Category: Daily Financial Times

Sri Lanka yesterday marked a major step toward modernising its disaster management capabilities with the launch of the GeoAI for Disaster Resilience initiative at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.

The program brings together Artificial Intelligence and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to strengthen early warning systems, improve emergency response and enhance long-term planning.

The event commenced with a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of Cyclone Ditwah, last month’s devastating storm that caused widespread flooding.

The disaster affected over one million people, claimed hundreds of lives and has been described as the worst catastrophe to hit Sri Lanka since the 2004 tsunami. The destruction has also slowed the country’s economic recovery, with major rebuilding efforts still underway across affected districts.

Delivering the welcome address, ADRIMP President Sarath Premalal emphasised the urgency for innovation: ‘Sri Lanka’s climate risks are increasing every year. GeoAI gives us the opportunity to think ahead to forecast hazards more accurately and ensure our responders have the knowledge and technology needed to save lives.’

More than 20 Government officials and 125 university students have joined the yearlong program, supported by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, which aims to train a new generation of disaster-tech specialists through advanced GeoAI learning.

GeoAI Project Lead Dr. Novil Wijesekara highlighted the program’s transformative potential: ‘Our goal is not only to introduce new tools but to strengthen the entire ecosystem, from real-time data to predictive models, so Sri Lanka can shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, intelligence-driven preparedness.’

Dr. Wijesekara urges Sri Lanka to pair innovation with human commitment, highlighting that technology can guide recovery but people drive it.

Digital Economy Ministry Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala underscored the importance of digital readiness: ‘Digital transformation is central to Sri Lanka’s future. GeoAI will unify fragmented data, strengthen inter-agency coordination and enable rapid decision-making during national emergencies.’

Disaster Management Centre Director General Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda stressed operational impact: ‘Every minute matters during a disaster. Tools like GeoAI can give our teams the critical lead time needed during floods, landslides and cyclones. This initiative will directly support our frontline responders.’

US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne A. Howell, who also served as the chief guest reaffirmed the United States’ continued support: ‘Investing in these young minds is investing in Sri Lanka’s safer future. The United States is proud to support this initiative, which strengthens early warning systems, enhances emergency response and builds long-term national resilience.’

University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, who was the guest of honour, spoke on the role of youth in national recovery: ‘This program will empower our youth with greater vigilance and advanced skills. It is the young people of Sri Lanka who are now rebuilding, both financially and physically after the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah. Their contribution is vital and GeoAI will further strengthen their ability to support the country in times of crisis.’

The launch brought together technical agencies and development partners. Over the coming year, students will receive training in hazard mapping, drone data analysis, predictive modelling and real-time emergency response applications.

As climate-driven disasters intensify globally and locally, the GeoAI initiative is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s preparedness, enhancing inter-agency coordination and positioning the nation as a regional leader in AI-powered disaster resilience.

Macksons Holdings made a contribution of Rs. 15 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund which was established to provide relief and support to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Macksons Holdings Chairman Milfer Makeen formally handed over the donation at the Presidential Secretariat to the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake earlier this week.

This meaningful contribution reflects Macksons Holdings deep empathy and concern for families and communities facing significant challenges due to the disaster. The company emphasises the importance of solidarity and collective responsibility during times of national hardship.

Through this gesture, Macksons Holdings reaffirms its commitment to standing alongside the people of Sri Lanka, supporting the nation’s recovery, and contributing to efforts that help rebuild affected communities with strength, resilience, and unity.

‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks,’ said John Muir, who co-founded the Sierra Club and is considered as the father of the US national parks. A semblance of wild nature can be created, and that is exactly what I am experiencing during my brief visit to Houston in the state of Texas.

As I walked – not quite a common sight in this highly mobile town – I was reminded that Houston was the first word spoken from the lunar surface. With fuel being quite cheap, with an average gallon costing below $ 3, cars reign supreme. Even though Houston is a Car City, my daily routine to and from the University is walking. Through tree-lined pathways and with majestic Oak trees by the side, the walk is pleasant, and one can allow the mind to roam in varied directions. However, walking provides me with more quality reflective time than if I am to have to have my foot on an accelerator. At the end of the path, I have the park to my left and Rice University and the Texas Medical Centre to the right and ahead.

Houston is the energy capital of the world with the world’s largest refining capacity and the 4th largest city in the USA. The Houston medical eco system is also considered to be the largest healthcare system in the world. The place I am walking to every day is Rice University, where John F Kennedy articulated his vision to send an American to the moon and bring him back.

Yes, as I walk, I am not exactly thinking about the acorns and mighty oaks, but the lessons contained in sights and sounds around me. Yes, I am also aware that this area had almost been a treeless plain and the architect of Rice University had brought out the best from what he himself had described as ‘a level and stupid site’!

Comparing the present with the past, these developments reflect purpose and passion in creating a highly productive world class institutional eco-system with continuous greening. I continue to walk among oak trees, and the analogy to the world class ecosystem is obvious – Mighty oaks from little acorns grow! I think that possibilities are endless if one understands the connected steps from acorns to oak.

Once goals are set and you understand the importance and the overall impact possible with what you have set out to achieve,

ensure sustained ferti-irrigation, strong institutions are an outcome that is sure to materialise.

As I sit here at Rice University within a research group that spawned the Nanotechnology revolution, Smalley and Curl from Rice University won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Kroto, who arrived at Rice to do the crucial experiments that led to the discovery of another carbon form, which led to an industrial revolution that is still happening. The research group

today is headed by Prof Ajayan, who together with Prof Iijima, are credited with the discovery of carbon nanotubes. Today Prof Ajayan leads a group which is pioneering 2-Dimensional materials and Energy Storage systems – co-existence of fundamental science and applied research.

Fascinating research is happening every day in different nooks and corners by those who have the passion to decipher the unknown, exposing fundamentals that characterise Rice University. The knowledge thus generated is again transformed into improving the quality of life for mankind, the process of commercialisation and for that ION district exists. Adjacent to Rice University in Houston sits the world’s largest medical research ecosystem. The first fully robotic heart transplant for an adult has just happened, and the 12-step process to an artificial heart has also been completed. I will write separately on researchers of Sri Lankan origin, who have been contributing and leading in such ‘firsts’ here in Houston. The issue in Sri Lanka is and has been that the acorns do not get the ferti-irrigation that is required and thereby the potential is zeroed. As I walk, the shade of the mighty oaks reminds me of the value of nature and nurture.

Impact investment

As I rise near Rice University in the morning and hit the street towards Rice, I am aware that my presence here is enabled thanks to a program that was launched in 1946. Senator Fulbright conceptualised and launched the Fulbright program. Do you think what you think, and act, has sometimes to do with the surname or the name that you have? – which has gone on to become the foremost academic exchange program in the world. Now this enabling travel is not for sightseeing, with the program having far more depth and content. The stated objective of the Fulbright program is to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Funded through US taxpayers’

money, it can be said as an international impact investment, and the concept of impact investing was really a more recent phenomenon, yet in 1946 it did exactly that. Statistically, I have now become one of the 400,000 who have benefited from the program. Yet it is not about purely personal growth but enabling cross-cultural growth and understanding through activities and

knowledge sharing. I have a responsibility in seeding and nurturing some acorns in some way and ensuring growth even with headwinds influencing both Sri Lanka and the United States. The democratic senator from Arkansas in his day had a more colourful statement – Fulbright was designed to be ‘a modest program with an immodest aim – the achievement in international affairs of a regime more civilised, rational and humane than the empty systems of power of the past’. All subjects are within the scope of Fulbright awards where age is also not a factor, and one expects the multidisciplinary interactions to prosper. Remember – we all speak of and say that siloed mentalities must go, but without ensuring the means. Hopefully, the leadership development is pushing for impact and ensuring the means for positive impact. Coming from hard sciences the meaning of the empty systems of power of the past escapes me in full comprehension yet with increasing power politics, decision making sans sciences, returns at the expense of values I wonder what the late Senator would say and do in a situation where 150 plus conflicts are at play as we write, the planetary boundaries are getting exceeded in almost all key segments and where endless discussions than responsible action and sustainable execution dominates.

As one moves through Museums and Collections and even within Rice University from one building or a courtyard to another, something that strikes you is the presence of philanthropy. Rice is an institution that resulted from a philanthropic activity of William Marsh Rice – the story is dramatic, I dare say, yet the aspect of philanthropy remains.

Whenever such an acknowledgement crosses my line of sight, the parallel universe of Sri Lanka too opens in my mind, where these types of impactful investments, even as donations, are quite rare. In distress, our reactions may be commendable and hit new levels, but we must understand that what matters is ensuring investments are carried out with foresight. They are the ones that can move the needle in the direction we want it to move. Multiple influential phrases have resulted from Houston – ‘Houston, we have had a Problem’, ‘Failure is not an option’, ‘not because it is easy, but because it is difficult’, all connected to the Moonshot mission.

The podium from where President Kennedy made his famous vision statement is a must-see exhibit in Rice University’s Fondren Library while reading his speech on the day. Climb to its 6th floor to see how the land has been transformed – the transformation of the ‘plain and stupid land’ – by the human imagination and the philanthropic spirit.

I remember the call to us all from Richard Smalley. Having come to Houston and especially to Rice and embedded to the very program that breathed life to Richard Feynman’s concept of there is plenty of space at the bottom, it has indeed been a real experience.

Richard Smalley, the Nobel laureate spoke directly to his peers and the young researchers – Be a Scientist, Save the World was his passionate plea. Nanotechnology for the betterment of the world was the underlying science. This line of activities and the developments speak to us on the importance of universities in societal upliftment and economic transformations. Rice is not having a student body in numbers comparable to State universities.

The size of the student body interestingly is comparable to our universities. The positional difference in global standing means the excellence of operational procedures. We seek results without investments, and we stay committed and accountable to a collective of taxpayers. The interesting fact of a quite low number of taxpayers means poor investment capability in return.

Healthier alternative

I witnessed and experienced the learner-centric model of teaching, observed multidisciplinary engagements in problem solving at OEDK (Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen), starting with freshmen and idea labs in operation – Liu Idea Lab (home of experiential learning and co-curricular activities in entrepreneurship and innovation). The dynamism presence here is a much healthier alternative to a constant engagement in curriculum revisions and documentation centric education. Knowing the talent that we have, yet killing than allowing us to prosper, I see clearly what we must change. Absorbing through immersion, I have built my own set of conclusions on how I should discharge my responsibilities post this opportunity. Time will tell whether I can disrupt for good or the bad will disrupt me! I know that jumping to concrete conclusions from a limited set of observations is not quite right as well. On a lighter note, the residents of H-town, or the space city as Houston is known, speak of it’s not far. I must realise, as a person who walks, that the distance implied in the comment is usually a 30 min drive (at some speed as well stated in miles per hour)!

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists released a statement underscoring the importance of paying attention to the mental wellbeing of people impacted by Cyclone Ditwah and offering support to them.

The College said it is normal for individuals to feel stressed, sad, fearful, or confused after a disaster and urged the public to prioritize emotional well-being during the recovery period.

According to available statistics, close to two million Sri Lankans have been affected either directly or indirectly by the natural disaster, some losing loved ones, others being left destitute having lost all their belongings while others have had to salvage their homes from a massive damage to their properties.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), slmost all people affected by emergencies experience psychological distress, and need access to mental health care and other basic needs.

As with any disaster manmade or natural, it is always those at the lower rungs of society that are worse off with pre-existing social situations such as poverty and discrimination against marginalized groups, adding to their woes. Emergency-induced situations including family separation, lack of safety, loss of livelihoods, disrupted social networks, low trust and reduced resources are some of these conditions.

According to the WHO, most people affected by emergencies experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, sleep issues, fatigue, irritability, anger or aches. This psychological distress usually improves over time, but some people go on to develop a mental health condition. An estimated 22% may have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia .

There are a number of school children who were impacted by the cyclone and they are highly vulnerable group with their education/ examinations disrupted. The elderly too will be among those marginalized in such situations.

The Education Ministry said that it has already begun counselling programs for children affected by the disaster with students who were mid-way into their Advanced Level examination among those coming under special focus.

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has issued several guidelines to help people cope and this include focusing on strengths and small tasks with activities such as cleaning, sorting documents, checking on relatives, and helping neighbours to restore a sense of control.

The College said that it’s important to stay connected, especially with vulnerable groups such as pregnant mothers, young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and anyone with long-term illnesses or mental health conditions.

It is also important to reassure children by keeping routines as normal as possible and explain the situation in simple terms and use spiritual and cultural practices.

The other guidelines are to continue regular medications, limit distressing news and avoid rumours and not share unverified information or distressing images.

The College reminded the public to act responsibly and encouraged those who need help to seek help by calling the 24/7 National Mental Health Helpline in 1926, or by visiting the nearest hospital for support.

The WHO’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, (MHPSS) which works globally to ensure that mental health emergency preparedness and response is both coordinated and effective, will also be assisting the country in this area.

In 2024, the World Health Assembly approved a resolution to strengthen MHPSS in all stages of emergencies and provide integrated, quality mental health services which are accessible to all. It assists Member States in emergency and disaster risk management, preparedness and readiness actions for mental health and psychosocial support in order to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support capacities during emergencies in a way that contributes to the development of sustainable mental health services, including community-based services, within the health system.

This is one area which the country will need to strengthen as it struggles to overcome the trauma of one of its worst natural disasters.

The Gita Mahotsav 2025, organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Colombo, was celebrated with great devotion and artistic splendour on 9 December 2025 at Panibharatha Theatre of the University of Visual and Performing Arts.

The cultural festival was jointly inaugurated by Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Dr. Satyanjal Pandey and Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Rohan Nethsinghe.

The evening opened with a spellbinding Kandyan dance presentation by the Ravibandhu Samanthi Dance Ensemble, led by Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathi. Their performance showcased the grace and dynamism of traditional Kandyan rhythms, accompanied by compelling choreography based on the great epic Mahabharat.

This was followed by a captivating recital by the disciples of Natya Kala Mandhir, under the direction of Vasugy Jegatheeswaran. Their devotional repertoire included Nirthiyanjali, Varnam, Gita Upadesam, and a vibrant Thillana, each reflecting the profound spiritual and aesthetic depth of Bharatanatyam.

The final segment featured the talented students of the Swamy Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Eastern University, Batticaloa. Their thematic production titled, ‘Yadhava Madhava’ artistically portrayed the divine leelas, wisdom, and charm of Lord Krishna through expressive storytelling, rhythmic precision, and refined classical movement vocabulary.

The program was received with immense appreciation, celebrating the rich heritage of Indian classical arts while reflecting the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita-duty, righteousness, harmony, and spiritual awakening. The event stood as a meaningful testament to cultural exchange and artistic excellence.

Daily contributions continue to be made to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund established to provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Anunine Holdings has made a financial donation of Rs. 25 million to the fund.

The relevant cheque was handed over recently by Anunine Holdings Chairman Anurath Aberathna. A group including the company’s managing directors was present at the occasion.

If you didn’t know you were scanning the news these days, you might well suspect that you’ve stumbled into ‘newscurry’. To the sensitive reader, the time has been a parade of pages and memes masquerading as headlines.

The presidency distances itself from the draconian dimensions of Emergency regulations ahead of a social/social media backlash. A former president evicted from her official residence by this regime gives them a handsome handout to aid government’s rebuilding and relocation efforts. An inane opposition figure invites derision with a proposal to dump the IMF, scratch the 2026 budget, and ask Trump to help us out.

Such are some of the enervating ironies making the headlines these days in lieu of enlightening information.

In the aftermath of Cyclone’s Ditwah’s physical devastation, Sri Lanka’s psyche is also being laid waste.

A few trends yours truly spotted in the week that was may illustrate the point: the point being to rehabilitate the way we islanders think as much as recognise and laud the way some of us act in times of extreme crisis.

All the president’s mien

First there was the modest cough to intimate that Emergency powers, once declared, would not be used – as only too often in the past – to curb civil society criticism or stifle dissent.

Then the sabre-rattling by the defence secretary (sounds familiar?) that any defamation against the executive would be dealt with under its provisions.

And in the face of a social media backlash, the head of state sought swiftly to distance himself from his lieutenant’s earnest defence (no pun intended).

It has that customary ring… that man Acton had it right – power tends to bring out the beast in the mildest bureaucrat.

Still early days. Wait and see. Sooner or later, out pops the cloven hoof and forked tail. The devil has the best lines.

Today those run to ‘build back better’. When all the world and their sainted aunts are clamouring for ‘build forward differently’.

The news: Emergency powers declared.

An irony: Executive overreach deterred.

Opposition upsets

It’s a circus out there as a lameduck opposition continues to audition for political pantomime. They’ve only succeeded in adding some ticklish humour to the horrific tragedies unfolding daily, in tales yet to be told.

On the one hand one clown prince is snapping his fingers at government – cut IMF down to size! ditch the Budget! call for the last Trump! On the other another clown prince is pointing fingers at government’s alleged lack of coordination in rescue and relief efforts. To heap burning coals on the afflicted citizenry’s heads, he cordially invites the NPP Govt to learn – yes, lessons! – from tsunami resettlement and post-war rebuilding.

Has neither a sense of irony or shame? Have both dreamed up their carpe diems out of a sense of derring-do or desperation to keep the wasted coin of opposition currency afloat amidst the retreating flood waters, when all eyes are on the government, not their rabid rank and file of has-beens?

As if moralising over the deluge and its sad sorry aftermath will float the opposition’s sinking relevance!

The news: Opposition stridently outspoken.

An irony: Opposition sadly outdated.

CBK to the fore

In a gesture not out of character for her sense of savoir faire, a former president came forward to donate Rs. 250 million in disaster aid.

What was unexpected, if one lacks the je ne sais quoi to navigate social media, was the juxtaposition of her ostensible generosity and magnanimity with the alleged meanness of the grimly exacting regime in evicting her from her state-owned home not yet time out of mind.

The truth be told there may be more to all this than mere noblesse oblige. As the foundation out of whose treasury the disbursement to state coffers emanated is governed by no less an eminence than a board comprising the prez at its head.

So any kudos to our erstwhile la belle dame sans merci for grinning and bearing it at the handing over may redound to AKD’s dieu et mon droit and his firm grip on the foundation than a former doyenne’s sleight of hand.

Honi soit qui mal y pense – shame be on him or her who thinks it is evil. It’s just the usual the optics of cooperative-adversarial politics.

If you’re cooperating with your political adversary, make sure there are plenty of photo ops capitalised upon… And agency on social media to egg you on or agents of the opposition to throw egg in your face.

Digital warfare is as wasteful as it is vindictive.

The news: Former president steps up to the plate!

An irony: Present president power behind the move?

What about the whataboutism

It’s not only the political opposition who’s ‘critically engaging’ the government and its agencies when the need of the hour is clearly ‘compassionate energy’ on the ground.

Armchair warriors have poured out of the cushioning like so many lice to swarm over the blood, guts and sinew of the aid brigade and the army of helpers who appeared out of thin air it seems.

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. Heroism in many places in the air and on the ground, cynicism and one-upmanship online.

The truth is brutal. For all the hot air press conferences let off, our storm-wracked island nation’s disaster preparedness leaves much to be desired. From global to local levels it remains a hollow shell. A tin can full of muck floating down to a sunless sea. Irony and shame have been washed away with the deluge.

The news: The ‘best’ lack all conviction.

An irony: The ‘worst’ are full of passionate intensity.

Where do we go next pls?

And it is not over yet. For there are still painful questions floating downstream with the debris like some moral detritus that no irresponsible or negligent administration can flush away.

For every well intentioned keyboard champion online who’s egging the vulnerable to evacuate ahead of more inclement (to put it mildly) weather systems, there are dozens and scores asking urgently where exactly they are to go.

This highlights not only the unpreparedness of the state at every level of agency – national, provincial, regional – to handle an entirely predictable annual flooding. It exposes the dark underbelly of the corrupt political culture of decades. That drained Mother Lanka of her lifeblood by suctioning off funds meant for development of digitalised safety mechanisms and state-of-the-art early-warning systems.

There is no safe moral ground high enough for successive governments of the past to climb up to and evade their culpability for the severest national disaster to befall Sri Lanka in its long history of grief and suffering.

The news: Everyone out of danger an expert.

An irony: Everyone under threat is clueless.

That is it not too late to ‘build forward differently’ rather than simply ‘build back better’ is the acid test, which government – for its sake as much as its electorate and beyond – cannot afford to fail.

It is one thing to flunk the first major challenge – A repeat performance if the weather gods prove capricious, in short order at worst or next year at best, will bury not only the bureaucracy but inter the body politic and scupper the NPP’s prospects of shaping a new social contract.

Next week or next monsoon.

In the decimated milieu of our island today – a million affected, 2.3 mn people and 719,000 buildings exposed to the elements, 1.1 million hectares flooded, 1,200 landslides registered – one hopes only it would not be now or ever again.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) says Sri Lanka must reposition itself globally as a sustainable, export-driven, and outward-looking investment destination, while fixing long-standing issues around policy predictability and the business environment to unlock its full potential.

Speaking at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit, IFC’s South Asia Regional Director Imad Fakhoury outlined why the institution continues to maintain a strong and diversified presence in the country despite recent economic shocks.

‘Sri Lanka cannot get rich by looking inward,’ he implied, calling for a continued push toward competitiveness, investment attraction and export-oriented growth.

IFC says…

He said Sri Lanka must redesign its global investment brand after years of stop-start progress and recurring economic crises.

‘Sri Lanka has an incredible paradox. On one hand, it’s a great development success story with strong social indicators, low poverty, and one of the highest per-capita incomes in South Asia. But we also have had a lot of economic crises, the last in 2022,’ he observed.

Fakhoury urged policymakers and the private sector to shift the country’s international positioning. ‘Sri Lanka has to position itself as a green sustainable brand, as an outward-looking brand, as an export-driven brand,’ he said.

He opined that this direction, supports the country’s ambition to serve as a major transshipment hub, while creating ‘islands of excellence’ in digital services, agribusiness, specialised manufacturing and diversified tourism.

However, he noted that none of this potential can be realised without policy consistency. ‘The branding going forward should really pivot and focus on the brands I’ve mentioned, while working hard on policy predictability and continuously improving the doing-business environment,’ he added.

He highlighted opportunities to expand high-value tourism niches, unlock new destinations in the north and east, and scale digital-services exports.

The IFC currently has a long-term finance portfolio of around $ 270 million in Sri Lanka and investments across roughly a dozen companies, in addition to a stream of short-term financing, advisory engagements and blended instruments.

‘As IFC, we are an international development finance institution, the largest in the world in terms of supporting and investing with the private sector across developing regions,’ Fakhoury said.

He noted that from fiscal year 2021 to the end of fiscal year 2026, the IFC’s combined long-term and short-term financing, across funded and unfunded instruments, is expected to reach $ 16 billion globally.

‘We’re definitely bullish,’ he said, noting that Sri Lanka remains an important part of the IFC’s South Asia strategy.

Fakhoury said IFC sees continued opportunity in strengthening financial inclusion, with a major focus on expanding financing for SMEs, MSMEs, and women-owned or women-led enterprises.

‘Sustainability finance and trade finance are critical areas,’ he said, adding that capital-market development and innovative financial instruments will remain high priorities in Sri Lanka.

In the real economy, the IFC is eyeing growth in agribusiness, responsible tourism, export-oriented sectors, decarbonisation of manufacturing, and value-added production, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. ‘We see promising pipeline opportunities going forward,’ he said.

On infrastructure, he described the organisation as ‘very bullish’ on renewable energy, energy efficiency, mobility, ports, and logistics. The IFC is also working with the public arm of the World Bank Group to reform markets and enable private investment.

‘Public-private partnerships (PPPs) will be a critical modality given the financing needs and the limitations on fiscal space,’ he stressed.

He also said the IFC is additionally expanding work around technology and innovation. ‘Our work on helping the start-up ecosystem is significant. ‘We have been investing and identifying opportunities for disruptive technology startups,’ he added.

Janashakthi Life, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), partners with ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2025, taking place on 14 December 2025. Held for the second time in Sri Lanka and set to attract over 2,000 local and international runners, the event reflects Janashakthi Life’s continued commitment to uplifting communities and championing causes that positively impact the nation.

This year’s marathon is centred on driving greater awareness on the importance of organ donation, promoting Sri Lanka as welcoming and open for global travellers, and supporting 367 orphanages that provide care for nearly 10,600 underprivileged children.

The event will feature three race categories – the 5 km Family Run, 10 km Challengers Run, and the 21.1 km Half Marathon with Rs. 5.7 million in prize money awarded to the top 10 male and female finishers in each category. Beyond the competition, the marathon aims to unite people around shared values of compassion, health and collective responsibility.

Director/Chief Executive Officer Ravi Liyanage said, ‘At Janashakthi Life, our purpose extends beyond insurance. We are committed to strengthening the communities we serve. Supporting the ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2025 allows us to champion meaningful national causes, from raising awareness on organ donation to helping children and families in need. We are honoured to stand alongside ICA in creating a platform that brings people together for a cause that inspires hope and fosters positive change.’

As Sri Lanka prepares to welcome runners from around the world, the Janashakthi Life – ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2025 is poised to not only celebrate athletic excellence but also spotlight the power of community-driven initiatives in shaping a brighter future.

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando (centre left) with Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Martin

The Canadian Government has expressed strong support for Rebuilding Sri Lanka program and signalled its readiness to provide assistance, particularly for the recovery of the agriculture sector following the widespread devastation caused by recent extreme weather.

Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Martin conveyed this assurance during a meeting with Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando at the Ministry of Finance yesterday (12).

She said Canada ‘greatly appreciates’ the Government’s structured recovery plan and emphasised that Ottawa is prepared to extend support once Sri Lanka completes its formal damage and needs assessment.

The High Commissioner also noted that Canada’s interest stems in part from the large Sri Lankan diaspora working across various sectors in Canada, making Sri Lanka a priority country for sustained cooperation.

She stressed that the Canadian government values the Sri Lankan administration’s efforts to eliminate corruption and irregularities in post-disaster aid distribution issues that, she pointed out, had hampered trust and transparency in previous years.

Dr. Fernando briefed the High Commissioner on the scale of destruction and the government’s ongoing measures to assist affected families.

He said the administration is prioritising safer resettlement, with new housing to be constructed only in geologically and environmentally suitable locations to prevent repeat disasters.

He underscored that the Government intends to rely exclusively on the state administrative machinery from Grama Niladhari divisions upward rather than political patronage networks, which he said had influenced welfare distribution under earlier administrations.

The Minister emphasised that President’s overarching aim is to drive ‘a process of upliftment in which no one is left behind,’ and expressed gratitude for the support extended by international partners, including Canada.

High Commissioner Martin reaffirmed that once Sri Lanka finalises its post-disaster assessment, Canada is prepared to provide ‘maximum assistance’ in priority areas, with a particular fo