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The Halal Assessment Council (Guarantee) Ltd., (HAC) has once again secured the prestigious Gold Award and Top Achievers Award at the 25th CNCI Achiever Awards 2026 for Industrial Excellence, organised by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) in collaboration with the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry.

This latest achievement marks HAC’s second consecutive year of winning both honours, building on its Silver Award in 2024 and demonstrating a consistent track record of excellence in Sri Lanka’s services sector.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the CNCI Achiever Awards recognise outstanding Sri Lankan enterprises for excellence in business performance, innovation, quality, productivity and sustainable growth.

Commenting on the achievement, HAC Director and CEO Aakif A. Wahab stated: ‘These awards are more than recognition of our achievements. They reflect the dedication of our team and the trust placed in us by Sri Lankan businesses and consumers. Our commitment is to ensure that credible Halal certification not only builds consumer confidence but also helps Sri Lankan products compete and succeed in domestic and international markets.’

With three consecutive years of national recognition, HAC continues to demonstrate how credible Halal certification can strengthen consumer trust, empower local businesses and create opportunities for Sri Lankan products in local and global markets.

Investigations have been launched after a tusker was found dead with its left tusk cut off and removed in a forested area in Kahatagasdigiliya, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said.

Wildlife officers discovered the carcass on Sunday in a forested area adjoining a paddy field near the Kayagollewa tank, within the Meeminnawala Grama Niladhari Division. Officials believe the tusker died about a week before it was found.

Preliminary observations suggest the left tusk was cut off with a weapon after the animal’s death. The tusker is estimated to have been between 20 and 25 years old and about seven feet tall.

The circumstances of the death were expected to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate’s Court yesterday, while the Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Unit will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

The Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence and wildlife officials have begun investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for removing the tusk and to establish how the animal died. Wildlife officers and Civil Defence Force personnel have been deployed to protect the carcass.

Wildlife officers discovered the carcass on Sunday in a forested area adjoining a paddy field near the Kayagollewa tank, within the Meeminnawala Grama Niladhari Division. Officials believe the tusker died about a week before it was found.

Preliminary observations suggest the left tusk was cut off with a weapon after the animal’s death. The tusker is estimated to have been between 20 and 25 years old and about seven feet tall.

The circumstances of the death were expected to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate’s Court yesterday, while the Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Unit will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

The Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence and wildlife officials have begun investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for removing the tusk and to establish how the animal died. Wildlife officers and Civil Defence Force personnel have been deployed to protect the carcass.

Six sales professionals from Ceylinco Life, Sri Lanka’s life insurance market leader, have earned national recognition for their performance, winning six awards at the 2026 National Sales Awards of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).

The awards recognise the achievements of Ceylinco Life’s sales team across three categories, with the winners representing the Company’s Wennappuwa, Middeniya, Negombo and Nugegoda branches.

Lasitha Fernando of the Wennappuwa branch won a Silver award in the Territory Manager category, while J.A. Rathnasiri of the Middeniya branch secured Silver in the Sales Executive category and K. D. L. N. Inoka of the Negombo branch received a Merit award, also in the Sales Executive category.

In the Frontliner category, Rashmi Suraweera of the Negombo branch won Bronze, while Kumuduni Rathnayaka of the Nugegoda branch and Sherman Rukshan of Colombo Special Sales Branch each received Merit awards.

The SLIM National Sales Awards recognise high-performing sales professionals for their achievements and contributions to their organisations, setting benchmarks for excellence in sales at a national level. The 2026 awards program brought together sales professionals from 20 industry categories, with awards presented across nine designations spanning frontline sales, sales management and sales support functions.

The awards are determined through a competitive evaluation process in which nominees are assessed against defined criteria, with judges’ scores determining the level of recognition awarded. Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit awards are presented where entries meet the required standards, meaning that recognition is based on demonstrated achievement rather than simply on participation or finalist status.

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) participated in Sri Lanka Connect 2026, the Sri Lanka-Indonesia Business and Investment Forum organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta on 16 October 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta.

Convened under the theme ‘Bridging Markets, Unlocking Growth’, the forum was designed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations by fostering two-way investment, commercial and strategic partnerships, and policy dialogue. It offered policymakers, investment promotion agencies, business leaders, and investors from both countries a platform to exchange perspectives, showcase investment opportunities, and identify new avenues for collaboration.

The forum featured a keynote address by Indonesia›s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Rosan Roeslani and a video message from Sri Lanka›s Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera.

Sri Lanka: the best business destination in Asia to grow your business

The opening panel presented Sri Lanka as a strategic investment destination in South Asia, highlighting its access to regional markets, advantageous geographical location and business-friendly investment environment.

Panelists at Connect 2026 Jakarta examined why Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for foreign direct investment, including government incentives and policy support, ease of doing business, opportunities within landmark national development projects, and Public-Private Partnership opportunities. Priority sectors showcased included: Real Estate Development; Logistics and Supply Chain; Maritime and Port-related Industries; Textile and Apparel and Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Manufacturing.

The panel featured BOI Executive Director (Promotion) Ganga Palalkatiya, Colombo Port City Economic Commission Head of Branding and Communications Dhanya Gunawardana, Kalbe International Ltd., Director Rudy Santosa Irawan, and CBL Global Foods Chairperson/Group Managing Director and the Indonesia-Sri Lanka Business Council President Sheamalee Wickramasingha,. The session was moderated by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Secretary General/CEO Shiran Fernando.

Sri Lanka as an investor in Indonesia

The second panel turned to Indonesia as one of Asia’s fastest-growing investment destinations, supported by strong economic fundamentals, a large consumer market, progressive investment reforms and significant downstream industrial development. Discussion covered the current status of Sri Lankan investment in Indonesia, the country’s evolving investment landscape, priority sectors for foreign investors, and institutional cooperation to further strengthen bilateral investment relations.

Panellists included Danantara Chief Economist/Managing Director Reza Siregar, Hayleys Aventura Managing Director Dr Wasaba Jayasekara, MAS Holdings’ Silueta Ltd., CEO Ruwan Keragala, and KADIN (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry). The session was moderated by CIMA Global Learning Partner Akalangka De Zoysa.

The forum drew representatives of Indonesian conglomerates, chambers and business associations, Indonesian Government officials, Honorary Consuls of Sri Lanka and their delegations, representatives of Sri Lankan companies operating in Indonesia, media and social media influencers, and a Sri Lankan delegation including members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The BOI will continue to engage with Indonesian investors who expressed interest during the forum, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta.

Reigning champion Marc Marquez has won the Malaysian Grand Prix to ?take a 44-point lead over absent title rival Jorge Martin in the championship and inch closer to retaining his title.

The Ducati rider shot out of the blocks and beat his brother Alex, the pole-sitter, into the ?opening turn on Sunday in Sepang.

Alex Marquez was able to quickly regain the lead but ran wide a turn later to hand it back, and his brother made no mistakes from that point on to claim ?the chequered flag for the first ?time since 2018.

Victory moved seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez up to 399 points in the championship standings, 44 ahead of Martin, who did not compete after suffering a wrist fracture.

If Marc Marquez is able to extend his lead to 74 points at next week’s Qatar Grand Prix, he could seal an eighth championship title two rounds remaining in the season.

Pakistan have been fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the Final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Saturday.

The hosts were found to be one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

Their breach was in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

On field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz levelled the charge.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi pled guilty to the slow over-rate offence and accepted the proposed sanction.

Pakistan conceded 325/8 with the ball in the match, before chasing down the target by three wickets and nine balls to spare, taking away positives on the road to next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

In front of their home fans in Lahore, Pakistan’s batting lineup delivered on all fronts, led by the experienced campaigner Fakhar Zaman.

The left-handed batter scored his 12th ODI century, belting 127 off 99 deliveries, which included 11 fours and six sixes.

CFA Society Sri Lanka (CFASSL), part of the global network of CFA Institute member societies dedicated to advancing the investment profession, has announced the appointment of Nadika Ranasinghe, CFA, as its new President, following the Society’s Annual General Meeting held on 30 October 2026 in Colombo. She succeeds Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA.

A seasoned financial services professional with over two decades of experience spanning capital markets, investment research, credit ratings, corporate strategy and investment banking, Nadika brings extensive industry expertise and a strong record of leadership and service to the Society.

Nadika obtained her CFA Charter in 2008 and has been actively involved with CFA Society Sri Lanka for the past 18 years, serving in several key leadership capacities, including as a Board member, Treasurer and Vice President. She has also chaired key Society initiatives, including the Scholarship Committee and the Capital Market Awards in 2022 and 2023, the Society’s flagship event recognising excellence in Sri Lanka’s capital markets. Through her longstanding involvement, Nadika has contributed significantly towards strengthening member engagement, promoting professional excellence and supporting the development of Sri Lanka’s investment profession.

Commenting on her appointment, Nadika said, ‘I am honoured to assume the leadership of CFA Society Sri Lanka, an institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey. As the financial services industry continues to evolve, the Society’s mission of promoting ethical conduct, professional excellence, and lifelong learning remains more important than ever. I look forward to working closely with our members, volunteers, and stakeholders to further strengthen the investment profession and contribute to the continued development of Sri Lanka’s capital markets.’

Currently, Nadika serves as Vice President – Strategy and Business Intelligence at National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank), where she leads the Bank’s strategic planning functions as part of its senior leadership team. Prior to joining NDB, she served as CEO – Investment Banking and Head of Credit at Asia Securities Advisors Ltd. She has also held senior leadership positions as Head of Corporate Ratings at Fitch Ratings Lanka and Head of Fixed Income Research at Acuity Knowledge Partners, Sri Lanka. Her diverse professional experience across banking, investment research, credit ratings and corporate strategy brings valuable perspectives to her new role as President.

Nadika also holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo

Nadika assumes the presidency following a significant milestone in the Society’s history, as CFA Society Sri Lanka celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026. Over the past two and a half decades, the Society has played an important role in promoting ethical standards, professional development and investment excellence in Sri Lanka. Her appointment marks a new chapter in building on this legacy, strengthening engagement with members and stakeholders, and further advancing the Society’s contribution to the development of Sri Lanka’s capital markets.

Over 250 international women have arrived in Sri Lanka for the globally recognised adventure challenge Raid Amazones 2026, which began yesterday in Kalutara.

The contingent included competitors event organisers, media representatives and medical personnel. The 2026 Raid Amazones will be conducted until 10 November bringing international attention to the country’s adventure tourism potential, natural landscapes and distinctive hospitality.

Founded in 2001 by French adventure event specialist Alexandre Debanne, Raid Amazones is an internationally recognised women-only adventure challenge that combines physical endurance, teamwork and outdoor exploration with cultural discovery. The event encourages women to step beyond their comfort zones, build connections and experience destinations through meaningful interactions with local communities.

Returning to Sri Lanka for its eighth edition, the event will take participants through the diverse landscapes of Kalutara, including its coastline, rivers, wetlands, tropical vegetation and rural communities. Beyond the adventure activities, participants will have opportunities to discover Sri Lankan traditions, cuisine and the warmth of local hospitality.

Connaissance de Ceylan, one of Sri Lanka’s leading destination management companies, is serving as the official ground handling partner for Raid Amazones Sri Lanka 2026. The company is coordinating local ground operations, transfers and logistical arrangements, working closely with the international organising team and relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless experience for the visiting participants and delegation.

Connaissance de Ceylan Director – Marketing and Business Development Maxime Wickramasinghe said: ‘Welcoming an international community of this scale is a wonderful opportunity to showcase what Sri Lanka has to offer. As the official ground handling partner, Connaissance de Ceylan is working closely with the Raid Amazones team to ensure that participants enjoy a smooth and memorable experience from the moment they arrive in the country. Beyond the operational aspects, we want every participant to experience our hospitality, discover our diverse landscapes and take home a genuine appreciation of Sri Lanka.’

The event is being delivered through a collaborative partnership between Raid Amazones, SriLankan Airlines and Connaissance de Ceylan, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Turyaa Kalutara serves as the official accommodation partner, hosting participants and the international delegation throughout the event.

Raid Amazones 2026 provides another valuable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka as a destination where adventure, nature, culture and authentic experiences come together.

The SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise has unveiled SASE 361, a next-generation Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) service powered by Versa Networks.

The launch of SASE 361, held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, recently, convened enterprise leaders, technology experts, customers, and partners keen to explore the future of cloud-native networking and cybersecurity. Attendees witnessed how SASE 361 is set to reinvent the future of enterprise IT, enabling organisations to embrace a more secure, agile, and digitally connected future.

The service endorses SLT-MOBITEL’s role as Sri Lanka’s trusted digital enabler, pairing global expertise with local delivery to help enterprises advance their digital transformation securely, efficiently, and with confidence.

The unveiling of SASE 361 establishes a strategic leap in supporting businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital environment, aligning with the country’s vision for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native framework unifying networking and security into a single service, helping organisations simplify infrastructure, protect data, and provide secure access for users, devices, and locations. Instead of relying on traditional, centralised data center security, SASE delivers connectivity and protection at the network edge, closer to where work happens.

The SASE 361 service is built on the concept of three core pillars of Network, Security, and Access, six integrated security services (NGFW, SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, ATP), and one unified platform, delivering a simplified yet comprehensive approach to secure digital transformation. Seamlessly integrating networking and security into a unified, cloud-native platform, SASE 361 empowers enterprises to embrace agility, resilience, and confidence in the digital era.

The service offers secure connectivity, cloud-delivered security, and simplified network management, redefining enterprise networking and security in Sri Lanka. With real-time visibility, advanced threat protection, and streamlined operations, SASE 361 enables businesses to protect critical data, enhance performance for distributed workforces, and reduce complexity, consolidating multiple functions into one platform.

The strategic partnership with Versa Networks, a global leader in SASE, and Connex Information Technologies, the value-added local distribution partner, further strengthens SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise’s ability to deliver world-class solutions backed through trusted local expertise. Together, these collaborations help Sri Lankan enterprises gain access to proven global technology tailored to local needs.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, conducted a two-day business outreach program in London on 21 and 22 October 2026 to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and encourage greater participation by UK businesses.

The move featured a Business and Investment Forum and networking session on 21 October, followed by bilateral business meetings on 22 October. Around 140 participants, including British buyers, investors, representatives of chambers of commerce, business associations and trade promotion organisations, attended the forum to explore commercial partnerships and strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The initiative aimed to expand market opportunities for Sri Lankan exports, promote the country as a reliable sourcing destination and showcase investment prospects across key sectors. Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is scheduled to take place from 14-17 January 2027.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. Other members included Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) Executive Director.

Addressing the forum, Minister Samarasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, noting that the economy recorded growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025.

He attributed the progress to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, the determination of the business community and advances made under the country’s economic reform program. He also emphasised the Government’s continued efforts to improve the regulatory environment, streamline procedures, strengthen institutional coordination, and enhance transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Jayasundara, outlined the progress made in restoring economic stability and strengthening investor confidence. She noted that Sri Lanka recorded economic growth of 5%, while the industrial sector expanded by 7.8% in 2025. She also highlighted improvements in the country’s fiscal position, including a Budget deficit equivalent to 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and a declining debt ratio.

Jayasundara further stated that foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded $ 1 billion in 2025, representing an increase of 72%. These developments, she noted, demonstrated the opportunities available to investors seeking to establish or expand their presence in Sri Lanka.

Delivering the welcome address, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Senadheera, highlighted the longstanding trade relationship between the two countries. He also drew attention to the opportunities available to Sri Lankan exporters under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides preferential market access for eligible exports.

EDB Chairman Wijesinghe, outlined Sri Lanka’s export potential in the UK market, highlighting the strengths of the country’s products and services across key sectors. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a sourcing destination, supported by sustainable manufacturing practices, authentic products and compliance with international quality standards.

He also delivered a detailed presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, describing the event as an important platform for international buyers and investors to engage directly with Sri Lankan businesses across a wide range of sectors. He invited UK-based companies to participate in the Expo and explore sourcing, investment and partnership opportunities with Sri Lankan enterprises committed to international quality and sustainability standards.

A panel discussion on trade opportunities featured Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Jayasundara, EDB Chairman Wijesinghe and Marks and Spencer (M and S) Head of Finance Head of Finance Suraj Wijendra. The discussion explored Sri Lanka’s potential as a responsible sourcing destination, its strategic advantages and opportunities to expand bilateral trade. Panellists also highlighted the Expo’s value for UK buyers seeking reliable suppliers and new business partnerships.

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary, Aistra Co-Founder and Managing Partner Eric Selvadurai, and the BOI Executive Director participated in a separate panel discussion examining investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s investment climate, emerging sectoral opportunities and potential for international collaboration. Participants were encouraged to attend the investment forum planned as part of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 to engage with Sri Lankan institutions and businesses.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK Minister (Commercial) and Coordinator of the Promotional Program P. Jayakody, invited the 140 participants at the Business and Investment Forum, including existing and prospective buyers, investors and representatives of business associations, to attend Sri Lanka Expo 2027.

Scheduled for 14-17 January 2027, Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is expected to provide a platform for Sri Lankan exporters, manufacturers, service providers and investment promotion agencies to connect with international markets and expand business opportunities.