Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

DSI Samson Group Ltd., has appointed eight new Board members (now a total of 14) across its subsidiaries as part of its group-wide succession plan.

The new appointees will join the ranks of current DSI Samson Group Subsidiary leadership – Sarath Weliwita, Dayananda Abeythilake, Rohan Somawansa, Bhathiya Amarakoon, Priyantha Abeygunawardhane and Arunodhani Wikramasinghe, reaffirming DSI’s commitment to a sharper business focus across its diverse portfolio.

The latest appointments are part of the group’s long-term succession planning.

Each new leader has served the group for over a decade and has been groomed to take on senior responsibilities. By cultivating its next generation of leaders from within, the group ensures authentic brand stewardship, and strengthens the competitiveness of every business unit for sustained growth, it said in a statement.

The appointments include: Nuwan Kulasooriya who joins the board of Samtessi Brush Manufacturers Ltd., with over 15 years of experience in supply chain management; Asha Dissanayake who joins the board of Samson Group Corporate Services Ltd., bringing 30+ years of HR expertise and advanced qualifications in human resources and psychology.

Lakmal Dharmarathna takes a board role at Samson Rajarata Tiles Ltd., leveraging two decades of operational and manufacturing leadership; Jagath Vithanachchi is appointed to Primo Ltd., with nearly 30 years in polymer technology, innovation, and product development.

Chaminda Sumanaratne joins the board of Samson Solar Power Ltd., offering three decades of insurance, administration, and compliance experience; Pradeep Samaratunga is named to the board of Samson Trading Company Ltd., with wide-ranging finance and business expertise.

Renuka Bandara takes on a board position at Primo Ltd., backed by deep financial and strategic planning credentials; and Waruni De Silva joins the board of Samson Group Corporate Services Ltd., recognised for her achievements in financial governance, monitoring and risk management.

Representatives from a reputed Japanese IT corporate recently visited South Asia’s only Japanese IT University based in Sri Lanka, Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI) with the objective of exploring recruitment opportunities for talented graduates.

The visit underscores LNBTI’s growing reputation as a hub for producing globally employable IT professionals equipped with both technical expertise and Japanese language proficiency right in Sri Lanka.

During their visit, the delegation held comprehensive discussions with the institute’s leadership, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Ananda Kumara, Directors Saman Kumara and Ravindra Perera, Head of IT Department Bashini Wijewickrama, and Japanese Language Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of Career Development Hub Dr. Manjula Wanninayaka.

A key highlight of the occasion was the opportunity for LNBTI students to interact directly with the visiting executives. These conversations provided invaluable insights into the skills, work culture, and expectations of Japanese employers-helping students better prepare for potential future tech related careers in Japan.

The executives further announced their readiness to provide fully-funded internships in Japan for selected students. These internships will serve as both training and evaluation platforms, with the possibility of full-time employment upon successful completion.

This initiative builds upon LNBTI’s proven track record of facilitating international internships. In two previous programs, eight students were awarded fully-funded internships in Japan with four already receiving employment offers from the same companies and are now set to join them as full-time employees after graduation.

LNBTI Vice Chancellor Prof. Ananda Kumara said: ‘This collaboration further strengthens our mission of producing IT graduates who are not only technically skilled but also culturally prepared for international careers. Japan’s trust in our students is a testament to the quality of education and training we provide at LNBTI.’

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 September at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of its members and industry stakeholders.

Established in 1997 as an advocacy group, SLFPA today represents over 162 member companies, ranging from large multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), all dedicated to advancing Sri Lanka’s food and beverage processing industry.

The keynote address was delivered by UN FAO Manager of the Circular Economy in the Food Sector (CIRCULAR) Project, Sri Lanka Camelia Andria Bucatariu.

In her presentation, Bucatariu emphasised the urgent need to address food loss, food waste, and plastic packaging waste in Sri Lanka, highlighting that urban food waste alone accounts for nearly 56.6% of municipal solid waste, or about 3,963 tons per day (FAO/IWMI, 2023). She pointed out the interlinkages between food waste and plastic waste across the supply chain and stressed the importance of scaling alternatives to single-use plastics, particularly in food packaging.

She further underlined that applying circular economy practices across the agri-food value chain can reduce losses, improve resource efficiency, and create new opportunities for SMEs. Her key message was that integrating food waste and plastic waste strategies under a circular economy framework-through strong multi-stakeholder collaboration-can accelerate progress on climate action, food security, and sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka.

Outgoing President Thusith Wijesinghe reflected on the association’s journey, recognising the contributions of the 14 past presidents who have shaped SLFPA’s growth. He also emphasised the success of the Pro Food/Pro Pack 2025 Exhibition and the Annual Cricket Carnival. In a key announcement, he revealed SLFPA’s plans to begin construction of a dedicated Secretariat and facility at Gothami Road, Borella-marking a significant milestone in the association’s long-term strategy.

At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2026/2027 was appointed, comprising Mr. Aruna Senanayake of C W Mackie PLC as President, Mr. Deepal De Alwis of Neochem International Ltd., as Secretary, and Sanjeewa De Silva of Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. as Treasurer. The committee also includes Thusith Wijesinghe of Trans Continental Packaging Commodities Ltd., as Immediate Past President, Nadishan Guruge of Mead Lee Trading Co. Ltd.. as President Elect, Vasantha Chandrapala of Visvaka Marketing Ltd., as 1st Vice President, Damitha Perera of Forbes and Walker Commodity Brokers Ltd., as 2nd Vice President, and Rasika Seneviratne of Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC as 3rd Vice President. Supporting roles are held by Dineth Alahakoon of Country Style Food Ltd., as Assistant Secretary and Sameera Jayathilaka of Westmann Engineering Ltd.. as Assistant Treasurer.

In addition the following ten Executive Committee members were appointed: Nirosh Lalantha of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, Niroshan Dalpethado of C D De Fonseka and Sons, Sheran De Alwis of MA’s Tropical Food Processing Ltd., Sanjeewa Niroshan of SGS Lanka Ltd., Amila Weerasinghe of Nestlé Lanka Ltd., Thusitha Ekanayake of Anods Cocoa Ltd., Praharshi Wickramasekara of International Commodity Traders Ltd., Vijitha Govinna of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd., Rangajeewa Hettiarachchi of Fonterra Brands Lanka Ltd., and Kushan Amarasinghe of Finagle Lanka Ltd.

SGS Lanka Ltd., Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Hayleys Aventura Ltd., partnered as Gold Sponsors of the AGM, while Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) supported the event as the Bronze Sponsor.

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Secretary Hemantha Balasuriya, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.

The Government yesterday issued Sri Lanka’s first residence visa under the Individual Investor Category, introduced through the amended Immigration and Emigration Regulations published in November 2023.

The visa was awarded to German national Dr. Prey Drechsel by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala.

The scheme allows foreign nationals to qualify for a five-year visa with an investment of $ 100,000, or a 10-year visa with $ 200,000. Investments must be deposited in a Visa Programme Foreign Currency Account (VPFCA) at a licensed Sri Lankan bank.

The initiative is intended to attract foreign capital by linking long-term residency to direct investment in the country.

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.