Category: Daily Financial Times

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced that the free distribution of polythene bags, generally referred to as ‘sili-sili’ bags, will be prohibited starting from today (1 November).

In a gazette notification, the CAA said bags made of low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) must not be provided free of charge.

Businesses will be required to prominently display the price of these bags at their premises and it is mandatory for vendors to indicate the price of shopping bags on bills issued to consumers. It is hoped that once consumers are asked to pay for these bags, they will be encouraged to carry their own bags to the market and thus lessen the dependency on sili-sili bags.

This is not the first time that attempts have been made to limit the use of sili-sili bags, which are widely used in the country. Successive Governments have attempted to limit the use of such bags but after an initial success, it has always been back to business as usual.

The amount of sili sili bags released by Sri Lankans to the environment amounts to two billion bags per year according to some studies and this causes significant damage to both our drinking water sources and to the ocean.

A recent Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) article said the country generates over 1.6 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, of which an estimated 70% is SUPs. It quoted a recent study which estimated that Sri Lanka disposed of 20 million yoghurt cups, 15 million lunch sheets, 20 million supermarket bags, and one million sachet packets of sauce, jam, and shampoo monthly.

According to studies conducted internationally, the accumulation of plastic waste in the global ecosystem poses a significant environmental challenge, particularly from low-density and linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE and LLDPE).

These widely used thermoplastics are prevalent in packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, agriculture, and other consumer goods, contributing significantly to plastic pollution due to their durability and resistance to degradation.

According to a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), to slash plastic pollution by 80% globally by 2040, eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastics to reduce the size of the problem is necessary.

The report calls for three market shifts – reuse, recycle and reorient and diversify products.

These include promoting reuse options, including refillable bottles, bulk dispensers, deposit-return-schemes, packaging take-back schemes, etc.; which can reduce 30% of plastic pollution by 2040. To realise its potential, Governments must help build a stronger business case for reusable products.

Reducing plastic pollution by an additional 20% by 2040 can be achieved if recycling becomes a more stable and profitable venture. Removing fossil fuel subsidies, enforcing design guidelines to enhance recyclability, and other measures would increase the share of economically recyclable plastics from 21 to 50%.

Careful replacement of products such as plastic wrappers, sachets and takeaway items with products made from alternative materials (such as paper or compostable materials) can deliver an additional 17% decrease in plastic pollution.

Though successive Governments have signed up to international conventions and also made regulations locally, the problems of overuse of polythene/plastic remains. While Governments may be committing to such goals, the lack of interest by the public to reduce, recycle and reuse such items adds to the problem.

While it’s one thing to announce a ban on use of sili-sili bags or other forms of plastic, there must be wider awareness programs so that there is public commitment to ensure such attempts do not go to waste. Saving the environment should be a collective goal and there must be a commitment from all to ensure that such programs are a success.

The 27th Presidential Export Awards (PEA) ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), will take place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The Presidential Export Award is the highest recognition awarded by the President to Sri Lankan exporters who have made significant contributions to the export sector and the economic development of the country. This awards ceremony aims to honour exporters who have played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

The Presidential Export Awards program was launched by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board in 1981, and to date, 26 award ceremonies have been organised. Approximately 1,500 guests, including Cabinet Ministers, diplomatic officials, Government officials, and exporters, are expected to participate in the 27th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony.

This year’s awards ceremony is held to recognise Sri Lanka’s best exporters for the financial year 2024/2025. A total of 66 awards will be presented under two main categories, comprising 15 overall awards and 51 product and service sectoral awards. Additionally, merit awards will be presented to qualified sectors as determined by the panel of judges, taking into consideration the applicants’ performance as well as the export contribution of relevant sectors to the national economy. The selection of sectoral awards is based not only on export revenue but also on several other criteria, including export market diversification, employment generation, growth in export earnings, repatriation of export earnings to the country, environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and value addition.

Demonstrating the export community’s enthusiasm for this prestigious award, a large number of applications were received by the Export Development Board this year. The initial evaluation of applications was conducted by the Technical Committee, and the selection of award winners was made by a distinguished panel of judges headed by a retired Honourable Judge of the Supreme Court. Ernst and Young (EY) serves as the ‘Knowledge Partner’ for the 27th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony.

In line with the new Government’s policy framework, new strategies have been implemented to expand Sri Lanka’s exports, and it is expected that Sri Lanka’s exports will increase significantly as a result. Accordingly, the government considers the initiatives taken by exporters in areas such as market diversification, product diversification, innovation, value addition, introducing local brands to the world, sustainability of exports, and development of regional value chains as important for achieving its targets.

The Presidential Export Awards Ceremony presents winners with a trophy/plaque and certificate, and award recipients are entitled to use the Presidential Export Awards logo as a marketing tool for a period of three years.

The 27th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony is organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board under the supervision of EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, under the guidance of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, and on the advice of Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry Thilaka Jayasundara.

People’s Bank has joined hands with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board as the Platinum Sponsor, while the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation serve as Silver Sponsors for the 27th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony, which is held to promote and encourage exports from Sri Lanka.

COMMENTS

Sri Lanka’s move toward a digital energy ecosystem remains uneven, with pilot initiatives underway but progress held back by limited funding, weak coordination, and the absence of a national roadmap, according to the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) flagship report State of the Economy 2025.

The report notes that while the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2019 provided a framework for digitalisation, implementation has been fragmented and affected by the macroeconomic crisis.

‘The NEP 2019 was implemented in an era of multiple crises, whereby the power sector was severely affected by rising import prices and shortages due to the foreign currency crisis,’ the IPS observes.

Interviews with the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Lanka Electricity Company (LECO), and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) point to pilot-level progress and early adoption of smart technologies.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided a $ 200 million loan to strengthen the national grid and introduce battery storage facilities. These efforts are triggering digitalisation in energy systems through smart-grid technology.

A grid pilot project at the University of Moratuwa, implemented with ADB support, has advanced both research and student skills development.

Feasibility studies have also begun to install renewable-energy control centres that can monitor generation on digital platforms. ‘The digital monitoring system will be extended to wind power plants and subjected to grid monitoring and control through the assistance of the ADB,’ the report states.

IPS…

On the operational front, LECO has rolled out several pilot programs, including an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and about 5,600 digitalisation pilot projects focused on smart metering.

Of roughly 38,000 consumer accounts, around 25% now have smart meters enabling remote reading and billing.

LECO has also installed weather stations at key transformers to support predictive maintenance. ‘These systems help maintenance staff to locate faults quickly typically within a 10 to 15 kilometre range,’ IPS records.

Meanwhile, the CEB serves 7.2 million customers and has developed its own digital platforms.

The CEB Care app, along with SMS services, provides billing information, account management, and outage reporting through GPS and GIS-linked tools.

LECO’s MyLECO app offers usage history, alerts, and multi-language support, and has been integrated with CEB Care to expand customer communication channels.

IPS identifies these initiatives as foundational for the sector’s wider transformation. ‘Digital applications through smartphones and SMS are changing how utilities engage with consumers,’ it notes, adding that both apps were locally developed to strengthen utility-consumer interaction.

However, the report cautions that digitalisation targets under the 2020-2024 energy policy have been only partially achieved.

‘Implementation of the set targets for digitalisation was constrained by limited resources and funding, lack of coordination, and the absence of a national digitalisation roadmap,’ it says.

While LECO is advancing renewable-energy forecasting tools and GIS-based network automation, and the CEB is piloting digitalisation across its value chain, the IPS highlights remaining structural gaps.

‘Proposed data-governance policies and mandatory building-management systems through UDA regulations have not been effectively implemented,’ the report adds.

Future progress, the IPS stresses, will depend on establishing a national framework.

‘Implementing the proposed data-governance system, enforcing mandatory building-management systems, and executing a comprehensive digital-transformation plan for the entire energy value chain are prerequisites for sustained progress,’ the report said.

Sybil Wettasinghe’s identity in the Lankan cultural firmament is a cosmos of its own; a space that could never warrant substitutes. Sybil herself was a chronicle of history, her life intersecting with almost a century of changing socio-political and cultural milieu of the nation. Challenging the West-aping, servile mentality, the writer who defined the shape and form of Sri Lankan children’s literature for nearly 70 years, was bold enough to question, ‘why glorify apple trees and snow-capped mountains when we are part of a rich heritage.’

In all her scores of much loved books including; Hoity the Fox, Weniyan kalu weniyan, Sooththara Puncha, Runaway Beard, Poddai-Poddi and Meti gedara lamai, the authentic Sri Lankan flavour had been her credo. In a digital era where aththamma’s kitchen is only an image from the past, ‘googled’ and found, her documentation of an era gone by is priceless. Moreover her work impels a generation living in a cultural vacuum, to revisit a value system fast eroding.

The iconic children’s story teller and illustrator whose work girdled the globe even before the internet age, was a prophetess in her own right as her name would translate in Greek mythology. At 92 when she breathed her last five years ago, with her silvery locks and the twinkle in the eye, she would put Goldilocks to shame. A child at heart, ‘Sybil nenda’ as she was lovingly called by several generations, was indeed a ‘Wonder Crystal.’

Inspired by folklore

Sybil nenda would have turned 97 yesterday (31 October). Her presence can be felt by all those who loved her through the first colour edition of ‘The Magic Silver Tree’ posthumously published locally by Adith Publishers, owned and managed by her youngest son Vinod Wettasinghe and his family.

Inspired by a Lankan folk tale, the colour edition of the book was originally published in 2017 in Japan. It was the last of her books to be published in Japan with seven more before it, all of which were translated into Japanese by the well-known translator Kyoko Matsuko, who is also credited for the translation of The Magic Silver Tree. The Sinhala translation of it-Puduma Ridi Gaha is also now out.

Spontaneous expression

Sybil Wettasinghe fans who had the good fortune of seeing her exhibition of illustrations at the Lionel Wendt, marking her 90th birthday seven years ago, would recollect seeing a set of illustrations from The Magic Silver Tree. The work was applauded by several art critics and scholars to be among her best. Sybil’s work has always been responsive to the content. Her illustrations have always been spontaneous. The symbolic motifs abundantly found in The Magic Silver Tree validate the illustrator’s acknowledgment that the story-line is mythical. The signature cat found in almost all Sybil’s stories is notably absent in The Magic Silver Tree-a fine tool she employed to differentiate real life from fantasy.

‘Amma’s work has never been the run of the mill kind. Her creative expression is a result of her engagement with the plot of any story. Her work has also been aligned with her interests at a given time. Her early illustrations for example are extremely detailed, then comes a time where her strokes are very bold and less detailed. Her work in her 70s again becomes more detailed in terms of the environment she captures in the story,’ says Sybil’s youngest daughter Kusala Wettasinghe.

Best of both worlds

Despite her English-speaking convent education in Colombo, Sybil’s formative years in Gintota surrounded by village matriarchs and the antics of other villagers remained her enduring spring of inspiration. Her work reflected the best of both worlds she navigated. Her imagination was further fired by her mother’s and grandmother’s story-telling which enriched her books and illustrations. Among Sybil’s portfolio is a significant number of stories inspired by folklore, The Magic Silver Tree being the last to be added to the list. The illustrations Sybil did for Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne’s compilation of Indian Kannada folktales are also noteworthy.

Sybil’s four children too were blessed to have enjoyed their achchiamma’s stories. ‘My maternal grandmother was a treasure trove of stories and amma remembered most of these narrated to her as a child. I particularly remember the elaborate stories of Muthu kumari and Menik Kumaraya. She used to tell us stories in instalments-ithuru tika heta, my grandmother used to say,’ Kusala reminisces with a smile.

A collector’s item

The Magic Silver Tree is more than a children’s book. The pulsating colours used by the illustrator, complemented by the hard cover render it a collector’s item-a perfect gift to be made to adorn a coffee table or to be added to a home library. ‘The whole production of the book qualifies it to be a collector’s item. Although the Japanese version is slightly different to amma’s original colours used in the book, my brother Vinod who is credited for bringing out this colour edition, assured that all original colours are used in the publication although it is a more costly process in terms of printing,’ Kusala explains. She also recollects her mother doing several sets of illustrations until she was fully satisfied. ‘She did three sets of illustrations of the three princesses and went on asking her grandchildren and some of her closest friends for their take on the best. Such was her intense engagement with a story, how she strived to justice to each story line.’

Transcending age

The morale of the story too which is ‘forgiveness’ makes it universally relevant transcending age. Nevertheless, the beauty of Sybil’s stories lies in the fact that she never drilled lessons into a reader’s mind. Be it Kuda Hora, Podi achchige pulun, Kevun Yodaya or Hoity the Fox to name just a few, she simply allows the story to flow and for each reader to take-away what is relevant to him/her. ‘This came out of her respect for children, because she believed in telling a story and trusting them to extract a lesson on their own. Amma never consciously drilled lessons into her stories, on the contrary, she wanted readers to enjoy and experience each story,’ reflects Kusala.

The official launch of The Magic Silver Tree will take place on 24 and 25 November at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. Sybil Wettasinghe enthusiasts can also look forward to the ‘Life and Work of Sybil Wettasinghe’ next year.

The Magic Silver Tree is now available at Sarasavi outlets, Milk Bookshop (Horton Place) and online purchases can be made through Adith online book store where a concession can be availed.

Changing the world begins with changing our minds. In the midst of growing global crises, including climate change, increasing polarisation, inequality, and an overarching sense of disconnection from those around us and the natural world, it’s not a stretch to say that humanity needs change. Without question, the external systems and structures of our world need to be examined and adjusted. Yet a more hidden source of our current problems runs so deep that it is often overlooked. The very mindset that has enabled today’s crises lies inside of us. As we wrestle with the question of how to create change, there are many levels on which to work-ecological, political, organisational, societal, and individual – Wendy Hasenkamp, PhD, Science Director, Mind and Life Institute, and host of the Mind and Life podcast (https://www.mindandlife.org/insight/transforming-minds/)

Whether one likes it or not and irrespective of whoever to blame for it, the financial bankruptcy experienced by the country in 2022 was a defining moment for the country when not only its financial situation but its economic, health and social wellbeing got disastrously affected. If one thought laterally and ‘outside the box’, it was an opportunity to chart a course for the future economic and social wellbeing of the country different to the path that led to the bankruptcy.

The question though is whether the collective of those responsible, including the people themselves, the political establishment, the bureaucracy, the private sector of the country, members of the clergy and other civil society entities and others within the fabric of society recognised the enormity and repercussions of financial bankruptcy with futuristic eyes or whether they are still looking backwards more intent on maintaining the status quo with superficial, cosmetic changes. In Einstein’s words, are they being fools expecting different results by doing the same thing?

As Dr. Wendy Hasencamp has stated, the very mindset that enabled today’s crises lies inside of us. It follows or should follow that a future crisis could only be avoided by changing one’s mindset as that is what is inside us. System change without a mindset change will be futile as such changed systems will revert to past practices when conditions, especially self-serving political conditions and practices, resurface as has been experienced in Sri Lanka.

Without any debate, the all-pervading cancer of corruption, drug proliferation, the all-powerful drug mafia which survives and thrives due to the symbiotic relationship between it and some members of the political establishment, sections of the Police, the judiciary, the bureaucracy and customs, and very distressingly, even some within religious institutions, contributed to the degradation of the society and financial bankruptcy. One could say without debate, if one were honest in their assessments, that the NPP Government is at least trying to address some of these contributory factors, but unfortunately, to the onlooker, it does not appear that within the political establishment, those outside of the NPP Government are demonstrating their understanding of the cancer nor a willingness to join hands in eradicating it. It does beg the question why, and what compulsions are preventing them from addressing something so obvious to many.

Impact on virtually every aspect of society’s economic fundamentals

The above all-pervading cancer has had an impact on virtually every aspect of the society’s economic fundamentals. Unaffordable, unproductive, unsustainable borrowings, huge spending well above earnings, lack of government savings, both in foreign currency and Sri Lanka rupees, a mechanism to invest and grow savings like how Singapore had done, a politicised Central Bank until recently that compromised the integrity of the country’s monetary policy, a fluctuating currency exchange rate that drove away potential investors with a sound mind, the uncertainty surrounding policies applicable to investment projects, etc., are but some of the key economic fundamentals that were mismanaged by successive Governments that finally sunk the Sri Lankan ship in 2022.

The challenges before the country to eradicate corruption, the drug industry and its mafia, to give life to a bureaucracy that besides its corruption, has followed the motto, ‘more work, more blame, no work, no blame’, to renew and foster the growth of a private sector which has, by and large, been focussed on an internal base that is debt ridden to further their profits and growth, to energise the less than productive agriculture and plantation sector based on technology and a higher productivity following the maxim of obtaining more with less, meaning, making better use of available land including a futuristic assessment of the productivity of land used by the plantation industry, and options that could produce more with less land, and more broadly, how best research and development could increase productivity with less land and with different crops and inter cropping. Besides this industry, re energising the general industrial base of the country with technology advancements and innovations, and working to reach the full potential of the fisheries industry that has a potential catchment area up to 200 kilometres from the shore.

The potential to grow Sri Lanka’s economy and increase the country’s per capita income is substantial. However, it is unlikely that this potential will be realised unless a change in the mindset that leads to a system change that is essential to achieve the potential that is clearly there. There is no question that unless this happens, and the country earns more, saves more and manages expenditure within its income, it will be following the Einstein dictum of expecting different results while doing the same thing. The NPP Government has commenced some activities to achieve the potential, but it does not appear there is a comprehensive strategic plan that identifies the goals and objectives and action plans that are linked to the objectives in respect of the key areas that will propel the economy to a higher and a more sustainable platform.

Need for strategic plans

Such plans are needed for key areas of the economy such as the agriculture and plantation industry, fisheries industry, the export industry, the tourism industry, among others. Such strategic plans, publicly available, will increase confidence amongst the public and they will also serve to provide information to potential investors, local and foreign. In this regard an article titled ‘Paradigm shift needed in economic thinking, policies and strategy – https://www.ft.lk/columns/Paradigm-shift-needed-in-economic-thinking-policies-and-strategy/4-782698 explored several components of the economy that needed a major system change.

While the NPP Government has been in power for just a year, some of its initiatives are commendable. However, perhaps due to a gap between actual activities and publicity for them, a general perception of there being more talk and less action appears to be feeding various social media platforms. Perhaps websites that are publicly accessible and which contain regularly updated strategic plans as outlined above will assist the public to be informed directly about the progress of key areas of reform driven by system change.

From the broader perspective of mindset driven system change in operational activity, initiatives such as digitalisation are very much in the sphere of such a change. It is a far-reaching change that will drive a mindset change. This is indeed the type of mindset linked system change that is needed to introduce a technology driven operational activity that is bound to change its dynamics, reduce costs, reduce opportunities for corrupt activity, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Mindset change needed to drive system change in areas such as within the political establishment, in investment policies and practices, in widening the role of the private sector, and in restructuring the diplomatic services of the country for it to be focal points in overseas locations to promote the investment potential in Sri Lanka, are far more challenging than some of the above mentioned areas.

The political establishment – changes in the political establishment and changes in political governance thinking are essential areas needed to transform virtually all other areas that need a mindset driven system change as it is the pivotal entity that drives what is good, what is bad and what is ugly. The Lincolnian phrase ‘that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth’ seems more a myth than reality in many countries today. In the USA, supposedly the citadel of democracy, one person makes decisions that not only affects its own population, but in the rest of the world. To varying degrees, people have no connection with who they have elected perhaps except during periodic elections. Sri Lanka is no exception. Despite recent elections in the country, both to the National Parliament and to local government bodies, most constituents have no avenue to reach an elected members who supposedly represents them. In many instances, the supposed servant of the people has become the master.

National policies driven by expertise rather than Parliamentary majority

Besides this structural weakness, elected representatives, particularly to the National Parliament, sit in judgement as adjudicators on national policies irrespective of whether they are competent to do so or not. A new constitution that empowers entities that have the expertise to do such adjudication is one mindset driven system change that is imperative if national policies are to be driven by expertise rather than a Parliamentary majority where in effect, people have no opportunity or a voice in policy formulation. In this regard the attention of readers is drawn to an article published in the Daily FT titled ‘Contours for a new constitution with a difference, for the future, not the past – https://www.ft.lk/columns/Contours-for-a-new-constitution-with-a-difference-for-the-future-not-the-past/4-723830).

Investment policies and practices is another key area that requires a major shift in thinking if serious investors are to be attracted to invest in the country. Firstly, such serious investors will not invest in the country if it’s driven by corrupt practices. The effort of the NPP Government to address this issue is paramount and should be commended and supported. Secondly, if investments are to be long term, policies pertaining to them have to be long term and not be amended whenever Governments change in between such long-term periods. Investors need such a certainty as only short-term investors, some of whom could be dubious investors, will be interested in investing in a corrupt, uncertain climate. Thirdly, the criteria for potential investments have to be clearly and unambiguously provided as publicly available documents and the application processing time has to be clearly specified and implemented.

Every effort should be made to make it conditional that a specified local staffing and material component is essential especially in respect of foreign direct investments. This will help the country to develop its human resources and also its industries that would provide at least some materials required by the investors. Finally, the infrastructure required for setting up of particular categories of industries have to be ready and operational for the investors to begin operations within a specified period after the investment application has been approved. No doubt there are many examples where all or some of these criteria have not been adhered to and one example published in the Island on the 26th of October 2025 titled ‘Travails of a multi-million dollar investor in premium tuna exports – https://island.lk/travails-of-a-multi-million-dollar-investor-in-premium-tuna-exports) illustrate this point.

Role of the private sector

Role of the private sector and its impact within the country and outside it via exports has to become a pivotal component of the country economic future. The current level of manufacture and investments by the private sector and the amount of value-added exports is hardly sufficient to raise the country’s economic platform and transform the country to a higher income status. Often private sector entities have been supported if they had the right ‘political connections’ or their attempts to broaden their portfolios thwarted if they did not have such connections. While policy formulation is the responsibility of the Government, it should not have an operational role and a system change that provides Government departments the freedom to engage in policy implementation without political interference should be seriously pursued. In essence, the private sector should have the freedom to operate freely as long as they comply with policy, and they too have had a role in formulating them.

Restructuring the diplomatic service and shifting its emphasis to promoting and advancing trade and commercial opportunities on behalf of Sri Lanka is a system change that is imperative as a more productive return on the costs associated with the foreign service. Today, global political dynamics are such that a Sri Lankan High commissioner or an ambassador could do very little if not nothing to influence decisions taken by foreign countries whether such decisions are adverse or otherwise to Sri Lanka. In the context of the suggested system change, and a change in the emphasis of the foreign service, the personnel assigned to foreign missions, including High Commissioners and ambassadors should be more commercially oriented in order to have a mindset that senses commercial opportunities for Sri Lanka in the country’s they are assigned to.

No doubt there would be some exceptions, particularly when it comes to some countries like the USA, China, Russia, India, and Japan where very high-level astute diplomats should be co-located along with high level, commercially astute representatives. Capable and competent representations in key international bodies and trade organisations is perhaps more important than having diplomatic posts in some countries.

Research and development based on technology

Research and development – In a world fast becoming technologically and AI driven, Sri Lanka’s economic future too has to be driven by research and development that is based on technology. Whether it is broadly agriculture, the plantation industry, fisheries, other industries that provide food security for the country and also export oriented industries, research has to be the corner stone that drives these industries to the future. Such research could provide information to would be investors, both local and foreign about opportunities for value addition rather than just simply export raw materials to other countries for them to do the value adding and make substantial profits. Research and development should also be the corner stone for guiding how the environment could be better protected, managed and sustained, as ad hoc, uninformed strategies to protect the environment are bound to fail.

Finally, in order to raise Sri Lanka’s economic platform and increase its ability to serve its people and make their lives one of better quality, opportunity and hope, for the present generation as well as generations to come, new thinking and new approaches are essential. George Bernard Shaw’s quotation that ‘some people look at things as they are and ask why, while others look at things as they never were, and ask why not?’ should be the theme and guide for the future. Mindset driven system change is a long-term, ongoing exercise and opportunities for upcoming generations to be exposed to, to acquire knowledge and to live in such an environment, should become the goal of all political representatives and civil society in general. If one were to listen to proceedings in Parliament today, it does not appear that such a goal is within the sight of many Parliamentarians, and political parties, particularly the Opposition parties. They must talk about the future and offer more ideas to the public than even the Government as such an approach would help in propelling the country towards a new beginning. The past is important to the extent of learning how things could have been done better. Chartering a course for the future requires new thinking and new innovations and how the country could move with the emerging environment.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka next week.

The visit is undertaken at the invitation of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See.

During the visit, Archbishop Gallagher will call on President Anura Kumara Disanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and will hold official talks with Minister Herath.

A special commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations will also be held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, where Archbishop Gallagher will deliver an address.

The program will further include visits to sites of cultural and religious significance across the country including churches affected by the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019.

A historic Ram Yatra led by spiritual leader Morari Bapu, which is currently underway, soon enters a momentous and deeply symbolic chapter as it crosses from India into Sri Lanka-the land once ruled by Ravana, where Lord Ram’s quest to rescue Mata Sita reached its divine culmination. The upcoming Katha in Negombo marks a profound continuation of this spiritual retracing, as Bapu narrates the Ramayana on the very soil that witnessed the final chapters of the epic’s eternal message of dharma, compassion, and triumph of truth.

Talaimannar marks the first landfall of Lord Ram and his vanara army after crossing the ocean via Ram Setu, the threshold of Lanka for Sita’s rescue. Across Sri Lanka, sites like Sita Eliya, Ravana Ella, and Hanuman Kanda mark the journey of search, captivity, and the final war between Lord Ram and Ravana.

Continuing the sacred trail of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram’s divine journey, this Katha in Sri Lanka holds profound spiritual significance. It marks the land where dharma triumphed over adharma, where devotion overcame despair, and where humanity witnessed the eternal victory of truth and righteousness.

In a deeply symbolic gesture, devotees accompanying Bapu will travel together via chartered flights from India to Sri Lanka, retracing the divine path of Lord Ram’s crossing to Lanka. The Ram Katha will be held in an open pandal in Negombo, welcoming devotees and spiritual seekers from Sri Lanka and around the world to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime moment of collective faith and cultural harmony.

This Sri Lanka chapter forms a key part of the ongoing Ram Yatra, a monumental pilgrimage covering over 8,000 kilometres across India and Sri Lanka, tracing the sacred path of Lord Ram’s exile, journey to Lanka, and return to Ayodhya. The 11-day Yatra is taking over 400 devotees through a unique spiritual journey that began by train across India and continues by air to Sri Lanka-culminating in the final Ram Katha in Ayodhya.

This is Bapu’s second parikrama yatra related to Lord Ram’s vanvaas (exile); the first took place in 2021 from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot and Nandigram.

It is important to note that Bapu does not accept any payment for conducting Katha; the discourses, as well as the meals served, are completely free of charge.

This epic Yatra is being organised by Bapu’s flower (follower) Madan ji Paliwal of Santkripa Sanatana Sansthan. From the travel to the arrangements and the katha reflect the purity and inclusiveness of Sanatana Dharma. Devotees are accompanying Bapu, making this a collective offering of faith and unity.

Rooted in the eternal values of Satya (Truth), Prem (Love), and Karuna (Compassion), the Ram Yatra reaffirms Bapu’s lifelong mission to spread the light of the Ram Charita Manas and strengthen the spiritual fabric of humanity.

As part of its grand 175th anniversary celebrations, S. Thomas’ College (STC) has announced the launch of the first-ever All-Island Schools National Startup Innovation Event, scheduled to take place in partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in November 2025. This pioneering initiative reflects STC’s commitment to elevating entrepreneurship across Sri Lanka by nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Founded in 1851, STC’s 175-year legacy is marked by a tradition of excellence in education and leadership development. The college’s Warden emphasises, ‘This milestone year inspires us to empower our youth with the skills and mindset to pioneer change through innovation and entrepreneurship. This innovation/startup event, in partnership with leading ecosystem players, is a testament to our dedication to holistic education and societal progress.’

Global Entrepreneurship Week, a flagship initiative of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, is celebrated worldwide each November to ignite inspiration, opportunity, and global connectivity for entrepreneurs. GEW offers a diverse range of events including workshops, pitching competitions, and networking that transform ideas into successful ventures.

As the principal partner of this landmark initiative, Sampath Bank stands alongside S. Thomas’ College in inspiring the next generation of Sri Lankan innovators. As a pioneer in financial innovation, the Bank continues to play a leading role in advancing the nation’s entrepreneurial landscape by empowering startups and SMEs through access to funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Through its association with the All-Island Schools National Startup Innovation Event, Sampath Bank reaffirms its belief that entrepreneurship is a vital driver of sustainable economic growth and national development, further strengthening its commitment to building a culture of innovation across the country.

Joining the event’s powerful ecosystem is the Lankan Angel Network. Established in 2012, the network has invested over Rs. 2 billion in more than 45 startups, connecting entrepreneurs with global investors, mentors, and market access. The Lankan Angel Network’s involvement along with hatch co-working space and Dialog Axiata ensure participating young innovators gain critical support to accelerate their ventures on both national and international stages.

This collaborative effort between S. Thomas’ College, Sampath Bank PLC, Lankan Angel Network, and other ecosystem partners embodies a bold vision: to inspire an island-wide culture of entrepreneurship, create opportunities for youth, and drive Sri Lanka’s innovation agenda forward.

S. Thomas College 175th Anniversary Celebrations are taking place through several events that have engaged the student community across Sri Lanka during 2025 and will continue with a series of Special Events through 2026.

ITC Ratnadipa heralded the start of festive season with its second annual cake mixing ceremony held on 25 October. The event, attended by a large number of distinguished invitees, marked the joyous beginning of the Christmas season with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of rich spices and dried fruits filling the air.

The ceremony was a glorious celebration of tradition and togetherness, where guests joined the hotel’s culinary team lead in mixing an array of festive ingredients, symbolising abundance, happiness, and good fortune for the season ahead. The event was beautifully complemented by an indulgent spread of food and beverages, bringing seasonal cheer to everyone’s hearts content.

The evening truly set the tone for the holidays, as ITC Ratnadipa once again showcased its flair for grandeur and attention to detail. With its elegant ambience, festive décor, and vibrant atmosphere, the celebration established a benchmark, ensuring that any forthcoming seasonal event will have to match the pomp and pageantry displayed by ITC Ratnadipa Colombo.

ITC Ratnadipa Area Manager – Sri Lanka and General Manager Keenan McKenzie said, ‘The Cake Mixing Ceremony is a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of joy, unity, and anticipation for the festive season. At ITC Ratnadipa, we take pride in creating experiences that bring people together in celebration. This event marks the beginning of a truly special time of year, and we look forward to many more such joyous moments with our guests.’

As the festive season unfolds, ITC Ratnadipa Colombo continues to promise a series of memorable experiences, fine dining indulgences, and celebrations that capture the essence of responsible luxury and heartfelt hospitality.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof as the President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Investment to strengthen the country’s global investment engagement and support the Government’s economic revival efforts.

The appointment, made under Article 41(1) of the Constitution, acknowledges Yusoof’s extensive experience in international investment partnerships and his longstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s private sector development.

In his new role, Yusoof will facilitate high-level engagement with global investors and strategic partners, boost investor confidence and help attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into priority sectors.

He will also work closely with the Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Port City Commission and relevant Ministries to identify and promote key investment opportunities.

The move aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s investment climate, reaffirm global confidence in the nation’s economic stability and accelerate sustainable growth.

Yusoof will undertake the position on an honorary basis, in addition to his current duties as Governor of the Western Province.