Latest scorecard from the first one-day international between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka votes today in a second national election in as many months with a deeply divided opposition struggling to recover from a crushing defeat at presidential polls.

Sri Lanka votes today in a second national election in as many months with a deeply divided opposition struggling to recover from a crushing defeat at presidential polls.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka began voting in a snap election on Thursday which will determine if the island nation wants to empower its new, leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to push his pro-poor policies as it recovers from a financial meltdown. A little over 17 million Sri Lankans are eligible to elect lawmakers to the 225-member parliament for a five-year term. A record 690 political parties and independent groups are in the fray across 22 electoral districts. Marxist-leaning Dissanayake, 55, was elected president in September but his National People's Power (NPP) coalition had just three of 225 seats in parliament, prompting him to dissolve the legislature almost a year before its term ended and seek a fresh mandate. Over 7,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure free and fair elections at the more than 13,400 polling stations set up across the country, police officers told Reuters. "The military is also on standby to assist the police but we do not expect any incidents," said Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa, adding that voting was proceeding smoothly. As polling opened in the early hours of the morning, people began trickling into temples, schools and other public buildings being used as polling stations. Among them was Umeshi Perera, 32, who lined up to cast her ballot at a school in Biyagama, a suburb about 15 km from the South Asian nation's largest city of Colombo. "I think we are seeing the first signs of a positive political change in Sri Lanka after the president was elected and we should give him the chance to continue that change," she said. Analysts say Dissanayake's coalition is expected to draw significant support, while a victory for a rival could lead to a policy logjam the country cannot afford. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya party of opposition leader Sajith Premadasa - who favors a mix of interventionist and free-market economic policies - is NPP's main challenger. The other key contender is the New Democratic Front, backed by previous President Ranil Wickremesinghe. "All arrangements are in place and we appeal to the public to work with us to ensure a free and fair election," Election Commission Chairman RML Rathnayake told reporters at a pre-election briefing on Tuesday. Votes will be counted soon after polling closes on Thursday and results are expected to be announced on Friday. A country of 22 million people just across the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka was crushed by a 2022 economic crisis triggered by a severe shortfall of foreign currency, causing the economy to shrink by 7.3% in 2022 and 2.3% last year. Boosted by a $2.9 billion bailout program from the International Monetary Fund, the economy has begun a tentative recovery, but the high cost of living is still a critical issue for many voters, especially the poor. Dissanayake wants to push anti-poverty policies including bigger welfare schemes and fight corruption as a political outsider in a country dominated by family parties for decades. He also aims to tweak targets set under the IMF program to reduce high income taxes and free up funds to invest in welfare for millions hit hardest by the crisis. The new government must deliver a budget to reach a crucial primary surplus target of 2.3% of GDP in 2025 set under the IMF program, deliver pro-poor policies, and put growth on a sustainable path. But investors worry Dissanayake's desire to revisit the terms of the IMF bailout could delay future disbursements, and make it harder for Sri Lanka to hit that primary surplus target. "In past elections, people did not have confidence in us but in September people gave us victory and proved that we are a winning party and we can form a government," Dissanayake said on Sunday as the campaign neared its conclusion. "The next task is to unite people from the four corners of this country and build a powerful people's movement," he said.

1. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between SL vs NZ?  CricTracker
2. Mendis, Fernando and spinners star as Sri Lanka clinch rain-affected ODI opener  Cricbuzz
3. Kusal Mendis 143 and Avishka Fernando 100 put Sri Lanka 1-0 up  ESPNcricinfo
4. Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45-runs to go 1-0 up in ODI series  The Times of India
5. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highlights: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45 runs (DLS method)  Mint

1. Sri Lanka parliamentary elections 2024: What’s at stake?  Al Jazeera English
2. Sri Lanka to hold key parliamentary vote on November 14  The Hindu
3. Snap Sri Lankan election poses test for new leader  BBC.com
4. Sri Lanka Heads For Snap Elections Today, Results Likely On Friday  NDTV
5. Sri Lanka's newly-elected parliament to convene next week  Deccan Herald

President Dissanayake is seeking a majority to push through reforms to help the debt-ridden nation.

1. Mendis, Fernando and spinners star as Sri Lanka clinch rain-affected ODI opener  Cricbuzz
2. Sri Lanka beat NZ to go 1-0 up  DAWN.com
3. Kusal Mendis 143 and Avishka Fernando 100 put Sri Lanka 1-0 up  ESPNcricinfo
4. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highlights: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45 runs (DLS method)  Mint
5. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1st ODI Highlights: SL beat NZ by 45 runs via DLS method  The Times of India

1. Sri Lanka Leader Seeks to Bolster Power With Parliamentary Vote | Company Business News  Mint
2. Sri Lanka Heads For Snap Elections Today, Results Likely On Friday  NDTV
3. Sri Lanka votes today: President Dissanayake faces litmus test as NPP aims for majority control | All you need to know  Mint
4. Sri Lanka to hold key parliamentary vote on November 14  The Hindu
5. Snap Sri Lankan election poses test for new leader  BBC.com

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ruling alliance is looking to secure a majority in Parliament

1. Sri Lanka opt to bat; three ODI debutants for New Zealand  ESPNcricinfo
2. Mendis, Fernando tons deflate New Zealand  Cricbuzz
3. Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45-runs to go 1-0 up in ODI series  The Times of India
4. Sri Lanka wins toss, elects to bat in 1st ODI against New Zealand  Hindustan Times
5. NZ vs SL ODIs: New faces, spin pitches and Champions Trophy watch  ESPNcricinfo

COLOMBO — Chanu Nimesha is contesting Sri Lanka's parliamentary election on Thursday (Nov 14) as the first openly transgender candidate, hoping to forge a more inclusive and tolerant political culture on the South Asian island. Transgender people are estimated to make up about one per cent of Sri Lanka's 22 million people, according to Equal Ground, a local civil society group. They frequently face social rejection, lack legal protection and have almost no representation in political parties. Nimesha, who is contesting from Kegalle — about 80km east of Colombo — said she was the first transgender person to run for a seat in the 225-strong parliament and that her message of social justice had been well received. "I'm not concerned about winning or losing," she said, sitting in her one-bedroom flat. "But it is important for me to be present in this space, to be seen, to inspire others like me. I want to help everyone, not just my community."

These scams, which target victims through emotional manipulation and false promises of romance or investment opportunities...

I had the fortune of landing a ticket for Saturday's quarter final match between Sri Lanka and England. Someone who had 2 grandstand tickets got sick and I was lucky to be asked whether I want it at list price :). At Rs. 4000 each I felt they were pricey but then at the event I met a friend who had paid double that for his ticket! I will comment on the ticket selling process later.

First of all, the stadium atmosphere was just incredibly amazingly fantastically electric and rocking. Being there is nothing like watching at home .. despite being able to see the match poorly, the environment is of course unbeatable. The fact that Sri Lanka gave England a total drubbing was awesome, even though as a result the game became quite non-competitive .. but I'll settle for non-competitive games up to the final and thrilling victory in the final (vs. to have it stolen like the last time).

This post is not about the quarter final match - its about Sri Lanka Cricket, the embattled organization which runs the sport in Sri Lanka.

As most people in Sri Lanka know, the organizers were hammered very very hard in the press before the World Cup started about their preparations, about how the stadiums were completed last minute and about every aspect of team selection to overall management. I'm not an expert on cricket- so I have no useful views on the cricketing aspects and will leave them alone. However, I do want to comment on the overall organization of the event.

I have made it to 3 matches in Colombo - the first was the loss to Pakistan, the second the rained out draw with Australia and the third of course the drubbing of England.

All these were held at the newly refurbished Kettarama Stadium of course- an absolutely AWESOME stadium now! I have been there a few months ago and it was a nightmare to get in and out. Now its a breeze and reminds me of the convenience of getting in and out of Purdue's Mackey Arena (for basketball). Once you are inside, the view is breathtaking. The atmosphere is amazingly electric. Every match was sold out (of course) to a capacity crowd of 35,000+.

I didn't make it to Hambantota for the first match but the news from there was that the brand new stadium there was absolutely amazing as well. The words from a friend (usually a skeptic) was "money well spent".

Same has to be said for Pallekalle in Kandy. That's again a new stadium (or a refurb'ed old ground; not sure) and while its not as built up as Hambantota or Colombo the location is just amazing and all the reports are that the place was fantastic.

There was not a single time in all the matches in Sri Lanka where something went wrong with the logistics. All the comentators have been giving kudos about the venues and the amazing environments offered by them.

I too was caught up in the press vendetta against Suraj Dandeniya (the head of the World Cup organizing team in SLC). While the work was indeed completed last minute it is time to give this gentleman a tip of the hat and acknowledge the amazing work they have done to deliver perfectly for Sri Lanka. Press  stories have a way of finding individuals guilty without judge or jury and this vendetta was played out by most of the newspapers in a merciless manner. Maybe Suraj has refused some passes for the press and their buddies? Who knows.

Yes yes I know there's one more match to be played in Sri Lanka. That's the one where Sri Lanka will whack the New Zealanders home :-). I am confident that too will go off without a hitch! At one level "may the best team win" may apply but, honestly, to hell with that .. Sri Lanka has to win to set up an amazing final in India against (most probably) India. Nothing like that victory!

(The NZ team has done amazingly well to get to the semi-finals and they've always stepped up big at the big occasions. Their country also suffered a massive earthquake recently .. only to be overshadowed by an even bigger one. If they go on to winning the tournament they'll again get some all-important PR for the recovery efforts there. To that extent I want NZ to win. Yeah, treacherous.)

Now about those ticket sales.

Fundamentally, this is a no-win situation for the organizers. 35,000 tickets for the match where 500,000 at least would love to watch in person. So no matter what approach is taken, there will be 465,000+ who will be crying foul!

There have been stories about how people stood in line, bought the ticket and turned around and sold it to someone else. I see no way to stop that - and keeping the ticket price low (lowest was Rs. 50 for group stage matches in Colombo) meant that anyone could buy them without any problem - a good thing in general.

Personally I have no issue with blackmarket sales (and I don't understand why they are banned) - the only problem it highlights is that the original ticket was sold too low! Why doesn't Sri Lanka Cricket sell the ticket for Rs. 10,000 if it can get away with it and make more money? Maybe they should've also set up an auction at EBay or something where people can bid and buy tickets at whatever price above the minimum price. No I'm not suggesting doing that for all tickets but rather for a percentage- you give some on a pure lottery, some for those who stand in line .. and the rest to the best price via auction with batches sold daily. I don't understand why they created a secondary market in the first place when they themselves could've run both the primary and secondary markets. Obviously I don't know enough about market economics.

The real problem is that many tickets seem to have been sold only to "known parties". The Colombo powers-that-be who want to watch the matches shouldn't have been able to buy through back channels. If they don't want to stand in line they can certainly afford to buy the tickets on the blackmarket if they want and let some poor guy make some money. Why should these fat cats be able to buy tickets at list?!

When you are at the match (and I went to A lower the first time (Rs. 250), to C upper the second time (Rs. 100) and to the grand stand for the quarter final (Rs. 4000) its clear that most in attendance were way above average in economic terms. In practical terms, that suggests that a lot of blackmarket sales were happening. If someone's a true fan, there's no amount of money that would make them sell the ticket - so the people who sold the tickets were not real fans. Or they were true fans who felt the money was more economically valuable for them than the experience (maybe they had a sick child or needed some home repairs or whatever ..). Or they were savvy businessmen who stood in line and sold the ticket for a profit. The bottom line is that there's no way to prevent normal capitalism from taking place and the value balance ending up wherever it ends up.

So while I too am frustrated I can't get a ticket for the semi-finals, I am only upset about connected people getting tickets at list price through backchannel means. The rest of the system I have no concerns with - and next time (20-20 World Cup next year) I hope Sri Lanka Cricket does a combination of lines, lotteries and auctions to sell the tickets.

Talking about tickets .. anyone have a spare grandstand ticket for the semi final they want to sell me at list price? :-)

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify how Advanced level Mathematics and Mathematics course units offered at university level do impact on the academic performance of theoretical Computer Science course units. Background: In Sri Lankan state universities, students have been enrolled only from the Physical Science stream to do a degree program in Computer Science. In addition to that, universities have been offering some course units in Mathematics to provide the required mathematical maturity to Computer Science undergraduates. Despite of this it is observed that the failure rates in fundamental theoretical Computer Science course units are much higher than other course units offered in the general degree program every year. Methodology : Academic records comprised of all 459 undergraduates from three consecutive batches admitted to the degree program in Computer Science from a university were considered for this study. Contribution: This study helps academics in identifying suitable curricula for Mathematics course units to improve students’ performance in theoretical Computer Science courses. Findings: Advanced level Mathematics does not have any significant effect on the academic performance of theoretical Computer Science course units. Even though all Mathematics course units offered were significantly correlated with academic performance of every theoretical Computer Science course unit, only the Discrete Mathematics course unit highly impacted on the academic performance of all three theoretical Computer Science course units. Further this study indicates that the academic performance of female undergraduates is better than males in all theoretical Computer Science and Mathematics course units. Future Research: Identifying other critical success factors contributing to the students’ academic performance of the theoretical Computer Science through empirical studies

Aim/Purpose: Most people use their phones for work and communication. Businesses today require sustainable mobile phones to limit the environmental impact of mobile phones. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a green product uses less energy. Green smartphones need low radiation emission, are made from recyclable materials, and are designed to last longer than typical smartphones. Further, the manufacturing process needs to have a low environmental impact. The present study aims to identify the influence of variables (such as Green Awareness, Environmental Concern, Altruism, and Willingness to Pay) on green smartphone purchase intention among academics in the Sri Lankan higher education sector. Background: With the swift technological advances, almost everyone has begun to use smartphones. Simultaneously, smartphone manufacturers have begun to release cutting-edge smartphone models to the general public. As a result, it has generated a significant amount of e-waste for the environment. As a result, therefore, the sustainability of green smartphones has become a major societal concern in the developed world, but this is not yet true in the developing world Methodology: The study used a qualitative research method in which the authors attempted to acquire primary data by conducting in-depth interviews with academics from the Sri Lankan higher education sector using a semi-structured interview guide. Eight interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and word-to-word transcribed for content analysis. Researchers used content analysis to determine the presence, meanings, and linkages of specific words, themes, or concepts. Contribution: The findings provide important environmental insights for smartphone makers and society, such as introducing waste reduction programs and energy-saving practices and creating awareness among people to change their consumption patterns. The study will provide valuable insights into the green smartphone phone purchasing intentions of academics in a developing country, especially helping green smartphone producers and marketers construct effective tactics with the insight of the current study based on university faculty members’ viewpoints. Findings: The current study’s findings revealed that academics acknowledge the need for environmental protection with an awareness of the green concept and environmental concerns. According to the interviews, most participants intended to move from their present smartphone to an ecologically friendly phone, as they explained on altruism. This implies that even academics in underdeveloped countries are worried about environmental issues and have shown a more robust understanding of these issues and how environmentally aware individuals’ activities may assist the earth’s sustainability. Further, academics have a willingness to pay for a green smartphone. Recommendations for Practitioners: Academics prioritize environmental conservation when making purchases. This implies that manufacturers and enterprises should focus on developing and in- novating more environmentally friendly products. Recommendation for Researchers: Using only academics as a sample approach is severely limited if the study’s population comprises people with various qualities. Nevertheless, this study presented only four independent variables, and more factors impacting green smartphone purchasing intention may exist. As a result, it is proposed that future research consider other factors. Impact on Society: It was discovered that most participants displayed altruism in their product purchases, implying that policymakers must strengthen the moral practice of concern for the welfare and happiness of other humans, even in developing countries. Future Research: A further in-depth study focusing on many perspectives such as limits and motivations for purchasing green products in various socioeconomic groups with varying moderating factors such as gender, education, rural-urban, and so on would be advantageous. Individual (emotions, habits, perceived behavioral control, trust, values, personal norm, knowledge) and situational (availability, product attributes, subjective norm, brand, eco-labeling) variables should be included in future research.

Timex Garments adopts WFX ERP for specialised, cloud-based digital transformation, enhancing efficiency. Replacing SAP with WFX, Timex gains industry-specific solutions with WFX ERP for garment manufacturing. New WFX ERP ensures Timex Garments remains innovative and responsive to market changes. This shift will enable Timex to improve operational efficiency.

Sri Lanka’s garment exports reached $3,479 million in Jan-Sept 2024, a 4.0 per cent increase from the previous year. However, textile exports declined by 15.9 per cent, totalling $224.3 million. Imports of textiles and clothing rose significantly, with textiles up by 18.2 per cent. In 2023, garment exports dropped by 19 per cent to $4,440.6 million, and textile imports fell by 22.6 per cent.

Musk has been eyeing neighbouring India – a country of 1.4bn people – for a while, with a deal reportedly in talks.

Read more: Starlink satellites make South Asia debut with Sri Lanka licence

THE North West Sydney Bluetongues are more than a talented cricket team.

Sri Lanka's cricket board named former South African batsman Neil McKenzie as a consultant coach ahead of their Test tour of South Africa.

What is happening in Sri Lanka? Explainer Video aboudiaf.drupal 15 July 2022

Chanu Peiris reflects on the unfolding political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka and its impact on human rights.

What is happening in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has been a leader in South Asia on many human development indicators including health and education. Until recently, it was considered an upper middle-income country. Its GDP, when adjusted for purchasing power, was on par with South Africa’s.  

But the country is now experiencing economic collapse. The crisis has its roots in economic mismanagement by multiple governments. This was made worse by global market disruptions and by internal security emergencies including the 2019 Easter bombings.  

What rights are being impacted?   

The current situation is impacting the full range of human rights for people in Sri Lanka. According to the World Food Programme, over a third of people are now facing moderate to severe hunger.

Shortages of other essentials including cooking gas, fuel and lifesaving medicines are disrupting the normal functioning of society and causing loss of life, enormous hardship, mental distress and social unrest.

There are serious concerns about the long-term impacts to the more vulnerable members of Sri Lanka society – including children, whose development due to lack of proper nutrition and disruptions to schools will be affected.  

The global human rights community has called attention to rights violations by the government, which has been seen to be slow to take the necessary steps to rectify the economic situation. It has also used lethal force and social media blackouts in response to protests. 

What are the broader human rights implications? 

The country is seeing the most widespread and diverse mass demonstrations in its history. So far they have led to the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the cabinet. They have also resulted in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaving the country. 

The scale of the protests signals an important shift in the social contract. The crisis has united people who were previously divided and there are demands for the abolition of the executive presidency.   

It is also significant that people are calling for more than the economic issues to be addressed. They are focusing on the need for systemic changes, including accountability and transparency within a government which has long resisted both.

In other words, what we are seeing is a clear assertion from the streets of the indivisibility of human rights – that access to food, water, and electricity rely on the safeguarding of civil and political rights and proper accountability.

They are making a powerful argument in favour of human rights-sensitive governance – something that has been in short supply around the world. 

India has tried to address the concerns of Sri Lankan Tamils through development projects, but now faces a political dilemma with regional consequences.

Anyone interested in unsolved murders and disappearances will find much to study in Sri Lanka. Fifteen to twenty years ago, the country made global headlines, not only for the government’s military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrillas but also for the numerous murders of journalists. The newly elected president, Anura Kumara […]

Sri Lanka's post-tsunami reconstruction experience provides lessons for future major disasters, particularly for realistic needs assessment.

The resignation drama has helped distract attention from the DMK party's woes in advance of next years Parliamentary elections.

Modern farming practice of rainwater storage in ancient tanks lauded as best practice adaptation strategy Bonn, Germany. 14 JUNE 2013 —Whether it’s bracing for drought in Sri Lanka with a return to ancient water storage systems or swapping coffee for cocoa in Central America, findings from a new report from the CGIAR Research Program on Climate […]

The post Sri Lankan water history informs global climate change study first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Experts identify key steps to strengthen knowledge on climate change and other water-related challenges 

The post Sri Lanka hosts meeting of minds on the Indus Basin  first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

More than 1,300 farmers received over 1.6 million LKR as part of insurance payouts for crop damage caused by excess rain or dry spells.

The post Farming for the future: How climate-smart agriculture can protect Sri Lanka’s smallholders first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The IWMI delegation conveyed their appreciation of the support provided to the institute by the Government of Sri Lanka in hosting IWMI as the only international organization headquartered in the country.

The post IWMI Board and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka discuss opportunities for research support first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Climate change and water resilience a joint priority, as international research organization prepares to launch new strategy and mark 40-year anniversary.

The post IWMI’s new Board Chair and Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister reiterate commitment to sustainable water management first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The Prime Minister was received by IWMI’s Management Team and staff, which was followed by an overview of IWMI’s ongoing work in Sri Lanka in the areas of irrigation and productivity, groundwater management, climate resilience, waste management and wetlands conservation.

The post Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, visits IWMI Headquarters in Colombo first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The IWMI delegation conveyed their appreciation of the support provided to the institute by the Government of Sri Lanka in hosting IWMI as the only international organization headquartered in the country.

The post IWMI Board and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka discuss opportunities for research support first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Smallholder farmers are embracing climate-adaptive agriculture, innovations and partnerships.

The post Cultivating change: Sri Lanka’s smallholder farmers explore climate-resilient solutions first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The dashboard will support policy makers with timely climate adaptation interventions.

The post IWMI launches the Climate Smart Governance dashboard in Sri Lanka first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The Climate Smart Governance (CSG) Dashboard is recognized for its contribution to national climate adaptation, planning and development.

The post IWMI awarded for second consecutive year by the Project Management Institute in Sri Lanka first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Smallholder farmers are embracing climate-adaptive agriculture, innovations and partnerships.

The post Cultivating change: Sri Lanka’s smallholder farmers explore climate-resilient solutions first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Matthew McCartney commented on IWMI's work to rectify the dearth of agroecological research focusing on water management and aquatic foods.

The post Sri Lanka sources integrated solutions to land and water-based challenges first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

IWMI researchers comment on the importance of preserving Colombo's wetland ecosystem as the city becomes more vulnerable to flooding.

The post From wastelands to wetlands: The fight to save Sri Lanka’s natural flood buffers first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

1. Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic east reflects challenges facing Anura Kumara Dissanayake  The Hindu
2. Sri Lanka's leftist president faces first parliament test  Hindustan Times
3. Sri Lanka Election: ‘Progress over corruption’, litmus test for Anura Dissanayake as voters head to polls on November 14  Mint
4. Sri Lanka set for parliamentary election, all arrangements in place  Deccan Chronicle
5. Sri Lanka President holds more pledges as campaigning closed for parliamentary poll  ThePrint

New Zealand clinched a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka in Dambulla, defending 108 runs. Lockie Ferguson's hat-trick and Glenn Phillips' final-over heroics secured the win. 

London ; New York : Routledge, [2013]

Ranbir gets a haircut... Nia goes glam... Kartik, Vidya meet Amitabh...