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Officers of the Narcotics Control Unit (NCU) of Sri Lanka Customs have arrested a 28-year-old Sri Lankan national who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand via Chennai, India for attempting to smuggle 2.07kg (2,079 grams) of Kush Cannabis into the country.

The detection was made on Sunday at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) when the suspect arrived on Indigo Airlines flight 6E1171. The narcotic substances were concealed inside the suspect’s checked-in luggage.

The seized consignment has been valued at over Rs. 21 million. Officers of the NCU conducted preliminary investigations, after which the suspect and the recovered narcotics were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation and legal proceedings.

This detection underscores the continued vigilance and commitment of the Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs in preventing the smuggling of dangerous narcotics into the country through Sri Lanka’s main international airport.

In line with its strategic growth plans and commitment to serving members and customers across the nation, PMF has announced the opening of its newest branch in Bandarawela.

The launch of this branch marks another significant milestone in PMF PLC’s ongoing mission to promote financial inclusion and provide accessible, people-focused financial services to communities across Sri Lanka. The Bandarawela branch will offer a full suite of cooperative financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses in the region.

PMF Chairman Malik Cader said: ‘The opening of our Bandarawela branch is a reflection of our continued commitment to empowering communities through convenient, reliable, and responsible financial services. We are proud to bring the PMF PLC experience closer to our members in the Uva region.’

Through this new branch, PMF PLC aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Bandarawela community by supporting local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and farmers with accessible financial solutions and guidance. The branch will also focus on promoting savings habits, providing financial literacy programs, and creating employment opportunities within the area-strengthening the foundation for long-term community growth and prosperity.

The new Bandarawela branch features modern facilities and a welcoming, customer-friendly environment designed to ensure every member receives personalised and efficient service.

With the addition of the Bandarawela branch, PMF now operates 19 branches across Sri Lanka, reaffirming its position as a trusted leader in the financial sector.

The Court of Appeal has fixed the case challenging VAT collection without refund system and abolition of SVAT for support on 6 November 2025.

When the case was taken up on 24 October 2025 the petitioners representing multiple chambers, informed Court that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued a Gazette

which has an impact on the relief sought in the Petition. The petitioners, however, do not concede that this Gazette satisfies the mandatory requirement of publication of conditions as stipulated under the provisions of the Value Added Tax Act.

The petitioners further notified Court of their intention to challenge the said gazette and accordingly have filed an amended petition to include this new development.

The legal action by the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association (FTZMA), together with the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and the Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries, was filed before the Court of Appeal on 30 September 2025 challenging the Inland Revenue Department’s (IRD) decision to commence collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) from 1 October 2025 without first operationalising the legally mandated automated refund mechanism.

The petitioners, representing exporters, deemed exporters, sub-contractors to exporters, service providers in the export supply chain, SMEs, and the broader business community, said that collecting VAT from export-related businesses without a proper functioning refund system, and without publishing the conditions of the proposed risk-based refund scheme in the gazette, is unlawful, unreasonable, and a violation of constitutional rights.

According to the petitioners, the Government abolished the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme earlier this year, after it had been postponed by the previous administration at the request of the export community.

The abolition was accompanied by a statutory requirement that a new automated, risk-based VAT refund scheme be in place from 1 October 2025. To date, no such system has been implemented, nor have the selection criteria for the refund scheme’s Green, Amber, and Red channels been published.

The chambers question the feasibility of IRD assurances that refunds will be paid within 45 days, noting that long-outstanding VAT refunds due to exporters dating back to 2010 remain unsettled.

They further express concern that, contrary to international good practice where refund-risk channels are selected automatically by transparent algorithms, the IRD now proposes appointing a committee to select channels, creating opportunities for discretion, delay, and potential abuse.

They cite similar risks observed when committees, rather than automated systems, are involved in operational decisions such as the release of containers by Customs.

The Chambers argued that the SVAT system, implemented nearly two decades ago by the IRD for registered exporters, deemed exporters, and export supply-chain service providers, had functioned smoothly and transparently because it avoided cash transactions.

Instead, it relied on IRD-issued vouchers exchanged within the IRD’s online system between buyers and sellers.

While the IRD has indicated to the IMF that there were leakages under SVAT, the petitioners note that, despite being administered and monitored through the IRD’s own online system, no violators have been identified or named.

On industry estimates, any leakage would have been negligible (well under 0.01%), demonstrating that SVAT was an effective and low-risk mechanism, the petitioners said..

The chambers also clarify that the IMF’s revenue objective for Sri Lanka is to raise government revenue to 15% of GDP; the method of achieving this is a policy choice for the Government.

The IMF has not required the abolition of SVAT, the chamber pointed out.

Multiple chambers, including the International Chamber of Commerce, engaged with the IMF and urged against abolishing SVAT without a proven, automated refund system ready to replace it. The petitioners contend that the IRD’s advice to abolish SVAT has effectively reinstated a cash-refund regime that was historically vulnerable to delays and corruption.

The chambers warn that immediate VAT collection in the absence of an automated refund system will create severe cash-flow stress across the export ecosystem, pushing many firms, particularly SMEs and indirect/deemed exporters-towards insolvency.

This, they argue, threatens employment, curtails domestic value addition, and undermines export competitiveness as the main exporters shift to importing raw materials and packaging materials rather than sourcing them locally.

The petitioners caution that an export-supply-chain liquidity crunch could trigger a foreign exchange shortfall and jeopardise Sri Lanka’s capacity to meet international obligations by 2028.

Comparing the policy risk to the previous administration’s fertiliser restriction, implemented without adequate impact assessment, the chambers argue that dismantling SVAT without a ready, automated refund alternative could inflict even greater economic damage.

If Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector wants to keep growing responsibly, we must start embedding clinical governance as a core value, not an afterthought

The quality gap behind the growth

Sri Lanka’s private healthcare sector has grown rapidly over the past decade. From small clinics to multi-specialty centres, patients now have more options than ever before. Yet behind this growth lies a quiet challenge, how do we ensure consistent, safe and accountable care across such a diverse system?

Unlike large hospitals that have formal quality departments, most small and medium-sized clinics rely on goodwill and professional ethics to maintain standards. Staff do their best, but systems are often informal, undocumented or mostly reactive. When something goes wrong, the response is usually ‘we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again’, without a structured way to track or prevent recurrence.

This is where clinical governance becomes essential.

What clinical governance really means

Clinical governance isn’t another bureaucratic requirement or checklist. It’s a framework for accountability and improvement, simply put, a way for every health service, big or small, to ensure that patient care is safe, effective and continuously improving.

In practical terms, it means having systems in place for:

Clear policies and procedures that staff can easily access and follow

Incident reporting that promotes learning rather than blame

Regular clinical audits and quality reviews

Ongoing professional development for staff

Having adequate risk register and resources

Patient feedback used constructively to improve care

When these elements work together, they create a culture where safety and quality aren’t occasional discussions, they become part of the everyday rhythm of a clinic.

Why Sri Lanka needs to talk about governance now

While Sri Lanka has many skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals, the systemic structures to support them are often missing.

Many private clinics operate without formal policies, clear documentation of incidents or internal review mechanisms. This creates several risks:

Variation in patient care standards between facilities

Missed opportunities for improvement

Limited accountability during audits or legal reviews

Reduced patient trust in private healthcare

With increasing patient expectations and international partnerships, our healthcare sector can no longer afford to treat governance as optional.

Small clinics can lead the way

The misconception is that governance requires large budgets or dedicated departments. In reality, small clinics can implement strong governance systems with a few simple changes:

nAssign a staff member as a quality and safety lead

nHold short, weekly ‘governance huddles’ to review one key topic (e.g., infection control, patient feedback)

nKeep a shared folder for updated policies and incidents

nCelebrate and document every improvement, however small

These small steps not only improve compliance and patient safety, they also build staff confidence and teamwork.

An action for healthcare

If Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector wants to keep growing responsibly, we must start embedding clinical governance as a core value, not an afterthought. It should be part of how every clinic trains its staff, evaluates its performance and measures its success.

Investing in governance isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about protecting patients, supporting staff and building a stronger, more trusted health system for our country.

The Halal Assessment Council (Guarantee) Ltd., (HAC) was recognised with two awards at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2025 for Industrial Excellence, organised by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) in collaboration with the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry.

HAC received the Gold award (National Level – Service Sector, Small category) and the Top Achiever award (Small and Micro category) for its outstanding performance, innovation, and contribution to Sri Lanka’s growing industrial and service sectors.

The CNCI Achiever Awards, now in their 24th year, celebrate Sri Lankan businesses that demonstrate excellence in productivity, quality, and sustainable growth across manufacturing and services.

HAC Director and Chief Executive Officer Aakif A. Wahab said: ‘This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to upholding quality and integrity in every process. Through credible Halal certification, we help Sri Lankan producers build consumer trust and access wider markets both locally and globally.’

The event was graced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and CNCI Chairman Pradeep Kahawalage. They commended the positive contribution of small and medium enterprises toward the national industrial progress.

HAC’s recognition reinforces its growing role in promoting trusted Halal certification in Sri Lanka, supporting local businesses, and driving export readiness within the food and beverage industry.

Sri Lanka – an island of rare beauty, culture, and warmth – continues to attract global travellers. Yet, for decades, we have sold ourselves short by marketing the country and its hotels on price rather than experience.

Instead of celebrating our depth of culture, landscapes, and hospitality, we’ve drawn tourists through ‘value-for-money’ offers. This may have driven arrivals, but it also kept our average room rates (ARR) low and our brand undervalued. To truly reposition Sri Lanka as a premium destination, we must stop competing on cost and start competing on creativity, authenticity, and experience.

Beyond the beaten path

Sri Lanka’s magic extends far beyond its well-known tourist triangle of Colombo, Galle, and Kandy. Across the island, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and villas offer distinct experiences that could easily command premium pricing if properly marketed.

Hotels around Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, and Minneriya deliver authentic wildlife encounters – dawn safaris, nature walks, river cruises, and nights under the stars – that global travellers cherish.

Equally unique are less-travelled destinations like Idalgahinna, a peaceful village best reached by train. Here, guests can enjoy village life, local cooking, and scenic nature trails, with the slow travel experience itself becoming part of the adventure.

The Knuckles Mountain Range offers trekking and agro-tourism, while the east coast – from Passikudah to Arugam Bay – invites surfers, divers, and wellness seekers to discover the island’s calmer, more authentic side. These are stories that can transform Sri Lanka’s image from ‘affordable’ to ‘extraordinary.’

Culinary experiences worth tasting

Food is one of Sri Lanka’s most undervalued tourism assets. Our hotels already offer authentic, interactive culinary experiences – from regional dishes and cooking lessons to garden-to-table meals.

Guests don’t just dine; they connect. A coastal seafood grill, a village kitchen, or a spice trail lunch can become defining memories. In an era where culinary tourism is booming, Sri Lanka’s food culture should be positioned as a premium experience, not an add-on.

How experiences create value

Hotels that curate experiences consistently achieve higher ARR and stronger guest satisfaction. Travellers repeatedly describe their most memorable stays in Sri Lanka as those offering something more than a room.

Nature retreats where ‘every morning feels like an adventure.’ Safari lodges where ‘elephants pass right by our deck.’ Cultural stays where ‘cooking with locals felt like being part of a family.’ Wellness resorts where ‘cycling, yoga, and meditation made it rejuvenating.’

Across such properties, tourists pay not for accommodation, but for emotion, authenticity, and story – the core of experience-driven travel.

The price trap Sri Lanka must escape

For too long, Sri Lanka’s hotels have relied on rate competitiveness, branding the island as ‘affordable’ rather than ‘exclusive.’ While that may sustain arrivals, it caps profitability.

Our average room rate (ARR) remains around $ 67 per night, with five-star properties averaging $ 118 and three-stars around $ 57. The introduction of Minimum Room Rates (MRR) in Colombo – $ 100 for five-star, $ 75 for four-star, and $ 50 for three-star – underscores that the market is ready for premium positioning.

To realise this potential, Sri Lanka must move from price-led marketing to experience-led storytelling.

Why experiences earn more

Guests are willing to pay more for properties that offer diverse, meaningful experiences – adventure, culture, wellness, and culinary immersion. Hotels that invest in such offerings outperform those relying only on room sales, often achieving 20-40% higher ARR.

Properties must develop a strong portfolio of experiences, move beyond standard BB rates, and market their stories creatively. This is how we unlock true value and shift from a price war to a value war.

Changing the mindset

Sri Lanka’s tourism future depends on a mindset shift among stakeholders. We must stop taking the easy path of discount-driven sales. Instead, selling must be creative, strategic, and experience-focused.

The State and tourism authorities have a critical role to play – encouraging and enabling hotels through training, incentives, and national marketing that highlight experience-based travel.

If the industry aligns behind this approach, we can build a new Sri Lankan brand: premium, authentic, and proud of its worth.

Charting a new path

Sri Lanka’s tourism can no longer be defined by low prices or mass-market appeal. The time has come to price with purpose, sell with creativity, and compete through experience.

Hotels that tell stories, engage the senses, and connect travellers with culture and nature will naturally command higher rates and repeat guests. This is not about luxury – it’s about value through authenticity.

It’s time to move from being the ‘affordable island’ to becoming the cherished destination the world looks up to.

‘Sri Lanka’s next chapter in tourism will not be written by discounts or shortcuts, but by creativity, experiences, and a bold belief in our true value.’

In a landmark move that positions Sri Lanka as a global frontrunner in sustainable reporting practices, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has launched the Preparers’ Guide to SLFRS S1 and S2 and a comprehensive three-tier course on sustainability reporting, focusing on SLFRs S1 and S2.

This pioneering initiative forms a key pillar of the Institute’s strategic roadmap, reinforcing its role as the sole authority for issuing accounting, sustainability, and auditing standards in Sri Lanka, while driving nationwide adoption of sustainability practices.

The launch of the publication and the course marks a definitive step for Sri Lanka, recognising it as one of the first jurisdictions globally, and among the first in South Asia, to adopt and implement the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards. This strategic adoption, guided by CA Sri Lanka’s roadmap for sustainability standard adoption, signals the country’s robust commitment to transparent, comparable, and reliable sustainability reporting for investors.

The launch event held recently featured a ceremonial presentation of the first copy of the Preparer’s Guide to President Heshana Kuruppu, followed by presentations to Vice President Tishan Subasinghe and Chief Executive Officer Lakmali Priyangika by Sustainability Disclosure Standards Committee Chairman Mohan Thanthirige.

CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu said, ‘We stand at a defining moment in our profession’s evolution. This guide is a vital resource to support our nation’s transition towards globally aligned, sustainability-focused financial reporting. By positioning Sri Lanka among the pioneering countries in this global cohort, we are sending a strong and unequivocal message to international markets about our commitment to attracting sustainable investment and fostering long-term economic resilience.’

The global business paradigm has irrevocably shifted, demanding that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors be integrated into the core of corporate strategy and financial disclosure. SLFRS S1 and S2, promulgated by CA Sri Lanka, in its standing as the sole authority to promulgate accounting, auditing and sustainability standards, provide the essential framework for organisations to disclose how sustainability-related risks and opportunities impact their financial performance and future prospects.

As the sole standard-setting body in the country, CA Sri Lanka has been at the forefront of championing the adoption of these sustainability standards, providing a clear and structured pathway for the corporate sector through a dedicated implementation roadmap.

The Preparers’ Guide to SLFRS S1 and S2 is a practical, Sri Lanka-centric resource developed by CA Sri Lanka. It is designed to equip companies, practitioners, Chartered Accountants and other professionals with the clarity and practical direction needed to implement these standards effectively, thereby reducing compliance risks and enhancing the quality of disclosures that inform critical investment and strategic decisions.

Complementing the guide is the Certified Sustainability Reporting and Strategy Adviser Course, which will help build deep, local expertise, ensuring Sri Lankan professionals are not just compliant but are leaders in integrating sustainability into this new era of business.

The Debagama Rantharu Sports Club and Mahauswewa Rathanapala Sports Club were crowned Men’s and Women’s champions respectively at the Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championship 2025, a tournament that stands as a proud symbol of the two-decade-long partnership between Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, and the nation’s beloved sport of volleyball.

The grand finals took place on 1 November, at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo, in front of a vibrant crowd that celebrated both athletic excellence and Dialog’s enduring contribution to the national game.

In a pulsating Men’s final, Debagama Rantharu Sports Club clinched the title after edging past Ruwanwella Rajasinghe Sports Club in a thrilling five-set contest (25-18, 26-24, 21-25, 21-25, 15-13). This victory marks Debagama Rantharu’s first Gold Cup triumph since 2021. In a remarkable coincidence, both finalists hailed from the Sabaragamuwa Province, featured players representing Ruwanwella Rajasinghe College, and were guided by the same coach, Chaminda Jayaratne, underscoring the region’s strong volleyball pedigree.

The Women’s final saw Mahauswewa Rathanapala Sports Club overcome Mahawa Wijayaba Sports Club with a 3-1 set win (25-21, 25-17, 15-25, 25-23). The spirited performance of the youthful Wijayaba team, largely comprising school-aged players, was a highlight of the evening and drew much praise for their spirit and composure under pressure.

The Men’s final was graced by Sports Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, while the Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, served as Chief Guest for the Women’s final. Dialog Axiata PLC’s Group Chief Marketing Officer Lasantha Thevarapperuma together with other distinguished guests, joined the proceedings, reaffirming Dialog’s unwavering commitment to nurturing local sporting talent.

Dialog Axiata PLC’s association with volleyball, Sri Lanka’s national sport remains a cornerstone of its broader commitment to sport. Beyond volleyball, Dialog is the sponsor of the national Cricket, Volleyball, and Esports teams, and a key supporter of the Sri Lanka Open Golf Championship. Further, through partnerships with the Sri Lanka Netball Federation and the National Paralympic Committee, Dialog continues to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in sport, enabling athletes across the nation to compete on the world stage.

In line with its vision to empower the champions of tomorrow, Dialog also supports National Junior and Senior Netball tournaments and School Rugby, furthering its mission to inspire excellence and opportunity through sport.

Awardees for special achievements

Most Outstanding Female Player of the Tournament: Preethika Prabodhini (Mahauswewa)

Best Libero (Female): K.A. Udeshika Shrimali (Mahauswewa)

Best Setter (Female): Kavindi Madhushika (Mahauswewa)

Best Attacker (Female): Yasanga Nethmini (Mahauswewa)

Best Centre Player 1 (Female): N.P.M.A. Navaratne (Wijayaba)

Best Centre Player 2 (Female): Sewwandi Herath (Mahauswewa)

Best Outside Hitter 1 (Female): Preethika Prabodhinee (Mahauswewa)

Best Outside Hitter 2 (Female): T.M.K.M Tennakoon (Wijayaba)

Most Outstanding Male Player of the Tournament: S.R.J. Dissanayake (Rantharu)

Best Libero (Male): H.P.N. Thathsara (Rantharu)

Best Setter (Male): L.R.C. Liyanage (Rantharu)

Best Attacker (Male): A.U.P. Adhikari (Rajasinghe)

Best Center Player 1 (Male): D.M.P.D.B. Dissanayake (Rajasinghe)

Best Center Player 2 (Male): H.P.R.R. Puwakpitiya (Rantharu)

Best Outside Hitter 1 (Male): K.S.M.I. Rathnayake (Rajasinghe)

Best Outside Hitter 2 (Male): K.M.V.C. Wijewickrama (Rantharu)

As Sri Lanka prepares for the Northern Investment Summit 2026 (NIS26), questions have emerged over whether this initiative will finally break the cycle of underdevelopment that has long shadowed the Northern Province a region endowed with natural wealth yet lagging behind in national GDP contribution.

Organised by The Management Club (TMC), the summit aims to catalyse growth through investment, innovation and collaboration. Scheduled for 21-22 January 2026 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna, the event will bring together national and international investors, policymakers and development partners under the theme ‘Empowering Growth, Driving Innovations.’

TMC President Roger Talayarathna said, ‘TMC believes in creating platforms that inspire collaboration and action. NIS26 will be a bridge connecting investors, innovators and communities in a shared mission of national growth.’

He also emphasised that this is not just another short-lived initiative but a strategic platform to reposition the Northern Province as a competitive investment and trade hub. Backed by the Government of Sri Lanka, private sector partners and the Sri Lankan diaspora, NIS26 seeks to create a sustainable investment ecosystem that transforms the region’s abundant resources-from agriculture and fisheries to tourism and renewable energy-into engines of growth.

At the launch at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo yesterday, TMC also unveiled the official logo of NIS26, a symbol inspired by spiritual unity and renewal. Rendered in the vibrant hues of the Sri Lankan flag, the design embodies optimism, resilience and the promise of a new beginning for the Northern Province.

TMC Project Chair Indhra K. Rajapaksa said, ‘This summit is the culmination of years of dialogue and vision. It’s about creating real, measurable impact-turning talk into tangible transformation.’

When asked whether this will simply be another ‘failed plan,’ Rajapaksa said, ‘The Northern Province has the resources, resilience and talent. What it needs is opportunity-and this summit will deliver just that.’

The initiative has received the backing of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti who underscored the Government’s commitment to supporting equitable growth and industrial revival across all provinces. Representatives from all five districts of the Northern Province-Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar-have also pledged their cooperation. The respective Government Agents from each district were present at the event, affirming their readiness to facilitate investment and development projects that align with local priorities.

India’s significant role in mentoring and supporting the project was also highlighted, with Indian institutions and investors expected to play a major part in infrastructure, trade and human capital development.

Board of Investment (BOI) Director General Renuka Weerakone affirmed, ‘Investors are looking for stability, opportunity and innovation. The North offers all three-and the BOI is committed to ensuring that every investment leads to inclusive growth.’

Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam said, ‘The Northern Province stands at the threshold of transformation. NIS26 is not merely a conference-it is a movement to restore opportunity, dignity and prosperity to our people.’

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Tourism Planning Development and Investor Relations Director Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya said, ‘Tourism has the power to connect communities, cultures and commerce. Through the Northern Investment Summit, we aim to showcase the North as Sri Lanka’s next frontier for sustainable and experiential tourism.’

Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe added, ‘Our focus is to help northern entrepreneurs reach global markets. With the right support and innovation, the North can emerge as an export powerhouse for Sri Lanka.’

National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) Chairman Laxhman Abeysekara said, ‘Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of economic renewal. Our role is to empower small and medium enterprises in the North to become job creators and change-makers.’

Jaffna Government Agent M. Pirratheepan emphasised, ‘Our people have the talent and tenacity. What they need now is the right environment and investment to unlock full potential. NIS26 will help us build that foundation.’

University of Vavuniya Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Atputharaja said, ‘Education and innovation are the twin engines of progress. Our universities hope to stand ready to provide the research, skills and human capital needed to drive northern development.’

NIS26 will showcase new policy incentives, bankable projects and investment-ready opportunities aimed at attracting both local and foreign capital. With over 400 delegates expected, the summit will include B2B sessions, project exhibitions and discussions addressing critical challenges-including land access infrastructure and employment generation.

East India Holdings CEO Janek Jayasekera said, ‘Balanced regional development is essential to Sri Lanka’s long-term renewal. The Northern Province holds immense promise in enterprise, education and sustainable industries. Through partnerships that empower local communities, we can preserve the region’s proud heritage while driving progress.’

The initiative also plans to establish a permanent Northern Investment Forum and a digital platform to track progress and connect investors with real-time opportunities. This, according to TMC, will ensure long-term results rather than one-off promises.

TMC Jaffna Chairman Anu Rakavan said, ‘The North’s renaissance will be driven by its own people. This summit is about ownership, empowerment and long-term collaboration-not dependency. The Northern Province is richly endowed with resources and a resilient people with the right partnerships, it can become a powerhouse for Sri Lanka’s economic revival.’

Hatton National Bank (HNB) Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte said, ‘Finance must fuel transformation. HNB is proud to partner in this initiative to ensure that capital flows where it matters most-into the hands of entrepreneurs and visionaries shaping the North’s future.’

The Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum (SLAF) and the BioAgri Inputs Producers Association (BIPA) of India have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step toward advancing biological agriculture and sustainable agri-innovation across the region.

Under the MoU, both organisations will collaborate to explore the effectiveness and suitability of bio-agri inputs, including biostimulants, biofertilisers, and bioprotection technologies, while fostering knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and policy dialogue between Sri Lanka and India.

SLAF Chairperson Rizvi Zaheed said: ‘This collaboration brings together Sri Lanka’s agripreneurial ecosystem and India’s established BioAgri community. It’s a timely initiative that will accelerate the adoption of safe, effective, and sustainable biological inputs, creating long-term value for our farmers and agri-businesses.’

BIPA Vice President Praharaju Laxminarayana said: ‘Sri Lanka offers a dynamic environment for biological agriculture. Through this partnership with SLAF, we aim to share India’s experience, strengthen scientific cooperation, and jointly develop regional standards for bio-inputs that can benefit the wider South Asian region.’

The signing ceremony at the TRACE Expert City, Colombo was preceded by a stakeholder meeting between representatives from the agribusiness sector from both countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to environmentally responsible and economically viable farming solutions.

SLAF is the nation’s leading association representing over 18,500 of Sri Lanka’s agripreneurs, farmer organisations, agri-SMEs, and value-addition enterprises. The Forum advocates for policies, partnerships, and innovations that enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the agri-sector.

BIPA is India’s leading non-profit industry body promoting the responsible development and use of biological inputs in agriculture. It works to bridge research, regulation, and industry to support the adoption of bio-stimulants, biofertilisers, and bio-protection technologies for sustainable farming.