Colombo Gazette

Etching a defining moment in its journey of excellence, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) was crowned with the Silver Award for Overall Excellence at the recently held National Business Excellence Awards 2026. Being presented this landmark recognition underscores CDB’s stature as one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted and consistently high-performing business entity.
Adding to this historic win, CDB was also adjudged Winner in the Non-Banking Financial Services Sector for a record nine consecutive years and First Runner-Up in the Extra-Large Sector category. Together, these accolades exemplify CDB’s dynamic leadership in business excellence and its overarching commitment to innovation, sustainability and governance.

“We feel immensely elated with this achievement,” says Deputy CEO Damith Thennakoon. “It is an absolutely momentous milestone in CDB’s journey because for nine consecutive years we led our sector and now this recognition affirms our strength across every dimension of business excellence, from leadership and governance, performance to sustainability.” He added that the award is a testament to the resilience of the team, the trust of our stakeholders, “and our determination to drive digital transformation and a green economy for Sri Lanka.”

Evaluated by an eminent panel of judges, the NBEA recognises excellence across seven criteria: Leadership, Corporate Governance & Strategy, Capacity Building, Performance Management, Local and Global Market Reach, Environmental Social Governance, and Business & Financial Results.

Through consecutive years, CDB has showcased consistent performance across each of these criteria, trailblazing as it has to wear the winning crown with clarity and confidence, even amidst challenging times.

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) stands among the top four largest Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) in Sri Lanka. CDB is recognized for its innovation in financial services, steadfast commitment to sustainability, and adherence to exemplary corporate governance. With a focus on digital transformation, CDB continues to redefine the financial services landscape by offering cutting-edge solutions that align with sustainable development goals.

After a league stage shaped by record-breaking innings, match-winning spells, shifting positions and a rain-affected final-day twist, the Lanka Premier League 2026 moves into its playoffs today at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Table-toppers Jaffna Kings will meet second-placed Galle Gallants in Qualifier 1, before Colombo Kaps face Kandy Royals in the Eliminator. All playoff matches, including the final on 8 August, will be played at the same venue.
Jaffna’s bowling depth meets Galle’s all-round challenge
Jaffna completed the league stage with 11 points from eight games, recovering from an opening defeat to establish themselves as the most consistent side during the latter half of the competition.
Their campaign has been built around bowling depth. Lizaad Williams and Dunith Wellalage entered the playoffs as the tournament’s two leading wicket-takers, while Shakib Al Hasan, Dilshan Madushanka, Traveen Mathew and Mohammad Shiraz have all delivered decisive spells.
With the bat, Jaffna have received contributions from different players. Ibrahim Zadran’s 95 against Colombo, the 129-run opening partnership between Kamil Mishara and Avishka Fernando against Kandy, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s lower-order acceleration have been among their most important performances.
Captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa has not dominated the scoring charts, but his unbeaten 61 in a difficult chase against Dambulla was one of Jaffna’s most composed innings of the league stage.
Galle, meanwhile, secured five wins from eight games and confirmed their Qualifier 1 place with a 13-run victory over Colombo.
Captain Dasun Shanaka has played an important role in giving the Gallants balance and late-innings momentum. His unbeaten 57 against Kandy almost rescued a difficult chase, while several short but aggressive innings helped Galle finish strongly with the bat.
Shanaka has also managed a bowling attack containing Eshan Malinga, Akif Javed, Mohammad Nawaz, Tharindu Ratnayake and Sachindu Colombage, giving Galle different options across the innings.
Charith Asalanka enters the playoffs in excellent form after consecutive half-centuries, including an unbeaten 70 against Kandy and 58 against Colombo. Sahan Arachchige has provided valuable middle-order runs, while Chamika Karunaratne’s unbeaten 72 from 34 balls against Dambulla was one of Galle’s defining performances. Asalanka’s latest fifty and Nawaz’s three wickets helped Galle defeat Colombo and secure second place.
Colombo and Kandy face sudden-death contest
The evening Eliminator brings together two sides whose league-stage campaigns followed very different paths.
Colombo remained among the leading teams for much of the tournament and finished with four victories. Their campaign continued despite losing regular captain Kusal Mendis to injury, with Kamindu Mendis taking over the leadership.
Kamindu responded with one of the tournament’s strongest individual innings, scoring an unbeaten 88 from 39 balls against Dambulla. Janith Liyanage, Rubin Hermann, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Ben McDermott have also played important roles, while Jimmy Neesham contributed with both bat and ball.
Colombo’s challenge will be to recover from an inconsistent finish. They lost both league matches against Galle and were also beaten twice by Jaffna, but possess sufficient batting depth and spin options to remain dangerous in a knockout contest.
Meanwhile the Kandy Royals spent time at the bottom of the standings and entered the final stage of the league under pressure. Their campaign was revived by Lahiru Udara, who emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and produced the highest individual score in LPL history.
Udara’s unbeaten 132 from 63 balls powered Kandy to a successful 209-run chase against Galle and changed the direction of their season. The innings included 15 fours and seven sixes and lifted Kandy from last place into playoff contention.
Captain Angelo Mathews has provided stability and experience during Kandy’s difficult campaign. His unbeaten contributions in pressure situations, including 39 against Colombo and 29 against Dambulla, helped hold the middle order together when early wickets fell.
Mathews’ leadership was particularly important as Kandy recovered from losing their opening matches. Alongside Udara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Moeen Ali, Vijay Shankar and Nuwan Thushara have produced key performances at different stages.
Kandy’s qualification was only confirmed after Dambulla’s final league match against Jaffna was abandoned due to rain. Dambulla had posted 203 and needed a significant victory to draw level with Kandy and overtake them on net run rate, but the no-result ended their campaign and allowed the Royals to retain fourth place.
Four days to decide the champion
The league stage repeatedly reshaped the standings. Galle led early, Jaffna climbed to the top, Colombo remained in contention throughout, and Kandy recovered from the bottom to claim the final playoff place.
Qualifier 1 will offer Jaffna and Galle two opportunities to reach the final, while the Colombo-Kandy Eliminator leaves no room for error.
With the leading run-scorer, the tournament’s top wicket-takers and several in-form match-winners involved, the race for the LPL 2026 title is set for a high-stakes finish at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

ITC Ratnadipa presents ‘Artful Echoes’, a contemporary group exhibition featuring the works of five accomplished Sri Lankan artists, Swarna Abeytunge, Anura Srinath, Samanthi Hemamali, Nilanthi Weerasekara and B. Wimalaratne, from 14 to 30 August 2026. Open for free public viewing, the exhibition presents five unique artistic voices, united through a compelling visual dialogue that celebrates diversity in artistic expression.
Featuring artists whose careers and practices span different disciplines, Artful Echoes explores the beauty of artistic contrast. While each artist has a signature style and medium, their works complement one another through shared explorations of nature, emotion, memory and the human experience. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate how individuality can come together to form a cohesive and engaging artistic narrative.
Through WelcomGallery, ITC Ratnadipa continues its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's creative community by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work in a space where art, culture and hospitality intersect. The exhibition also offers local audiences and international visitors the opportunity to engage with contemporary Sri Lankan art in an accessible setting.
Artful Echoes will be open for complimentary public viewing from 14 to 30 August 2026, daily from 08.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., at the WelcomGallery, ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo. Art enthusiasts, collectors and the public are invited to experience this unique gathering of artistic expression and discover the conversations that unfold across canvas, colour and form.

Securing national recognition, SLT‑MOBITEL’s innovation arm, The Embryo’s SenseGrid solution was named National 1st Runner‑up in the category of Best Innovative Product in Manufacturing at the prestigious SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2026, held recently.
SenseGrid is an enterprise‑grade Industrial IoT solution designed to transform manufacturing and industrial operations through intelligent monitoring, automation, and AI‑powered analytics
The award, accepted by The Embryo team, reaffirms SLT‑MOBITEL’s dedication to nurturing innovation and building solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also nationally relevant, commercially strong, and closely aligned with Sri Lanka’s digital agenda.
The achievement highlights SLT‑MOBITEL’s commitment to driving industry‑focused digital revolution and highlights the real impact of SenseGrid in reshaping manufacturing operations. Harnessing the power of Industrial IoT and Artificial Intelligence, SenseGrid delivers sensor‑based monitoring, real‑time visibility, predictive insights, and data‑driven decision‑making, helping industries to reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and confidently advance towards Industry 4.0.
Already deployed in practical industrial scenarios with partners such as DHL and DSI, SenseGrid has proven its ability to transition from prototype, to support machine condition monitoring, warehouse temperature control, environmental visibility, and operational alerting. These success stories demonstrate prove its practical value and commercial viability working in industrial ecosystems.
The National Ingenuity Awards organised annually by the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) has grown into one of the country’s most prestigious platforms for recognising breakthrough ideas and transformative digital solutions. The 2026 awards highlighted innovation from a wide spectrum of industries including fintech, agritech, healthtech, manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality, edutech, government innovation, and general innovation.

BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, together with its authorized distributor in Sri Lanka, John Keells CG Auto, announced the further expansion of its East Coast presence with the opening of their ninth showroom opening in Batticaloa.

Located at 556 D Trinco Road, Batticaloa, the new BYD showroom operated in partnership with Harry Traders, joins a growing retail and service network that includes Colombo, Galle, Kurunegala, Kandy, Ampara, and Rathnapura. The latest launch further deepens BYD’s presence in the Eastern Province, bringing its advanced electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles even closer to customers across the region, and strengthening the brand’s islandwide accessibility.

Customers in Batticaloa can expect the same level of reliable service, support, and access to vehicles that BYD is known for across its existing network. Operated in partnership with Harry Traders, the new location will initially open as a showroom, with plans underway to introduce service and spare parts facilities in the near future. The showroom will feature a range of BYD vehicles including the BYD SEALION 5, BYD SEALION 6, BYD SEALION 8, BYD ATTO 1, BYD ATTO 2 and BYD DOLPHIN.

“Every new showroom we open is a statement of intent, that we are serious about making new energy mobility accessible to every Sri Lankan, in every corner of this island,” JKCG Auto Chief Executive Officer, Charith Panditharatne said. “Batticaloa is a city with a growing, aspirational community, and we are proud to bring BYD’s world-class lineup directly to its doorstep through our partnership with Harry Traders.”
Harry Traders, Chief Executive Officer, Thavabalan Harry Prathab also added: “We are honoured to represent BYD in Batticaloa and to be part of a movement that is genuinely changing how Sri Lankans think about driving. The Eastern Province has an enormous appetite for quality and innovation, and BYD delivers both. We look forward to introducing our community to a new standard of vehicle ownership.”

In line with its commitment to building a strong NEV ecosystem, with the GreenEV partnership, Keells has deployed 46 fast chargers island-wide and recently announced a strategic partnership with Green EV, unlocking access to a further 83 chargers from GreenEV enabling to a total of 129 public charger network spanning all nine provinces of Sri Lanka. Every BYD and Denza customer also receives a home charger as standard, ensuring that the charging experience is seamless from day one. This growing infrastructure, which already reaches the Eastern Province, supports BYD’s long-term sustainability goals and ensures greater convenience for NEV owners wherever they are in the country.

With its newest location in Batticaloa, BYD continues to expand access to NEVs while offering customers greater service coverage across Sri Lanka. With showrooms and service centres now spanning the Western, Southern, Central, North Western, and Eastern provinces, BYD and JKCG Auto remain committed to ensuring that the transition to new energy mobility is not just possible, but convenient, for every Sri Lankan.

TECNO has officially introduced the CAMON 50 Pro smartphone to Sri Lanka, ushering a new era of smartphone photography with powerful innovations like SuperZoom FlashSnap, AI 60X Super Zoom, 50MP Sony Ultra Night Camera, and advanced underwater photography. Designed for young users who want to capture every moment with clarity and creativity, the CAMON 50 Pro solidifies TECNO’s leadership in camera innovation and premium design.
At the core of the TECNO CAMON 50 Pro is its breakthrough SuperZoom FlashSnap technology, built to capture fast-moving subjects with precision. Whether it is action shots, street moments, or everyday memories, SuperZoom FlashSnap ensures sharp, blur-free images in real time. Users can also zoom into fast moving moments upto 3X with upgraded SuperZoom FlashSnap.
Powered by intelligent AI, the system includes AI Auto Zoom, which automatically detects and tracks subjects like people and pets, while Best Moment 2.0 selects the perfect frame instantly. Together, these features make it easier than ever to capture every moment effortlessly.
Moreover, the AI 60X Super Zoom in TECNO CAMON 50 Pro smartphone allows users to capture distant subjects with impressive clarity, making it ideal for travel, events, and outdoor photography. From cityscapes to landscapes, every detail remains sharp even at extreme zoom levels.
Adding to its versatility, the CAMON 50 Pro introduces advanced underwater photography, enabling users to capture stunning photos and videos even in challenging conditions with Aqua Mode. Combined with IP68/IP69K Water and Dust Resistance, the device is built to perform wherever life takes you.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of TECNO Sri Lanka Muhammad Shahzeb Ather said, “The CAMON 50 Pro reflects our commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s new generation to see further, create with confidence, and capture every moment without limits. By combining advanced camera innovation, intelligent AI experiences, and premium design, we are making meaningful technology more accessible to consumers who want to express their world in new ways.”
The TECNO CAMON 50 Pro also features a powerful 50MP Sony LYT-700C Ultra Night Camera, designed to deliver exceptional performance in low light. With a large 1/1.56” sensor and f/1.8 aperture, users can capture brighter, clearer images even at night.
Enhanced with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and advanced pixel technology, the camera ensures stable, detailed shots across both photography and videography. A 50MP telephoto lens enables professional portrait shots, while an 8MP Ultra-wide Angle camera allows users to capture more in every frame.
The TECNO CAMON 50 Pro delivers an immersive experience with its 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display, featuring 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate for vibrant, ultra-smooth visuals. Sleek and lightweight in design, it is available in Moonshadow Black, Nebula Titanium, and Malachite Green.
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G200 Ultimate processor with up to 16GB RAM (including extended RAM) and 256GB storage, the device ensures fast, seamless performance, while a 6500mAh battery with 45W fast charging supports all-day use.
Enhanced by TECNO AI, the smartphone brings intelligent photography, creative tools, and everyday convenience together in one powerful, easy-to-use experience.
The TECNO CAMON 50 Pro is now available across Sri Lanka through authorised TECNO retailers and leading mobile stores islandwide. Priced at LKR 159,999, the smartphone brings together advanced camera capabilities, AI-powered features, and a premium design experience for consumers.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai marked the commencement of National Integrity Week 2026 by taking the Integrity Pledge, in parallel with the main official ceremony organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Colombo.

The pledge-taking ceremony brought together the Deputy High Commissioner, and staff, reaffirming the Mission's collective commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and professionalism in public service, in line with the national initiative, "A Culture of Integrity – A Clean Sri Lanka."

Through the Integrity Pledge–2026, the staff of the Deputy High Commission pledged to prioritize the public interest over personal gain or benefit, to act with conscience, self discipline, and the highest ethical standards, even in the absence of external supervision, to uphold transparency, accountability, financial discipline, and the rule of law, to dedicate themselves to the complete eradication of bribery, corruption, waste, conflicts of interest, nepotism, and inefficiency and to serve every person seeking assistance with equality, compassion, and without discrimination.

The Staff of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok joined the national initiative "A Culture of Integrity – A Clean Sri Lanka" at the commencement of the National Integrity Week on 27 July 2026 by taking the Integrity Oath/Pledge 2026 during the formal ceremony held at the Embassy. Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, together with the staff of the Embassy, participated in the ceremony.

Addressing the staff of the Embassy, Ambassador Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, underscored that integrity is reflected in the everyday choices individuals make, emphasizing honesty, fairness, accountability, and placing the public interest above personal interests. She highlighted the key anti-corruption initiatives currently being undertaking by the government. She stressed that the integrity oath taken is a step towards committing by each individual public official to ensuring the dignified, transparence and efficient service for the country. She emphasized that a culture of integrity is built through consistent actions, where honesty becomes a habit, accountability becomes the norm, and respect forms part of everyday work.

The Embassy's participation reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the discharge of its diplomatic and consular responsibilities, in line with the Government's vision of fostering a culture of integrity across the public service.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne officially commenced the National Integrity Week 2026 on 27 July 2026 by taking the Integrity Oath/Pledge 2026 at the Consulate premises while joining virtually in the event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. The event affirmed the commitment of all staff members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability when discharging their official duties.

The Government of Sri Lanka has declared 27–31 July 2026 as National Integrity Week under the theme, "A Culture of Integrity – A Clean Sri Lanka." In support of this national initiative, the Consulate continues its commitment to delivering people-centric, efficient, and transparent consular services to the Sri Lankan community residing in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania. The Consulate committed to enhance the quality of its services while ensuring the highest standards of ethical conduct in all aspects of its operations.

For generations, Sri Lankans had known the taste of Maliban. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the brand took another deeply familiar part of its identity beyond Ratmalana: the distinctive aroma of freshly baked Maliban biscuits.

For more than 70 years, the scent surrounding Maliban Handiya had been part of the daily experience of those who lived, worked, and travelled through the area. Named after the Maliban factory located nearby, the junction had become closely associated with the warm and comforting aroma of freshly baked biscuits. It was a sensory memory well known to the surrounding community, but one that many Sri Lankans outside Ratmalana had only heard of, but never experienced.

To mark its recognition as the No. 1 Most Loved Product Brand in the LMD Readers' Choice Most Loved Brands 2026, Maliban extended this iconic scent to communities across the island through a unique nationwide activation.

The familiar Maliban aroma was recreated at selected public locations across Sri Lanka, including bus stops, highway exits, cinemas, and other high-footfall spaces. Across the island, specially designed scent installations using liquid evaporisers spread the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked Maliban biscuits, with locations such as Pettah, Makumbura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle, and Anuradhapura among those bringing the experience to the public. At selected highway exits, travellers also received specially curated packs of Maliban biscuits infused with the iconic "Maliban Suwada," creating a complete sensory experience that brought together scent, taste, memory, and brand familiarity.The initiative transformed one of Maliban's most distinctive yet previously localised brand assets into a shared national experience. By bringing the familiar aroma of Maliban Handiya beyond Ratmalana for the first time, the brand gave thousands of Sri Lankans the opportunity to experience a place that had long been recognised as much for its scent as for its name.

Commenting on the initiative, Positha Perera, Group Head, Corporate Communications at Maliban Group of Companies, stated, "The scent of freshly baked biscuits at Maliban Handiya has been part of our story for decades. It carries memories of home, school days, tea tables, family gatherings, and everyday moments shared across generations. As Sri Lanka's Most Loved Product Brand, we wanted to take this familiar experience beyond Ratmalana and share it with people across the country."

The activation celebrated Maliban's long-standing relationship with Sri Lankan consumers and the trust built through more than seven decades of quality, consistency, and care.

By taking the Maliban scent across Sri Lanka, the brand did not simply recreate the aroma of freshly baked biscuits. It shared a familiar memory and turned locations across the country into warm, meaningful meeting points inspired by Maliban Handiya.