Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has facilitated a foreign investment in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner for complex cross-border transactions and structured finance solutions.

The transaction, valued at Rs. 2.7 billion, saw Q Collection, a Singapore-headquartered apparel firm with operational roots in Bangladesh, acquire two subsidiaries of a local apparel group. This strategic move not only injects new capital into a vital export sector in Sri Lanka, but also preserves over 2,400 jobs with the potential of creating additional employment, revives manufacturing capacity, and sends a signal of investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory.

NTB’s Corporate Banking team played a pivotal role in structuring and financing the transaction, navigating legal and regulatory frameworks across three jurisdictions, viz., Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Singapore, within a compressed timeline. The bank’s ability to deliver seamless financial advisory and facilitate under complex conditions highlights its expertise in supporting both local and international clients with tailored solutions.

Nations Trust Bank’s Executive Vice President – Corporate Banking Senal Seneviratne said, ‘At Nations Trust Bank, we are proud to have enabled a transaction that not only strengthens Sri Lanka’s apparel industry but also contributes to national economic resilience. This deal exemplifies our commitment to facilitating foreign investment, preserving employment and livelihoods of rural communities, and supporting industries that are critical to the country’s growth.’

The transaction also provided relief to the divesting entity, further stabilising the financial ecosystem.

The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) has once again achieved international acclaim, winning Gold at the prestigious International ARC Awards in New York for its 2023/24 Annual Report, Timeless Dedication: Celebrating the Faces Behind Our Progress.

‘This triumph is not just about an award, but a reflection of OSC’s philosophy, of who we are: a community rooted in trust and openness, where every individual is part of the story, striving for excellence in all we do, and carrying the Gecko spirit from Colombo to the world stage with pride,’ OSC’s Head of School Nel Capadona, captured the essence of the Gecko ethos: a spirit embodied daily by every teacher, student, staff member, and parent who shapes OSC’s enduring legacy.

This marks back-to-back Gold victories (2024/2025), following a Silver in 2022, making OSC the only IB World School globally – and the only Sri Lankan educational institution ever – to triumph at the ARCs.

Often hailed as the ‘Oscars of Annual Reports,’ the ARC Awards are now in their 39th year, recognising the highest standards in corporate communication and transparency. Past and present winners include global icons such as PepsiCo, McDonald’s, IBM, Coca-Cola, Nike, Boeing, PETRONAS, Walmart, Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Volkswagen.

Yet for OSC, this victory represents more than a prestigious trophy. Timeless Dedication is a tribute to the very heart and soul of the school; the teachers who inspire, the staff who uphold, the students who strive, and the community that binds it all together.

OSC Director of Marketing and Communications Jehan de Silva said: ‘As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child – and at OSC, it is about celebrating the extraordinary people who bring professionalism, creativity, and heart to our community year after year. The theme of last year’s report was about valuing everyone; academic, administrative, service, and beyond. This victory is not about the accolade itself, but about honouring the true faces behind OSC’s remarkable journey.’

The Colombo High Court has fixed 15 October for the next pre-trial conference in the case against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his family over alleged unlawful acquisition of assets worth about Rs. 97 million. The case was filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law appeared before High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal when the matter was taken up yesterday.

President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, representing Rambukwella, told the Court that 12 documents required by the defence had not yet been provided. He argued that indictments had been filed without handing over these papers, which he described as an irregular move.

CIABOC Assistant Director General Subhashini Siriwardena said efforts were being made to trace and release the requested documents, though some were tied to ongoing inquiries.

The judge directed the Commission to supply the documents without delay and listed the case for a further pre-trial conference on 15 October. The indictment covers the period between August 2020 and June 2024, during which Rambukwella served as Minister of Mass Media, Health and Environment. The prosecution alleges that he and his family unlawfully accumulated assets and property during this time.

Two exceptional women from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) have won top honours at the prestigious SAFA Women Leadership Awards, a regional platform that celebrates excellence, leadership, and impact among women in the accounting profession across South Asia.

CA Sri Lanka member, Pyumi Sumanasekara, was honoured with the ‘ESG Visionary Woman Award’ while CA Student Dinali Jayasinghe won the ‘Rising Woman Student Award – CA’ at a grand event held at Cinnamon Life.

Out of seven competitive categories open to SAFA member countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, Sumanasekara, and Jayasinghe emerged victorious, showcasing the remarkable talent and leadership nurtured within CA Sri Lanka fraternity.

Sumanasekara, currently serves as a Partner – Climate Change and Sustainability Services at KPMG, and brings over 18 years of experience in audit, assurance, and advisory, including more than 16 years focused on ESG and climate change. Her global expertise spans London, the Middle East, and Asia. Her leadership in ESG strategy, governance, and reporting has established her as a visionary in driving sustainable transformation across industries. She has a Master’s Degree in Financial Economics.

Jayasinghe, is currently an Assistant Manager in Audit and Assurance at Deloitte Sri Lanka. She ranked first in the CA Sri Lanka Business Level Examination in June 2021. She also holds a first-class degree in Accounting from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

The SAFA Women Leadership Awards serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of accounting professionals, with the awards underscoring the importance of empowering women to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and make meaningful contributions to society and the profession.

The Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL) has announced the extension of the deadline to apply for the PRISL Awards 2025, to 10 October. The extension comes in response to strong interest from across the industry and aims to give more organisations and individuals the opportunity to showcase their achievements and gain national recognition.

The eagerly anticipated PRISL Awards Night will be held on 25 November 2025 at BMICH, reinforcing its status as a premier event for the industry. The evening will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academics and innovators to celebrate excellence and inspire the next chapter of growth for the sector. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the extended deadline and submit their entries by 10 October 2025.

Now in its second edition, the PRISL Awards continue to uphold a legacy of credibility, transparency and prestige built over more than 65 years of PRISL leadership. Each category is evaluated by independent expert panels, ensuring fairness and reinforcing the awards as a benchmark for industry recognition. Winners not only gain visibility within Sri Lanka but also strengthen their reputation in international markets, positioning themselves as leaders and innovators. Moreover, participation in the PRISL Awards 2025 offers organisations and individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the future of Sri Lanka’s plastics and rubber industry. By aligning with this prestigious national platform, participants position themselves alongside industry pioneers, showcasing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. The recognition gained serves as a powerful motivator for professionals and teams, celebrating their contributions to manufacturing, exports, research and responsible practices.

Emphasising the importance of participation, PRISL President K.A.C. Vidyarathna noted: ‘The PRISL Awards celebrate not just commercial success, but also the innovation, resilience and sustainable practices that define the future of our industries. By extending the deadline, we want to ensure that more voices, both organisations and individuals, are given the chance to be honoured on this national stage.’

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the 7th edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz on 17 October 2025 from 3:00 p.m. onwards at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, the event will bring together teams from the public and private sector to compete for glory in six subject areas, in international business, global markets, Sri Lankan economy and business, local capital market, sports and entertainment, and current affairs.

This year’s competition will offer prizes worth over Rs. 3.5 million. The champion team will walk away with Rs. 1,000,000, while the second and third-placed teams will receive Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 375,000, respectively.

In addition, the winning teams of the first three places will have the opportunity to double their prize money, provided that all team members hold CDS accounts with at least one transaction completed during 2025. Sector prizes will also be awarded to the best-performing teams representing each sector.

Sponsorship Partners are: Platinum Sponsors: SC Securities Ltd., and Almas Equities Ltd.

Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Bartleet Religare Securities Ltd., NDB Capital Holdings Ltd. and TWC Capital Ltd. Silver Sponsors: Asha Securities Ltd., Lanka Securities Ltd., Softlogic Stockbrokers Ltd., Nestor Stock Brokers Ltd., and LOLC Holdings PLC.

Shangri-La Colombo will serve as the Official Hospitality Partner, FitsAir Ltd., as the Official Airline Partner, and Co-sponsors including Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, CT Smith Holdings Ltd., People’s Leasing and Finance PLC, Alliance Finance Company PLC, Capital Trust Holdings Ltd., Barista Coffee Lanka Ltd., Crypto Gen Ltd., Hemas Holding PLC and Teejay Lanka PLC.

The event’s print media partners include Daily FT, Daily Mirror and the Sunday Times.

The goodie bag provided to all participants are sponsored by Flora Food Group, Stripe and Checks Inc., Serendib Flour Mills Ltd., and Design Square Ltd.

The sector winners’ prizes will be sponsored by HNB Investment Bank Ltd., and the audience question section will be sponsored by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Beyond the competition, CSE Masterminds 2025 promises an engaging evening for participants and guests, with an after-party featuring live music, unlimited food, and beverages creating an ideal space to network, celebrate, and unwind.

For further information and team registrations, please contact Charundika – 077 7280 028, Shanika – 076 305 6691 or Dinusha – 076 431 6907.

Seylan Bank PLC announced the appointment of Ranil Dissanayake as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Having begun his banking career with Seylan Bank, Dissanayake brings over 35 years of experience in banking leadership, strategy, and operational excellence to the role.

Dissanayake’s career spans significant milestones across Branch Banking, Corporate Banking, and SME development.

He began his journey managing several of Seylan’s key metropolitan branches, including the flagship Millennium Branch, where he drove consistent growth and service excellence.

Rising through the ranks, he went on to serve as Regional Manager for both suburban and metropolitan networks, and later as Zonal Head, overseeing a large branch footprint with a focus on strategic expansion and enhanced service delivery.

His expertise in SME banking has been a defining strength throughout his career. As Assistant General Manager, SME, and Associate Member of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, he worked closely with global consultants such as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to implement structural reforms that enhanced SME lending and processing efficiency.

In his most recent role as Deputy General Manager – Branch Credit, Dissanayake oversaw lending operations across the SME sector, aligning credit growth with the bank’s strategic objectives while upholding risk and portfolio quality standards.

In addition to branch and SME leadership, Dissanayake has played a key role in guiding strategic business units. These include the bank’s Islamic Banking division, the Credit Monitoring Unit, Margin Trading and Factoring services, Centralised Credit Units and Regional Hubs, as well as the SME Business Development Unit.

His contributions have extended beyond operations to spearheading market research, product development, customer acquisition, and industry networking through SME-focused initiatives.

As a Key Management Personnel (KMP), Dissanayake has been instrumental in shaping Seylan Bank’s corporate strategy.

His leadership has consistently emphasised financial inclusion, sustainable credit growth, and innovation in banking services. His extensive experience across diverse banking functions positions him well to lead the bank’s operations into its next phase of growth.

Sri Lanka’s reputation as the home of the world’s finest teas was further cemented when the New Vithanakande Tea Factory, representing the Sabaragamuwa region, set a new Guinness World Record for producing the most valuable tea ever sold.

At the Sri Lanka Charity Tea Auction held on 26 September in Osaka, Japan, the factory’s premium black tea fetched a staggering 125,000 Japanese Yen (around Rs. 255,000) per kilogram, the highest price ever recorded for tea globally. The purchase was made by Janat Paris International Company, a renowned French tea brand.

The auction was organised by the Sri Lanka Tea Board in partnership with the Japan Tea Merchants Association, alongside the Expo 2025 International Exhibition in Japan. A total of 70 international buyers participated in the landmark event.

The New Vithanakande Tea Factory earned the right to represent Sabaragamuwa after emerging as a winner in the Ceylon Specialty Tea competition, conducted every three years by the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) across seven agro-climatic regions. Each regional winner is given the opportunity to present their best teas at the international auction.

Highlighting the social purpose behind the event, the SLTB announced that the entire proceeds from the record-breaking sale will be channelled towards supporting the education of children of tea estate workers in Sri Lanka, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainability and social welfare.

New Vithanakande Tea Factory CEO Pubudu Gunasekara, who personally attended the auction, returned to Sri Lanka yesterday (1) to a celebratory welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport. Senior officials of the SLTB, Directors of the New Vithanakande Tea Factory, and representatives of the Tea Brokers Association were present to greet him.