Category: Daily Financial Times

Marking the first-ever focused initiative to promote Sri Lanka’s construction services in the Indian market, a sector-specific business delegation visited Mumbai from 25-28 November 2025. This initiative was organised by Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai.

Ten leading Sri Lankan companies representing civil construction, engineering services, interior design, consultancy, and property development participated in the program. The participating companies were Synex Holdings Ltd., Rhino Roofing Products Ltd, St. Anthony’s Interior Solutions Ltd., SBA Consultant Ltd., Colombo Consultants and Management Group, BMIS Company, Amoda Rathnayake Associates Ltd., MOVA Ltd., Good Gift Property Developers Ltd., and K.R.S. Sankarans Engineers and Construction.

Beginning with a B2B networking session at the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai which alone attracted around 100 Indian companies, the delegation engaged in a series of high-level business meetings and networking sessions with leading Indian Industry institutions. These included India Chamber of International Business (ICIB), India Merchants’ Chamber (IMC), World Trade Center (WTC), Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Somaiya University, Godrej Enterprises Group and Studio SSJ. The delegation also visited Design Mumbai, an international contemporary design show, and attended the IGBC Green Building Congress and Exhibition 2025.

Approximately 350 engagements during the visit served as a platform to explore new business partnerships, joint ventures, subcontracting opportunities, new business contacts and access to green technologies and advanced design solutions, providing impetus to bilateral cooperation in the construction services sector. All participated companies have already secured business collaborations with Indian business partners. In response to their requests, the EDB looks forward to organise more structured business matchmaking sessions and promotional events to connect Sri Lankan service sector companies with global markets, including different regions of India and other potential markets.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday, and emphasised the importance of ensuring transparency in the utilisation of Indian assistance extended for disaster relief.

According to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Premadasa assured that the Opposition would play its role in safeguarding transparency in the use of the support.

Premadasa also conveyed his appreciation to the Indian Government for the $ 450 million provided as disaster assistance.

Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar yesterday met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees in Colombo.

Dr. Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka as the Special Envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting took place during his official visit to engage Sri Lanka’s senior leadership as the country begins reconstruction following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

During discussions, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s willingness to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts, including assistance for rebuilding railways and bridges and strengthening the agricultural sector. He also stressed the importance of effective disaster-response systems underpinned by strong legislative, administrative and institutional frameworks.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two sides reviewed ongoing relief measures and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in disaster response and recovery.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for India’s continued assistance, noting that post-Ditwah recovery extends beyond immediate relief to longer-term priorities such as resettlement and the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure. She said steps have been taken to reopen schools as part of restoring normalcy, with close monitoring in place.

The Prime Minister also underscored the need to ensure stability, reduce vulnerability and strengthen protection mechanisms, while highlighting public solidarity, volunteerism and collective action shown during the emergency.

The meeting was attended by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary (IOR) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs Puneet Agrawal, Joint Secretary (EAMO) Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, and Deputy High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Sagarika Bogahawatta, Director General (South Asia) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Samantha Pathirana, and Deputy Director, South Asia Division Diana Perera.

Continuing its role as Sri Lanka’s market leader in home loans and a bank that understands customers’ aspirations of homeownership, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, to provide tailor-made home loan facilities for buyers of condominium units at Mireka Seascape, the company’s latest development.

Through this partnership, Commercial Bank will offer loans covering up to 100% of the purchase price of properties developed by Overseas Realty, under tripartite agreements that enhance transparency and efficiency for all parties involved.

Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, renowned for delivering landmark developments such as the World Trade Centre, Colombo, and Havelock City, has now introduced Mireka Seascape, its latest beachfront residential project in Dodanduwa. The development comprises 168 luxury apartments and villas, designed to blend architectural elegance with the serenity of coastal living, while offering sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Rathgama Lake. With a prime location, contemporary design and premium amenities, Mireka Seascape sets a new benchmark in modern beachfront living along Sri Lanka’s southern coastal belt.

Commercial Bank remains the undisputed leader in Sri Lanka’s home loans market, offering a broad spectrum of financing options with competitive rates and flexible repayment options. The Bank’s continued collaborations with reputed developers like Overseas Realty reflect its proactive approach to supporting the housing aspirations of Sri Lankans.

By joining forces with one of the country’s most respected property developers, Commercial Bank is also reaffirming its position as a trusted financial partner in Sri Lanka’s evolving real estate landscape.

Resplendent Ceylon recently announced that Cape Weligama has been named in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Gold List, a prestigious recognition celebrating the world’s finest hotels and resorts. This accolade positions Cape Weligama among the top luxury destinations globally and showcases Sri Lanka’s continued rise as a key player in the world of luxury travel.

Resplendent Ceylon Chairman Malik J. Fernando said: ‘We are incredibly honoured that Cape Weligama has been included in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Gold List. This recognition belongs, first and foremost, to our incredible team, whose passion defines everything we do. But it’s also a moment of encouragement for Sri Lanka as a whole, especially at this time. When the country needs positive stories, this award shines a light on our resilience, our hospitality, and the unforgettable experiences Sri Lanka offers travellers.’

The Condé Nast Traveller Gold List is one of the most respected awards in the travel industry, and being included highlights Cape Weligama’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences.

Cape Weligama, known for its stunning clifftop views, world-class facilities, and warm hospitality, is the only Sri Lankan resort on the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Gold List. This recognition adds to the resort’s growing list of accolades, including a Michelin Key, joining Ceylon Tea Trails and Wild Coast Tented Lodge in earning Michelin Key recognition for their exceptional hospitality. These accolades further solidify Resplendent Ceylon’s standing as a leader in Sri Lanka’s luxury tourism.

The 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Gold List comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is rebuilding and thriving, with this recognition offering a timely boost to the country’s global visibility. Cape Weligama’s inclusion reinforces Sri Lanka’s place on the luxury travel map and showcases the island’s ability to deliver world-class experiences.

China is prepared to extend all necessary assistance to Sri Lanka at all times and is ready to share its experience under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ program, 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Member, and CPC Committee of the Xizang Autonomous Region Secretary Wang Junzheng said.

He made these remarks during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat while visiting Sri Lanka with a Chinese delegation.

At the meeting, the President expressed his gratitude for the emergency and humanitarian assistance provided by China to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the disaster. He also appreciated China’s continued support during this difficult period, noting that such cooperation would further strengthen the long-standing close friendship between the two countries.

The President briefed the Chinese delegation on the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ program initiated to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country.

Wang said he would persist in collaborating with Sri Lanka, thereby enhancing the understanding and friendship established between the Presidents of both nations during President Dissanayake’s recent official visit to China. He added that, with the assistance of the Chinese Government, he would continue to support ongoing projects in Sri Lanka and initiate new projects.

He also noted that China would support key Government initiatives such as the Clean Sri Lanka program and the anti-corruption and bribery eradication program, emphasised China’s willingness to share its experience and provide necessary assistance to Sri Lanka’s efforts to eradicate rural poverty.

Seashells, timeless symbols of Sri Lanka’s coastal beauty and marine vitality, were recently unveiled as the highlight of SLTMobitel’s 2026 Calendar. Dedicating this edition to ‘Seashells of Sri Lanka’, the National ICT Solutions Provider continues the tradition of celebrating the country’s natural heritage and nurturing a deep appreciation of the ocean’s ecosystems.

For over two decades, SLT-Mobitel’s annual calendars have provided a platform to spotlight the nation’s environment and culture, building awareness and responsibility among communities. The 2026 edition reaffirms the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, encouraging the public to value and preserve Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

Seashells, the external skeletons of marine molluscs, have been collected by humans for centuries, valued as food, ornaments, and even as forms of currency. In recent times, they have been sought for the aquarium trade and shell-craft.

Beyond their cultural and economic uses, marine molluscs play a vital ecological role. Sea snails inhabit shores, reefs, and sandy beaches, feeding on animals and seaweed. Similarly, clams filter plankton from seawater. Together, they sustain ocean ecosystems providing shelter, food, and habitats for countless organisms, effectively maintaining the delicate balance of marine life.

Artistically portrayed in the 2026 Calendar, seashells symbolise renewal and harmony with nature, inspiring greater appreciation and responsibility towards safeguarding the country’s biodiversity.

Through creative artistry, SLT-Mobitel highlights its dedication to environmental awareness, inviting the public to explore the captivating world of seashells, their ecological significance, and the urgent need to protect them from habitat destruction, marine pollution, and over-collection. Notably, twelve gastropod snails and one bivalve clam are already protected animals under Sri Lankan law.

Moreover, Sri Lanka’s seashells remain understudied, with a provisional checklist published in 2020 documenting 494 gastropod species in 73 families, considered a minimum count. The 2026 Calendar aims to raise awareness of this rich but vulnerable marine heritage.

The 2026 Calendar features stunning illustrations of artists Pulasthi Ediriweera and Nalin Jayarathna, guided by marine naturalist Dr. Malik Fernando, MBChB (Bristol), and a member of the Marine Subcommittee of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, with design by Sanjeevan Sathyajith. Each month offers a visual journey into the diversity of Sri Lanka’s seashells, inviting everyone to discover their captivating story.

The calendar’s educational mission is reinforced by SLT-Mobitel’s wider support for marine research and conservation. It continues the legacy of the 2024 Calendar, which highlighted the mangroves ecosystem to create awareness on sustainability and initiate a dialogue for action.

As part of its ongoing commitment, SLT-Mobitel will persist to strengthen community-focused initiatives, including awards and scholarships for university students engaged in research on mangrove restoration and marine conservation. These efforts create an unbroken cycle of knowledge sharing, preservation, and empowerment, safeguarding Sri Lanka’s rich natural heritage today, inspiring and nurturing the environmental stewards of tomorrow.

With ‘Seashells of Sri Lanka’ symbolising renewal and ecological harmony, SLT-Mobitel continues to make a significant contribution, promoting conservation, sustainability, and national pride in Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

Each calendar month is showcased through bespoke artwork of a distinct gastropod, complemented with fascinating scientific insights on the reverse. The collection spans the year and features the following shells: Rose Branch Murex (January), Major Harp (February), Map Cowrie (March), Winding Stair Shell (April), Geography Cone (May), Persian Horse Conch (June), Reticulated Olive (July), Perry’s Triton (August), Triton’s Trumpet (September), Red-Mouth Frog Shell (October), Clover’s Lyria (November), and the Bull-Mouth Helmet Shell (December). Together, the collected illustrations unite in a curated celebration of marine biodiversity across the year.

GRI Tires has announced that its innovative ULTIMATE GREEN XT tire has been recognised at the Automechanika Dubai Awards, held recently in Dubai, where it was named Winner – Sustainable Product of the Year and also received the Highly Commended recognition – Innovative Product of the Year.

These latest achievements follow the product’s Best Innovation in Sustainability award at ProMat 2025 in Chicago earlier this year, further reinforcing the growing global recognition of the ULTIMATE GREEN XT for its responsible material use and reduced environmental impact.

The Sustainable Product of the Year and Innovative Product of the Year categories recognise exceptional achievements that promote environmental responsibility and innovation within the global automotive and mobility industry. This dual recognition highlights GRI’s continued commitment to sustainability-driven innovation and advanced tire technology.

The ULTIMATE GREEN XT, instantly recognisable by its distinctive green colour, represents a significant advancement in environmentally conscious tire manufacturing. Developed with a strong focus on sustainability, the tire incorporates environment-friendly materials and advanced production practices designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high standards of performance, durability, and safety. Winning Sustainable Product of the Year reflects the tire’s contribution toward more sustainable mobility solutions, while being Highly Commended – Innovative Product of the Year acknowledges its distinctive design concept and progressive engineering approach that set it apart in the global tire market.

This latest recognition builds on the momentum of the ULTIMATE GREEN XT’s Best Innovation in Sustainability award at ProMat 2025, reinforcing its growing global impact. Automechanika Dubai is the largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, bringing together global industry leaders and innovators. Recognition at this prominent event underscores the international relevance and growing impact of GRI’s sustainability-focused innovations.

GRI Global Commercial Director Barry Guildford said: ‘This recognition at Automechanika Dubai is a proud milestone for GRI. The ULTIMATE GREEN XT reflects our vision of delivering innovative tire solutions that support sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.’

GRI said it remains dedicated to advancing sustainable tire technologies through continuous research and innovation. The continued success of the ULTIMATE GREEN XT, following its ProMat 2025 recognition, further strengthens GRI’s position as a forward-thinking brand, driving meaningful progress in the global automotive industry.

W.C. Indika Prasanka Fernando secured the bronze medal of the 65kg weight category in the 77th Mr. Sri Lanka Bodybuilding Championship 2025 held at the Golden Star Beach Hotel in Negombo last Sunday. A keen competitor affiliated to the Sri Lankan Bodybuilding Federation, Fernando was one of more than 150 competitors who hunted for glory at the country’s elite bodybuilding competition, where athletes vied for medals under different weight categories ranging from junior to veterans.

‘This was one of the best outcomes in my bodybuilding career. I trained hard to achieve this feat, and it motivates me to better my performance in future competitions,’ an elated Fernando said.

The 38-year-old veteran who had been in contention at Mr. Sri Lanka Bodybuilding Championship since 2018, represents his own TFS Fitness situated in Moratuwa, where he functions as the chief instructor. Since moving into competitions, Fernando has maintained his status as a bodybuilder to finish among the top five at events such as Mr. Colombo and Mr. Sri Lanka in the 65kg weight category.

India has committed a comprehensive reconstruction assistance package worth $ 450 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, reaffirming its role as the country’s first responder and closest regional partner.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is visiting Colombo as the special envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday said the pledge was formally conveyed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a meeting on Tuesday morning.

In a joint press briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Jaishankar said he handed over a letter from Prime Minister Modi that underscored India’s ‘first responder’ role and committed New Delhi to stand with Sri Lanka through the reconstruction phase.

‘Our talks centred on how expeditiously this commitment can be delivered,’ Dr. Jaishankar said, noting that India’s response was guided by its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Mahasagar’ policies.

He said Prime Minister Modi had directed Indian authorities to work closely with the Sri Lankan Government to address priority needs.

‘The proposed $ 450 million package will comprise $ 350 million in concessional lines of credit and $ 100 million in grants, and is being finalised in close consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka,’ he added.

He said the assistance will focus on sectors worst affected by the cyclone, including the rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity, support for the reconstruction of fully destroyed and partially damaged houses, restoration of health and education facilities, assistance to agriculture to address short- and medium-term shortages, and strengthening disaster response and preparedness mechanisms.

‘We are conscious that work towards mitigating the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the people of Sri Lanka must be done in the quickest time possible,’ Dr. Jaishankar said, adding that both sides are discussing an effective coordination mechanism to ensure the earliest possible delivery of assistance.

He also stressed that India had stepped forward not only because of geographic proximity, but also because of its broader approach to cooperative disaster response, which it has consistently advocated at the regional and global level.

Dr. Jaishankar said India’s relief and assistance mission, Operation Sagar Bandu, began on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall. Indian naval assets, including aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and warship INS Udegiri, were deployed to Colombo to deliver relief material, while helicopters were used for rescue and logistics operations.

He said Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters operated in Sri Lanka for more than two weeks, supporting relief and evacuation efforts.

An Indian National Disaster Response Force contingent arrived simultaneously to conduct search, rescue and relief work, while the Indian Army established a field hospital near Kandy with 85 medical personnel, providing emergency treatment to more than 8,000 people. Two mobile ‘Bishma’ emergency medical units were also airlifted and deployed.

Dr. Jaishankar said restoring connectivity was identified as an immediate priority, recalling that this was discussed directly between President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Modi during a telephone conversation soon after the disaster.

As part of those efforts, Indian Army engineers erected a Bailey Bridge at Kilinochchi, transported by C-17 aircraft, and construction of another Bailey Bridge at Chilaw is currently under way.

‘In total, Operation Sagar Bandu delivered over 1,100 tons of relief supplies, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, essential clothing and water purification equipment. India also supplied about 14.5 tons of medicines and medical equipment, along with a further 60 tons of specialised equipment to support relief operations,’ he added.

Beyond immediate reconstruction, Dr. Jaishankar said India would continue to support Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery.

He assured continued encouragement of tourism flows from India and said increased Indian foreign direct investment (FDIs) could provide an additional boost at a critical juncture. ‘These discussions would be framed within the objective of promoting a deeper and more resilient cooperative relationship between the two countries,’ he added.

Acknowledging that the cyclone struck just as Sri Lanka was emerging from the 2022 economic crisis, Dr. Jaishankar said India fully recognised the scale of the challenge.

‘We have seen in the past the strong resolve and strength among the people of Sri Lanka to overcome challenges and march ahead,’ he said, adding that India stands ‘firmly with Sri Lanka, now more than ever’, and expressing confidence that the country would once again demonstrate its resilience in recovering from adversity.