Category: Daily Financial Times

The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL) has called on the Government to abandon its proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, warning that the move would undermine judicial independence, disrupt career progression and weaken public confidence in the administration of justice.

In a letter to Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, the Association, which represents District Judges and Magistrates, said the proposal would effectively freeze promotions within the judiciary for about two years, delaying appointments to the superior courts and High Court while reducing career opportunities for judicial officers. It urged the Government to withdraw the proposal, arguing that doing so would help preserve judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka recently explored new avenues for bilateral trade, investment, and tourism at the “Canada Day Dialogue: Aligning with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy,” marking the 159th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

The conversation gathered three panellists from banking, public policy, entrepreneurship, design, and tourism to detail the ground-level steps required to transform this high-level strategy into commercial reality.

Canada’s CAD 500 b commitment to expand economic engagement over the next decade is expected to create new opportunities for Sri Lanka across energy, technology, mining, manufacturing and tourism, as well as green infrastructure and human capital development. CanCham Sri Lanka is working with more than 20 Canadian Chambers of Commerce across the Indo-Pacific to establish a unified platform to promote trade, investment, innovation and inclusive growth.

The Canada-Sri Lanka relationship dates back to the 1950s, beginning with Colombo Plan support that brought diesel-electric railway engines to Sri Lanka and Canadian financing that helped build the country’s international airport, a legacy still reflected in the name of the road leading to it. The panel looked at how that decades-old relationship could be reshaped for a very different economic landscape in 2026.

The panel featured former State Finance Minister Eran Wickramaratne; the Design Corp Group of Companies (Academy of Design – AOD) Founder and Chairperson Linda Speldewinde; and Classic Destinations (Expolanka Holdings PLC) Head – Destinations, the UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness Vice Chair, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau former Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu.

How does Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy open new pathways for Sri Lanka in energy, technology and manufacturing?

Wickramaratne said Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is moving in the right direction, given that global economic growth is increasingly centred in Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. He noted that ASEAN had been the primary focus of the strategy for around 45 years and had seen strong economic expansion, but said South Asia should now receive greater attention within the framework.

He described South Asia as ‘the fastest-growing subcontinent in the world, not only in population but in economic growth,’ pointing out that the region accounts for close to a quarter of the global population and could account for around 45% of global GDP, moving towards 50% in the coming years.

Referring to Canada’s demographic positioning, Wickramaratne highlighted its strong global connectivity, noting that migrants have played a key role in shaping the country’s identity. With around 20% of Canada’s population directly linked to other countries, he said this remains an important factor in how Canada engages internationally. While the United States remains Canada’s largest trading partner, he added that the Indo-Pacific has already become its second-largest trading region, emphasising the need for deeper engagement with South Asia, including Sri Lanka.

On bilateral economic relations, he said Sri Lanka should realistically aim to account for at least 2% of Canada’s global trade, which would translate into around $2.4 b in two-way trade. He added that Canadian investment into Sri Lanka, currently about $20 m, remains far below potential, and suggested that a more balanced investment flow could reasonably reach about $400 m if structural issues are addressed.

At a broader level, Wickramaratne said, ‘Sri Lanka and Canada have a lot in common. One is our shared philosophy, democratic societies and humanity. The second is that both are largely open economies, so we need to expand trade and investment to build sustainable growth.’

He also noted that Canada knows how to manage relationships with big neighbours. ‘Sri Lanka is also a small island with large neighbours around it, so we have something in common there and what we’ve learned is that this isn’t won through guns and war, but through negotiation, and through taking a principled stand when it matters. Canada has done that recently, and I think it’s something that should strengthen the resolve of small countries like ours: that we can move forward based on principle.’

Wickramaratne pointed to opportunities across energy, information technology, manufacturing and tourism, alongside maritime cooperation. He said Sri Lanka’s position within international maritime law frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, provided a strong basis for deeper engagement with Canada, particularly in areas linked to maritime governance and naval capability development.

On the technology side, ‘you’ll hear more about intelligence and cybersecurity. Sri Lanka is fairly advanced on the legal side, we were the first country in South Asia to sign on to some of the international cybercrime conventions. That matters, because we’re seeing a great deal of financial fraud and online scams, and this is an area where we can work together, including at the bureau level.’

Education partnerships, he added, remain one of the most effective ways of strengthening long-term bilateral ties, as overseas study creates people-to-people connections. While Canada’s scholarship and fellowship programs are currently focused in ASEAN countries, he said similar initiatives should be extended to South Asia to deepen engagement and strengthen regional links.

Reflecting on his experience as a banker in India during the 1990s, Wickramaratne recalled the implementation of non-resident investment schemes, noting that 30 years later, these initiatives have clearly helped drive the growth of the Indian economy. He said Sri Lanka’s large expatriate community should be viewed as an asset rather than a disadvantage, as it represents a significant source of capital, skills, and global networks.

‘Our diaspora is highly educated, has savings and investment capacity,’ he said, adding that while the first generation maintains strong ties through family and professional links, second and third-generation communities, though less emotionally connected, are often well established in senior positions abroad and can contribute through investment, training and technology transfer.

‘We need to welcome our diaspora,’ he said, sharing his personal view that second- and third-generation members should be granted citizenship or permanent residency to give them a true sense of belonging.

He also pointed to administrative and visa-related barriers affecting investors citing ‘If we want to build these partnerships properly, we need to confront this reality,’ he said, adding that such bottlenecks discourage investment and long-term engagement. He expressed hope that the new electronic Board of Investment (e-BOI) initiative would help streamline approvals and improve the overall investment climate.

How can Sri Lankan businesses move up the value chain through Canada?

Speldewinde said Sri Lankan businesses can move up the value chain by shifting from fragmented supply chains to direct access to global consumers. She said her company, Urban Island, expanded into Canada in 2022, taking Sri Lankan cottage industry products, including handmade items such as palmyra baskets, which are woven from the leaves of the palmyra palm commonly found in northern Sri Lanka and produced by rural artisan communities into retail markets in Canada and the United States.

She said the key shift was moving to a direct-to-consumer model. ‘The biggest opportunity was taking the product direct to the consumer,’ she said, noting that traditional export structures in Sri Lanka often pass through multiple intermediaries, reducing margins for producers.

Speldewinde said Sri Lankan crafts and fashion products are now reaching premium consumers in Toronto, supported by a retail presence in Rosedale and growing exposure to the US market.

She said the model is built on collaboration rather than extraction, including partnerships with institutions such as York University in Canada, where design work is developed alongside Sri Lanka’s artisan and manufacturing base.

‘I migrated to Canada not just to take from it, but to give something back to it,’ she said, adding that such cross-border collaboration can help Sri Lankan entrepreneurs scale globally while retaining local production strengths.

How can two-way tourism be grown between Canada and Sri Lanka?

Gajabahu opened by challenging the country’s own marketing instincts, arguing that Sri Lanka is still widely misunderstood in international markets as a sun-and-sea destination, despite its ‘all-in-one’ capsule ability to offer wildlife, culture, history and coastline within a matter of days. He noted that in countries such as India, the same range of experiences would take weeks to cover.

He cited the filming of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in Sri Lanka in 1979, often mistakenly assumed to have been shot in India. He said major Hollywood figures including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford spent around 40 days filming in the country. ‘Sri Lanka was a natural studio,’ he said, adding that the country’s geographic diversity allows visitors to move from coastal heat to cooler hill regions within a few hours, underscoring its versatility as a destination.

Rather than chasing a single generic tagline in the mould of ‘Incredible India’ or ‘Amazing Thailand’, he said Sri Lanka’s advantage lies in storytelling, hospitality and quality over volume. The country consistently ranks in global top-ten lists for its cuisine and beaches and has been named home to the world’s best train journey by National Geographic; its hospitality rankings, he said, are typically top five worldwide.

He pointed out that during the pandemic, tourists, particularly backpackers were taken into local homes when accommodation options ran out and the emotional scenes when Sri Lankan cricket fans wore Australian yellow Jerseys to thank Australia’s team for touring during the country’s economic crisis as the kind of story that resonates more than any conventional slogan.

‘The most important thing is telling the Sri Lankan story properly,’ he said, adding that tourism strategy should focus not only on branding but also on clear communication of product quality, sustainability practices and visitor experience.

He compared Sri Lanka with the Maldives, noting that while both destinations receive similar annual arrivals, the Maldives generates significantly higher average daily spend. He said Sri Lanka’s priority should be attracting the right market segments, while still maintaining space for budget-friendly tourism, which he described as an investment in future professionals and decision-makers who will retain long-term affinity for the country.

He added that sustainability has become increasingly important for European and North American travellers, with several Sri Lankan hotel groups already moving in that direction. While acknowledging the continued role of backpacker tourism, he said growth must be balanced with higher-spending segments to avoid overcrowding and environmental strain.

Gajabahu said Sri Lanka’s pricing structure often led to misperceptions, with high-end experiences appearing inexpensive compared to regional competitors. He said the country must better position itself as a value-for-money destination offering high-quality experiences at competitive rates.

Is there a gap in Sri Lanka’s luxury and experience tourism?

Speldewinde highlighted an untapped gap in Sri Lanka’s tourism market: high-spending travellers willing to pay around $1,000 a day for authentic, community-connected experiences rather than conventional five-star resorts. She noted that while Sri Lanka caters well to budget and traditional luxury tourists, it overlooks this premium niche that values local life, craftsmanship, and culture.

Drawing from her business experience in Canada, Speldewinde explained that her customers value knowing the specific artisan stories behind their purchases. Furthermore, she noted that operating in Muskoka, a high-end Canadian leisure destination, taught her how to design exclusive, authentic experiences that can be successfully adapted for Sri Lanka.

Gajabahu agreed, pointing to traditional martial art Angampora and village-based culinary experiences areas where his company already works with several hundred community-based providers as the kind of high-margin, low-footprint tourism Sri Lanka should be building out, while cautioning against unsustainable practices such as irresponsible safari tourism that put pressure on national parks.

What is holding back renewable energy collaboration?

Turning to clean energy, Wickremaratne said Sri Lanka’s commitment to its climate targets, including those made at COP summits, was not in question, but implementation of solar and wind projects has lagged. He cited the country’s substantial wind potential, particularly around the Mannar Strait, but noted recurring tension between scaling up renewable capacity and environmental and community concerns, including the impact on bird populations and nearby residents.

Wickramaratne said such tensions reflected a broader development challenge in Sri Lanka, where natural resource utilisation has often been delayed or constrained. Drawing on past experience in the mining sector, he recalled an initiative during his tenure as CEO of the National Development Bank to promote value-added phosphate processing instead of exporting raw material. While an investor had been identified and financing support was available, the project faced strong opposition and was ultimately not implemented.

He said that returning to the same area more than two decades later, he found that living standards had not significantly changed, raising questions about how effectively natural resources are converted into long-term economic value. He said this highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to development that combines environmental protection with sustainable economic use.

Wickramaratne said clean energy was one area where Sri Lanka could benefit from closer cooperation with Canada, particularly in technology transfer, planning frameworks and sustainable resource management.

How is technology reshaping the tourism experience?

Gajabahu said AI-driven technology was rapidly reshaping the tourism industry, noting that destination management has traditionally relied on direct, personal contact, especially in mature markets such as Canada, the US and Europe. He said several countries and private companies already operate platforms capable of generating a fully personalised, multi-day itinerary in seconds, complete with alternative options, and argued Sri Lanka risks falling behind competitors, including India, that have moved faster on this front.

Speaking on the role of the industry, he said SLAITO and other private-sector players were examining digital platforms, but stressed that the sector needed to come together to tell Sri Lanka’s story more effectively. He described the country as a small island with immense variety ‘an all-in-one capsule’ and said that distinctiveness needed to be communicated clearly through digital channels.

He said Sri Lanka’s tourism identity should be packaged in a way that was immediate, memorable and authentic, much like its cuisine, where a simple base of rice and curry can produce a wide range of distinct experiences. He added that the private sector would have to lead the transition, while infrastructure and policy support would need to follow.

What actionable commitments should be made before the next Canada Day?

Closing the discussion, each panellist set out a priority for the year ahead. Speldewinde said Sri Lanka should view Canada not only as a migration destination, but as a strategic base for business expansion. She said entrepreneurs should actively explore Canada as a platform to scale operations across North American markets, while also leveraging it to bring higher-value tourism and diversified consumer segments into Sri Lanka. ‘It’s about seeing Canada as a base for that part of the world, and using it to bring impact and expansion back to Sri Lanka,’ she said.

Gajabahu said Sri Lanka should set a clear and measurable tourism target, noting that Canadian arrivals had grown steadily over the past five years to around 40,000 annually. He said the country should aim to increase this to between 100,000 and 120,000 arrivals within the next 12 to 18 months, while maintaining a focus on high-value, quality tourism. ‘We need to be clear on who exactly we’re targeting,’ he said, adding that industry stakeholders and the Chamber should work together to promote Sri Lanka in the Canadian market. He also urged stronger destination marketing efforts, saying: ‘Please visit Sri Lanka, and spread that message.’

Wickramaratne said that while Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stabilisation under the IMF program had been ‘commendable,’ the next phase of growth would depend on attracting real investment inflows. He said the country’s relatively low domestic savings rate meant it remained dependent on foreign direct investment to drive growth and improve living standards.

He said priority areas included manufacturing and IT, but stressed that the key constraint remained the investment climate. He added that improving ease of investment and easing immigration-related processes were essential reforms on Sri Lanka’s side. ‘If we can get more Canadian investment into manufacturing, IT, or whatever the relevant sector may be, our commitment has to be improving the investment climate,’ he said.

Badulla District Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chaminda Wijesiri has been sentenced to one-and-a-half years’ imprisonment after the Badulla High Court convicted him over a 2019 incident involving police officers.

The High Court found Wijesiri guilty of wrongful restraint, assault causing bodily harm and criminal intimidation of police officers during an altercation near the Bandarawela roundabout.

The case stemmed from an incident in 2019 in which an argument broke out after a police jeep overtook the MP’s vehicle.

Prosecutors told the court the confrontation escalated, leading to the assault and intimidation of police officers.

Following the trial, the Badulla High Court convicted Wijesiri on the charges and sentenced him to one-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, launched Sri Lanka’s renowned Bogawantalawa Tea, one of the country’s finest premium Ceylon Tea brands, at Tamimi Markets, the leading hypermarket chain in Saudi Arabia, on 9 July 2026 in Riyadh.

Ceylon Tea Gardens of Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon supplies Bogawantalawa Tea exclusively to the Tamimi hypermarket chain in the Kingdom.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad pointed out that Saudi Arabia is one of the most important export destinations for Ceylon Tea and that the launch of Bogawantalawa Tea marked yet another significant milestone in expanding the presence of premium Ceylon Tea in the Saudi market. While expressing appreciation to Tamimi Markets for providing an excellent platform to introduce premium Sri Lankan tea to Saudi consumers, the Ambassador proposed the establishment of a dedicated ‘Sri Lanka Corner’ for premium Sri Lankan products in Tamimi Markets. He also highlighted the steady growth of Sri Lankan exports to Saudi Arabia in recent years and emphasised the importance of further expanding Sri Lanka’s export basket in the Kingdom.

Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon Co-Chairman Lalith Kumar Ambani, introduced the Ceylon Tea Gardens brand, stating that Bogawantalawa Tea is internationally renowned for its exceptional quality, distinctive flavour, freshness, and heritage spanning over a century. He noted that the introduction of Bogawantalawa Tea under the Ceylon Tea Gardens brand enriches Tamimi Markets’ premium tea portfolio by providing consumers across Saudi Arabia with access to the authentic taste of premium Ceylon Tea.

Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon Director/CEO Almas Marikkar, highlighted the company’s diverse product range and its commitment to corporate social responsibility through the welfare and development of estate communities, while Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon Marketing Manager – Middle East and Asia Anne Ranasinghe presented the story behind Bogawantalawa Tea.

During the launch, Regional Senior Manager, Ayham Nasser, Business Development Director, Bruce Bostwick, and Category Manager of Tamimi Markets, Husnee Thasim, participated and reaffirmed Tamimi Markets’ commitment to offering its customers the finest international brands.

First Secretary (Commerce) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Tashma Vithanawasam, Assistant Manager Product Innovation and Infusions of Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon, Kabeer Tharick and Tamimi Markets Area Managers, Riyad Salamih and Yassir Ghalib were also present on the occasion.

The Court of Appeal last week dismissed two writ applications filed against ‘Pentara Residencies,’ the landmark apartment development project by Home Lands Group in Thummulla, Colombo 5.

A bench comprising Justice P. Kumararatnam, Justice M.C.L.B. Gopallawa, and Justice Dr. D.F.H. Gunawardhana delivered the order whereby the writ applications were dismissed by a majority decision, refusing the issuance of formal notice.

The writ applications were filed in 2025 by several residents of Classen Place, challenging the approvals granted by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in relation to the proposed apartment complex. The Petitioners mounted their challenge on the basis that the approvals were contrary to the Development Plan and the regulations promulgated by the UDA.

The Court of Appeal, by its majority decision, affirmed that the approvals granted for the project were in compliance with the Development Plan and the regulations. The Court of Appeal further found that the Petitioners had failed to discharge their duty of uberrima fides, or utmost good faith, which is owed to Court.

Kushan De Alwis, PC, Ali Sabry, PC, Eraj De Silva, PC, with Shanaka Cooray, AAL, Rajiv Wijesinghe, AAL, Naamiq Nafath, AAL, Shamith Fernando, AAL, Akalanka Ukwatte, AAL, Daminda Wijayaratne, AAL, and Sanjana Mapatuna, AAL, instructed by Sudath Perera Associates, appeared for the fifth to eighth Respondents – Home Lands Construction CEO, Home Lands Skyline Ltd., Home Lands Construction Ltd., and Home Lands Property Investments Ltd.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic agreement with Swiss wealth manager Julius Baer (Middle East) to mobilise its global network and support the growing interest among international investors, business owners, and family offices in establishing and expanding their presence in Dubai.

The agreement reflects the growing appeal of Dubai among global investors, business owners, family offices, and private clients seeking stability, connectivity, lifestyle advantages, and access to regional and international opportunities.

It also reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for private wealth, family offices, business owners, and long-term capital allocation aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, CEO Hadi Badri, of the said that Dubai’s sustained growth as a global hub for wealth and investment reflects visionary leadership, policy stability, and long-term economic planning.

‘Our partnership with Julius Baer strengthens our ability to convert strategic interest into structured establishment and investment outcomes. Even amid shifting global conditions, the city continues to demonstrate resilience, transparency, and strong institutional delivery,’ he stated.

Julius Baer’s global network, spanning more than 25 countries and 60 locations, with assets under management amounting to 547 billion Swiss Francs at the end of June 2026, combined with its longstanding presence in Dubai, gives the firm a distinctive ability to connect international private clients with the investment and business opportunities the emirate offers.

‘We remain focused on enabling responsible capital formation, supporting family offices, business owners, and long-term investment activity, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a trusted base for international wealth and business growth in line with the D33,’ said Badri.

Julius Baer Head of Region Emerging Markets Rahul Malhotra said: ‘Dubai has earned its place as one of the world’s leading hubs for wealth management, and that is a view Julius Baer has held, and acted on, for more than two decades.’

‘Our long-standing presence here gives us a depth of market knowledge that allows us to respond confidently to clients when they are assessing where to base their wealth, their businesses, and their families,’ he stated.

Malhotra said: ‘We are seeing sustained and growing interest in Dubai across our global client base, and while the current regional and international geopolitical environment has introduced an element of complexity for international investors, it has also reinforced Dubai’s position as a destination that offers stability, institutional credibility, and a clear long-term economic direction.’

‘Our structural confidence in this market has not wavered, and this partnership with DET is a natural extension of the commitment Julius Baer has demonstrated here from the very beginning,’ he added.

Dubai’s private wealth ecosystem continues to expand. As per Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) figures, as of year-end 2025, the centre was home to 1,289 family-related entities, up 61 percent annually, while DIFC-based families had established 1,115 foundations, up 66% year-on-year.

Through this agreement, DET is strengthening the channels through which international investors, business owners, family offices, and private clients can better understand Dubai’s long-term economic direction, engage with its investment ecosystem, and assess the emirate as a base for wealth, enterprise, and future growth, it added.

Since 2022, I have engaged with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, who has completed a nearly six-year tenure. His period of service has been marked by sustained and consistent engagement, as well as a notably amiable, humble, and approachable demeanour, particularly during one of Sri Lanka’s most severe economic crises. Throughout this time, he has consistently conveyed a clear and steady message: that China regards Sri Lanka not merely as a strategic partner, but as a long-term partner in development, cooperation, and mutual support.

In a wide-ranging 2025 interview with the writer, published in the Daily FT, Ambassador Qi addressed some of the most debated issues surrounding China-Sri Lanka relations, including concerns over debt, infrastructure investment, trade, and geopolitical influence. He strongly rejected the notion of a ‘Chinese debt trap,’ arguing that Sri Lanka’s economic crisis was the result of multiple factors, including domestic policy failures, external shocks, and global economic conditions-not Chinese lending alone.

He emphasised that China is neither Sri Lanka’s only nor its largest creditor overall, and that Chinese-funded projects have primarily focused on infrastructure, logistics, energy, and connectivity. According to Ambassador Qi, these investments were intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s productive capacity and create a foundation for long-term economic growth.

The Colombo Port City project, he noted, was developed without a direct financial burden on Sri Lanka, while he referred to international studies which argued that China’s involvement in Hambantota Port followed the reluctance of other potential partners to participate. His broader argument was that Chinese engagement should be viewed as development cooperation rather than a source of dependency.

At the same time, Sri Lanka’s experience demonstrates the importance of ensuring that all foreign investments-regardless of their source-are guided by sound economic assessments, transparency, competitive processes, and long-term national interest. Infrastructure can become a powerful engine of growth only when combined with effective governance, commercial viability, and policies that enable Sri Lankan businesses and workers to benefit.

Ambassador Qi highlighted China’s support during Sri Lanka’s most difficult moments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China provided vaccines, medical equipment, and other essential supplies at a time when countries across the world faced shortages. Chinese vaccines played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s public health response. He also noted that China was the first bilateral creditor to reach an agreement framework on debt restructuring, contributing to Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to restore financial stability.

Trade and infrastructure

Infrastructure remains a defining feature of China’s partnership with Sri Lanka. Ambassador Qi pointed to the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port as examples of projects that could contribute significantly to future investment and economic activity. The challenge now for Sri Lanka is to ensure that these assets generate broad-based economic returns through investment, employment creation, exports, and integration into global supply chains.

Trade, according to Ambassador Qi, represents the next major opportunity. He renewed China’s call for the conclusion of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, negotiations for which have remained stalled since 2017. He argued that Sri Lanka should view deeper access to the Chinese market as an opportunity rather than a threat.

With China accounting for a significant share of global trade, even a modest expansion of Sri Lankan exports to China could create meaningful economic opportunities. However, Sri Lanka must also ensure that trade agreements support domestic industries, enhance competitiveness, and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs rather than simply increasing imports.

Beyond economics, Ambassador Qi highlighted the historical and cultural foundations of the relationship. The connections between the two nations stretch back centuries, from the Buddhist pilgrim Faxian’s visit to Sri Lanka to the maritime voyages of Zheng He. Today, educational exchanges, scholarships, cultural programs, and tourism initiatives continue to strengthen people-to-people links.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Qi spoke of a ‘China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future,’ reflecting the vision agreed upon during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to Beijing. Cooperation is expected to expand into areas such as agriculture, climate change, marine research, youth development, education, healthcare, sports, and technology.

However, as Sri Lanka navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, its success will depend on maintaining constructive relationships with all major partners-China, India, Japan, the United States, Europe, and others. Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean provides opportunities, but it also requires careful diplomacy, economic discipline, and a clear focus on sovereignty and national priorities.

Concludes his tenure

As Ambassador Qi concludes his assignment in Colombo and bids farewell, his message is that China views its relationship with Sri Lanka as one built on history, partnership, and shared development. Whether viewed through the lens of economics, diplomacy, or geopolitics, the reality remains that China will continue to be an important partner for Sri Lanka, alongside its relationships with other international partners. We wish Ambassador Qi every success as he embarks on the next chapter of his diplomatic journey and assumes his responsibilities in China or another country.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to lease five Presidential Residences on a long-term basis to private investors for tourism development.

The move is intended to reduce the financial burden of maintaining the underutilised State properties, whilst generating value from promoting tourism investment and economic activity.

The residences, located in Bentota, Kataragama, Mahiyanganaya, Embilipitiya, and Anuradhapura, feature high-end architectural designs, fully equipped facilities, and landscaped surroundings. Having traditionally been maintained for the official duties and personal recreation of the President, these Presidential Residences are not currently utilised by the incumbent President.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said despite their limited use, the Government continues to incur significant costs for their maintenance, security, and upkeep under the Presidential Secretariat.

‘Following recommendations by a committee appointed to identify economically productive uses for presidential bungalows, residences, and palaces, the Cabinet approved inviting proposals from suitable investors to develop the properties through tourism-related projects,’ he added.

Dr. Jayatissa said the properties will be offered on a long-term lease basis, with investment proposals to be called from interested parties.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister.

The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) yesterday called for a national policy push to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing into one of the country’s next major export industries, arguing that the sector’s contribution remains underestimated despite its strategic importance to healthcare security, foreign exchange savings, and high-value employment.

Delivering his inaugural address after assuming office as President at the Association’s 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the new SLPMA President Dinesh Athapaththu said Sri Lanka has built a solid pharmaceutical manufacturing base over the past six decades, but warned that the industry’s full economic potential can only be realised through stronger policy support, faster regulation, investment incentives, and closer collaboration between Government and industry.

Reflecting on the Association’s 60-year journey, he said the industry had evolved from a modest manufacturing base into one equipped with several state-of-the-art facilities capable of producing a significantly wider range of medicines while creating thousands of skilled jobs.

However, he noted that there remains a significant gap between what the industry believes it can contribute and how policymakers perceive its role in the national economy.

‘There is still a considerable perception gap regarding what pharmaceutical manufacturing can deliver to Sri Lanka. Unless policymakers recognise this industry’s strategic value, we will not realise its true potential,’ he said.

Athapaththu stressed that pharmaceutical manufacturing should ‘not be viewed’ merely through the lens of pricing disputes, procurement controversies, or shortages that frequently dominate public discussion.

‘This is an industry that ultimately exists to save lives. Every medicine we manufacture could one day be used by our own parents, children, or loved ones. It is a business that carries an extraordinary responsibility and must therefore be built on trust, quality, and scientific excellence,’ he said.

He added that building trust should become the industry’s key objective, not only among patients and healthcare professionals, but also with regulators and policymakers.

Athapaththu urged the Government to establish a multi-stakeholder national task force to formulate a long-term strategy for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

He said such a body should bring together policymakers, regulators, and industry representatives to drive coordinated decision-making and position pharmaceuticals as one of Sri Lanka’s next major export sectors.

‘I firmly believe pharmaceutical manufacturing can become one of Sri Lanka’s next star industries to boost exports. But achieving that vision requires all stakeholders to work together with a shared long-term commitment,’ he said.

The SLPMA President said pharmaceutical manufacturing could become a significant new source of export earnings if supported through a coherent national strategy.

Sri Lanka already produces thousands of science graduates annually, many of whom remain underemployed because of limited opportunities in knowledge-intensive industries.

‘The pharmaceutical industry is one of the few sectors capable of fully utilising this highly skilled scientific talent while generating high-value exports,’ he said.

He noted that while Sri Lanka’s export basket remains heavily concentrated in apparel, tourism, tea, and ICT, pharmaceutical manufacturing has the potential to emerge as another major foreign exchange earner.

Noting that the global pharmaceutical industry is $ 1.8 trillion, he said there is a significant potential for Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturers to be part of it.

‘Rather than questioning whether pharmaceutical manufacturing is viable in a country of 22 million people, policymakers should focus on creating the conditions that make it internationally competitive,’ Athapaththu stressed.

He pointed to countries such as Ireland and Singapore, which have built globally competitive pharmaceutical industries despite relatively small domestic markets.

‘India’s success should not be viewed as a competitive disadvantage. Instead, Sri Lanka should leverage its proximity to India to gain access to technology, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and expertise while building its own competitive advantage,’ Athapaththu said.

The SLPMA President also outlined what he described as five strategic priorities needed to transform the industry.

The first was an uncompromising commitment by manufacturers themselves to quality, compliance, and patient safety. ‘This is a largely self-regulated industry. If one manufacturer fails to maintain standards, it damages the credibility of the entire sector,’ he said.

Secondly, manufacturers should move beyond producing similar generic products and instead invest in product innovation, advanced technologies, and export-oriented manufacturing.

Thirdly, he called for stronger collaboration with universities to ensure graduates possess industry-ready skills, while expanding specialised training for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Fourthly, Athapaththu urged the development of a broader pharmaceutical ecosystem, including packaging manufacturers, testing laboratories, bioequivalence centres, and other supporting industries, many of which Sri Lanka currently imports.

He suggested public-private partnerships (PPPs) could accelerate the development of these supporting industries.

While acknowledging that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) had significantly improved regulatory timelines over the past two to three years, Athapaththu said further reforms were essential to attract investment.

He praised the NMRA’s responsibility to ensure medicines remain safe, effective, and affordable, but argued that faster product registration would significantly improve investor confidence.

‘The Sri Lankan market is the foundation upon which manufacturers build their export ambitions. If product registrations take years, investment decisions are inevitably delayed,’ he said.

Athapaththu proposed dedicated fast-track regulatory pathways for locally manufactured products and called for more structured dialogue between regulators and industry.

‘There are many practical insights that manufacturers can contribute to improve regulation. A stronger consultative process would benefit both regulators and industry,’ he added.

Jetwing Hotels has announced that 24 of their hotels have been recognised by TripAdvisor as 2026 Travellers’ Choice award winners, garnering the highest number of honours for a hotel group in Sri Lanka.

Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Colombo Seven, Jetwing Jaffna, Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Jungle Lodge, Jetwing Sea, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Jetwing Surf and Safari, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing Yala, Jetwing Saman Villas, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Jetwing Thalahena Villa, Jetwing Warwick Gardens, Jetwing Broomfield Bungalow, Jetwing Oatlands Bungalow, Xavier’s Cottage, have all been recognised for their excellent service by TripAdvisor travellers. In addition, Mermaid Hotel and Club received the coveted Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award, placing it in the top 1% of listings globally. This distinction highlights the highest-rated destinations, accommodations, and experiences as reviewed by the Tripadvisor community. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travellers’ favorites.

Jetwing Hotels Managing Director Dmitri Cooray said: ‘We are proud to have 24 of our properties recognised in the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, with Mermaid Hotel and Club being named ‘Best of the Best.’ This recognition reflects our unwavering focus on delivering heartfelt service and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. Guest feedback plays a vital role in inspiring our teams and guiding our continuous improvement. I extend my sincere thanks to our teams across the island for their dedication, which remains central to our success as we continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences.’

Tripadvisor Chief Marketing Officer Matt Dacey said: ‘Congratulations to Jetwing Hotels on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.’