Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

CEAT Kelani General Manager – QBM Chaminda Thushara (left) accepts the Top 10 award from Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in the presence of the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe

CEAT Kelani Holdings has been recognised with two prestigious awards at the 2025 CNCI Achiever Awards presented by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI), reaffirming its standing as one of the country’s foremost industrial enterprises.

Competing in the ‘Extra-Large Manufacturing Sector’ category, the company received the National Silver Award and a Top 10 award, accolades that celebrate excellence across multiple dimensions of industrial performance including financial strength, value addition, productivity, innovation, quality assurance, environmental responsibility, and social commitment.

The CNCI Achiever Awards, regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected recognitions for industrial excellence, evaluate companies on stringent criteria encompassing more than 12 key operational aspects. CEAT Kelani’s success at the 2025 edition marks another milestone in its journey of continuous improvement, having previously won CNCI awards in 2013 and 2024.

CEAT Kelani Holdings Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene said: ‘These awards are a reflection of the collective commitment of our teams to manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Every process within CEAT Kelani, from product design to delivery, is guided by our quality-based management philosophy and a deep sense of responsibility to our customers, employees, and the environment.’

The company’s performance in several key areas contributed to its recognition at this year’s CNCI Achiever Awards. CEAT Kelani has maintained a strong financial profile validated by Fitch Ratings, which reaffirmed its National Long-Term Rating at ‘AA+(lka)/Stable’ for the fourth consecutive year, projecting an 18% increase in sales volume in FY2025 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% through FY2028.

CEAT Kelani General Manager – Manufacturing Sriram Srikanthan (right) and General Manager – Technology Kiran Shettigar (fourth from left) accept the National Silver Award in the ‘Extra Large Manufacturing Sector’ from Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe

Under its proprietary Quality Based Management (QBM) system – a holistic Total Quality Management framework built on ‘Customer Focus,’ ‘People Focus,’ and ‘Process Focus,’ – CEAT Kelani has institutionalised a culture of continuous improvement across all operational levels. Its product development is driven by consumer insight and supported by advanced research and development (R and D) capabilities in Germany and India, ensuring superior performance, safety, and durability in every tyre segment.

Reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation, the company recently pledged Rs. 4.5 billion in new investments to acquire advanced technology for new product development and drive significant quality improvements across its entire product portfolio.

Beyond operational excellence, CEAT Kelani continues to demonstrate strong environmental and social responsibility. The company’s sustainability initiatives include the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions under ISO 14064-1:2018 standards, the installation of a 2.4 MW rooftop solar power system, advanced waste management and recycling systems, and extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs such as the ‘CEAT Cares’ school road safety initiative and educational support for children of the rubber cultivator community.

The Sri Lanka Embassy, ‘Diplomatic World’ and ‘Travel Tomorrow Magazine’ in Belgium and the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka jointly organised a successful business forum; ‘Business and Tourism Opportunities in Sri Lanka’ on 13 October 2025 at the Press Club Europe in Brussels. More than 60 participants including the officials from the EU institutions, Belgian authorities, private sector companies, investors, travel industry representatives, think-tanks and media professionals had the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s growing potential as an emerging business hub as well as a promising tourist destination in South Asia.

The forum opened with welcome remarks by the Ambassador Chandana Weerasena, followed by an online keynote speech by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra from Sri Lanka. Both speakers underlined the nation’s resilience and renewed focus on sustainable economic development, attracting foreign investment, and fostering international partnerships, emphasising Sri Lanka is the best country to trade, invest and one of the safest countries to visit. The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of working together for deeper and sustainable economic relations at a time international politics, economics, social and security aspects are being challenged.

Minister Commercial of the Embassy, Thavishya Mullegamgoda presented trade and investment opportunities in emerging sectors in Sri Lanka highlighting potential areas for mutual collaborations between Sri Lanka and Belgium. She presented a number of sectors for Belgians and Sri Lankans to find business opportunities such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, logistics, tourism and leisure, innovation and technology etc. Country’s strategic location, vibrant business environment, sustainable manufacturing practices and market access opportunities were also highlighted.

One of the highlights of the event was sharing business experiences by Belgian entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. Raketman Ltd., in Sri Lanka CEO Emmanuel Blomme, who also the former UTP Sri Lanka (VCF Cigars Belgium) General Manager and the Vets Alphi Diamonds Belgium and Lydie’s Diamonds in Sri Lanka CEO Joachim Vets shared their business experiences in Sri Lanka. Their real-world examples and experiences in Sri Lanka as foreign entrepreneurs, was attracted by many in the forum.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Sampath Nishshanka joined the forum virtually and presented Sri Lanka’s authentic, diverse and compact tourism offerings. Travel Tomorrow magazine Editor-in-Chief António Buscardini, and Aitken Spence Travels Benelux Representative Johan Six, contributed to the panel discussion on travel and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka. The discussion explored the country’s unique blend of nature, heritage, and hospitality, with emphasis on responsible tourism and experiential travel.

Adding a vibrant cultural and economic dimension to the event, a display of Sri Lanka’s prominent export items to the European market including Ceylon tea, spices, coconut products, lifestyle products were displayed at the venue. Product and tourism brochures and promotional materials highlighting the island’s scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure experiences were also on display for attendees to explore.

Following the formal program, guests enjoyed a reception featuring authentic Sri Lankan snacks and Ceylon tea, providing an opportunity for informal networking and cultural exchange. The

Embassy expressed gratitude to all partners and participants for contributing to a successful evening of dialogue and collaboration.

Regal Holdings Director/CEO Reshan Liyanage, Chairman Ranjan Liyanage, and RM Parks, Sri Lanka Managing Director Susantha Silva (fourth, fifth and sixth from left), along with the invitees and employees at the Regal Filling Station during its official re-launch as the 50th Shell outlet in Sri Lanka and the first Shell outlet in Puttalam District

Regal Filling Station Ltd., has announced its official re-launch under the globally reputed Shell brand, which marked a momentous milestone as the 50th Shell branded outlet in Sri Lanka and the very first Shell branded outlet in the Puttalam District. The achievement is attributed to the company’s reputation for excellence, innovation and dedication to setting industry benchmarks in quality and service.

Part of the Regal Holdings Group, which is a diversified conglomerate with a strong foothold in a multitude of sectors, Regal Filling Station has elevated industry standards since its inception 10-years ago. Today, it stands as the country’s first and only ISO 9001:2015 certified filling station, which is a distinction that reflects its unparalleled dedication to operational excellence, safety and consumer satisfaction.

This milestone comes at historic juncture as Shell returns to the country after almost 60-years, partnering with RM Parks Ltd., to rebrand a network of 150 retail fuel stations across the island. Regal Filling Station represents the 50th rebranded outlet within this partnership, which is a testament to its reputation and operation standards.

Since its inception in 2014, Regal Filling Station has become one of the top-performing fuel stations in the country, driven by an innovative culture, quality, and community focus. Under the dynamic leadership of Director and Chief Executive Officer Reshan Liyanage, the company has consistently achieved new heights, earning recognition for its performance and pioneering approach in the fuel retail sector.

Re-launched Regal Filling Station, Puttalam District

Liyanage said, ‘At Regal Holdings, ‘Customer Satisfaction is everything to us.’ It is both a privilege and a significant milestone in our history to become the first Shell-branded outlet in the Puttalam District and the 50th in Sri Lanka. Additionally, our ISO 9001:2015 certification is a testament to the quality and operational standards we consistently maintain. We attribute this success to our loyal customers, committed team, and partners who have been pivotal on this journey.’

Driven by the spirit of progress and vision for global expansion, Regal Holdings recently ventured beyond the shores of Sri Lanka, establishing a presence in Australia with the opening of a fuel station in Gympie under the Regal Group Australia Pty Ltd. This marked the first steps in Regal’s international journey and reinforces its ambition to take Sri Lankan entrepreneurship to the world.

As Regal Filling Station celebrates a decade of trusted services, it remains committed to embodying the values of reliability, innovation and community care, while continuing to redefine what it means to be a leader in Sri Lanka’s fuel industry.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved publishing a new Bill in the Government Gazette and submit the same for Parliament approval.

‘The move is aimed at issuing fresh licences for container depot operators and amending the existing licensing laws governing shipping agents, freight forwarders, general operators and container operators,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The decision follows Cabinet approval granted on 18 December 2024 to draft the new legislation and introduce amendments to the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators Act, No. 10 of 1972.

‘The Legal Draftsman has completed the preparation of the Bill, which has also received clearance from the Attorney General,’ he added.

He said the legal changes aim to strengthen regulatory oversight of shipping and logistics sectors, improve licencing procedures, and ensure compliance with international operational standards for container depot and freight handling operations.

Brandix launched its 10th Sustainability Report for 2024/25 this week, and laid out new ambitious targets that will transcend its environmental and social footprint. Brandix is the pioneer of sustainable manufacturing in the apparel sector for the Asia-Pacific region, including the first Net Zero Carbon Apparel Manufacturing facility in the world.

The latest Brandix Sustainability Report showcases the company’s robust industry-leading Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks across all operations in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh. The company enriches the lives of over 500,000 associates globally.

At the core of its Environmental thrust is circularity. Brandix aims to become Net Zero Carbon across all locations by 2030, which is an ambitious target from its current figure of 37%. At present 90% of all solid waste is recycled or reused, and recently launched a pilot project to recycle elastic waste at commercial scale. Brandix also plans to eliminate dependence on ground water across all operations, a commitment that extends to the whole water mix.

‘Our journey commenced as far back as 2006 at our Seeduwa plant, when no one else in this industry was interested or invested in sustainability. We maintained that momentum, weaving environmental stewardship to our social, supply chain and stakeholder engagements. The value we create is global, touching the lives of millions of people including future generations. Our latest Sustainability Report reaffirms our continued commitment to these principles and transparency. It will strengthen our journey towards the next wave of advancements,’ said Brandix Group Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne.

The latest Brandix Sustainability Report is themed ‘Every Thread Matters’, and discusses how each element in a value chain matter to weave strong, resilient and effective outcomes that add value to users. Brandix believes change begins with agile and innovative choices, and the company has amply demonstrated responsibility and performance can go hand-in-hand.

In addition to groundbreaking initiatives on the environmental front, Brandix also leads several initiatives on social empowerment. Children of all Brandix associates receive stationary, uniforms and all other school essentials for the full curricular year, in addition to scholarships and vocational development schemes. The company also provides clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to all associates and the communities in which it operates.

At present, 65% of Brandix facilities in Sri Lanka are powered by solar energy, and it is ramping up investment to achieve 100% within the target period. This will also take place in India, whilst regulatory challenges in Bangladesh slowed progress.

SLT-MOBITEL recently announced the launch of the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 17 Series in Sri Lanka, bringing Apple’s latest breakthrough technology to local consumers, powered by its state-of-the-art 5G-ready network.

The exclusive launch event, attended by premium customers, distinguished guests, and special representatives, underscored SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to rewarding long-standing customers while strengthening its long-standing partnership with Apple. During the event, pre-ordered devices were handed over to customers, who were among the first in the country to experience Apple’s latest innovation. Attendees also had the opportunity to preview the full iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to experience the power of SLT-MOBITEL’s future-ready 5G trial network, witnessing firsthand how Apple’s cutting-edge devices perform seamlessly on next-generation mobile connectivity.

To celebrate the launch, SLT-MOBITEL is offering customers an exclusive suite of benefits, including 1TB of free data, an Apple Original 20W Power Adapter, a two-year warranty, and two complimentary screen replacements (front and back each), ensuring premium protection, value, and enhanced after-sales service.

With the introduction of the iPhone 17 Series, SLT-MOBITEL continues to lead the evolution of digital lifestyles in Sri Lanka, empowering users with superior performance, intelligent features, and uninterrupted connectivity. The launch further reinforces SLT-MOBITEL’s leadership in digital innovation and its ongoing commitment to aligning with global technology trends.

The launch of the iPhone 17 Series marks yet another milestone in SLT-MOBITEL’s journey to deliver world-class technology and premium experiences to customers across Sri Lanka.

In its continued effort to deliver superior user experiences and unmatched connectivity, SLT-MOBITEL has recently optimized its network to enhance connectivity, ensuring best-in-class experience for all valued customers.

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved the signing of 33 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry and the Indian High Commission to implement development projects in the Eastern Province under the Indian Multi-Sectoral Grants.

The initiative follows a broader MoU signed between the two Governments in April 2025, through which India committed Rs. 2,371.83 million to support 33 priority projects addressing the province’s development needs.

‘Separate MoUs have to be signed between the High Commission of India and the Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Ministry on each project to be implemented,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The initiative is part of India’s ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka, focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods and community welfare in regional areas.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday said that the Government has put an end to the long-standing practice of ministers, deputy ministers, and their private secretaries intervening and taking money to send people to Israel for employment.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Minister Hearth explained, under the new system, only qualified candidates would be selected for overseas jobs through a transparent process in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Israel.

‘In the past, the public did not have a good image of the Bureau. People were charged lakhs of rupees and misled by fraudsters. Some ministers and their secretaries took money to send people abroad. We have ended that culture. Today, the political authority does not interfere, and the officers of the Bureau are carrying out their duties with dedication,’ Minister Herath said.

He added that the Bureau was sending an increased number of workers to Israel, but there had been misunderstandings regarding the recruitment process.

‘The selection process for Israeli jobs is handled by the PIBA organisation on behalf of the Israeli Government, not by us. There is no room for political interference. We have ensured transparency in the recruitment process,’ he emphasised.

Referring to recent frauds, the Minister revealed that a former driver of the Bureau was arrested for taking money to send people abroad.

‘We are committed to making the Bureau a clean and efficient organisation. I urge the public not to pay money to outsiders. If an organisation charges a fee, it must officially inform the Bureau through our newly introduced digital system,’ he said.

Minister Herath also noted that certain licenced agencies, particularly those involved in recruitment for Romania, had taken large sums of money up to Rs. 1.9 million without providing jobs.

He said that legal action had been taken against them and the new Act which would be introduced soon would remove loopholes that hinder legal proceedings.

Herath also said the Government is taking steps to grant voting rights to Sri Lankans living overseas and also to introduce a contributory pension scheme for migrant workers to offer greater financial security.

He said that the right to vote was a long-waited requirement of Sri Lankans abroad.

‘The voting rights of Sri Lankans living abroad are something we have been waiting for a long time. It is their right and should be given immediately,’ Minister Herath said. He noted that the Public Administration Ministry had already appointed a special committee to prepare the necessary legal framework. And also held discussions on this matter with a United Nations delegation that recently visited Sri Lanka to review the country’s electoral system.

‘Through the recommendations of that committee and the UN consultations, we hope to create the legal and administrative conditions to enable Sri Lankans scattered around the world to exercise their right to vote,’ he added.

In addition to voting rights, Minister Herath said the Government was also working to implement a new pension system for Sri Lankans employed overseas, using funds from the Department of Social Services.

‘The current pension scheme for Sri Lankan migrant workers is not effective. We are initiating a new contributory system that will ensure migrant workers can obtain a significant pension after years of service abroad,’ he explained.

According to the Minister, this new scheme will offer greater financial security for those migrant workers and the Government will soon introduce the necessary legal mechanisms to bring the proposal into force.

The commemorative first-day cover, to mark the SLBFE’s 40th Anniversary, was launched by Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara at the ceremony and was presented to the Minister.

________________________________________

Vijitha says audit report on e-Visa key to ongoing court case

Acting Justice Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday said the special audit report on the controversial e-Visa contract would serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing court case surrounding the deal.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, he reaffirmed that the relevant authorities were fully committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in handling the matter, though declining to comment further due to the matter being sub judice.

Responding to questions on why former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka had not been arrested, while former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Ilukpitiya had been sentenced, Herath clarified that Ilukpitiya was convicted of contempt of court, while proceedings against the other two were ongoing.

According to the audit, GBS Technology Services and IVS Global-FZCO, operating under VFS VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd., had collected both the 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) and 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) from visa applicants between April and August 2024. However, the companies failed to remit these taxes, resulting in a loss of $ 1,418,360 to the Government comprising $ 172,970 in SSCL and $ 1,245,390 in VAT.

The report further revealed that the two firms handled 373,991 visa applications during this period, generating approximately $ 6.9 million in service-fee revenue. It also found the operators earned an additional $ 1.8 million from visa-fee-waiver countries, where visitors were exempt from visa fees but were still charged a service fee.

Under the new e-Visa system, all applicants, including those eligible for fee exemptions, were required to pay a service fee of $ 18.50 per application. In contrast, the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system operated by SLT-Mobitel charged only $ 1, with the approved proposal recommending only a nominal increase. The audit questioned how such a steep hike could be justified, especially for tourist and business visa categories designed to encourage foreign arrivals.

The report noted the project was marred by ‘major procedural lapses, revenue losses, and lack of transparency’ in its award and implementation, findings that are expected to play a central role in the court proceedings.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLICLL) sales team was recognised at the Life Insurance Industry Sales Awards 2024 held during the 16th National Forum for Life Insurance Advisors (NAFLIA). This special awards ceremony celebrated the exceptional achievements of the top performers of the Life Insurance industry.

A. Supesan from Jaffna Branch and Amila Prasad from Kiribathgoda Branch of Sri Lanka Insurance Life was rewarded under the Best Branch Manager and Best Supervisor Categories respectively. They walked away with the Silver and Bronze awards respectively in both the Large-scale Company Category and the National Level in their respective categories.

The event was held on 8 September 2025, at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Vidullanka yesterday said that it, together with its consortium partner David Pieris Group, has emerged as the lowest-cost bidder for the 50-megawatt Mullikulam Wind Power Project, marking a significant step toward securing the contract for the large-scale renewable energy initiative.

The company said the determination as the lowest bidder represents a key milestone in its efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio.

While the final award of the contract is still pending, Vidullanka’s Board of Directors described the outcome as price-sensitive information with direct relevance to the company’s future operations, potential material contracts, and long-term financial prospects.

The company said it would make further announcements once the formal contract award is received, material agreements are executed, or additional developments arise in the tender process.

Vidullanka also noted that the statements made regarding the potential contract award are forward-looking and depend on final awarding procedures, regulatory approvals, and negotiations of final terms.