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MAP to President: SONA must focus on jobs, investments, and food security

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) should shift the national conversation from politics to economic execution by laying out a clear agenda for jobs, investments, food security and lower business costs, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said.

In a statement issued on Thursday ahead of Monday’s SONA, MAP President Donald Patrick Lim said the country needs a stronger focus on measures that would improve economic resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties and climate-related risks.

‘But beyond these reforms, what we want to hear is a clear economic agenda that creates jobs, attracts investments, improves food security, lowers the cost of doing business, and restores confidence,’ Lim said.

Map said governance reforms remain important and reiterated its support for several priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), including the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Party-List System Reform Act, the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Independent People’s Commission Act.

According to the business group, these measures would help strengthen accountability and public trust in government.

On the other hand, MAP also addressed the government’s ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects, saying the controversy underscored the importance of holding all sectors accountable.

‘The investigations have sent a strong signal that the government is serious about accountability, and they must result in convictions where appropriate, stronger procurement systems, greater transparency, and ultimately better public service,’ the group said.

‘The public expects timely resolution and institutional reforms that prevent similar problems from happening again,’ it added.

At the same time, MAP cautioned that anti-corruption efforts should not delay legitimate public investments. ‘The government must demonstrate that we can fight corruption without paralyzing development,’ it said.

The organization noted that infrastructure projects that are transparent and urgently needed should continue, alongside investments in healthcare and education.

‘Delaying public spending has its own economic cost through lost jobs, delayed investments, and slower growth,’ MAP said.

Rather than halting projects, the group said government should strengthen transparency, oversight and the use of digital tools in public spending.

‘This is precisely why reforms, such as the CADENA Act, are important-they institutionalize transparency so that the government can move faster while strengthening public accountability,’ it said.

MAP also pointed to the economic concerns facing households and businesses, saying high living costs, business uncertainty and the continuing challenges confronting micro, small and medium enterprises should remain at the forefront of the administration’s agenda.

‘We must fight corruption decisively, but we should not let the fight against corruption become a brake on economic growth,’ the group said. ‘It is time to bring the conversation back to creating jobs, attracting investments, stabilizing food prices, and improving the daily lives of our people.’

For its part, Malacañang said President Marcos’ SONA will feature ‘a simple and dignified program,’ with no celebrity directors or star-studded performances.

All security preparations in place for SONA-DILG chief

As the 5th SONA President Marcos draws close, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that all security preparations are in place, saying authorities are ready to ensure a safe and orderly event.

More than 20,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) have already been deployed as part of the government’s comprehensive security operations, with contingency measures in place for various scenarios, Remulla said.

‘Yes, we are ready. In fact, command conference namin tungkol dito ngayon. We have 20,000 police now deployed, and we are ready for any contingencies,’ Remulla told reporters during an interview.

The DILG Secretary said coordination meetings and command conferences among concerned agencies are ongoing to finalize operational plans and ensure seamless inter-agency coordination ahead of the President’s address.

The Department emphasized that heightened security measures are intended to protect the public and maintain peace and order amid reports of planned mass demonstrations in parts of Metro Manila during the SONA.

As part of these preparations, the PNP-National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be placed under full alert status beginning 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. The NCRPO said regular anti-criminality operations and police visibility efforts will continue without interruption while security operations for the SONA are underway.

The PNP has, likewise, heightened security at traditional demonstration areas, including the Batasang Pambansa and People Power Monument in Quezon City, Malacañang, Liwasang Bonifacio, the Senate in Pasay City, and the United States Embassy.

Meanwhile, Remulla said the administration remains focused on delivering results and expressed optimism that sustained gains in governance and public service will continue to strengthen public confidence.

‘The economy is surprisingly resilient. Inflation is controlled. Crime is down. I think with the resolution of some cases, with the arrest of some unwanted persons, with the conclusion of the flood-control, tingin ko aakyat din ‘yan,’ he said.

UE names new marketing, university relations director

THE University of the East (UE) has announced the appointment of seasoned marketing professional Danica Magat-Celario as director of its Marketing and University Relations Department.

Celario brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education marketing, strategic communications and institutional engagement to the university.

Celario officially assumed office in June 2026, succeeding former UE Marketing and University Relations Director Edilberto Sulat Jr., who retired after serving the university for 24 years.

Welcoming Celario to the University, UE President and Chief Academic Officer Zosimo Battad expressed confidence that her vast experience and collaborative leadership will fortify the University’s communications and engagement with stakeholders as UE prepares to mark its 80th founding anniversary in September.

‘We are pleased to welcome Ms. Danica Magat-Celario to the University of the East. Her extensive experience in higher education marketing and communications, together with her collaborative approach to leadership, will strengthen our engagement with our community and partners. We look forward to her contributions in advancing initiatives that support our mission and uphold the values that have guided UE for eight decades,’ Battad said.

Celario spent much of her career leading institutional marketing communications, digital engagement, and strategic planning initiatives in the higher education sector. Prior to joining UE, she served as Marketing Manager of the Center for Strategic Marketing and Communications of Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila.

‘I am honored to join UE at such an important milestone in its rich history. I look forward to collaborating with the entire university community to deepen connections, engage our stakeholders and champion the core mission that has defined UE for 80 years,’ Celario said.

Celario’s multifaceted experience spans strategic communications, multimedia and digital platforms, market research, event management and quality management systems. She is a trained ISO Internal Auditor and has also served as a faculty member under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, teaching courses in marketing management, strategic marketing, e-commerce, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions or MICE.

As Director of the Marketing and University Relations Department, Celario will lead the university’s stakeholder engagement and strategic communications initiatives, working with academic and administrative units to enhance institutional presence and ensure that the University’s communications remain proactive, collaborative and aligned with its core values that include excellence, integrity and social responsibility.

Celario holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management.

Her appointment underscores UE’s continuing commitment to delivering socially relevant and nation-building education spanning eight decades.

Tinubu’s decisive blows on terrorists excite Trump

U.S. President pledges more support in letter to Nigerian leader

Troops neutralised 317 terrorists and other criminal elements across various theatres of operation in May 2026

The military arrested 314 terrorism suspects and other criminal elements

18 terrorists surrendered and troops rescued 221 civilians during the period

On June 28, troops secured the surrender of several top ISWAP commanders in Northeast.

ISWAP gunboat operator surrendered to troops of 5 Brigade in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State last month.

On July 4, two senior ISWAP commanders, identified as Munzirs within the group’s leadership structure, surrendered to troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, in Geidam, Yobe State

Troops killed Abu Salim al-Barnawi, ISWAP’s raid commander and chief propagandist on July 12, during a failed terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State

Salim was eliminated alongside members of his media team, including Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman

Troops also killed several other high-profile fighters including a Syrian national and a Quaid identified as Aliyu Zabarmari

United States President Donald Trump has expressed satisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the war against terrorism.

He has also pledged continued support and a deepening of the partnership between the United States and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

In a July 6 letter to the Nigerian leader, released yesterday in response to an earlier letter by Tinubu, Trump praised the President’s commitment.

‘Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.

‘I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and it is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,’ Trump wrote.

The US President described relations between Washington and Abuja as critical at a time of growing insecurity across West Africa and other parts of the world, noting that both countries shared a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms.

According to him, the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has provided a strong framework for expanding security collaboration between the two nations.

‘The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat,’ he said.

Trump disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to train and support the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced skills, intelligence and operational tools required to combat terrorism and protect lives.

‘I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces, among the most elite military units anywhere in the world, to equip the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my presidency,’ he added.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said security cooperation between both countries had expanded significantly in recent months.

It recalled that President Tinubu and President Trump agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts.

According to the Presidency, the working group has facilitated enhanced military training, intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks operating in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

One of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts around the Lake Chad area, during which the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and no fewer than 167 others were killed.

The statement also noted that the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he held talks with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria on security and other strategic areas.

Security agencies have in recent times intensified collaboration to jointly tackle terrorists on all fronts.

They have also rescued hundreds of abducted persons in different parts of the country, including operations in Borno, Kaduna and Niger states, as well as the widely publicised operation in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where more than 40 teachers and pupils were rescued after being held by kidnappers in the National Park forest for 56 days.

The US Special Operations Forces deployed in Nigeria through their base in Bauchi supported military operations in Borno before the completion of their tour of duty in the country.

Enikanolaye hails Trump’s letter to Tinubu

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, described Trump’s letter as a recognition of President Tinubu’s leadership and the Nigerian military’s successes in the fight against terrorism.

Speaking on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) last night, he praised Tinubu’s renewed determination to defeat the terrorists and make the country safer.

Expert lauds Trump’s letter to president

International affairs expert and former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Kayode Soremekun, endorsed President Trump’s commendation of Tinubu.

He expressed hope that the Federal Government would continue to build on the current security offensive against terrorists.

‘The hope is that we will also begin to take a fresh look at the nation’s security architecture.

‘It is an architecture in which there is, at the moment, too much over-centralisation, and this can easily be remedied by the ongoing efforts to put in place state police.

‘The hope is that we will not experience what can be called the potential downside of state policing because, with state police in place, it will be easier for both the Federal and state authorities to contain the menace of terrorism and banditry,’ he said.

He also called on the government to address the country’s structural challenges.

‘In other words, why do we have bandits? Why do we have terrorists? Are there socio-economic imperatives that have spawned these anti-social forces? If the conditions exist for their emergence and growth, I believe the government should also address those conditions in order to tackle the root causes of terrorism and banditry.

‘So, as it is, I can only, in my own humble way, endorse the stance of President Trump on this issue and wish Nigeria, under President Tinubu, greater success in its efforts to contain terrorism and banditry,’ Prof. Soremekun said.

Industry Minister concludes official visit to India to advance industrial and investment ties

At the invitation of the Union Minister of Textiles of India, Shri Giriraj Singh, the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka, Sunil Handunneththi, concluded a successful official visit to India from 14 to 18 July 2026, undertaking a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in industry, investment, textiles, agribusiness and technology.

At Bharat Tex 2026 in New Delhi on 14 July, Minister Handunneththi met with the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, and the Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita. The discussions focused on enhancing India – Sri Lanka cooperation in the textiles and apparel sector, promoting investment, strengthening value chain linkages, expanding trade and industrial collaboration, and advancing capacity building.

On 15 July, the Minister visited the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) Neemrana Japanese Zone in Rajasthan to gain first-hand insights into India’s successful model of attracting foreign direct investment through dedicated industrial parks. Discussions highlighted industrial infrastructure, investment facilitation, skills development and integration into global manufacturing value chains.

On 16 July, the Minister participated in a business roundtable organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where he engaged with Indian business leaders on opportunities to expand trade, investment and industrial partnerships between Sri Lanka and India.

The Minister further met in New Delhi, with the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, to explore opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the State of Madhya Pradesh. Recalling the ancient civilisational links between Sanchi and Sri Lanka, the Chief Minister invited Minister Handunneththi to participate in the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2027 to be held in Bhopal in January 2027. He also encouraged the exploration of direct air connectivity between Colombo and Bhopal to facilitate tourism, business partnerships and greater people-to-people exchanges.

Recognising the importance of agricultural modernisation and value addition, the Minister visited the Indo – Israel Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Haryana on 17 July, where he was briefed on advanced technologies in protected cultivation, precision irrigation, nursery management and farmer capacity building. He also toured the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) Mega Food Park in Sonipat to study integrated food processing, cold chain infrastructure and value addition systems that support agricultural productivity, rural development and market connectivity.

The visit underscored the growing momentum in the Sri Lanka – India economic partnership and reflected the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across manufacturing, investment, innovation, agriculture and food processing, while strengthening capacity building, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity.

ZLP banking on 800,000 incorruptible voters for victory

The governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Olufemi Adesuyi, in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, has said his campaign is targeting over 800,000 incorruptible voters who abstained from the governorship election to secure victory.

Adesuyi, while speaking with The Nation yesterday, said ZLP was not relying on taking votes from other political parties but was instead focused on mobilising eligible voters who had stayed away from previous elections because they were unwilling to participate in what he described as a corrupt political system.

According to him, Osun has more than two million registered voters, yet fewer than 800,000 participated in the last governorship election, leaving a large number of eligible voters whose participation could determine the outcome of the forthcoming poll.

‘We believe there are over 800,000 loyal and honest citizens who stayed at home because they did not want to be part of the corrupt system. Our responsibility is to reach them, explain our programmes, encourage them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and come out to vote,’ he said.

Pampanga LGUs told: Strengthen waste management, measures

An environmental advocacy group urged local governments in Pampanga to strengthen solid waste management and preventive health programs during the rainy season, citing continued cases of illegal dumping and concerns over suspended septage management programs.

Sonny Dobles, vice president of the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council Inc. (Araw-ACI), called on mayors and barangay chairpersons in the province to strictly enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) and the Clean Water Act (Republic Act 9275).

Dobles said the laws are intended to protect public health and prevent the contamination of land and water resources through proper waste and wastewater management.

‘These laws have to be enforced to protect every citizen from the danger caused by mismanaged waste, either solid or in liquid form, dumped on land or in water bodies,’

‘It is saddening to think that our officials seem to have grown numb and no longer give a damn about the lives and safety of our people, especially the poor,’ Dobles said.

He said the group continues to observe illegal dumping in open areas, as well as the disposal of garbage into waterways including the Abacan River, Balibago Creek, and Dau Creek.

Dobles warned that local officials could face administrative or legal liability if they fail to enforce environmental laws. He also said poor communities are often the most affected by flooding, pollution and diseases linked to improperly managed waste.

He said illnesses such as leptospirosis, severe diarrhea, typhoid and wound infections become more prevalent during the rainy season.

‘Marami pa rin tayong nakikitang basura na nakatambak sa mga open spaces na kalaunan ay nagiging open dump na,’ Dobles said. ‘At ang mas grabe ay ang pagtatapon ng basura sa mga ilog at sapa kagaya sa Abacan River, Balibago Creek, at Dau Creek.’

The group’s appeal comes after an illegal open dump in barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City was closed following a fire that sent heavy smoke into nearby communities. Reports of illegal dumping have also surfaced this year in the towns of Sta. Ana and Arayat.

Dobles also expressed concern over the suspension of septage or environmental fee collection in several Pampanga local governments including Angeles City, Magalang, Apalit, San Simon and Arayat. He said the suspensions have disrupted septage management programs required under the Clean Water Act, although some local governments have said they are reviewing the fee structure.

He urged local governments to complete their reviews promptly to avoid prolonged interruptions in septage services, warning that delays could increase the risk of groundwater contamination. Dobles also backed an earlier call by Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to investigate the compliance of local government units and private operators with laws governing the treatment and disposal of septic waste.

BSP grants digital bank license to MariBank

Mobile digital-bank MariBank is now officially a digital bank, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

In its circular dated July 22, the BSP’s Monetary Board said that it approved the request of MariBank to upgrade its banking license from a rural bank to a digital bank.

The BSP announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission approved its amended articles of incorporation and bylaws for a digital banking license on June 16.

This was followed by the Bangko Sentral governor issuing the official certificate of authority to operate on July 8, 2026, according to the BSP.

With its launch, MariBank became the seventh institution to receive a digital banking license in the Philippines.

This positions the bank alongside six other licensed entities: UNO Digital Bank, UnionDigital Bank, GoTyme Bank, Tonik Digital Bank, Maya Bank and Overseas Filipino Bank, which serves as the digital subsidiary of the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines.

Foreign travel by law enforcement officials becoming a trend

The latest news is that officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have left for Australia to investigate and trace suspects in the case relating to an alleged bribe of $2 million from a European Airline during the acquisition process of a 10-aircraft fleet for SriLankan Airlines in 2013.

They hope to record a statement from one of the suspects in the case who is said to be residing in Australia.

Prior to this, a team from the CID travelled to the UK to investigate whether the University of Wolverhampton issued an official invitation to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, or if his 2023 trip to his wife’s graduation was a personal visit in the guise of being an official one.

A team led by CID Director Shani Abeysekara also travelled to France recently to record a statement from a man named Asad Maulana, who the CID thinks will provide the smoking gun to help them prove a conspiracy behind the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. Moulana was entertained at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Paris by the CID officials who sat down with him for a few hours to record a statement. It didn’t cross their minds that Moulana is wanted in Sri Lanka in connection with two cases pending against him and is on the run seeking asylum in Switzerland.

Now the latest jaunt is to Australia where the CID/CIABOC officials think they can collect enough evidence relating to the SriLankan Airlines case.

The law enforcement authorities in Sri Lanka work with Interpol and other foreign law enforcement agencies including those in Australia and the UK and there is no need for local officials to travel at State cost to these countries, bag and baggage to record statements which, if necessary, can be done by video links. There are also serious questions if the statements they record will be admissible as evidence in court during a trial as they will be highly contested by the defence. All the while their overseas travel and accommodation bill will be incurred by State coffers.

The costs being incurred for such travel are being kept under wraps. Attempts to obtain how much was spent on the CID officers to travel to the UK for the Ranil Wickremesinghe case could not be obtained after the Police Department ignored a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by a journalist. An appeal is pending.

Certainly, there are many cases that warrant investigation and prosecution, especially where corruption and misappropriation of public funds are concerned but given that the CID and the CIABOC are turning a blind eye to corruption and wrongdoing within those in this Government makes it obvious that they are applying the law selectively to serve their agendas or those of their political masters.

Take the case of the $2.5 million (approx. Rs. 800 million) which went missing from the Treasury. Hackers had diverted a foreign bilateral debt repayment intended for Australia, transferring the funds into fraudulent US shell company accounts. Now that the CID and the CIAOBC officials are in Australia they should investigate this case as well and discuss with their Australian counterparts how the Sri Lanka Finance Ministry officials were so easily hoodwinked. While the CID is in a foreign travel mode, maybe a team should head to Japan too to see if they can trace the missing PhD of the former NPP speaker MP Asoka Ranwala.

There was a time whenever a high-profile crime took place in Sri Lanka, the governments in power would get down a team from Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation.

Since the NPP came to power, the trend is for CID officials to travel overseas, on business we are told.

While the CID and other Government intuitions should investigate criminal activity, travelling overseas to obtain evidence will not be of much help judging by some of the previous jaunts. What they should do is seek the assistance of the authorities in the countries concerned and use the connections with Interpol to assist them.

DSL announces promotion of Pinidiyapathirage as Joint MD

Douglas and Sons Ltd., (DSL) has promoted Jayendra Pinidiyapathirage as the Joint Managing Director.

Prior to this promotion, he served as the Deputy Managing Director of DSL from January 2023.

Jayendra joined the organisation in March 1989 and has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth over the years.

In his new role as Joint Managing Director, he will work closely with the Chairman and Managing Director Saroj Perera and the leadership team to guide the organisation through its next phase of sustainable growth.

Commenting on the appointment, Perera said: ‘We are delighted to announce Pinidiyapathirage’s promotion to Joint Managing Director. His leadership, integrity and dedication have been instrumental in our achievements. We are confident that he will continue to inspire our teams and lead the company toward even greater success.’

Analytical Instruments appoints Madura Liyanarachchi as Managing Director

Analytical Instruments Ltd., (AIPL), one of Sri Lanka’s foremost providers of healthcare and laboratory solutions, has announced the appointment of Madura Liyanarachchi as the Managing Director.

A respected industry leader with over 23 years of dedicated service, Liyanarachchi’s appointment marks the culmination of an inspiring career built on technical expertise, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership. Having joined Analytical Instruments in 2003 as a Sales Engineer, he has progressed through every level of the organisation to become its Managing Director, an achievement that reflects both his professional excellence and the company’s enduring commitment to developing talent from within.

Throughout his career, Liyanarachchi has played a pivotal role in transforming Analytical Instruments into Sri Lanka’s market leader in laboratory diagnostics and healthcare technologies. Under his leadership, the Health Sector achieved remarkable business growth, doubling its annual revenue within the past three years and further strengthening the company’s position as the industry’s benchmark for innovation and service excellence.

One of his most significant contributions has been spearheading the digital transformation of clinical laboratories in Sri Lanka. By introducing advanced laboratory automation, digital laboratory information solutions, and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, he has been instrumental in modernising laboratory operations and improving efficiency across both public and private healthcare institutions. His vision has helped lay the foundation for the next generation of laboratory services in the country.

In his new role as Managing Director Liyanarachchi will focus on driving innovation, strengthening partnerships with globally renowned healthcare technology manufacturers, expanding the company’s portfolio, and accelerating sustainable growth while continuing to deliver outstanding value to customers and stakeholders.

An engineer by profession, Liyanarachchi is a proud alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Peradeniya and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Colombo.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he has made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. He serves as a Visiting Lecturer at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, as well as at several other universities, where he shares his industry knowledge and expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Liyanarachchi’s appointment represents not only a significant personal milestone but also reflects Analytical Instruments’ continued investment in visionary leadership, innovation, and the advancement of healthcare in Sri Lanka.