United News of Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is facing concerns over a potential financial blow following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its high-profile T20 World Cup group match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s last-minute refusal to play the fixture has already triggered alarm among organisers, as the match was expected to generate significant revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting and tourism-related income. Colombo is currently fully booked, with hotels and related services anticipating a surge of visitors for the marquee clash. During an executive committee meeting on Tuesday, SLC decided to formally approach the PCB, urging it to reconsider the boycott. A letter to that effect was sent on Thursday. Sources said SLC fears that if the match does not go ahead, it would not only hurt the board’s earnings but also negatively affect Sri Lanka’s broader economy. A no-match scenario could also impact funding from international broadcasters, with potential consequences for ICC revenue distribution to member boards and associate nations. Prove you are fair: Pakistan legend Afridi tells ICC supporting Pakistan’s boycott In its letter, SLC reminded Pakistan of Sri Lanka’s past support, particularly when the island nation toured Pakistan at a time when international teams were reluctant to visit following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. SLC also warned of possible adverse effects on tourism, including hotel booking cancellations, flight disruptions and complications for logistical service providers. The board reiterated that it was fully prepared to host the sellout match at the R Premadasa Stadium. Meanwhile, India have made it clear they are ready to proceed with the fixture. India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team’s position remains unchanged and that they are prepared to travel to Colombo as scheduled. “Our mindset is clear. We will play. Our flight is booked and we are going,” Suryakumar said during the captains’ media briefing in Colombo on Thursday, as quoted by the ICC. “We have been told we have a game on February 15.” He acknowledged the complexity of the situation for Pakistan but stressed that the decision ultimately lies with them. Kamran Akmal slams ICC’s ‘double standards’ as Pakistan stand firm on skipping India clash Pakistan had earlier announced its boycott of the match against India in support of Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the tournament. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will run from February 7 to March 8. India begin their campaign against the United States on February 7 and are set to play their second group match on February 12. #With inputs from NDTV

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has said the government is working closely with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible and reliable destination for sustainable and inclusive development, investment and tourism in South Asia. She made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of the South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) 2026 in Colombo as the chief guest. The three-day conference is being hosted by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka under the aegis of FICAC, reports Daily FT, a Sri Lankan daily. It has brought together more than 60 diplomats, business leaders and policymakers from across the region to strengthen cooperation and explore new pathways for sustainable development in South Asia. In her address, the prime minister said the choice of Sri Lanka as the host country is significant at a time when the government is intensifying engagement with international partners to rebuild confidence and reinforce the country’s standing as a dependable partner in the region. She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change, referring to the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and expressed appreciation for the support extended by international partners. Stressing that climate change is a global challenge, she said it requires collective action, shared responsibility and innovative solutions. Dr Amarasuriya further outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to improve public sector efficiency, transparency and accountability, strengthen national unity and respect for diversity, and advance digital governance to improve service delivery and public trust. She said the government is addressing economic, social and environmental challenges through a clear policy framework, with a focus on economic stability through fiscal discipline, sustainable debt management and productivity-enhancing reforms, alongside stronger social protection for the most vulnerable. Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Adviser Vijitha Herath, speaking as guest of honour, said the government is committed to promoting Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism destination on the global stage while positioning the country as a stable and reliable international partner. Organised under the auspices of FICAC, the global body supporting consular practice and international cooperation, the conference aims to facilitate policy dialogue, business matchmaking and capacity building in support of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and foreign relations objectives. The conference programme noted that honorary consuls play a key role in translating diplomatic goals into practical partnerships, adding that FICAC and national consular associations are working to professionalise the role through expanded training and stronger public-private cooperation. Delegates are scheduled to attend a series of presentations on Sri Lanka on Tuesdayincluding sessions on rebuilding the country, foreign direct investment opportunities, the current economic outlook and future direction, and export prospects.

South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) has begun in Colombo, underscoring Sri Lanka’s growing profile as a regional centre for diplomacy, trade and tourism. Held under the auspices of FICAC, the global organisation that promotes consular practice and international cooperation, the conference aims to foster policy dialogue, business networking and capacity building in support of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and foreign policy priorities. President of the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka Mahen Kariyawasan said hosting the conference in Colombo reflects renewed global confidence in Sri Lanka and offers a unique opportunity to attract investment, boost tourism and strengthen regional partnerships, reports Daily FT, a Sri Lankan daily. He said the programme, which includes business forums, networking events and cultural activities, is designed to turn diplomatic engagement into tangible economic gains. FICAC is currently led by Nikolaos (Nikos) K. Margaropoulos, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Thessaloniki, Greece. Conference organisers said honorary consuls play a vital role as connectors between diplomacy and real-world cooperation, helping translate policy intent into practical partnerships. FICAC and national consular associations are jointly working to professionalise the role through expanded training and clearer public-private collaboration frameworks. The conference is anchored by two major ceremonial events. The opening ceremony today brings together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and international delegates, signalling renewed regional commitment to cooperation. A farewell gala dinner on February 3 will conclude the gathering, providing space for informal diplomacy and cultural exchange. Organisers said the meeting is expected to leave behind concrete outcomes, including the formation of follow-up working groups on investment, a regional best-practice toolkit for consuls, and a schedule of bilateral missions aimed at turning discussions into projects. A summary of outcomes and an action plan for 2026 are expected to be published by the end of February.Participants highlighted the role of honorary consuls in facilitating business connections, promoting cultural and tourism exchanges, and providing essential citizen services and local insights that strengthen crisis response and consular outreach.            

Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday (November 29) and appealed for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 132, with a further 176 people reported missing. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency laws, granting him wide powers to respond to the devastation following a week of torrential rain across the island. “We have 132 confirmed dead and another 176 missing,” DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said, adding that relief efforts had been strengthened with the deployment of the army, navy and air force. Nearly 78,000 people have been displaced and are in temporary shelters, the South Asian country's disaster management center said. Read more: Over 20 killed, 14 missing as intense rainfall sparks landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka The death toll is expected to rise. Social media posts on Saturday showed several areas affected by overnight mudslides that authorities have yet to reach. Sri Lanka has been battered by severe weather since last week. Conditions worsened Thursday, with heavy downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides mainly in the tea-growing central hill country. The government closed schools and offices and postponed examinations. Most reservoirs and rivers have overflowed, blocking roads. Authorities stopped passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks. By Friday, water flowing downstream from severely affected areas began to inundate areas around the capital, Colombo, which experienced comparatively less rainfall. Authorities say that Ditwah, which developed in the seas east of Sri Lanka, is likely to move toward India's southern coast by Sunday. Read more: Sri Lanka shuts schools, offices as floods and landslides kill 56 Neighboring India dispatched two search and rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and sent aid to support ongoing operations, the country's embassy in Colombo said Saturday. With inputs from agencies.

Sri Lanka closed government offices and schools Friday (November 28) as the death toll from widespread floods and landslides climbed to 56, with over 600 homes reported damaged, officials said. The country has been facing severe weather since last week, which intensified Thursday (November 27) with heavy rainfall that submerged homes, farmland, and roads, and triggered landslides nationwide. At least 25 people were killed Thursday in landslides in the central mountainous tea-growing districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, roughly 300 kilometers east of the capital Colombo. In these areas, another 21 people are missing and 14 were injured, according to the government’s disaster management center. Additional fatalities occurred in landslides elsewhere in the country. As conditions worsened, the government ordered all schools and government offices to remain closed Friday. Read more: Over 20 killed, 14 missing as intense rainfall sparks landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka Overflowing rivers and reservoirs have blocked many roads, forcing authorities to suspend passenger train services and close roadways in several regions. Landslides and floodwaters, along with fallen rocks, mud, and trees, disrupted both roads and railway lines. Local television footage showed an air force helicopter rescuing three people stranded on a flooded rooftop Thursday, while the navy and police used boats to evacuate residents. Another video showed a car swept away by floodwaters near the eastern town of Ampara, killing three passengers.

More than 20 people have died and 14 others are missing after days of heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding across Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan authorities have suspended passenger train services and shut down several roads as severe rainfall continues to unleash deadly landslides and floods, officials reported Thursday (November 27). According to the government’s disaster management center, 18 of the confirmed deaths were in the central highland districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, well-known tea plantation areas located about 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Colombo. Read more: Over 220 dead as floods and landslides devastate Northwest Pakistan The center also stated that 14 people remained unaccounted for Thursday following landslides in the same region. Since last week—when the country first began experiencing the intense weather—the overall death toll has climbed to 31. Torrential rains over the weekend inundated roads, farmland, and homes, causing widespread disruption. Train services in some mountainous areas were halted after landslides sent rocks, mud, and fallen trees onto rail lines. Local television footage showed crews working to clear the debris. Several roads were also closed because of deep flooding. Roughly 4,000 families have been affected by the severe weather, officials said. Read more: Tidal waters inundate low-lying areas as embankment collapses in Khulna

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka hits a fifty after they lost four wickets before reaching 100 in the first ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Colombo.  After 32 overs, Sri Lanka were batting at 154 for five. Bangladesh strike early to remove Sri Lankan openers Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, but they failed to lay a good foundation as the Bangladeshi pacers sent back their openers in just five overs with only 11 runs on the board.  Two of Sri Lanka’s top four batters, including Pathum Nissanka who was Sri Lanka’s main star in the Test series, suffered a duck each.  Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib bagged the first two wickets. Tanzim later added more, and debutant Tanvir Islam also joined, taking one wicket.  Najmul Hossain Shanto, a part-timer, scalped the fifth wicket for Bangladesh. He dismissed Janith Liyanage for 29, with Tanzim taking a good catch.  Both teams have fielded three pacers each in this match.  While Bangladesh have two debutants- Tanvir and Parvez Hossain Emon, Sri Lanka also has a debutant— Milan Rathnayake. 

Bangladesh off-spinner Nayeem Hasan registered a five-for in the Galle Test and helped Bangladesh to secure a 10-run first innings lead against the hosts on Friday. At the end of day three, Sri Lanka were at 368 for four. On the fourth day, they added another 117 runs, losing all other wickets, ending their innings at 485. Pathum Nissanka was the star for the hosts, crafting a magnificent 187 runs, while Kamindu Mendis provided strong support with a valuable 87. Galle Test: Nissanka's epic ton propels Sri Lanka's solid reply to Bangladesh For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud proved effective, claiming three wickets to go along with Nayeem's contributions. Despite taking the crucial first wicket, Taijul Islam couldn't add any more to his tally. Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain hit centuries to guide Bangladesh to 495 in the first innings after winning the toss.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harinia Amarasuriya on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok and sought Sri Lankan support in the Interim Government's efforts to bring back billions of dollars. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and vowed to expand trade and cooperation between the friendly South Asian countries. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister narrated the efforts made by her country to recover stolen money. She said the Sri Lankan parliament has ratified a new law to expedite the recovery process. The two leaders also discussed various aspects of the July uprising and stressed the importance of people-to-people contacts between the two nations. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks The Chief Adviser described the reform agenda of the Interim Government and his administration's plan to hold elections between this December and June next year. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin were also present during the meeting.

Jeewanthi Adikari initially aspired to a career in accounting but found her calling in hospitality after a three-month training program. Now, with over two decades of experience, the 42-year-old manages Sri Lanka’s first resort fully operated by women—a bold initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities in the tourism sector. Located in Dambulla, Amba Yaalu resort provides women with opportunities to develop careers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite making up 52% of Sri Lanka’s population, women hold only 10% of jobs in the country's hospitality sector. Situated 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo, Amba Yaalu employs 75 women who oversee all aspects of operations, from housekeeping to security—where a team of seven former military personnel ensures safety. The resort also offers training programs to help women build skills in hospitality. The concept was developed by hotelier Chandra Wickramasinghe, inspired by his mother’s resilience as a single parent raising eight children. “I knew what these women could achieve. We put together a strong team, and it worked,” he said, emphasizing the need for female leadership in the industry. Professor Suranga Silva of the University of Colombo highlighted barriers such as social stigma, language constraints, work-life balance challenges, and inadequate training, which have kept many Sri Lankan women from entering the hospitality industry. However, he noted a shift, with more young women showing interest in tourism careers. Millions of Muslims in Indonesia observe the beginning of holy month of Ramadan Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, once the country’s third-largest foreign exchange earner, has faced setbacks due to the 2019 Easter bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic. While the sector contributed 2.3% to the economy in 2023—down from 5% in 2018—female representation remains low. Kaushalya Batagoda, executive chef at Amba Yaalu, pointed out the shortage of trained female professionals in hospitality but noted growing enthusiasm among young women to pursue culinary careers. Women’s rights activists have praised the resort’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of safe employment opportunities. Silva stressed the need for collaborative training programs to improve women’s employability in tourism. At Amba Yaalu, some of these challenges are already being addressed. “This is purely about empowering women,” Adikari said. “We invite them to join, enhance their skills, and contribute to the industry.”