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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Martinelli scores late as Brazil beat Japan 2-1, into World Cup last 16

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner late in injury time to give five-time champions Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the World Cup round of 32 in Houston.

Martinelli, who had come on as a second-half substitute, scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time as the match on Monday appeared to be heading to extra time.

Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the round of 16.

Casemiro had earlier equalised with a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhaes after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.

Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass in midfield before his right-footed shot from above the half-circle put Japan ahead after 29 minutes.

Kaishu Sano celebrates scoring the first goal [Aljazeera]

Vinicius Junior, who has scored four goals so far in the tournament, had a chance to put Brazil on top in the 58th minute, but his shot from the left was deflected by goalkeeper Suzuki and went past the far post.

Brazil had two chances to even the score early in the second half before breaking through late on. First, Suzuki blocked a header from Bruno Guimaraes in the 52nd minute. Soon after, Casemiro’s header bounced off a defender’s head and Suzuki’s face.

Japan have never won a World Cup knockout match.

The win was Brazil’s 12th in 15 games against Japan. The teams have also played to two draws, while Japan got their first win in the series in a friendly in Tokyo in October.

This was a match-up between two countries with deep ties, Brazil being home to about 2.7 million Japanese descendants, which is the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

Those ties extend to football, where Brazil superstar Zico moved to Japan in 1991 to play for Kashima Antlers and help build Japan’s professional football network. He coached the Japan national team from 2002–06, leading the team to the World Cup in 2006.

That team lost to Brazil 4-1 in the only previous meeting between the teams at the World Cup.

Brazil won Group C after a draw with Morocco and victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Monday’s victory came on the anniversary of their first World Cup championship in Sweden in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pele scored two goals in the final against the host country.

Japan reached the round of 32 as runner-up in Group F after draws with the Netherlands and Sweden and a win over Tunisia. The loss snaps a 10-game unbeaten streak dating back to a 2-0 defeat to the United States in September.

Brazil players celebrate after the match [Aljazeera]

[Aljazeera]

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Zydus, Sunshine launch US$20 million pharma plant in Horana to boost local drug manufacturing

A market-driven investment backed by confidence in local pharmaceutical manufacturing

Sri Lanka’s drive to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing received a major boost last week with the launch of a US$20 million joint venture between India’s Zydus Lifesciences and Sri Lanka’s Sunshine Healthcare to establish a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at the Board of Investment (BOI) zone in Horana.

The foundation stone for the new plant, to be built on nearly four acres, was laid by the leadership of the two companies in the presence of senior executives and stakeholders. The facility will manufacture pharmaceutical products for the local retail market, helping improve the availability of quality medicines while reducing Sri Lanka’s dependence on imports.

The venture, operating as Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., combines Zydus’ global pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise with Sunshine Healthcare’s extensive distribution network and strong presence in Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. The project is expected to facilitate technology transfer, create skilled employment, and strengthen the country’s healthcare supply chain.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, said the investment reflected the company’s long-standing commitment to Sri Lanka, where it has operated for more than three decades.

“We have always believed that strong local capabilities are key to resilient healthcare ecosystems,” he said. “Through Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences, we seek to contribute to the development of a stronger pharmaceutical manufacturing base in Sri Lanka by combining global scientific expertise with deep local execution capabilities.”

Dr. Patel added that the project would go beyond manufacturing by creating high-quality employment opportunities across science, technology, healthcare and operations, helping nurture the next generation of talent in Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry.

Sunshine Holdings Deputy Chairman Vish Govindasamy described the venture as a significant progression in Sri Lanka’s future at a time when countries are seeking to secure stable supply chains.

“The establishment of Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences contributes directly to building greater pharmaceutical security for Sri Lanka,” he said. “Together, we are combining global knowledge with local capability to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare resilience and our commitment to serving the Sri Lankan people.”

Govindasamy noted that the project represents the largest foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to date, with the initial equity capital of US$10 million contributed equally by the two partners. Sunshine Healthcare’s participation has been supported by the International Finance Corporation’s US$11 million equity investment made last year to support the company’s growth strategy.

The new manufacturing facility will operate under the oversight of the BOI, with the Ministry of Health and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority providing regulatory supervision. All products manufactured at the plant will comply with NMRA standards and applicable pricing regulations.

The investment comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to expand local production of essential medicines following recent economic challenges that exposed vulnerabilities in import-dependent supply chains. By increasing domestic manufacturing capacity, the partners expect the project to improve medicine availability, strengthen supply security and support the country’s broader healthcare resilience while generating high-value employment and industrial growth.

The foundation stone ceremony marked the formal commencement of construction, with both partners expressing confidence that the venture would play a meaningful role in advancing Sri Lanka’s long-term healthcare and manufacturing ambitions.

Unlike many local pharmaceutical manufacturers that operate under government buy-back agreements guaranteeing sales to the public health system, Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences will initially rely entirely on Sri Lanka’s private healthcare market. The partners are betting that locally manufactured, high-quality medicines can successfully replace imported products, making the venture commercially viable without state purchase guarantees. However, Sunshine Holdings Deputy Chairman Vish Govindasamy told The Island Financial Review that the company would welcome opportunities to supply the government sector as well, should the authorities choose to procure its products in the future.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

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Night of fashion and fitness

Fashion and fitness came together in a spectacular fashion event as FitCon Luxe unveiled its much-anticipated Active Edit Collection at an exclusive evening at Cinnamon Life that celebrated wellness, confidence and contemporary style. The launch brought together guests from the world of fashion, lifestyle and fitness creating an atmosphere that reflected the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals through versatile and sophisticated activewear. From chic contemporary looks to elegant statement pieces, attendees embraced the spirit of style and confidence. Their impeccable fashion choices complemented the brand’s vision of blending luxury, wellness and modern living, making the event, a true celebration of fashion forward elegance (Zanita )

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MullenLowe’s Praveena Perera becomes first Sri Lankan woman named to Campaign APAC’s 40 Under 40

Honoured among Asia-Pacific’s most influential emerging professionals

Praveena Perera, Associate Vice President and Client Services Director at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, has become the first Sri Lankan woman to be named to Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40 list, a recognition that celebrates the region’s most influential emerging leaders across marketing, media, technology, and communications.

Now in its 14th year, Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40 recognises outstanding professionals across the region whose achievements and leadership potential are shaping the future of the industry. Praveena earned her place on the 2026 list following a comprehensive assessment by senior industry leaders and Campaign Asia-Pacific’s editorial team.

Commenting on the recognition, Praveena Perera said, “This is a deeply meaningful milestone in a journey that has been shaped by continuous learning, hard work, and the support of many people along the way. I am grateful to MullenLowe Sri Lanka, my colleagues, mentors, and family for their belief in me. Recognition such as this is never an individual achievement, and I hope it encourages more women in Sri Lanka to pursue leadership opportunities and realise their potential.”

Praveena currently leads the Unilever portfolio at MullenLowe Sri Lanka, overseeing 27 brands across four categories. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in driving business growth, strengthening client partnerships, and delivering award-winning work. These efforts contributed to MullenLowe Sri Lanka being named Creative Agency of the Year at the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2025, while also securing Agency of the Year and Marketer of the Year honours alongside Unilever Sri Lanka at the Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2025.

As one of the youngest Associate Vice Presidents at MullenLowe Sri Lanka and among the first women to serve on its Operating Committee, Praveena has built a reputation for leadership that extends beyond business performance. Her growing list of achievements includes being recognised among the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Global Awards in 2023, reflecting a career marked by consistent excellence, while her commitment to mentoring future talent continues to contribute to greater female representation within the industry.

Thayalan Bartlett, Executive Chairman of MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, said, “Praveena’s recognition is thoroughly deserved. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, commercial acumen, and resilience while navigating some of the most demanding circumstances our industry has faced. Her ability to balance performance, people development, and long-term thinking has distinguished her as one of the most promising leaders of her generation.”

Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 2026 cohort comprises 40 professionals representing 14 markets across the region, selected for their contributions to business growth, innovation, leadership, and industry advancement. Praveena’s inclusion marks an important milestone for Sri Lanka’s communications industry and reflects the growing impact of Sri Lankan talent on the regional stage.

MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) is Sri Lanka’s largest integrated brand communications company with nine independent strategic business verticals spanning Mainstream, Digital, Activations, MarTech, Media and Public Relations. MLG’s Sri Lanka office consists of 111 staff, serves 43 of the nation’s top corporates, manages 111 brands across 33 categories, including 80% of the top 10 and 50% of the top 20 most advertised categories in the country, making it a company with prolific cross-category knowledge. Ranked among the world’s top 100 most effective agencies and APAC’s top 20, MLG is Sri Lanka’s reigning Effie Agency of the Year, Campaign Asia’s Creative Agency of the Year for South Asia, and a consistent local and regional awards leader for over a decade. It operates as a full member affiliate of MullenLowe Group Worldwide, which was recently acquired by Omnicom. As the world’s largest marketing services group, Omnicom combines unmatched global knowledge and experience with local insight to deliver end-to-end brand solutions.

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