Category: Daily Financial Times

ShowLab Studio is set to take Sri Lanka’s entertainment and show industry into a new era defined by precision, integration, and global production standards, with the country’s first purpose-built previsualisation, lighting programming, and show integration facility. Developed in collaboration with Bling Productions, Eyeon Digital Motion and D4, ShowLab Studio introduces a new way of building live experiences, where entire productions can be designed, programmed, and refined before ever entering a venue. The studio is equipped with the same tools used in international touring, Broadway, West End, and arena-scale productions, positioning Sri Lanka’s live event capabilities alongside global benchmarks.

The studio is a fusion of three distinct areas of expertise. Bling Productions Founder and Eyeon Digital Motion Co-Founder Marlon Jesudason, has played a pivotal role in shaping modern event production standards in Sri Lanka through creative direction and show design. Eyeon Digital Motion Lead Visual Engineer Obed Kushan, brings advanced capabilities in LED systems, projection mapping, and a multi-disciplinary visual arts team, enabling highly accurate visual simulation. Dhanushka Aruna of D4 contributes deep technical expertise in lighting and effects, show control systems, and live event engineering, forming the backbone of the studio’s operational environment.

ShowLab Studio addresses longstanding challenges within the industry, including limited rehearsal time, venue constraints, and technical uncertainty. By enabling teams to build and test every element of a production in a controlled environment-including lighting, visuals, audio synchronisation, and show control, the studio significantly improves efficiency while reducing cost and risk.

The facility features industry-standard tools used across global touring and theatre productions, including grandMA3 lighting consoles, 3D real-time visualiser, LED and Projection simulation, and advanced timecode systems with MTC and LTC integration. Through these technologies, lighting designers, show producers, and directors can programme, simulate, and synchronise productions with exceptional accuracy prior to execution.

ShowLab Studio supports a wide range of productions, including concerts, corporate events, theatre, and touring shows. Production Designers can develop adaptable show files, test complex effects and cue sequences, and ensure consistency across venues, while performing arts productions benefit from reduced technical rehearsal time and greater creative flexibility.

As ShowLab Studio redefines industry standards, the conversation in Sri Lanka’s event and show industry is shifting from what’s possible to whether the industry is prepared to evolve alongside it.

The Dinana Dakuna Collective has written to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), urging the anti-graft body to safeguard its independence, credibility and impartiality amid growing public scrutiny over its conduct in high-profile investigations.

In a letter signed by Collective Leadership Board members Attorney Shiral Lakthilaka, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne and Nadeesha de Silva, the group said public confidence in the Commission could be undermined if investigations are not conducted impartially and transparently.

The collective also cautioned CIABOC against actions that could be perceived as ‘media spectacles’, particularly when summoning individuals and issuing public statements on ongoing investigations.

The letter stressed that the Commission, established under the Anti-Corruption Act as an independent institution, has a responsibility to demonstrate neutrality and maintain public trust while pursuing corruption-related probes.

The letter said:

‘The aim of this commission is to make it a strong institution through the Anti-Corruption Act and eradicate fraud, corruption and waste in our country.

As it currently stands, various opinions have been formed in society and the media regarding the functioning of this commission. The Dinana Dakuna Collective believes that it is not appropriate for an independent council.

If the Commission fails to ensure that complaints are investigated impartially, it will pose a serious threat to the dignity and credibility of the Commission, an important independent institution in our country.

We believe that it is the duty and responsibility of you, the members of the Commission and all officers, including yourself, to protect the dignity, independence, transparency and impartiality of this institution.

The Dinana Dakuna Collective would like to emphasize that when issuing statements in relation to any investigation conducted by the Commission or when summoning relevant parties and recording their statements, you can demonstrate your independence to society by ensuring that you do not act in a way that could be portrayed by certain groups as mere media spectacles’.

Last week, the Government increased the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) on imported maize to Rs. 50/kg, up from the previous rate of Rs. 25/kg. The higher levy will remain effective from 5 May to the end of this year. The Government intends to support local farmers via the move by discouraging cheaper imported maize. According to the analysts, local poultry companies are likely to see their maize import costs going up by around 20% because of the para-tariff rate increase, and it is estimated that corn accounts for about 40% of their animal feed cost.

The decision by the administration, however, contradicts with its pre-election rhetoric as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake strongly criticised the practice of imposing taxes on food items during the previous presidential election campaign as a candidate and vowed to bring down taxes imposed on food items for the benefit of the masses.

Maize is a major energy feed ingredient in the diets of poultry, and Sri Lanka’s local maize production is not sufficient to satisfy the demand. As per the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the national requirement is estimated at approximately 600,000 to 700,000 MT per year, but the domestic production covers only around 50% of the total requirement. The ill-advised move would lead to an increase in the prices of eggs and chicken that form vital elements of the dietary protein intake of the islanders. Chicken is the preferred mode of protein in Sri Lanka in terms of meat, as the consumption of red meat among people is low due to cultural/religious reasons. On the other hand, eggs are the most sought-after source of protein because refrigerators are not commonly available across households.

It was due to the cruciality of both eggs and chicken with regard to the protein intake of citizenry, the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration brought down the SCL on the imported animal feed from Rs. 75/kg to Rs. 25/kg in August 2023 as part of efforts to alleviate high animal feed costs and thereby bring down chicken and egg prices. Apart from lowering taxes on imported animal feed, the then Government took steps to import eggs from India despite criticism to provide relief to consumers. During the presidency of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the price of an egg went as high as Rs. 70 in the retail market and in certain instances eggs were not even available in the market as producers refrained from supplying the product due to price controls. Nevertheless, with the reduction in the SCL on maize, removal of the price ceiling as well as arrival of imported eggs from India, the price of an egg dropped to Rs. 35 in the retail market and to Rs. 50 in supermarkets during the Wickremesinghe presidency.

Inability to acquire protein-rich food at affordable prices has been a critical social/health issue in the republic over the last few years. Particularly, in 2022, Sri Lanka was ranked among the top 5 countries with the highest food price inflation, which weakened the ability of many households to satisfy their calorie needs. Moreover, Protein-rich fish like tuna are beyond the reach of commoners given their high prices.

Talavou Alailima, a prominent leader in the Sri Lankan fitness industry, has pointed out that lack of protein in the Lankan diet as the single most nutritional deficiency that hinders physical/cognitive growth of the nation’s children and their ability to maximize genetic potential. Protein deficiency has also been identified as a cause for mediocre/poor performance of our sportsmen/women in the international arena for decades.

In view of the nutritional requirements of the populace, especially children and youth, policymakers need to re-examine the suitability of hiking taxes on food and related inputs/items. Ensuring nutritious food is available to consumers at relatively affordable prices is a laudable accomplishment compared to indulging in lopsided protectionism, driven by ‘Vote Bank Politics’, to safeguard the financial position of a few politically influential farmer communities.

A group of Opposition politicians and lawyers has written to Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena seeking intervention over remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on a pending court case, alleging the comments amounted to an attempt to influence the judiciary and could constitute contempt of court.

In the letter, the group urged the Chief Justice to take ‘such action as you may consider appropriate’ after raising concerns over statements made by the President during his May Day rally in Maharagama.

According to the letter, the President had referred to a case heard the previous day, stated that judgment would be delivered on 25 May, and urged supporters to prepare to welcome the ruling with applause.

The signatories said the remarks raised serious concerns regarding judicial independence and the separation of powers, which they described as cornerstones of the Constitution.

‘The President purports to have previous knowledge of a judgment yet to be delivered,’ the letter stated.

The group argued that once hearings conclude, a judge’s duty is to evaluate the evidence independently and arrive at a decision guided solely by law and conscience, warning that any suggestion of outside influence risked undermining confidence in the judicial system.

‘There appears to us no doubt that this preposterous statement represents a contempt of court,’ the letter said.

The signatories further described the remarks as ‘a despicable attempt to bring pressure to bear on a judge’ and said the alleged pressure was particularly grave given that it emanated from the Executive President.

The letter was signed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former MP M.A. Sumanthiran, former MPs Asath Sally, G.L. Peiris, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Rohitha Abeygunawardena, along with Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon of Free Lawyers and Peshala Serasinghe of the LSSSP.

The letter states:

‘We wish to bring to your notice a very serious development relating to the independence of the judiciary.

‘During his May Day speech in Maharagama, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated, with regard to a pending case, that the hearing had taken place on the previous day and that judgment was to be delivered on 25 May. He exhorted his listeners to be prepared to greet the judgment with warm applause.

‘We are aghast at this statement which has the most significant implications for the integrity of the judiciary and the separation of powers which are cornerstones of the Constitution of our country.

‘Many issues arise. The President purports to have previous knowledge of a judgment yet to be delivered. It is a fundamental principle of our constitutional system that justice must not only be done, but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.

‘Once the hearing is concluded, the duty of the judge is to assess the evidence and to arrive at his conclusion in accordance with the law. His conscience is his only guide. It would be preposterous for the judge to discuss his judgment, prior to delivery, with any third party. ‘Whether the judgment would have the effect of pleasing a third party to the extent of inducing him to urge reception of the judgment with applause is a totally irrelevant, and indeed grossly improper, consideration. This has the clear potential to undermine public confidence in the judicial system, a matter fraught with the most far-reaching consequences. There appears to us no doubt that this preposterous statement represents a contempt of court.

‘To put it at its lowest, this is a despicable attempt to bring pressure to bear on a judge in relation to a case being heard before him. The gravity of the situation is enhanced by the fact that the pressure emanates from no less than the Executive President of the Republic. It seems to us intolerably unfair to submit a judge to pressure of this intensity, exercised at this level, in respect of the performance of his official duties. It cynically erodes the foundations of our legal culture and values.

One of the few institutions in our country still enjoying the esteem of the public at large is the Judiciary. It is our firm resolve to do all in our power, collectively and within the framework of a functioning democracy, to protect the Judiciary from vicious assaults of this kind.

We wish to bring these circumstances, with due deference, to Your Lordship’s notice for action which you may consider appropriate in respect of this distressing situation.’

Sri Lanka is at a defining moment. For years, business success has been measured through revenue, market share, and profitability. While these remain important, today’s rapidly changing world demands something more. Consumers are more conscious, economies are more volatile, and brands are now judged not only by what they sell, but by what they stand for.

This shift inspired the creation of the Sri Lanka Brand Forum – not simply as another industry body, but as a movement to redefine the role of brands in shaping the future of the nation.

We now live in a world where uncertainty, technological disruption, and changing consumer expectations challenge traditional business models. In such an environment, purpose is no longer a corporate buzzword; it is a strategic necessity. Businesses must evolve beyond profit-making entities into institutions that build trust, inspire progress, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Sri Lanka’s recent challenges have tested the resilience of its economy and people. While recovery is underway, the more important question is what kind of future we are building. Sri Lanka possesses immense creative talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural richness, but potential alone is not enough. Strategic intent, meaningful leadership, and collective action are essential.

Today, countries compete not only on resources or scale, but also on identity, credibility, and trust. Every Sri Lankan brand engaging with the world contributes to how the nation is perceived globally. When brands reflect innovation, integrity, sustainability, and creativity, they become ambassadors for the country.

The Sri Lanka Brand Forum is built on the belief that brands must be a force for good – not only for business growth, but also for social and national progress. Through leadership, innovation, sustainability, and branding, the Forum aims to create a long-term ecosystem that supports transformation and future-ready thinking.

A key focus of the initiative is empowering the next generation. Gen Z and Gen Alpha expect authenticity, transparency, and purpose from brands. They actively support businesses that align with their values and reject those that do not. The Forum seeks to create platforms where young voices can help shape the future of branding and business in Sri Lanka.

The central message is simple: profit is essential, but it is not the purpose. Long-term success is built on trust, relationships, and impact. In an increasingly conscious and transparent world, purpose-driven brands are better positioned for sustainable growth.

Sri Lanka now has a unique opportunity to redefine its future. The responsibility lies with business leaders, marketers, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers to collaborate and create brands that stand for something meaningful.

The brands that will define the future are not those that chase attention, but those that earn trust and create value for people, communities, and the nation. Sri Lanka has everything it needs to build such brands. What is needed now is alignment, intent, and collective action.

The time for purpose-driven branding in Sri Lanka is not tomorrow. It is now.

(The author is Co-Founder, Sri Lanka Brand Forum)

Skills Advertising and Marketing Ltd., one of Sri Lanka’s longest established advertising agencies, proudly celebrates its 33rd anniversary – a remarkable milestone for a 100% Sri Lankan owned company operating in a highly competitive industry.

A familiar and trusted name among Sri Lankan advertisers, Skills Advertising has built a strong reputation over the years for delivering innovative and impactful 360 degree communication solutions, ranging from above the line campaigns to digital advertising. Founded by Sri Sangabo Corea, the company is currently led by Chairman Ananda Samarasinghe and Chief Executive Officer Jiffry Raheem.

With over 35 years of experience in advertising and media relations at leading agencies, Ananda Samarasinghe has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s journey. His hands-on leadership style, combined with strong business acumen, continues to drive the company forward.

Jiffry Raheem, who brings more than two decades of industry leadership experience, heads the organisation as CEO. Having previously served as Client Service Director and General Manager, he possesses extensive expertise in account management and has overseen a diverse portfolio spanning the FMCG, Banking and Finance, Automobile, Hospitality, and Education sectors, working with both local and international brands. Under his leadership, Skills Advertising has evolved into a highly sought after creative agency, recognised for combining distinctive creativity with strong strategic insight.

Over the years, Skills Advertising and Marketing has earned the trust and loyalty of a wide range of clients, many of whom have remained with the company since its inception – a testament to its commitment to long term partnerships and consistent service excellence..

‘Our focus is to provide clients with the highest standards of service and creativity to help them achieve their goals in today’s fast evolving digital landscape. We place great importance on building and maintaining close relationships with our clients, which is why many have remained with us from the very beginning,’ said Chief Executive Officer Jiffry Raheem.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our clients and media partners for the trust they have placed in us over the past three decades,’ stated Skills Advertising and Marketing Chairman Ananda Samarasinghe.

With strong media relationships across all platforms, Skills Advertising is well positioned to continue delivering innovative, effective, and results driven solutions to its clients.

Prime Melwa Port City (Pvt) Ltd yesterday signed the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Limited, marking a historic milestone in the realization of one of the most prestigious upcoming marina and waterfront developments at Port City Colombo.

Positioned as the only remaining marina and waterfront residential development within Port City Colombo, the project is set to deliver an extraordinary lifestyle experience unlike anything the region has witnessed before. Overlooking the iconic marina and the Indian Ocean, the development has been envisioned as an architectural masterpiece that will redefine luxury waterfront living in South Asia through iconic design, breathtaking views, world class amenities, and unparalleled exclusivity.

Set within one of the world’s most ambitious and globally significant urban transformation initiatives, the project is poised to become a defining landmark in Colombo’s evolving skyline and a symbol of Sri Lanka’s emergence as a globally competitive luxury real estate destination.

This landmark collaboration brings together two of Sri Lanka’s most influential corporate entities, Prime Group and Melwa, combining decades of market leadership, strategic foresight, and proven excellence to create a truly world class marina front destination.

More than a premium real estate venture, the project represents a bold statement of confidence in Sri Lanka’s future and the growing international significance of Port City Colombo as an emerging business, lifestyle, and investment hub. It further demonstrates the commitment of leading Sri Lankan corporates to invest in transformative developments that create long term economic value, attract foreign investment, and strengthen global investor confidence in the country.

As one of the final marina front development opportunities within Port City Colombo, the land parcel carries exceptional strategic importance and long term investment value. Located within Sri Lanka’s first foreign currency designated Special Economic Zone, the project is expected to attract international investors, expatriates, and high net worth buyers seeking a globally benchmarked waterfront lifestyle and a secure investment opportunity in one of Asia’s most promising emerging destinations.

With this historic partnership, Prime Lands and Melwa are not merely developing another luxury project; they are shaping an iconic global address that symbolizes ambition, innovation, and Sri Lanka’s bold rise onto the world stage.

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) has taken over investigations into the suspicious death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena was informed yesterday during the magisterial inquiry into the death.

During proceedings, investigators produced two volumes of post-mortem examination reports before Court and said several types of medication recovered from the scene, along with two blood samples of the deceased, would be submitted as case productions.

The Magistrate questioned whether two unidentified medications wrapped in paper found at the scene had been forwarded to the Government Analyst. Investigators informed court the substances would be sent for examination yesterday. Court also inquired whether the belt allegedly used by the deceased had been sent to the Government Analyst, to which investigators responded that it too would be forwarded for analysis.

Investigators further informed Court that they had been unable to access Chandrasena’s iPhone 16 Pro Max mobile phone due to its facial recognition security system. Police said attempts to unlock the device using the deceased’s face after death had failed and sought Court approval to forward the phone to its parent company or another institution capable of accessing the device.

The first witness, Priyangi Anushka Wijenayake, and the third witness, Aravinda de Silva, testified before Court during the inquiry.

The inquiry was postponed to 14 May, with Court

informed that statements from eight additional witnesses remain to be recorded.

The proposed reduction in the VAT registration threshold, aimed at increasing Government revenue, has generated growing concern among SME operators and tax professionals.

A tax consultant recently highlighted several practical difficulties that many Small and Medium Enterprises are likely to face if the threshold is reduced without adequate preparation and consultation.

Among the key concerns are:

nLoss of market competitiveness – Many SMEs lack the economic scale, pricing power, and brand strength required to absorb additional VAT-related costs.

nLimited awareness of VAT compliance obligations – A significant number of SMEs are unfamiliar with VAT accounting, filing requirements, documentation standards, and audit exposure.

nIncreased compliance costs – Businesses may be compelled to incur additional expenditure on accountants, tax advisers, software systems, and administrative staff, merely to remain compliant.

nCapital expenditure on POS and invoicing systems – The move could require investments in point-of-sale infrastructure and upgraded accounting systems at a time when many SMEs are already under financial pressure.

These concerns go beyond mere compliance inconvenience. SMEs form a substantial pillar of Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and domestic economic activity. Any abrupt expansion of the VAT net without adequate transition mechanisms could weaken already fragile businesses.

What is particularly troubling is that discussions on these matters often begin only after legislation is enacted or implementation deadlines are announced. By then, businesses are left scrambling to understand and overcome the implications.

Trade chambers and representative bodies must accept some responsibility for this recurring pattern. Too often, chambers remain silent during the Bill stage when constructive and timely engagement can still influence policy. The business community then wakes up only after the law is passed and implementation becomes unavoidable.

Meaningful consultation must take place before tax measures are finalised, not after.

If the objective is broader tax coverage and improved revenue collection, policymakers should also consider:

Phased implementation

Simplified VAT schemes for SMEs

Awareness and training programs

Transition concessions

Practical compliance support

Tax policy should not merely focus on collection targets. It must also consider economic sustainability, administrative practicality, and the survival of smaller enterprises that form the backbone of the economy.

A balanced approach to the implementation of VAT is essential if Sri Lanka hopes to strengthen revenue without weakening the SME sector that supports it.

Kapruka Holdings PLC has invested Rs. 41.5 million in its fully-owned subsidiary Kapruka E-Commerce Ltd., to support working capital requirements and expand its delivery infrastructure through electric vehicle acquisitions.

The company said its Board of Directors had approved, via a circular resolution dated 11 May 2026, the subscription of 883,203 ordinary voting shares in Kapruka E-Commerce for a total consideration of Rs. 41,510,541.

The shares were issued at Rs. 47 each. Kapruka said the funds would be utilised to strengthen the operational infrastructure of the e-commerce business, including the acquisition of electric vehicles for its delivery fleet, in line with the company’s sustainability and cost optimisation strategy.

The company stated that the investment is expected to improve operational efficiency, support environmentally sustainable logistics solutions, and strengthen the Group’s long-term growth prospects.

The transaction had been approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 27 January 2026. Kapruka Holdings’ shares closed yesterday 10 cents on the up at Rs. 27.60. The company reported assets of Rs. 5.20 a share as at end-March 2026.