Category: Daily Financial Times

Public confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake remains significantly stronger than that of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, even as a majority of Sri Lankans say their household economic conditions have deteriorated over the past year, according to the latest Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Social Indicator July 2026: Confidence in Democratic Governance Index survery.

The survey found that 75.5% of respondents are satisfied with President Dissanayake’s performance, compared to 29.4% for Opposition Leader Premadasa.

Dissatisfaction with the Opposition Leader stands at 64.9%, nearly three times the 23.3% dissatisfaction recorded for the President.

The President’s approval is strongest among the Malaiyaha Tamil community at 94.4%, followed by Muslims at 93.4%, while remaining a clear majority among the Sinhala community at 69.9%. Satisfaction is also highest among those aged 18 to 29 years at 81.6% and among rural residents at 76.4%.

In contrast, satisfaction with Premadasa remains below 50% across all demographic groups, reaching 42.1% among Muslims, 40.7% among Malaiyaha Tamils, 28.3% among Tamils, and 27.4% among Sinhalese.

Despite the President’s strong approval ratings, economic sentiment remains subdued. A majority of 51.4% said their household economic situation has worsened compared to a year ago, while 30.3% reported no change. Only 18.2% said their household finances had improved.

The survey showed worsening economic conditions were most commonly reported among Sinhala respondents at 53.9% and Muslims at 49.2%, while the Malaiyaha Tamil community was more evenly divided, with 37% reporting improved conditions. Respondents aged above 30 years were considerably more likely to report worsening economic conditions than younger respondents, while urban residents expressed slightly greater pessimism than those in rural areas.

Public opinion on the Government’s handling of the cost of living was almost evenly split, with 45.3% expressing satisfaction and 44% dissatisfaction.

Dissatisfaction was highest among Sinhala respondents at 48.4%, while satisfaction was strongest among the Malaiyaha Tamil community at 66.7% and Tamil respondents at 60%.

Younger respondents expressed greater satisfaction than older age groups, while urban residents were notably less satisfied than those living in rural areas.

The survey also found broad confidence in the National People’s Power (NPP) Government’s ability to deliver efficient governance, with 62.8% expressing satisfaction against 23.1% dissatisfaction.

Confidence was highest among Tamil respondents at 80.7%, followed by Malaiyaha Tamils at 79.6% and Muslims at 76.9%. Satisfaction among Sinhala respondents stood at 57.3%, although this group also recorded the highest dissatisfaction at 26.5%.

The Government also received relatively strong ratings for its response to the Cyclone Ditwah disaster, with 68.6% satisfied with progress on disaster relief, recovery and rebuilding, while 22.1% expressed dissatisfaction.

On accountability, 51.6% of respondents said they were satisfied with the Government’s progress in investigating and bringing those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks to justice, while 32.4% were dissatisfied.

On constitutional reform, 64.1% supported abolishing the Executive Presidency. However, only 23.6% believed the process should begin immediately, while the largest group, 40.5%, supported abolition but said it should not be treated as an immediate priority. A further 23% opposed abolishing the Executive Presidency.

The survey, conducted between May and June of 1,240 respondents across 25 districts, also found broad support for democratic institutions, with 67% of respondents saying it is important to hold Provincial Council elections, compared to 20.3% who said they were not important.

The Government yesterday launched the countrywide ‘Ceylon Tea Village’ program, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s smallholder tea sector through higher productivity, value addition and rural development, as it seeks to lift annual tea production to 400 million kilograms and increase export earnings to $ 2.5 billion by 2030.

The first phase of the program commenced simultaneously across the country with the establishment of 144 tea villages, one in each of the country’s 144 tea inspection divisions. The Plantations and Community Infrastructure Ministry plans to expand the initiative to 500 tea villages countrywide over the coming years.

The program signals a strategic shift from traditional production support towards a more integrated rural development model, combining agricultural modernisation with social protection, access to finance, mechanisation, tourism and climate-smart farming practices to improve the livelihoods of tea smallholders.

Each tea village will receive a comprehensive package of interventions, including high-density tea cultivation demonstration plots, tea nurseries, insurance schemes for small tea estates, pension benefits for tea smallholders, concessional financing, mechanisation support, training and equipment for handmade tea production, and assistance to link tea cultivation with tourism.

The program will also promote regenerative agriculture, strengthen producer cooperatives, encourage supplementary income-generating activities and improve rural infrastructure.

The Government expects to complete the rollout of the initial 144 villages during 2026 before expanding the initiative to reach the target of 500 tea villages across the country.

Speaking at the national launch in Kandy, Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha said the initiative was designed to tackle rural poverty by strengthening the economic foundation of tea-growing communities.

‘The main objective of this program is to bring rural poverty to prosperity,’ the Minister said. ‘In areas where smallholder tea cultivation is the primary economic activity, this initiative is intended to address the economic challenges faced by farming communities and improve their livelihoods.’

He said the program’s success would depend not only on Government investment, but also on close cooperation between political leaders, public institutions and local communities.

Lalkantha stressed that elected representatives at both local and national levels should remain actively engaged in monitoring implementation, while the public service must work closely with policymakers to ensure continuity and effective delivery.

He also urged tea growers to take greater responsibility for improving the productivity of their own lands through better soil management and estate maintenance, noting that sustainable gains in output would depend on long-term investment in plantations.

Reflecting on previous rural development initiatives, the Minister observed that many programs had fallen short due to weak coordination among stakeholders.

‘The country’s economic progress depends on collective effort. If we work together with a shared commitment to development, this program can make a lasting contribution to strengthening Sri Lanka’s tea industry and improving the lives of rural communities,’ he said.

The initiative comes as Sri Lanka seeks to revitalise one of its most important export industries by increasing productivity, promoting value addition and strengthening the resilience of smallholder tea farmers, who account for the majority of the country’s tea production.

By integrating agriculture with tourism, sustainable farming and rural enterprise development, the Government aims to position the Ceylon Tea Village program as a key pillar of the country’s long-term tea sector transformation.

HNB Life PLC manifested its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement by securing three Gold awards in the Quality Improvement Project Category at the National Convention on Quality and Productivity 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity (SLAAQP).

The National Convention on Quality and Productivity serves as a premier platform for organisations across diverse industries to showcase successful continuous improvement (ci), quality improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, productivity, and operational excellence initiatives. Participating organisations present projects that address business challenges, implement sustainable solutions, and deliver measurable outcomes that enhance organisational performance.

The three award-winning projects presented by HNB Life highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and empower its workforce through technology-driven innovation.

HNB Life Executive Director/CEO Lasitha Wimalaratne said: ‘Winning three Gold awards at the National Convention on Quality and Productivity is a testament to our culture of innovation and continuous improvement. At HNB Life, we constantly challenge ourselves to identify opportunities that create meaningful value for our customers, sales force and employees. These awards reflect the dedication of our teams and I’d like to convey my heartfelt congratulations to all those involved.’

EVP/Chief Transformation Officer Dayan Ranasinghe added: ‘Technology plays a pivotal role in transforming the way we serve our customers and empower our people. These award winning projects demonstrate how innovation, process optimisation, and digital capabilities can work together to solve business challenges and create tangible impact. We are proud to see our teams being recognised at a national level for their efforts in driving meaningful change across the organisation.’

Twenty-five years ago, we chose to create a professional home for HR practitioners and elevate the profession in Sri Lanka. We could not have imagined how far that vision would reach. Today, AHRP stands as a testament to the commitment of the leaders, members, partners and volunteers who have shaped its journey. As the world of work evolves at unprecedented speed, our purpose remains clear: to develop ethical, visionary and future-ready HR leaders who create lasting value for organisations and society. As we celebrate the legacy of the past 25 years, I am equally inspired by the new generation that will lead AHRP forward. The choice to build this Association continues to strengthen our profession and inspire those who will shape its future.

Ceylinco Life has brought together more than 1,000 people, comprising of policyholders and their loved ones from across Sri Lanka, for a vibrant, joy-filled day of family bonding and celebration at Pearl Bay, in yet another memorable chapter of its flagship ‘Family Savari’ mega promotion.

The exclusive event saw over 270 families representing every province and district of the country converge for a fully hosted experience that transformed one of Sri Lanka’s most popular leisure destinations into a private playground of laughter, connection and shared memories.

In a defining expression of the ‘Family Savari’ ethos of togetherness and the strengthening of family bonds, participants arrived in high spirits from the early hours of the morning, eager to make the most of a day designed entirely around enjoyment and relaxation.

All attendees were treated to complimentary access that covered entry, breakfast and lunch, ensuring a seamless and carefree experience. Special transport arrangements were made for policyholders travelling from more than 100 kilometres away, with dedicated Ceylinco Life representatives accompanying each group to coordinate logistics and provide support throughout the journey.

For families travelling longer distances exceeding 200 kilometres, the company went a step further, offering a fully sponsored package that included transport and overnight accommodation, underscoring its commitment to making the experience accessible and truly inclusive.

The event was graced by the presence of Ceylinco Life’s directors and senior management, who engaged warmly with participants and shared in the day’s festivities. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were ‘Family Savari’ brand ambassadors Roshan Ranawana, Kushlani Ranawana and their son Mineth, whose presence brought an added sense of familiarity and excitement to the gathering.

A simple opening ceremony set the tone for the day, officially welcoming participants while providing guidance on activities and safety, allowing families to enjoy the venue with confidence and ease.

The Pearl Bay experience forms part of the wider rewards structure of ‘Family Savari,’ which continues to stand as Sri Lanka’s largest and most enduring loyalty rewards programme in the life insurance sector. Over nearly two decades, the initiative has created opportunities for tens of thousands of policyholders and their families to share unique experiences, from local excursions such as this to international travel.

Sri Lanka’s most promising bartending professionals were recognised at the 31st National Bartenders Competition (NBC) 2026 Grand Finale, held on 26 June 2026 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The event celebrated technical skill, creativity, speed, presentation, and innovation across Sri Lanka’s growing hospitality and tourism sector.

The competition was organised by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), with International Distillers Limited (IDL) partnering the event for the fourth consecutive year.

NBC 2026 followed a comprehensive islandwide journey, beginning with training and briefing sessions across the Cultural Triangle and East Coast, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Deep Down South, Down South, Negombo, and Colombo. Contestants then competed through regional rounds, an exclusive Master Class, and the National Semi-Finals before reaching the Grand Finale.

The competition attracted strong participation from hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and hospitality institutions across the island. This year also recorded one of the highest levels of female participation in the competition’s history, reflecting the growing diversity of Sri Lanka’s bartending profession.

Spokesperson for the event Indu Selvaratnam, said, ‘A live cocktail competition brings out the true strength of a bartender. The Black Box round, in particular, tests instinct, flavour understanding, confidence, and adaptability under pressure. This year’s contestants showed remarkable talent, and it was encouraging to see the hospitality community come together to support them.’

The Classic Category Champion was W.S. Chathussanka from Waters Edge, while K.A.S. Sheshan from Jazzeble Colombo won the Flair Category. The IDL Challenge Trophy for the Black Box Category was awarded to P.K. Muthukumarana from Hilton Yala.

Hansini Dilrukshi from Cinnamon Wild won the Indhu Selvaratnam and Dr. Gitanjali Chakravarthy Challenge Trophy for Most Promising Female Bartender of the Year, while Sunny D. Perera from Kai Ahangama was named Most Popular Digital Bartender of the Year.

The final results were independently tabulated and verified by Ernst and Young.

Amana Bank Vice President Retail Banking and Marketing Siddeeque Akbar together with Warakapola Pradeshiya Sabha Leader of the Opposition M.B.M. Shareef, Police Station Warakapola Officer-in-Charge R.A.J.S. Ranaweera and Warakapola Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Chandana Edirisinghe at the opening of Amana Bank Warakapola Self Banking Centre

Continuing its commitment towards expanding accessible and convenient banking services across Sri Lanka, Amana Bank recently opened its 47th Self Banking Centre in Warakapola, further strengthening the Bank’s footprint and bringing banking convenience to customers in the area.

Strategically located at No. 77, Kandy Road, Warakapola, the newly opened Self Banking Centre offers customers 24/7 access to cash withdrawals, cash deposits, cheque deposits and bill payments, delivering greater convenience to individuals, businesses, and the wider community in and around Warakapola.

Amana Bank Vice President Retail Banking and Marketing Siddeeque Akbar said: ‘Warakapola is an important addition to our growing network, and we are delighted to become a part of this vibrant community. Through our Self Banking Centre, we aim to bring our development focussed and people friendly approach to banking closer to the people of Warakapola by providing convenient, secure, and round-the-clock access to essential banking services.’

As part of the opening celebrations, Amana Bank also carried out a community engagement initiative by distributing school stationery items to underprivileged primary schools in the area, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment towards social responsibility and community development.

The opening ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests including Warakapola Divisional Secretary Rangana Sanjeewa, Warakapola Police Station Officer-in-Charge R. A. J. S. Ranaweera, together with community leaders, business representatives, customers, and well-wishers from the area. Other representing Amana Bank were Assistant Vice President – Region 2 Azam Ameer, Manager Mawanella Branch Mohamed Razik and others.

The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in June have expanded, though at a slower rate compared to the previous month, as per the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), its compiler the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

The Manufacturing PMI registered an index value of 53 in June, indicating a continued expansion in manufacturing activities, although at a slower rate compared to 56.6 in May 2026.

The CBSL said incoming orders in June were broadly unchanged from the previous month, with the New Orders sub-index remaining at the neutral threshold.

It added that the Production sub-index continued to expand, driven by the manufacture of food and beverages sector.

The Employment sub-index remained around the neutral threshold, indicating hiring trends similar to those in the previous month.

However, the CBSL said many respondents cited persistent skilled labour shortages and rising labour costs as key challenges.

The Stock of Purchases sub-index increased further in June, reflecting firms’ efforts to build inventory amid a volatile supply environment.

Nevertheless, the Suppliers’ Delivery Time sub-index continued to lengthen in June.

The CBSL said expectations for manufacturing activities remained positive, though moderated mainly by the challenging environment associated with the unrest in the Middle East.

The Services PMI registered an index value of 58.5 in June, indicating continued expansion in services activities compared to 56.9 the previous month.

The CBSL noted that business activities expanded in June, supported by broad sectoral improvements. Growth was primarily driven by the financial and professional services sub-sectors, alongside notable gains in the insurance sector.

New Businesses grew to 62.5 in June from 58 in May 2026, primarily led by the financial services sector. The insurance, professional services, and other personal services sectors also contributed to the expansion.

Employment increased in June to 54 from 49.4 in May 2025, as multiple companies expanded their workforce. Meanwhile, the Backlogs of Work sub-index, which had been falling in May, held steady in June at 50 as the index reached the neutral threshold.

The CBSL said expectations for business activity for the next quarter remained positive, driven by anticipated economic improvements and the expected surge in tourist arrivals, partly driven by the upcoming Kandy Esala Perahera season. However, broader global uncertainties still pose risks to the outlook.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has signalled that improving Sri Lanka’s public transport system will be a key priority in the 2027 Budget, positioning investment in affordable and accessible mobility as both a social policy and an economic measure aimed at reducing household costs and improving productivity.

At a pre-Budget review of the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry yesterday, the President said Sri Lanka must develop ‘a quality and accessible public transport system that benefits every individual,’ arguing that an efficient network would reduce the financial burden of daily commuting while providing reliable transport services across the country.

In a notable policy comparison, the President said the development of public transport should receive the same level of attention afforded to Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system, underscoring the Government’s intention to elevate transport infrastructure as a core public service rather than merely a capital expenditure program.

The meeting reviewed the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 Budget and considered funding priorities for next year’s Budget across the transport, highways, and urban development sectors.

Among the initiatives discussed was a program to gradually retire ageing buses and introduce new vehicles into the national fleet. The President said replacing older buses with better-equipped vehicles, including metro buses for short-distance urban services, would improve passenger comfort and service quality.

Beyond transport, discussions also covered apartment construction projects, urban waste management programs, and initiatives under the Government’s City Branding program, with officials reviewing projects that could be completed and commissioned this year.

Reflecting a stronger emphasis on public investment discipline, President Dissanayake instructed officials to identify projects that could realistically be completed within the next year, prioritise them accordingly, and align Budget allocations with those priorities.

He also directed that projects financed through foreign loans should not receive approval unless there is a clear understanding of their intended outcomes, signalling a greater focus on project evaluation and value for money amid continued reliance on external financing for infrastructure development.

Twenty-five years gives us good reason to look back with pride, but it also asks us to consider what comes next. What has always stood out to me about AHRP is its ability to keep the HR profession connected to the business realities facing organisations. Over the years, the Association has created opportunities for practitioners to learn from one another, engage directly with business leaders and gain access to international thinking that may otherwise have remained beyond their reach.

The expectations placed on HR have changed considerably during this time. Organisations once looked to HR primarily for policies, processes and people administration. Today, HR leaders sit alongside other business leaders, contributing to the business agenda through its people strategy. Artificial intelligence is accelerating this shift by changing how work is designed, which skills matter, how performance is assessed and how decisions are made. Yet AI alone will not determine whether organisations succeed. Leadership, judgement, trust and the ability to bring people together will remain just as important.

This is where AHRP has a meaningful role to play. Our responsibility is to bring relevant global knowledge into the Sri Lankan context and turn it into practical value. As part of our 25th-anniversary programme, the session ‘Shaping the Future of Work and Organisations’ on 16 July 2026 will continue this work. A keynote by Ankhit Khanna, Director Talent Solutions, LinkedIn will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Chathuri Munaweera, CEO of AIA Insurance Sri Lanka, Anshuman Upadhyaya, Managing Director and Partner of BCG, Guna Grace, Head of Enterprise Sales of LinkedIn and Shaakun Khanna, Head of Leadership and HR transformation of SHRM. The discussion will examine latest talent trends, skills-based organisations, productivity in the age of AI, and what the future holds for humans while grounding these global developments in Sri Lankan realities.

As AHRP enters its next 25 years, we will continue to strengthen the link between HR and business, create opportunities for emerging professionals and remain open to new ideas without losing sight of our human responsibility. I extend my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to AHRP’s 25 year legacy and invite all to join us in laying the foundation for the next 25.