Category: Daily Financial Times

The second session of the 11th Annual Daily FT-CICRA Cyber Security Summit explored the rapidly evolving relationship between human expertise and artificial intelligence in strengthening cyber defences. Delivering the keynote address on ‘The Human-AI Partnership: Augmenting Cyber Teams with Intelligent Automation,’, Sysco LABS Director of Cybersecurity and Sysco’s Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for APAC, Shanthi Rajesh outlined how intelligent automation can bridge the widening talent and response gaps in modern cybersecurity.

A new era of human-AI synergy

Rajesh opened by noting that the global AI cybersecurity market is projected to reach USD 134 billion by 2030, underscoring how organisations are moving from manual, reactive operations to AI-augmented ecosystems that respond to threats at machine speed. She emphasised that cyberattacks are now increasing by 13% annually, even as the global cybersecurity workforce gap expands to 3.4 million professionals. This imbalance, she explained, makes intelligent automation not optional but essential to sustaining business resilience.

‘AI doesn’t replace the human element. It enhances it,’ Rajesh remarked. ‘We need both the speed of machines and the intuition of people to stay ahead of evolving adversaries.’

She described humans as excelling in abstract thinking, creativity, empathy, and adaptability, while AI contributes speed, precision, pattern recognition, and scalability. The most effective cybersecurity strategy, she argued, lies in fusing these strengths into a cohesive, symbiotic defence framework.

Rajesh also detailed how AI is already transforming key security functions, from email filtering and threat hunting to endpoint protection and anomaly detection. Machine learning models now identify phishing emails, automate the hunt for hidden threats, and protect individual devices through continuous monitoring.

According to Sysco’s internal analytics, integrating AI in cyber operations has achieved up to 90% faster threat detection, 60% reduction in false positives, and 75% shorter response times. AI systems now analyse 3.1 billion monthly transactions to identify anomalies that human analysts might overlook, allowing cyber teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than repetitive alert triage.

‘AI enables human analysts to work smarter, not harder. By automating low-value tasks and providing contextual intelligence, we empower our teams to focus on what truly matters, which is anticipating the next breach, rather than cleaning up after the last one,’ said Rajesh.

The double-edged sword of AI in cybersecurity

However, Rajesh cautioned that the rise of adversarial AI and data manipulation attacks presents a new layer of risk. Threat actors are now using automated bots, model poisoning, and prompt injection to manipulate AI systems themselves. ‘We must remember that AI can be weaponised,’ she warned. ‘As defenders adopt AI to strengthen their systems, attackers are doing the same to outsmart them.’

She called for stronger AI governance frameworks, referencing standards such as NIST AI RMF 1.0 and ISO/IEC 42001, which provide guidelines for risk management, bias reduction, and transparency. Ensuring human oversight in automated systems, she said, remains critical to preventing unintended consequences.

Rajesh also highlighted that 65% of AI users are Millennials or Gen Z, reflecting how younger, digital-native professionals are driving adoption across industries. Today, 72% of companies worldwide use AI in at least one business function, with 90% reporting significant efficiency gains. ‘This generational shift means AI is the present, not the future. The challenge now is ensuring that this adoption happens responsibly and inclusively,’ she noted.

In closing, Rajesh reminded participants that the future of cybersecurity is not robotic but relational. Quoting Google CEO Sundar Pichai, she said, ‘The future of AI is not about replacing humans, but about augmenting human capabilities.’ The next frontier, she concluded, will depend on organisations’ ability to build feedback loops where AI provides raw intelligence and humans apply strategic insight.

‘The best cybersecurity strategies still begin and end with people. It’s about people who can think critically, adapt quickly, and ask better questions than any algorithm ever could. That’s the future we must build together,’ concluded Rajesh.

The AI-human partnership

Delivering the guest address during the second session of the Daily FT-CICRA Cyber Security Summit 2025, Fortude General Manager – IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security, Prageeth Kapuruge explored how AI-driven automation is redefining the efficiency and scalability of modern cyber operations. Speaking on ‘The Human-AI Partnership: Augmenting Cyber Teams with Intelligent Automation,’ Kapuruge described how intelligent AI agents are emerging as the next evolution of cybersecurity operations, augmenting human decision-making with speed, accuracy, and continuous learning

Kapuruge began by asking a simple but critical question: ‘What’s your biggest challenge in cybersecurity operations today?’ The answer, he said, is the widening gap between detection and response. Traditional Security Operations Centres (SOCs) are overwhelmed by the volume of alerts, false positives, and data silos, slowing down incident triage and escalating operational fatigue.

Introducing Fortude’s Sentinel AI architecture, Kapuruge explained how AI agents can triage, investigate, and respond to incidents within seconds, far surpassing human capacity. These autonomous yet guided systems, powered by Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), continuously learn from historical incidents and adapt to new attack patterns. ‘Our Sentinel AI doesn’t just analyse; it reasons,’ he said. ‘It never sleeps, never gets tired, and never misses a correlation.’

The power of unified AIOps

Kapuruge described Sentinel AI as a unified AIOps platform designed for both cybersecurity and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE). It integrates monitoring, detection, and automation into a single console with natural language interfaces, allowing analysts to interact conversationally rather than through complex dashboards. This simplification, he explained, eliminates silos between security and infrastructure teams while reducing mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR).

Through examples drawn from simulated operations, Kapuruge demonstrated how Sentinel AI can instantly triage suspicious processes such as detecting an anomalous executable or flagging malicious code injection in a software repository, then autonomously cross-reference the event against threat intelligence databases, verify hashes, and trigger response workflows.

Despite the sophistication of AI, Kapuruge emphasised that automation should augment, not replace, human analysts. ‘AI agents can take over repetitive, time-critical work, freeing analysts to focus on strategic tasks like root-cause analysis, threat hunting, and policy design. The system’s design principle is human-in-the-loop oversight, ensuring transparency, accountability, and contextual awareness even as machine speed drives response,’ he said.

Kapuruge also noted that AI governance and explainability are central to Fortude’s deployment model. Each AI-driven decision is logged, auditable, and traceable, ensuring compliance and preventing model drift. ‘In cybersecurity, blind trust in automation is as dangerous as no automation at all,’ he cautioned.

Concluding his presentation, Kapuruge underscored that the future of cybersecurity lies in AI-augmented resilience, where humans and intelligent systems operate symbiotically to predict, prevent, and respond to threats. ‘We’re entering a new chapter where SecOps becomes cognitive where AI agents amplify the instincts of human defenders. It’s not man versus machine, but man with machine, protecting what matters most,’ said Kapuruge.

Human intelligence at the core of AI-led cyber defence

The panel discussion following the keynotes brought together Cargills Bank PLC Group Chief Information Officer Druvi Vaidyakularatne, Millennium IT Director – Managed Security Services Mushtaq Mukthar, and moderator Chamath Algawatta, Chief Information Security Officer at Nations Trust Bank PLC, for an in-depth exchange on how human expertise continues to anchor AI-driven cybersecurity transformation.

Chamath Algawatta noted that while AI has redefined the speed and scale of cyber response, ‘the true differentiator remains human judgment.’ He pointed out that as organisations embrace automation, leadership must ensure that ethical oversight, accountability, and contextual awareness remain firmly human-led. ‘You can automate detection,’ he said, ‘but context, consequence, and corrective action still demand people who understand the business.’

From a banking and financial sector perspective, Druvi Vaidyakularatne underscored the importance of collaboration and contextual intelligence. He explained that banks now face hybrid threats that combine AI-powered fraud, phishing, and social engineering. To counter these, banks are investing in predictive analytics, secure data lakes, and federated AI models that allow institutions to learn collectively without compromising customer privacy. ‘Cyber resilience is no longer built in isolation. It’s about shared vigilance and trusted ecosystems,’ he emphasised.

Mushtaq Mukthar brought a technology service provider’s view, stressing Sri Lanka’s potential to become a regional managed security hub. He outlined how AI-driven security operations and real-time telemetry from diverse industries could feed back into continuous learning loops. ‘Our goal is to build an ecosystem where every breach, every anomaly, teaches the network to defend better,’ he said.

Strategic partners of the 11th annual cyber-security summit were Visa and Sysco LABS, Platinum partner was South Asia Technologies, Community Impact Partner was Meta, Payment network partner was LankaPay. Other partners included platform partner #HashX, podcast partner Techtalk, hospitality partner Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, Creative partner Mullenlowe Sri Lanka and electronic media partner Yes101, TV1 and News1st.

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC), the nation’s leading financial institution, further strengthened its customer service network with the launch of 50 new ‘BOC Connect’ Agent banking service centres across the country. The initiative aims to bring everyday banking services closer to customers living in rural and semi-urban areas, making financial access more convenient and inclusive.

Established in 1939, the Bank of Ceylon now operates over 2,400 customer touchpoints, including 660 local branches, a full-service banking subsidiary in London and four overseas branches. The introduction of the ‘BOC Connect’ Agent banking concept marks a key step in the bank’s ongoing service expansion.

Implemented in partnership with the Sri Lanka Postal Department, more than 100 BOC Connect service centres have already been established in selected post offices island-wide. This collaboration has allowed the bank to reach more customers efficiently and meet their growing service needs with ease.

The BOC Connect network enables customers to carry out a wide range of essential banking services, including cash deposits and withdrawals, money transfers, bill payments, and mobile reloads. Powered by BOC’s advanced digital banking technology, all transactions are processed instantly, ensuring a fast and secure customer experience.

Bank of Ceylon Acting General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Y.A. Jayathilaka said: ‘The BOC Connect Agent banking service, which was launched in 2021, has now expanded to 225 service centres and has earned the trust of our customers. Bank of Ceylon has always been at the forefront of digital innovation, and I would like to mention that the BOC Connect service centres, which have been empowered by it, have been designed to make banking easier and more secure for customers.’

Bank of Ceylon Deputy General Manager (Branch Operations) Priyal Silva noted that the initiative represents a major step toward decentralising access to financial services. ‘The BOC Connect Agent banking concept can be introduced as taking the daily banking activities of customers away from the confines of city-bound bank branches to their own villages.’

‘Accordingly, we, as Bank of Ceylon, are constantly committed to creating a more efficient and convenient banking environment for our customers by introducing a wide range of unique bank accounts, and expanding our branch network to make it easily accessible to the public. We have been able to bring banking services to the fingertips of our customers through mobile tools such as BOC Flex,’ he said.

As one of the country’s most trusted financial institutions, the Bank of Ceylon continues to play a leading role in promoting financial inclusion through customer-centric and sustainable initiatives such as BOC Connect. With a legacy spanning over eight decades, the bank remains committed to driving a strong, resilient, and financially empowered society across Sri Lanka.

Central Province

Madushani Traders

Gamnayake Super

Shakeeraas

Benses Super

Idamegama Sub Post Office

Kandapola Post Office

Eastern Province

Kumar Cream House and Guest House

Bandula Stores

North Central Province

New Thulani Stores

N K Super Centre

Osaka Stores

Sampath Stores

Yasasa Govi Sewa

Northern Province

Vinayagar Stores

Analaitivu Post Office

North Western Province

Thisara Trade Center

Sabaragamuwa Province

Dimuthu Hardware

Southern Province

Chandimal Fruitcity

Rathnagiri Stores

Shehan Motors

Maduwa Sub Post Office

Uva Province

Hasitha Mill

Western Province North

Sudara Stores

Sahara Ambarumhala Thoga Saha Sillara Welendasala

Senira Stores

New Preethi Stores

Sasith Communication

Nilmini Stores

Malinda Stores

Dammika Stores

Meethirigala Sub Post Office

Western Province South

P C Electricles

Green City Super

Sandaruwan Hardware

Amarathunga Stores

Munasinghe Super City

Inosh Concrete Works

Morapitiya Sub Post Office

Veyangalla Sub Post Office

Molkawa Sub Post Office

Dombagoda Sub Post Office

Millaniya Sub Post Office

Wellatha Sub Post Office

Dampe Sub Post Office

Handapangoda Sub Post Office

Ittepane Sub Post Office

Gurulana Sub Post Office

Pinnawala Waga Sub Post Office

Thummodara Post Office

Kalotuwawa Sub Post Office

Former Royal, CR and FC, and national player Pavithra Fernando was appointed as the President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday.

Former Antonian and CR and FC rugby player Shanitha Fernando was appointed as the Deputy President, while former Thurstan and Air Force rugby player Subash Jayathilake will be the Secretary of SLR.

Former Police skipper Chinthaka Perera took over the Vice President’s post.

Office bearers for 2025/2026:

President Pavithra Fernando; Deputy President Shanitha Fernando; Vice President Chinthaka Perera; General Secretary Subash Jayathilake; Treasurer Neomal Ekanayake; Female Representative Thilini Rangani, and Athlete Representative Stephan Gregory.

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with three Fundamental Rights petitions filed by former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Shani Abeysekara and two former CID officers, challenging their arrest by the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) in August 2021.

Abeysekara, along with former CID officers Sugath Mendis and Nawarathne Premarathne, was arrested over allegations of fabricating evidence in the case against former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vass Gunawardena.

The petitions claim the arrests were politically motivated and followed an allegedly fabricated case connected to a weapons cache uncovered seven years after the 2013 murder of Mohamed Shyam.

The bench comprising Justices Mahinda Samayawardena, Priyantha Fernando, and Sobitha Rajakaruna granted leave to proceed with all three petitions and scheduled the case for argument on 14 May 2026.

Counsel Shantha Jayawardena, Shehan De Silva, and Hafeel Farisz appeared for the Petitioners, while Sanjeewa Wijewickrema represented former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Thennakoon and Neville De Silva. State Counsel Sajith Bandara appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.

CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu addressing the institute’s 46th National Conference yesterday said Sri Lanka must not sacrifice economic momentum to avoid future Macro-Linked Bond (MLB) payments, arguing that the long-term benefits of sustained growth far exceed the added debt service costs.

He said Sri Lanka should not shy away from growth because of MLB terms. An International Monetary Fund (IMF) working paper estimates that from 2028 to 2038, Sri Lanka could pay between $ 150 million and $ 270 million a year, depending on GDP outcomes between 2025 and 2027, or about $ 2 billion over the decade.

‘Should we aim for lower growth to avoid these payments? The answer is no. The economic benefits of sustained higher growth will outweigh the additional debt service costs. The price of standing still is always greater than the price of moving forward,’ he said.

Kuruppu said the Public Finance Management Act, Public Debt Management Act, and Central Bank Act have improved transparency, but they will only deliver if backed by capable professionals who apply international standards and sound fiscal practices.

‘Implementing accounting standards, effective procurement and investment practices, and prudent debt strategies all depend on strong financial expertise in the public sector,’ he said.

He pointed to Cyprus, where embedding professional accountants in ministries lifted the share of qualified finance staff from 7% to 33% by 2022. Sri Lanka is far behind, with only 38 professionally qualified accountants among 1,600 public finance officers managing an estimated Rs. 7 billion in expenditure.

CA Sri Lanka has offered 25 full scholarships for an MBA in Public Finance Management and is working with Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma to institutionalise the Chartered Public Finance Accountant qualification, developed seven years ago but not yet implemented.

He said market credibility is essential to attract capital and that ethics are central to the profession’s role. ‘The numbers we certify are not mere figures on paper. They form the foundation upon which investors, both local and global, build confidence in our economy. When we sign an audit report, we are underwriting Sri Lanka’s credibility,’ he said.

LOVI Ceylon, in collaboration with Events by Shero and Cinnamon Grand Colombo, hosted a heartfelt send-off dinner in honour of Sri Lanka’s national women’s cricket team ahead of their participation in the ICC Women’s World Cup.

The celebration was held at the Atrium of Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, on the eve of the tournament’s commencement across Sri Lanka and India.

The evening was marked by elegance, pride, and national spirit as players, coaches, and key stakeholders gathered to acknowledge the commitment and excellence of the women’s team. Attendees included representatives from Sri Lanka Cricket, LOVI Ceylon, and well-wishers from across the community.

As part of the celebration, LOVI Ceylon unveiled the ceremonial attire designed exclusively for the team’s international appearance. The custom designs are a continuation of the brand’s mission to define a contemporary Sri Lankan fashion identity and honour national pride through modern craftsmanship. The brand has previously styled the national squad for global platforms including the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris.

The send-off event opened with a welcome address by LOVI Ceylon Founder Asanka de Mel, followed by a traditional blessing and cultural performance to wish the athletes success. The ambiance of the Atrium was transformed into a tribute to the strength, determination, and grace of Sri Lanka’s finest women cricketers.

Asanka de Mel said: ‘Each of these athletes, their families and coaches have toiled for more than a decade or more to get to this level. They bring glory to Sri Lanka. We wanted to honour them, celebrate them, and wish them success. Our Women. Our World Cup.’

The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also stood as a testament to the growing recognition of women’s sports in Sri Lanka. Through the collaboration, LOVI Ceylon underscored its commitment to amplifying national moments and representing Sri Lankan heritage on global stages.

‘I am grateful to Sri Lanka Cricket for this opportunity and the truly amazing event partners Ramani Fernando Salons, Dimitri Cruz Photography, Impress Events, Events by Shero and Cinnamon Grand Hotel for their support and magic,’ Asanka added.

The atmosphere of unity and pride echoed throughout the evening, reinforcing the collective aspiration of the nation behind the women representing Sri Lanka on the international stage.

As Sri Lanka prepares to co-host the prestigious ICC Women’s World Cup, this gesture by LOVI Ceylon and its partners sets a powerful tone of encouragement and national solidarity.

LOVI Ceylon, based in Colombo, is a contemporary Sri Lankan fashion brand founded by Asanka de Mel. Dedicated to defining a modern Sri Lankan identity through design, LOVI offers handcrafted garments using natural materials. Each creation is a celebration of cultural heritage, artistry, and innovation, made to empower individuals to wear their pride anywhere in the world.

DFCC Bank PLC has partnered with DIMO to make vehicle ownership more affordable and accessible-helping businesses expand, families progress, and communities thrive.

The collaboration combines DFCC Bank’s flexible leasing solutions with DIMO’s portfolio of trusted brands including Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, and Tata. Customers can access competitive, customisable leasing packages with faster approvals, attractive terms, and the assurance of nationwide availability through DFCC Bank’s branch network and DIMO’s dealerships.

DFCC Bank PLC Senior Vice President and Head of Retail and Business Banking Aasiri Iddamalgoda said,

‘At DFCC Bank, we believe mobility is more than transport-it is a driver of progress. By enabling SMEs to scale their operations, entrepreneurs to access new markets, and families to achieve their aspirations, this partnership with DIMO reflects our commitment to creating inclusive growth and a sustainable future for Sri Lanka. We are redefining mobility financing in Sri Lanka-offering not just loans and leases, but a complete ecosystem of trust, speed, and value that fuels national growth.’

DIMO Executive Director Rajeev Pandithages added, ‘At DIMO, we believe that true mobility goes beyond the point of purchase-it is about creating an ownership journey defined by trust, convenience, and value. Through our partnership with DFCC Bank, customers will now enjoy access to attractive leasing options, complemented by DIMO’s unmatched aftersales support with island-wide service network, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Together, we are redefining the customer experience, making vehicle ownership seamless while supporting the evolving aspirations of Sri Lankans.’

Hameedia, celebrated the grand re-launch of its H Sports outlet in Pelawatte, unveiling a fresh new store concept and exclusive activewear collections. The newly revamped store promises to deliver an elevated shopping experience for sports lovers and fitness enthusiasts, showcasing the latest global trends in activewear, athleisure, and performance gear from world-renowned brands including Adidas, Nike, Campus, and H Active.

Located at 724A, Pannipitiya Road, Battaramulla, H Sports is designed as a one-stop destination for those seeking high-quality sportswear that combines style, comfort, and functionality. The store offers a wide range of world-class products in footwear, apparel, and accessories right here in Sri Lanka.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of Amjad Hameed – Director of Signature, together with members of the Hameedia management team. The re-launch event presented an exclusive first look at H Sports’ newest collections, offering fashion-forward pieces ideal for gym workouts, professional training sessions, or athleisure wear. Guests enjoyed an immersive evening featuring curated looks, styling inspiration, and engaging activities. On launch day, customers also took part in Time Challenge Games, including Skipping Rope and Dips competitions. Winners received special gifts, while exclusive in-store offers added to the excitement of the celebration.

Hameedia Managing Director Fouzul Hameed said: ‘H Sports has always been about empowering people to move better and live healthier, more active lives. With this re-launch, we are not just reopening a store, We are reintroducing a space designed to inspire both performance and fashion. Our goal is to inspire Sri Lankans to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle with the very best in global sportswear, while enjoying a world-class retail experience.’

The store’s redesigned layout offers a modern, spacious, and customer-friendly environment, making it easier for shoppers to explore categories ranging from performance wear and running shoes to athleisure staples and accessories. With Hameedia’s commitment to quality and innovation, the upgraded store also aims to serve as a community hub where sports enthusiasts can stay connected to the latest trends and updates in fitness fashion.

In addition to the Pelawatte outlet, H Sports also operates outlets at Racecourse Promenade, Colombo 7, and Kandy City Centre, L/3 – 17, Kandy, continuing its mission to make world-class sportswear and athleisure accessible across Sri Lanka.

The National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), has officially launched the Certified Brand Analyst Program 2025.

The program, a joint effort with the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, is designed to enhance the skills of Enterprise Development Officers (EDOs), enabling them to guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating globally recognised brands. The initiative’s goal is to foster a new generation of brand creators within the Government.

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara introduced the strategic concept of ‘branding the Industry Family.’ She emphasised that all key partners and entities under the ministry’s umbrella must work together, asserting that a unified vision and a collective effort are crucial for success, as no organisation can reach its full potential alone.

Using ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ as a national initiative, Jayasundara stated that its primary objective goes beyond merely cleaning streets; it’s about cleansing the mind-sets of the Sri Lankan people. She detailed the initiative’s three pillars as economic, social, and environmental. She emphasised that a clean environment is a direct result of building a strong economy and social structure.

She explained these pillars, support several key national targets set for 2030, all focused on building a manufacturing-led economy. Jayasundara said the first goal is to boost the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from its current 16.2% to 20% by 2030. She said it is essential for reaching the broader national target of increasing the country’s overall GDP from 26.7% to 28% by 2030, which would pave the way for a ‘rich country and a beautiful life for all’ by 2028.

She shared the second goal as boosting entrepreneurship. Jayasundara noted that only 3.2% of the national labour force are entrepreneurs. To increase this contribution to at least 10% by 2030 is a challenging but necessary task. To ensure stability, she also outlined a series of ambitious financial targets. The ministry is aiming for a foreign income of $ 15 billion and a total import and export income of $ 28 billion by 2028, with a further national target of $ 36 billion by 2030. A failure to meet these goals, she warned could lead to economic instability due to the country’s debt obligations.

Jayasundara also highlighted the remarkable resilience of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. She noted that despite global trade challenges, total exports for the first seven months of 2025 reached an impressive $ 9,992.53 million, marking a robust 7.79% growth over the previous year. To sustain this drive, she urged the industry to proactively identify and target new global markets, specifically pointing to South Africa and the Gulf countries as untapped and massive opportunities.

She outlined that a key objective of the ministry is to develop high-potential, export-led industries, diversifying the export basket, and increasing the number of export countries. Addressing the motivation behind the new specialised initiative, Jayasundara explained that the ultimate goal is to create a powerful export brand for Sri Lanka. She assured that the new program will enhance the quality of officers and that the ministry plans to introduce a KPI-based incentive system to drive results.

Jayasundara then outlined three crucial elements for this initiative: ‘Brand,’ ‘Certificate,’ and ‘Communication.’ She argued that both entrepreneurs and public officers must build their own personal brands to be effective; the certificate is designed to enhance the quality of participants and provide a formal qualification; and communication is vital for an initiative to succeed.

She also spoke of a long-term vision to unify the industry by merging NEDA, SED, and IDB, a plan first conceived in 2016. She expressed her belief that the SLIM institute would eventually join this collaborative framework, suggesting that these partnerships are essential for creating a national industrial brand.

SLIM President Prof. Dewasiri N. Jayantha then reflected on Sri Lanka’s economic history, noting that the country once had its own global brands, citing the Upali Group and its ventures as prime examples. He argued that a shift from an export-oriented model to import-driven consumption led to the significant depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee and consistently negative balance of trade, which he identified as the beginning of the nation’s economic challenges.

He asserted that the 2022 national crisis finally ‘opened the eyes’ of the Government and private sector to the failure of this economic model. Despite being a 55-year-old institution, he acknowledge that SLIM couldn’t fully achieve its vision ‘to drive the nation towards economic prosperity.’ To rectify this, the organisation has identified entrepreneurship and the development of SMEs as its core pillars and has decided to invest heavily in a multi-tiered series of programs, with an initial estimate of 300 million Sri Lankan rupees to train 1,800 individuals. He clarified that this is not a profit-based venture for SLIM, but a fulfilment of its social and institutional responsibility.

He detailed the new training program, designed to create a ‘supportive arm’ of skilled professionals. The program starts with the Relationship Officers (RO) Program, training 700 individuals, 500 of whom will become Relationship Specialists. The Brand Analyst Program, a 10-week program, will train 100 individuals. From there, the top 50 will advance to become Certified Brand Strategists, and finally, a Business Consultant Program will train 350 individuals with the goal of creating 100 professional Business Consultants who could potentially earn in ‘millions.’ He also revealed that SLIM is in discussions to link this program to with the Chartered Management Institute located in UK with their Level 7 program, which would provide a globally recognised qualification.

He laid out the Brand Analyst Program curriculum in detail, first to third week: Introduction to branding, differentiating it from products, understanding its importance for SMEs, and focusing on brand elements, identity, and target audience. Fourth to seventh week: Strategic topics like brand positioning, developing a unique selling proposition (USP), and mastering brand storytelling and communication. Eighth to ninth week: Practical lessons on branding tools and techniques for local and export markets, including learning from mistakes and focusing on reputation management. Tenth week: The final ‘brand camp,’ which includes a practical simulation activity: the digital re-launch of a brand.

In addition to the educational content, the program offers a scholarship fund for the top ten performers, a Vietnam tour for the top student, and a compensation or bonus system for participants who achieve their KPIs.

He expressed gratitude for the Australian High Commission’s Sri Lanka Support Division, which will partially fund the program, noting that its outcome-based nature was highly compelling. He reaffirmed that SLIM’s motivation is not profit-driven but rooted in a sense of national responsibility.

He said the ultimate objective is to create 20 to 30 new global brands from Sri Lanka within the next two years, a significant increase from the current ‘less than a handful.’ He thanked all partners for enabling SLIM to be a key participant in this vital national journey.

A Buddhist monk from Rathupaswala, Ven. Theripahala Siridhamma Thero, began a hunger strike in Tangalle yesterday to protest the Government’s decision to withdraw the security detail of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The protest started around 1 p.m. near the D. S. Senanayake statue, opposite Carlton House in Tangalle, according to local reports.

The monk is demanding the reinstatement of security for Rajapaksa and other former presidents, arguing that removing state protection for a former head of state is unacceptable and poses risks to their safety.

Ven. Siridhamma Thero said he will continue the fast until the government reverses the decision and restores full security arrangements.