Colombo welcomes a new era of fashion retail

Ministry of Brands opens second store at One Galle Face Mall

Inside Colombo’s evolving luxury retail landscape, a new name has stepped confidently into the spotlight at one Galle Face: Ministry of Brands, a concept store that is quietly reshaping how the city shops for global fashion. Positioned as an off price fashion and lifestyle destination, the new store brings together internationally recognised labels and designer finds, under one roof, offering shoppers access to premium brands at more accessible prices. Now local consumers can now encounter globally recognised brands in a setting less intimidating than traditional luxury boutiques. In essence, what was once out of reach is now becoming possible!

For a long time in Sri Lanka, many international brands carried an almost symbolic distance from the average shopper. Global designer wear and premium lifestyle brands were visible in magazines or airports or in ovrseas shopping malls but this space reflects a contemporary shopping atmosphere, blending high street sophitication with the thrill of discovering premium labels at competitive prices!

Sri Lanka’s first off-price retailer expands footprint with a 7,000 sq. ft. store at Colombo’s premier lifestyle destination.

Ministry of Brands (MOB), Sri Lanka’s first off-price retailer, has officially opened its second outlet at One Galle Face Mall, marking another major milestone in the company’s rapid expansion, since launching earlier this year. The new store, located on Level 4 of the mall, welcomed shoppers on 26 April, 2026, and has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about retail openings of the year.

Ministry of Brands introduced the globally successful off-price retail model to South Asia for the first time. The concept enables customers to purchase genuine luxury, premium and high-street brands at significantly  reduced prices, while also contributing to more sustainable retail practices by giving excess inventory a new route to market.

Following the successful debut of its flagship store, on Duplication Road, in February, 2026, the company says customer response has exceeded expectations, driving momentum for further local and international expansion. MOB is now preparing to launch its next store in Pakistan, with plans underway for additional outlets across South Asia and Australia.

Ministry of Brands offers more than 2,000 international and designer labels across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, homeware and accessories. Brands available in-store include Gucci, Valentino, Zara, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Farm Rio, Alice + Olivia, Lacoste, On Running, Pull&Bear, Puma, UGG, HOKA, Brooks, Air Jordan, Brooks Brothers, Carter’s and The North Face, among many others.

Aamir Akbarally, Director of Ministry of Brands, said the strong response from shoppers reflects growing demand for accessible global fashion in Sri Lanka. “Customer feedback for Ministry of Brands has been promising, and we’re focused on earning trust and building a lasting relationship with our ‘MOB’ community. Through our off-price model, we’re removing the barriers that have traditionally limited access to authentic international designer brands, making them available at affordable prices, right here at home. As a new entrant to the local retail landscape, we remain guided by our values of integrity in business and are very actively listening to our customers. Their insights are shaping how we refine our offering and elevate the in-store experience to meet international standards,” he added.

MOB’s off-price model also offers a treasure-hunt-style shopping experience, with fresh collections arriving daily but with limited quantities of each style. In many cases, only one or two pieces of a design are stocked, creating a sense of exclusivity and discovery for shoppers. Each outlet carries a distinct merchandise mix, ensuring a different experience across both locations.

The new One Galle Face Mall store spans 7,000 square feet and has been designed to deliver a spacious, premium retail environment. Merchandise is carefully organised by category and size, allowing customers to browse with ease across fashion, accessories and home essentials.

Ramzey Hammoud, Director of Ministry of Brands, said the new location would further strengthen awareness of the concept among Sri Lankan consumers. He expressed, “We are delighted to open at One Galle Face Mall, one of the country’s leading retail destinations. Its strong footfall gives more people the opportunity to experience the off-price retail concept for the first time. By making some of the world’s most sought-after luxury and designer brands accessible to Sri Lankan consumers, with every product guaranteed to be original and authentic, we are pleased to play a role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s appeal, not only as a premier tourist destination, but also as an emerging shopping destination.”

In addition to fashion and accessories, Ministry of Brands has now introduced a dedicated homeware and bedding collection, further positioning the store as a one-stop shopping destination. Customers can shop for everything, from partywear, casualwear, and intimate apparel to swimwear, athleisure, sportswear, children’s wear, baby accessories, jewellery, and more. Across all categories, prices remain highly competitive, with discounts of up to 90 percent off original retail prices.

With two successful openings, in under three months, and international growth already underway, Ministry of Brands is poised to redefine value retail across the region.

(Zanita)

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Fourteen-year-old Miyuru steals the spotlight with Big Match century

Fourteen-year-old opener Miyuru Bandara produced a remarkable batting performance to guide DS Senanayake College to a commanding position on the opening day of their annual Big Match against arch rivals Mahanama College at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Friday.

Electing to bat first in a weather-interrupted day one, D. S. Senanayake ended on 195 for four wickets, largely due to the vauable century by their Under-15 opening batsman Bandara.

Displaying maturity beyond his age, Bandara anchored the innings while building two crucial partnerships at the top of the order. He first added 67 runs for the opening wicket with Sithru Gunarathna before combining in a 51-run stand for the second wicket with Bihan Gamage.

The young opener occupied the crease for more than 55 overs and frustrated the Mahanama bowling attack with a patient yet authoritative knock. His innings finally came to an end when he became the first wicket claimed by Chamika Heenatigala, who finished the day with two wickets.

Bandara’s memorable innings included 13 boundaries and a six as he faced 156 deliveries, placing DS Senanayake firmly in control at the close of play on the rain-affected first day.

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NCC marks its 145th anniversary

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) commemorated its 145th anniversary with a series of religious observances and ceremonial events held on April 28 and 29, invoking blessings for the institution and paying tribute to cadets and officers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The commemorative events commenced at the NCC Headquarters on April 28 with a Pirith Chanting Ceremony organized to seek the blessings of the Triple Gem for the continued progress and prosperity of the Corps. The Maha Sangha was ceremonially escorted in a vibrant procession featuring traditional dance troupes representing the 3rd, 9th, and 26th battalions.

Religious rites were conducted under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Sri Sudarshanaramaya Temple, Kalubowila. During the ceremony, merits were transferred to all NCC officers and cadets who made the supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.

Following the overnight Pirith chanting, an almsgiving ceremony for the Maha Sangha was held at the Headquarters Administrative Complex in the early hours of April 29.

The Chief Incumbent commended the organizers for the successful arrangements and highlighted the importance of preserving religious and cultural traditions within national institutions. Cadets, commanding officers of all 30 battalions, executive and training officers, Tri-Forces permanent staff members, and civilian employees of the Corps also participated in the religious observances.

Meanwhile, the NCC’s annual flag blessing ceremony was held with solemnity and grandeur at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo on April 29.

Accompanied by traditional Hewisi drummers, Corps flags were carried in procession into the temple premises, where Pirith chanting and religious blessings were conducted for the National Cadet Corps flag, training centre flags, provincial headquarters flags, and all battalion flags representing the Corps’ 30 battalions.

The ceremony brought together Cadet Regimental Sergeant Majors (Cadet RSMs), commanding officers, executive officers, provincial deputy directors, training officers, and commandants of NCC training centres representing all battalions countrywide.

Senior NCC officials, including Brigadier (Administration and Quartering), the Corps Secretary, Colonel (Training), and the Head of Procurement, joined the Director of the NCC, Major General A.P.C.R. Premathilaka, in the religious observances.

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ADB annual meetings in Uzbekistan underscore a world tied together

The ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand has once again become a crossroads of global dialogue, this time hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and economic uncertainty, the gathering has underscored a central theme: the growing interdependence of nations in addressing shared challenges.

Delegates from a wide spectrum of countries—including Canada, the United States, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Tuvalu, France, Finland, Germany, India, Thailand and Pakistan – have converged in Uzbekistan to deliberate on pressing issues shaping the Asia-Pacific region.

Their presence reflects not only the geographic diversity of ADB’s membership but also the urgency of collective action in an increasingly interconnected world.

At the heart of discussions are the vulnerabilities and opportunities within global supply chains, energy markets, and emerging technologies.

With ongoing geopolitical tensions disrupting traditional trade routes and economic alignments, governors repeatedly stressed the need for resilience, adaptability, and cooperation. The consensus emerging from Samarkand is clear: no country can navigate these challenges in isolation.

A significant portion of the dialogue has focused on climate resilience, an area where the ADB has received strong endorsement. Governors welcomed the bank’s expanded efforts to help member nations adapt to climate risks, particularly through investments in sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness. In a region highly susceptible to climate shocks from – rising sea levels in the Pacific to extreme weather events in South Asia – the urgency of such initiatives cannot be overstated.

Digital connectivity has also emerged as a key pillar of development strategy. Delegates highlighted the transformative potential of technology in bridging economic gaps, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation.

The ADB’s role in upgrading digital infrastructure across developing member countries was widely praised, with many calling for accelerated implementation to ensure that no nation is left behind in the digital economy.

Equally important is the push for resource mobilization and the unlocking of private capital. Governors emphasized that public funding alone would be insufficient to meet the region’s vast development needs, particularly in critical sectors such as energy security, water management, and mineral resource optimization. The ADB’s initiatives to crowd in private investment were therefore seen as essential to scaling up impact and delivering sustainable outcomes.

Energy security, in particular, remains a focal point amid volatile global markets. Delegates called for diversified energy sources and increased investment in renewables, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Water security, another pressing concern, was discussed in the context of both scarcity and equitable access—issues that are increasingly intertwined with regional stability.

Beyond economic and environmental priorities, the meetings also highlighted the ADB’s commitment to gender equality and social inclusion.

Governors commended the bank’s progressive policies in these areas, noting that inclusive growth is fundamental to long-term development. However, they also urged the ADB to translate its vision into tangible, measurable outcomes on the ground.

By Sanath Nanayakkare
in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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Postmortem reports and the pursuit of justice

A serious debate has erupted following a postmortem examination conducted on the body of Ranga Rajapakshe, who was found dead in his garden.

The controversy has arisen as Rajapakshe, an Assistant Director in the Finance Ministry, had been suspended over the diversion of 2.5 million dollars to a fraudulent account. Although the cause of death (COD) is obviously cardiorespiratory failure due to severe haemorrhage (loss of blood), whether the two cut wounds on his legs and on his left wrist were self-inflicted or caused by an external agency is what has led to this raging controversy.

A four-member ‘regional’ expert forensic panel (EFP) was appointed supposedly by the Secretary, Ministry of Health. The Judicial post mortem report was submitted within 24 hours. Many questions have risen as a result. Whether the expert forensic panel looked into all aspects of the death – and not only the injuries in the body of the deceased — has become a moot point.

Was the death due to self-inflicted cut injuries, i. e. suicide? Or, were they inflicted by another or others? If so, it becomes homicide or murder. If there have been any deficiencies in the procedure adopted by the expert forensic panel, whether they are errors, negligence or deliberate is what is reverberating on the social media and the public spaces.

One important point has to be mentioned at the outset. The JPM Report is still not in the public domain. Whether it would remain a privileged communication limited to the judiciary remains to be seen. Hence, none can come to definitive conclusions on the JPM findings – except judicious, informed speculation.

Judicial Post Mortem Examinations: Are they prone to error, negligence or deliberate falsification?

History tells us that all three of the above are possible. The fourth possibility is that it is none of the three above, but a legitimate, academically defensible difference of opinion. Neither medicine, nor forensics is an exact science.

Error

A cursory glance at information on the Internet gives us a reasonable overview of the issue of error. Of them, I quote only those that may be relevant to the issue at hand.

(1) Errors in post-mortem examinations can arise from procedural oversights, misinterpretation of findings, or lack of expertise, with major diagnostic error rates ranging from 8% to 24%.

(2) Common mistakes include misinterpreting postmortem changes as injuries, missing findings due to incomplete examination, and failing to secure the chain of custody.

(3) Incomplete Examination: Failing to examine all necessary body cavities or failing to perform histology/toxicology.

(4) Misclassification of Death Manner: Incorrectly labelling a death as natural vs. unnatural (e.g., suicide vs. homicide) due to overlooking evidence or biased interpretation.

Causes of Errors

(1) Systemic Issues: Heavy workloads, lack of specialised training, inadequate equipment, or poor communication between investigators and pathologists.

(2) External Pressure: Influences from law enforcement, media, or families that can bias the investigation.

(3) Inefficient Techniques: Relying on delegated assistants for vital dissections or conducting superficial examinations.

The above would suffice to give us an idea about lacunae and deficiency in JPM examinations that could lead to error. Those interested could go into the plethora of academic articles on this subject of error in JPMs.

Did any of the above lead to an outcome of error in the conclusions of the JMP Report by the expert panel?

Negligence

Negligence involves critical and serious errors that are inexcusable. These include inadequate body examination, failed scene investigations, missed evidence and speculative, premature reporting. These shortcomings can hinder legal proceedings, obscure causes of death, and lead to wrongful conclusions, with studies identifying major procedural errors, including failure to identify injuries or misinterpreting pathological findings.

We have no information whether the EFP had done a detailed site visit.

Deliberate falsification

Deliberate falsification or fraudulent autopsy reporting involves the intentional alteration of findings, documentation, or conclusions to misrepresent the cause or manner of death.

This misconduct can take many forms, including covering up homicide, misrepresenting police actions, or protecting influential individuals.

Forms of Deliberate Falsification include modification of Conclusions due to Forensic pathologists facing coercion from police, politicians, or families to change a homicide to an accidental death or natural causes. Intentional Neglect of Evidence: Failing to document injuries like strangulation marks or bruises to support a fabricated narrative of natural death. Issuing misleading or untrue post-mortem reports constitutes “serious” professional misconduct that is punishable by law.

There is absolutely no evidence that deliberate falsification has occurred in this case. But what I have attempted to inform the readers of is that such situations are well known.

The celebrated Sathasivam case illustrates the earliest instance in Sri Lanka, in which there was conflicting forensic evidence from two highly eminent forensic professors. Professor GSW de Saram, the first professor of forensic medicine, faculty of medicine, of the then University of Ceylon and JMO, Colombo was the most pre-eminent forensic expert in Ceylon who gave evidence for the prosecution and Sir (Prof.) Sydney Smith, world renowned professor of forensic medicine, University of Edinburgh who gave contrary forensic evidence on behalf of the defence. This conflict in the forensic evidence was a key factor that resulted in Sathasivam’s acquittal

I list below, a few JPM discrepancies and conflicting JPM reports that are now in the public domain in the recent past in Sri Lanka:

1. The death of a student at the University of Ruhuna raped and killed on the Matara beach, considered a suicide when circumstantial evidence indicated thugs of a well-known politician were involved in the incident. I was on the academic staff of the faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna at that time and came to know several details that had not come into the public domain.

2. The conflicting PM reports on the “disappearance” of the kidneys of a child at LRH, which was originally given as a medical death and later judgement given as a homicide. The child’s good kidney had been removed when the nephrectomy had to be done on the damaged kidney.

3. The infamous JPM report first given on Wasim Thajudeen’s killing. This falsification was done by a very senior JMO.

4. Lasantha Wickrematunga’s death, which was originally attributed to shooting but subsequently found to be due to stabbing with a sharp implement.

5. The RTA death of a policeman on a motorcycle (his wife and children were also seriously injured) in Boralesgamuwa due to the drunk driving by a female specialist doctor. The first JMO report stated that the doctor had not been under the influence of alcohol until CCTV evidence was presented to the Court that showed her drinking in a club that night. The police informed Court that the breathalyser test had confirmed that the doctor was under the influence of alcohol.

These are some of the well-known instances that there had been conflicting JMO reports. Furthermore, there have been several JMO reports where death in police custody was falsely documented in the JPM or JMO reports to safeguard the police involved in torture.

I know of one case personally, where a doctor from Nagoda Hospital, Kalutara was hauled up by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (of which I was a member for 10 years) for falsifying his JPM report of a death of a young man in police custody to safeguard the policemen concerned.

Why do JMOs falsify JMO reports?

Based on reports and studies, primarily focusing on the context of Sri Lanka, allegations of false or misleading judicial medical reports by Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs) arise from a combination of systemic, ethical, and external pressures rather than a single cause.

Reports indicate that instances of faulty reporting often stem from several factors. The main factor being political and external influence. These are likely in high-profile cases; JMOs may face pressure to tailor reports to suit the interests of powerful individuals or to minimize the culpability of suspects.

It has been seen that some reports are deemed erroneous or contradictory due to negligence, improper reporting procedures, or a lack of understanding of the ethical responsibilities of their role as JMOs. The police sometimes exert influence to speed up investigations, leading to “shortcuts”, where evidence is not properly scrutinised, or reports are tailored to support a premeditated narrative rather than scientific findings.

To be fair by JMOs, it must be said that false history or narratives given by victims and or perpetrators mislead the JMO. Victims or suspects may provide false history during the medical examination to protect themselves or to misdirect investigations.

The dearth of experienced forensic specialists can lead to inexperienced officers handling complex forensic cases. It has been the practice in many instances that Magistrates make specific requests that the PM examination be transferred to an experienced and senior forensic expert.

The subversion of justice is not limited to our part of the world. It happens everywhere. The judiciary, the legal and medical professions can work together to deliver justice to the impoverished and unempowered masses.

 

by Prof. Susirith Mendis
susmend2610@gmail.com

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Tanner Horner sentenced to death for kidnapping and murdering Athena Strand

Tanner Horner, 34, a former FedEx driver, kidnapped seven-year-old Athena Strand in his delivery truck and brutally murdered her in Texas in November 2022

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the day time

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 04 May 2026, valid for 05 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in  the  Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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