BPPL strongly poised for next phase of expansion View(s):BPPL Holdings PLC, one of Southeast Asia’s largest brush manufacturers and Sri Lanka’s pioneer in recycled plastic products, said this week that it has recorded “impressive” improvements in all key financial indicators in the 2020-21 financial year, while strongly positioning the business for its next phase of expansion. A leader in sustainable business, BPPL which generates export earnings for the economy while addressing one of Sri Lanka’s critical issues in the form of plastic waste disposal, saw strong performances by its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Group Profit After Tax (PAT) and Profit Attributable to Shareholders increased by 23 percent YoY to Rs. BPPL also undertook a series of key strategic initiatives during the financial year, with the intention of propelling the group to its next phase of expansion, while further enhancing its sound business fundamentals. “While achieving sound growth in all key financial indicators by effectively navigating the significant challenges posed by the pandemic, we have also laid the foundation for the group’s next phase of expansion,” BPPL Holdings PLC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anush Amarasinghe said.

Reach out to grieving families to let them know they’re not alone By Kumudini Hettiarachchi and Ruqyyaha Deane View(s): View(s):There is no chance to hold them close or say a tearful or prayerful goodbye as they depart on their final journey. Many are not even able to be by the bedside of a loved one breathing his/her last laboured breath. “This is where relatives and friends of the bereaved family need to step in and provide strong support. Dr. Abeywardena dwells on how a family can face the post-bereavement period. If they are in isolation due to exposure to the virus, they need to keep in touch with family and friends through technology.

Gypsies, the Rolling Stones of Sri Lanka fall silent ‘Thank you for the music Sunil Aiya’ By Sanath Weerasuriya View(s): View(s):On Monday, September 6, 2021, Sunil Perera, a legend and one of the most commercially successful entertainers in the Sri Lankan music history, died just eight days before his 69th birthday. On Monday early morning it was a shock wave for all Sri Lankans including the Sri Lankan Diaspora scattered around the world. Uswatta Liyanage Ivor Sylvester Sunil Perera popularly known as ‘Sunil Aiya’ was the frontman of the band the ‘Gypsies’, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and composer. Sunil was the live wire of the band Gypsies since its inception in 1970. Sunil Aiya had many top hits to his name that cemented his position in Sri Lankan popular culture.

Bitter policy dose after vaccines View(s):A few weeks ago, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka decided to reverse its monetary policy stance that it had been implementing over the past one and half years; instead of “loosening” monetary policy, now it is one of “tightening”. Whatever the decisions of the European Central Bank may be, the EU will have to respond to the changing monetary policy stance of the US, if it is likely to begin the monetary policy tapering towards the end of the year. What does these monetary policy decisions mean as their policy objectives? The vaccination campaign coupled with the government spending supported by monetary policy stimulus, have contributed to bounce back the global economy. It is the key for Sri Lanka to ensure long-term growth beyond recovery, leaving the monetary policy to play its part.

‘Too early to rejoice’ – Chief Selector cricket View(s): View(s):The ODI series win over South Africa have put Sri Lanka in a positive frame of mind with fans starting to back the young lions in international cricket. The win was so important for the islanders that even the Head of State issued a congratulatory message to the players. Sri Lanka lost the first three series badly, winning just two out of the nine ODI games. But the selectors persisted with the same team with their focus firmly set on the 2023 World Cup. We have seen players who score a 100 in one game and then struggle for many games before hitting another big score.

While the country has been placed under lockdown, making newspaper distribution impossible, the Sunday Times team produced your favourite Sunday newspaper in digital format to bring you the latest news, feature stories and political commentaries. We are happy to announce that we are giving you free access to our digital paper. Click here to access the free epaper. If you like to be a subscriber to our regular epaper please click here.

No more ‘noproblem perera’ By Feizal Samath View(s): View(s):Sunil is no more. Sunil Perera, who passed away on Monday morning after suffering complications from COVID-19, was the funnyman of Sri Lankan music with his recent musical adventures laced with political satire. “We started only doing western pop. At that time Radio Ceylon was playing a lot of western pop music. Sunil has worked with many Sri Lankan pop, baila, classical and western musicians.

Akila Dananjaya factor sparks puzzle within the mandarins By Champika Fernando View(s): View(s):Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya has been left out from the 15-man squad but will be part of the four-man travelling reserves for the T20 World Cup, the Sunday Times can confirm. Dananjaya bowled three overs on Friday giving away 28 runs, hardly threatening the batsmen. Sri Lanka will play the qualifiers, where they will face Namibia, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Probable Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt. ), Dhananjaya de Silva(vc), Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Pulina Tharanga, Nuwan Pradeep Likely reserves: Lahiru Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando

Ahead of tomorrow’s sessions, the Government circulated among all countries a 14-page document titled “Progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) on human rights and reconciliation”. The sessions will begin at 10am tomorrow with an oral update by High Commissioner Bachelet, under ITEM 2 — report on Venezuela, oral updates on Nicaragua and Sri Lanka. This oral update on Sri Lanka was mandated by the country specific Resolution A/HRC/RES/46/1 that was adopted in February this year. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) apparently is very concerned about the significant increase in reported deaths in police custody. They are committed to a Sri Lanka that is founded on ideals of pluralistic coexistence, human rights, and justice.

Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket squad in Residential Training Camp at SSC View(s):Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that, it will conduct a Residential Training Camp for the 26 selected members of the National Under-19 squad at the SSC grounds in Colombo. The Residential Training Camp will focus on upcoming inbound tours, the Under-19 Asia Cup, and the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The 22-day Training Camp will be conducted at the SSC, Colombo, under a Bio-Bubble Environment. Before the selection of the 26 players, 75 players underwent a Residential Training Programme in Kandy,” it added. The Residential Training Camp will be conducted by the newly appointed Under-19 Coach Avishka Gunawardene, Upul Chandana (Fielding), Chamila Gamage (Fast Bowling), Sachith Pathirana (Spin Bowling) and Dhammika Sudarshana (Batting), along with the support staff.

Bhanuka, perhaps the truly struggling Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka cricket View(s): View(s):Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 29, was thought by many cricket pundits, of being unfairly treated by the national selectors time to time, as he was either underestimated or undermined at his prime as a top order batsman. Sri Lanka had the same dilemma after a vacuum was created with the exit of Asanka Gurusinha, until Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene ideally filled in the blank. After Jayawardene’s departure Sri Lanka tried many youngsters who had come and gone without much hope. He was destined to be the ideal No.3 batsman for Sri Lanka in both short forms of the game. If unanswered with a perfect fix, perhaps national cricket selectors will have to start their hunt all over again for a perfect One Down match.

Wrexham Glyndwr University – ideal location, vibrant culture and community! View(s):Situated in North-East Wales (UK), Wrexham Glyndr University has its origins in the Wrexham School of Science and Art (WSSA), which was established in 1887. The University has been functioning under its present name -Wrexham Glyndr University – since 2008. Although a relatively young University, Wrexham Glyndr University has carved a niche for itself as an innovative higher education institution which offers applied courses leading to employability in a broad range of fields. Student LifeStudents are at the heart of Wrexham Glyndr University and the University’s student support and welfare is second to none.

NewsWearing his signature shawl, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaka is seen arriving at the Bologna Airport in Italy on Friday to give the keynote speech at…US and European insurance and pension funds to be tapped Talks with UAE also for crude oil and refined petroleum Government is to proceed with…The Government has sought a US$ 500 million loan from the World Bank for the construction of rural roads and an agricultural project, a senior…

SEC Act has section on ‘misleading information’ View(s):The new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Act, passed by parliament on Tuesday has Twitter promoters on high alert. Especially its section 130 has seen them playing on the back foot this week as it specifically deals in falls and/or misleading statements. “This section prohibits making statements or disseminating information which is false or misleading and likely to raise, lower, maintain or stabilise price or volume of securities traded without reasonable care concerning the accuracy and with the knowledge that the information is false or misleading. The instances where the SEC Commission can take civil proceedings against wrongdoers have been specifically stated thereby spelling out how the Commission can use its discretion. Also, the defences available to a person accused of wrongdoing are spelled out in the law, which wasn’t there in the earlier Act.

Premier on interfaith crusade in Italy View(s):Wearing his signature shawl, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaka is seen arriving at the Bologna Airport in Italy on Friday to give the keynote speech at the G20 Interfaith Forum to be held in the city today. He was welcomed at the airport by Italian government and Sri Lanka embassy officials. The theme of his talk will be “Peace Among Cultures, Understanding Between Religions.” The visit had created controversy here over reports that the Premier may seek a meeting with Pope Francis amidst an allegation by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and Church authorities that the Government was hiding the big mystery behind the Easter Sunday attacks on April 21, 2019, an allegation the Government hotly denied.