespect or offend Islam,’ the letter said.

The MPs also called on the Sri Lankan Government ‘to place before Parliament and the public confirmed information relating to the case, including the nature of the offence, legal and diplomatic approaches followed, and his current situation.’

‘We would therefore respectfully appeal to your Excellency to help spare this unfortunate victim of circumstances from any form of punishment, and save his innocent life in the true spirit of Islam. Accordingly, we would be most grateful if your Excellency’s Government could grant Royal clemency to that youth, benevolently manifesting the highest ideal of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and Islam: tolerance and empathy,’ the letter concluded.

Copies were sent to Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, the Acting Head of Mission at the Saudi Embassy in Colombo and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajward.

The appeal adds to Government efforts on the case. Minister Herath told Parliament on 22 September that Anojan had been sentenced to death following an appeal by the Saudi prosecution, which sought to have him prosecuted under Sharia law rather than the Kingdom’s cybercrime legislation.

Herath said the Government would bear all legal costs incurred in Saudi Arabia and that a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker would travel to Saudi Arabia to deliver a letter from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Saudi King seeking a pardon.

The Attorney General’s Department has said it will file an appeal before the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia within the stipulated 30-day period.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne took part in a panel discussion titled ‘Soft Power on the Move: Tourism, Culture and Bilateral Ties’ at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 held in New Delhi on 23 September.

She was joined by fellow Heads of Mission from Greece, Ireland, Slovakia, and Nicaragua, to discuss how tourism and cultural exchange can strengthen diplomatic ties and deepen mutual understanding between nations.

The panel was moderated by WION Foreign Affairs Editor Sidhant Sibal and brought together diplomatic perspectives from across Europe, Latin America and South Asia on the intersection of tourism, culture and people-to-people connectivity.

The Summit convened policymakers, diplomats and leaders from the tourism, travel, aviation and hospitality sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of global travel, mobility, technology, and connectivity.

I have been visiting Sri Lanka for decades. But my recent trip left me angry, exhausted, and deeply embarrassed.

As a Sri Lankan Australian, I love exploring the country using public transport. But during my recent trips in July and August, it became crystal clear: our public transport isn’t just an inconvenience anymore-it’s a national crisis.

Here’s what happened to me in just one week:

Matara to Colombo Train: Jam-packed before it even arrived. I stood for five straight hours-at one point balanced on a single foot. An elderly woman fainted in the crowd. By the end, de-hydration and the smell had me on the verge of vomiting.

Arugam Bay to Matara Bus: The only bus of the day (6:30 a.m.) I stood for three hours straight with baila music blasting from four speakers at unbearable volumes.

Foreign tourists on board were visibly shocked. But this isn’t just about tourist comfort-it’s about the safety and basic dignity of Sri Lankans every single day.

Tourists who take trains, buses, and tuk-tuks aren’t looking for ‘cheap travel’-they want the authentic Sri Lanka. Their money goes directly into local communities. But when they face over-crowded trains and buses, unmetered tuk-tuks, and intimidation, the whole nation suffers.

Decades of underinvestment built this problem, but the current Government must step up to fix it.

Here are eight urgent steps needed right now:

1. Enforce maximum passenger limits on trains and schedule extra carriages and services ahead of predictable peak periods, including Poya weekends.

2. Introduce premium or reserved seating on popular tourist rail routes, with revenue reinvested into improving services.

3. Enforce noise standards on public buses to improve passenger comfort and safety.

4. Regulate three-wheeler and private bus fares, meters, and driver conduct through regular spot checks and ad-hoc inspections.

5. Create a simple, highly visible reporting system for citizens and tourists to report serious transport service failures.

6. Modernise and refresh private bus fleets through standardised colours and livery to improve appearance and image.

7. Appoint dedicated transport improvement leaders (Transport Tsars) for key sectors, responsible for regularly monitoring, and publishing performance and improvement data.

8. Enact these reforms through legislation to ensure accountability, consistency, and long-term enforcement.

Sri Lanka cannot invite the world to visit while our public transport remains in this state.

Auto Direct has introduced the Nissan Tekton to the Sri Lankan market, becoming the first to bring the new SUV to the country.

The Tekton will be available through Auto Direct in both manual and automatic variants, with the T160 manual range starting from approximately Rs. 10.49 million and the T280 DCT automatic range starting from approximately Rs. 16.69 million.

The first vehicle imported by Auto Direct is the Nissan Tekton Tekna+ T280 DCT, powered by a 1,333cc turbocharged petrol engine producing approximately 161 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission.

The introduction comes as Sri Lankan buyers regain access to a wider range of new vehicles following the reopening of imports, with price, technology, safety, comfort and long-term ownership support increasingly shaping purchase decisions.

Auto Direct Managing Director Dilum Rathnayaka said, ‘Sri Lankan buyers are returning to the market with a much clearer understanding of what they expect from a new vehicle. Price remains important, but customers are also looking closely at technology, safety, comfort and the overall ownership experience. The Nissan Tekton brings these elements together in a well-rounded SUV that we believe is particularly relevant to the Sri Lankan market.’

The range-topping Tekton Tekna+ combines advanced technology, comfort and safety features, including an electric panoramic sunroof, six-way electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, a 10.1-inch Tek-Link HD infotainment system, a 10.25-inch HD digital cockpit, Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Google Maps, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor with a 360-degree camera. The SUV also features six airbags with advanced driver-assistance technologies, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, 48-colour ambient mood lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control and a powered tailgate, offering a premium driving experience for modern SUV buyers.

These are supported by driver-assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot assistance and driver-attention warning.

Auto Direct is also offering warranty coverage for the Nissan Tekton, alongside trade-in facilities, customised payment plans and PCP financing. These ownership support options are available across all vehicles purchased through Auto Direct.

The Nissan Tekton is now available through Auto Direct, with pricing starting from approximately Rs. 10.49 million for the manual range and Rs. 16.69 million for the automatic range, subject to specification and availability.

Customers can visit autodirect.lk or contact Auto Direct directly for information on available variants, specifications, warranty coverage, trade-in valuations and financing options.

Goncalo Ramos started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo and scored the winner, as Portugal made it back-to-back victories to start their UEFA Nations League title defence by beating Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday.

Jorge Jesus’s men have responded well to their tame World Cup last-16 loss to Spain, having also beaten Wales 1-0 in Group A4 on Thursday.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo was named among the substitutes for the first time for Portugal since a Nations League game against Scotland in September 2024, and did not get onto the pitch as Jesus looks to manage his minutes across an expanded international break.

World Cup quarterfinalists Norway were left to rue some wasteful finishing in front of goal as they failed to build on their opening 3-2 win over Denmark.

The first big chance fell to Erling Haaland, but the Manchester City striker mishit his attempted volley after being picked out by Martin Odegaard, and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made the save.

The away team quickly made Haaland pay, as Joao Felix stroked a fine finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box in the 17th minute.

Haaland looked certain to equalise shortly afterwards when Costa spilled the ball into his path, but he was denied by a superb block from his City teammate Ruben Dias.

Costa foiled the Norway talisman again 10 minutes before half-time as the goalkeeper made an excellent stop from Haaland’s downward header.

Haaland finally converted six minutes into the second half, tapping in from Patrick Berg’s header across goal.

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Sri Lanka (CITSL) in furtherance of the statutory mandate vested in the Institute, submitted its Budget proposals for the year 2027 to Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma last week.

The proposals were formulated with the principal objectives of broadening the tax base, simplifying the tax system and, thereby, creating an appropriate basis for reducing tax rates while enhancing overall tax revenue. The proposals also identify potential areas through which the tax base could be expanded without increasing existing tax rates, thereby facilitating a broader and more equitable participation of persons liable to tax in contributing to the national economy.

Furthermore, the proposals contain recommendations for the simplification of tax laws, procedures and administrative mechanisms, with the objective of reducing unnecessary complexity and compliance costs, minimising avoidable disputes and assessments, alleviating the administrative burden placed on taxpayers, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tax collection mechanisms.

Accordingly, the proposals seek to contribute towards the establishment of a fair, transparent, efficient and taxpayer-friendly tax system, while strengthening tax compliance, broadening the tax base and ensuring the sustainable enhancement of Government revenue without placing an undue burden on compliant taxpayers.

CITSL is a professional body established under the Sri Lanka Institute of Taxation Act, No. 21 of 2000, for the advancement of tax education and the development of the taxation profession. The Institute was subsequently granted chartered status through the amendment of the said Act by Act No. 13 of 2023.

In particular, Section 3(1)(g) of the CITSL Act expressly empowers the Institute to make recommendations to the Government for the improvement and simplification of tax laws and practices, to identify and highlight anomalies in laws relating to taxation, and to make observations and recommendations in respect of proposed amendments to such laws. The submission of proposals for 2027 Budget was in that connection.