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Daraz Sri Lanka, in partnership with Industry Ministry and Entrepreneurship Development, conducted a specialised training session under the National Relationship Officer (RO) Program. The initiative, led by the Industry Ministry, aims to enhance the skills of field-level development officers, enabling them to provide stronger, more practical support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The training session, designed and delivered by Daraz Sri Lanka, focused on equipping Relationship Officers with the knowledge and tools to guide SMEs in building their online presence and reaching customers across the country. By sharing insights on digital platforms and e-commerce, the session enabled ROs to help SMEs expand their businesses beyond their local communities and create new opportunities for growth.

The first batch of RO training took place at the Sri Lanka Institute of Management (SLIM) in Colombo, with 53 field officers participating from different parts of the island. This program is part of the National SME Development Strategic Framework, which transforms Development Officers into Relationship Officers, ensuring they can provide more informed and holistic support to entrepreneurs.

‘Our partnership with the Ministry of Industry reflects a shared vision of empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital era,’ said Daraz Sri Lanka Chief Commercial Officer Praveen Rukshan. ‘Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of our economy and carry with them the hopes of families and communities across the island. By equipping Relationship Officers with the skills to guide SMEs online, we are hoping to create a network of trusted advisors who can help businesses embrace digital tools, expand their reach, and strengthen their resilience. This program is designed to give SMEs the confidence and capability to compete on a larger stage and contribute even more to national progress. At Daraz, we believe that every SME success story adds to the collective strength of our country, and we are committed to supporting that journey.’

‘Through this program, we are not only sharing technical know-how but also helping Relationship Officers understand the practical challenges SMEs face every day,’ added Daraz Sri Lanka Business Development and Engagement Manager Dhanushka Chathuranga. ‘For many small businesses, the journey to digital adoption can feel overwhelming. By working closely with ROs, we are ensuring that SMEs receive guidance that is both accessible and actionable, so they can take the first steps confidently and see tangible results.’

The collaboration reflects Daraz’s ongoing commitment to SME empowerment and digital inclusion. As Sri Lanka’s largest e-commerce platform, Daraz continues to play a key role in enabling entrepreneurs, from home-based sellers to growing local brands, to thrive online through training, technology, and wider market access.

In coming months, Daraz Sri Lanka will continue to work closely with the Government and institutional partners to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sri Lanka and drive inclusive economic growth for SMEs.

The South Asia Policy and Research Institute (SAPRI) marked its 15th anniversary recently with a bold and timely initiative: a six-part discussion series titled ‘Policy Pulse: Youth Voices for South Asia.’

The second session in the series, held on 16 October at SAPRI’s Colombo 5 office, tackled the urgent theme ‘Gender-based violence: Breaking the silence’, drawing a full house of professionals from psychology, education, law, and media.

The event was graced by SAPRI Chairperson former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, whose presence underscored the institute’s enduring commitment to inclusive policy dialogue. The session was facilitated by renowned peace and women’s rights activist Shreen Saroor, who guided participants through a dynamic conversation and breakout workshop. Together, they crafted policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s domestic violence legislation and reforming laws affecting women, children, and marriage.

These recommendations will be refined into a policy brief-one of six to be presented to policymakers at a roundtable and conference in 2026. SAPRI Executive Director Madara Ranmuthugala reaffirmed the institute’s mission to create meaningful spaces for public participation in national decision-making. ‘We are not just convening discussions,’ she noted. ‘We are building a generation of civic thinkers who can translate dialogue into policy.’

Running until February 2026, the ‘Policy Pulse’ series explores a range of national policy themes, each session designed to equip young Sri Lankans with the tools to engage critically and act constructively. Beyond this series, SAPRI said it continues to lead transformative projects in reconciliation and youth empowerment-including a pilot Science Education program in Mullaitivu, with plans to scale island-wide.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved filling 8,547 vacancies across various ministries and provincial councils, following recommendations made by a high-level committee headed by the Secretary to the Prime Minister.

‘The decision follows the mandate given by the Cabinet on 30 December 2024 to appoint a committee to review and rationalise State sector recruitment, ensuring that new appointments align with institutional needs, national priorities and defined timeframes,’ Acting Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

At its meeting held on 2 October 2025, the committee reviewed requests submitted by individual ministries and State institutions for essential recruitments. Based on these evaluations, the Cabinet approved a proposal submitted by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to authorise the respective departments and institutions under each ministry to proceed with filling the identified vacancies.

According to the approved list, the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry accounts for the largest number of new recruitments, with 5,198 positions, primarily to strengthen national security operations and administrative functions.

Other ministries receiving significant allocations include the Buddhism, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Ministry with 1,261 vacancies, the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry with 355, the Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Ministry with 310, and the Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Ministry with 123.

Recruitments will also be made across other key sectors, including Health and Mass Media (120), Education and Higher Education (79), Transport and Urban Development (48), Foreign Affairs and Tourism (54), and Plantation and Community Infrastructure (213).

In addition, several provincial councils have been approved to proceed with their recruitments, including the Western Provincial Council (414 positions), Northern Provincial Council (115), and North Central Provincial Council (89).

He said the initiative is part of the Government’s broader effort to improve service delivery, address critical human resource gaps and enhance the operational efficiency of the public sector, while ensuring recruitment decisions are made in line with current fiscal and administrative priorities.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL) announced that Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed its ‘A+(Ika)’ National Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating, with a Stable Outlook.

Importantly, SLICGL holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s highest-rated insurance brand and the only A+ rated insurer in the country.

The ‘A+(Ika)’ rating reflects SLICGL’s strong financial profile and leading position in the Sri Lankan general insurance market. Fitch’s assessment highlights the company’s ‘favourable’ profile, underpinned by a robust business franchise, extensive domestic operations, and a wide distribution network.

SLICGL held the No. 1 position in Sri Lanka’s general insurance market in 2024, reinforcing its reputation as the country’s most trusted and financially stable insurer, according to the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL).

The rating also considers the company’s exposure to sovereign-related investments, contributing to elevated investment and asset risk, while noting its adequate capitalisation. Despite recent pressures on underwriting profitability due to inflation, higher claim costs, and regulatory adjustments, Fitch expects SLICGL’s profitability to strengthen through enhanced claims management and growth across key business lines, led by the motor portfolio alongside expansion in fire, health, and other non-motor segments.

SLICGL’s capital position remains strong, with a risk-based capital ratio of 277.3% at end-2024, well above the regulatory minimum of 120%. With an improving economic outlook and enhanced market conditions, SLICGL’s investment profile has strengthened, further supporting Fitch’s Stable Outlook.

As the general insurance arm of the State-owned pioneer, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, SLICGL continues to focus on sustaining growth and profitability. The company’s strategy emphasises innovation, operational efficiency, and proactive claims management. The separation of SLICGL from its life insurance counterpart in 2024 has enabled more focused management and agility, positioning the company for its next phase of growth.

In remembrance of entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of BAM Holdings Ltd, the late Mr. B. A. Mahipala’s on his 78th birth anniversary, – a total of 1,078 plants were planted at the Maduru Oya Special Forces Camp recently. This included 1,000 Mee plants, 50 Ehela plants, and 28 fruit plants, which were planted in and around the Army SF camp.

BAM Holdings Ltd Group’s value motto is ‘Mother Earth is Our Sustenance.’ In 2020, the late Mr. Mahipala distributed 1,000 Mee plants to villages around Homagama and, as a token, planted them in two schools in the Homagama area: Godagama Subharathi Mahamathya Maha Vidyalaya and Meegoda Dharmaraja Vidyalaya.

To continue his legacy and love for Mother Earth, they have planted these 1,078 trees in 2025.

This project was facilitated by the CSR team of Thermo Plastics (Pvt) Ltd a company under BAM Holdings and a leading flexible packaging manufacturer

Thermo Plastics remains committed to contribute to enhance the carbon Sequestration capacity of the local ecosystem. Over time, this project will be developed as an insetting initiative, enabling the organization compensate for its operational level emission.

Special thanks to the Army SF team at Maduru Oya.

Board of Directors of Thermo Plastics (Pvt) Ltd

The Colombo Junior Men’s Hockey team once again stamped their authority in style, clinching the 46th Junior National Men’s Hockey Championship 2025 which took place in Matale recently.

This remarkable hat-trick of championships highlights Colombo’s consistency, teamwork, and dominance in Sri Lankan junior hockey.

The defending champions began their campaign with a hard-fought 4/4 draw against Defence Services Hockey Association before finding their rhythm to outclass Wennappuwa Hockey Association 5/2 showing their attacking brilliance and tactical depth.

In the knockout stages, Colombo proved unstoppable, routing Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Association 5/0 in the quarterfinals and easing past Sri Lanka University Sports Association 3/0 in the semi-finals to book their place in the grand finale.

The final against hosts Matale Hockey Association was a thrilling contest played before an energetic home crowd. Despite Matale’s strong challenge, Colombo held their nerve to pull off a memorable 3/2 win reaffirming their supremacy on the national stage.

Ross Fernando was named Player of the Tournament. The outfit was coached by Kavinda Nayomal.

The alarming rot in the island’s State university system came into light with the revelation of the details regarding the clash between two batches at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Ruhuna last week. Quite amusingly, the two groups had physically fought with each other due to a disagreement over the score of a cricket match they had played. Following the quarrel, a group of undergraduates were arrested and were remanded until 28 October.

It is quite strange that educated and learned people like university students could get into physical confrontations on pretty trivial matters like a score of a cricket match, which was perhaps played for enjoyment, and such developments represent worrying signs for the country’s future apart from highlighting the degeneration of the country’s youth. Universities worldwide are associated with enriched academic and intellectual discourses while also functioning as centres of research and knowledge creation. The institutions of higher education also foster critical thinking, debate, and the development of new ideas among diverse students.

Unfortunately, the State university system in Sri Lanka has been experiencing a systematic decline over the last few decades with the exception of a few universities like Colombo, Moratuwa, and Sri Jayewardenepura, that have been capable of avoiding the descent and accomplish noteworthy progress. Universities located in areas beyond Western Province regularly dominate the news for student unrest, indefinite closures and last but certainly not least inhumane ragging of newcomers.

Sri Lanka, despite being a developing economy, maintains the generous system of offering education up to the university-level from taxpayers’ funds – a privilege which is not enjoyed even by citizens of South Korea, one of the most advanced economies in the world. Free education, from kindergarten to university-level, is considered as a cherished post-independent legacy of the Sri Lankan State. However, the truth of the matter is free university education, although viewed as egalitarian and promoting upward social mobility, benefits the privileged upper middle class more than anyone else.

Even financial assistance schemes designed to aid underprivileged students like Mahapola are grossly misused by students who come from well-to-do families by providing understated income declarations that are validated as genuine by Grama Niladhari officers as they receive bribes from the parents of those students.

The pathetic state of public finances has also contributed towards the deterioration of public universities. With a substantial portion of the total Government revenue getting deployed for salaries, interest payments, and current transfers, the Government is left with little or no money at all to make meaningful improvements to the university system. Hostel facilities in many universities remain in a sad state of affairs while food offered by canteens of most of the faculties remain substandard.

Decades ago, there were only a few public universities, and only a handful of individuals were able to become graduates. On the contrary, today there are 19 State universities with 490,000 students who hail mostly from the middle class and social segments even below that. In the good old days, undergraduates came from rather affluent social backgrounds with the capacity to converse in English language confidently. It is difficult to comprehend why some of the undergraduates get into confrontations and conflicts with their fellow students quite unnecessarily without prioritising their academic commitments. Moreover, why some students who gain admission into universities upon passing a highly competitive examination indulge in physical harm of their colleagues through inhumane ragging is simply mind boggling.

Given the serious shortcomings and lack of physical resources within the university system, caution and restraint need to be exercised in terms of further expansion of the island’s university system. Before establishing new universities, priority should be given towards resolving the existing deficiencies of State campuses. The academic community of the country need to undergo a serious evaluation and introspection to drastically improve the standard of Sri Lanka’s State university system.

A high-level delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka is undertaking a four-day visit to the United Kingdom this week to strengthen bilateral Parliamentary relations, share experiences, and discuss ways to improve governance through Parliament, the British High Commission in Colombo said in a statement yesterday.

The delegation includes Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Health Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne.

The visit, facilitated by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and funded by UK International Development, focuses on institutional frameworks and practices that promote transparency, accountability, and effective legislation.

A key area of focus is post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) – the practice of reviewing laws after they have been passed to assess their effectiveness and ensure they deliver intended outcomes for citizens. The delegation is engaging with UK Parliamentarians, committee staff, and oversight bodies to understand how PLS strengthens governance, including on anti-corruption.

The delegation will also meet ministerial counterparts in the UK Government to discuss ongoing UK-Sri Lanka cooperation, including Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Seema Malhotra MP.

The Ministry of Plantations has launched a national program to survey and map all smallholder rubber lands across Sri Lanka in 2025, with technical support from the Survey Department, to meet new European Union deforestation-free regulations.

In a statement, the Ministry said the initiative will record the geographic coordinates of every smallholder rubber plot and issue a QR code to each landowner upon completion.

Exporters of rubber and rubber-based products to the European Union will be required to present these QR codes at the time of export to verify that their products are sourced from lands not linked to deforestation.

The move comes in response to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which prohibits the import and export of goods produced from deforested land. Under the new framework, all rubber and related products entering the European market must be certified as deforestation-free.

According to the Ministry, failure to provide the required QR code could result in restrictions on exports, while registered landowners could benefit from higher prices for verified, deforestation-free products.

Officials from the Ministry of Plantations and the Survey Department will visit smallholder estates to collect land data. The Ministry has requested cultivators to cooperate by keeping relevant documents ready, including their rubber planting permit, land ownership papers, land plan, and national identity card.

The Ministry noted that the program aims to ensure Sri Lanka’s compliance with evolving international trade standards and to safeguard the competitiveness of its rubber exports in key markets

George Steuart Health Ltd., a pharmaceutical importer in Sri Lanka and the healthcare arm of the George Steuart Group, celebrated the outstanding achievements of its employees and distributors at Achievers Night 2025, held recently in Colombo. The event recognised exceptional performers in sales revenue and growth across four key categories, Pharma, Non-Pharma, Distribution Partners and Sales Team, reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and collaboration.

With a team of over 600 members, the winning teams and partners from across Sri Lanka came together to honour the dedication and teamwork that have positioned George Steuart Health among the top four pharmaceutical firms in the country. The awards highlight the significant contributions made during a year marked by industry challenges and regulatory changes.

Managing Director – Eran Ranasinghe said: ‘This past year tested us with unprecedented challenges. Yet, through unwavering unity, adaptability, and courage, our teams not only persevered, they thrived. We strengthened global partnerships, expanded into new product categories, and deepened our reach across hospitals and communities.

Tonight, we celebrate not just individual and team successes, but the collective spirit that defines George Steuart Health. Our ambition goes beyond market leadership; it’s about making a profound impact on healthcare in Sri Lanka. As we look to the future, we are proud to be expanding into local manufacturing, developing breakthrough products and new chemical entities that will deliver world-class care made right here at home. Together, we are building a healthier tomorrow for Sri Lanka, and this unstoppable spirit will drive us to even greater heights.’

Looking ahead, the company’s strategic entry into local pharmaceutical manufacturing marks a significant milestone, strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare ecosystem and ensuring greater accessibility to advanced medical solutions.

The ceremony closed on a note of optimism and determination, reaffirming George Steuart Health’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Sri Lanka.