Category: Daily Financial Times

Celeste was named the Country Winner in two key categories by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), earning the honour of representing Sri Lanka at the Asia Marketing Federation (AMF) Awards 2025, which was recently held in China. The judging for the Asian regional awards has now concluded, and Celeste is currently awaiting the official announcement of the final winners.

The national titles were awarded to Celeste Founder and Managing Director Janik Jayasuriya, under the categories of Youth Marketer of the Year and Netizen Digital Marketer of the Year. These recognitions were the result of a multi-phase evaluation process led by SLIM, and they reflect the company’s exceptional use of digital strategy, youth-led innovation, and marketing effectiveness in transforming Sri Lanka’s retail landscape.

SLIM President Prof. (Dr.) Dewasiri N. Jayantha said, ‘Celeste’s journey reflects the incredible potential of Sri Lankan enterprises to innovate and lead in the digital space. Their recognition at both national and regional levels demonstrates how a clear vision, dedication, and adaptability can set new benchmarks for marketing excellence. Their success is a testament to the vibrant spirit driving Sri Lanka’s business landscape, and we look forward to seeing even greater achievements ahead.’

Celeste was founded at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a tech-driven solution to an urgent consumer need for safe, fast and reliable delivery of groceries and essentials. Since its launch, the company has scaled rapidly in Colombo and its immediate suburbs, operating 24/7 via aggregator platforms such as UberEats, PickMe Market, and its own channels. Today, it stands as a benchmark for customer-centric digital retail in Sri Lanka.

Janik Jayasuriya’s leadership has been central to Celeste’s growth story, blending a keen understanding of digital ecosystems with an entrepreneurial approach that resonates strongly with millennial and Gen Z audiences. His nomination to the AMF Awards highlights not just the company’s business success, but also the broader marketing potential emerging from Sri Lanka’s next generation of innovators.

Celeste’s campaign and submissions to both the SLIM and AMF platforms were supported by Cyaniq, who served as the brand’s go-to-market consultants. Cyaniq played a key role in streamlining a critical component in Celeste’s marketing strategy, preparing award submissions, and positioning the company for national and regional recognition.

This year’s participation at the AMF Awards marks yet another milestone in Celeste’s awards journey. In 2024, the brand clinched two wins at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards, once again supported by Cyaniq, reinforcing a growing reputation for brand leadership, digital innovation, and operational excellence.

Celeste Founder and Managing Director Janik Jayasuriya said, ‘Representing Sri Lanka at the AMF Awards in China has been a humbling experience. It’s a validation of the vision and values we built Celeste on, and a proud moment for the entire team that has worked tirelessly to deliver a superior service to our customers. We’re grateful for the ecosystem of partners, team members and supporters who continue to fuel our growth.’

As the regional judging committee finalises its selections, Celeste’s nomination continues to elevate the visibility of Sri Lankan brands on the Asian stage. It marks a moment of national pride, showcasing how a homegrown company rooted in purpose, technology and bold marketing can compete with some of the most innovative names across the continent.

The Government has introduced two key directives under the Motor Vehicles Act aimed at enhancing road safety and curbing drug-impaired driving, with both measures to be submitted to Parliament for approval.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved two proposals presented by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development; one to formalise drug testing procedures for drivers suspected of narcotic use and another to make seat belts mandatory for all passengers traveling on expressways.

Under the newly issued Motor Vehicle (Drug) Directive No. 1 of 2025, published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2452/40 dated 4 September 2025, Police officers will now be legally empowered to refer drivers suspected of drug use to a Government medical officer for examination.

Previously, although the Motor Vehicles Act permitted such action, no clear procedure or threshold existed to determine the presence of drugs in a driver’s system. The directive establishes a formal framework for conducting such tests and verifying impairment levels, strengthening enforcement against drug-impaired driving.

Separately, the Motor Vehicles Directive (Expressway) No. 02 of 2011 has been amended by Gazette No. 2455/29 dated 25 September 2025, mandating seat belt use for every passenger occupying any seat in vehicles traveling on expressways. The measure comes amid rising concern over an increase in fatal and serious accidents on expressways in recent months.

‘Both directives, one addressing driver impairment and the other focusing on passenger safety reflect the Government’s renewed commitment to reducing road accidents, improving public safety and ensuring stricter compliance with transport regulations against the rising road accidents,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing held on Tuesday.

When asked about motorists complaining on the soared seatbelt prices and shortage in the market ahead of the regulations coming into effect, he responded that both parties had sufficient time to import or fix the necessary equipment.

‘I don’t think it’s a valid argument because the rule was announced three months ahead and both motorists and the spare parts importers had enough lead time to bring down and fix necessary equipment,’ Herath added.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo announced that IVS Lanka, its current outsourcing partner for visa, passport, and consular services, will cease operations on 31 October 2025.

Starting 3 November 2025, all related services will be managed directly by the High Commission in Colombo, the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, and the Consulate General in Jaffna.

Applicants seeking visas or other consular services have been advised to visit the official website, [hcicolombo.gov.in](http://hcicolombo.gov.in), for detailed instructions and updated procedures.

A powerhouse roster of international and regional experts will headline the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025, setting the stage for a world-class dialogue on reform, resilience, and investment-led growth.

Organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the two-day summit will take place on 2 and 3 December at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. Registrations close on 31 October, and participants are encouraged to secure their place early to engage with this exclusive gathering of policymakers, investors, and business leaders.

Leading the international line-up of Keynote Speakers across the Summit’s sessions, is EDOTCO Group, Malaysia, and Astro Holdings Chairman Kenneth Shen. With over three decades in investment, corporate finance, and capital markets, Shen brings a wealth of experience on regional capital flows and private sector transformation.

World Bank Country Manager for Sri Lanka Gevorg Sargsyan, brings over two decades of experience in infrastructure, energy, and climate finance. He has held senior roles across Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia, and served as the Global Lead for Clean Energy, contributing to policy development, financing strategies, and sustainable energy solutions.

Former Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece Dr. Alex Patelis, offers comparative insights from Greece’s post-crisis recovery and reform journey. Having served as Global Head of FX and Debt Strategy and Managing Director of Global Research at Merrill Lynch, and Chief Economist at PSQR, he brings unmatched expertise in macroeconomic reform and financial strategy.

From the sustainability and logistics front, APM Terminals Global Head of Decarbonisation Tim Miltenburg, will spotlight the future of green logistics and sustainable trade. Leading APM’s ambitious mission to achieve net-zero emissions across all terminal sites by 2040, he heads the company’s Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence in The Hague.

Adding an investor’s perspective, AFC Asia Frontier Fund, Hong Kong, Co-Fund Manager Ruchir Desai brings deep market experience from across Asia’s frontier economies. His fund was recently recognised as the Best Emerging Market Equity Fund at the 2025 Asian Investor Asset Management Awards.

Intrepid Travel – Asia Managing Director Natalie Kidd, brings nearly 20 years of experience in building one of Asia’s largest responsible travel networks. Overseeing Intrepid’s operations across 28 offices, Kidd has also served on the Board of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, contributing to the global sustainability conversation.

Centre for Social and Economic Progress Visiting Senior Fellow and former World Bank Economist Prof. Sanjay Kathuria who brings over 35 years of experience in development economics and policy research, will provide a South Asian perspective on trade, competitiveness, and integration.

IFC Regional Director for South Asia Imad N. Fakhoury, drives sustainable, private-sector-led growth in the region, focusing on financial inclusion, climate financing, and public-private partnerships. He previously served as Global Director of Infrastructure Finance, PPPs and Guarantees at the World Bank and held senior ministerial roles in Jordan, including Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.

Bringing a local investment focus, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Chairman Arjuna Herath will outline the country’s renewed drive to attract sustainable, export-oriented investments aligned with Sri Lanka’s long-term development goals.

SLEIS 2025 is supported by: Platinum sponsors – Nestle, Standard Chartered Bank, Unilever, Silver Sponsor – VISA, Bronze sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals, Session sponsors – Colombo Stock Exchange and Sunshine Holdings, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Telecommunications Partner – Dialog, Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, Strategic Partners – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, Board of Investment, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Knowledge Partner – World Bank, Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis, and Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised Sri Lanka’s 2026 growth forecast down to 3.1% from 3.5%, citing the economy’s return to its long-term trend following a sharp post-crisis rebound.

IMF Asia and Pacific Department Deputy Director Thomas Helbling said the downgrade does not indicate renewed weakness but rather a normalisation after an exceptional recovery.

‘Sri Lanka had a deep recession in 2022-2023 during the balance of payments crisis,’ he said. ‘With reforms supported by the IMF, there was a strong rebound-growth was about 5% last year and 4.8% in the first half of this year.

Some of that rebound was temporary, reflecting normalisation in activity. We now see the economy moving back to its trend growth of 3.1%, and that return is happening a bit sooner than expected.’

Helbling said the IMF staff mission that visited Sri Lanka earlier this month to conduct the Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) reached a staff-level agreement around 9 or 10 October. ‘That signals that the IMF has been satisfied,’ he noted, adding that the Government has continued to meet key performance criteria.

He highlighted progress on electricity pricing reforms-a continuous structural benchmark under the EFF arrangement, designed to reduce fiscal risks from State-owned utilities.

‘The principle of cost recovery is a core principle enshrined in the program reforms, and the Government has continued to meet those benchmarks,’ Helbling said, noting that the early October assessment was positive.

On fiscal projections, Helbling said the IMF’s focus remains on the current and following year. ‘Reforms are progressing. It is important for Sri Lanka to stay the course and complete its own home-grown reform program to bring the economy back on track and fully stabilise the economy,’ he said.

He added that concerns about fiscal outcomes beyond 2028 should be kept in perspective, emphasising that consistent implementation of the reform program will be key to sustaining macroeconomic stability and growth.

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA), has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Ceylon (BOC) to further expand its bancassurance footprint across the island.

Through this collaboration, BOC’s extensive branch network will now provide customers with access to a wide range of credit life insurance solutions powered by HNBA. The partnership is expected to enrich customer experience by integrating financial and protection needs, offering greater convenience and value.

HNB Assurance Executive Director/CEO Lasitha Wimalaratne said, ‘Partnering with Bank of Ceylon, one of the most respected financial institutions in the country, marks a defining step in our bancassurance journey. With BOC’s unmatched reach and trust, coupled with our expertise in crafting innovative protection solutions, we are confident in extending meaningful life insurance to more Sri Lankans. I extend my appreciation especially to the senior management of BOC for the trust that they have placed on us in this endeavour as well as to both teams for their commitment in bringing this collaboration to reality.’

Bank of Ceylon Deputy General Manager – Branch Operations Priyal Silva said, ‘As the country’s No. 1 Bank, our focus has always been on creating value-driven partnerships that serve the evolving needs of our customers. By joining hands with HNB Assurance, one of the industry’s leading names in bancassurance, we are able to integrate protection solutions into our service offering. This MoU will undoubtedly enable us to deliver holistic financial solutions that go beyond banking, securing the futures of our customers and their families.’

HNB Assurance Chief Business Officer/GM – Partnerships Sanesh Fernando added, ‘This MoU with Bank of Ceylon marks a mutually beneficial partnership where both our organisations can draw on each other’s strengths. I certainly believe that by working together, we can deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that provide real value and protection to communities across the country. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the leadership of Bank of Ceylon for their confidence and commitment in making this partnership a reality.’

The Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP), in collaboration with the Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA), has successfully organised another insightful seminar and business forum on the future of the printing industry.

The full-day workshop was held at the Hotel Grand Guardian, Ratnapura, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the participation of 95 professionals from Kuruwita, Balangoda, and Embilipitiya in the Ratnapura region.

SLAP President and Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., CEO Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara highlighted the Association’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the regional printing community. He announced that the MSMEs Print Awards 2025 will be held on 3 January 2026, and invited all printers in the Ratnapura District to apply for the awards and align with the SLAP’s five-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing the printing industry’s contribution to the national economy.

The event brought together industry experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Eng. Rathnakumara delivered the keynote address focusing on ‘The Future of the Printing Industry.’ He emphasised the importance of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in maintaining the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s printing sector.

University of Kelaniya Staff Development Centre Director Prof. Ravi Dissanayake shared valuable insights on ‘Marketing Strategies for Small and Medium Printers.’ His session offered practical approaches to help local printing businesses strengthen their market presence and adapt to changing consumer trends.

The Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry’s Suranga Gunaratne motivated participants with his talk on ‘Winning Attitudes for a Successful Printing Business,’ highlighting the role of mindset, leadership, and customer service in business growth.

Sri Lanka Development Board Assistant Director – Export Services Dinesh Attanayake discussed opportunities for Sri Lankan printers in international markets and the importance of maintaining high-quality standards for export success.

The SLAP President reiterated the Association’s commitment to distributing knowledge, introducing new technologies, and creating equal opportunities for printers not only in Colombo but also across all regions of Sri Lanka.

The SLAP extended its gratitude to the Main Sponsors – JDC Printing Technologies Ltd., Bhathiya Trading Company Ltd., Sithara Ltd., and Nimsara Trading Ltd., for their generous support.

Appreciation was also extended to the Co-Sponsors, D and D Engineers and Janaka Traders Ltd., media Sponsors, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., Express Newspapers Ltd., and Photo and Video Partner, Event Sphere Media Innovations, for their contributions towards the success of the event.

The Ratnapura seminar marks another milestone in the SLAP’s continuous efforts to uplift the Sri Lankan printing industry through collaboration, education, and technological advancement.

Alpha Fire Services PLC has appointed Menaka Athukorala to its Board as Non-Executive Chairman.

The company said he is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 30 years of experience in plantation management, renewable energy, and corporate leadership with proven expertise in strategic planning, operational management, and driving sustainable business growth.

He holds an MBA and a Higher National Diploma in Plantation Management and Agriculture.

Finance Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando called for renewed global commitment to openness in trade, investment, and knowledge exchange, warning that rising protectionism threatens decades of economic progress.

Addressing the ‘Global Dialogue on Innovation, Openness, and Shared Development’ organised by China Media Group, Dr. Fernando said global finance and trade cannot thrive behind walls, and urged nations to resist the drift towards fragmentation and geopolitical division.

He stressed that openness was essential for sharing the dividends of innovation and for ensuring equitable development across countries.

‘Our commitment to openness must be demonstrated through trade and investment liberalisation,’ he said, adding that a fair, rules-based multilateral trading system centred on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) remained crucial for global stability.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the need to lower barriers to cross-border investment and the free movement of capital while strengthening financial connectivity between economies. He said deeper financial linkages and cooperation would help manage systemic risks and support development financing in emerging markets.

Dr. Fernando also called for greater global collaboration in science, education, and research, describing knowledge exchange as a cornerstone of economic progress. ‘Ideas know no borders,’ he said, arguing that global challenges such as climate change and pandemics demand shared intellectual resources.

He noted that openness and innovation together could support sustainable, inclusive growth, particularly for developing nations.

‘Innovation provides the means; openness provides the bridge; and shared development provides the purpose,’ he said, urging policymakers to translate these principles into concrete trade and fiscal policies.

Dr. Fernando said that protectionism and unilateral economic measures undermine global confidence and investment flows.

He said Sri Lanka remains committed to multilateral cooperation and to policies that foster cross-border trade, investment, and knowledge partnerships as part of its economic recovery and long-term growth strategy.

SLT-MOBITEL, celebrated Customer Service Week 2025 from 6 – 10 October with an inspiring theme ‘Mission: Possible’, reaffirming an unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional customer experiences, while recognising the dedication of service teams, and strengthening bonds with valued customers across the nation.

Centred on the belief that every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity to serve better, ‘Mission: Possible’ brought together employees from all divisions to celebrate teamwork, innovation, and empathy. The initiative reflected SLT-MOBITEL’s determination to continuously enhance customer satisfaction and reaffirmed the organisation’s purpose of empowering every Sri Lankan to connect to what matters most.

Through Customer Service Week 2025, SLT-MOBITEL reaffirmed that with the right mindset, teamwork, dedication, and the unwavering trust of its customers, every mission is indeed possible.

Throughout the week, a series of engagement initiatives, motivational activities, and training programmes were conducted to inspire employees and elevate service excellence. Customer appreciation activities and exclusive offers were also rolled out across Home and Enterprise segments, expressing gratitude to loyal customers for their continued trust and support.

SLT-MOBITEL Chief Marketing Officer Prabhath Dahanayake said: ‘Customer Service Week is a celebration of our people, the dedicated teams who make the SLT-MOBITEL experience possible every day. ‘Mission: Possible’ reflects our spirit of collaboration, commitment, and innovation. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this week reaffirms our shared dedication to service excellence.’

The initiative also recognised the efforts of customer service teams, highlighted the importance of customer service in driving business success, strengthened relationships between customers and service providers, boosted employee morale, and fostered a customer-centric culture across the organisation.

The week concluded with a recognition ceremony honouring employees who demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity in serving customers.

Guided by core principles of delivering exceptional experiences, SLT-MOBITEL continues to set new benchmarks in service excellence. Making the impossible possible, placing customer loyalty at the centre of its mission, and remaining steadfast in every goal set, SLT-MOBITEL has strengthened its position as a strategic enabler of the nation’s digital transformation.