Daily FT - May 17, 2025

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In this issue

May 17, 2025

BOI engages Sri Lankan envoys on boosting FDI promotion strategy

THE Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath and senior officials this week met with designated ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Sri Lanka's foreign service, led by Human Resources, and Mission Development Director-General Sumith Dissanayake to discuss the way forward in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

2 mins

AI entrepreneur Nikin Matharaarachchi named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia

A pioneering data scientist and entrepreneur Nikin Matharaarachchi has been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025 under the Social Media, Marketing and Advertising category.

1 min

Dialog delivers strong performance in 1Q

DIALOG Axiata PLC said it has delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line, Digital Pay Television and Tele-infrastructure businesses recording a positive revenue growth of 4% Year on Year (YoY) to reach Rs. 43.3 billion for Q1 2025.

3 mins

New study finds only one in five Sri Lankan adults control high blood pressure

Findings released on World Hypertension Day 2025

1 min

Colombo stock market ends week with 3% gain

THE Colombo stock market yesterday ended the shortened-trading week on a bullish note with improved turnover on the back of return of investor optimism.

2 mins

Ven. Ajahn Brahm in town to inspire Sri Lankans

THE Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) has announced the arrival of Ven. Ajahn Brahm in Sri Lanka.

2 mins

Rejuvenate rural economy: AKD tells District Committee chiefs

Acknowledges various challenges rural communities have encountered due to insufficient infrastructure development in recent years Stresses officials need to address delays and inefficiencies that have arisen in distribution of funds at the district level

1 min

DFCC Bank delivers resilient, purpose-driven performance in Q1

DFCC Bank said yesterday it showcased a strong and stable performance by delivering resilient financial results in the first quarter of 2025.

6 mins

Economic sentiment wanes – survey

IN its May edition, pioneering business magazine LMD reports: \"Businesspeople have downgraded their hopes of brighter economic prospects, compared to a month ago.

1 min

Heads of Missions-designate call on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister

SRI Lanka’s newly appointed seven Heads of Missions-designate called on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath on Wednesday (14) at the end of the orientation program conducted by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry.

1 min

Anti-corruption investigation units in provincial councils and LG institutions

President Disanayake says Provincial Governors hold primary responsibility for development activities within the provinces Units will be tasked with monitoring financial transactions, investigating irregularities and enforcing transparency in development projects Highlights Provincial Councils have received three times the financial allocations compared to previous fiscal year Directs officials to streamline procedures and adopt results-oriented mechanisms to accelerate infrastructure development

1 min

Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court rejects CIABOC's request to re-remand Chamara Sampath

THE Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday rejected the request made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to revoke the bail granted to Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake and to remand him again over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Chief Minister of Uva Provincial Council in 2016.

1 min

Monik Group partners Walton to deliver affordable, high-quality home appliances in Sri Lanka

MONIK Group of Companies has announced the launch of the world-renowned Walton brand of home appliances and consumer electronics in Sri Lanka.

2 mins

Grand Leisure Resort opens doors in Negombo offering fresh approach to aged care in Sri Lanka

A new luxury care facility for seniors, Grand Leisure Care and Wellness Resort, has officially opened its doors in Kochchikade, Negombo, offering a fresh approach to aged care in Sri Lanka.

1 min

Macktiles Lanka marks major milestone with opening of 50th showroom in Ratmalana

MACKTILES Lanka, one of Sri Lanka's premier tile manufacturers, has announced the opening of its 50th showroom, located at 131, Galle Road, Ratmalana. This significant milestone highlights the brand's continued growth and unwavering commitment to offering high-quality, innovative tile solutions to customers across the island.

1 min

Sinopec reinforces commitment to 'Clean Sri Lanka' at newly upgraded Nawala filling station

SINOPEC marked a significant milestone in its operations in Sri Lanka with the successful hosting of the first \"Clean Sri Lanka\" Open Day, held on 16 May, 2025, at the newly renovated Dilly fuelling station in Nawala.

2 mins

Conclusion of visit by delegation from National Defence College of Sri Lanka to Pakistan

A delegation from the National Defence College (NDC), Sri Lanka, conducted its 'International Collaboration Visit' to Pakistan from 26 April to 6 May 2025. The visit was facilitated by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces of both countries.

1 min

From division to unity: ONUR's Dharma initiative for national healing

THE Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) held a special Dharma discourse titled \"Dharma Chintha Kathikāva: For a Healing Society\" on 8 May, in relation to the upcoming Vesak Festival.

3 mins

Sri Lanka and Russia forge stronger ties in healthcare cooperation

A cordial meeting was held between Russian Federation State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Oleg Salagai, and Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the healthcare sector.

1 min

UNESCO celebrates International Day of Vesak

Symposium highlights shared, cosmopolitan Buddhist heritage of Asia

2 mins

Sorrow and hope have no ethnicity, race or religion

A reflection on the unity humankind shares with sorrow which no living being has escaped

1 min

Michelin-starred mastery comes to Galle Face Hotel: Chef Serge Chenet hosts exclusive showcase

1864 Limited Edition, the signature fine dining restaurant at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, will host L'expérience Française — a refined à la carte lunch and dinner experience led by Michelin-starred French Chef Serge Chenet.

1 min

Sheraton Kosgoda's "Mother's Day Sip & Paint"

SHERATON Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort brought vibrant hues and heartfelt moments together at its \"Mother's Day Sip & Paint\" event, hosted at the resort's scenic Blue Rooftop Lounge & Bar.

1 min

Lights and lamps from Geoffrey Bawa collection

GEOFFREY Bawa's architectural practice is remembered for iconic building and landscape designs, such as the National Parliament (1979), the Kandalama Hotel (1991), and his Lunuganga garden estate (1948).

2 mins

Immediate, practical steps needed to reduce road accidents

THE recent bus accident in the Kotmale area where nearly 30 persons lost their lives and many more were injured has once again alerted those in Government to the seriousness of the issue of lack of road safety.

2 mins

NPP: running high on rhetoric vs. run-of-the-mill corruption

IT would seem in the week or so past of horse-trading post local government elections that there has been a smidge of a slide in the government's standing. And an attendant debit to its social credit ratings and political capital. If this is rumour, a reputational setback or reality — the truth be told — only a day ahead would reveal.

4 mins

Invisible impacts: Climate change and mental health

CLIMATE change is most visible through its direct and tangible consequences, such as extreme weather events, economic losses, or ecosystem degradation. However, its invisible impacts on mental and emotional well-being are equally profound and have the potential to reshape lives and communities in ways that are not captured through traditional metrics of loss and damage. As countries across the world grapple with escalating climate risks, understanding psychological and psychosocial dimensions is critical for building holistic resilience. The climate crisis poses not just an environmental challenge but can also lead to despair, anxiety, and other mental health impacts.

2 mins

In the beginning was the word

\"LIUWA!\", \"liuwa!\" (wrote, wrote), are the words exclaimed in exasperation by our motorists when booked for a traffic offence by a policeman.

6 mins

Risk alert: Potential challenges from planned legal reforms

ATTENTION is drawn to the following public announcement on 7 May 2025: “Technical expert committee chaired by a Supreme Court judge is to study the need for new laws to establish an Independent Prosecutors office and recommend amendments to existing laws as needed” —newsfirst.lk.

2 mins

Sri Lions Netball kicks off

SRI Lions Sports Club and Academy conducted Sri Lions International Netball League 2025 kicked off yesterday at Sri Lanka Air Force Indoor Stadium, Thummulla and Joes Indoor courts, Darnley Road. It will conclude on Sunday.

1 min

Battle of the Babes One Day today

THE 36th Battle of the Babes One Day cricket match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College will be played at the Asgiriya Stadium today (17 May).

1 min

Ronaldo tops Forbes highest-paid athlete list again

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has topped the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year, while NBA Star Stephen Curry has moved up to second.

1 min

England turn to former Kiwi pacer Southee for consultant role

THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed former New Zealand speedster Tim Southee as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s teams.

1 min

Record prize money revealed for World Test Championship Final

WITH less than a month to go until the one-off Test at Lord's between South Africa and Australia, the ICC have unveiled a massive prize money pool for the 2023-25 edition of the ICC World Test Championship.

1 min

President Trophy Knockout Final: Clash of Titans tomorrow

THE much looked forward President's Trophy Knockout Final 2025 will see defending champions Isipathana College take on a resurgent Trinity College outfit at the Royal Sports Complex on 18 May.

1 min