Category: Daily Financial Times

Dilmah invited to be Patron of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Water And Ocean Stewardship Working Group

For Sri Lankans, Dilmah is more than a tea brand – it is heritage distilled in a cup, a name synonymous with authenticity, integrity, and the familiar aroma of home. Yet behind its global reputation lies something far more profound: a philosophy rooted in purpose, compassion, and stewardship. This ethos is anchored in the words of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando, who believed that ‘business is a matter of human service.’ It is this guiding principle that continues to shape how Dilmah grows, innovates, and contributes to society – placing purpose above profit.

In recognition of this enduring commitment, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC has been invited to be Patron of the Water and Ocean Stewardship Working Group of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka). This invitation is both an honour and a responsibility: an opportunity to amplify decades of leadership in conservation and inspire others to take action in Sri Lanka’s collective sustainability journey.

‘Being named Patron amplifies the work that we are already doing,’ said Dilmah Head of Sustainability and Conservation Rishan Sampath. ‘But more importantly, it gives us a platform to bring others with us – to build a national conversation, to share tools, and to invite new thinking.’

Legacy in water stewardship

Water has always been at the heart of Dilmah’s philosophy. Reliable access to water sustains the tea industry, just as thriving ecosystems sustain communities. Recognising this, Dilmah Conservation – the company’s environmental arm – has, since 2007, spearheaded over fifty initiatives to conserve, restore, and manage water resources. These include rainwater harvesting systems, community access to safe drinking water, wastewater recycling, and campaigns to reduce plastic pollution that threatens waterways.

In 2024/25, Dilmah took a significant step forward by conducting its first-ever water footprint assessment, aligned with ISO 14046:2014 and validated by a third party. The assessment, based on the methodology of the Water Footprint Network, represents a milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. By adopting internationally recognised standards, Dilmah has enhanced the credibility of its water data and reinforced its commitment to transparent, science-based environmental management.

The results of the assessment provided detailed insights into Dilmah’s water use. At Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company (DCTC), the total direct water footprint was recorded at 19,498 cubic metres per year, while its subsidiary MJF Beverages (MJFB) reported a total of 880 cubic metres per year. The breakdown highlighted direct blue water footprints of 11,851 cubic metres per year at DCTC and 527 cubic metres per year at MJFB, while the direct grey water footprint was 7,647 cubic metres per year and 353 cubic metres per year respectively. These figures provide a critical baseline to guide future water efficiency and conservation strategies.

Importantly, the assessment revealed a clear trend of improvement. In 2024/25, the volume of municipal water withdrawn and consumed fell by 8% year-on-year, decreasing from 39.15 million litres in 2023/24 to 35.93 million litres. Similarly, the volume of water discharged to wastewater treatment plants declined by 44%, falling from 41.11 million litres to 23.01 million litres. These reductions demonstrate Dilmah’s progress in reducing its water footprint and enhancing efficiency across operations.

From waste to resource: Water conservation in practice

Water conservation at Dilmah extends beyond monitoring and reporting. The company has integrated circular practices into its operations, ensuring that water is reused wherever possible. All effluents are routed to on-site wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which are designed to meet stringent environmental parameters, including pH levels, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), oil and grease, and heavy metals. Once treated, wastewater is repurposed for landscaping and gardening, reducing dependence on fresh water and minimising waste.

Rainwater harvesting is another critical aspect of Dilmah’s conservation model. Systems installed at the company’s Headquarters in Colombo, the One Earth Centre in Moratuwa, and selected estates under Kahawatte Plantations PLC collectively offer a harvesting capacity of 129,799 cubic metres. By capturing and storing rainwater, Dilmah reduces reliance on municipal water supplies and ensures water security for operations and communities.

Looking ahead, Dilmah is scaling up its rainwater harvesting efforts even further. In December 2024, preliminary feasibility studies were conducted in collaboration with the Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) at the Endane and Houpe estates. These studies lay the foundation for an expanded rainwater harvesting infrastructure across the Kahawatte Plantations footprint, demonstrating Dilmah’s proactive approach to long-term water stewardship.

‘Without reliable sources, there is no tea. Without healthy ecosystems, there are no resilient communities. Water is everything,’ Rishan emphasised.

Strengthening through Network Sri Lanka

Dilmah’s progress has also been accelerated by its collaboration with Network Sri Lanka. Through the Network, Dilmah has been able to align its water stewardship practices with global frameworks, access international expertise, and share its learnings with peers across industries. The Working Group has provided a platform not only to showcase Dilmah’s pioneering efforts in water footprint assessment and conservation, but also to engage other businesses in advancing shared solutions. By convening companies from diverse sectors, Network Sri Lanka ensures that individual initiatives like Dilmah’s contribute to system-wide change and strengthen Sri Lanka’s collective response to water and ocean challenges.

‘Our collaboration with the Network Sri Lanka has helped us go forward, faster,’ added Rishan. ‘Through the Network, we have been able to benchmark our progress against international best practices, access expertise on emerging issues, and, most importantly, work alongside other Sri Lankan businesses who share our commitment to water and ocean stewardship. That collective approach makes our efforts stronger and more impactful.’

Expanding to ocean conservation

Dilmah has more recently extended its stewardship to Sri Lanka’s oceans and coastal ecosystems. On World Oceans Day, 8 June 2024, Dilmah partnered with the University of Colombo and Uva Wellassa University to launch Phase I of a coral conservation project at Colombo Port City. This initiative builds on Dilmah’s earlier efforts to protect the Kayankerni Marine Reef and focuses on studying coral diversity in an urban setting. Using baseline surveys, mapping, data collection, and impact assessments supported by innovative technologies, the project aims to generate critical insights into the resilience of corals in rapidly developing coastal environments.

At the same time, Dilmah Conservation has embarked on one of Sri Lanka’s most ambitious mangrove restoration programs. In Kalpitiya’s Kappal Adi Lagoon, Dilmah is restoring twenty-five acres of degraded mangrove forest. This project is underpinned by a dedicated mangrove nursery cultivating seven species of saplings. Since its launch in October 2022, the initiative has reported an above-average planting success rate, owing to the use of science-based planting techniques. A comprehensive baseline survey of the site documented 144 wildlife species and 62 native plant species, creating a robust scientific foundation to guide ongoing restoration work.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Dilmah’s approach. Through Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the company is jointly restoring mangrove patches in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a Ramsar-recognised site of international importance. These projects complement ongoing coral reef conservation under the initiative Life to our Coral Reefs.

‘Our responsibility extends from the cloud forests of our estates to the coral reefs on our coasts,’ Rishan noted, highlighting the interconnectedness of land and marine ecosystems.

Road ahead

As Dilmah looks to the future, its ambitions in water and ocean stewardship are growing. Plans are underway for the accurate mapping of Sri Lanka’s fringing coral reefs using high-resolution drone imagery and for the evaluation of ecological and benthic characteristics to guide national policy. The company is also exploring the potential of blue carbon ecosystems – mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes – to act as carbon sinks while supporting eco-tourism and enhancing climate resilience. At the same time, expanding rainwater harvesting infrastructure across its plantation footprint remains a priority to safeguard freshwater resources in the face of climate variability.

By marrying decades of water stewardship with bold new commitments to marine conservation, and through Dilmah’s longstanding participation with Network Sri Lanka to translate global principles into local impact, the company is helping build a future where people, ecosystems, and businesses can thrive together. In doing so, Dilmah continues to advance the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact – safeguarding human and environmental well-being

Gold prices reached a new peak yesterday, with the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign rising to Rs. 337,600 in the Colombo Pettah market.

Traders said the price had climbed from Rs. 319,000 recorded the previous day, marking the first time it has crossed the Rs. 330,000 level.

Meanwhile, the price of a 24-carat gold sovereign, which was Rs. 345,000 on Sunday, has now increased to Rs. 365,000.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls, underscoring the need to turn equality principles into concrete action.

Speaking at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025 in Beijing, she said that despite global progress since the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action-including female literacy gains, a near-halving of maternal mortality, and a rise in global life expectancy from 69 years in 1995 to 76 years in 2023-major gaps persist.

She noted that women’s labour-force participation remains at 48.7% compared with 73% for men, women represent only about 35% of science and technology graduates, and 47.8 million more women than men face food insecurity.

The Prime Minister outlined Sri Lanka’s policy priorities, including expanding women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, and implementing the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2023-2027). She said Sri Lanka aims to ensure that women from all social and economic backgrounds are represented across sectors.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya was welcomed to the event by Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan before delivering her remarks at the opening ceremony.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced that over 3,000 Sri Lankans will depart for jobs in South Korea by the end of October this year.

A group of 36 Sri Lankans, including 33 men and three females were scheduled to leave for South Korea yesterday (14 October) on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 470 to take up employment in the manufacturing sector.

According to the SLBFE, a total of 2,927 Sri Lankans have already left for jobs in South Korea in 2025, including 100 women. Of this number, 2,197 have joined the manufacturing sector, 680 have found employment in the fisheries sector, 25 in construction, 23 in the service sector, and two in the agricultural sector.

The Bureau further stated that nearly 200 more Sri Lankans who have been offered job opportunities in South Korea are scheduled to depart by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, 36,745 candidates have registered for the 2025 Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT), which will commence on 23 October. The test is a prerequisite for securing employment under South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS).

Janashakthi Finance PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), recently opened its newest branch in Kalmunai, marking the company’s strategic expansion into the Eastern region of Sri Lanka. This launch represents the 38th branch in the company’s growing island-wide network.

This strategic expansion signifies a substantial step forward in the company’s mission to promote economic growth in the region through pioneering innovation, financial inclusion and enhanced digital access, the company said in a statement.

The new Kalmunai branch located in No. 174, Batticaloa Road, Kalmunai will provide individuals and businesses in the area with convenient access to a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, including lending, savings and deposits, micro-finance, gold loans, Islamic finance and digital banking facilities.

Acting CEO Sithambaram Sri Ganendran said: ‘This strategic expansion marks the establishment of our 38th branch, a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and expanding our reach to better serve our valued clients in the Eastern region of the country. These expansions enable us to bring our comprehensive range of financial services closer to the local community, making it more convenient for individuals and businesses to access the support and expertise they require.’

The expansion into Kalmunai is not only a business decision but a reflection of Janashakthi Finance’s vision to support financial inclusion and uplift regions with growing demand for reliable financial services. By entering emerging markets such as the Eastern province, the company is reinforcing its long-term dedication to customer accessibility, sustainable growth and corporate brand building.

This move also supports Janashakthi Finance’s broader strategy to foster enduring relationships with customers and enhance its market reach. With a 44-year legacy of reliability and trustworthiness in the non-banking financial institution (NBFI) sector, Janashakthi Finance continues to serve as a dependable financial partner to thousands of Sri Lankans. Over the decades, the company has played a vital role in enabling communities to thrive and supporting sustainable economic growth across the country.

As Janashakthi Finance deepens its roots in key regions across the country, the organization remains focused on its mission to deliver inclusive, innovative and impactful financial solutions that drive national progress.

All trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday decided to suspend the trade union action they launched on 4 September following discussions with Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.

CEB Engineers’ Union Executive Committee Member Dhanushka Parakramasinghe said the decision was reached after the Minister agreed to all 24 proposals submitted by the unions. He noted that the unions will call off their action once a written assurance is received from the Minister.

‘The Minister has accepted our 24 proposals and agreed to provide a written commitment. Once we receive that, all unions will suspend their ongoing trade union action,’ Parakramasinghe said, adding that the written assurance was expected shortly.

Monday is the Public Day at all Government offices. Yesterday I visited the Education Ministry to meet with no less than four top officials. Two of them (Acting Director Bi-lingual Education, Director National Schools) weren’t at their offices because they were called for meetings by their superiors. At the Deputy Minister Hon. Madhura Senevirathna’s office, there was no one even to tell where the Minister was.

A month ago, I went to meet the Zonal Director Education in Colombo 2 and he was conducting a well-attended discussion with all his top subordinates and the poor teachers numbering at least 50, were waiting like displaced with permanent resigned looks shrouded by hopelessness.

Dear Mr President, I am not asking too much from you. Either change the Public Day or ban meetings for all top officials on Mondays.

The secondary Bond market yesterday witnessed healthy overall activity, despite being characterised by prolonged periods of inactivity interspersed with sporadic bursts of trading.

This marked a stark departure from the virtual standstill seen the day before. Transaction volumes were at robust levels, with sizeable block trades executed during the active periods.

Yields held broadly steady across most of the curve as the market continued to consolidate, keeping rates anchored around prevailing levels. The exception was the 2028 tenors, which saw yields creep upwards.

In terms of the secondary Bond market trade summary, 01.08.26 maturity was seen trading at the rate of 8.35%-8.30%. The 15.02.28, 01.05.28 and 01.07.28 maturities were seen trading at the rates of 9.10%, 9.20% and 9.25% respectively.

The 15.10.28 and 15.12.28 maturities were both seen trading at the rate of 9.30%. The 15.06.29, 15.10.29 and 15.12.29 maturities were seen trading at the rates of 9.65%, 9.70%-9.68% and 9.70% respectively. The 01.07.30 maturity was seen trading down the range of 9.80% to 9.78%.

The 01.06.33 and the 01.11.33 maturity were seen trading at the rates of 10.70% and 10.72% respectively.

In Secondary market Bills, trades were observed on March

2026 maturities at the rates of 8.00%-7.95%.

Meanwhile, the Treasury Bills auction scheduled to be conducted today will have a total offered amount of Rs. 77.5 billion, an increase of Rs. 44 billion over the previous week. The auction will consist of Rs. 15 billion on the 91-day, Rs. 35 billion on the 182-day and Rs. 27.50 billion on the 364-day maturities.

For context, at the previous weekly Treasury Bill auction (08th October), the weighted average rates held largely steady, with the exception of the 91-day maturity which registered a further drop of 01-basis point.

The 182-day and 364-day tenors remained unchanged at 7.89% and 8.02% respectively.

This marks the 12th week where T-Bill rates have stayed broadly anchored around prevailing levels. Nevertheless, the auction went undersubscribed. Only 57.10% or Rs 19.13 billion out of the Rs 33.50 billion targeted offered amount was raised. This was despite the bids received to offered amount ratio standing at 1.59 times

The total secondary market Treasury Bond/Bill transacted volume for 13 October was Rs. 37 billion.

In money markets, the net liquidity surplus was recorded at Rs. 171.02 billion yesterday. An amount of Rs. 179.46 billion was deposited at Central Banks SDFR (Standing Deposit Facility Rate) of 7.25%, while an amount of Rs. 8.44 billion was withdrawn from the Central Banks SLFR (Standard Lending Facility Rate) of 7.25%.

The weighted average rates on Call money and Repo were registered at 7.87% and 7.89% respectively.

Forex Market

In the Forex market, the USD/LKR rate on spot contracts closed the day depreciating to Rs. 302.80/302.90 as against Rs. 302.59/302.62 the previous day.

The total USD/LKR traded volume for 13th October was US $ 67.31 million.

A seven-year-old boy dreams of being a police officer. He puts on the uniform, sits in a patrol car, and for a brief moment, steps into a world where illness does not define him. Four months later, he passes away-but not before experiencing a joy that will linger in his family’s heart forever.

This is the power of a wish, a global initiative that has, for over four decades, shown the transformative power of granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

In Sri Lanka, Make-A-Wish was launched on 29 April 2025 coinciding with World Wish Day and marking the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Foundation International. Under the stewardship of the Indira Cancer Trust, whose mission, is to go beyond clinical care and focus on holistic healing – physical, emotional and spiritual, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka aligns perfectly with that philosophy. It’s about nurturing resilience, restoring joy and creating memories that lasts long after treatment ends.

Each child’s wish is captured thoughtfully: favourite colours, food, and dreams are explored. The team ensures every wish day is safe, joyful, and memorable, working closely with the healthcare consultants-Dr. Sanjeewa Gunasekera, Dr. Prabhani Madummarachchi, Dr. Jaliya Jayasuriya, and Dr. Mahendra Somathilake from the Apeksha Hospital-who guide the process, ensuring each experience aligns with the child’s medical needs.

Over the first four months, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka has already granted 50 wishes, primarily at the Suwa Arana Paediatric Palliative Care Center, the only paediatric palliative care centre in the country that opened its doors in 2023.

Joanne Joseph sat down with Wish Granting Head Sonali Perera, to understand the passion and vision behind this life-changing initiative.

Q: Sonali, what does Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka mean for the children you work with?

Make-A-Wish is about giving children a chance to step outside their illness. For a few hours or even a day, they can be who they want to be-a lawyer, a pilot, or even meet their favourite celebrity. One little girl, confined to a wheelchair, wished to be a lawyer. She couldn’t travel, but we brought the courtroom to her. Four lawyers arrived with a badge, a mug, and a T-shirt reading ‘Little Miss Lawyer.’ Her joy was palpable-she beamed with confidence, laughter, and pride. Moments like these remind us that hope is as vital as medicine.

Q: The initiative has been running for just four months, yet 50 wishes have already been granted. How did this happen?

It’s the passion of our team and the generosity of our supporters. We started at Suwa Arana, where children need both medical care and emotional support. From there, we expanded to Apeksha Hospital, and our next goal is Lady Ridgeway Hospital, with the aim to reach children islandwide.

Each wish is carefully planned. We ask children for three wishes, explore their favourite colours, foods, and hobbies, and create experiences tailored to their dreams. Every detail-from transportation, meals, insurance and decorations-is designed to bring delight and safety. After the wish is designed a wish box filled with 13 age/gender appropriate gifts is given to the child as our promise that his/her wish will be granted creating anticipation till wish day.

Q: Who makes these wishes possible behind the scenes?

The team is the heart of the initiative. Yasmina Weerabangsa, our Wish Capture Specialist, listens deeply to each child’s story. Hiruni Perera, our Wish Design Specialist, turns those dreams into joyful experiences. I coordinate as Head of Wish Granting. The staff at Indira Cancer Trust, Volunteers, donors, and the medical consultants all play critical roles. Each person brings passion and care, and together we ensure every wish is a moment that will remain as a memory with the child.

Q: Can you share more stories of wishes that touched your heart?

Absolutely. There is a 13-year-old who wished to meet his favourite singer. We arranged a surprise visit to his room. When his hero entered, the child’s eyes sparkled with awe, laughter spilling freely for the first time in months.

Another little boy dreamed of visiting the Lotus Tower on his birthday. Surrounded with family he cut a cake at the Orbit restaurant. Even being confined to a wheel chair he was able to watch in wonder the beautiful pixel room and admire the city from the 29th floor of the Lotus Tower.

Then there’s the young boy who wished to see planes take off. He was welcomed like VIP at the Bandaranaike International Airport, taken around and provided with a sumptuous meal. Each staff member of the airport stepped out to greet him by name and the highlight of his visit was being able to board the Etihad flight that had landed and being able to sit in the pilot’s seat.

These moments are the reason we do this-the thought that hope could become as important as the medicine truly touches our hearts. They show that even in the toughest battles, joy, freedom, and wonder are still possible.

Q: How important is community and donor support in making these experiences happen?

Every donation counts. Cash contributions fund the logistics of a wish-transportation, meals, insurance-while in-kind support, like hotel stays or restaurants providing meals, brings the experience to life. Seylan Bank PLC who is our official banking partner and other corporate partners have been instrumental in this process.

But beyond money, it’s the human contribution-doctors guiding us medically, and community members offering experiences-that truly transforms a child’s dream into reality. Each wish is a collective effort, and the ripple effect touches families, staff, and every child involved.

Q: How does Suwa Arana fit into this vision?

Suwa Arana opened its doors in 2023 to provide a holistic family care concept. Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka enhances that work, adding moments of celebration, freedom, and possibility. Together, we support not just the body but the soul-ensuring children and their families experience hope, happiness, and togetherness, even amid illness.

Q: How can people get involved and help?

Donations, offering services, or simply spreading awareness all help. Each contribution-big or small-helps grant a child’s greatest wish. Those who want to get involved can contact us directly or visit the website www.makeawishsrilanka.org. Helpline: 011 2363211. Every act of kindness brings joy to a child’s life.

Q: Why is Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka so critical today?

Because hope heals. In the middle of treatments, tests, and uncertainty, children need to feel joy, be celebrated, and experience freedom. Make-A-Wish gives them that chance. Every wish fulfilled is a story of compassion, teamwork, and selflessness-and an invitation for the rest of us to participate in giving hope, healing, and happiness.

Q: What would be your message to the public?

Every wish matter, and you can be a part of making it come true. Together we can give children suffering from a critical illness the gift of joy, hope and strength and bring to life the power of a wish. No contribution is too small – every act of kindness helps transform a child’s life.

The opening day of the National Ranking Golf Tournament teed off at Victoria Golf Resort, Rajawella, where Vijitha Bandara took an early lead with a superb round of 71. Bandara’s consistent play off the tees and steady putting helped him stay one shot clear of the rest of the field in a competitive start to the event.

Chanaka Perera who carded a 73 to take second place. Perera, a regular top performer on the local circuit, played with characteristic precision but will look to tighten up his short game heading into day two.

Meanwhile Kumar Danushan followed in third with a round of 74, keeping himself well within striking distance as the leader-board remains tightly packed.

Kaya Daluwatte, who has been in fine form recently, continued to impress with a solid 75 to finish the day in fourth place. Veteran Priya Hemantha rounded off the top five with a respectable 76, staying in contention with a steady round under challenging greens.

Jacob Norton was placed 6th while Uchitha Ranasinghe, Chalitha Pushpika, and Reshan Algama were tied on number 7.