April 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka stands to suffer a significant economic setback, with potential losses reaching up to US$ 1.23 billion if it loses access to the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade benefits, according to a recent study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). The preferential trade scheme has played a critical role in supporting Sri Lanka’s export economy, and its removal could trigger a dramatic shift in trade dynamics with the EU.
The IPS study warns that the withdrawal of GSP+ would force Sri Lanka’s exports to face Most Favoured Nation (MFN) level tariffs, resulting in a 36.7% drop in exports to the EU.
The erosion of GSP+ privileges would hamper the country’s efforts to diversify its exports into high-tech products, such as transformers, which alone made up 50% of Sri Lanka’s EU exports in 2019.
A loss of GSP+ could cause a 10% drop in transformer exports, directly affecting one of the nation’s more technologically advanced sectors.
Among the hardest-hit industries would be the wearing apparel sector. While it has not yet fully capitalized on the benefits of GSP+, this sector could face tariff increases of nearly 10 percentage points if the scheme is revoked.
This would not only reduce export volumes but also severely impact employment across the manufacturing sector.
The IPS report estimates that about 4.99% of Sri Lanka’s formal industrial workforce could be adversely affected due to the anticipated decline in EU demand. This includes a significant 13.47% of employees in the apparel industry.
In total, 73,574 workers could become vulnerable, with women and low- to medium-skilled workers accounting for 65.65% of those at risk.
Amid these warnings, the Pathfinder Foundation recently hosted a high-level Ambassador’s Roundtable with EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno, who highlighted the strategic importance of Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the GSP+ facility.
She stressed that the GSP+ is not only a gateway for tariff-free access to the EU but also a framework built on mutual commitments, including the ratification and implementation of 27 international conventions related to human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and good governance.
Ambassador Moreno emphasized that GSP+ beneficiary countries must move beyond merely signing these conventions—they must ensure proper implementation and consistent compliance. She further stated that Sri Lanka should adopt an industrialization-focused policy, rather than a purely trade-based approach, to effectively utilize the full potential of GSP+ by expanding and diversifying exports.
For Sri Lanka, the GSP+ facility has been a vital economic lifeline since 2005, particularly in maintaining its competitiveness in EU markets.
With mounting economic challenges and rising global competition, losing this preferential access could spell disaster for the island nation’s export economy, employment landscape, and future growth prospects. Immediate policy actions and strengthened diplomatic efforts are essential to preserve this critical trade relationship.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka needs a consistent industrial policy providing concessions for the manufacturing sector to become locally and globally completive by producing innovative and quality products, several domestic industry leaders emphasised.
They urged the government to clear the way towards building a broad-based export industry by introducing national industry policy soon do away with protectionism as the tax on imports is tax on exports.
Successive previous governments have introduced industrial policies, but those were inconsistent and in every budgets, taxes and Customs duties had been changed without consultations with industrial stake holders, Chairman and Managing Director of Tantri Trailors (Pvt ) Ltd Athula Haputantri, said
However he noted that the ruling NPP has formulated an industrial policy document by appointing advisory committees consisting of 21 industrial sectors for their manifesto.
The government is set to introduce this policy following discussions with industry stake holders which is conducive for the manufacturing sector, he disclosed.
A Class-1 Marine Engineer by profession, Mr. Haputantri has been instrumental in driving Tantri Trailers to the forefront of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export sector. Under his leadership, the company has pioneered the manufacturing and export of value-added trailers, reaching over 40 countries worldwide.
Beyond trailers, Tantri has expanded into diverse areas, including telecommunications towers, tankers, construction plants, storage tanks, silos, overhead gantries, cranes, and heavy steel fabrications. It has also refurbished 300 railway coaches saving valuable foreign exchange.
Past government policies have typically formulated by ministry officials, and there has not been a common framework to support multiple initiatives for different industries he pointed out.
All the policy that affects industry is made in the dark, on guesswork without considering the number of industries , manufacturers ,sectors and their contributions to the national economy,
No investor will invest in an industrial venture in Sri Lanka without a globally competitive national industry base and consistent national policy, he claimed.
The policy document will have to be preceded by a process to collect data on Sri Lanka’s industrial sector and ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the industry
The main aim would be to move Sri Lanka from its dominance in low technology industries such as apparel to high technology manufacturing and engineering where the country could earn more.
Citing an example Mr Haputantri noted that his company manufactures 100 trailers per annum and 50 percent of it for export market earning foreign exchange with 650 direct employees and 1500 indirect employees working at various sites. The share of industrial exports contribute to the GDP, he added.
Sri Lankan industrialists should focus attention on high quality standard products for the export market, he said adding that their innovations will have to cater the needs of consumers.
The government has taken measures to upgrade the quality of manufacturing, promote eco-friendly methods, and introduce modern technologies.
It has been focusing on entrepreneurship, infrastructure investment, and green industrial conduct. Steps include amending the Industrial Promotion Act and enforcing standard operating procedures in domestic vehicle assembly, a top ministry official explained.
With the aim of making products internationally competitive, Sri Lanka has developed a strategic National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Enhancement (NQI) Strategy.
This approach emphasizes the provision of high-performance services that enable business compliance with international market requirements, enhance environmental sustainability, and protect consumers.
Key focus areas include revising the legal framework, strengthening institutional coordination, and building awareness about quality among the private sector and general public.
The chairman of SriLankan Airlines (UL, Colombo International) is pursuing Airbus for the return of USD23.3 million in pre-delivery payments, USD200 million in compensation, assistance with other legal disputes, and four new A330-900Ns free of charge, ideally delivered this year.
Sarath Ganegoda set out his demands in a series of meetings with Airbus, according to the country’s Sunday Times newspaper. The return of the pre-delivery sums, comprising USD19.2 million plus interest payments of USD4.1 million, is connected with a 12-year-old deal to buy six A330-300s and four A350-900s. Later inquiries revealed corruption in the procurement process. The A330s were delivered to the airline via lessors, but the A350s were not. Among other things, Ganegoda wants to recover in cash the costs and expenses associated with the A350s.
Other demands put on the table for Airbus to digest include negotiating with Rolls-Royce to drop two claims totalling USD153.9 million in connection with cancelled Trent XWB engine agreements, asking Thales Avionics to drop a claim for USD3.7 million in connection with IFE installation agreements on the A350-900s, and payment or waiving of USD6 million in legal fees.
Other than saying that the “image of SriLankan Airlines has taken a bad beating over the [botched] Airbus deal,” the report does not make clear why Ganegoda thinks Airbus will gift the airline aircraft or intervene in disputes with third parties.
AIrbus declined to comment on the matter. Sarath Ganegoda did not respond to a request for comment.
Aside from being SriLankan Airlines’ chairman, a position he took up last October, Ganegoda is also chairman and controller of Hayleys plc, a Sri Lankan multinational with interests across multiple industrial sectors and a multi-billion dollar annual turnover. Hayleys was one of the shortlisted bidders to buy a controlling interest in the carrier last year. That sale process was halted after the now-former government decided none of the bidding parties were up to scratch.
In the second half of 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka Hayleys and Ganegoda overtly supported Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, which now holds power. While neither President Dissanayake nor the JVP have publicly endorsed Ganegoda’s tactics with Airbus, sources close to proceedings in Colombo have told ch-aviation Ganegoda is having a significant say in governmental policy and appointments.
Meanwhile, longtime SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall was advised in late March that his services were no longer required. However, he is staying on for several more months until a replacement is found. The list of candidates has already been whittled down to three, including one internal candidate. Among other things, the Dissanayake administration believed Nuttall was too close to the former government to remain in the role.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Thousands of worshippers continue to gather in Kandy today as the Siri Dalada Vandanawa enters its third consecutive day, with devotees arriving to pay homage to one of the most venerated objects in Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage—the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
In line with the scheduled programme, the public is being granted access for worship from midday until 5.30 p.m., under the guidance of temple custodians and Buddhist clergy.
The observance, steeped in tradition and spiritual significance, forms a cornerstone of the island’s Theravāda Buddhist practice. Devotees, many clad in white, are seen arriving from across the country to participate in rituals that symbolise reverence, gratitude, and a deep connection to the legacy of the Buddha.
However, the solemnity of the occasion has been overshadowed by a brewing controversy involving an image of the Sacred Tooth Relic that has recently surfaced on social media platforms.
The circulation of this image has prompted swift action from law enforcement authorities, who have launched a formal inquiry into the matter.
Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya confirmed that initial inquiries are already underway to identify the circumstances under which the image was taken and subsequently published.
The unauthorised nature of the photograph is of particular concern, as strict protocols prohibit the capturing of images or videos of the relic during the public veneration period.
The police chief further stated that assistance from the Criminal Investigation Department may be enlisted if deemed necessary as part of the probe. Authorities have reiterated the sanctity of the event and warned the public that any breach of these rules—whether intentional or accidental—would be taken seriously.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, situated within the royal palace complex in Kandy, is not only a spiritual hub but also a symbol of national identity, playing a central role in the cultural and historical consciousness of the country.
In this context, the circulation of unauthorised images has sparked concern among religious leaders, historians, and laypersons alike.
Organisers of the Siri Dalada Vandanawa have appealed to the public to observe the established decorum during this deeply sacred event and to refrain from actions that may compromise the sanctity of the rituals or disturb the spiritual atmosphere.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has formally commenced a new round of discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, as part of the ongoing engagement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement aimed at stabilising the island’s economy.
The latest negotiations mark the fourth review of the programme, which has been instrumental in providing financial and technical support during one of the country’s most turbulent economic periods in recent history.
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that a senior-level delegation, including representatives from both the Ministry and the Central Bank, has travelled to the United States to engage in what are expected to be comprehensive and technically detailed deliberations.
The team is tasked with reviewing policy progress, structural reforms, and fiscal consolidation targets agreed upon during earlier phases of the EFF.
Deputy Minister of Finance Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando noted that the review sessions are taking place in a critical global and regional economic context, where maintaining macroeconomic discipline and advancing domestic reforms remain essential for long-term recovery and resilience.
These talks will assess Sri Lanka’s performance in meeting previously agreed benchmarks, particularly in areas such as public financial management, tax reform, debt restructuring, and governance improvements.
The outcome will determine the release of the next tranche of financial assistance, which could be pivotal in maintaining investor confidence and sustaining foreign reserves.
In recent months, the government has accelerated efforts to fulfil IMF conditions, including controversial but necessary fiscal measures, such as tax increases and the rationalisation of public spending.
These reforms, though often politically unpopular, are widely seen as critical for regaining debt sustainability and rebuilding international credibility.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): As Easter Sunday is observed by Christian communities in Sri Lanka and across the globe, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has offered a message of reflection, resilience, and national solidarity.
Her Easter address underscored the deeper meaning of the season—a time not only of spiritual awakening, but also of compassion and a shared commitment to justice and peace.
In her message, Dr Amarasuriya emphasised that Easter embodies values that transcend religious boundaries: love that endures hardship, faith that withstands uncertainty, and hope that lights the way forward for all.
She extended her warmest wishes to Christian believers celebrating the resurrection of Christ, expressing her desire for the occasion to offer strength and comfort to every household, regardless of creed.
The Prime Minister also took a moment to solemnly honour the lives lost in the tragic Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, recognising the lasting pain that continues to shape the national consciousness.
“The passage of time has not dulled the sorrow,” she noted, “nor has it diminished our obligation to pursue truth.” Her remarks served as a reminder that remembrance must be accompanied by action, particularly in addressing unresolved wounds within society.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, she stated that the commitment to uncovering the full scope of the events surrounding the attacks remains undeterred.
Investigations, she pledged, will continue with transparency and without political interference, so that accountability can be realised in the interest of all citizens.
Dr Amarasuriya concluded with a powerful appeal for unity, encouraging all Sri Lankans to contribute to the creation of a just, inclusive and peaceful society. She called for a spirit of collective responsibility—one rooted not only in religious observance but in the shared aspiration for a future grounded in truth, healing, and mutual respect.
Full Statement:
“As Christians in Sri Lanka and around the world celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we are reminded of the enduring power of hope, renewal, and compassion. Easter is a time to reflect on our shared humanity and the values that unite us—faith, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans celebrating this sacred occasion. May this Easter bring peace, strength, and spiritual renewal to you and your families.
As we mark this day of joy and reflection, we also solemnly remember the horrific events of Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019. Today, four years later, the pain remains, and so does our responsibility. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, with the Christian community, and with all citizens who continue to seek truth and justice.
As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that justice is served. Ongoing efforts to investigate the attacks and uncover all truths without obstruction or delay, remain a top priority. Accountability, transparency, and genuine justice are essential to honouring the memory of the victims and restoring public trust.
Let us move forward with strength and unity, upholding the dignity of every life and working toward a future where everyone deserve an equality and justice.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Christian communities across the world have commenced Easter celebrations, marking one of the most revered observances in the Christian calendar.
This year, both Western and Eastern Christian traditions observe Easter on the same date, a rare occurrence that has brought millions together in simultaneous celebration of the resurrection of Christ.
Rooted deeply in tradition and faith, Easter serves as more than just a commemoration of a sacred event—it embodies the enduring promise of hope, the strength to endure hardship, and the power to rise anew.
Across churches, cathedrals, and homes, the Easter message resonates: that renewal is possible even in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Easter Sunday, grounded in the belief in Christ’s resurrection, stands as a testament to triumph over despair. It symbolises the divine victory over death, offering believers not only spiritual solace but also the affirmation that suffering is not the final chapter.
For many, this sacred day reaffirms the promise of redemption, serving as a spiritual compass that points to new beginnings.
The symbolism at the heart of Easter—the passage through suffering to a transformed life—is timeless. It speaks not only to religious conviction but to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The resurrection narrative, central to Christian belief, reminds worshippers that from endings can emerge new purpose and life renewed.
April 20, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Mullaittivu districts during the afternoon or night, with fairly heavy falls about 50 mm being likely to occur at some places in these areas, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20).
Showers may occur in Western province and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts in the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (25-35)kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending fromPuttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Hollywood is an easy target, but this satire is so sharp, astute and sometimes absurd that it may be the funniest show of the year. Seth Rogen, who co-created the show, plays Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of Continental Studios, a lover of high-art films with a mandate to make commercial hits based on IP including Kool-Aid. A flood of actors and directors – including Ron Howard, Olivia Wilde and Zoe Kravitz – make cameo appearances, gleefully spoofing their own images, none funnier than Martin Scorsese in the hilarious opening episode. The series regulars are ideally cast, with Ike Barniholtz as Sal Saperstein, Matt’s second-in-command, Catherine O’Hara as the previous studio head and Kathryn Hahn as the loud, wackily-dressed head of publicity. Taking us into the Golden Globes and marketing meetings, The Studio suggests that everyone is just bumbling along at a moment when the entire movie industry is in crisis. The industry might not know where it’s going, but this behind-the-scenes comedy is a pure delight. (CJ)
Available on Apple TV+ internationally
(Credit: Fabio Lovino/ HBO)
The White Lotus
One thing’s for sure: if Mike White’s first-world-problems satire about rich holidaymakers was admired by many for its first two seasons, it broke out to become a true cultural phenomenon in its third, with a huge ratings boost. This time round, it sent its dysfunctional groupings – a corrupt financier and his family, three clashing female friends, a vengeful man and his younger girlfriend – to a Thai wellness retreat, and every week, you could not move online (metaphorically) for the discourse it generated and debate it stirred. Some complained that this season was too slow and lacked suitable plot momentum, while others pointed out, sagely, that the problem was that it was a character-led drama that was never meant to be dissected like Game of Thrones, but for its unexpected blockbuster popularity. Personally? I enjoyed it as both the darkest and most reflective series so far, but one which again thrived off a magisterially cast ensemble, in which Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, Aimee Lou Wood and Patrick Schwarzenegger were standouts, but no one was a weak link. (HM)
Available on Max in the US and Now in the UK
(Credit: Ben Blackall/ Netflix)
Adolescence
It’s no wonder that this uncompromising British series about a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a girl in his school has become a cultural flashpoint, praised by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, made available to be shown in schools and sparking conversations about young men and the toxic influence of social media. The social issue is wrapped in a drama brilliantly personalized and brought to life by the actors. Stephen Graham, who created the show with Jack Thorne, plays the boy’s father and conveys the shock and grief of a parent forced to consider the unthinkable possibility that his son might be a killer. Owen Cooper gives a remarkably sophisticated performance as the accused boy, who seems guileless until he explodes in anger. And Ashley Waters plays a detective who struggles to understand his own teenage son, expanding the theme beyond one family. Each episode was shot in a single, real-time take, which sounds like a gimmick, but director Philip Barantini handles that approach so smoothly that it fades into the background, even while adding intensity to a piercing drama that offers no comfortable resolution. (CJ)
Available on Netflix internationally
(Credit: Apple TV+)
Severance
Fairly or not, Apple TV+ has become a streamer known for ploughing huge resources (
) into a range of starry shows that not very many people watch – but with the second series of this dystopian workplace drama, it became clear it had a genuine watercooler hit on its hands. Which is even more surprising, when you consider just how strange Severance is. Its compelling high-concept premise – in which employees of the sinister Lumon corporation have their consciousness separated into office selves, or “innies”, and home selves, or “outies” – is one thing, but beyond that, it is constantly taking the story down surreal rabbit holes, involving for example, mysterious “macrodata refinement” work or a herd of goats. In truth, as this series progressed through its second half, it felt a little too meandering for its own good, and its climactic payoff couldn’t match that from the first season. But it’s still an exquisite work in all areas, from the clever dual-identity acting (especially from shining star Britt Lower) to the stark visuals. Bring on season three, and perhaps a few more solid answers as to what’s
really
going on at Lumon. (HM)
Available on Apple TV+ internationally
(Credit: Warrick Page/ Max)
The Pitt
It might sound like just another medical drama, but this show about a trauma centre in Pittsburgh revitalises the genre with its attention to the psychological stress on caregivers. Noah Wyle gives a shattering performance as the department head, the dedicated, harried, emotionally wracked Dr Robbie, still traumatised after failing to save his mentor during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is surrounded by other doctors and a group of students and interns, each adding a different dimension, from Supriya Ganesh as a brilliant medical prodigy to Isa Briones as an abrasive intern and Taylor Dearden as the caring Dr Mel, whose neurodivergence makes her especially empathetic with her patients. Unlike most medical shows, The Pitt never lets their personal melodrama overwhelm the focus on their work. Each absorbing, fast-paced episode takes place in real time during one 15-hour-long shift, and each veers between the devastation of losing patients and the relief of saving them. You’d think a series so blunt about death would be depressing, but instead The Pitt is exhilarating in its focus on people for whom life and death are everyday events. (CJ)
Available on Max in the US
(Credit: Disney/ Brian Roedel)
Paradise
It’s difficult to discuss the power of this show without giving away the key twist that comes at the end of episode one. But safe to say, it turns what starts as a relatively conventional political thriller on its head. Sterling K Brown is the head of the US president’s security detail, who finds himself accused of murder of his boss – but above and beyond the killing itself, not everything seems quite right with the world. Created by Dan Fogelman, the man behind the equally rug-pulling TV weepie This is Us, this is solid entertainment in the very best sense, with sharp plotting matched by some strong performances, from Brown’s tortured hero to Julianne Nicholson as a sinister tech billionaire. Plus, later on in the series, one particular episode which deals with truly monumental matters is simply breathtaking – but again, that’s all that can be said without spoiling things for those yet to watch. The good news for those that have is that it’s already been recommissioned. (HM)
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally
(Credit: BBC/ Playground Entertainment)
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light
The sumptuous conclusion to this adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy blends a beautifully shot escape into the luxurious past of Henry VIII’s court with an evergreen depiction of the high personal cost of manoeuvring for power and influence. Mark Rylance is poignant as the king’s advisor, Thomas Cromwell, who questions his own decisions, while the mercurial Henry is losing confidence in him. And Damian Lewis’s fresh interpretation of Henry is dazzling, his voice and manner chillingly subdued even as he issues the most ruthless commands. Henry’s wives come and go, but the unravelling bond between these men, and their opposite trajectories – Cromwell’s self-doubts and decline and Henry’s iron will that eliminates anyone in his way – shape the story. Written by Peter Straughn, a recent Oscar winner for his screenplay of Conclave, The Mirror and the Light is more resonant today than the original Mantel book was when it was published in 2020. It feels entirely relevant in a world where creeping authoritarianism is a global concern. (CJ)
Available on PBS in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK
(Credit: Ingvar Kenne/ Curio/ Sony Pictures Television)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Since breaking out in HBO teen drama Euphoria, rising star Jacob Elordi has chosen his roles well – but perhaps nothing has served him better so far than returning to his home country of Australia to play the protagonist in this searing war drama. An adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, it explores the life of World War Two army surgeon Dorrigo Evans across three time periods: his stint stationed in Adelaide for military training, his hellish experiences as a prisoner of war in the Thai jungle, and then his existence as a professionally successful but emotionally deeply troubled veteran (now played by Ciarán Hinds), still unable to truly process the events of decades ago. Brought to impactful visual life by Justin Kurzel, known for his visceral studies of male violence on the big screen like Snowtown and The Order, it is simply one of the best evocations of the horrors of conflict that has been committed to screen. But at the same time, it takes as much care in its exploration of passion as violence, with the chemistry between Elordi’s young Dorrigo and his uncle’s wife Amy (a superb Odessa Young) burning up the screen. Given some of the scenes of sadistic brutality, it is of course a difficult watch, as it should be, but also one whose sheer artistry offers a kind of transcendence. (HM)
Available on Prime Video in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada
(Credit: Apple TV+)
Your Friends and Neighbors
Jon Hamm has never been better, expertly mixing comedy and drama in this series about a hedge-fund manager called Coop, who loses his job. He schemes to keep up appearances in his wealthy community, only to discover a new sense of himself. The show has a broad comic element, as Coop turns cat burglar, solving his financial problems by stealing luxury items from his neighbours. But the series is best in its bold take on what he calls in one of his mordant voiceovers, “the quiet desperation of rich middle-aged men”, and in its depiction of his complicated relationships. He is still emotionally attached to his ex-wife (Amanda Peet), who left him for one of his friends, and struggles to connect with his two teenage children. He has a tender, supportive bond with his emotionally fragile sister (Lena Hall, a standout in the cast). Hamm hasn’t had a role this rich since Don Draper in Mad Men, another flawed but sympathetic charmer who makes some wildly bad decisions, and defines the character so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine anyone else at the centre of this sleek but penetrating series. (CJ)
Available on AppleTV+ internationally
(Credit: Channel 4)
Big Boys
It might have created a little less noise than Adolescence, but here is another British show about masculinity that really deserves to be seen. Jack Rooke’s semi-autobiographical show about two university students who form an odd-couple friendship – nerdy gay man Jack and straight jack-the-lad Dan – has been an incredibly deft mix of laugh-out-loud humour, complete with delightfully niche pop culture references, and poignant drama – covering sexual awakening, depression, dementia and more besides – since it started in 2022. But this third and final series was undoubtedly its most powerful, kicking off with a hilarious episode on a package holiday in Greece but getting more serious as it continued, and handling Danny’s spiralling mental health problems with particular skill. And boy, does Rooke know how to shatter audience hearts – the final episode is an emotional masterclass, including a significant cameo from the man himself. Here’s hoping that it launches its extremely talented creator into the big time. (HM)
Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and services sectors showed growth in March, according to the Central Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). While this signals economic recovery, the country simultaneously faces mounting cybersecurity threats.
In 2024, Kaspersky’s cybersecurity systems detected and blocked 2,803 ransomware incidents targeting Sri Lankan businesses. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year, underscoring the growing risks posed by ransomware across all industries. Experts emphasize the urgency for organizations—regardless of size—to adopt stronger cybersecurity strategies, as attackers become more sophisticated and capable of causing significant financial and reputational damage.
Sri Lanka experienced major cyberattacks on corporations and government institutions in November 2024, revealing critical weaknesses in the nation’s digital defenses. These breaches exposed sensitive data and risked unauthorized access to key systems, prompting cybersecurity professionals to stress the need for proactive risk management.
Sam Yan, Head of Sales for Asia Emerging Countries at Kaspersky, stated that ransomware attacks are widespread in Sri Lanka, and even one successful incident can result in severe losses. He advised businesses to invest in cybersecurity tools that guarantee high effectiveness against ransomware, noting that not all solutions offer equal protection.
Kaspersky’s products—such as Endpoint Security for Business, Small Office Security, and Kaspersky Standard—demonstrated complete protection against ransomware in various real-world attack tests conducted by AV-TEST.
To assist victims and reduce ransomware damage, Kaspersky remains a core partner in the global “No More Ransom” initiative, launched in 2016 with Europol and the Dutch National Police. This platform offers free decryption tools, reporting guidelines, and recovery resources.
By the end of 2024, Kaspersky celebrated eight years with the No More Ransom project. Its free tools now address 42 ransomware variants and have helped over 2.3 million victims globally, as reported by Europol—showcasing its dedication to global cybersecurity resilience.
To guard against ransomware, Kaspersky advises against exposing remote services like RDP or MSSQL to public networks.
If necessary, secure them with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and firewalls. Ensure VPN solutions are patched promptly and keep all software updated. Detecting lateral movement and data exfiltration early is critical, and monitoring outbound traffic can help identify breaches. Businesses are urged to maintain frequent offline backups and develop a crisis plan in case of data leaks.
Organizations should also avoid pirated or unverified software, audit supply chain access, and educate employees through security training. Kaspersky recommends using its Threat Intelligence Portal to stay informed about current cyberattack tactics and improve preparedness.
