Category: Daily Financial Times

HNB PLC has announced the appointment of Kyle Abeysinghe, Sri Lanka’s National Swimming Captain and Paris 2024 Olympian, as its newest Sports Ambassador. The partnership marks a shared commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s sporting excellence and nurturing the next generation of athletes.

Kyle Abeysinghe said: ‘For any athlete, having the right support makes all the difference, and the journey to the Olympics is not an easy one, and having HNB by my side gives me the strength to push further every day. As I train with my sights set on the 2028 Olympics, I want to show young Sri Lankans that the journey is just as important as the goal, whether it’s in sport, education, or life. What makes this partnership special is that HNB is not just backing me as an athlete, but standing with every young person who dares to dream. Together, we want to encourage a new generation to believe in themselves, work hard, and keep moving forward no matter the challenge.

Kyle’s journey, from breaking national records to making a determined comeback after a four-year hiatus, reflects his resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Having represented Sri Lanka internationally since the age of 14, he brings over a decade of experience at the highest levels of competition, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and South Asian Games. His career stands as a testament to perseverance and the power of consistent effort.

HNB Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications Upul Adikari said: ‘Sport teaches us resilience, discipline, and the courage to believe in ourselves, values we hold close at HNB as well. By partnering with Kyle, we are supporting his journey to the 2028 Olympics while at the same time celebrating Sri Lanka’s sporting spirit. Our hope is to inspire young Sri Lankans to face challenges with confidence, strive for excellence, and recognise the incredible potential they carry within them.’

HNB recognises Kyle as a role model for Sri Lankan youth, combining sporting excellence with education, leadership, and social impact. His pursuit of becoming the first Sri Lankan swimmer to qualify for the Olympics via the ‘A’ standard reflects a commitment to setting new benchmarks for the nation. His ability to inspire teenagers about both athletic ambition and financial responsibility adds depth to his role as Brand Ambassador, making him a powerful figure for change.

HNB has a longstanding legacy of supporting Sri Lankan athletes, including National Netball Captain Dulangi Wannithilake, National Basketball Captain Anjali Ekanayake, and National Youth Hockey Captain Manula Hewawasam, who are all part of the HNB team. The partnership with Kyle builds on this foundation, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem and creating holistic opportunities for youth, with a continued focus on netball and swimming – two sports deeply connected to the nation’s identity and future.

It began with a sense of anticipation; 12 partners, 12 stories of persistence, all bound for Thailand under Technocity’s Highfliers Program. For the salespeople who achieved their MSI targets, this wasn’t merely a holiday. It was recognition; a human moment in a world of targets and transactions.

Bangkok unfolded like a celebration of contrasts: bustling streets, serene temples, and laughter that carried through dinner cruises. Pattaya brought freedom; sun, sea, and the satisfaction of success.

‘You could feel Technocity’s appreciation in every detail,’ shared one partner. ‘It reminded us why we work so hard.’

Highlights of the journey included visits to Coral Island and its water activities, Tiger Park, and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum each moment curated to reflect achievement and joy.

The Highfliers Program is Technocity’s way of turning numbers into narratives, a premium loyalty initiative that unites the island’s best-performing salespeople, offering them not just rewards, but shared memories.

Reflecting on the program’s essence, Technocity Chairman Famy Ismail said: ‘Recognition should feel personal. We want our partners to know that their commitment builds our collective success; this journey was about celebrating that spirit.’

For six unforgettable days, work transformed into wonder. Upon their return, the Highfliers carried more than souvenirs; they carried pride, motivation, and a renewed sense of belonging.

Technocity didn’t just take them on a tour. It took them on a journey of connection.

For the Highfliers, it wasn’t simply a trip; it was a lifestyle experience, a Technocity signature moment that blended glamour with gratitude.

As one partner aptly put it: ‘It wasn’t just about what we sold. It was about who we became.’

Travel meets art in a celebration of stories, culture, and craftsmanship with the launch of ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka,’ a ground-breaking travelogue by Dr. Anthony Vipin Das and Vidushi Duggal, published by Sarasavi Publishers.

The book was unveiled on 16 October 2025, at Jetwing Colombo Seven, by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

A first of its kind, this vibrant edition captures the essence of Sri Lanka through an extraordinary collection of 100 magnets, each representing a story, a destination, or a cherished memory from the island. From the northern charm of Jaffna to the southern coastal beauty of Galle, and from the serene Negombo shores to the historic harbour of Trincomalee, the authors journeyed across the nation, immersing themselves in Sri Lanka’s rich art, craft, culture, cuisine and heritage.

Each magnet in the collection is paired with a three-part narrative, a personal travel anecdote, an insight into the destination, and a guide for exploring further. For those magnets that could not be found during the journey, the authors collaborated with local artisans to handcraft special pieces, infusing the book with creativity and authenticity. The result is a tapestry of stories that transcend borders and transform everyday travel souvenirs into timeless keepsakes.

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said: ‘India and Sri Lanka share a deep and enduring civilisational bond-reflected in our intertwined histories, shared culture, cuisine, and centuries of close people-to-people connections. The book ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka’ is a heartening example of the warmth and affection that naturally flow across our borders. It beautifully showcases Sri Lanka’s rich tourism potential and the spirit of friendship that continues to strengthen our ties.’

‘Every magnet in this book holds a story-not just of a place, but of the emotion it evoked,’ says book co-author Vidushi Duggal.

‘Through these miniature masterpieces, we wanted to capture the heartbeat of Sri Lanka-its people, places, and profound sense of connection,’ adds co-author Dr. Anthony Vipin Das.

‘We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our dear friends, Vipin and Vidushi, whose energy and curiosity have deeply inspired us. Supporting ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka Edition’ has been a joyful journey. This book captures Sri Lanka through the eyes of two Indian travellers whose passion turns simple magnets into symbols of connection. To us, it reflects not just a story, but the enduring friendship and creative partnership between Sri Lanka and India,’ said Project Collaborators Shehani Gomes and Michael Jayawardana.

Supported by Ceylon Roots and Jetwing Hotels, the project exemplifies a shared vision to promote responsible, immersive tourism and showcase Sri Lanka’s diversity to global travellers.

Ceylon Roots CEO Dishan Perera said: ‘We are proud to have partnered on this landmark project, ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka,’ which reimagines travel writing for our region. By facilitating the authors’ journey across the island, we helped them uncover the true spirit of Sri Lanka-its culture, history, and the hidden corners often missed by the usual routes. This collaboration reflects our commitment to promoting responsible, immersive tourism and inspiring travellers to connect deeply with the heart and soul of Sri Lanka.’

‘This book is a testament to Sri Lanka’s beauty and diversity, and we are delighted to be part of this inspiring journey,’ said Jetwing Hotels Director – Marketing and Development Hashan Cooray. ‘Through this collaboration, we hope to encourage travellers to explore our island more deeply-to go beyond the expected, embrace local experiences, and take home not just souvenirs, but stories.’

‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka’ is more than a travelogue-it is a visual and emotional journey that celebrates discovery, storytelling, and the artistry of exploration. Each page invites readers to travel beyond borders-to discover, to feel, and to remember.

High net worth investor and media industry fame Rayynor Silva yesterday entered Seylan Bank buying the remaining 5% stake of business leader Dhammika Perera for Rs. 1.57 billion.

Rayynor paid Rs. 105 per voting share in buying 15 million.

As at 30 June 2025, Dhammika Perera held 20 million shares or 6.55% stake but had been selling down recently leading upto the exit yesterday. Overall Seylan saw 16.68 million of its shares change hands via 300 trades for Rs. 1.76 billion. It closed at Rs. 110, up by one rupee.

With the entry into Seylan, Rayynor has further diversified his strong holdings in the financial sector. Via Phantom Investments Ltd., Rayynor already owns 10% of Sampath Bank and 9.73% DFCC in addition to picking up 1% in Commercial Bank recently.

Rayynor was among a consortium of buyers when Dhammika on 9 October sold 26.55 million voting shares (1.7% stake) of Commercial Bank at Rs. 195 per share in a deal worth Rs. 5.5 billion.

Dhammika exited from Commercial Bank after having around 3.6% stake originally and 2.5% as of June. Both Seylan and Commercial Bank stakes were part of his trading portfolio whilst his strategic interests remain in Sampath Bank PLC (15% via Vallibel One PLC) and Pan Asia Bank PLC (29.9%).

The Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI) recently hosted the first Japan-Sri Lanka Partnership in Education Research (JASPER) 2025 Research Symposium, under the theme ‘Transforming Knowledge into Action: A Japan-Sri Lanka Development Perspective.’

This landmark event marked a milestone in LNBTI’s mission to bridge Sri Lankan talent with Japanese expertise, fostering research innovation, practical learning, and international collaboration between the two nations.

As South Asia’s only Japanese IT university-level higher education institute, LNBTI continues to champion an education model that balances academic theory with real-world application.

LNBTI President and Vice Chancellor Prof. Ananda Kumara emphasised that the symposium represents a vital step in enhancing the institute’s international academic engagement. ‘JASPER provides a dynamic platform for students and faculty to meet international research standards, exchange ideas, and broaden their global perspectives,’ he noted, reaffirming LNBTI’s vision to produce globally competent, ‘Japan Ready’ graduates.

The symposium featured Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan Prof. Kazuaki Tanaka, as the keynote speaker. In his engaging session titled ‘From Scripts to Circuits: IoT Applications with mruby/C,’ Prof. Tanaka demonstrated how high-level software can be integrated to efficiently control hardware in applications ranging from smart appliances to industrial IoT systems.

Through live demonstrations, participants gained hands-on exposure to embedded system programming, microcontroller applications, and real-world IoT innovations-exemplifying the symposium’s theme of transforming theoretical knowledge into practical solutions.

Adding depth to the proceedings, distinguished Japanese academics Meisei University Prof. Uchida Tomio, Meijo University Prof. Sadoi Yuri, and Institute of Science Tokyo (former Tokyo Institute of Technology) Prof. Ota Eri contributed valuable insights, enriching the academic dialogue between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Symposium Co-Chair and Head of the Department of Computing Bhashini Wijewickrama, commended the collaborative spirit behind JASPER 2025, noting the dedication of students, faculty, and volunteers who made the event possible.

Academic Advisor Prof. K.P. Hewagamage, highlighted that JASPER 2025 is not merely an academic exercise, but a platform to nurture young researchers in Sri Lanka-instilling critical thinking, curiosity, and a culture of innovation essential for both academia and industry.

The inaugural JASPER 2025 Symposium showcased over 25 original research papers, reflecting the diverse interests and academic rigor of LNBTI’s student and faculty community. The event provided a transformative platform where ideas evolved into action, theory met practice, and knowledge translated into tangible impact.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) have called on gem dealers to appoint compliance officers to help curb money laundering in the sector.

Under the country’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, all gem and jewellery dealers are legally required to designate a compliance officer for their business operations.

The CBSL said that proper customer identification and verification during transactions are key measures in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.

It warned that non-compliance could result in penalties imposed by its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

The 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka – Greater Mekong Business Council (SLGMBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held recently, at the Hilton Colombo Residence. The event was attended by Mission of Viet Nam Deputy Head Le Van Huong; Thailand Counsellor Prangtip Kongrittisuksakon, and Myanmar Counsellor Wint Wint Khaing Tun.

Mission of Viet Nam Deputy Head Le Van Huong, spoke about the many similarities in history, geography, and culture between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam and emphasised opportunities for collaboration in textiles, agriculture, fisheries, food processing, logistics, and tourism. He commended the SLGMBC and the Ceylon Chamber for their vital role in strengthening bilateral business relations. Huong reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in both countries and encouraged Sri Lankan businesses to explore investment and trade opportunities in Viet Nam.

Tun, highlighted Sri Lanka’s $ 9 million investments in Myanmar. She further noted that bilateral trade has more than doubled to $ 11.4 million in 2024-2025 and emphasised the opportunity to expand collaboration in tea, tourism, coconut products, IT, healthcare, and gems and jewellery.

Kongrittisuksakon meanwhile highlighted the signing of the Sri Lanka – Thailand FTA as a new milestone in long-standing relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka. She added that this provided an opportunity for Thailand and Sri Lanka to join hands in bringing ancient and traditional wisdoms, combined with appropriate science and technology, to enhance sustainability and people’s well-being in both counties and highlighted the collaborative opportunities in food, agriculture, and health sectors, and also business matching activities in these sectors.

Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC Group Chief Marketing Officer Nimal Ratnayake, was elected President for the year 2025-2026. Ratnayake highlighted the Council’s achievements over the past year, particularly in strengthening relationships with ASEAN nations such as Thailand, Viet Nam, and Myanmar. He described the Greater Mekong region as a dynamic and rapidly growing economic hub, representing one of the world’s largest economies as part of the ASEAN community.

MAC Holdings Ltd., Director/Chief Financial Officer Tilak Gunawardane was elected Senior Vice President while Advantis Projects and Engineering Ltd., Director/CEO Kamal Wimalaratne and Spillburg Holdings Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Shameel Mohideen were elected Vice President and Treasurer respectively. Member companies, Advantis Freight Ltd., Aitken Spence Travels Ltd., Hayleys Advantis Ltd., Rhino Roofing products Ltd., and Star Textiles Processing Industries were elected to the committee. The SLGMBC is dedicated to strengthening trade, investment, and tourism relationships between Sri Lanka and Greater Mekong nations, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. The Council maintains strong diplomatic ties with Greater Mekong missions in Sri Lanka.

In today’s evolving world, people are looking for technology that is powerful, reliable, and easy to use without taking up too much space. That is exactly what GEEKOM has brought to Sri Lanka. Recognized as the country’s number one Mini PC, GEEKOM has quickly become a trusted name among families, students, and businesses.

As the exclusive partner bringing this innovative technology to Sri Lanka, Ceylon Business Appliances (Pvt) Ltd (CBA) stands as a pioneer in the industry. With a legacy spanning over 55 years, CBA has been instrumental in automating and elevating operations for a wide range of enterprises, solidifying its reputation as a leader in delivering cutting-edge solutions. To ensure complete peace of mind, GEEKOM offers a comprehensive 3-year warranty with a 1-to-1 replacement policy.

What makes the GEEKOM Mini PC stand out is its perfect balance between performance and convenience. The GEEKOM Mini PC offers smooth multitasking for everyday needs such as browsing the web, working on documents, playing media, and even light productivity tasks. It delivers the kind of speed and responsiveness that users usually expect from bigger desktop computers, but in a much smaller and smarter package.

Beyond basic tasks, certain GEEKOM models can handle more complex work, like coding, virtualization, and other demanding projects. For example, the GEEKOM Mini Air 12 is equipped with the latest Intel Alder Lake N150 processor, perfect for everyday computing. For users with more intensive needs, the GEEKOM Mini IT12 and the newest GEEKOM Mini IT15 series are designed to tackle heavier workloads with ease.

Unlike bulky traditional desktops that take up space and consume more power, the GEEKOM Mini PC is designed to be compact, energy-efficient, and portable. Its modern look and flexibility make it ideal for both work and home use, while also helping users save on electricity bills and maintenance costs. It is not only a practical choice but also a cost-effective one, offering true value for money in the long run.

Beyond technology, GEEKOM has also shown its commitment to the community. As part of its CSR projects, the company has donated Mini PCs to selected schools in Sri Lanka, giving students better access to digital learning tools and helping to bridge the gap in education.

With its focus on performance, design, affordability, and social responsibility, GEEKOM is not just selling a product-it is changing the way Sri Lanka thinks about computers. For anyone who wants reliable technology that saves space, saves energy, and keeps up with modern needs, the GEEKOM Mini PC is proving to be the way forward.

Ready to experience the future of computing

Contact Ceylon Business Appliances (Pvt) Ltd, the exclusive partner for GEEKOM Mini PCs in Sri Lanka, to learn more about the full range of models and find the perfect fit for your home, school, or business needs. To speak with a representative or place an order, call us today at 076 670 1553 or 077 352 1386.

Kelly Felder has expanded its fashion footprint with the opening of latest outlet in Wattala.

The new outlet stands as a reflection of this evolution, offering an elevated and immersive shopping experience for the confident, fashion-forward individual.

Founded in 2007, Kelly Felder is a bold and progressive fashion brand driven by clear vision and purpose. Its designs and styles draw inspiration from diverse cultures, international trends, and leading global fashion platforms, while staying true to the brand’s own creative identity.

Over the years, Kelly Felder has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most influential fashion houses celebrated for its distinctive designs, weekly collections, and innovative retail experiences.

Kelly Felder Founder and CEO, Ravi Wickramanayake said: ‘At Kelly Felder, we are on a mission to build a global chain of stores and establish ourselves as one of the world’s leading lifestyle brands. With an expanded portfolio that caters to women, men, and sports enthusiasts, we remain committed to offering exceptional design, quality, and value while strengthening our international presence.’

‘We take great pride in empowering the communities we work with, nurturing local talent, and showcasing Sri Lankan creativity on the global stage. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a world-class fashion brand and experience from Sri Lanka to the world,’ he added.

Over the past 18 years, Kelly Felder has gradually expanded its footprint with conveniently-located stores in Colombo 03, Nugegoda, and the Colombo City Centre, complemented by its robust e-commerce platform, www.kellyfelder.com, serving customers across Australia, the USA, and beyond.

Kelly Felder’s diverse portfolio now includes its premium menswear line Redverse Buller, athleisure collection Scylla Zelus, and fragrance line Naked Friday, alongside curated shoes, bags, jewellery, and other offerings-all crafted to reinforce its status as a trendsetter in Sri Lankan fashion.

Service excellence trainer Dhammika Kalapuge presented his first-ever Sinhala public program on Customer Experience, titled ‘Sinhalen Customer Service,’ on 12 October 2025, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The event attracted over 200 participants.

Dhammika said: ‘Often, I facilitate in-house programs on this subject in both English and Sinhala for corporate clients. In addition, we have conducted public programs from time to time in English for the benefit of SMEs and individual participants. Recognising the growing demand for such learning in Sinhala, we identified the need for a dedicated Sinhala program. Therefore, this new program was designed exclusively in Sinhala, using simple and practical terms that participants can easily relate to. The objective was to convey the powerful fundamentals of creating a customer experience culture in an easily understandable manner through visuals and rhyming expressions. I strongly believe that when behavioural change is the goal, the message must touch people’s hearts, and that is best achieved through one’s mother tongue. This was the guiding principle behind the delivery of this program.’

Dhammika’s sessions are known for their engaging storytelling and real-life examples. This program highlighted the importance of meeting the ever-rising expectations of customers. ‘By incorporating practical case studies that mirror today’s service realities, we encouraged participants to stay inspired and positive in their journey to deliver exceptional service. We discussed the significance of managing every point of interaction-whether physical, digital, or hybrid-and transforming them into memorable moments. Building a strong service culture is vital in today’s competitive environment to deliver lasting customer experiences.

From birth to death, human beings seek care. Service is this care in action. Although rooted in common sense, true service excellence is still uncommon. Technology can bring efficiency, but only people can deliver empathy. Serving others is an innate human quality that has weakened over time. The program reinforced a simple concept-being brilliant with the basics-because fundamentals remain constant.

‘My aim was to remind people of what they already know and inspire them to adopt a positive mindset guided by the theme ‘Sri Lanka So Lovely, Serving Lovingly.’ In Sinhala, it is expressed as ‘Sri Lankawa Sundaraya, Sathkaaraya Sumihiriya,” Dhammika added.

Many participants described the program as life-changing, educational, and inspirational experience. Veteran business strategist and author Deepal Sooriyaarachchi, who attended the event, said: ‘Although the country aspires to develop a manufacturing economy, what is immediately possible is to grow the Tourism sector as a fast growth trajectory. When we see increase in tourism numbers, the service they experience at every touch point must be consistent with the Sri Lankan Brand Promise. Dhammika’s initiative must be appreciated in that context. If we are to reach the full benefits of the service economy customer service must be across the board. In that bringing the best in class knowledge and exposure in Sinhala is of paramount importance as communicating in mother tongue is the best way to change attitudes of people. Changing attitudes is what we need in this regard. Dhammika presents his sessions with real life case examples and very practical behaviours that can deliver results. We need more of these interventions. We owe a big thank you to Dhammika for his contributions.’