Yeah, I know I was pushing my luck. I even tried to argue with their own press release that change of route and time is free of charge. However, that only applies to CX's own ticket, not tickets that involve other airlines. I was hoping they could be a bit more compassionate because I do want to buy that ticket and spend some time in Sri Lanka. (I thoroughly enjoyed my time there last time.) I'll be delaying the flight to CMB to the last minute my ticket will allow and hopefully flights will have resumed by then.
Anyway, I've got a reward ticket to get me home in the mean time.