Theekshana in ICC’s ODI Top Three Bowlers

Maheesh Theekshana reached a career-best third place in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after taking seven wickets in the final two matches of their three-ODI series against New Zealand, with the Kiwis winning 2-1. The ICC released the latest player rankings yesterday.

He moved up four spots after taking 4 for 44 in the second match in Hamilton, where New Zealand won by 113 runs, and 3 for 35 in the third match in Auckland, which Sri Lanka won by 140 runs. He also took a hat-trick in the third game, becoming the seventh Sri Lankan bowler to do so in ODIs. Theekshana’s 663 rating points are just six less than top-ranked Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (669) in a pack of four at the top, who are within seven points of each other. Indian Kuldeep Yadav is second with 665 points, while Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi follows the three spinners with 662 points.

New Zealand seam bowler Matt Henry returns to the top 10 after winning the Player of the Series award for taking nine wickets in the series, while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has moved up two places to 15th with three wickets in the last two matches.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando’s Player of the Match performance of 3 for 26 in the final match has lifted him into the top 100.

In the Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra moved up 11 places to 39th with 79 in the second match, while Mark Chapman entered the top 100 with scores of 62 and 81. Janith Liyanage climbed 11 spots to 57th after scoring a half-century in the final match.

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Lankan Under-19 Women go into WC with confidence

“Our preparation is very high, and we have a very strong squad taking part in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T-20 World Cup, which will commence on January 18 in Malaysia,” said Sri Lanka team’s skipper Manudi Nanayakkara.

“I have to play a key role as captain, and this is a new responsibility. Our team commitment is very high going into this major event,” added skipper Manudi Nanayakkara of Princess of Wales’ College, Moratuwa.

“In the last World Cup, I participated as a player, and this time I have an additional role as captain, which is a dream come true. We had a good preparation period to focus on this World Cup, while our last series against Bangladesh ended in a draw (2-2).

We have four players, including me, who played in the last T-20 World Cup, and we hope to move forward with more confidence. We also have good youngsters who need support from seniors.

“Compared to the other participating teams, we do have some changes, and we are quite focused on addressing those as we prepare for this event.”

“We know the World Cup is a major tournament, and all opponent teams came here to do their best. We are planning to go ahead with a good performance in Malaysia.”

Sri Lanka Under-19 women’s team head coach Mahesh Weerasinghe said the team is ready to take up the challenge. “We played Malaysia earlier in the Asia Cup, and we know our strength is spin bowling, which suits Malaysia’s conditions. The players had an early tri-series against England and Australia in Sri Lanka, as well as another tri-series against New Zealand and Australia in Australia, which gave good exposure before this World Cup.”

Ruwin Pieris, the batting specialist coach, and Omesh Wijesiriwardena, the bowling specialist coach, are also giving much-needed support for the young Sri Lanka women’s team, while Sri Lanka Cricket has provided all facilities for the team’s success, including more matches to gain experience. The team consists of several outstation players, including six from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama. Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Shashini Gimhani, Sanjana Kavindi, and Shehara Induwari are from Devapathiraja, Rathgama. Former Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan’s daughter, Limansa, is also in the Sri Lanka squad.

Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sumudu Nisansala, and Dahami Sanethma have prior World Cup experience, while Shashini Gimhani, the wrist spinner who represented the senior national team, also has previous overseas experience, providing valuable insight to the Sri Lanka side.

Rural school players Pramudi Methsara from Uhana MMV, Chamodi Munasinghe from Pachachananda MV, Monaragala, and Vimoksha Balasuriya from Trincomalee Sinhala MC are included in the Sri Lanka squad.

The Sri Lanka team had two warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Samoa before the World Cup, and they will play their first World Cup game against Malaysia on January 19. The second game will be against the West Indies on January 21, followed by the third game against India, the defending champions, on January 23.

Ruwin Pieris, the batting specialist coach, and Omesh Wijesiriwardena, the bowling specialist coach, are also giving much-needed support for the young Sri Lanka women’s team, while Sri Lanka Cricket has provided all facilities for the team’s success, including more matches to gain experience. The team consists of several outstation players, including six from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama. Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Shashini Gimhani, Sanjana Kavindi, and Shehara Induwari are from Devapathiraja, Rathgama. Former Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan’s daughter, Limansa, is also in the Sri Lanka squad.

Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sumudu Nisansala, and Dahami Sanethma have prior World Cup experience, while Shashini Gimhani, the wrist spinner who represented the senior national team, also has previous overseas experience, providing valuable insight to the Sri Lanka side.

Rural school players Pramudi Methsara from Uhana MMV, Chamodi Munasinghe from Pachachananda MV, Monaragala, and Vimoksha Balasuriya from Trincomalee Sinhala MC are included in the Sri Lanka squad.

The Sri Lanka team had two warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Samoa before the World Cup, and they will play their first World Cup game against Malaysia on January 19. The second game will be against the West Indies on January 21, followed by the third game against India, the defending champions, on January 23.

Sri Lanka’s Dedunu in Umpires’ Panel

Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan women’s opener and current umpire Dedunu de Silva is among the umpires’ panel in the T-20 World Cup, making her the only Sri Lanka official for this World Cup.

Competition Format

The 16 teams divided into four groups and will play once each other side in their group. The top three teams in each group will progress to the Super Six league stage where qualifying teams from group A will play against two of the qualifying teams from Group D and qualifying teams of Group B will play against two of the qualifying teams of Group C. Points from matches against teams that also qualified from the first group stage will be carried forward into the Super Six league stage.

The top two sides from each of the super six leagues will progress to the semi finals with the final taking place on February 2.

Under 19 women’s teams groupings at T-20 World Cup

Group A – India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, West Indies

Group B – England, Ireland, Pakistan, USA

Group C – New Zealand, Nigeria, Samoa, South Africa

Group D – Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Scotland

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U19 squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, announced

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the U19 team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which consists of six players from the Devapathiraja College in Rathgama, Galle.

According to a SLC statement, a 15-member squad has been selected for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in Malaysia.

The Sri Lanka team will leave for the World Cup tomorrow (Jan. 11).

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New Zealand thrash Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI to win series

New Zealand mauled Sri Lanka by 113 runs in Hamilton tonight to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.

The match was reduced to 37 overs apiece after rain delayed the start at Seddon Park.

The Black Caps posted 255 for nine. Classy opener Rachin Ravindra shone with 79 and combined in a 112-run stand with Mark Chapman, who scored a brisk 62.

The visitors lost four quick wickets in pursuit and were eventually bundled out for 142.

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana snared a hat trick for Sri Lanka and finished with four for 44 in a fine display.

No-one seemed capable of reading his carrom ball which he employed with good success against the right-handers.

But it was New Zealand’s night. They dominated the fixture.

Opener Will Young looked to play with more freedom than he might usually approach the beginning of an ODI.

He looked in a hurry rather than the calm figure he usually presents.

But he got a cracker from Asitha Fernando on 16.

The right-armer jagged a delivery back and bowled Young through the gap between bat and pad.

He had launched into a drive and was stunned to hear his off stump tumble from its mooring.

Ravindra took revenge on Asitha Fernando. He sent back-to-back deliveries to the boundary with two delightful drives.

Chapman raced to 20-odd without looking in complete control.

The two lefties kept the pressure on, taking 11 runs off a Charith Asalanka over.

The milestones started tumbling.

Ravindra brought up his first ODI 50 on home soil in style. He danced down the wicket and dispatched Wanindu Hasaranga over his head for six.

Chapman was now in control as well and swung Eshan Malinga for six to bring up his half century.

That shot brought up the 100-run partnership as well.

Sri Lanka needed a wicket and Chapman obliged. He lofted a delivery from Theekshana straight to mid-off.

Ravindra continued to find the rope with some wonderful timing.

He is billed as Kane Williamson’s heir apparent and was living up to the hype until Asalanka intercepted a shot on the way to the boundary.

It was a tremendous diving catch in the covers.

Sri Lanka snuffed out more momentum when Tom Latham was run out moments later.

They also picked up the wicket of Glenn Phillips just as he twisted the throttle.

Daryl Mitchell (38 from 38 balls) threatened to get away but was kept pinned down.  Mitchell Santner clubbed 20 from 15 but the Black Caps let too many overs slide by at the death and finished shy of what they looked capable of reaching.

Theekshana claimed his hat trick late to help restrict New Zealand.

But his mates in the top order let him down.

The visitors slumped to 22 for four.

Otago seamer Jacob Duffy nabbed two quick wickets, Matt Henry accounted for Avishka Fernando and Asalanka ran himself out to leave the innings covered in vinegar.

Play and miss. Play and miss. Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis did plenty of that. They also middled some.

It was boundaries or dots for a period.

The partnership eclipsed 50 before a Nathan Smith delivery brushed the gloves of Liyanage and he had to go for 22.

The load fell on Kamindu Mendis. He blazed a half century from 58 balls and kept the pressure on, lofting a Smith delivery out of the ground.

But his effort ended on 64 when Daryl Mitchell dived forward at midwicket and scooped up a great catch.

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Sri Lanka hope to stay in the hunt by winning today

The Sri Lanka team, led by Charith Asalanka, is expected to make a comeback in the second ODI against New Zealand, which will be played today at Seddon Park, Hamilton. This day/night game will commence at 6:30 a.m. (Sri Lanka time).

New Zealand made a comfortable nine-wicket win in the one-sided affair of the first ODI at Wellington, and they hope to win again to secure an early series victory. However, Sri Lanka want to level the series by winning this game and is determined to fight back and rectify their mistakes. The surface at Seddon Park in Hamilton is batting-friendly, and a high-scoring game is expected. The skipper winning the toss in this second game will most probably opt to bat first, while the weather in Hamilton is more favourable for the visitors, unlike in Wellington, which was very cold during the first ODI last Sunday.

Sri Lanka skipper Asalanka is expecting more contributions from the top-order batters. In the last game, the Black Caps put pressure from the beginning and took four early wickets during the power play. Sri Lanka is more concerned about the performance of their top-order batsmen. Opener Avishka Fernando was the only successful batter in the first ODI, having scored his ninth ODI half-century. He gave a good batting display to build up the innings with Janith Liyanage in a fifth-wicket 87-run stand. However, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, skipper Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis have big roles to play. Kamindu was unfortunately run out, while the New Zealanders demonstrated a good fielding display. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya pointed out that top-order batters have to stay at the wicket and finish the innings. However, that plan was not executed in the last game, and the early wickets posed a big challenge to the middle order.

The Sri Lanka team management discussed making a few changes in the middle order, with Nishan Madushka and young Dunith Wellalage fighting to enter the team, but they did not finalise their team yesterday and will do it after inspecting the wicket today. Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara are the three seamers, but they have to take early wickets to pose a good challenge, while Wanindu Hasaranga, the key leg spinner, will most likely retain his place. However, they might opt for a spin all-rounder instead of a fast-bowling all-rounder, and it could be either Wellalage or Wickramasinghe, but it is hard to say and will depend on the wicket today.

New Zealand is expected to deliver another strong all-round performance, as they have a solid batting lineup capable of putting up a good score once again. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young gave a sound start in the last game, and the Sri Lankan bowlers face a big challenge to dismiss them as early as possible.

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Bimandee and Shafiullah Best Players of Junior TT Nationals

Bimandee Bandara, of Hillwood College Kandy and Shafiullah Akram of Trinity College emerged champions of the Junior National Table Tennis Championship concluded at Bandaragama Indoor Stadium.

Bimandee Bandara who was also the defending senior champion once again retained the junior title defeating Shamalsha Dewmi of Holy Cross College Gampaha in three straight sets 11/04, 11/06, 11/04 in the girls under 19 singles final.

Meanwhile the boys under 19 singles final saw more competition between Shafiullah Akram and Amila Udara of Maliyadeva College Kurunegala which extended to a five setter game. The first two sets were won by Shafiullah 11-9, 11-9 but Amila came back to win the third set 11-9. Two finalists had a tough fourth set which became a long battle finished in favour of Shafiullah 14-12 and continued his winning form in the final set 11-7.

Shafiullah partnered with Bimandee won the mixed doubles title and the experienced pair defeated Rehan Senanayake of Ananda College Colombo and Sadinthie Jayasinghe of Musaeus College in the final. Both junior National champions Bimandee and Shafiullah were named Best Players of the tournament.

Chanuki Akshana of Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda won both girls under 11 and 13 singles titles. She outclassed Aveesha Herath of St. Anthony’s College Kandy 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 to win the girls under 11 title while Chanuki made three setter game to beat Nisandi Nimthara of Southland College Galle in the girls under 13 final. Kenura Silva from Nalanda College Colombo showed his potential once again defeating Deranya Kesara, Dharmasoka to win the boys under 11 singles title while Sanon Duljith of Dharmasoka won the boys under 13 singles title defeating Yenul Abeywickrama of Ananda College Colombo.

In the girls under 15 final Yoshini Jayawardane of Mahamaya Girls College Kandy made four setter game to beat Muthuli Sahanya of Southland College Galle (11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11- 5) while Akain Bojith, Dharmasoka won the boys under 15 title defeating his schoolmate Sanon Duljith.

The girls under 17 title was won by Tamadi Kavindya of Devananda College Ambalangoda defeating Shamalsha Dewmi of Holy Cross College Gampaha and the boys under 17 final was won by Diran Hamer of Royal Colombo defeating Shafiullah Akram of Trinity and this final went on to a five setter game 2-11, 11-08, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9. Divya Dharani and Lesnya Sethumadi the Dharmasoka pair won the girls doubles title when they defeated Bimandee Bandara (Hillwood) and Sadinthie Jayasinghe of Musaeus. The boys double title was won by Dewmeth Weerasena (Lyceum, Nugegoda) and Vinuka Gunawardane (Royal) defeating Trinity pair Shafiullah Akram and Akesh Dimantha and this final was also extended for a five setter game 10-12, 11-8, 12-10, 4-11, 11- 7.

The three day event was conducted by the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL).

This year’s tournament, held under the auspices of official equipment from Yinhe, saw over 500 young paddlers making it one of the most exciting and competitive championships in recent years.

The awards ceremony was graced by the chief guest Disna Jayasinghe, Divisional Secretary of Bandaragama, TTASL President Rahal Abeyratne, Secretary Kumudi De Silva, Vice President Chathura Jayandera and former TTASL President Chandana Perera.

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Sri Lanka look to bounce back in second ODI

Sri Lanka will aim for an improved show in the second One Day International (ODI) to stay alive in the three-match series against New Zealand at the Seddon Park in Hamilton today.

Apart from Avishka Fernando’s half century and Janith Liyanage’s contribution, the other Sri Lankan batters offered little to no contribution as Matt Henry and Company ran through the line-up. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra’s 93-run opening stand killed the game off inside the first 13 overs as New Zealand proved to be too good in the series opener.

Sri Lanka, in the absence of Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana, also lacked the zip and an X-factor but 178 wasn’t going to be enough on any day and any wicket unless something remarkable was pulled off by the bowlers.

New Zealand bowlers led by the three-men pace attack were just too good in the overcast conditions.

The visitors need the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis to hit their straps as Hamilton will offer similar conditions.

The surfaces have been pace-friendly and hence, the conditions are a bit alien to the visitors, especially an Asian side. Having won a Test in England will keep Sri Lanka in good stead but with the series on the line, the visitors will be keen to take it to the decider in Auckland by winning the second ODI.

The average first innings total at this venue is 230. Out of the 57 games played here, teams bowling first have won on 30 occasions.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara and Eshan Malinga

New Zealand ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young and Nathan Smith. (Agencies) 

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Angelo Mathews ‘absolutely shocked’ over Sri Lanka’s 2025 Test schedule

Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Mathews has called out the International Cricket Council for the meagre number of Test matches his side are scheduled to play this year.

Sri Lanka have experienced an upturn in fortunes in the longest format and were among the favourites to make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final until the final spot was finally taken by Australia.

This run included batter Kamindu Mendis equalling Don Bradman to become the fastest to 1000 Test runs in 75 years. “Absolutely shocking to hear that srilanka is only playing 4 test matches this entire year including the aus tests this month @ICC,” said Mathews in a post on X.

Sri Lanka are set to end their current WTC cycle with a two-match series against Australia at home. This series, however, is effectively a dead rubber as the two WTC finalists have already been decided. 

After this, however, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play just one series in the new cycle this calendar year - a two-Test rubber against Bangladesh at home.

In 2026, Sri Lanka are scheduled to host the West Indies in June, India in August and Pakistan in November. All series consist of just two Test matches.

Speculation of a two-tier WTC

Mathews’s post comes amid speculation of the ICC considering a two-tier system for the WTC. Australian newspaper ‘The Age’ reports that the matter is slated to be discussed between International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah and executives from Cricket Australia (CA) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) this month. 

The proposed idea places the top seven nations – Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – in Division 1 and others – Bangladesh, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland – in Division 2.

The matter was taken up at ICC level in 2016, but was shot down by many boards, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). At the time, BCCI’s clout in ICC was based on its benevolence, allowing the India team to tour smaller nations and boost their balance sheet.

With time, Test cricket’s commercial appeal further diminished outside the Big Three nations. Cricket South Africa openly prioritised it’s T20 league by shrinking its Test calendar. That this formula – winning short, sharp series – worked in their favour to make the World Test Championship (WTC) final over England and India, who lost steam their five-Test series in Australia 1-3, explains everything about the make-do WTC arrangement.

On the other end of the scale, the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series saw record attendance and new viewership records. 

The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne broke all records with 3,73,691 spectators attending. Australia’s Seven Network released data on Monday that their free-to-air coverage of the series reached a record 13.4 million people in Australia. 

The Ashes continues to remain a big draw in both England and Australia.

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‘Sri Lanka Cricket Live’ mobile app launched

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has launched an official mobile app, ‘Sri Lanka Cricket Live,’ thus enabling fans greater access to information about Sri Lanka Cricket around the clock.

The app provides fans with details about the team, tours and tournament schedules, match highlights, live scores and commentaries, and notifications such as the squad announcements, among many others.

The “Sri Lanka Cricket Live” official mobile app is now available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for fans to download, Sri Lanka Cricket announced.

Key Features:

Live Score : Follow every ball, wicket, and boundary with real-time scorecards and ball-by-ball commentary.

Live Streaming: Never miss a moment of the action with high-quality live streaming of select matches (subject to availability).

Match Highlights: Key video highlights

Schedule & Results: Stay on top of upcoming matches, tours and tournament fixtures, and past results.

Notifications: Customize your alerts to receive instant updates on live scores, match results, and breaking news.

You can download the app from the below link;

Link: https://srilankacricket.lk/mobile-app/

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US Assistant Secretary of State calls on PM Harini Amarasuriya

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Lu, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, and exploring opportunities for educational and governance collaboration, the Prime Minister’s Media Division stated.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting the importance of aligning the education system with economic needs to foster a skilled workforce.

Discussions also addressed Sri Lanka’s IMF program and the role of international partnerships in stabilizing the economy, it added.

The U.S. delegation included Ms. Anjali Kaur, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, Mr. Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the U.S. Department of Treasury, and H.E. Ms. Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan representatives included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Ms. S. Vijitha Basnayake, and Ms. Shobini Gunasekara.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to mutual goals in education, gender equality, and economic equity, the statement said.

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US delegation discusses economic and governance reforms with foreign minister

A U.S. delegation led by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu met with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to congratulate Sri Lanka’s new administration. Discussions focused on shared priorities, including economic and governance reforms, with plans for tailored programs, capacity-building, and technical assistance to benefit the Sri Lankan people.

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No change in Litro Gas prices for December

The Litro Gas Company says that the prices of its domestic LP Gas cylinders will remain unchanged for the month of December 2024.

The Chairman of the Litro Gas Company, Channa Gunawardena stated that the company decided to keep the prices of LP gas cylinders unchanged despite the price hike in the global market, in order to provide relief to the consumers.

Accordingly, the prices of Litro LP gas domestic gas cylinders will remain unchanged as follows:

12.5kg – Rs. 3,690
05kg – Rs. 1,482
2.3kg – Rs. 694

No LP gas price revision took place last month as well, and the most recent price revision was in October.

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Three dead and dozens sick after eating sea turtle stew

Three people have died and at least 32 were hospitalised in the Philippines after eating an endangered sea turtle cooked in stew.

Dozens of indigenous Teduray people reported symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal spasms since eating the dish last week in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province, officials said.

While it is illegal to hunt or consume sea turtles under the Philippines’ environmental protection laws, the marine creatures are still eaten as a traditional delicacy in some communities.

But sea turtles that consume contaminated algae - including those that appear healthy - can be toxic when cooked and eaten.

Some of the dogs, cats and chickens that were fed the same sea turtle also died, Irene Dillo, a local official, told the BBC. She added that authorities were investigating the cause of the deaths.

The sea turtle was cooked as adobo, a popular Filipino dish consisting of meat and vegetables stewed in vinegar and soy sauce.

Residents of Datu Blah Sinsuat, a coastal town known for its white, sandy beaches and clear waters, frequently get their food from the sea. “It was unfortunate because there is so much other seafood in their village - lobsters, fish,” Ms Dillo said.

Most of the residents who were hospitalised have since been discharged, local media reported, while the three who died were buried immediately - in line with local tradition.

Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr, a local councillor, said that he has told local officials to strictly enforce the ban on hunting sea turtles in the region, vowing “this food poisoning incident will never happen again”.

Most sea turtle species are classified as endangered, and it is illegal in the Philippines to collect, harm or kill any of them. However sea turtles are hunted in some cultures for their flesh and eggs, which are believed to contain medicinal properties.

In 2013, 68 people in Philippines' Eastern Samar Province fell ill - and four of them died - after consuming a sea turtle found near their village.

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CBSL mandates collection of gender disaggregated lending data

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a directive for all financial institutions to collect and report gender-disaggregated data on business lending. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency and support for women-owned and led businesses across the nation.

Under the new guidelines, a business is defined as women-owned if females own more than 50% of it. A business is considered women-led if it is at least 20% female-owned, includes at least one female as a major decision-maker, and has women comprising at least 30% of its board of directors, if such a board exists.

To ensure consistency and reliability in data reporting, the CBSL has outlined specific parameters for initial data collection. These parameters include verifying business ownership through documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation for limited liability companies, which must list shareholder names and their ownership percentages as shown in Form 15 “Annual Return of a Company” and Form 6 “Notice of Issue of Shares.”

Sole proprietorships must present a Certificate of Registration of Business Name issued by the Divisional Secretariat, confirming 100% ownership by the individual.

These directives were made public recently in a letter to the Finance Companies in relation to the publishing of quarterly FinNet returns in relation to the National Financial Inclusion Council Survey and the District Wise Credit Exposures.

Partnerships require a Certificate of Registration of Business Name from the Divisional Secretariat and a Partnership Agreement detailing ownership percentages or equal ownership division among partners. For cooperative societies, a Certificate of Registration from the Commissioner of Cooperative Development and a Membership Register detailing member contributions are necessary.

The directive also defines a ‘major decision maker’ in businesses, specifying roles such as CEO, COO, or CFO for LLCs. In sole proprietorships, the owner automatically qualifies as the decision maker. For partnerships, it includes individuals who influence daily business decisions, which can be evidenced by their understanding of product branding, pricing strategies, and inventory management.

In cases where formal ownership of a business cannot be clearly established, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s directive provides additional parameters to recognize women’s control and engagement in business operations.

This includes evaluating if a woman has beneficial ownership, access, and decision-making authority over the business’s physical or financial resources. Evidence to establish this may include business assets registered under a woman’s name, like property deeds or vehicle leases, and business-related bank transactions processed in her name. This approach helps in identifying and supporting women-led businesses where traditional ownership structures might not be apparent. (TP)

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