Business
Forbes Asia recognises Sandra Wanduragala, Founder Selyn
The Founder-Chairman of Selyn, Sandra Wanduragala, has been recognised by Forbes Asia in their 50 over 50 list, where they have recognised 50 women over the age of 50, from the Asia-Pacific region who have reached exceptional heights in their industries and inspiring the region’s next generation. Sandra is the only Sri Lankan female entrepreneur to be recognized in this way and also one of the few Sri Lankans to be recognised globally for their work in the Sri Lankan handloom and craft industry. In addition, Selyn’s pioneering work in experimenting with blockchain technology to create radical transparency in their supply chain and product sourcing is highlighted in this recognition.
Sandra Wanduragala, founded Selyn in 1991, in her home garage with 15 women in her home town of Wanduragala in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Today Selyn has grown to work with over 1000 artisans within its networks. She is supported by her brother and Managing Director, Hilary Wanduragala and her daughter and namesake, Selyna Peiris, the next-generation lead of the company.
Speaking about the recognition Sandra Wanduragala said, “I’m very proud to receive this accolade for Sri Lanka and to be recognised in the same sphere as some of the most respected and trailblazing women in Asia. Selyn is Sri Lanka’s only fair-trade handloom company, and our vision is to promote a sustainable business model that grows and empowers the livelihoods of women in the country. We are committed to transforming our industry by encouraging full transparency of supply chains, integrating new production technologies, and revolutionizing the product we offer. By integrating blockchain into our supply chain, we believe we can truly walk the talk and present to the world a truly authentic and responsible craft brand. We believe that our purpose-led business model will result in greater economic benefits, better meet sustainability goals, and restore pride and dignity amongst our artisans. “
Selyn is Sri Lanka’s only fair-trade certified handicrafts company and one of its largest social enterprises. The Forbes Asia list recognises women working across technology, pharmaceuticals, art and politics and beyond who are proving that success comes at any age. This list was compiled by Forbes Asia in partnership with Mika Brzezinski and Know Your Value.
SriLankan Airlines set dreams in motion for 24 young students selected to represent Sri Lanka at the 2026 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad, held in Indonesia from 2 to 7 October 2026, helping make their journey to Indonesia and back an extra special one.
The students were selected through a four-stage national selection process covering school, zonal, provincial and national levels, with the highest-performing students progressing at each stage.
As a special initiative for Children’s Day, the Ministry of Education sponsored the air travel of all 24 students for the first time. Returning to Sri Lanka with an impressive haul of three Silver Medals and 10 Bronze Medals, the young contestants competed alongside students from 23 countries.
SriLankan Airlines was privileged to be part of their special journey, helping make their experience even more memorable as they represented Sri Lanka on the international stage.
Leaders across LAUGFS Supermarkets, LAUGFS Lubricants and LAUGFS Petroleum recognised for excellence in leadership and management.
LAUGFS Group marked a significant achievement at the CPM Management Leadership Excellence Awards 2026, with several of its leaders receiving prestigious accolades in recognition of their excellence in management, leadership and strategic decision-making. Organised by the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka (CPM Sri Lanka), the awards recognise outstanding management and leadership excellence across the business sector.
Representing LAUGFS Supermarkets in the Supermarkets, Malls and Shopping Complexes sector, Niroshan De Silva, Sector Managing Director/CEO – Retail, received the Gold Award for C-Suite Leadership, recognising his leadership in driving business growth, operational performance and strategic development across the Group’s retail operations. Sujeewa Vidanapathirana, Chief Operating Officer – LAUGFS Supermarkets, secured two Gold Awards for Executive Decision Maker Leadership, receiving one Gold Award in the Supermarkets, Malls and Shopping Complexes sector and another Gold Award for exhibiting exemplary management skills. In addition, he received an Overall Bronze Award in the Executive Decision Maker Leadership category, recognising his strong leadership, effective decision-making and contribution to business and operational excellence.
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The CSE yesterday opened on a positive note but later went into decline due to uncertainties in the geopolitical arena, especially oil price rises triggered by lingering tensions in West Asia.
The All Share Price Index went down by 82.57 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 30.85 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1 billion with four crossings.
Those crossings were: LMF one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 82 million; its shares traded at Rs 82, Muller and Phipps 28.3 million shares crossed for Rs 62.3 million; its shares traded at Rs 2.20, JKH 2.6 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 47 million; its shares sold at Rs 18.30 and Asiri Surgical Hospitals 2 million shares crossed for Rs 21 million; its shares traded at Rs 10.30.
In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were: HNB Finance Rs 77 million (11 million shares traded), Commercial Credit and Finance Rs 68 million (722,000 ,shares traded), LMF Rs 60 million (724,000 shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 41 million (452,000 ,shares traded), Central Finance Rs 35 million (173,000 shares traded) and Digital Mobility Solutions Rs 32 million (208,000 shares traded). During the day 70 million share volumes changed hands in 11905 transactions.
The FMCG sector performed well, especially LMF, while financial sector counters, especially HNB Finance, impressed. JKH too performed well.
Meanwhile, E.B. Creasy & Company announced that it has executed a corporate guarantee of Rs 50 million with effect from September 30, 2026, on behalf of its subsidiary, E. B. Creasy Logistics Ltd, guaranteeing banking facilities obtained by the company. The company stated that the delay in making the disclosure was due to a delay in receiving official notification from the bank on the execution of the guarantee.
Yesterday the US dollar buying rate was Rs 326.43, while the selling price was Rs 335.44.
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