Category: Daily Financial Times

The High Commission of India in Colombo will host the Timeless Bollywood Melodies concert, as part of the celebrations of the 77th Republic Day of India, to be held on 23rd January 2026 at 6.30 p.m. at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo.

The concert will feature Anuradha Paudwal, the iconic queen of Indian playback singing and the legendary voice of Bollywood’s golden era.

Pyramid Wilmar, a leading name in the food manufacturing and marketing industry in Sri Lanka, successfully concluded its island-wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ChefsHunt, a comprehensive program aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering young culinary talent across the country. The initiative was launched in collaboration with Sirasa Newsfirst, the Chefs Guild, and the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), in celebration of Pyramid Wilmar’s 20th anniversary.

Designed as a landmark initiative to contribute qualified professionals towards Sri Lanka’s foodservice industry, ChefsHunt culminated in a grand finale held at Stein Studios, Rathmalana, marking the successful completion of a three month long national program.

Pyramid Wilmar is a trusted provider of high-quality food products and culinary solutions, serving households and foodservice professionals across the island. Committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability, the company drives excellence through strategic partnerships with chefs and industry stakeholders.

This program was conducted nationwide, across 10 selected locations from Jaffna to Colombo, and was aimed at school leavers aged between 18 and 25. It had over 1000 participants, out of which most talented were selected through an extensive evaluation process. They received a scholarship to pursue a culinary course at the M W Institute of Culinary Arts which will qualify them to receive an NVQ Level 4 Certificate.

The program was designed to equip aspiring chefs not only with technical expertise, but also with critical competencies such as kitchen efficiency, food consistency, innovation, and professionalism-skills essential for sustainable career growth in today’s evolving culinary landscape. The program aimed to bridge gap between talent and opportunity by providing access to mentorship, technical training, competitive platforms, and real-world industry engagement.

‘Chefs are at the heart of our food culture,’ said Pyramid Wilmar Director/COO Thanveer Siddique. ‘With ChefsHunt, Pyramid Wilmar invested in the future of the culinary profession by creating opportunities for the next generation of chefs to showcase their talent, refine their skills, and gain exposure on a national stage.’

ChefsHunt stands as a significant corporate milestone for Pyramid Wilmar, delivering structured talent development. The program underscores the company’s commitment to purpose-driven CSR initiatives that contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Sri Lanka’s culinary sector, while leaving a lasting professional legacy for its participants.

Chinese Dragon Café (CDC), one of Sri Lanka’s most established names in Chinese cuisine, is already making a strong impression among diners in Galle, with customers responding positively to the brand’s arrival in the Southern Province.

The outlet, located on Colombo Road, Kaluwella, has quickly become a popular dining choice for families, professionals, and visitors seeking familiar flavours and consistent quality.

Known for its long-standing heritage and reliability, Chinese Dragon Café has attracted a loyal customer base in Galle, with many patrons expressing appreciation for the brand’s signature authentic Chinese cuisine and efficient service. Popular dishes, such as Hot Butter Cuttlefish, Seafood Rice served in a Banana Leaf, and a wide selection of rice, noodle, and seafood offerings have emerged as customer favourites, reflecting the same taste standards that have defined the brand for generations.

Established in 1942, Chinese Dragon Café has evolved from a small neighbourhood restaurant into a household name with a strong presence across major cities (Bambalapitiya, Mount Lavinia, Nugegoda, Rajagiriya, Pelawatta, Wattala, Kandana, Kaduwela, Jaffna) in Sri Lanka, as well as an international footprint in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This legacy of experience is evident in the operational standards and menu consistency that customers in Galle have come to value.

In addition to dine-in services, the café’s free delivery, catering services, corporate meal solutions for training programs and events, and online ordering options have been well received, catering to the evolving needs of modern customers. These services contributed to the outlet’s steady performance and growing popularity within the region.

With its strong performance and positive reception in Galle, Chinese Dragon Café continues to reinforce its reputation as a trusted name in Sri Lankan Chinese cuisine, delivering flavours that resonate with both long-standing patrons and new customers alike.

The Brazil – Asia Chamber of Commerce has shown keen interest in participating in the Sri Lanka Expo 2026 this June and commenced initial discussions on deepening trade ties focusing in tea, cinnamon and opportunities in Port City in Colombo.

This was revealed at a recent discussion in Brazil between Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil Chaminda Colonne with Brazil – Asia Chamber of Commerce (CBA) President Reginaldo Lante, on 14 January 2026 in Brasilia, focusing on its participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2026 a statement from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Brazil said.

The meeting was also joined virtually by Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe.

During the meeting, Wijesinghe highlighted the strengths of Sri Lanka´s business sector, particularly the country´s well-established apparel and rubber industries, as well as rapidly expanding information technology, machinery parts and advanced technologies sectors. He underscored the potential collaboration through the partnerships and joint ventures between Sri Lanka and Brazil. The Chairman also presented an overview of Sri Lanka Expo 2026, outlining the significant benefits and opportunities available to international companies visiting Sri Lanka during the event.

Ambassador Colonne noted that the current bilateral trade turnover with Brazil stands only $ 150 million, demonstrating the significant untapped potential for expanding trade and economic cooperation. The Ambassador requested the support of the Brazil – Asia Chamber of Commerce in strengthening economic, trade, investment and tourism with Brazil and the Latin America region.

Lante, sharing the role of the Brazil – Asia Chamber of Commerce in facilitating business linkages between Brazil and Asian countries, expressed strong interest in Brazilian companies participating as exhibitors at Sri Lanka Expo 2026, recognising the event as a valuable platform for market entry and collaboration.

Ambassador Colonne and Lante discussed opportunities to increase bilateral trade, focusing initially to enhance business linkages in tea and cinnamon. The discussion also extended to potential investment opportunities, generating considerable interest among Brazilian stakeholders. Both agreed to follow-up meetings involving Sri Lanka Tea Board, Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, aimed at presenting comprehensive investment and business opportunities in Sri Lanka to Brazilian companies and investors.

The meeting was attended by Brazil – Asia Chamber of Commerce Vice President Rogerio Gabriel Alves, EDB Market Development Division Actg. Director Saumya Kannangara; Assistant Director, Erandi Shyamali and Embassy of Sri Lanka Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Chathurika Perera.

FM Derana was announced as the Official Radio Broadcaster in Sri Lanka for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at a media briefing this week.

Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the global cricketing spectacle is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March 2026, bringing the world’s best teams to a nation that lives and breathes the game.

For FM Derana was the first local private radio broadcaster to become an official radio broadcaster for an ICC World Cup, when it secured the rights for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. In doing so, FM Derana broke the long-standing Government monopoly on live cricket radio broadcasting, opening the door for a wider, more competitive, and more fan-driven experience for listeners across the country.

For Sri Lankans, cricket is followed in buses and tea shops, on factory floors and village verandas, with radios turned up and emotions worn openly. Reflecting this deep-rooted connection, FM Derana’s coverage was positioned to ensure that fans across the island experienced every moment of the tournament, live, immersive, and with the unmistakable energy that defines Sri Lankan cricket fandom.

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature 55 matches, and FM Derana confirmed comprehensive island-wide coverage through its 92.2 and 92.4 FM frequencies. The broadcasts were set to be led by some of the country’s most respected and experienced commentators, capturing not just the action on the field but the stories, tension, and pride that travel with it. In addition to live match commentary, FM Derana also announced a range of radio and digital programming, featuring insights from veteran cricketers and expert coaches, to keep fans connected before, during, and after every game.

The briefing was attended by senior leadership of the Derana Media Network and Sri Lanka Cricket, alongside iconic figures from the sport.

Among those present were Derana Executive Director/ Chief Operation Officer Madhava Madawala, Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, veteran commentator Bandula Saman Waturegama, FM Derana General Manager – Programs Bandara Wijeratne and General Manager Marketing Roshan Fernando.

A 20-megawatt wind power plant, ‘Windscape Mannar’, constructed by CEYLEX Renewables, was officially connected to the national grid on Thursday (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, supporting the Government’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

FOLLOWING a historic electoral victory, Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) Government came to power with an electrifying promise: “system change.” At the heart of this pledge lies “Clean Sri Lanka” (CSL), a flagship program touted as the operational arm of a new social contract grounded in anti-corruption, transparency, and the rule of law 1. As it rolls into a new year with an expanded budget of Rs. 6,500 million for 2026, a critical examination reveals a complex and contradictory reality. While CSL demonstrates political will and delivers visible environmental projects, its effectiveness as a tool to dismantle deep-rooted corruption is being hampered by a strategic overreach and unaddressed systemic flaws2 3.

The promise: Ambitious goals and financial commitment

The NPP’s ascent to power was directly fueled by public fury over the 2022 economic collapse, an event widely attributed to decades of graft, cronyism, and patronage politics1 . The CSL program was conceived as the tangible response to this demand for accountability. It is framed not as a simple beautification campaign but as a comprehensive initiative to foster ethical and environmental consciousness 4.

The Government has backed its rhetoric with significant financial commitment. The program’s budget increased from Rs. 5,000 million in 2025 to Rs. 6,500 million in 2026, funding dozens of projects across social, ethical, and environmental “pillars”2. These range from beach conservation and waste management to food safety and road safety awareness campaigns2 4.

At the institutional level, the Government has taken steps to strengthen the legal arsenal. It has continued the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2023 and passed the Proceeds of Crime Act in 2025, aimed at recovering illicit assets . Furthermore, symbolic actions, such as arresting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for alleged misuse of public funds, were intended to signal that the era of elite impunity was over5.

A critical analysis: The contradictions of scope and substance

Despite these efforts, a deep analytical look uncovers fundamental contradictions between the program’s stated ambition and its practical execution, potentially diluting its core anti-corruption mission.

These contradictions point to a program struggling to define its core identity. A June 2025 civil society report by Transparency International Sri Lanka supports this critique, noting that despite progress in laws, Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption framework suffers from “weak implementation” and “persistent structural weaknesses”3. The CSL program, in its current form, does not appear to be a focused vehicle for rectifying these profound institutional deficiencies.

Charting a new path: Targeted solutions and clear implementation

For “Clean Sri Lanka” to become the transformative instrument it aspires to be, a strategic recalibration is urgently needed. The goal must shift from managing a wide portfolio of projects to surgically dismantling the architecture of corruption. Here are implementable solutions:

1. Refocus CSL’s mandate and metrics

Solution: Legally redefine CSL’s primary Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) around institutional anti-corruption outcomes, not just environmental outputs.

Implementation:

l Phase 1 (0-6 months): Amend the CSL framework to mandate that over 60% of its budget and reporting be dedicated to governance-strengthening projects.

lPhase 2 (6-18 months): Publicly track and report on metrics like the value of assets recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the percentage reduction in CIABOC case withdrawals, and the number of high-ranking officials prosecuted.

2. Empower and insulate anti-corruption institutions

Solution: Transform CIABOC from a politically vulnerable body into an independent, well-resourced powerhouse.

Implementation:

lLegislative action: Amend the Anti-Corruption Act to establish a transparent, multi-stakeholder (including civil society) panel for appointing the CIABOC Director General, with security of tenure3.

lOperational boost: Direct a significant portion of CSL’s 2026 budget to CIABOC for three priorities:

1) Establishing the centralised electronic asset declaration system with public access, as repeatedly recommended3.

2) Creating a specialized Financial Crimes and Digital Forensics Unit. 3) Implementing nationwide witness protection programs.

3. Enforce transparency in lawmaking and political finance

Solution: Use CSL as a platform to enforce existing transparency laws and close critical loopholes.

Implementation:

l CSL transparency portal: Launch a mandatory online portal under CSL where all draft legislation must be published for public comment at least 60 days before parliamentary debate3.

l Political finance enforcement: Task a CSL-monitored unit within the Election Commission with real-time auditing of campaign finances under the 2023 Election Expenditure Act. CSL’s public awareness campaigns should shift focus to educating citizens on how to track political donations and expenditure.

4. Build a cross-society integrity coalition

Solution: Move from State-led action to a networked model of accountability.

Implementation:

l Formalise CSL partnerships: Legally incorporate credible civil society organisations, independent media groups, and business chambers into CSL’s oversight structure as non-governmental monitors.

l “Integrity Pact” initiative: Use the CSL brand to promote and monitor “Integrity Pacts” in all high-value public procurement projects, where bidders and Government agencies commit to transparency, with oversight by independent civil society observers.

For a deeper dive: Key anti-corruption reforms needed

The CSL program must be connected to broader, specific legislative and institutional reforms to be effective. Key priorities identified by analysts include:

Judicial and prosecutorial independence: Creating an independent prosecutor’s office separate from the Attorney General’s Department to eliminate conflicts of interest in prosecuting State-linked corruption3.

Beneficial ownership registry: Establishing a publicly accessible registry to reveal the true owners of companies, a critical tool against money laundering currently missing3.

Strengthening the RTI Act: Imposing mandatory penalties on public authorities that unlawfully deny information requests to give the Right to Information law real teeth3.

Conclusion

The “Clean Sri Lanka” program is at a crossroads. Its current trajectory, laden with worthy yet peripheral projects, risks creating a paradox: a “clean” country of beautiful beaches and managed waste that remains fundamentally corrupt in its governance and economics. The immense political capital and public trust invested in the NPP’s promise of “system change” cannot be squandered on a diluted agenda.

True transformation requires the courage to narrow the focus, confront powerful vested interests, and fix the broken institutions that enable corruption. By refocusing CSL on its core governance mandate, the Government can transition from performing change to delivering it. The choice is between creating a legacy of superficial cleanliness or forging a foundation of genuine integrity. For a nation that has endured the catastrophic costs of corruption, only the latter will suffice.

Sri Lanka Tourism has successfully concluded a major tourism promotion initiative in India, its largest source market, covering key cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, as part of efforts to diversify arrivals and attract higher-spending visitors throughout the year.

The campaign was carried out in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and SriLankan Airlines, underscoring a coordinated public-private sector push to strengthen Sri Lanka’s presence in the Indian market.

SLAITO President Nalin Jayasundera said the initiative received strong support and positive feedback from Indian counterparts, particularly the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).

‘The initiative was successful. We expressed gratitude to our counterparts in India, particularly TAAI and the TAFI, for being very supportive. We got very positive feedback from them,’ he told the Daily FT.

According to Jayasundera, Indian travel industry representatives indicated that Sri Lanka has the potential to attract up to one million Indian tourists in 2026, given India’s year-round travel patterns and Sri Lanka’s proximity, shared cultural links and strong appeal for pilgrimage tourism.

India remained Sri Lanka’s largest source market in 2025, contributing 531,511 visitors or 27% of total arrivals.

Jayasundera noted that growth is expected particularly in niche segments such as destination wedding tourism, golf tourism, MICE travel and spiritual tourism.

He also highlighted that Sri Lanka’s free-visa policy has emerged as a key driver in boosting Indian arrivals, lowering barriers to travel and encouraging short-haul visits.

India is projected to generate around 50 million outbound travellers by 2030, with an estimated 70% preferring destinations within a five-hour flying radius, placing Sri Lanka in a highly competitive position.

‘Indian travel agents also pointed out that Sri Lanka’s unique ability to offer beaches, mountains, cloud forests and ancient heritage sites within a few hours’ drive makes it especially attractive to a wide range of Indian traveller profiles,’ he added.

Jayasundera said there was strong consensus on the need for deeper collaboration through joint marketing campaigns and the creation of high-quality, consolidated digital content to further boost destination awareness and conversions.

‘The demand is there. The cohorts match. The signals are strong. With the right partnerships and focused execution, Sri Lanka’s numbers can grow exponentially,’ he added.

In a further boost to industry ties, Jayasundera said that TAAI has accepted an invitation to hold its Executive Committee meeting in Colombo in the last weeks of the first quarter of 2026, a move expected to strengthen engagement with the Indian travel trade.

Supporting connectivity, SriLankan Airlines currently operates 126 flights per week to 14 cities across India, providing extensive access and reinforcing India’s role as a cornerstone market in Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery and growth strategy.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung paid a farewell call on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday at his office in Colombo, as she concludes her tenure in the country.

The meeting was held as a farewell occasion, during which Premadasa expressed his gratitude and respect to Ambassador Chung for the support she extended to Sri Lanka during her service.

He also noted that the outstanding contributions she made as Ambassador will never be forgotten.

The tourism industry is experiencing a striking influx as the country welcomed over 131,000 tourists in the first 15 days of the month, kicking off 2026 on an optimistic note.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) released provisional figures yesterday, indicating that 131,898 tourists were welcomed in the first half of the month, registering a 9.43% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to including cruise ship arrivals.

From 1 to 15 July, average daily arrivals stood at 8,793 up from 8,040 visitors in the same period last year. The highest daily arrivals so far was registered on 15 January with 10,483 visitors.

India leads the arrivals during the first 15 days of the month with 23,786 or 18% of the total arrivals, followed by Russia with 14,785 (11%) and the UK with 12,166 (9%).

In addition, visitors from Germany, France, Australia, China, Poland, the US, and the Netherlands were also welcomed.