Category: Daily Financial Times

The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association (FTZMA) has written to Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka expressing serious concern over the frequent omission of vessels at the Port of Colombo, warning of mounting disruptions to the export sector.

In the letter, the FTZMA said exporters are facing shortages of raw materials, production delays, and missed export deadlines due to the omission of Colombo from major shipping routes in recent months.

The association noted that key industries such as garments, rubber, and electronics, which depend on ‘just-in-time’ logistics, have been severely affected.

FTZMA said the disruptions have undermined Sri Lanka’s reliability as a regional shipping hub and discouraged international buyers from sourcing through the country.

It urged the Minister to engage urgently with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and shipping lines to improve yard efficiency, expedite inter-terminal transfers, enhance road connectivity, and accelerate the commissioning of new terminals such as the East Container Terminal (ECT) and West Container Terminal (WCT).

The association also called for regular consultations with major shipping lines and clear communication to the trade community on measures to mitigate the ongoing disruptions.

The letter in full is as follows:

We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the increasing instances of vessel omissions at the Port of Colombo, which have recently had a significant impact on the operations of our exporters and the broader shipping and logistics community in the country.

As a result, our exporters face a lack of vital raw materials, leading to production bottlenecks and the inability to meet crucial deadlines for export orders. Industries such as garments, rubber, and electronics, which rely on tight delivery schedules and ‘just-in-time’ logistics, have been particularly hard hit by these disruptions.

Over the past few months, we have observed several mainline operators omitting Colombo from their scheduled rotations, resulting in delays, transshipment issues, and additional costs for exporters and importers alike.

These disruptions not only affect the reliability of Sri Lanka’s hub status but also discourage international buyers from sourcing through Sri Lanka.

We understand that global shipping schedules are subject to operational and congestion-related challenges.

However, the frequency of these omissions indicates the need for an urgent engagement between your Ministry, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), and shipping lines to ensure Colombo’s competitiveness and reliability are maintained thereby.

We therefore respectfully urge your intervention to: take measures to reduce yard congestion by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Inter-terminal transfers(ITT) to expedite container clearance; improve road connectivity between terminals and main access of the port; bring new terminals (ECT and WCT) online, which are seen as essential for a long-term resolution; initiate regular discussions with major shipping lines to minimise omissions; and communicate a clear plan to the trade community on steps being taken to mitigate these disruptions.

We once again like to stress the urgency for operational upgrades and the implementation of a secure and more efficient ITT system to resolve these issues and mitigate the ongoing risks to the export sector.

The FTZMA letter to the Ports and Civil Aviation Minister was signed by Chairman Dhammika Fernando and Secretary M.H.Z.M. Marzook.

The spirit of Christmas swept across Sri Lanka as Amaya Resorts and Spas, one of the island’s most preferred hospitality brands, hosted its annual cake mixing ceremonies.

At Amaya Hills, snuggled high above Kandy’s mountain ranges, the festive season began with joy and laughter as guests and team members joined hands in a spirited celebration. The mountain air was filled with the fragrance of rich spices and candied fruit as the mixing began, accompanied by the soft hum of carols and the unmistakable charm of a Christmas in the hills.

By the eastern coast, Amaya Beach, Pasikudah, brought the festivities to life by the sea. The resort’s lawns were transformed into a vibrant celebration space where guests gathered for an afternoon of merriment. The occasion captured the resort’s signature blend of tropical elegance and seaside warmth, setting the tone for a joyful Christmas by the beach.

The highlight of this year’s celebrations took place at Amaya Lake, Dambulla, where the resort made history as the first hotel in Sri Lanka to host a cake mixing ceremony on a lake. Guests and team members gathered on canoes floating gracefully across the tranquil waters of Kandalama Lake, surrounded by rippling reflections and the breathtaking scenery of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Clad in traditional Sri Lankan attire, participants joined in this remarkable celebration that seamlessly blended heritage, creativity and festive spirit.

Across every property, the celebrations reflected Amaya’s enduring commitment to creating heartfelt experiences that bring people together. Guests, staff and the extended Amaya family shared moments of joy and anticipation as they marked the beginning of the Christmas season with the warmth and spirit of Amaya Resorts and Spas.

Sustainability has long been at the heart of Hirdaramani’s business philosophy. Guided by its Future First Sustainability Roadmap, the Group has transformed responsible manufacturing into a defining culture that connects its people, operations and communities across borders.

Built on four pillars; Conserve the Environment, Empower our Associates, Support our Communities and Trust in Good Choices the Future First strategy provides a measurable framework that drives the company’s vision of aligning business success with environmental and social responsibility.

This commitment was recognised at the 2025 Presidential Environment Awards, Sri Lanka’s highest recognition for environmental excellence, where four of Hirdaramani’s facilities in Sri Lanka were honoured, celebrating its purpose-led progress.

A Legacy of Integrity and Innovation

With a legacy of more than 100 years, Hirdaramani has grown into a global Group operating across Apparel, Renewable Energy, Leisure, Retail, Services and Capital. Its growth has been built on integrity, trust and good governance values that continue to shape every aspect of the business.

The company’s corporate purpose, ‘To weave our world closer together through the power of Continuous Progression,’ captures this legacy of renewal and forward momentum. It is this philosophy that has guided Hirdaramani’s sustainability journey and earned it national recognition at the 2025 Presidential Environment Awards.

Hirdaramani Kahathuduwa received the Gold Award, Hirdaramani Ja-Ela (Washing) the Silver Award, Hirdaramani Kuruwita the Bronze Award and Hirdaramani Seethawaka the Merit Award, across both the Apparel Industries and Textile Processing Industries categories.

Each facility represents its unique story of innovation and impact. Hirdaramani Kahathuduwa, a LEED Platinum-certified plant powered by 100% renewable energy through solar and biomass, integrates recycled and condensed-water recovery systems and biodiversity enhancement projects under an ISO 14001 framework. The Hirdaramani Ja-Ela Washing facility, a ZDHC Supplier-to-Zero operation, champions sustainable chemical management and has initiated Diya Arana, a wetland restoration project designed to restore natural water flow and strengthen local ecosystems. Hirdaramani Kuruwita, also LEED Platinum-certified, combines renewable energy and advanced water-recycling systems with strong community engagement, while Hirdaramani Seethawaka demonstrates the power of consistency through renewable energy use, rainwater harvesting and internal green spaces that enhance workplace well-being.

Together, these operations drive how innovation, integrity and collaboration can redefine what responsible manufacturing means in today’s world.

Future First – Driving Sustainable Transformation

Hirdaramani’s Future First Sustainability Roadmap continues to drive the Group’s sustainability agenda, setting ambitious goals across environmental, social and governance priorities. From renewable-energy expansion and water circularity to biodiversity restoration and social inclusion, every initiative reflects a commitment to measurable, long-term impact.

The company’s alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) including the first Net-Zero target approval achieved by a Sri Lankan organization in 2024, demonstrated its leadership in climate action and its dedication to meeting global sustainability standards.

By integrating these principles into daily operations, Hirdaramani has created a business model where progress and responsibility advance together, ensuring that sustainability remains a strategic advantage.

A Shared Commitment to Progress

Behind every achievement lies the collective effort of more than 55,000+ employees across Hirdaramani’s global footprint. Their shared purpose continues to transform the company’s sustainability vision into tangible outcomes.

The recognition at the Presidential Environment Awards is both a celebration of operational excellence and a reflection of a deeply rooted culture, one that places people, the planet and integrity at the centre of every decision.

As Hirdaramani looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of creating lasting value through innovation, partnership and purpose reinforcing that doing what is right for the planet, will always be the right way to do business.

Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira returns to his homeland this November with Brushes with Nature – his much-anticipated fourth solo exhibition since his last exhibition in 1985.

The exhibition, to be held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from 7 to 9 November, will showcase 50 original paintings celebrating the island’s rich biodiversity. Known for his meticulous realism and spiritual reverence for nature, Ratnavira’s works have earned international acclaim, gracing collections across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The public exhibition is with free admission.

‘Nature has always been my greatest teacher and muse,’ says Ratnavira. ‘With Brushes with Nature, I hope to share my lifelong journey of observing and painting Sri Lanka’s wildlife, and to remind us of the importance of preserving what we have.’ Born in Sri Lanka and now based in California, Ratnavira is celebrated for his lifelong dedication to wildlife and conservation. A self-taught artist, his career spans over fifty years and includes designing the Department of Wildlife’s official logo, illustrating over 38 Sri Lankan postage stamps, and collaborating with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the Let Them Live elephant-conservation campaign.

In the US, his Hidden Forest Art Gallery and international exhibitions have solidified his place among the world’s leading wildlife artists. Yet, despite global recognition, his art remains deeply rooted in his Sri Lankan heritage and Buddhist philosophy of coexistence.

Brushes with Nature marks a homecoming – a tribute to the island that inspired a lifetime of art, compassion and environmental advocacy.

The Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) returns from 12-15 December, presenting a bold program, including new works that celebrate contemporary Sri Lankan art, heritage traditions, and community engagement. Six exhibits, housed at the Old High Court within the Matara Fort, will showcase batik, visual art, mixed media, installation art, stop-motion and mixed-media animation, film, and performance.

This year’s exhibit sees established practitioners working in partnership with rising artists in the field, as well as with MFA-trained Matara community artists – uniting them in collaborations, mentorships, and peer-to-peer groupings.

John Keells Foundation (JKF) – the CSR entity of the John Keells Group – has been with MFA since its launch in 2024 and returns once again for this second edition as its trailblazing Festival Patron and Art Patron. The initiative leads the way through the John Keells Group’s steadfast and growing commitment to empowering a healthy and progressive Sri Lanka by combatting social barriers, promoting dialogue, and supporting creative industries.

The India-Sri Lanka Foundation is an exhibit-specific partner this year in the tuk tuk mobile art project. The ISLF, set up by the Governments of India and Sri Lanka, aims to foster India-Sri Lanka relations through several avenues, including cultural cooperation, as demonstrated through their partnership with MFA.

Freelan Enterprises, a Matara-based leading exporter of spices, joins this year as a Friend of MFA. MFA is presented in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism, and proudly, Wijeya Newspapers is MFA’s exclusive print and digital media sponsor.

Exhibit 1: Art Ambassadors of the Road – Tuk tuks as canvas for cultural and community transformation (Visual Art)

Artists: Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe (MFA Curator), Bandu Manamperi, Anura Krishantha, and Dushyantha HP (India); MFA Community Artists Dinithi Bogahawattha, Kethmin Dilshan, and Thenuka Vithanage.

Sri Lanka is home to over 1.2 million tuk tuks that serve as a vital form of personal and commercial transport, supporting the daily activities and livelihoods of countless families.

This project transforms tuk tuks into mobile canvases, as leading contemporary artists collaborate with community artists, community members, and tuk drivers themselves to reimagine tuk exteriors and embed them with narratives that reflect the history, heritage, and lived realities of Matara. Through an artistic lens, the project shines a light on the dignity and societal contribution of tuk drivers and highlights the community-building and innovative potential of this transport that is often taken for granted.

This exhibit reflects the regional history and ties of tuk tuk art too – thanks to support from the India-Sri Lanka Foundation, Bengaluru-based artist Dushyantha HP will be based in Matara for several weeks to contribute to the project. Dushyantha is an artist of the 1ShantiRoad Studio, Bengaluru, which first worked in 2010 with Sri Lanka’s Theertha Artists Collective, of which Prof. Jagath, Anura, and Bandu are leading members.

Exhibit 2: Adaraye (Everything Is Love) – Batik, painting, mixed media

Participating artists: Jezima Mohamed and Team Jez-Look Batik, Chathurika Jayani.

‘Adaraye’ showcases new art that reflects the role of love, care, and support in shaping artists’ creative journeys – whether from family members, team members, or like-minded collaborators who sustain an artist’s creative practice and life’s journey.

Veteran Matara-based batik artist Jezima Mohamed, aged 85, continues to push the boundaries of her craft with the detailed and multi-dimensional storytelling of the work she has crafted for the show. Chathurika, a Colombo-based mixed-media artist, integrates her own layered, textural approach with batik-inspired techniques for the first time, combining contemporary practice with heritage craft.

The knowledge of batik was brought to Sri Lanka from Indonesia via Dutch colonists. Initially practised as a hobby among elites, it eventually became more widely adopted and formed a vital cottage industry supporting livelihoods across the country. While more than 240 batik businesses are registered with the government, the overall number is likely much higher, with over 200,000 – primarily women – employed in the industry. Batik has been the art form of choice in creating national and regional flags, highly valued decorative adornments in spaces such as Parliament and architecturally iconic projects, while designer batik wear often represents Sri Lanka on both national and international stages.

Exhibit 3: Rooted – Histories of the Malaiyaga Tamils (Documentation and Contemporary Art)

Artists: Hanusha Somasundaram, Arulraj Ulaganathan, and Hema Shironi. Curated by the Collective for Historical Dialogue and Memory (CHDM), developed in collaboration with the Institute of Social Development (ISD) and community representatives.

‘Rooted’ presents the 200-year history and cultural identity of Sri Lanka’s Malaiyaga Tamil community across the country, including in Matara.

This exhibition highlights significant historical themes of the Malaiyaga Tamils, tracing their arrival, major political events, struggles, and achievements – all of which have shaped and defined the rich histories of the community.

For the Matara Festival for the Arts, ‘Rooted’ will include an exhibit of contemporary artworks addressing themes of displacement, dignity of labour, and the struggle for the certainty of land and home.

By combining archival material, oral narratives, and artefacts from the Tea Plantation Workers’ Museum in Gampola with contemporary artistic expression, ‘Rooted’ will engage festival audiences in understanding members of their own community, fostering empathy, and mobilising community solidarity to become allies in ensuring long overdue promises to the Malaiyaga community are delivered.

Exhibit 4: Love in the Time of Memory – Installation with paintings, ceramics, mixed media

Artists: Bilaal Raji Saheed, G.V. Pathum Sameera, Senali Nihara Cooray, and MFA Community Artists Amani Ariyarathna and Hasini Abrahams.

This immersive installation uses painting, ceramics, and mixed media to explore how memory shapes our understanding of the past. Each artist examines childhood, family histories, and inherited experiences – presenting memory as active, layered, and revisited.

Arranged within one of the Old High Court’s main courtrooms, these artworks engage viewers spatially. Using memory as a practice and love as a technique to give rest, the installation invites viewers to read slowly and accept partial illumination.

Exhibit 5: Creativity Kade – Relational art installation

Performance artists: Power of Play

The ‘Creativity Kade’ reimagines the traditional village corner shop as an interactive, life-sized installation. Visitors can ‘shop’ at the kade, and with each purchase, they can select a ‘creative fortune’ from the till and follow a creative prompt that encourages imagination and triggers individual and collaborative acts of creation and play.

At scheduled times, the kade’s shop window also transforms into a puppet theatre stage. The shop’s community game area rounds off its activities for social engagement.

Through interactions with the kade, visitors become active partners in transforming the space into a hub for play, community-building, creative participation, and cohesion.

Exhibit 6:

a) Countdown: 37+ one-minute films by independent filmmakers – curated by the Barefoot Gallery

Thirty-seven films. Sixty seconds each. Short films, big impact.

The first iteration of Countdown brings together a burst of stories across genres and techniques – narrative, animation, experimental, and performance art – crafted by Sri Lankan artists from across the island and beyond.

b) The Animate Her Series by Irushi Tennekoon – Stop-motion and mixed-media animation

The Animate Her Series features animated interviews of seven inspiring women working in diverse fields of the arts, sciences, and technology in Sri Lanka. The series is written, animated, and directed by Irushi Tennekoon and was initially funded through a grant from the British Council’s Creating Heroines program.

Uber One, the premium membership program for Uber and Uber Eats, has joined hands with Scope Cinemas to deliver exclusive perks for moviegoers. This partnership brings together everyday favourites food and films to offer members more value and a more seamless entertainment experience.

As part of this partnership, Uber One members will enjoy an exclusive treat every month: Rs. 500 off on movie tickets and Rs. 500 off on food and beverages at Scope Cinemas outlets in Colombo City Centre and Havelock City. With benefits that extend beyond the app, Uber One is bringing added value to everyday moments-turning regular nights out into something special.

Uber Sri Lanka Country Manager – Delivery Varun Wijewardane said, ‘Sri Lankans love their movies, and we love bringing people closer to the things they enjoy. With this collaboration, we’re combining convenience with a little indulgence – because a great film deserves great perks. Uber One is a smarter way not just for everyday savings on rides and deliveries but now to experience cinema too.’

Uber One membership is available at Rs. 599/month or Rs. 5999/year. It provides members 5% discounts on rides, free deliveries, prioritised customer support, and more. The latest partnership is part of a broader effort to make Uber One a lifestyle companion, adding value to everyday moments.

Scope Cinemas Executive Chairman Naveed Cader said: ‘At Scope, we’re always looking for partnerships that make the movie experience even more special for our guests. Teaming up with Uber One brings added convenience and value, and we’re excited to offer movie lovers in Sri Lanka yet another reason to visit the big screen.’ Moviegoers can find their unique promo code on the Uber Eats app banner, then use it on the Scope Cinemas website or at the counter to unlock the benefit-no minimum spend required.

As cinemas light up and Colombo heads into the festive season, Uber One and Scope Cinemas are making sure the city’s love for the big screen comes with a little extra sparkle.

The spirit of Christmas swept across Sri Lanka as Amaya Resorts and Spas, one of the island’s most preferred hospitality brands, hosted its annual cake mixing ceremonies.

At Amaya Hills, snuggled high above Kandy’s mountain ranges, the festive season began with joy and laughter as guests and team members joined hands in a spirited celebration. The mountain air was filled with the fragrance of rich spices and candied fruit as the mixing began, accompanied by the soft hum of carols and the unmistakable charm of a Christmas in the hills.

By the eastern coast, Amaya Beach, Pasikudah, brought the festivities to life by the sea. The resort’s lawns were transformed into a vibrant celebration space where guests gathered for an afternoon of merriment. The occasion captured the resort’s signature blend of tropical elegance and seaside warmth, setting the tone for a joyful Christmas by the beach.

The highlight of this year’s celebrations took place at Amaya Lake, Dambulla, where the resort made history as the first hotel in Sri Lanka to host a cake mixing ceremony on a lake. Guests and team members gathered on canoes floating gracefully across the tranquil waters of Kandalama Lake, surrounded by rippling reflections and the breathtaking scenery of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Clad in traditional Sri Lankan attire, participants joined in this remarkable celebration that seamlessly blended heritage, creativity and festive spirit.

Across every property, the celebrations reflected Amaya’s enduring commitment to creating heartfelt experiences that bring people together. Guests, staff and the extended Amaya family shared moments of joy and anticipation as they marked the beginning of the Christmas season with the warmth and spirit of Amaya Resorts and Spas.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has crossed the 1.9 million visitor milestone so far in 2025, with over 32,000 tourists arriving in the first five days of November, signalling a robust lead-up to the winter travel season and renewed confidence in the island’s recovery as a premier destination.

According to provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), a total of 32,815 tourists arrived in the country between 1 and 5 November 2025, reflecting a 7.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to the same period last year. During the corresponding period in 2024, the country had welcomed 1.65 million visitors.

The average daily arrivals in the first days of November stood at 6,563, up from 6,124 in the same period in 2024, indicating a steady upward trajectory in visitor inflows.

With this momentum, the SLTDA expects November arrivals to reach around 260,229, potentially surpassing the pre-crisis benchmark of 195,582 visitors in November 2018 and the 184,158 arrivals recorded in November 2024. This marks one of the strongest monthly performances in recent years, reaffirming tourism’s role as a vital driver of foreign exchange and economic revival.

The first five days of November saw India remain the top source market with 7,830 arrivals, followed by Russia (4,421), Germany (2,674), the UK (2,340) and Australia (1,325). Year-to-date, India leads with 431,235 visitors, followed by the UK with 177,167 and Russia with 138,061 tourists.

The SLTDA’s revised outlook for 2025 includes three possible scenarios: a ‘Lower Scenario’ of 2.415 million arrivals, a ‘Conservative Scenario’ of 2.676 million, and an ‘Optimistic Scenario’ of 3 million (https://www.sltda.gov.lk/storage/common_media/Growth_Scenarios_2025_final_1.pdf).

Industry analysts said the early November surge, coupled with strong forward bookings for winter, strengthens hopes of surpassing the 2.4 million visitor threshold and positioning 2025 as Sri Lanka’s best-performing tourism year on record.

Esshva, a global technology company delivering enterprise software solutions to clients across diverse industries, won two major awards at the National Best Quality ICT Awards (NBQSA) 2025 for its outstanding and innovative technology solutions. This recognition highlights Esshva’s significant contribution to advancing ICT excellence and driving digital transformation in Sri Lanka, further reinforcing its position as a leader in digital innovation.

Leading Workplace, a workplace certification and assessment platform for employee engagement, captured the Gold Award in the Professional Services category. The solution redefines how exceptional companies are recognised by amplifying employee voices through dynamic and real-time workplace assessments. Leading Workplace equips organisations with actionable insights and tools to champion engagement, align people with impact, and differentiate themselves as employers of choice in competitive markets.

Chekku, a comprehensive business management platform, earned the Bronze Award in the Business ICT Solutions category. The solution streamlines operations for entrepreneurs and independent contractors by providing instant access to job opportunities, integrated compliance and governance tools, a centralised back-office library for operational efficiency, and skill training resources for continuous professional development.

‘These awards validate our belief that exceptional technology transcends borders,’ said Esshva Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sujeev Rajakulendran. ‘The team has worked tirelessly to build solutions that solve problems for businesses worldwide. This recognition inspires the team to continue raising the bar for what’s possible.’

The NBQSA represents Sri Lanka’s premier recognition program for ICT products, celebrating companies that compete on the global stage while advancing the nation’s digital economy.

In a professional career spanning over 34 years, Rasheed counts 29 years in the field of telecommunications, working for subsidiaries of multinational corporations like Millicom International Cellular SA of Luxemburg (Millicom), Emirates Telecommunication Group Company PJSC (Etisalat) and CK Hutchison Group (Hutchison).

Rasheed started his professional career at Ernst and Young.

He has served as the Acting CEO/Chief Financial Officer of Robi Axiata PLC, Bangladesh and Deputy CEO of Hutchison Telecommunications, Sri Lanka.

In prior engagements, Rasheed has also served Etisalat in Sri Lanka as its Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer.

He has also served as the Chief Financial Officer of Celltel Lanka Ltd. and Tigo Lanka Ltd., in Sri Lanka.

Rasheed has also worked in the Sri Lankan conglomerate, Hayleys Group of Companies with Dipped Products PLC, for over three years prior to venturing into mobile telecommunications.

He holds a MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (PIM), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Sciences (BSc).

Rasheed is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute Management Accountants of UK (FCMA UK) a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Management Accounts of Sri Lanka (FCMA SL).