Lahiru Udara 188 carries the fight for Sri Lanka

A pair of wickets in the final half hour play brought the West Indies  back into the game, but prior to that it was Lahiru Udara  who had led Sri Lanka’s redemption arc as the opener fell 12 runs short of a maiden Test double-ton as day one of this second Test wound to a close at North Sound.

At 32 years of age, Udara has had to bide his time to make his way into the Test side, and it was just his luck that Sri Lanka’s Test schedule shrunk considerably just as he made his debut last June. Then in the Caribbean, he might not have got a look in, but an injury to Pathum Nissanka opened the door, and like Amir Jangoo in the first Test he took his chance with both hands.

Udara’s epic 188 off 248 all but ensured that the visitors ended the day in precisely the sort of commanding position they would have envisioned when they opted to bat – only partially sullied by those late strikes.

His innings came primarily across two major stands. The first was of the record-breaking variety, as Udara and Kamindu Mendis (84 off 120) struck 215 off just 255 deliveries. It was Sri Lanka’s highest-ever partnership in the Caribbean and very nearly their highest ever against West Indies in Tests. It also came after their side had stumbled to 25 for 2.

The second was less brisk but equally as important, as Dhananjaya de Silva joined Udara in the middle to stitch together a stand of 93 off 179. This one had come just as West Indies had begun to put together a much more disciplined display with the ball in the final session – efforts that had for large parts seemed destined to go without reward.

But the perseverance from the hosts belatedly paid off, first as a tiring Udara – he had received treatment earlier in the session on his lower back – top-edged to deep fine leg, before the other set batter, Dhananjaya, edged through to the slips after a gritty 33 off 90.

The latter wicket also brought about another cause for celebration for West Indies, as it meant that Jayden Seales reached 100 Test wickets, becoming the second-fastest West Indian bowler to do so in terms of deliveries bowled – Ian Bishop heads the list.

Seales’ and his team-mates’ jubilant celebrations were representative of catharsis, but also revealed the frustration that had been building up until that point, as Sri Lanka rode their luck but also pressed home the advantage for much of the game. They will however now feel they have restored some parity on a day that was largely dominated by the visitors.

Scores:

Sri Lanka 338 for 5 in 83 overs (Lahiru Udara 188, Kamindu  Mendis 84;  Shamar Joseph 2-60) vs West Indies

(Cricinfo)

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Tokyo Cement inspires future-ready construction at BUILD BEYOND 2026 Technology Summit

Tokyo Cement hosted ‘Build Beyond 2026 Summit’, a premier knowledge-sharing conference that brought together leading academics, civil and structural engineering experts and professionals of the Sri Lankan construction industry. The event featured keynote addresses by renowned construction technology specialists, Professor Shashank Bishnoi from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi-Abu Dhabi, and Senior Professor Priyan Mendis from the University of Melbourne.

The summit marked the second edition of the Build Beyond Engineering Technology Summit organized by the Tokyo Cement Group, designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry while highlighting global trends, innovations, and emerging technologies in cement and concrete. This year’s discussions focused on advancements in material science that are driving more sustainable and cost-efficient construction practices.

The event drew participation from state-sector authorities, research institutions, academia, engineering students, and public and private sector organizations, creating a dynamic platform for engagement across the construction industry. A key feature of the summit was a high-level panel discussion on “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Construction Future,” featuring several distinguished industry leaders.

The panel included Eng. Nissanka Wijerathne, the Secretary General/CEO of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka (CCI), Founder and Deputy Chairman of Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd.; Eng. Shiromal Fernando, the Chairman of CTBUH Sri Lanka and Vice President of the Green Building Council Sri Lanka, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University and visiting lecturer at the University of Moratuwa; Eng.

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ComBank and Carmart join forces to make Peugeot and Leapmotor vehicles more accessible

Strengthening its commitment to making vehicle ownership more accessible and affordable, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has entered into a strategic partnership with Carmart (Pvt) Ltd. to offer specially structured leasing facilities for Peugeot and Leapmotor vehicles.

Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration brings together the Bank’s expertise in flexible financing and Carmart’s portfolio of internationally recognised vehicle brands, creating a value-rich proposition for customers seeking to purchase new vehicles.

Under this MoU, valid until 30th June 2027, Commercial Bank will offer attractive interest rates, concessions on documentation charges, and a complimentary credit card with the first year’s annual fee waived. These benefits are designed to reduce upfront costs and ease the financial commitment associated with vehicle ownership.

With leasing facilities available through Commercial Bank’s island-wide branch network, a cross section of customers will be able to part-finance their vehicle purchases while structuring repayments to align with their income patterns, enabling greater financial flexibility.

Further enhancing the value proposition, Carmart (Pvt) Ltd. will offer customers a range of added benefits, including a complimentary full tank of fuel, free vehicle registration, and other exclusive privileges, making the overall vehicle ownership experience more rewarding.

The Bank said the partnership reflects its continued focus on delivering practical and customer-centric leasing solutions in collaboration with reputed vendors. By combining competitive rates with cost-saving concessions, the Bank aims to make vehicle ownership more attainable for both existing and new customers.

This collaboration is particularly significant in the current market context, as it offers customers the opportunity to benefit from preferential leasing terms while managing repayments in a way that suits their financial circumstances.

As a pioneer in leasing solutions, Commercial Bank continues to innovate through strategic alliances that enhance value, broaden choice, and support customers in achieving their lifestyle aspirations.

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Firing squad volunteers wanted for death row execution chamber - full details

Idaho has become the only US state to make a firing squad its default method of execution, with officials now seeking volunteer police officers.

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Sri Lankans … big scene in Scotland

It’s not only our entertainers who are in the spotlight, overseas, but Sri Lankans, in general, as well.

The Sri Lankan Sports Club Scotland (SLSC) is a very good example. The club, with Hashan Hettiarachchi, as the President, continues to make a significant impact across Glasgow, and beyond, serving as a vibrant hub for sports, culture, and community engagement, within the Sri Lankan diaspora.

As a registered Scottish charity, SLSC was established with a clear purpose: to provide a formal foundation that supports and unites the Sri Lankan community, while fostering integration, wellbeing, and cultural pride.

Through its growing programmee of activities, the organisation creates opportunities for people of all ages, and backgrounds, to connect, participate, and thrive.

The club’s efforts have been recognised through funding support from the UK’s National Lottery, enabling SLSC to deliver a range of initiatives, focused on sports development, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

This support has helped transform ambitious ideas into successful community-driven events that have attracted widespread participation and support.

Over the past year, SLSC has proudly delivered a highly successful Sri Lankan Independence Day celebration, bringing together families and community members to commemorate the nation’s heritage and achievements.

The club also organised a memorable community concert, featuring renowned Sri Lankan artiste Krishantha Erandake, providing an opportunity for people to celebrate their cultural roots, through music and entertainment.

Trophies given at the cricket festival

Sport remains at the heart of the organisation’s mission. SLSC has successfully hosted large-scale badminton and cricket tournaments, welcoming participants from across Scotland and beyond.

These events not only promote healthy lifestyles and sporting excellence but also strengthen friendships and community bonds through shared experiences.

Alongside its sporting and cultural programmes, SLSC is committed to preserving Sri Lankan heritage for future generations.

Through traditional dance classes and cultural education programmes, young people are given the opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the rich traditions of their ancestral homeland.

These initiatives ensure that cultural knowledge and practices continue to flourish within Scotland’s diverse multicultural landscape.

As the organisation continues to grow, SLSC remains dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities that bring communities together, celebrate diversity, and inspire the next generation. With strong community support, dedicated volunteers, and ongoing partnerships, the future looks bright for one of Scotland’s most active and impactful Sri Lankan community organisations.

For SLSC, success is measured not only by the events it delivers, but by the lasting connections it creates and the positive difference it makes within the community every day.

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Florida alligator attack: Woman's last 911 audio as 'death roll' severs both arms

Brittany Clark, 31, was mauled by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in central Florida - she died from her injuries.

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High value stocks snapped-up for less than market price

Investor concerns over global market conditions combined with bank interest rates to trigger a downward trend among certain high value stocks yesterday. Consequently, investors used these conditions to purchase the latter stocks stocks at lesser prices, market analysts noted.

The All Share Price Index went down by 146.44 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 34.92 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.76 billion with six crossings.

Those crossings were; Colombo Dockyard 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 131 million and its shares traded at Rs 131,Sathosa Mortors 58000 shares crossed for Rs 69.6 million; its shares traded at Rs 1200, Distilleries 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 28.5 million; its shares fetched Rs 57, Hemas Holdings 755,000 shares crossed for Rs 25 million; its shares sold at Rs 32.50, Hayleys 100000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 23.8 million, its shares traded at Rs 238 and ACL Cables 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 100.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; WindForce Rs 470 million (11.7 million shares traded), HNB Finance Rs 46 million (4.8 million shares traded), CTC Holdings Rs 45 million (1.4 million shares traded), JKH Rs 43 million (2.1 million shares traded), Galadari Hotels Rs 43 million (2.8 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 41 million (312,000 shares traded) and Sathosa Mortors Rs 37 million (31,000 shares traded. During this day 60 million shares volumes changed hands in 18046 transactions.

Manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, performed well while Colombo Dockyard performed well also.

Analysts noted that Convenience Foods Lanka authorized a first and final dividend of Rs 8.00 per share for the financial year ended March 31, 2026.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) proposed a first and final dividend of Rs 2.50 per share for both its voting and non-voting ordinary shares, funded through dividends received from its subsidiary.

Yesterday the rupee buying rate was Rs 331.66, while the selling rate was Rs 341.30.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

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