Category: Daily Financial Times

C.W. Mackie PLC has appointed Asoka Piyadigama to its Board as an Executive Director with effect from 1 August 2026.

Piyadigama is a distinguished finance and business leader with over 20 years of executive experience across Sri Lanka and Australia. He brings extensive expertise in corporate finance, financial strategy, commercial leadership, treasury, governance, enterprise risk management, and business transformation, developed through senior leadership roles in listed companies, multinational organizations, and diversified business groups.

He has held several key executive positions, including Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and Chief Financial Officer of leading listed conglomerates. During his career, he has successfully led finance functions with full P and L responsibility, strategic planning, capital allocation, mergers and acquisitions, business performance management, funding and treasury operations, regulatory compliance, and organizational transformation. He has consistently partnered with Boards and executive leadership teams to drive sustainable growth, enhance shareholder value, strengthen governance, and improve operational performance.

Piyadigama currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of York Arcade Holdings PLC, C.M. Holdings PLC, and ACME Printing and Packaging PLC. He also serves on the Audit, Related Party Transactions Review, Remuneration, and Nominations and Governance Committees within the CFLB Group. In addition, as a Finance Consultant, he provides strategic finance advisory services to international business operations of a BPO.

Piyadigama is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA (SL)) and a Member of CPA Australia.

As Vietjet prepares to launch direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, the airline’s people-first culture is earning fresh international recognition.

Vietjet has been named again as one of the Best Companies to Work For in Asia at the HR Asia Awards 2026, marking its sixth consecutive year on the list, and has also picked up its first HR Asia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE and I) Award.

Organised annually by HR Asia, the awards recognise organisations with outstanding human resource practices, high employee engagement and strong workplace culture across the region. The 2026 list of honourees also includes leading companies in Vietnam, with Vietjet standing out for its sustained efforts to foster a professional, engaging and inspiring working environment.

This year, Vietjet was recognised for the first time with the HR Asia DE and I Award. The category honours companies that foster diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces where employees of all backgrounds are respected, empowered and given equal opportunities to grow.

The dual recognition reflects Vietjet’s long term commitment to placing people at the heart of its growth strategy while cultivating an open, professional and globally connected workplace. It also lands at a timely moment that solidifies the airline’s entry into the Sri Lankan market, with inaugural Colombo – Ho Chi Minh City flight being scheduled for 18 August 2026.

Vietjet currently employs nearly 10,000 employees and experts from more than 68 countries and territories. Almost 30% are young professionals aged between 20 and 30, contributing innovation, creativity and fresh perspectives to the airline’s continued development.

To support long term talent development, Vietjet invests extensively in training and professional development through the Victoria Aviation Academy (VIAA), where employees participate in international standard aviation training, leadership programmes and specialised courses delivered by industry experts.

Employee wellbeing is another priority for Vietjet. In addition to modern workplace facilities such as dining areas, a cinema room, gym, yoga room and community spaces, the airline regularly organises cultural, sports and team building activities that strengthen employee engagement and workplace culture.

With a dynamic, creative and internationally diverse workforce, Vietjet continues to enhance its long term competitiveness as it pursues its vision of becoming a modern, globally connected and people focused airline. For travellers from Sri Lanka, the airline offers connections not only to Vietnam’s largest city but also to top destinations across Asia, Australia, and Europe, via major Vietnamese hubs.

Three correspondent banks in the US, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Vietnam rejected a fraudulent $ 1.3 million Government debt payment after detecting anomalies before revised payment instructions supplied by scammers ultimately enabled part of the wider $ 2.5 million Treasury phishing fraud to succeed, proceedings before the Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) revealed yesterday.

The Committee heard that the payment due to Export Finance Australia was initially routed through correspondent banks in Minnesota (US), Dubai, and Vietnam, with each transfer being returned after concerns were raised over the transaction.

After every rejection, officials of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) sought clarification through what they believed were legitimate communication channels with the lender. However, they were in fact corresponding with the fraudsters, who repeatedly provided fresh payment instructions until a subsequent transfer was successfully executed.

Three overseas…

The hearing also shed new light on the response of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) after the repeated payment failures. CBSL officials told the Committee that, acting as banker to the Government, they informed the Treasury each time the payment was returned but maintained they had no statutory obligation under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act to submit a Suspicious Transaction Report to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

FIU officials supported that interpretation, explaining that the CBSL is not an ‘institution’ subject to the reporting obligations under Section 7 of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act. They said the legislation is intended to address suspected money laundering and terrorist financing, and that there was no reasonable basis to suspect the Government, as the payer, of unlawful activity.

Committee members, however, argued that the repeated rejection of a sovereign payment should have prompted stronger escalation procedures irrespective of the anti-money laundering framework, with the discussion increasingly focusing on whether weaknesses in payment governance and communication protocols allowed the fraud to progress.

CoPF Chairman MP Dr. Harsha de Silva suggested the Committee would also examine whether legislative changes are required to better address cyber-enabled payment fraud that falls outside the traditional scope of anti-money laundering laws.

The Committee also examined the transition of public debt management functions from the CBSL to the PDMO, including whether responsibilities and operational controls were sufficiently defined during the handover.

While some members referred to findings in an investigation report concerning guidance provided to trainee PDMO officers, former Public Debt Department officials disputed those findings, saying they had not previously seen the report and had documentary evidence that the training and handover had been properly completed.

Representatives of the Attorney General’s Department told the Committee they required additional time to provide a legal opinion on the respective responsibilities of the CBSL and the PDMO under the relevant legislation, including whether the CBSL falls within the scope of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act in circumstances such as those that preceded the Treasury phishing fraud.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of National Policy on Preventing Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Combating the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction for the period 2026-2030.

‘The policy has been introduced to strengthen the country’s response to growing financial crime risks that pose serious threats to both the Sri Lankan economy and the global financial system,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the rapid technological advancements have made financial transactions increasingly complex, creating new challenges for authorities in detecting and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

As part of efforts to assess these evolving risks, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka carried out the country’s third National Risk Assessment on financial crimes during 2024-2025. The assessment was conducted in line with standards established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global intergovernmental body responsible for developing policies and standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and related financial crimes.

‘Based on the findings of the national risk assessment, the Government formulated the new five-year policy to address identified vulnerabilities and strengthen Sri Lanka’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework,’ he added.

The policy is expected to guide the country’s efforts from 2026 to 2030 by enhancing coordination among relevant institutions, strengthening preventive measures, and improving Sri Lanka’s ability to identify, mitigate and respond to financial crime risks in line with international standards.

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

Sri Lanka’s electric vehicle market in 2026 is no longer a futuristic conversation. It is becoming a live economic, consumer and infrastructure discussion. After several years of vehicle import restrictions, high vehicle prices, fuel-price volatility and foreign exchange pressure, electric vehicles are now entering the market with renewed visibility. The Colombo EV Motor Show 2026, held in June, was another sign that the EV conversation has moved into the mainstream business space. The event featured more than 200 trade stalls covering electric vehicles, motor accessories, spare parts, lubricants, tyres, batteries, charging solutions and related services as per the Colombogazette.com.

However, Sri Lanka’s EV transition should not be viewed only through the excitement of new models, showrooms and exhibitions. The more important question is whether the country is developing the full ecosystem required for EV adoption: clear regulation, affordable financing, charging infrastructure, after-sales service, parts availability, battery confidence, and a realistic total cost of ownership for consumers and businesses.

Policy direction: Encouragement is visible, but clarity matters

From a regulatory point of view, Sri Lanka has started building the framework needed for EV adoption, particularly around charging infrastructure. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka states that EV charging stations fall under its regulatory purview because they involve the distribution and supply of electricity to electric vehicles. PUCSL’s role includes maintaining a register of EV charging stations, issuing a code of practice, determining end-user tariffs, issuing safety and technical standards, and collecting information for monitoring purposes. [pucsl.gov.lk]

This is an important development. If EV adoption grows without a regulated charging ecosystem, consumers could face inconsistent pricing, safety concerns, unreliable service standards and uneven charging access. PUCSL’s regulatory approach therefore provides a necessary foundation for market confidence. A further PUCSL guideline issued on 1 June 2026 states that any person selling electricity for the purpose of charging electric-propelled vehicles is required to obtain a trading licence or supply exemption, and that the guideline is intended to improve regulatory clarity, compliance and consistent implementation of EV charging infrastructure. [pucsl.gov.lk]

For vehicle imports and pricing, however, the environment remains more complex. Private-sector tax guides indicate that Sri Lanka’s vehicle import cost structure in 2026 includes several layers such as customs duty, excise-related charges, VAT, SSCL and luxury tax, although these guides should be treated as indicative and buyers should verify final figures with authorised agents or Customs professionals. This means that while EVs may benefit from policy encouragement in principle, the actual consumer decision will depend heavily on landed cost, exchange rates, taxes, warranties, financing terms and after-sales support. [lankawebsites.com], [pricemart.lk]

Financing: EV adoption will depend on monthly affordability

For many Sri Lankan consumers, the biggest barrier to EV ownership will not be interest in the technology; it will be affordability. This is where banks and finance companies have a significant role to play.

Several financial institutions have already entered the EV financing space. Commercial Bank offers ‘Green Leases’ to fund hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, solar panels and other energy-efficient machinery or equipment, with repayment periods of up to five years and lease amounts varying based on vehicle type and registration status. Seylan Bank partnered with GS EVO Motors in 2026 to introduce a dedicated EV leasing facility, with reported repayment periods of up to seven years, fast-track approval within 24 hours and interest rates starting from 10%

A.I.R. according to the report. [combank.lk] [colombogazette.com]

Other partnerships also point to growing institutional interest. HNB partnered with Hayleys Fentons to support EV adoption through financing, insurance benefits and life coverage for customers purchasing electric vehicles through the promotion. Evolution Auto also partnered with Union Bank in 2025 to offer financing solutions, with the report stating that customers could finance up to 90% of the vehicle’s value. [ft.lk] [bizenglish…aderana.lk]

This matters because EV adoption in Sri Lanka will likely be driven by structured financing rather than outright purchases. If monthly rentals are positioned competitively against fuel savings, maintenance savings and long-term ownership benefits, EVs can appeal not only to individual buyers but also to SMEs, tourism operators, delivery companies, corporate fleets and professional service providers.

Charging infrastructure: Progress is visible, but confidence is still uneven

Charging access remains one of the most decisive factors in EV adoption. Sri Lanka has seen progress, especially in Colombo and selected urban areas, but range confidence and charging dependability remain key concerns.

ChargeNET describes itself as Sri Lanka’s first and largest EV charging network, reporting more than 300 total chargers, over 21,000 active customers, more than 170,000 transactions, and over 10 years of operation. Its product portfolio includes fast chargers, dual-port fast chargers and Level 2 home/commercial chargers, supported by IoT connectivity, app-based management, remote monitoring and software updates. [chargenet.lk]

Charging.lk lists charging locations in Colombo and nearby areas, including locations such as SML Frontier Automotive, Lanka IOC Horton Place, Colombo City Centre, Havelock City, Hayleys PLC, Keells Darley Road and selected Cargills outlets. Hayleys Mobility also states that it offers integrated EV charging solutions and a nationwide fast-charging network powered by StarCharge. [charging.lk] [hayleysmobility.com]

Still, for widespread adoption, the country needs more than a list of chargers. Consumers need reliable uptime, transparent pricing, charger compatibility, mobile-app visibility, highway fast-charging, apartment charging, workplace charging and service support when chargers fail. Without that confidence, EVs may remain attractive for urban short-distance users but less convincing for intercity users.

After-sales, parts and maintenance: The hidden factor in consumer trust

In Sri Lanka, buyers do not look only at the brand and price. They also ask: Who will repair it? Are parts available? What happens to the battery? Is the warranty meaningful? Can technicians diagnose software or high-voltage faults?

This is where after-sales credibility becomes central. Browns Hybrid Care states that it provides hybrid and electric vehicle services, including testing and diagnosis for hybrid and EV systems, rebuilding and replacing hybrid batteries, and general maintenance services. It also describes EV battery repair as involving diagnosis, feasibility assessment, repair or replacement, functionality testing and safety standards, while identifying symptoms such as reduced EV range, EV warning indicators and declining state of health. [brownsgroup.lk] [brownshybrid.com]

Hayleys Mobility states that its after-sales support includes routine maintenance, battery health checks, software updates, technical support, specialised repairs, advanced diagnostics and genuine spare parts for its represented vehicle brands. Evolution Auto has also highlighted after-sales support, operational capability and trusted partnerships with global EV manufacturers as part of its EV market positioning. [hayleysmobility.com] [ft.lk]

For the EV market to mature, after-sales must become a competitive advantage rather than an afterthought. Battery warranties, diagnostic equipment, trained technicians, software access, spare-parts pipelines and transparent maintenance costs will influence resale values and long-term buyer confidence.

Competitors and pricing: The market is widening

The Sri Lankan EV market is now forming across several segments: entry-level urban EVs, mid-range family EVs, premium smart EVs, plug-in hybrids, commercial EVs and lifestyle pickup/utility vehicles.

Browns EV has positioned itself strongly around affordability. Brown and Company announced partnerships with SAIC-GM-Wuling and Beijing Auto Works to introduce EV models such as the BAW-E7, Wuling Binguo and Wuling Cloud, with reported launch prices of Rs. 4.7 million, Rs. 8.1 million and Rs. 12.4 million respectively. Browns EV’s official site lists the BAW E6 EV starting from Rs. 4.5 million, with a 220 km NEDC range, LFP battery and a 10-year / 120,000 km battery warranty. [dailymirror.lk] [brownsev.com]

John Keells CG Auto, the authorised distributor for BYD passenger vehicles in Sri Lanka, represents one of the strongest global EV brands locally. Its listed EV and NEV range includes BYD ATTO 1, ATTO 2, ATTO 3, Dolphin, M6, Sealion 6 and Shark 6, with details such as range, seating capacity and BYD Blade Battery technology. BYD Sri Lanka announced special limited-time prices in 2025, including Dolphin Dynamic 49 at Rs. 10.7 million, ATTO 3 Advanced at Rs. 14.6 million, ATTO 3 Superior at Rs. 16.8 million, M6 Standard at Rs. 16.2 million, and Sealion 6 variants from Rs. 21.7 million. [johnkeellscgauto.com], [johnkeellscgauto.com] [newswire.lk]

Evolution Auto is targeting the premium, luxury, commercial and utility segments. Its 2026 portfolio includes AVATR 11, IM6, IM5, XPENG G6, Riddara Active, Riddara RD6, King Long Kingwin+ and KYC V7, covering SUVs, smart crossovers, sedans, electric vans and pickups. Hayleys Mobility is also an important market participant, representing brands and mobility solutions including OMODA, JAECOO, KAIYI, SRM and StarCharge charging solutions. [ft.lk] [hayleysmobility.com]

The used and reconditioned EV market is also becoming active. Marketplace listings show BYD models such as Atto 1, Atto 3, Dolphin, Sealion 6 and Shark 6 listed at different prices depending on model year, mileage, condition and location. However, consumers should be cautious when comparing listing prices, as battery condition, warranty status, service history and importer credibility can materially change the value of an EV. [riyasewana.com]

The future: Practical adoption, not just aspiration

Sri Lanka’s EV future is promising, but it is not guaranteed. EVs can support lower fuel dependency, reduced emissions, lower running costs and new business opportunities in charging, leasing, servicing and renewable-energy integration. But the transition will only work if the ecosystem develops along with the vehicles.

The next phase should focus on five priorities.

*First, EV pricing must remain realistic. If import taxes, exchange rates and financing costs push EVs into a premium-only category, mass adoption will be limited.

*Second, charging infrastructure must expand beyond Colombo and become reliable on intercity routes.

*Third, banks and finance companies should design products based on total cost of ownership, not merely asset value.

*Fourth, after-sales capability must be strengthened with trained technicians, genuine parts, battery services and transparent warranty handling.

*Finally, policy consistency is essential. Investors, importers, banks and buyers all need a stable regulatory environment to make long-term decisions.

Sri Lanka’s EV market in 2026 is therefore at an important turning point. The vehicles are arriving. The banks are responding. Charging networks are expanding. Service providers are positioning themselves. Consumers are interested.

But the market’s real success will depend on whether EV ownership becomes practical, affordable and trustworthy for everyday Sri Lankans.

If Sri Lanka gets the balance right, electric mobility can become more than a lifestyle shift. It can become part of the country’s broader economic resilience strategy – reducing fuel vulnerability, supporting green finance, creating new service industries and preparing the transport sector for the next decade.

Outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jan Thesleff said Sri Lanka is steadily rebuilding the confidence of international investors, citing improved policy stability, a highly skilled workforce and the country’s resilience as key drivers of stronger trade and investment ties with Sweden.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily FT ahead of the conclusion of his tenure, Thesleff said Swedish businesses continue to view Sri Lanka as an attractive investment destination despite recent global and domestic challenges, noting that growing policy predictability has strengthened investor confidence.

‘Capital can move anywhere in the world. If investors choose Sri Lanka, it is because they see opportunities and confidence in the country’s fundamentals,’ he said.

The Ambassador said a more stable and predictable policy environment has enabled businesses to make long-term investment decisions with greater certainty, describing it as one of Sri Lanka’s key competitive advantages.

Reflecting on the country’s recent economic recovery, Thesleff said Sri Lanka had demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming successive crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic disruptions, natural disasters and geopolitical tensions.

‘Sri Lanka has an inner resilience that is very impressive. Many countries would have remained on their knees after such challenges, but Sri Lanka continues to move forward,’ he said, pointing to developments such as the Colombo Port City as evidence of continued progress.

Sweden currently has around 80 companies operating in Sri Lanka, a significant presence given that only about 300 Swedish companies operate in neighbouring India. Around half of the Swedish firms in Sri Lanka are engaged in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, reflecting confidence in the country’s skilled workforce and growing digital economy.

Thesleff also identified apparel manufacturing as a key sector attracting Swedish investment, with some companies relocating operations from elsewhere in Asia to Sri Lanka because of its skilled labour and improving business environment.

He highlighted renewable energy, healthcare, life sciences, food processing and food packaging as sectors with strong potential for expanded cooperation between the two countries.

The Ambassador described Swedish private equity firm investment of more than $1 billion in Sri Lankan technology companies, as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s business sector.

‘When investors commit that level of capital, they are expressing confidence in the professionalism, governance, talent and long-term prospects of Sri Lankan businesses,’ he said.

Thesleff also noted Sweden’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s renewable energy transition through cooperation between Swedfund and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to strengthen the national electricity grid.

He said bilateral commercial engagement would gather further momentum, with a major Swedish business delegation scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in January 2027 under the leadership of Business Sweden and participate in Sri Lanka Expo, marking Sweden’s first organised participation in the country’s flagship export exhibition.

‘There are many reasons to be optimistic,’ Thesleff said. ‘Sri Lanka has the talent, the resilience and increasingly the stable environment that investors look for. That combination creates tremendous opportunities for the future.’

The Government of Sri Lanka lost over Rs. 25 billion in potential tax revenue since 2025 due to cigarettes being taxed lower than the World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmark, Verité Research said yesterday.

The WHO recommends a minimum tax share of 75% of the retail price of cigarettes. Sri Lanka last came close to this benchmark in 2018 (74%) but has since failed to maintain it, with the tax share falling to 67% from 2025 onwards.

The tax revenue loss was over Rs. 8 billion during the first six months of 2026 alone. This is revealed in the ‘Cigarette Tax Leakage Tracker,’ a new online dashboard launched by Verité Research to monitor these fiscal losses minute-by-minute.

The dashboard can be seen on PublicFinance.LK, Sri Lanka’s premier platform for public finance insights and analysis. https://dashboards.publicfinance.lk/cigarette-tax-leakage/

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate that further investigations were underway into an alleged $ 2 million bribe linked to the purchase of a fleet of 10 aircraft for SriLankan Airlines in 2013 from a European aerospace company.

No suspects appeared before court as the principal suspect in the case, former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, has passed away.

Submitting a further report, CIABOC informed court that since the suspect named in the warrant was deceased, an application would be made to recall the warrant upon receipt of the official death certificate.

Former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa’s son Sharmindra Rajapaksa and Priyanga Niyomali, the wife of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, have also been named as suspects in the case, with red notices issued against them.

The investigation relates to allegations that a company was established in Brunei to facilitate the receipt of a bribe amounting to approximately $ 2 million, from the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, a European aerospace manufacturer, in connection with the aircraft transaction.

Counsel Udara Muhandiram appeared before court claiming to represent the interests of W.D. Nimal Perera, an Australian resident who is said to be the holder of the bank account into which the alleged bribe funds were remitted.

Responding to the submissions, the Chief Magistrate observed that the prosecution had not yet informed court whether Nimal Perera had been identified as a suspect in the investigation.

Counsel Harshana Matharaarachchi, appearing for suspect Priyanga Niyomali, informed court that his client was residing overseas and requested court to further consider the issuance of the red notice.

After considering submissions from both parties, the Chief Magistrate directed CIABOC to report the progress of the investigations to court on 13 October.

Sri Lanka’s luxury tourism was promoted at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific 2026, held from 29 June to 2 July 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

ILTM Asia Pacific brings together luxury travel advisors, tour operators, destinations, hotels and tourism organisations from around the world through a programme of pre-scheduled business appointments and networking opportunities.

A dedicated Sri Lanka pavilion showcased the country’s diverse tourism experiences, including wildlife, wellness and Ayurveda, cultural heritage, luxury accommodation, adventure tourism, and bespoke travel experiences, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier destination for high-value travellers. During the four-day exhibition, the Sri Lankan delegation conducted a series of business meetings with international luxury travel buyers and industry professionals, generating business opportunities and strengthening partnerships with the global travel trade.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and headed by Deputy Director (Marketing), Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi. It featured 15 participating companies: Aahaasa Collection – Aarunya Nature Resort, Aadya Tea Bungalows and Aavya Cove Villas; Abercrombie and Kent Ltd; Cuuraate; Sri Lanka Tailor-Made; Karusan Travels Ltd; Ceylon Roots Sri Lanka (LOLC Holdings PLC); Luxury Holidays Asia Ltd; Meshaun Journeys; Sri Lanka in Style; Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort; Ishq Luxury Villas; Transco Travels; Travel Design by CDC Ltd; Hilton Yala Resort; and Resplendent Ceylon.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore coordinated Sri Lanka’s participation and the arrangements for the Sri Lanka Pavilion at ILTM Asia Pacific 2026. During the exhibition, High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake accompanied by Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Bhagya Abeykoon visited the Sri Lanka pavilion and met with the participating companies conveying appreciation for their exhibitors’ efforts in promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and encouraging them to leverage the Singapore market to forge new business partnerships and enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility as a premier luxury travel destination.

Top business leaders-Safesea Group, USA Founder/Chairman Dr. S.V. Anchan and Universal Sportsbiz Ltd. (USPL), India Founder/CEO Anjana Reddy-will address the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026, to be held on 22 July 2026 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

As one of the Summit’s keynote speakers, Dr. Anchan will deliver an address titled ‘Leading Through Uncertainty: Why Future-Ready Boards Create Value Beyond Compliance.’ Drawing on decades of global leadership in the maritime and logistics sector, he will share insights on how boards can navigate disruption, strengthen governance, enhance resilience and create sustainable value in an increasingly complex global environment.

An Indian-born American entrepreneur, Dr. Anchan is the Founder and Chairman of the New Jersey-headquartered Safesea Group, a leading multinational maritime and logistics enterprise. His exceptional contributions to the global shipping industry have earned him numerous international accolades, including the ACE Global Bridges 2026 Global Maritime Personality Award, the Government of India’s Shipping Pravasi Award, and the Mahatma Gandhi Samman Award, presented at the UK’s House of Lords. Widely respected for his leadership and commitment to resilient global trade, Dr. Anchan brings a wealth of experience in steering organisations through uncertainty, transformation and sustained growth.

Joining the Summit from India is Anjana Reddy, Founder and CEO of Universal Sportsbiz Ltd. (USPL) and Co-founder of WROGN, one of India’s most successful youth fashion brands. She will participate in the Summit’s flagship Fireside Chat, ‘Building Future-Ready Sri Lankan Boards – The Road Ahead,’ alongside an eminent panel of international business leaders.

A visionary entrepreneur and one of India’s leading voices in consumer brands and innovation, Reddy has built purpose-driven businesses that have reshaped the country’s fashion and retail landscape. Recognised in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for Retail and E-commerce, she is renowned for her expertise in brand building, consumer trust, entrepreneurship and the strategic application of artificial intelligence in business. Her insights into innovation-led growth and digital transformation will provide valuable perspectives on how boards can foster agility, embrace change and position their organisations for long-term success.

The Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 will convene an outstanding gathering of global thought leaders, board directors, CEOs, policymakers and governance professionals to examine the evolving role of boards in driving innovation, resilience, competitiveness and sustainable value creation.