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 )

from The Island https://ift.tt/UyPaHcZ

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.

from The Island https://ift.tt/vtE5IDG

Sorry plight of 1.6 mn children and young adults with disabilities in the country

An estimated 1.6 million children and young people with disabilities in Sri Lanka continue to face significant barriers to economic independence, with nearly 70 per cent remaining unemployed and dependent on others for their daily needs, Country Director of ChildFund Sri Lanka, Adithi Gosh has said.

Addressing a media briefing, Gosh stressed the urgent need to strengthen livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and enhance their participation in the workforce.

She said ChildFund Sri Lanka had prioritised market-driven and demand-oriented vocational training programmes to improve the livelihoods of more than 12,000 children and young people with disabilities. The initiative is being implemented through a long-term collaborative programme in coordination with the ChildFund National Centre.

According to Gosh, the programme seeks to create sustainable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 who have physical, sensory and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Special attention is being given to youth from low-income and marginalised communities.

She noted that the programme is designed not only to equip beneficiaries with skills required by the labour market but also to improve their access to employment opportunities and self-employment ventures.

Gosh emphasised that the long-term sustainability of the initiative would depend on strengthening existing government systems and institutional capacities rather than establishing separate parallel service structures.

“The focus is on embedding policies and practices that ensure equal participation and access for all within existing systems,” she said.

The programme also aims to promote greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in economic and social life by creating an enabling environment that supports equal opportunities and participation.

Among those present at the media briefing were Director of Business Development of ChildFund Sri Lanka Dinanta Thambavita, Programme Director Dr. Ranjan Thawaseelan and Communication Expert Nishanthi Nonis.

Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to address the challenges faced by young persons with disabilities and to promote inclusive economic development through skills training, entrepreneurship and institutional support.

Text and Pic By Sujatha Jayaratne

from The Island https://ift.tt/DQBJa5g

US declares SLN its Indo-Pacific partner

The US has declared Sri Lanka Navy as partner of their Indo-Pacific strategy. The declaration was made onboard SLNS Gajabahu, formerly of the US Coast Guard, at the Colombo harbour early this week.

A statement issued by the US Embassy, in Colombo, quoted US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur, as having said on 22 June: “Today we announced the delivery of US satellite communications technology to the Sri Lanka Navy, our Indo-Pacific partner. This secure, real-time connection —representing a transformational upgrade for the Sri Lanka Navy— will be available aboard their entire fleet of offshore patrol vessels and ensures no communication gap at sea. It will allow our Sri Lanka partners to respond quickly to emergencies, protect the cargo ships that fuel our economy, and disrupt illegal activity across the Indian Ocean before it reaches our shores.”

Since 2005, SLN has taken delivery of four ex-US Coast Guard vessels, with the latest transfer taking place recently.

Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence and Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, hosted Assistant Secretary Kapur aboard the vessel, where they discussed maritime cooperation and the role of advanced US communications technology in safeguarding international shipping lanes, supporting regional disaster response, and countering illicit activity across the Indian Ocean. With Fleet Broadband, the Sri Lanka Naval fleet will be better equipped to work seamlessly with partner nations to promote peace and security at sea, whether in joint exercises or real-world missions.

The Embassy announced that delivery of comprehensive Fleet Broadband system — manufactured by Cobham and Inmarsat — valued at approximately $4 million (over LKR 1.2 billion) for installation across the Sri Lanka Navy’s fleet of offshore patrol vessels. Powered by advanced US satellite communications technology, Fleet Broadband enables secure ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications, ensuring reliable voice, data, and information sharing while operating far beyond coastal range. The system will enable the Sri Lanka Navy to maintain real-time connectivity with headquarters, aircraft, and other vessels across vast maritime areas, including remote regions of the Indian Ocean. This capability will strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve operational coordination, support emergency response, help interdict vessels engaged in illicit trafficking, track sanctioned vessels, and protect critical supply lines that underpin regional and global commerce.

from The Island https://ift.tt/WphDwGF

Wyatt-Hodge, Knight and bowlers power England into semi-final

England became the first team to reach the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 38-run victory over West Indies built on a gutsy half-century from Danni Wyatt-Hodge in challenging conditions.

On a scorching evening at Lord’s, where temperatures hit 34 degrees Celsius just before the toss, Wyatt-Hodge scored a 42-ball 65 and was well supported by Heather Knight’s  43 off 26 deliveries.

In their defense, England’s bowlers tied West Indies down, with spinners Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith sharing four wickets between them. For West Indies, Chinelle Henry and Jahzara Claxton resisted stubbornly in a 63-run stand for the fifth wicket, with Henry remaining unbeaten on 51.

Earlier, there was controversy when Hayley Matthews, West Indies’ captain and key player, was given out caught behind for 14 on an England review with one camera angle showing an apparent mismatch between the vision and UltraEdge. That prompted Matthews to argue her case animatedly with the umpires on and off the field. While her efforts, and those of her team, were in vain, her side remains in contention for the knockouts.

Henry let out an almighty roar when she struck with the fifth ball of the match. It was a fuller one outside off stump with a hint of away swing which lured a drive from Amy Jones and found the edge, looping to Afy Fletcher at short third. But Henry conceded 17 runs off her next over as Wyatt-Hodge settled in with a pull through midwicket and a top edge which beat Fletcher.

Offspinner Ashmini Munisar entered the attack and responded to Sophia Dunkley’s reverse sweep for four with a fuller ball next – too full for Dunkley’s attempted sweep as she was pinned lbw. Despite the early falls of wicket, though, Wyatt-Hodge and Alice Capsey managed to outfox the field and take England to their best powerplay of the tournament so far at 57 for 2.

Heather Knight scored quickly [Cricinfo]

Wyatt-Hodge jumped to the top of the tournament run-scoring charts by backing up her century on the opening night with another pivotal score, having endured two lean innings in between. She punished some short bowling early, and then peppered the off side with some classic and lofted drives. Wyatt-Hodge brought up her fifty off 32 balls with a back-footed flick off the pads to cover.

Capsey, meanwhile, unfurled a lovely reverse for four off Karishma Ramharack but then advanced to a length ball two deliveries later and lobbed it to Henry at long-on, thus ending a 65-run stand with Wyatt-Hodge for the third wicket. Wyatt-Hodge and Knight put on 40 more, but when they ran on Knight’s cut straight to the cover fielder, Wyatt-Hodge didn’t have the legs in the sapping heat to make it to the other end.

There was to be no reprise of the high-powered union between Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson which blew Scotland away at Headingley on Saturday night when Matthews bowled Kemp attempting to sweep. Knight was eventually run out after surviving a couple of near misses. Gibson too fell cheaply on the penultimate ball of the innings, but by then, the home side had plenty on the board.

Matthews was nonplussed when England managed to overturn a not-out decision for caught behind as she attempted a cut off Linsey Smith in the fourth over. Matthews was adamant she hadn’t made contact with the ball, and one angle on the replay showed a gap between bat and ball while UltraEdge indicated a spike. TV umpire Nimali Perera ruled that Matthews was out, but the West Indies captain spent a good deal of time making her case to the on-field umpires.

Hayley Matthews has a heated discussion after her dismissal [Cricinfo]

Matthews watched more replays in the West Indies dugout and continued to disagree with the decision in conversation with the fourth umpire on the sidelines. It was reminiscent of last year’s Ashes Snicko controversy when TV umpire Chris Gaffaney upheld a not-out decision for Australia’s Alex Carey when a clear spike appeared several frames before the ball had passed the bat. But, in this instance, the scorecard showed Matthews out for 14.

In the last over of the powerplay, Deandra Dottin helped herself to 15 runs off Dean’s first four balls, including back-to-back fours followed by a thumping six over long-on. But Dean’s riposte on the last ball was to toss one up on middle and leg as Dottin looked to clear long-on once more. She didn’t connect fully, and found Capsey just inside the boundary.

West Indies were 46 for 2 after six overs, and some frugal bowling by Ecclestone, followed by Dean’s second wicket in as many balls when she had Jannillea Glasgow chopping on with the first ball of her next over, kept England in control.The last time these sides met at a T20 World Cup, in 2024, a rash of fielding errors cost England the match and the chance to progress to the knockout phase. While they are a vastly improved side, the hosts missed two chances in three balls as Claxton and Henry dug in.

SCORES:
England Women 186 for 7 in 20 overs (Danni Wyatt-Hodge 64, Sophia Dunkley 14, Alice Kapsey 28,  Heather Knight 43; Chinelle Henry 1-25, Hayley Matthews 1-32, Ashmini Munisar 2-42, Karishma Ramharack 1-23) beat West Indies Women 148 for 5 in 20 overs  (Hayley Matthews 14, Deandra Dottin 19, Shemaine Campbell 20, Jahzara Claxton 21, Chinelle Henry 51*;  charlie Dean 2-31, Lauren Bell 1-20, Linsey Smith 1-35, Sophie Eccleston 1-22) by 38 runs

[Cricinfo]

from The Island https://ift.tt/vyEM2Oc

Trump health alert triggered by 'compassionate use' request for weight loss drug

Donald Trump has alarmed experts and critics who believe the 47th POTUS has requested weight loss pills to deal with signs of heart failure

from Daily Express :: US Feed https://ift.tt/jwEtnAB

Haaland scores two as Norway beat Senegal 3-2, enter World Cup knockouts

Erling Haaland scored his second World Cup brace in a row as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 at New York New Jersey Stadium to secure their place in the last 32.

Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen struck late in the first half, before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break in the Group I fixture on Monday.

Ismaila Sarr cut the deficit for Senegal, only for Haaland to punish more slack defending as Norway progressed to the knockout rounds with a game to spare, despite a late consolation from Sarr.

Manchester City forward Haaland now has four goals in two games at the tournament, hot on the heels of Lionel Messi’s double earlier in the day, which carried him to a record 18 World Cup goals. Not to be outdone, Kylian Mbappe scored another brace, too, as France beat Iraq 3-0.

Norway have lost only once in their last 18 matches and will take on France in a compelling battle for top spot in the group in Boston on Friday.

Senegal must beat Iraq, who are also without a point, in their final game to stand a chance of avoiding an early exit.

Led by the unstoppable Haaland, who increased his astonishing international goals tally to 59 in 52 games, Norway recorded back-to-back wins at the World Cup for the first time.

They added weight to the belief they can do serious damage at these finals with a dominant display against a Senegal side that paid heavily for their errors.

Norway quickly set the tone as Kristoffer Ajer’s header forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a terrific save with his legs at a corner, but they lost full-back Julian Ryerson to injury early on.

Captain Martin Odegaard skied over an inviting cut-back from the right for Norway, as Nicolas Jackson looked to be Senegal’s most dangerous threat.

Mendy again came to Senegal’s rescue with a superb block to deny Odegaard, after Haaland cushioned down Antonio Nusa’s chipped cross into the box.

But Mendy allowed Pedersen’s low drive to creep under him after a dreadful mistake from skipper Kalidou Koulibaly gave the ball to the replacement right-back on the edge of the box.

Haaland rolled against the post from a tight angle after Mendy got in a tangle, but he made amends three minutes into the second half as Norway sliced Senegal apart on the counterattack.

Odegaard surged upfield and slid a pass through to Haaland, who buried an emphatic finish past Mendy to add to the two goals he scored in Norway’s opening 4-1 victory over Iraq.

Senegal clawed their way back as Sarr showed great composure to poke home after tumbling to the ground following a clever flick into the area by Sadio Mane.

However, Koulibaly was at fault once more, failing to clear as Haaland steered a volley in off the crossbar from Patrick Berg’s cross, delighting Norwegian fans, who provided a colourful backdrop with their viral, rowing chant.

Norway fans perform their traditional rowing celebration in the stands [Aljazeera]

Mory Diaw came on for the injured Mendy in goal, but only a headed goal-line clearance from Pathe Ciss prevented Oscar Bobb from netting Norway’s fourth.

Sarr’s second of the night set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to join France in the next round and leave Senegal’s hopes hanging by a thread.

Sarr also became the first Senegalese player to score at two different World Cups.

[Aljazeera]

 

from The Island https://ift.tt/V47dy9e