Category: Daily Financial Times

The two-day Disinfo2025 conference involving multiple stakeholders concluded yesterday in Ljubljana, Slovenia, addressing the rising threat of digital disinformation and the need for stronger international cooperation against manipulation and influence operations.

The event was supported by the Republic of Slovenia, with the European External Action Service (EEAS) as the main supporter.

It brought together global experts, policymakers, journalists, including from Sri Lanka, technologists, and civil society actors.

Held from 15 to 16 October, the conference featured multiple thematic tracks covering areas ranging from disinformation atlas and accountability and enforcement to community-driven resistance and spin zone analysis. Over 100 sessions, panels, and workshops explored topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and synthetic content, media accountability, and grassroots approaches to combatting disinformation.

A dynamic start with simulation and workshops

Preceding the main conference, on 14 October, it featured preparatory workshops, including ‘How to Protect an Election,’ a simulation exploring the hybrid threats of misinformation, cyber attacks, and judicial interference during election periods. Another special session focused on disinformation trends in Sri Lanka and the Indo-Pacific, at which the media, including the Daily FT, and analysts shared regional insights on narrative manipulation in economic disinformation and fact-checking challenges. This session was organised by Internews.

Delegates also participated in workshops, setting the tone for collaboration and cross-border dialogue ahead of the main sessions.

Strong opening with global voices

The conference officially opened on 15 October with a high-profile plenary session featuring EU DisinfoLab President Diana Wallis, State Secretary for National and International Security Vojko Volk, and Culture Ministry State Secretary Marko Rusjan.

In their remarks, the speakers stressed that combatting disinformation requires a shared, multi-sectoral response that blends regulation, media literacy, and technological accountability.

One of the key highlights was the conversation between Nicolas Hénin, an experienced French author and journalist, who has covered numerous conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, and filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab, who reflected on how propaganda and disinformation have been weaponised in conflict zones such as Syria, turning narratives into instruments of control and fear.

Hénin also recounted his experience dealing with cyberbullying, noting that he managed it by refraining from any form of engagement.

The session underscored how digital influence operations deeply entwine with physical violence and geopolitical control.

Thematic sessions tackle AI, accountability and regional resilience

Over the two days, experts examined how disinformation has evolved into a sophisticated global threat.

Across multiple tracks, participants addressed how disinformation is weaponised in sectors such as health systems and public services, examining how false narratives are used to discredit institutions and science and credibility, unpacking how ideological misinformation targets scientific consensus.

A key session titled ‘Not So Artificial Threats’ delved into the dual nature of AI, both as a tool for detection and as a generator of synthetic misinformation. Participants discussed the growing risks of ‘AI slop’ and the poisoning of large language models through false data.

The accountability track drew considerable attention, especially during ‘Deterrence and Enforcement,’ where legal and regulatory specialists debated how governments, social media platforms, and law enforcement can coordinate to ensure transparency without curbing free expression.

Another session, ‘FIMI Defenders in Action,’ showcased grassroots initiatives to protect journalists and civil society groups from online harassment and disinformation campaigns, reinforcing the need for community-led resilience and mental health support for those on the information frontlines.

Meanwhile, ‘Mapping the Southeast and Beyond’ brought perspectives from Asia, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, highlighting how political narratives, digital propaganda, and economic pressures converge to shape regional disinformation ecosystems.

Emphasis on cross-sector collaboration

Throughout the conference, participants echoed the importance of cross-sector partnerships, connecting technology platforms, researchers, journalists, and policymakers.

Discussions also underscored how data transparency, algorithmic accountability, and digital literacy are critical in rebuilding public trust.

The event’s ‘Science and Credibility’ sessions explored how misinformation targets the foundations of science and medicine, particularly in health communication, while other panels dissected State-sponsored disinformation and its role in weakening democratic institutions.

A call to collective action

At the closing plenary, delegates reflected on the urgency of implementing the insights gained over the two days. The session summarised key recommendations, including establishing better early-warning mechanisms, supporting regional disinformation monitoring hubs, and integrating counter-disinformation strategies into broader digital policy frameworks.

Organisers and participants agreed that Disinfo2025 succeeded not only in sharing expertise, but also building an international coalition for truth and transparency in the digital era.

For Slovenia’s capital, the event marked another milestone in Europe’s growing role as a convening hub for information integrity and democratic resilience. As the curtains fell on Disinfo2025, one clear message resonated: the fight against disinformation is not confined to one nation, but it is a shared global responsibility that demands sustained vigilance, innovation, and cooperation.

Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday declared that Sri Lanka is setting sail towards a bold new future in ocean-based industries, aiming to position itself as the premier destination for Blue Economy investment in South Asia.

Delivering the keynote address at Marine Summit: Voyage Sri Lanka 2025, organised for the second consecutive year by the Export Development Board (EDB), Dr. Fernando outlined the Government’s Blue Economy Vision 2030, a strategic framework to unlock the vast potential of the country’s marine resources, identifying five key sectors, including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, port development and maritime logistics, marine tourism and recreation, and offshore and energy services, as priority areas for investment.

The summit, which brought together global experts, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, served as a vital platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s marine potential and attract strategic investments.

‘The oceans surrounding us are not just a natural resource; they are the foundation of our future prosperity,’ Dr. Fernando said.

He noted that the Government’s long-term commitment involves both policy reform and institutional strengthening to support private sector innovation and international partnerships.

‘Our vision is clear to develop a resilient, competitive, and sustainable marine economy that generates employment, investment, and global partnerships,’ the Minister noted.

As per the identified five key areas, Dr. Fernando highlighted sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, with emphasis on modernising fishing fleets, improving cold chain logistics, and introducing value-added seafood processing for export. The second is marine biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, leveraging Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity to develop bio-based products and medical research ventures.

He also highlighted port development and maritime logistics as critical growth enablers. ‘With the expansion of the Colombo Port and the development of the Hambantota and Trincomalee harbours, Sri Lanka is poised to become a regional hub for cargo handling, ship repair, and bunkering services,’ he added.

Marine tourism and recreation was identified as another priority, with plans to integrate coastal and ocean-based experiences such as sailing, diving, and eco-tourism into the broader tourism strategy. Additionally, marine and offshore services, including oil and gas exploration and energy hub development, were cited as emerging opportunities for international investors.

The Minister detailed the policy reforms the Government has undertaken to support the growth of the Blue Economy. These include tax incentives for investors and regulatory streamlining and infrastructure investments in ports, fisheries harbours, and coastal zones. ‘We are working closely with the Board of Investment (BOI) and the EDB to ensure a seamless investor experience, from project approval to implementation,’ he said.

The Government has also prioritised environmental governance, ensuring that all marine and coastal projects comply with sustainability standards in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, ‘Life Below Water.’

Underscoring Sri Lanka’s competitive advantages, Dr. Fernando noted the country’s strategic location at the centre of major global shipping lanes, connecting East and West. ‘We sit at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, a trillion-dollar trade corridor. This gives Sri Lanka unparalleled potential to serve as a logistics, repair, and service hub,’ he emphasised.

He further pointed to the availability of a skilled maritime workforce, the existence of world-class port infrastructure, and the island’s vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans more than seven times its land area. ‘Our human capital and geography together make Sri Lanka an ideal destination for global investors in the marine sector,’ he said.

The Minister extended a call to action to international partners to join Sri Lanka in building a sustainable and profitable Blue Economy. ‘We invite investors, development agencies, and maritime nations to collaborate with us in transforming Sri Lanka into a true maritime nation,’ he said.

He added that with policy stability, Government backing, and institutional facilitation, Sri Lanka offers a conducive environment for investors seeking long-term growth in ocean-based industries. ‘The ocean connects us all. Together, we can turn Sri Lanka’s blue potential into shared prosperity for the region,’ he affirmed.

The conference brought together an impressive line-up of national policymakers, development partners, and international industry leaders, including Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunatilaka, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, and BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath.

Minister Handunneththi, addressing the forum, stressed that Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position provides a natural advantage for maritime trade and logistics.

He highlighted that infrastructure modernisation and new policy frameworks were being prioritised to enhance global competitiveness in the marine and offshore services sector. Inviting international investors, he assured that the Government would provide all necessary facilities and support to accelerate sectoral growth.

Adding a global perspective, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Takafumi Kadono discussed the ADB’s strategic partnership in Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy transformation, sharing lessons from regional cooperation models and outlining future investment opportunities.

The conference featured participation from international organisations such as the ADB, International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside academic experts from the University of Moratuwa and University of Ruhuna, as well as industry representatives from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Colombo Dockyard, Marine Industry Council, and GAC Group Sri Lanka.

Wijesinghe reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to fostering a globally competitive marine and offshore services sector through innovation, human capital development, and in

The full resumption of construction on Section I of the Central Expressway, linking Kadawatha to Mirigama on 17 September 2025, is far more than an infrastructure update; it is a powerful symbol of Sri Lanka’s economic renewal and a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This project, long-awaited by citizens and crucial for national connectivity, stands as a beacon of progress emerging from a period of significant challenge.

The Central Expressway, ultimately linking the country’s capital Colombo and the second largest city Kandy, will be the trunk expressway of the country and knit the existing three expressways into a national network of expressways.

Sri Lanka was among the first nations to embrace the BRI, recognising its natural alignment with its own national development strategy. This foresight is built upon a deep and longstanding history of mutual support. The foundation of our economic partnership was laid decades ago with the groundbreaking Rubber-Rice Pact of 1952. At a time when Sri Lanka was confronting food security challenges and China needed vital resources, this barter agreement provided a stable, mutually beneficial solution. It was a bold move that defied the pressures of the era and established a powerful precedent: that China and Sri Lanka could be relied upon as partners in times of need.

Legacy of pragmatic cooperation

This legacy of pragmatic cooperation has been amplified under the BRI framework, yielding a tangible transformation of its national landscape. For generations, other key infrastructure projects remained on drawing boards, stalled by a lack of funding and technical capability. The modern BRI partnership has changed that narrative. From the Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) that revitalised its port’s competitiveness to the Southern Expressway that connected the south to the economic heartland, and the iconic Lotus Tower that defines the Colombo skyline, Chinese partnership has been indispensable in turning vision into reality.

Beyond transformative loans, China has also gifted Sri Lanka enduring landmarks of friendship – the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), the Supreme Court Complex, and the National Nephrology Hospital. These are not commercial ventures but symbols of a deep, people-centred goodwill.

The story of the Central Expressway’s Section I encapsulates this spirit of cooperation. Suspended in mid-2022 amidst the nation’s severe economic crisis and the freezing of international credit lines, the project’s future was uncertain. Its revival is a direct result of President A.K. Disanayake’s leadership and, crucially, the steadfast support of Chinese partners. The Government of Sri Lanka’s allocation of Rs. 8.6 billion, coupled with a vital Yuan-denominated loan equivalent to $ 500 million from the Export-Import Bank of China, has breathed new life into this critical 37-kilometre stretch, setting a firm completion target of mid-2028.

More than a road

The significance of this moment was captured by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong at the resumption ceremony: ‘We gather to witness the exciting moment of the full resumption of Section I of the Central Expressway Project. I extend warm congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to all those who have tirelessly advanced this work.’ This project holds a unique distinction: it is the first major infrastructure initiative to move forward since Sri Lanka’s sovereign default in April 2022. It is, therefore, more than a road; it is a turning point, signalling international confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery and a concrete step toward national renewal.

The Central Expressway is not an isolated endeavour but a key artery in a broader network of BRI-driven prosperity. It connects to a vision of national development that includes the transformative Colombo Port City, poised to become a global financial and services hub, and the upcoming Sinopec refinery in Hambantota, which will position Sri Lanka as a key energy hub for South Asia. These projects represent the evolution of our cooperation from foundational trade pacts to comprehensive, future-focused partnerships. They translate into tangible benefits: thousands of jobs for Sri Lankans, significant foreign investment, and enhanced opportunities for local businesses.

What truly sets the Sri Lanka-China partnership is its resilience and sincerity, a quality evident since the days of the Rubber-Rice Pact. In a time of unprecedented economic hardship, when many traditional partners stepped back, China demonstrated a commitment to standing with Sri Lanka. This involved not just financial support but also diplomatic solidarity and a vote of confidence in our nation’s future. The resumption of the Central Expressway is, therefore, a landmark of trust. It proves that our partnership can withstand global headwinds and domestic difficulties, and that Sri Lanka and China are committed to walking this road of development together.

As the expressway takes shape over the coming years, it will carry more than just vehicles; it will carry the aspirations of a nation moving confidently forward. It will carry the strength of a friendship built over decades and tested through challenge. And it will carry the promise of a shared future defined by mutual prosperity and deeper connectivity.

The resumption of the Central Expressway is indeed a milestone of renewal for Sri Lanka’s economic growth, for people, and for the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and China under the Belt and Road Initiative. It is a clear signal that our journey toward progress is firmly back on track.

Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC has been announced as the Platinum Sponsor for the 15th edition of Medicare – International Healthcare Exhibition 2026. This partnership reaffirms Asiri Hospital’s unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s healthcare sector and fostering medical excellence.

The three-day exhibition, scheduled from 6 to 8 March 2026 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exposition Centre (BMICH), Colombo, is widely recognised as the nation’s premier platform for healthcare advancement, knowledge exchange, and industry collaboration.

With a proud legacy spanning over four decades, Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC today operates six internationally accredited hospitals across three provinces. The group has earned its reputation as a leader in advanced healthcare services by performing over 800 open-heart surgeries annually, more than 6,000 angiograms each year, and having successfully completed over 10,000 brain surgeries in the past decade. In addition, the group is equipped with three state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratories (CAT Labs), reinforcing its standing as a centre of excellence in cardiac and neuro care. On a daily basis, the channelling centres serve over 3,000 patients, while its laboratories conduct more than 25,000 diagnostic tests. In addition, it records an average of over 55,000 admissions annually, reflecting its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care.

Asiri is also home to the largest laboratory network in the country, a service it has mastered from the very beginning-touching countless lives on a daily basis. The hospital group emphasises not only clinical excellence but also compassionate care, with a special focus on nursing and post-care services. Generations of dedicated professionals continue to serve within Asiri, fostering a strong culture of belonging and ownership within the ‘Asiri family.’

Beyond hospital walls, Asiri extends its mission through numerous CSR initiatives, reaching communities in need and spreading meaningful social impact. With the rise of medical tourism and Sri Lanka’s increasing appeal as a healthcare destination, Asiri sees new opportunities to leverage its world-class infrastructure, internationally qualified doctors, and skilled nurses-resources that are in short supply globally.

As the Platinum Sponsor of Medicare 2026, Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC will showcase its enduring commitment to medical innovation, patient-centric care, and healthcare excellence-inspiring industry leaders, policymakers, and the public alike to embrace solutions that enhance the health and well-being of the nation.

Step beyond the surface. What happens in the instant between seeing and understanding? What hides in the space where perception falters, and imagination begins? The Fareed Uduman Art Forum and Sky Gallery invite you to cross that threshold with Tomas Lagunavicius-artist, writer, theorist, and cultural provocateur-as they unveil ‘Beyond the Visible.’

Opening on 17 October, this exhibition challenges audiences to look beyond surface appearances and step into a world where perception becomes an active, multi-layered experience.

The Fareed Uduman Art Forum continues its mission of making art accessible and thought-provoking for Sri Lankan audiences. After the resounding success of exhibitions featuring Van Gogh, Gauguin, Masterpieces Unveiled, Gustav Klimt and Salvador Dali, this new chapter brings a more intimate and reflective experience to the gallery.

Tomas Lagunavicius is a rare blend of artist, thinker, and cultural architect. His practice crosses boundaries of visual art, performance, installation, sound, and conceptual work-deeply informed by psychology, systems theory, cybernetics, and linguistics. With 37 solo exhibitions, 56 group shows and biennials, 39 performances, and 12 published books, Tomas has established himself internationally as both a creator and intellectual force.

Tomas describes himself as a ‘post-matrix individual’ living across multiple roles-artist, psychologist, writer, educator. Instead of seeking unity, he embraces contradiction, allowing each identity to voice itself within his work.

Beyond the Visible is more than an art showcase-it’s an immersive environment that transforms spectators into participants. Each work operates as a system: layered, responsive, and built from structural logic and conceptual inquiry. Tomas’s hybrid method blends traditional techniques-drawing, painting, collage-with cutting-edge digital tools, including AI-assisted colour harmonisation and composition software. For him, technology is not a shortcut but a collaborator. His signature 3x3x3 method-three dominant colours, three geometric forms, and three real-world objects-creates clarity through structure while unlocking endless creative possibilities.

At the heart of the exhibition lies Tomas’s self-developed framework: Metacubism – Art for the 21st Century. Inspired by Cubism’s radical break with tradition, Metacubism adapts that spirit to today’s fractured realities-marked by digital saturation, political upheaval, and shifting truths. Through repetition, interruption, absence, symmetry, and data-driven aesthetics, Tomas addresses a central question: What happens in the space between seeing and understanding?

The Exhibition also unveils a stunning collection of what he calls his works of ‘Meta Buddhism.’ In Europe and North America, Buddhism underwent, in his opinion, three major phases. During the first phase, when it came out, we tried to accept it as it was. Later, post-Buddhism emerged as a modified form of Buddhism adapted to the contexts of Europe and North America. Now, we have post-post-Buddhism and no longer remember the original sources but modify and edit the legacy of post-Buddhism. In his opinion, post-Buddhism is a very important element of the new culture of Europe and the United States. Maybe we should not call it an element at all; it is more of a function that cannot be removed. Post-post-Buddhism is becoming the operating principle of North American and European consciousness.

Despite its intellectual depth, Beyond the Visible remains accessible. Viewers need no theoretical background-only a willingness to pause, reflect, and explore how unconscious systems shape perception. Not for passive viewing. It asks you to enter, to participate, and to confront the invisible systems shaping everyday perception. No theory is required. Only presence. The exhibition is a mirror, a question, and an opening.

The Fareed Uduman Art Forum invites all to the opening of Beyond the Visible, on Friday 17 October, at Sky Gallery, at 6:00 p.m. The exhibition continues until Sunday 26 October from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) has reported its highest-ever single-day revenue collection, earning Rs. 24.9 billion on 15 October, SLC sources said.

The cumulative revenue collected for 2025 has reached Rs. 1.86 trillion and is on track to meet its annual revenue target of Rs. 2.11 trillion.

According to SLC officials, the resumption of vehicle imports to the country was among the key contributors to this highest revenue earning.

Nations Trust Bank was an active partner in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) ‘Pay Digital’ Initiative held in Dambulla recently, as a part of its commitment towards building an economy that drives cashless digital payments for economic progress.

During the initiative, the Bank demonstrated a variety of digital solutions through an interactive stall, highlighting the functionality of its digital capabilities, including the Nations Direct and FriMi mobile apps. While gaining exposure to the Bank’s digital banking capabilities, visitors also had the added advantage of experiencing and signing up for instant account openings with Nations Trust Bank.

Nations Trust Bank is focused on a seamless transition to a digital-first future, which is designed to satisfy the demands of both individuals and businesses alike. The event was attended by CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Deputy Governor Janaka Karunaratne, and other key officials.

The initiative sought to promote the use of safe and effective digital payment methods nationwide and is the third of a series of events that initially kicked off in Hambantota and Nuwara Eliya earlier this year.

Sri Lanka’s tea industry must embrace climate-resilient cultivation and Geographical Indication (GI) certification to secure its long-term sustainability and competitiveness, Tea Research Institute (TRI) Deputy Director of Research – Production Dr. Shyamantha Bandara said yesterday.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the ‘Perspectives on Geographical Indications in Sri Lanka’ forum in Colombo, Dr. Bandara said the industry must modernise cultivation systems and integrate GI standards to withstand climate risks, while meeting future production targets.

‘We produced around 262 million kilograms of tea until 2024, and our target is to reach 400 million kilograms. To achieve that, we need to advance technology, improve farming systems, and modernise cultivation across the sector,’ he said.

He said the tea sector supports nearly 1 million people, mainly in highland regions vulnerable to changing weather patterns. ‘Sri Lanka has been ranked among the countries most at risk from climate change. The tea sector is already facing production declines due to shifting rainfall patterns,’ Dr. Bandara noted.

To address these challenges, he said the TRI and the industry are focusing on ‘cultivar selection, physiological approaches, and agronomic practices such as shade management, irrigation, and new farming systems.’

He highlighted the growing adoption of tea-and-coconut intercropping systems and terrace cultivation in mid-country regions as examples of innovation.

Dr. Bandara also said micro-irrigation, which is widely used in other tea-producing nations, could be a viable solution to counter water scarcity and ensure consistency in yield. ‘We must assess how introducing technologies like micro-irrigation would align with certification and sustainability frameworks under GI protection,’ he added.

He said the emergence of artisanal and wild teas presents new opportunities for Sri Lankan producers to command higher prices in global markets, but added that GI protection is crucial to prevent counterfeiting and preserve product authenticity. ‘When new products emerge, GI protection ensures traceability, prevents mislabelling, and builds consumer trust,’ he said.

Dr. Bandara said that production costs in Sri Lanka remain among the highest in the world, making market differentiation through GI certification a potential competitive advantage. ‘GI can assure higher market prices, strengthen international recognition, and bridge the gap between producers and consumers through digital marketing platforms,’ he said.

He also called for institutional reforms to improve certification processes and digital traceability. ‘We must strengthen institutional coordination to implement GI standards effectively and align them with emerging marketing landscapes,’ he said.

The forum, organised by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), marked the conclusion of the Ceylon Tea GI project supported by the French Agency for Development.

The initiative seeks to secure EU GI protection for Ceylon Tea following the success of Ceylon Cinnamon and to promote Sri Lanka’s broader portfolio of origin-linked agricultural and artisanal products.

Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC and Toyota Lanka Ltd. have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen customers’ access to innovative and affordable vehicle financing solutions in Sri Lanka.

Through this partnership, customers purchasing Toyota and Hino vehicles from Toyota Lanka will benefit from Singer Finance’s comprehensive financing facilities, including leasing, revolving loans, and vehicle loan schemes. The agreement also paves the way to offer customers greater flexibility and exclusivity in service delivery when financing Toyota vehicles through Singer Finance, including priority processing, personalised assistance, and convenient documentation support.

Singer Finance Chief Executive Officer/Director Thushan Amarasuriya stated: ‘At Singer Finance, our focus has always been on empowering customers through accessible and innovative financial solutions. This partnership with Toyota Lanka combines our expertise in financial services with one of the most trusted automotive brands in the world, offering Sri Lankans a unique opportunity to fulfil their vehicle ownership aspirations with greater ease and confidence.’

Adding his perspective, Toyota Lanka Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Manohara Atukorala said: ‘At Toyota Lanka, our purpose is to enrich lives through sustainable mobility. Partnering with a trusted financial institution like Singer Finance enables us to expand our reach and make Toyota ownership more accessible, convenient, and reliable for our customers. Together, we aim to drive forward a shared vision of safer, smarter, and more inclusive transportation for every Sri Lankan.’

Singer Finance stands as the primary financial entity within the Hayleys Group, Sri Lanka’s most diversified conglomerate with over 140 years of contributing to the nation’s economic and social progress. Backed by this legacy, Singer Finance continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial service provider, and the partnership with Toyota Lanka marks another step in delivering unmatched value and convenience to customers.

ANKH Trading Ltd., has launched in Sri Lanka with a mandate to curate premium global brands and pioneer new commercial channels across South Asia, aiming to bridge international creators with emerging consumer markets in the region.

The privately held company has identified three primary areas of focus, Luxury Experiential, Sustainable Luxury, and Specialised Experiential. Its portfolio spans jewellery, gemstones, personal wellness, haute perfumery, and early childhood development products.

In its luxury division, ANKH plans to introduce refined global brands to what it describes as an increasingly premium-conscious consumer base in South Asia. The company is positioning its jewellery and gemstone lines around traceability and ethical sourcing, with commitments to conflict-free and fair-trade supply chains. Lab-grown stones, recycled metals, and artisanal craftsmanship are expected to feature prominently in this segment.

Sustainable luxury forms a second stream of the company’s operations. This includes ethically sourced products and eco-conscious packaging, with a stated emphasis on aligning commerce with environmental responsibility. Personal wellness is also part of this portfolio, ranging from curated self-care products to niche fragrances created by master perfumers in Europe and the Middle East.

The third pillar, Specialised Experiential, targets early childhood development. ANKH says it is curating educational, recreational, and sensory development products tailored for toddlers. These include hands-on learning tools, role-play kits, and sensory exploration materials designed to nurture creativity, language, and motor skills.

‘ANKH Trading is structured around a philosophy of commerce with purpose,’ said ANKH Trading Head of Operations Terin Schubert. ‘Across South Asia, discretionary consumer demand is growing rapidly, FMCG alone saw an 8.3% year-on-year increase in Q2 2025 in South and West Asia. At the same time, Southeast Asia’s luxury goods market is already worth over $ 10.7 billion and projected to rise to nearly $ 15.8 billion by 2033. Meanwhile, the health and wellness sector in the region has surged to $ 142.5 billion in 2024, and consumers are increasingly aware about sustainably produced goods. Our goal is to build meaningful pathways for global brands to engage with these evolving markets in a way that is transparent, ethical, and forward-looking, ensuring value not just for creators and consumers, but for communities and the environment too.’

She added, ‘The company’s Specialised Experiential division taps into a fast-growing segment in South Asia’s early childhood growth markets. The region’s kids’ toys industry, valued at $ 6.66 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $ 11 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%, while Sri Lanka’s own toys market is forecast to expand at an impressive 19.5% annually through 2034. Within this landscape, sensory and developmental toys are gaining strong traction globally, with the sensory products segment expected to rise from $ 2 billion in 2024 to $ 5 billion by 2033. ANKH’s curated range focuses on this intersection of learning and play, introducing tactile, role-play, and sensory exploration tools that nurture creativity, communication, and motor skills in toddlers, designed in alignment with international early learning standards.

The company, headquartered in Colombo, is entering the market at a time when South Asia’s consumer segments are showing signs of shifting toward premium and wellness-driven products. ANKH Trading said it intends to expand its regional partnerships in the coming phases, with a focus on building sustainable trade frameworks alongside brand curation.