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UN-Habitat, together with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), has officially launched a new project in Sri Lanka titled ‘Safe and Resilient Water Supply for Western Cities – Integrating Climate Resilience into Water Safety Plans of the Ambatale Water Supply Scheme.’

This project is funded through a $ 469,232 (Rs. 142 million) grant from the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’s (CDRI) trust fund, the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF), with financial support from the Government of India.

The project was officially launched at Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s Office, during the national World Habitat Day celebrations organised by the Urban Development, Construction and Housing Ministry.

The project document was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake by CDRI Director – Advocacy and Communications David White and UN-Habitat Country Program Manager for Sri Lanka Harshini Halangode.

Urban Development, Construction and Housing Minister Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath, Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka First Secretary (Pol.) Navya Singla were also present at the ceremony.

This project aims to improve the catchment management capacities of urban local authorities in Colombo, Kotte, and Kelaniya and the early warning capacities of the NWSDB to increase the resilience of operations and maintenance of the Ambatale Water Supply Scheme, protecting it from climate change induced floods and droughts.

This project will support the NWSDB to align with Edition II of the World Health Organisation’s Water Safety Plan (WSP) Manual, enabling upscaling at a national level. The project will be jointly implemented by UN-Habitat and the NWSDB from 2025 to 2027.

White said: ‘We are pleased to support UN-Habitat and the NWSDB in driving Sri Lanka’s vital journey towards climate resilience. This project exemplifies the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking innovation that the CDRI is committed to championing on a global scale for urban resilience.’

Halangode said: ‘This project will protect over 2 million people in Greater Colombo who depend on the Ambatale Water Supply Scheme. Rising pollution, floods, and droughts threaten daily water supply, making this initiative essential for safe, reliable, and climate-resilient water for the city and surrounding areas.’

Lankem Ceylon PLC yesterday announced that its subsidiary, JF Packaging Ltd., has received approval in principle from the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to list its Ordinary Voting Shares through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The company said the listing will be made by way of an Offer for Subscription on either the Main Board or the Diri Savi Board of the CSE.

JF Packaging will offer 51,724,144 ordinary voting shares at a price of Rs. 11.60 per share and raise a little more than Rs. 600 million.

The subscription list for the IPO is scheduled to open on 30 October.

Further details of the issue, including the prospectus and final listing arrangements, are expected to be announced once the company completes the remaining regulatory requirements.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament yesterday that details related to the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings should not be made public while inquiries are still underway.

He said even Parliament should refrain from directing the release of such information, as it forms part of active investigations.

The Minister made these remarks in response to a question from SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, who referenced a statement by MP Nizam Kariapper calling on the Government to identify and disclose the mastermind behind the attacks.

Nanayakkara further noted that efforts to interfere with or influence the investigation process, even indirectly, must be prevented.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security yesterday dismissed as false the social media claims that its Secretary, retired Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne, had alleged India’s involvement in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

Police said Seneviratne appeared before the Parliamentary High Posts Committee on 8 October to answer several questions but did not make any remarks implying India’s role in the attacks.

Seneviratne described the circulating posts as completely baseless and intended to mislead the public.

According to police, the Inspector General of Police has been instructed to investigate those responsible for spreading the fabricated report, while Seneviratne has also sought legal action against the individuals behind it.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) MP Nizam Kariapper, however, stated on X that Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne had confirmed the identification of the main conspirator behind the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

According to Kariapper, Seneviratne made the remark in response to a question he raised during the proceedings of the Parliamentary Committee on High Posts.

‘In reply to my question before the High Posts Committee, Ravi Seneviratne said, ‘We have identified the main conspirator behind the Easter Sunday attacks,” Kariapper wrote.

Sysco LABS Sri Lanka hosted the inaugural ‘Sysco LABS Dialogues – Academia, Policy and Industry in Information and Communications Technology’ recently, highlighting how committed public-private partnerships serve as an essential catalyst for achieving Sri Lanka’s national digital economic goals.

Sysco Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer Tom Peck gave the opening remarks at the strategic forum held at the Atrium, Cinnamon Grand.

The evening drew senior representatives from the Export Development Board (EDB), The American Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (AmCham), SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies), FITIS (Federation of Information Technology Industry of Sri Lanka), CSSL (Computer Society of Sri Lanka), universities, and other corporates in the industry.

From an investor/corporate point of view, Tom Peck, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer of Sysco Corporation, shared why Sri Lanka remains a strategic ICT investment destination.

‘We look for talent that can solve problems, think collaboratively, and drive real business outcomes. Sri Lanka offers that kind of talent and a supportive environment for innovation,’ he said. ‘Over the past years, Sysco LABS has grown and expanded significantly in Sri Lanka, tackling complex business challenges and delivering innovative solutions across multiple technology domains. Sysco is leveraging these innovations to help reinvent global foodservice.’

Tom highlighted that global capital seeks ecosystems where world-class talent is amplified by collaboration, and Sysco LABS’ success demonstrates how Sri Lanka’s unique partnership between policy, academia, and industry creates economic value, making it a compelling destination for continued investment.

LIRNEasia and Sarvodaya Fusion Chairperson Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, emphasised that to attract serious investment, Sri Lanka must build foundational ‘digital rails,’ starting with fast, transparent Government procurement. ‘The most important thing is predictability and seamless interaction. The Prof. explained that this creates an essential platform for public-private partnerships to thrive, establishing a high-trust, low-friction environment where the private sector is empowered to lead and innovate. The Government’s most critical role, he explained, is to enable an environment that allows collaboration to flourish and drives sustainable economic transformation.

SLASSCOM’s Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne outlined Sri Lanka’s impressive ICT export journey and key milestones, showcasing how the private sector can influence policy and talent development. ‘For years, our industry has been driven by the private sector and passionate individuals, and that remains our strength. Today, we are working closely with universities to ensure graduates are employable and industry-ready, while also creating new pathways such as online internships. At the same time, we continue to engage with Government on policy and regulation, because while policy provides the ambition, it is industry that must lead on talent and innovation to keep Sri Lanka competitive as a global ICT hub,’ she noted.

The discussion also spotlighted academia’s transformative role. University of Colombo School of Computing Senior Lecturer Dr. Ajantha Athukorale, described how universities are evolving from being suppliers of graduates to becoming dynamic partners. ‘In this era, it is vital that our graduates have strong fundamentals, so they are employable and able to tackle real-world problems. That’s why universities must go beyond theory, working with industry on curriculum design, building entrepreneurial skills, and creating opportunities such as industry-academia immersion. These collaborations ensure that the talent we produce is not only capable but also ready to innovate and contribute directly to Sri Lanka’s digital economy.’

The Sysco LABS Dialogues demonstrated how committed partnerships are essential to achieving national digital economy goals. It explored pathways where industry can support Government digital infrastructure. It also highlighted how academia can co-create a strategic, innovation-focused talent pipeline. The Dialogues further showcased why Sri Lanka is a compelling destination for global companies seeking to build purpose-driven technology. By advancing this model, the forum highlighted how collaboration can accelerate economic growth and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a global ICT hub.

The Nations Trust WNPS Monthly Lecture will be held on Thursday, 16 October at 6 p.m., at Jasmine Hall, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Sri Lanka’s incredibly diverse land-snail fauna is dominated by endemic species. Most of these endemic species are wholly or nearly dependent on natural forest, and most are restricted to small ranges in the wetter parts of the island. The question that underpins her study of this fauna is, ‘What historical and contemporary forces have shaped what species are found at a particular place?’ In this lecture, she will discuss her efforts to investigate this question, explore the approaches used for studying species-rich yet poorly known taxa such as land snails, and highlight the crucial importance of this kind of research for conserving Sri Lanka’s endemic biota.

The public’s attention often gravitates toward charismatic, large animals such as the elephant, leopard, and whale – species that dominate research and conservation efforts globally. In contrast, invertebrates like land snails, which make up more than 80% of all living species, are comparatively neglected. Her research on the composition of Sri Lankan land-snail assemblages at geographical scales ranging from local (e.g., a single site) to regional (e.g., across multiple climatic zones) offers intriguing and crucial insights into the diversity, distribution, and evolution of an invertebrate group dominated by species found only on the island (more than 80% of recognised Sri Lankan land-snail species are endemic). This work also has important implications for conserving forest-living species. Her research, for example, has shown that while certain types of non-forest habitats can support rainforest species, they are not a substitute for conserving species in their natural habitat.

Dinarzarde Raheem is a Senior Lecturer at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, where she is based at the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences. Her research is broad-based, cutting across systematics, taxonomy, community ecology, and palaeoecology, with the land-snail fauna of South Asia-particularly that of Sri Lanka and India’s Western Ghats-being a specific focus. She has a wide-ranging interest in natural history collections, encompassing collections-based research, capacity building, collections development, and curation.

Presented by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) as part of its monthly lecture series, with the support of Nations Trust Bank, the lecture is free and open to both members and non-members, offering expert conservation insights in just 60 minutes.

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) was part of a consortium of international lenders and credit funds that backed Singapore-based Aster Chemicals and Energy Ltd.’s successful $ 1 billion oversubscribed sustainability-linked syndicated term loan (SLL) facility.

HNB participated in this global sustainable financing arrangement alongside other leading banks including Clifford Capital, Mizuho Bank Ltd., PT Bank Mandiri

(Persero) Tbk, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Singapore Branch, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Singapore Branch, Bangkok Bank PCL, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC (FAB), Indonesia Eximbank and Standard Chartered Bank.

The initial $ 700 million facility was upsized by an additional $ 300 million via the exercise of a green-shoe option, reflecting strong investor confidence and demand.

Aster, a joint venture majority-owned by Chandra Asri Group with Glencore as the minority partner, operates a crude oil refinery and ethylene cracker in Pulau Bukom, together with downstream chemical facilities in Jurong Island.

DBS Bank Ltd. and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd. (OCBC) served as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Underwriters, and Bookrunners, and as Sustainability Coordinators, ensuring the facility’s alignment with Aster’s ESG objectives.

HNB Senior Vice President and Head of Wholesale Banking Majella Rodrigo said: ‘Our participation in this landmark transaction underscores HNB’s deep commitment to fostering sustainable and responsible financing. We take pride in joining hands with our global partners to champion sustainability linked initiatives that strengthen both environmental stewardship and long-term economic resilience.’

HNB Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking Manojith Weerasuriya added: ‘This transaction reflects HNB’s strategic ambition to drive high-impact, cross-border financing that supports global sustainability goals. Partnering with leading international institutions strengthens our commitment to creating lasting value through responsible banking and innovative financial solutions.’

The proceeds from the facility, are linked to measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions intensity, and will be used for general corporate purposes, including rejuvenation projects for Aster’s assets on Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island.

DNV, a leading Norwegian technical consultancy firm, provided sustainability-related opinions and assessed the loan’s alignment with sustainability-linked loan principles issued by the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA), Loan Market Association (LMA), and Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA). Legal counsel for the consortium of lenders was Baker McKenzie Wong and Leow Singapore, while Latham and Watkins LLP represented the borrower.

The transaction was facilitated by a senior team from Hatton National Bank PLC, comprising of Senior Vice President and Head of Wholesale Banking Majella Rodrigo, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking Manojith Weerasuriya, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Melody Wickremanayake, Assistant Vice President for Multinational and International Corporates Savanthi Gunasekera, and Relationship Manager Shewmay Chang.

The Ambuluwawa is popular locally and internationally as Sri Lanka’s first multi-religious sanctuary, which is an ecologically important terrain with wet, intermediate, and dry climatic zones.

The Ambuluwawa provides a framework for balancing conservation, cultural, and recreational objectives while accommodating agriculture and community needs. Lands spanning 207 hectares are classified into distinct management zones based on their ecological significance, land use potential and cultural or recreational functions. The zoning plan has some areas with high biodiversity value and limited visitor access, others are heavily modified landscapes designed to support tourism, religious practices, or agricultural production.

But this ecologically vital piece of land with its unique flora and fauna is under extreme threat from human pressures due to habitat fragmentation and rapidly spreading invasive alien species.

This was revealed by a latest study – Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Assessment Report (2025) launched by the Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL) in Colombo.

As a part of its conservation initiatives, the IEPSL carried out the assessment of the Ambuluwawa supported by Ansell Lanka Ltd., under its global CSR program.

The primary objectives of the study are to systematically document the diversity of flora and fauna within the ABC with special emphasis on endemic, threatened, and ecologically significant species; classify, map, and characterise habitats and microhabitats while evaluating ecological connectivity and degradation.

In addition, the study seeks to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by the site, including water regulation, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and cultural and religious values, thereby highlighting its benefits to local communities and national development.

Ultimately, the assessment aims to provide evidence-based management recommendations for conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable tourism development, while contributing to national and international biodiversity databases and strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity for biodiversity monitoring and reporting.

Documented 212 flora and 216 fauna species

The systematically documented 212 flora species and 216 fauna species, including high concentrations of endemic and nationally threatened taxonomic groups. The report found 55 endemic animal species and 14 endemic plant species residing within the complex. The risk analysis identified habitat fragmentation and climate vulnerability as the highest systemic threats to the site’s survival.

The fauna of Ambuluwawa recorded a total of 216 species belonging to 81 families across dragonflies, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Of these, 55 species are endemic to Sri Lanka. Out of 18 amphibian species 13 are endemic and from 3 reptiles 20 of them are endemic.

A total of 13 species of dragonflies and damselflies representing 5 families have been recorded from Ambuluwawa. A total of 64 butterfly species representing 6 families were recorded across Ambuluwawa’s diverse habitats, with richness highest in successional forests, followed by agricultural areas, natural forest patches, pine plantations, and cultural sites.

The bird community is the most species-rich, with 66 species from 34 families, including 15 endemics, while mammals contribute 19 species, many of which are native.

The survey documented 18 amphibian species across 7 families, of which 13 are endemic. Species richness is highest in natural forests. Ambuluwawa supports 36 reptile species from 13 families, with 20 endemics, making this one of the most distinctive faunal groups.

Roadkill ranked high threat

Tourism, fragmentation, and infrastructure also impose severe pressures. Roadkill is ranked as a high threat due to roads crossing the fragile habitats, causing disproportionately high mortality among endemic amphibians and reptiles during their movements. Moreover, high visitor traffic and waste mismanagement exacerbate conflict with the endemic Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica), which raids crops and relies on anthropogenic food sources, requiring urgent mitigation strategies. Without regulated management, these pressures risk compromising both the ecological integrity and cultural value of Ambuluwawa.

To safeguard the complex, the study provided a two-tiered roadmap of management recommendations. The short-term recommendations (1-3 years) focus on immediate threat mitigation like invasive species control by manual uprooting. Urgent early detection and rapid responses must be established for emerging invasives like Ivory Cane Palm, which has high invasive potential.

It also recommends habitat restoration and protection by establishing strict conservation zones for all remaining lowland wet evergreen forest patches while taking steps like installing speed reduction measures like warning signs and rumble strips along high-risk roads to mitigate road mortality for amphibians and reptiles.

The study also highlights on implementing awareness campaigns prohibiting the feeding of Toque Macaques and installing macaque-proof garbage bins, especially near religious and recreational sites, to reduce conflict incidents.

Long- term recommendations

Long-term recommendations (5-15 years) aim to restore ecosystem function and establish sustainable governance:

Ecosystem connectivity:

It recommends constructing wildlife crossings as long=term remedies, specifically canopy bridges for monkeys and squirrels and underpasses for small mammals and reptiles in selected road sections, which are identified as high-risk roadkill hotspots, ensuring long-term ecological connectivity.

Forest conversion, establishing a long-term biodiversity monitoring program to systematically track endemic, threatened, and migratory species and positioning Ambuluwawa as a model eco-cultural tourism site by developing biodiversity interpretation centers and eco-trails, ensuring that visitor programs enhance awareness and support conservation efforts are listed as long term recommendations to protect this important ecological and tourism site.

It also stated that it is critical that all future infrastructure planning, including the proposed cable car project, incorporates mandatory Ecological Impact Assessments (EIAs) and site management must be formally aligned with the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan targets for ecosystem restoration and invasive alien species management.

The study was led by Environment Specialist Pubudu Weerarathna, and included Mammals Specialist Rohan Peris, Herpetologist Roshan Rodrigo, Butterfly and Odonates Specialist Suneth Kanishka, Ornithologist Hasitha Katugaha, Flora Specialist Dilup Chandranimal, GIS Specialist Dimuthu Wickramasinghe, and Environmental Scientist James Cresswell. The project leadership and coordination were jointly managed by Prof. Hemanthi Ranasinghe, Dr. Pradeep Gajanayake, and Prasad Jayaweera.

Ansell Sri Lanka Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer John Marsden said the Company is a proud Australian business, which is 132 years-old and thinking about the future and any impact when it is doing our business.

‘This is important because the people who own our business and our investors care about the environment and care about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). It is because our customers and the end users who are protected by our products care about what products they wear, and also how they were made and the impact they leave on the environment. It’s important to all the people who work for ASL as we believe in doing well, doing good, leaving an impact on and giving support to our communities and to the countries. It is with great honor that we supported this project. Ansell Sri Lanka’s commitment and our vision is we want to lead the world to a safer future,’ Marsden said.

Ansell Sri Lanka Senior Director and Country Head Ramesh Nanayakkara said ASL’s operations has become the largest Ansell among other 14 manufacturing sites across the world. Being in the world for 132 years as a global company and for 35 years in Sri Lanka operations always interact with the environment.

‘It is our duty to make sure that we take all best efforts to make sure that this country’s environment is preserved for many years. We believe in sustainability in the most effective way. Sustainability agenda cannot be achieved without collaboration. We firmly believe in it and that is why we engage with the institutions, policymakers, positively to make sure that we influence the environment,’ he added.

Thai Boulevard, Colombo’s much-loved destination for authentic Thai dining, marks a milestone this year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary with a stunning new look.

Following an extensive refurbishment, the restaurant has reopened recently with a fresh, contemporary look infused with Thai-inspired art and design elements, offering guests a vibrant yet elegant setting to savour the best of Thai cuisine.

Thai Boulevard Operators Chamindri and Suranjith De Fonseka said: ‘Reaching our 10th anniversary is a proud moment for us. The renovated spaces represent our commitment to giving our guests not only the authentic flavours they have loved over the years, but also a refreshed, stylish atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.’

‘We are excited to continue this journey with the same culinary team and look forward to welcoming both loyal and new diners to experience the next chapter of Thai Boulevard,’ they added.

The restaurant now accommodates up to 100 guests, including three private dining rooms ideal for intimate celebrations and events, catering for groups between 10 and 32 people.

Behind the kitchen doors, the trusted duo of a Thai chef and Sri Lankan chef-who have been with Thai Boulevard since its inception-continue to lead the culinary team. Staying true to its philosophy, the menu retains its most popular favourites while introducing several new dishes to enhance the overall offering to its loyal patrons and first-time guests alike.

Among the highlights of the new additions to the menu are the Spicy Prawn Salad with Pomelo, Thai Chicken Dumpling Salad, Stir-Fried Belly Pork with Crispy Shallots, Garlic, and Green Chilli, Yellow Curry Fish, Steamed Whole Garoupa in Soy and Ginger Sauce, and the sizzling mixed seafood platters with Thai herbs or yellow curry.

Guests can also enjoy an extensive selection of juices and mocktails, while those wishing to bring their own wine are welcome to do so-with no corkage charged. With its new design, elevated dining spaces, and innovative dishes, Thai Boulevard continues to raise the bar for Thai cuisine in Sri Lanka, offering an experience that blends the best of Thai tradition, flavour, and modern style.

People’s Insurance PLC has announced the appointment of Thushari Hewawasam to its Board as a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director.

Hewawasam serves as Deputy General Manager – Commercial Credit of People’s Bank.

Prior to that, she served as DGM – International Banking at People’s Bank. Commencing her career as a Management Trainee with the bank in 2002, she has over 23 years of experience across diverse banking domains, including Credit, Branch Banking, Corporate Banking, and International Banking.

Her specialised proficiency in Corporate and Business lending spans two decades.

Hewawasam holds a Bachelor of Science Special Degree in Agriculture with second upper class honours from the University of Peradeniya and has furthered her education with an MBA from the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Additionally, she is recognised as an Associate Member of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka. Demonstrating her commitment to continuous professional development, she holds esteemed memberships, including being an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) (UK) and an Associate member of the Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA) (UK).

Hewawasam holds esteemed positions in several prestigious professional associations. She serves as a Council Member of the Association of Professional Bankers and is a Board Member of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, where she also contributes as a member of the Banking Committee. Additionally, she holds a directorship at People’s Leasing Fleet Management Ltd., Lanka Financial Services Bureau Ltd., and International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka stands at an inflection point. Global competition is intensifying, technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are reshaping industries, and societies worldwide are rethinking the role of technology in human progress. For a nation striving to become a $ 15 billion digital economy, the stakes are high. Against this backdrop, the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) is preparing to host the National ICT Conference (NITC 2025) the country’s premier and longest-running technology forum. Scheduled for 14 to 16 October at the Shangri-La Colombo, this year’s conference takes on unprecedented significance as it aligns directly with Sri Lanka’s digital nation-building agenda.

The conference theme, ‘Fostering a Human-Centric Nation Towards Society 5.0’, captures both the challenge and the opportunity. While digital adoption has accelerated across the world, the defining question now is how to ensure that technology benefits people bridging divides, creating opportunities, and enhancing wellbeing. This is the promise of Society 5.0, a concept pioneered in Japan and now being localised for Sri Lanka: the fusion of cyberspace and physical space in a way that puts people, not machines, at the centre of development.

Unveiling the event, CSSL President Heshan Karunaratne stressed the importance of embracing this vision. ‘Society 5.0 represents the next frontier of digital transformation. It is not only about applying technology but about reimagining how technology can serve people, enhance inclusivity, and deliver social good,’ he said. ‘Sri Lanka has a unique opportunity to harness emerging technologies to drive inclusive growth, enhance digital literacy, and create a more connected and intelligent society.’

Karunaratne’s message was more than ceremonial. It underlined the pivotal role that CSSL intends to play as the professional body for ICT in Sri Lanka. For over four decades, CSSL has nurtured talent, built capacity, and engaged with government and industry to shape policy. Now, with NITC 2025, the organisation is making a bold statement: the ICT sector is not a support function-it is the driver of national progress.

CSSL Vice President Indika de Zoysa placed emphasis on the structural reforms necessary for Sri Lanka to thrive in the digital economy. ‘We are actively engaging with the government for policy changes to secure low-interest bank loans for freelancers, establish world-class IT parks, and reform education to produce a highly skilled workforce,’ he said.

De Zoysa also cautioned against complacency. ‘Without decisive action, Sri Lanka risks losing its competitive edge in the global digital economy. We must create a more conducive environment for talent to thrive and stay in Sri Lanka.’ His remarks highlighted a reality that many stakeholders are aware of: while Sri Lanka has produced globally recognised ICT professionals, many of them choose to work abroad. Retaining talent requires a holistic approach-fiscal incentives, better infrastructure, and educational reform-and NITC 2025 will serve as a forum to advance those discussions.

NITC 2025 Conference Chair Dr. Amal Illesinghe spoke with conviction about the scale of the event. ‘This year’s National ICT Conference is expected to attract more than 1,200 participants, including technology professionals, business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academia and students. It will be a melting pot of ideas, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and between academia and industry. That collaboration is vital if Sri Lanka is to accelerate its journey toward a digitally empowered future.’

Dr. Illesinghe emphasised that the conference has been curated to break silos. Seven tracks-FinTech, EduTech, TravelTech, AgriTech, eHealth, InfoSec and e-Governance -will provide space for deep dives into how technology can transform specific sectors. ‘It is not enough to speak in generalities,’ he noted. ‘We want participants to walk away with concrete insights, case studies, and strategies that can be implemented in their own organisations and sectors.’ He also revealed new features for NITC 2025, including startup showcases, curated mentorship programs, and investor dialogues. These initiatives are designed to provide visibility and support to the next generation of innovators-young Sri Lankans whose ideas could shape the future economy.

CSSL Secretary Udesh I.W. Seneviratna, linked the conference directly to the national development vision. ‘The theme of NITC 2025 reflects our vision for Sri Lanka to integrate advanced digital technologies in a way that directly serves people and communities. This complements major initiatives of the Government such as poverty alleviation, digitalisation of services, and building a sustainable clean Sri Lanka through societal upliftment. The National ICT Conference demonstrates how the technology sector can become a full partner in achieving the country’s long-term development goals.’

Seneviratna’s remarks underscored a central point: NITC is not an isolated industry event but a forum that connects with national objectives. Whether the issue is educational reforms, digital healthcare, agricultural modernisation, financial, tourism or e-Governance enchantments, technology is the enabler-and CSSL is positioning itself as a trusted partner in shaping policy and strategy he emphasised.

A program with impact

The three-day program will begin on 14 October with the CSSL National ICT Awards, a ceremony that recognises outstanding contributions to Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. The following two days will include keynote speeches by international experts, sector-specific panels, and interactive workshops. Beyond the scheduled agenda, the event will feature networking spaces, innovation booths, and knowledge-sharing lounges designed to

maximise collaboration.

Global best practices will be showcased, with speakers from Asia, Europe, and the Americas sharing case studies on digital government, AI regulation, smart agriculture, and cyber resilience. These sessions will give Sri Lanka’s policymakers and industry leaders concrete models to adapt, ensuring that the nation does not reinvent the wheel but builds on proven successes while tailoring them to local realities.

Why does NITC 2025 matter so much? The answer lies in Sri Lanka’s current trajectory. The country has set ambitious goals: becoming a $ 15 billion digital economy, ensuring 100% school connectivity by 2026, and embedding ICT in governance and public service delivery. Yet progress has been uneven. Connectivity gaps persist in rural areas, digital literacy remains low in some sectors, and policy inertia has slowed reforms.

The National ICT Conference provides a space to confront these challenges head-on. It allows stakeholders to exchange ideas, build coalitions, and accelerate initiatives. More importantly, it communicates a message to the nation: that the ICT community is not working in isolation but is fully aligned with the broader national vision.

At its heart, NITC 2025 is about more than technology. It is about people. The concept of Society 5.0 places human wellbeing at the centre ensuring that automation, AI, and digital platforms are harnessed to reduce inequality, empower citizens, and create opportunities for all. This is particularly relevant for Sri Lanka, where digital tools can bridge geographic divides, bring healthcare to underserved communities, and open global markets to local entrepreneurs.

As CSSL President Karunaratne noted, ‘We must remember that technology is not an end in itself. It is a means to improve lives. If NITC 2025 inspires even a few initiatives that directly enhance the wellbeing of Sri Lankans, it will have achieved its purpose.’

Looking ahead

As October approaches, anticipation continues to build. NITC 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most significant technology gatherings in Sri Lanka’s history. It represents a moment where the nation can align its policies, industry practices, and educational pathways with a clear, human-centric vision for the future.

For professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academia and students, the message is clear: NITC 2025 is not just another conference. It is a national platform for transformation, a place where ideas meet implementation, and where the nation’s digital future begins to take shape.