Category: Daily Financial Times

Hilton Colombo is once again raising the steins as it hosts Oktoberfest for the 32nd consecutive year, inviting guests to gather in the spirit of Bavarian tradition.

Taking place from 6 to 15 November 2025 at the hotel’s Sports Centre Arena, the festival promises nights filled with authentic German flavours, flowing brews, and vibrant entertainment.

Since its debut more than three decades ago, Oktoberfest at Hilton Colombo has grown into a highlight of the city’s social calendar, drawing both locals and international visitors eager to experience its festive atmosphere. This year, guests can savour a hearty Bavarian buffet paired with flowing brews and the lively beats of the Oompah Band from Germany. Adding to the excitement are traditional Bavarian games and activities, including the ever-popular brew drinking competition, Bavarian whip cracking, and brass music, ensuring every evening is filled with laughter and festive cheer.

‘Oktoberfest at Hilton Colombo is more than a festival, it’s a tradition that brings people together year after year to celebrate good food, great music, and meaningful connections. We are proud to keep this tradition alive for 32 years, and we look forward to welcoming our community back this November to share in the joy of Bavarian culture, surrounded by Hilton hospitality,’ said Hilton Sri Lanka Area General Manager Manesh Fernando.

The celebration runs nightly from 7:00 p.m. to midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Friday and Saturday). Tickets are priced at Rs. 7,588 nett per person (Sunday to Thursday), Rs. 8,388 nett per person (Friday and Saturday), and Rs. 10,888 nett per person (VIP). Guests can unlock exclusive deals with Sampath Bank credit cards, and enjoy a 15% discount on Oktoberfest tickets from Sunday to Tuesday and a 10% discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays (terms and conditions apply).

Sri Lanka’s immediate tourism neighbour, Kerala, is setting a new benchmark in inclusive tourism by placing women at the heart of its tourism development strategy. Through its Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission) and the newly launched Gender-Inclusive Tourism Policy, the State has emerged as a national model for gender-responsive and women-friendly tourism.

The initiative, which began under the ‘Women-Friendly Tourism Project’ in 2022, has now expanded across the State, drawing the participation of more than 17,000 women as entrepreneurs, guides, homestay owners, and tour operators. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said, ‘Tourism must empower local communities, especially women. Kerala’s goal is to make every destination safe, inclusive, and economically beneficial for women, empowering them across the tourism value chain.’

The Maravanthuruthu STREET Project is designed to develop small, sustainable tourism hubs in rural areas, built around local culture, heritage, cuisine, and everyday life that tourists might call the ‘real Kerala experience’. For host women, these are mostly home cooked meals, homestays and include their usual day-to-day tasks such as coir rope making and coconut palm leaf weaving. There is a system for issuing tickets and distributing income so that the scheme is self-sustainable.

Kerala, Responsible Tourism Mission’s gender inclusive approach ensures women are not only beneficiaries but active partners in tourism. Training programs, micro-enterprise grant support, and skill-building workshops are enabling women to start small ventures, from souvenir shops and food stalls to nature guides and homestay operators.

Under the new tourism policy, 10,000 women-led ventures and 30,000 jobs are expected to be created over the next few years. The Mission is also working with UN Women India to train women leaders and strengthen community-based tourism networks. Safety remains central to Kerala’s vision. The State has completed gender and safety audits in a number of tourist locations, identifying infrastructure and behavioural improvements needed to make travel safer for host women and women travellers. Five destinations are now set to receive a ‘Women-Friendly’ certification tag, marking them as secure and welcoming for women travellers. Meanwhile, the tourism department has begun branding special curated for solo women travellers and groups, combining cultural, wellness, and adventure experiences supported by verified women-friendly facilities.

Kerala’s gender responsive tourism model has drawn expertise from countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, United Kingdom, Nepal, Romania and Italy, and also its own best practice examples from other regions of India. The State hosted the Global Women’s Conference on Gender-Inclusive and Responsible Tourism in 2024 supported by UN Women, leading to the Kerala Declaration on Women Friendly Tourism. The declaration underlines Kerala’s commitment to integrating gender equality in all aspects of tourism, from policy to practice. This year, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission took another step forward by developing a Cultural Tourism Policy, which would further assist women in tourism.

UN Women has lauded the initiative as a pioneering example of how tourism can be a tool for women’s empowerment and inclusive growth. Despite progress, officials acknowledge that challenges remain. Extending gender audits to all destinations, building safer infrastructure in rural areas, and ensuring the long-term viability of women-led enterprises will require sustained investment and monitoring. Social attitudes, too, are evolving. In some communities, women’s participation in tourism-related work faces gender-based cultural barriers – a challenge the Responsible Tourism Mission addresses through awareness programmes and community dialogue.

Kerala’s gender-inclusive tourism model is increasingly seen as a blueprint for other Indian states and tourism destinations such as Sri Lanka. By aligning tourism development with social equity, the State is proving that tourism can be both economically beneficial and socially transformative to overcome gender barriers.

Responsible Tourism Mission CEO Rupesh Kumar said, ‘When women are empowered, tourism becomes more sustainable. Kerala wants to show the world that responsible tourism is not just focused on nature and natural environment, it’s about people, equality, and shared growth.’ Charmarie Maelge, attending from Sri Lanka, said, ‘What is most encouraging is the commitment and will of the Government. Kerala has established tourism societies and women’s groups across the State, creating a strong network. Members are provided with the required financial and technical assistance. There are dedicated staff at the Responsible Tourism Mission and, most importantly, allocated funds from the Government and a long-term approach. There is a strong emphasis on developing women’s entrepreneurship in Kerala. Sri Lanka also needs to prioritise promoting women’s participation as employees in the formal tourism sector to help bridge the existing skills gap and meet industry growth demands. Achieving this would require similar strategies aimed at transforming social gender norms and workplace gender stereotypes.’

The familiarisation visit organised for the international delegates was centred on Onam celebrations in September this year and covered Cochin, Vembanad, Kumarakom, Maravanthuruthu, Perumbalam, Thrissur and Trivandrum.

Tourism Clubs are formed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Kerala Tourism paving the way for new tourism trends and creating interest in travel among the youth.

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), made its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, this week unveiling the BYD RACCO, a lightweight all-electric K-EV designed specifically for the Japanese market, and launched its dual ‘EV + PHEV’ strategy with the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid model for the Japanese market, BYD SEALION 6 DM-i.

Under the theme ‘ONE BYD’, BYD showcased both passenger and commercial vehicles, marking an important step toward building a comprehensive line-up that integrates hybrid and pure-electric technologies for Japan. This milestone further expands BYD’s presence in the Japanese market, enhancing its brand strength and advancing a complete ecosystem for both passenger and commercial mobility.

BYD’s passenger vehicle booth featured the all-new BYD RACCO and BYD SEALION 6 DM-i, alongside the upgraded BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN, BYD SEAL, and the YANGWANG U9 supercar from BYD’s premium brand. The diverse display demonstrated BYD’s comprehensive product portfolio and commitment to offering Japanese customers innovative, sustainable mobility choices.

Since entering the Japanese passenger vehicle market in July 2022, BYD has introduced several successful models, including the BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN, BYD SEAL, and BYD SEALION 7. With the addition of the BYD RACCO and BYD SEALION 6 DM-i, BYD continues to strengthen its product line-up, aiming to launch seven to eight electric and hybrid models by 2027. To date, the BYD has established 66 retail outlets across Japan, steadily expanding its sales and service network.

On the commercial vehicle front, BYD made the global debut of the BYD T35 all-electric truck and the J6 Living Car Concept, while also displaying the J7 medium-sized and K8 large electric buses.

The BYD T35, developed in accordance with Japanese regulations and vehicle dimensions, is equipped with BYD’s signature Blade Battery, ensuring reliable performance and practicality. The model is expected to enter the Japanese market in 2026.

Since entering Japan’s new energy commercial vehicle market in 2015, BYD has achieved cumulative sales of approximately 500 electric buses, including the J6, J7, and K8 models, becoming the market leader in Japan’s electric bus segment. BYD’s pure-electric buses operate across the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, contributing to cleaner, more efficient public transportation systems.

BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang said: ‘This year marks the 20th anniversary of BYD in Japan and the first time our passenger and commercial vehicles are showcased together. From electric buses to electric cars and now our Super Hybrid DM-i models – BYD SEALION 6 DM-i and the world premiere of the K-EV – BYD has always aimed to offer safe, efficient, and high-quality new energy vehicles suited to Japan’s needs. We will keep strengthening our services, expanding our line-up, and working with Japanese customers toward a more sustainable future.’

Beyond Japan, BYD’s Asia-Pacific business covers more than 20 countries and regions across Asia and the Pacific Rim, spanning commercial vehicles, passenger cars, forklifts, and rail transit systems.

From early leadership in commercial EVs to expanding its passenger car line-up, BYD continues to align closely with local customer demands and industry trends. With the introduction of the BYD RACCO K-EV, the extension into both electric and hybrid product lines, and the addition of customised electric trucks, BYD is actively contributing to the evolution of Japan’s new energy vehicle ecosystem. As its retail network and product portfolio continue to grow, BYD remains dedicated to localised innovation, supporting Japan’s sustainable mobility transformation and creating greater value for society.

Taj Samudra, Colombo celebrated the Festival of Lights with its in-house guests last week, embracing the spirit of Diwali with warmth and joy. The celebration began with a traditional diya lighting ceremony held in the hotel lobby, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. Taj Area Director – Maldives and Sri Lanka, and Taj Samudra General Manager Samrat Datta, joined the associates and guests in lighting the lamps, marking the beginning of the festivities. The evening was filled with festive décor, traditional touches, and heartfelt hospitality, reflecting the true essence of Tajness and the joy of Diwali.

Sri Lanka has witnessed many assassinations of elected political representatives– elected executives and legislators– but apart from that of Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike in 1959, they were during the two civil wars North and South, and the killings were by armed anti-state organizations the LTTE and the JVP.

The murder of Lasantha Wickramasekara, the elected Chairperson of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, is different. It didn’t take place in the context of a civil war. And, unlike the sporadic murders of municipal councillors (Wickramasekara was a Chairman) over decades, it took place while he was discharging his duties as an elected legislator, not while he was off-duty in a private locale.

Speaking in Parliament within hours of the shooting, the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala labelled the victim as a gangster and the killing as an inter-gang shooting. This alacrity contrasted with the statement of a French Minister who refused to say anything about the perpetrators of the Louvre robbery on the public record because it had only been three days (at that time) since the crime, and investigations needed more time for a clear picture to emerge.

In Weligama, for the first time, an alleged gangster was killed when he was functioning in his capacity as an elected politician, a chairperson of a representative institution, and in broad daylight, with his staff and public in proximity on the premises. It is as if the killers did not want to murder Lasantha Wickramasekara, so-called gangster, but rather to murder Lasantha Wickramasekara the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.

Lasantha was a member of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, the main parliamentary Opposition, which has never been tainted by association with gangsterism and is simply not a credible target for a gangland killing.

However, the SJB does have a feature which could make it a target of ex-military mercenaries and/or gangster triggermen. It has been winning or heading winning coalitions at a string of recently held Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society elections, as well as a clutch of earlier-held Pradeshiya Sabha elections. NPP representation on most of those recently-elected MPCS Executive Boards has been zero.

The contemporary history of Latin America shows that drug cartels have carried out numerous assassinations of politicians who aren’t themselves gangland rivals but were likely to succeed at municipal, regional or national levels. Who paid, persuaded or induced the cartel triggermen to assassinate those politicians and occasionally take the fall, is guessed at by the public. Similarly, ‘Dubai Lokka’ and his criminal network could have served as intermediary and ‘laundromat’ for a political contract killing.

The assassination of Lasantha Wickremasekara triggered a memory in me: it was an exact replica of the JVP’s killing of Prof Stanley Wijesundara, the University of Colombo’s Vice-Chancellor, in his office on campus, in a daylight shooting.

Congenital lying, political Mafia-ism

I have reason to disbelieve when any JVPer (or JVP-puppet NPPer) expresses his/her view on the identity of a killer. The first political murder by the JVP during its second insurrection in the 1980s was in December 1986. It was of Daya Pathirana, young radical leftist leader of the Independent Student Union of Colombo University. Pathirana was the JVP’s main rival in the university arena.

The date of the killing, a good half-year before the Indo-Lanka Accord and 1½ years from the 13th amendment, disproves any spin that it was a matter of ‘patriots’ vs ‘traitors’. Pathirana being a militant anti-UNP activist also demonstrates that the JVP’s first killing was not targeted at the ruling UNP which the JVP correctly accused of responsibility for its armed uprising by postponing Parliamentary elections and unfairly proscribing the party.

Pathirana was killed because he was a competitor. The JVP since its inception, is intolerant not only of armed enemies but of unarmed critics and competitors. It remains congenitally monopolistic, and that has nothing to do with Marxism– it is mere political Mafia-ism.

Pathirana and a fellow university student, Somasiri (nicknamed ‘V-C’), were invited for a discussion by JVP students, grabbed on the sidewalk and bundled into a van, taken to an island off Piliyandala, stripped to their underwear, and had their throats cut. For good measure Pathirana had the back of his head caved in. Somasiri survived. It was the night of a full moon and passing pilgrims were able to catch a glimpse of the gruesome goings-on, and therefore the JVP killer-gang abruptly abandoned the task of cutting Somasiri’s throat. Hospitalized, he made a full statement to the Police that the killers were JVP, mostly from the Jayewardenepura campus, and had grilled Daya Pathirana under torture about – among other topics–my whereabouts (as well as those of a female ISU leader).

After the killing of Daya Pathirana the JVP insisted that the atrocity had been perpetrated either by UNP Minister Gamini Lokuge or by ‘Dayan Jayatilleka ge Vikalpa Kandayama’ (Dayan Jayatilleka’s Vikalpa Group). Pathirana and the ISU had an overlap and loose affiliation with the Vikalpa Kandayama, and the murder was sought to be spun by the JVP as an internecine killing. Unfortunately for the JVP, the ridiculous charges never flew. Instead, Daya Pathirana’s enraged fellow students (who had de-briefed survivor Somasiri) took the battle to the JVP, imposing terminal retributive justice.

That didn’t stop the surviving JVP including ‘Big Brother’ persisting until a few years back to vainly spread the Big Lie of an ‘internecine killing’– the exact equivalent and precursor of the ‘inter-gang killing’ of Weligama’s Lasantha Wickramasekara.

Left continuity

The electoral elimination of the left parties at the 1977 General Election did not result in a collapse of leftist ideology and influence in Sri Lanka. How so? The most dramatic symbolic recognition of the continued influence of leftism after 1977 was when the new draft Constitution of 1978 was presented to President JR Jayewardene. He used his fountain pen to make a significant amendment, adding the adjective ‘Socialist’ to the definitional nomenclature of Sri Lanka as a state and country. That seems a gratuitous gesture but JR was sagacious enough to understand that ‘socialism’ was not primarily a question of economic model, but of values and virtues, aspirations and ethos.

It wasn’t solely JR’s sagacity that caused his leftward nod. It was the fact that unlike at the present time, in 1970-1977 the parties in Government (including the SLFP) had their own left dissidents within them; there was an anti-Government left outside parliament; and a non-government critical left leading the intelligentsia.

Offhand, here’s a list:

1. The Trotskyist left, led by Bala Tampoe and Edmund Samarakkody which broke with the LSSP in 1964 over the entry into the Coalition Government.

2. The Maoist Left led by N Sanmugathasan which broke with the Communist Party on ideological issues of an international character, also in 1964.

3. The JVP, which had been smashed by the State after its adventurist 1971 insurrection but recomposed in the jails, while generating a Maoist breakaway, the Janatha Sangamaya.

4. The non-JVP radical New Left (‘Mitipahara’, ‘Nava Lanka Communist Party’, etc.) critical of the JVP but committed to revolution, which emerged after or sustained themselves despite the ghastly repression witnessed in 1971. Some had been contemporary competitors of the JVP (Dharmasekara Group), others were post-1971. (Despite age discrepancy, Dayapala Tiranagama, Kalyananda Tiranagama, Rohan Samarajiva and I belonged in this space.)

5. The leftwing dissidents who opted to remain within the LSSP and CPSL (e.g., Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Sarath Muttetuwegama) and the SLFP (Kumar Rupesinghe’s Maoist Janavegaya group).

6. The independent intellectual liberal-Left, supportive of the UF victory of 1970 but critical of the Government from 1971-72 onwards. The MARGA Institute, the Center for Society and Religion, and the Social Scientists Association (of which I was a founder-member) were all formed during the United Front Govt and were nodes of critical counter-discourse. Leading UF Ministers were openly critical of MARGA, which had apart from its development research, published Frantz Fanon, Andre Gunder Frank, William Hinton and Ernest Mandel in Sinhala translation. Fr Balasuriya’s CSR sharply critiqued the UF Govt’s rightward economic shift.

These rivulets kept the left and progressive cause going outside of, independent of and critical of the government, seamlessly moving into the post-1977 phase (supported by Mervyn de Silva’s Lanka Guardian), undeterred by the electoral collapse of the LSSP and CPSL.

The governing JVP-NPP is neither leftist, nor has a dissenting leftwing within. There’s no slew of radical New Left groups challenging the government. There is no critical intellectual left, institutional or informal, outside this Government (barring the FSP-linked PSA and the CPSL-linked Asia Progress Forum). Pro-NPP intellectuals criticize the global system, ignoring or excusing Anura’s abject betrayal.

The AKD-JVP-NPP government discredited leftism as a label so badly, it could destroy Leftism as a brand.

Three-headed Right

Sri Lanka’s Right is three-headed, like the mythical Cerberus. We have the ruling Right, AKD and the JVP-NPP with its unaltered IMF economic austerity; sellout to the private foreign creditors on debt repayment terms; giveaway of lands and strategic assets to foreign corporates; avoidance of BRICS and SCO; deletion of references to Israeli Occupation of Palestinian lands and people; and accommodation of an exhibitionistic-aggressive Zionist presence. It represents the interests of the dependent neo-comprador big capitalists.

Then there are two right-wing tendencies in the Opposition space, either one of which will influence the next Government, while the other influences the next Opposition:

The Economic Right, which seeks to eliminate state enterprise (including Sri Lankan Airlines) in the economy, build roads to India, economically integrate with Tamil Nadu, and adopt a pro-US-UK-NATO foreign policy. It is embedded within the UNP and the SJB -though the latter has a progressive-centrist leader, Sajith Premadasa, who verges on social democracy.

The Ethnoreligious Right, mostly Islamophobic and pro-Israeli. These ultranationalists hover around the SLPP seeking to dominate it as it did Gotabaya’s disastrous SLPP government, though Namal Rajapaksa himself is a moderate-nationalist with a center-left self-identity (like his father).

The Economic Right agenda dominating SJB-UNP govt policy means patriotic Southern rebellion.

The Ethnoreligious Right agenda dominating SLPP govt policy means global isolation/ encirclement/Northern unrest.

JVP’s organic crisis

The JVP-NPP in 2019-2020 did not have the mass base that the LSSP-CPSL had from the 1940s through to the General Election of 1970. In 2024 it did. That mass support was not an organically evolved electoral base such as the LSSP-CPSL historically had. It was conjunctural, situational, episodic. It was obtained not through organic growth but by smart manoeuvre, speedy mobility which enabled accurate positioning after the Aragalaya, while Sajith Premadasa’s SJB dithered.

However, manoeuvre and mobility can only get you so far, and that too only in the Opposition, not in office. Even when he was elected President, AKD got only 42%-43% of the vote; the only Lankan president not to reach 50%.

In Government, successful politics is a ‘prolonged war of position’ of the accumulation of social forces. The JVP-NPP has not been able to grow organically while in office, because of its structure and economic policy. Dodging/delaying the Provincial Council elections deprives it of an opportunity for electoral solidity.

Despite its organic electoral base, the LSSP-CPSL shrivelled between 1970 and 1977 because of mass economic hardship. So too will the JVP-NPP, especially without an organic electoral foundation.

Raj Sivanathan nails it:

‘.the defeats in a series of key southern districts, including Kelaniya, Beruwala and Homagama, point to a deeper truth: the NPP’s grassroots strength is slipping. In at least 9 out of 14 co-operative contests, NPP backed groups suffered defeat at the hands of opposition or independent alliances.The co-operative results demonstrate that even in traditional left-leaning areas, the party’s support has eroded amid inflation, cost of living pressures and stalled reforms.’

Unlike an open, truly mass (e.g. social democratic) party, nowhere in the world is a cadre-based ‘vanguardist’ party sustainably successful electorally in a competitive multi-party democracy. 2024 was an exceptional episode in the Aragalaya’s wake.

The JVP is relying on its old cadre-based model and institutional culture to keep it on top, though its performance at the local authorities’ election shows an unprecedentedly sharp drop in the popularity in a first year in office. Slow-motion electoral snap-back is underway.

AKD-NPP 2024 was an electoral ‘bubble’, the political version of a financial bubble. By 2029 the Opposition will catch the JVP-NPP in a center-right (SJB-UNP)/center-left (SLPP) pincer.

The next Left

It is hardly big, but has proved its capacities in the Aragalaya as ‘motor force’ and spearhead. I refer to the Jana Aragalaya Vyaparaya (JAV) or People’s Struggle Movement (PSM) partnered with the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP).

FSP Educational Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda cannot be beaten in a TV debate by any JVP leader or NPP Cabinet Minister-and none dares try.

Meanwhile, the public presentation I found to be the most strikingly impressive of this year (so far) is by Aragalaya student leader and hero Wasantha Mudalige, the only Aragalaya personality who has a documentary on him on international TV (Australia’s SBS). On the proposed projects in Mannar and Trincomalee which have triggered protests, the presentation by FSP-PSA’s Mudalige is a powerfully-delivered, deep-cutting, superb fusion of political economy, fact-based logical analysis,

Though the JVP-NPP is anti-racist, it is utterly, unprecedentedly unpatriotic and an enemy of national liberation as demonstrated by its secret pacts with India and sellout to Indian big corporates as well as private foreign creditors. In contradistinction, the FSP-PSA has succeeded in combining patriotic national liberation themes while cutting across ethnonational and ethnoreligious boundaries, unifying all communities in any area in a combined struggle. The multiethnic militancy in the Eastern province in the late 1980s of Kumar Gunaratnam, FSP founder-leader, is probably an inspiration.

Recalling that the FSP broke from the JVP way back in 2011 because of its rightist tendencies and absence of internal democracy, Nagamuwa explained that the Aragalaya was so powerful it sent the Establishment reeling, with almost all parties including the main Opposition finding themselves off-balance. With strongman Gotabaya ousted by the civic movement, the big corporates found a governing alternative in the JVP-NPP, while the latter found patronage. The JVP-NPP is now the new party, the new vehicle and agency of the big bourgeoisie, Sri Lankan and foreign.

The implosive electoral collapse of the JVP-NPP in 2029 will be the FSP-PSA’s chance to emerge as the main left party; the left Opposition to either the SJB or SLPP in Government. Sri Lanka’s last Left standing today -active, engaged in heroic political praxis–will be tomorrow’s Left.

With Human Rights Watch correctly criticizing Sri Lanka for tax-breaks for the superrich while starving public schools of funds and charging fees instead, whoever we elect the next President and PM/Government, we need a democratic Socialist-inspired Opposition, or as a major player in Opposition, in Parliament and Provincial Councils.

One of the key drivers of the Portuguese and Dutch presence in Sri Lanka was to secure the monopoly of the lucrative Ceylon cinnamon trade. The cinnamon trade had been the Dutch government monopoly during its rule in the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka spanning nearly one and a half century ended in 1796. After the capturing of maritime provinces by the British in 1796 ending the Dutch rule, regulations were relaxed for local people to allow purchase cinnamon of limited quantities in important cinnamon producing districts while the exports had been kept under the British colonial government’s direct control at the initial phase.

By 1840s the British colonial government here decided to give up the monopoly and let the industry – production, sales and exports be managed by the local private sector. This situation continues to persist in large measure even today as the industry has been preserved and promoted over the long time by the local private sector in Sri Lanka, with a minimal intervention by the Government.

Sri Lanka is the world’s largest producer and exporter of pure cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). Galle, and Matara are the principal cinnamon producing districts at present though cinnamon on a small-scale is also cultivated in a few other districts as well. Cinnamon is Sri Lanka’s fourth largest agricultural export commodity involving over 70,000 small farmers with 350,000 employees in production and processing. On average, the production has increased by over 50% during the last two decades from 2000. Approximately 80-90% of the cinnamon production is exported, and the remainder 10-20% is accounted for domestic consumption and changes in stocks annually. The value of cinnamon exports has steadily increased during last two decades. The quantity of exports has increased by nearly 70% and value of cinnamon exports has more than quadrupled during the same period. In 2022, Sri Lanka’s total export of cinnamon was 18.51 m/kg, accounting for about 90% of its world’s total. The total value of cinnamon exports in 2022 was $ 213 million, which accounts for about 51% of the spice exports, 5.56 percentage of the total agricultural exports and 1.26% of the total exports of Sri Lanka on average. Although main agricultural commodity exports – coconut, tea, and rubber have been heavily regulated, the cinnamon industry dominated by the private sector, has been regulated marginally by the Government over the years.

Sri Lanka cinnamon has gained an international reputation for its uniqueness, colour, flavour, and aroma. The main importing countries of Sri Lankan cinnamon include Mexico, USA, UK, Germany, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador where its demand has been rising. Importing countries use cinnamon, in the main, for perfumery, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. Imports of cinnamon by USA are both for domestic use and re-exports as well. Its competitive/weak substitute known as cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) is less expensive compared to that of cinnamon.

However, there has been a structural change in the cinnamon marketing mechanism in the recent decades from what had existed several decades ago. The old mechanism is changing paving the way for a new mechanism to emerge. This aspect has not been comprehensively studied yet. The cinnamon marketing has undergone significant transformations, including market mechanisms, quality standards, and creation of value-added products, etc. This article aims at examining recent key changes in cinnamon marketing in Sri Lanka. The marketing dimension affecting all stakeholders in the cinnamon industry is pivotal for its further development.

Changes in production quality

Quality standards have been a problem of substantial nature in the country’s marketing of cinnamon over the years. Studies related to spices have shown that the country’s domestic marketing mechanism has developed in line with the prevailing export standards of cinnamon. There have been modest improvements in the quality of cinnamon production over the past decades in Sri Lanka. While there have been efforts to enhance the standards and practices within the cinnamon industry, it is essential to acknowledge that the improvements have been incremental rather than revolutionary. Some farmers have adopted slightly more sustainable and organic cultivation methods, leading to bring about healthier cinnamon produce and slightly improved bark quality. Modern processing facilities have also been introduced, aiming to adhere to stricter quality standards, albeit with varying degrees of success. These developments may have helped to the preservation of essential oils and natural flavours in cinnamon.

However, it is also important to note that the overall progress in raising cinnamon quality being gradual, challenges such as consistency in quality across the industry continues to remain an important area to be addressed. Some recent studies too have shown the importance of improving quality standards of its value chain for the promotion of the industry. Despite these limitations, Sri Lanka has made reasonable strides in increasing its cinnamon production, and continuous efforts are being made to further improve quality standards and maintain its position as a trusted source of this prized spice in the world market.

Besides, it has been noted that the maintenance of quality standards of cinnamon quills being the principal produce is especially important for surviving in the international market. This has not only improved the shelf life of the produce but also preserved its essential oils and natural flavours. The implementation of strict quality control measures has also played a pivotal role in maintaining consistency and authenticity in cinnamon production. Improved quality standards of cinnamon have its various socio-economic spillover effects and UNIDO too has helped developing programs for quality standards compliance by stakeholders in the cinnamon industry in the recent years.

Furthermore, improvement of quality standards, and changes in the cinnamon marketing mechanism has a positive relationship too. When the quality of produce increases, changes in the marketing mechanism occur rapidly. Inversely, if quality remains the same, the marketing mechanism stays constant.

Sri Lanka produces processed cinnamon largely in the form of quills based on the bark of the tree. This is the principal produce of commerce – in retail, wholesale, and export of cinnamon of Sri Lanka. All types of cinnamon quills – Alba, C, M and H types are commonly produced in all districts and exported by Sri Lanka. Besides, there are other products – primarily cinnamon oil taken from both the bark and the leaves are also exported by Sri Lanka.

Value addition and diversification

Developing new cinnamon products while improving existing ones has been a major concern among the policymakers and exporters of cinnamon over the years. Over the past decade, there has been a gradual but discernible increase in the production and diversification of value-added cinnamon products. While the growth may be described as marginal, it reflects the industry’s acknowledgment of the changing consumer landscape and evolving preferences. Sri Lanka has expanded its cinnamon offerings beyond traditional quills, with a slow but steady rise in products such as cinnamon essential oils, powders, and extracts. These value-added items cater to a niche market connected with the health benefits associated with cinnamon.

More than 90% of the cinnamon production is exported as cinnamon quills/sticks although much less product diversification has been taken place over the years. But the demand for cinnamon bark oil and leaf oil has been on the increase in the global markets. Moreover, Sri Lanka has expanded its cinnamon-based offerings to the areas to include a variety of culinary and cosmetic products. Cinnamon-infused teas, snacks, have gained popularity, while the beauty industry has seen the emergence of cinnamon-integrated cosmetics and skincare products.

This diversification has not only added economic value but also strengthened Sri Lanka’s reputation as a hub for high-quality cinnamon and its derivatives. It has opened up new avenues for income generation for local farmers and businesses, contributing significantly to the growth of the country’s spice industry. Sri Lanka’s commitment to product innovation and diversification has positioned it as a formidable player in the global market for value-added cinnamon products.

Changing domestic cinnamon marketing mechanism

The term marketing mechanism is being used to explain how producers and buyers ultimately engaged with each other. This process is generally related to demand and supply mechanism, benefiting both suppliers and consumers. Marketing mechanisms are modified by regulations, incentives, and other factors. Often a sequence of companies from producer to final consumer perform marketing functions to fit market supply to the needs and wants of prospects. This sequence of companies is called the marketing channel (or mechanism).

It is generally observed that the mechanism of domestic cinnamon marketing which had continued for decades has been undergoing changes since the last two decades. The mechanism that prevailed for long (‘old mechanism’) was as follows: Producer==>Village Collector/Traveling Collector==>Town Collector/Regional Wholesaler ==>Major Wholesaler==>Manufactures cum Exporter. Exporters have traditionally been in Colombo, closer to the seaport.

Although there had been over 65 cinnamon exporters of varying degrees of export activity in Colombo before 1990s, it is now observed that less than 5 exporters are operating in Colombo and the new exporters operate from the key cinnamon producing two districts themselves – Galle and Matara. The old marketing mechanism has been undergoing drastic changes during the last two decades being replaced with ‘new mechanism’ now emerging due to various factors which are not known yet.

Government initiatives

The term institutional support applies to the business and industry’s economic climate. It is composed of authorities and organisations whose decisions and the active support of legislation, policy, financial and non-financial assistance bringing about various improvements in the activity of any enterprise. In general, there has not been Government initiatives of significant order to improve the cinnamon industry. But the institutional support – financial support, training, and education, extension advice in this sector has been in existence since 1972 with the establishment of the Department of Minor Export Crops.

The National Cinnamon Training Academy (NCTA) in 2016 with UNIDO’s assistance implemented a program of training catering primarily to cinnamon peelers. The new facility concentrates on improving right skills and expertise for cinnamon production and workers involved processing in general. The Sri-Lanka Standards Institute (SLIS) has established standards for Ceylon cinnamon (SLS81:2010) focusing primarily on physical appearances of cinnamon.

Furthermore, institutional support and cinnamon marketing mechanism too are positively related. When the institutional support increases, change in the marketing mechanism occur rapidly. If institutional support remains the same, the marketing mechanism stays constant. The government has consistently worked towards reaching GI for cinnamon. With the acceptance of Geographical Indication (GI) status for cinnamon on 02nd February 2022, marketing becomes somewhat easer as the market now differentiate Ceylon cinnamon from its weaker substitute cassia.

Further, the Government in its Annual Budget for 2023 announced the establishment of a separate Department for Cinnamon Development, a major step taken by the Government perhaps after the late 18th century Dutch who for the first time established the Department of Maha Badda (Cinnamon) to regulate the industry. This new Government initiative aiming at enhancing industry’s development will no doubt usher a new era for the country’s cinnamon industry in general and country’s cinnamon marketing in particular.

Conclusion

The cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka has witnessed a remarkable transformation, evolving from a tightly controlled colonial commodity to a blooming, private sector led adept at navigating the convolutions of the global market. This evolution is marked by significant advancements in the cinnamon marketing mechanism, production quality, and the diversification into value-added products. Sri Lanka’s status as the world’s leading producer and exporter of pure cinnamon is a direct result of these continual improvements.

The enhancements in quality standards and the introduction of modern processing techniques have been instrumental in preserving the distinct flavours and essential oils of cinnamon, ensuring its sustained demand internationally. Furthermore, the expansion into products like cinnamon oils, powders, and extracts has not only increased the economic value of cinnamon but also broadened its global market reach.

Government initiatives, though limited, have played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s current success. The implementation of quality standards and the acquisition of Geographical Indication (GI) status have been crucial in distinguishing Ceylon cinnamon from other varieties, solidifying its global market position. Additionally, institutional support through training, education, and financial assistance, albeit modest, has contributed to the industry’s development.

In essence, the journey of Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry is a story of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. Navigating through historical challenges and seizing opportunities, the industry positions today as a testament to the potential of strategic evolution in the global spice market. With the world increasingly recognising the unique qualities of Ceylon cinnamon, Sri Lanka is not only fortifying its role as a key spice player but is also set for sustained growth and modernisation.

Bringing pride to Sri Lanka, xCommerz, the next-generation online commerce platform by Xiteb Ltd., has won the Silver Award for ‘Best eCommerce Innovation’ at the prestigious Asia eCommerce Awards 2025 held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

This remarkable achievement placed the Sri Lankan flag high among global digital commerce leaders, a true testament to the company’s performance, innovation, and exceptional teamwork. The award recognizes xCommerz as one of Asia’s benchmark eCommerce platforms, handpicked by the awards committee for its proven adoption among leading national and international retailers and the strong brand trust it has built across the region.

The Asia eCommerce Awards celebrate excellence across brands and solution providers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judged by a panel of over 17 senior industry experts including Pallishree Panigrahi (Head of Data and Marketing Insights, Amazon.com, Inc.), Ankit Porwal (E-commerce Transformation Director, L’Oréal), U-Fong Chua (E-Commerce Director, Beiersdorf – NIVEA), Bernard Yap (E-Commerce Deputy Director, Skechers), Rouselle Pantua (E-commerce Lead, Bayer CH – Asia), and A. Rawat (E-commerce Lead, 3M) the competition upholds the highest standards of digital innovation.

This high-calibre panel ensured xCommerz was evaluated against the most demanding benchmarks, with past winners such as Nestlé, Unilever, LEGO, and Cathay Pacific underscoring the event’s international prestige. Built on a cloud-native microservices architecture, xCommerz delivers ultra-fast performance and scalability through its Tri-Modal Next-Gen eCom Solution (SaaS, Hybrid, and Custom). Judges highlighted its seamless legacy migration, rapid deployment, and accelerated go-live capabilities that empower faster, smarter digital transformation across industries. Further supporting the regional eCommerce ecosystem, Xiteb has announced a free audit service for existing online businesses to enhance performance and digital strategy. This recognition adds to Xiteb’s national and international accolades, including The Bizz Awards USA, solidifying its reputation as a leading Sri Lankan tech innovator on the global stage.

LB Finance PLC yesterday announced that its voluntary offer to acquire 100% of Associated Motor Finance Company PLC (AMF) has been converted into a mandatory offer after shareholders representing 65.6% of AMF’s issued voting shares accepted the proposal.

According to the company’s filing, John Paulu Irugalbandarage Nalatha Dayawansa, who holds 39.95% of AMF, and Imperial Import and Export Company Ltd., holding 25.65%, have accepted LB Finance’s offer in full.

Their combined holdings amount to 65.6% of AMF’s issued shares, triggering a mandatory offer to all remaining shareholders once control passes 30%.

The original voluntary offer, dated 27 October, sought to purchase all 113,327,268 ordinary voting shares of AMF at Rs. 50 each for over around Rs. 5.6 billion. The company said the conversion of the voluntary offer into a mandatory offer takes effect from 29 October.

The offer marks a major consolidation move within the non-bank financial sector, positioning LB Finance for potential operational synergies and market expansion once the acquisition process is completed in line with the Takeovers and Mergers Code.

C.W. Mackie PLC has entered into a landmark partnership with SKF, the world’s largest bearing manufacturer, to become its authorised distributor in the country. The announcement was made at a grand ceremony in Colombo on 10 October, attended by the senior management of both C.W. Mackie PLC and SKF India (Industrial) Ltd. The collaboration unites two companies with strong legacies of trust, innovation, and international recognition.

The partnership further strengthens C.W. Mackie’s Industrial Products Cluster, complementing its existing collaborations with renowned global brands such as Danfoss (Denmark), Bitzer (Germany), Frascold (Italy), Telwin (Italy), Cebora (Italy), Chosun (South Korea), Castolin Eutectic (Europe), and Hempel Paints (Denmark). Founded in 1907, SKF operates in approximately 130 countries and has more than 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. As a pioneer in bearing technology, SKF has been making some of the world’s most innovative bearings, seals, lubrication systems, condition monitoring solutions, and services to reduce friction. It is one of Sweden’s largest companies and among the world’s top corporations, recognised for bearing technology and advanced industrial solutions.

C.W. Mackie PLC Director/Group Chief Operating Officer Mangala Perera said, ‘This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and for Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape. As SKF’s authorised distributor, we are proud to provide our customers with access to the world’s most advanced bearing solutions. This partnership not only strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products but also reinforces our mission to empower industries across Sri Lanka with innovative, world-class technologies.’

As part of the launch, SKF has also introduced a dedicated mobile application in Sri Lanka, allowing customers to instantly verify product authenticity and detect counterfeit items. This initiative underscores the commitment of C.W. Mackie and SKF to protecting customers, safeguarding industries, and ensuring that only genuine products reach the market.

SKF India Director – Industrial Markets Sujeeth Pai said, ‘We are delighted to partner with C.W. Mackie PLC, a company with a long-standing legacy of trust and excellence in Sri Lanka. This partnership underscores the importance of authentic industrial distribution, ensuring that customers have access to genuine SKF products backed by reliable technical support. Together, we are committed to empowering industries and enhancing operational efficiency.’

C.W. Mackie PLC’s Industrial Products Cluster represents a diverse portfolio of world-renowned brands across multiple industries. Its Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Division is the exclusive distributor for brands like Danfoss (Denmark), Bitzer (Germany), Frascold (Italy), Roller (Germany), KD (Korea), Insulflex (Malaysia), Aerofoam (UAE), and Jintian and Hongtai Copper (China).

The Lightweight Machinery and Welding Electrodes Division serves as an authorised distributor for Cebora (Italy), Telwin (Italy), Chosun (South Korea), and Castolin Eutectic (Europe), delivering welding electrodes, MIG / TIG equipment, plasma cutters, and rock drilling tools. Since 2008, the company has also been the exclusive distributor of Hempel Paints (Denmark), supplying high-performance marine and protective coatings to both international and local shipping companies, as well as to the power, petrochemical, infrastructure, and construction sectors.

With SKF joining its network, C.W. Mackie PLC not only expands the range of solutions available to Sri Lanka’s industrial and engineering sectors but also strengthens its position as a cornerstone of reliability and innovation. This collaboration promises improved operational performance, wider access to cutting-edge technologies, and enhanced support for industries nationwide, further cementing its legacy as a trusted partner for over 125 years.

Marking 30 years since its establishment and 20 years since its landmark listing in 2005, Pan Asia Bank commemorated its extraordinary journey with a ceremonial bell-ringing at the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The event was graced by the Chairman, Director/CEO, and senior management of Pan Asia Bank, together with the Chairman, CEO Designate, and officials of the Colombo Stock Exchange (To be confirmed day of event). This milestone celebration honoured the Bank’s three decades of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service excellence.

The ceremonial bell-ringing marks not only three decades of service to the nation but also Pan Asia Bank’s continued commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable financial growth across Sri Lanka. The event symbolized the Bank’s steady evolution from its humble beginnings in 1995 to becoming one of the country’s most forward-looking and customer-centric financial institutions.

Pan Asia Bank Chairman Aravinda Perera said: ‘As we mark this historic milestone, we look back with pride at how far Pan Asia Bank has come, from a small institution with a bold vision to a nationally recognized financial leader. As we look to the future, our focus remains clear: to continue building trust, creating value, and driving inclusive growth for generations to come.’

Director/CEO Naleen Edirisinghe said: ‘This milestone is a testament to our resilience, our people, and our customers who have been at the heart of Pan Asia Bank’s success. As we celebrate 30 years, we reaffirm our promise to be ‘The Truly Sri Lankan Bank’ committed to empowering individuals and businesses while contributing to national progress through sustainable and innovative banking.’

CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike said: ‘Apart from being a listed entity making use of the capital markets and providing shareholder returns, today’s ceremony represents much more for Pan Asia Bank. It means the celebration of being a good corporate citizen. Our framework of corporate governance rules, the disclosure policy and the financial reporting standards enable listed companies to maintain the highest levels of transparency that is required and build trust amongst its stakeholders. Pan Asia Bank is following the CSE’s regulatory framework and has made use of capital markets to further its development, and we are happy to be a partner in Pan Asia Bank’s journey and facilitate its active role in the capital market.’

Over the past three decades, Pan Asia Bank has achieved numerous milestones, including its strategic expansion across the island, the introduction of industry-first digital innovations, and recognition for its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The Bank’s forward-thinking initiatives, such as its digital banking platforms, green financing solutions, and SME empowerment programs, have positioned it as a trusted partner in Sri Lanka’s economic growth story.

As it steps into its next decade, Pan Asia Bank remains focused on harnessing technology, fostering financial literacy, and delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders. The bell-ringing at the CSE serves as both a celebration of the past and a resounding signal of confidence in the Bank’s future.