NCCE Unveils New Curriculum For Colleges Of Education

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has unveiled a new curriculum and a five-year strategic plan aimed at improving teacher education and strengthening the capacity of colleges of education to award degrees alongside the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

The commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr Angela Ajala, said the reforms were intended to move colleges beyond awarding certificates to producing competent teachers equipped with modern teaching skills, digital knowledge and practical experience.

Ajala spoke on Tuesday at a national retreat and workshop on the implementation of the dual mandate and the NCCE Medium-Term Strategic Plan (2026-2031) in Abuja.

She said the dual mandate provided an opportunity to reposition colleges of education, expand academic pathways and improve the professional preparation of teachers.

Ajala said the new curriculum, developed through consultations involving academics, curriculum specialists, professional bodies and regulatory agencies, incorporated digital competencies, inclusive education, entrepreneurship and innovative teaching methods.

She warned that the curriculum could not deliver the desired results without adequately trained lecturers, modern facilities, effective quality assurance and appropriate funding.

She urged provosts and other college leaders to assess their institutions’ readiness for the dual mandate, including staffing, infrastructure, curriculum delivery, governance and financial sustainability.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the success of the policy would not be measured by the number of colleges introducing degree programmes but by their ability to maintain academic standards.

She said participating institutions must demonstrate adequate qualified personnel, appropriate facilities, functional quality assurance systems and sound governance arrangements before commencing or expanding degree programmes.

Ahmad also urged the NCCE to ensure that the new curriculum was properly disseminated and consistently implemented, with mechanisms to monitor compliance and assess learning outcomes.

She said colleges should align their development plans, annual budgets, staffing strategies and infrastructure priorities with the objectives of the strategic plan.

The minister called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Education, NCCE, National Universities Commission and college managements to ensure effective implementation and avoid duplication of regulatory responsibilities.

Ahmad formally unveiled the new dual-mandate curriculum and the NCCE Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026-2031, urging stakeholders to work together to improve teacher preparation and learning outcomes nationwide.

Economic recovery yet to translate into fashion retail growth

Sri Lanka’s economy is growing, but weak retail demand, high inflation, costly working capital and demographic change are limiting the domestic fashion sector’s ability to convert recovery into sales, Advocata Institute Chief Executive Officer Dhananath Fernando said.

Delivering the keynote on Sri Lanka apparel sector outlook ahead of the National Budget at Fashion Forward 26, the annual flagship forum of the Sri Lanka Apparel Brands Association (SLABA), Fernando said the recovery was not being felt evenly across sectors.

While the economy is growing, the sectors in the industry are not expanding at the same pace, indicating both untapped potential and structural barriers that need to be addressed.

A major long-term challenge is demographics. Local brands can no longer rely on population growth to drive sales volumes, as a significant demographic shift will reshape consumer demand in the years ahead.

For export-oriented apparel businesses, tariffs, sourcing costs and trade-policy uncertainty are also likely to remain key concerns.

Fernando does not expect major tax revisions in the National Budget, given that tax collection and fiscal consolidation are working. While tax thresholds and rates may be discussed, nothing has been finalised, based on his conversations with policymakers.

He argued that the industry’s longer-term challenge extends beyond government policy to demographic and labour-market changes. Preparing for these shifts, rather than relying on near-term policy relief, will have a broader and more lasting impact.

Surge Global joined SLABA Fashion Forward 26 this year as platinum sponsor to outline its push to connect Sri Lanka’s fragmented retail and e-commerce ecosystem through payments, software, delivery and manufacturing technology.

Surge Global Founder and Short Circuit Group Managing Director Bhanuka Harischandra said Sri Lanka’s retail sector is approaching an e-commerce inflection point, with digital payments expanding faster than the wider economy.

He outlined Surge’s interconnected technologies to digitise retail, e-commerce and manufacturing pipelines. Its payments platform, Payable, already serves about 40,000 merchants, while Surge Cloud ERP is designed to bring accounting, inventory, warehousing and customer data into a single system.

From 1 November, businesses will be able to connect AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT to the platform’s data for faster decision-making. Surge also plans to introduce Visa Click to Pay for simpler online checkout, while Surge Dispatch aims to enable 30-minute delivery by January 2027. The company is developing Surged.ad, a creator-commerce platform to formalise brand-creator collaborations.

Harischandra also highlighted Needle Eye, a Surge Robotics project using cameras fitted to sewing machines to detect stitching defects in real time. He presented it as an example of how connected data and automation can improve efficiency across the retail and manufacturing value chain.

He noted that retail is becoming increasingly competitive, with the battleground shifting from physical presence to online channels. Businesses will need to move quickly as the market becomes more dynamic.

Tax and customs compliance

A panel discussion on Key Regulatory Developments: Tax and Import Compliance for Apparel Businesses featured Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Senior Deputy Commissioner Nihal Wijewardana and Sri Lanka Customs Additional Director General Sudantha Silva.

Wijewardana said the IRD’s priority was to educate taxpayers and bring them into the system through voluntary compliance and self-assessment. Businesses can also submit sector-specific concerns and policy proposals to the Department.

Silva said Customs was moving from a gatekeeper role towards trade facilitation under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, while national security and revenue collection remained to cross-border trade.’Sri Lanka Customs is working to ease business through trade-facilitation measures across all sectors, not only apparel,’ he said.

VAT and working capital

Wijewardana identified VAT as a major compliance and cash-flow risk. Output VAT must be paid before input VAT is recovered, and late or incorrect filings can result in input-tax claims being disallowed.

He advised businesses to review their accountants, file returns before deadlines and submit input-tax details on time. An interest waiver covering 2018 to 2024/25 is available if outstanding returns and payments are settled by 2 December 2026.

The 18% VAT rate continues to create working-capital pressure, particularly for smaller exporters. Wijewardana said the IRD’s risk-based refund scheme was operating as intended, and that he did not expect a major VAT-rate revision soon given Sri Lanka’s fiscal position.

Import valuation

Silva said import valuations must follow the WTO Valuation Agreement, with Customs required to accept the transaction price subject to adjustments for commissions, royalties, licence fees and other costs not reflected in the invoice.

He warned that attempts to understate declared values, including splitting transport costs, could be treated as fraud. Importers should retain valuation documentation and engage directly with Customs’ Valuation Division where required.

Fair taxation

Wijewardana clarified that there is no income-tax liability on the importation of goods, as income tax applies to business transacted in Sri Lanka. However, VAT and the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) apply to imports, while imported services are addressed through the digital services tax.

A circular has also made the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) mandatory for specified transactions, including property purchases, construction, motor-vehicle transactions, certain transfers, bank-account opening and credit-card issuance.

Customs facilitation

Silva said 76 companies have been recognised as Tier 1 Authorised Economic Operators under Customs’ AEO program. Eligible businesses receive faster clearance, with around 99% of shipments released without examination.

He also highlighted the duty-suspension scheme for export-oriented businesses, which allows eligible raw materials and packing materials to be imported without immediate duty payment. Fabric imports are excluded, and a Ministry of Industries recommendation is required.

E-commerce and digitalisation

Customs plans to deploy ASYCUDA Express for e-commerce clearance and ASYCUDA Post for postal parcels, while paperless clearance launched on 1 October. However, only about 25% of the 700 to 1,000 daily declarations can currently be processed without paper.

All electronic documents must be digitally signed, and businesses should work with licensed customs agents who have digital signatures once digital submission becomes mandatory.

Wijewardana said the IRD postponed the prescribed tax-invoice format several times because businesses and government institutions held printed invoice stock. The e-invoicing system must be integrated with taxpayer and IRD systems, with no fixed deadline set.

Going global

A panel discussion on From Sri Lanka to the World: Building Globally Competitive and Sustainable Brands featured EKKO Chairman and Creative Director Lalantha Watudura and amanté Sri Lanka Executive Director and Business Head Padmal Silva.

Free trade agreements, supply-chain access and market adaptability are central to taking a Sri Lankan brand overseas.

Watudura said EKKO was created with international markets in mind from the outset. The brand later expanded from menswear into womenswear and entered the US market.

‘Building your brand and taking it to a global market is basically building your brand equity,’ he said.

Padmal Silva said amanté sought to reduce its dependence on the US and European markets. India was selected due to its size, growing demand and the opportunities created by the India-Sri Lanka trade agreement, supported by the company’s manufacturing presence in Chennai and Bengaluru.

He said entering a large, competitive market required extensive local adaptation. Amanté conducted around 1,000 fittings across India to develop products suited to local body shapes and preferences, while also adjusting colour palettes and design offerings.

‘Adaptability and understanding the customer, taking that feedback and adjusting your offering is key to success,’ Padmal Silva said.

Watudura agreed, saying entrepreneurs must enter new markets with an open mind rather than expecting consumers to adapt to the brand. Brands also need authenticity, consistency and a clear point of difference.

Distribution and pricing

Padmal Silva said a multi-channel distribution model was essential in a market as large as India. While boutiques help build brand image, multi-brand outlets and e-commerce are needed to reach a wider customer base.

Watudura said pricing and product positioning were equally important. EKKO positioned itself between premium international brands and lower-priced alternatives, offering quality at a more accessible price point.

Trade policy volatility

Watudura described the current global trade environment as among the most volatile he had seen in his career, with shifting tariff policies creating uncertainty for exporters and brands.

Padmal Silva said the changing landscape made it more important for brands to have the right product, clear positioning and sufficient time to build visibility. He estimated that a new brand entering a competitive online market would need 12 to 18 months to become established.

Advice for Sri Lankan brands

Padmal Silva said Sri Lankan brands should look beyond the domestic market, given the limitations of local purchasing power. However, global expansion requires strong brand architecture, compliant materials, product testing and a clearly communicated brand purpose.

‘If you are planning to go global, go back and check your goals,’ he said. ‘Are your materials compliant? Have they been tested? What is your brand purpose? That is the only way to survive in a global market.’

Watudura said global brands needed consistency, reliability and traceability, along with continued investment in material testing, durability and product longevity.

He also urged exporters to make greater use of the Department of Commerce’s overseas commercial representation network, which operates through Sri Lanka’s missions in 28 countries, to identify buyers and market opportunities.

Emerging-market consumers

Speaking on What’s Next: The Forces Reshaping Fashion in Emerging Markets, The Knowledge Company Partner Madhulika Tiwari said consumers are buying less but buying better, seeking quality, durability, versatility and responsible production rather than simply the lowest price.

Fashion brands in Sri Lanka must compete on value rather than price, as consumers become more selective amid tighter budgets and global uncertainty.

She said AI and social media are changing how consumers discover and validate products. Brands must be visible, comparable and credible across digital platforms, creator content, reviews and marketplaces, or risk being excluded from consumers’ consideration sets.

Tiwari said relevance is now as important as reach. Global trends cannot simply be copied; brands need to interpret them through local culture, identity, occasions and consumer needs. Sri Lankan brands should combine international design sensibilities with local fabrics, prints, silhouettes and cultural codes.

Customer experience is now part of the product. A seamless journey, from discovery and purchase to delivery, returns and after-sales service, is essential to building trust and repeat purchases.

For Sri Lankan brands, the priority is to identify an unmet consumer need, develop a clear brand proposition and test products before scaling. Brands should build around strong products, use customer feedback to refine assortments and avoid expanding before demand is proven.

She also urged brands to embed sustainability across the value chain, from sourcing and production to traceability and after-sales repair or reuse. Sustainability is shifting from a marketing message to a credibility requirement for both regulators and consumers.

Digitalisation should support the entire business, from product development and supply chains to customer engagement and after-sales service. Capturing and using data early allows smaller brands to understand demand, fix problems and scale with greater confidence.

Her core advice was to stay close to the customer, concentrate on product and value, listen to feedback, build proof of demand and only then scale, at home first, before taking a well-defined brand to international markets.

Fashion Forward 26 brought together Sri Lanka’s domestic fashion and apparel community, including manufacturers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and students, for data-driven analysis, expert panel discussions and networking.

How My Son Escaped Wife’s Murder Attempt – Father

The father of a 30-year-old man allegedly stabbed by his 18-year-old wife in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State has recounted how his son escaped an alleged attempt to slit his throat before being stabbed in the stomach hours later.

Malam Yunusa Yusuf told Daily Trust that the incident had thrown his family into confusion and grief, as they struggle to understand what led to the attack.

The Bauchi State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of Fatima Dalha over the alleged stabbing of her husband, Usama, during a domestic dispute in Lirr Bajar, Dass LGA.

The police said the incident occurred at about 6 am on Sunday, October 25, 2026, following a disagreement over money, wrappers and a phone allegedly in the husband’s possession.

Yusuf, however, said the trouble started on Friday night after the couple returned to their respective homes following prayers.

He said his son later told him that he was lying on his bed when he felt something sharp against his neck.

‘He said the light was already off when he felt a knife on his neck. It was his wife who allegedly sneaked in and tried to cut his throat,’ Yusuf said.

According to him, his son woke up and challenged his wife, leading to an argument that attracted neighbours.

Yusuf said the matter was brought to him because the couple’s house was a short distance from his own.

He pleaded with them to allow tempers to cool before discussing the issue the following day.

He said he advised his son not to sleep in his matrimonial home that night because the disagreement had escalated to the use of a knife.

‘I sat him down and told him that since the misunderstanding had reached the point where someone could take a knife to cut his throat, he should not sleep in the house. They were the only occupants of the house.

‘He listened to me and slept in my house alongside his siblings,’ he said.

Yusuf said the attack occurred around 5 am on Sunday when his son returned to his house to fetch a kettle and water for ablution ahead of the dawn prayer.

‘He said his wife sneaked up behind him and stabbed him in the stomach. He screamed for help, and we rushed to the scene.

‘To my surprise, while he was screaming in pain, she held his clothes close to his neck until people intervened and rescued him,’ he said.

A female relative of the husband, who requested anonymity, alleged that the dispute was linked to claims of infidelity.

She said the wife had previously caught her husband with another woman in their matrimonial bedroom, adding that members of the family were aware of allegations that he pursued other women.

Another relative said the disagreement escalated after Usama returned from Port Harcourt three days before the incident.

He alleged that the couple argued on Friday after Usama told his wife he was going to visit a girlfriend.

The relative claimed he returned home around 11 pm, prompting his wife to demand the return of her money, wrappers and phone.

The police said the injured man was taken to hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

The suspect was detained, while the knife allegedly used in the attack was recovered.

The police added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Shared vision, greater impact: Breaking gender barriers in logistics

The logistics industry has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated sector, particularly in operational roles involving heavy equipment and on-site activities. Maersk and Aitken Spence Logistics (ASL) are helping to change this perception by creating opportunities for women in roles historically considered unconventional for them.

Reflecting their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, ASL, in collaboration with Maersk, introduced female forklift operators at its Container Freight Station (CFS) in Sri Lanka. Launched in 2024 with eight young women, the initiative has since become an established part of the operation. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s logistics industry, creating opportunities for women to operate forklifts in a professional CFS environment.

For Maersk and ASL, inclusion means creating meaningful opportunities for people to participate, develop skills, and build careers across the logistics value chain. The introduction of female forklift operators brings this commitment to life, demonstrating how collaboration between a global shipping line and its logistics partner can turn an idea into a practical workplace initiative.

‘At Maersk, we believe that inclusion is about creating genuine opportunities for people to build skills, grow in confidence and pursue careers without being limited by traditional perceptions. When I first discussed this concept with Janaka Gunawardena, his immediate openness and understanding of the opportunity, and his willingness to turn the idea into reality, were instrumental in making this initiative possible. Our collaboration with Aitken Spence Logistics demonstrates how a shared vision and the right leadership commitment can translate into meaningful change on the ground. Seeing women successfully take on operational roles such as forklift operations is a powerful reminder that capability has no gender. We are proud to support this journey and hope it inspires more women to see logistics as an industry where they can build rewarding careers and create new possibilities for them and their families,’ said Maersk Sri Lanka and Maldives Managing Director Biju Ravi.

Maersk’s continued support underscores the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities across the wider logistics ecosystem.

‘This initiative sends a clear message to women considering a career in logistics: opportunities exist across the industry, including in operational roles traditionally perceived as unsuitable or inaccessible. Seeing women operate forklifts in a professional CFS environment helps challenge these outdated perceptions and can inspire the next generation to explore careers in warehousing, transportation, supply chain management, and other operational functions,’ said Aitken Spence PLC Chairperson and Interim Managing Director Stasshani Jayawardena.

The initiative originated from Maersk India’s Pink Warehouse concept and was subsequently introduced to ASL. Recognising its potential for the local industry, ASL adopted and implemented the concept at its 100,000 sq. ft. Container Freight Station in Sri Lanka. The initiative was championed by Janaka Gunawardena, Chief Executive Officer of Aitken Spence Logistics, whose commitment was instrumental in bringing it to life.

‘The Pink Warehouse represents our belief that the future of logistics should be shaped by capability and opportunity, rather than traditional perceptions of the roles women can take on. This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations are willing to create opportunities and invest in people. The commitment and eagerness to learn demonstrated by our female forklift operators have strengthened our confidence in their potential and reaffirmed the value of investing in their continued development. Most importantly, the value of this initiative extends beyond our operations. It is about creating greater confidence, independence and possibilities for women and their families, while contributing to a broader change in how the industry views women in operational roles,’ said Aitken Spence Logistics Chief Executive Officer Janaka Gunawardena.

Looking beyond the forklift

While the forklift is an important part of the story, the broader message is one of breaking barriers and expanding possibilities.

The collaboration between Maersk and ASL shows what is possible when organisations challenge convention and create opportunities based on capability.

The female forklift operator initiative is one important step towards a more inclusive industry. For Maersk and ASL, inclusion means opening doors and enabling people to demonstrate their potential. The initiative reflects their shared commitment to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and shaping a more inclusive future for logistics in Sri Lanka.

About Aitken Spence Logistics

A member of the blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence, Aitken Spence Logistics is a pioneering provider of integrated logistics solutions in Sri Lanka. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, the company offers end-to-end supply chain management solutions, including container freight stations, warehousing, third-party logistics (3PL), inland container terminals, container repair services, transportation, distribution, mobile storage solutions and project cargo logistics. Serving international shipping lines, freight forwarders, multinational corporations and other local and international businesses, Aitken Spence Logistics continues to drive innovation and create value across the logistics sector.

Kogi Gov Justifies Airport Project

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has defended the state’s international airport project at Zariagi, near Lokoja, describing it as a strategic investment to unlock the state’s economic potential, improve connectivity and attract investment.

Ododo spoke on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the ongoing project, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction and credited President Bola Tinubu’s support for enabling the state to pursue the infrastructure initiative.

The governor said Kogi’s geographical location, with access to several major commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory, made an airport a strategic necessity for strengthening economic activities and connectivity.

He noted that despite the state’s location and commercial links, Kogi had operated without its own airport until the Tinubu administration approved the project and supported its execution.

Ododo said his administration would continue to monitor construction to ensure compliance with required standards and timelines, expressing optimism that the project would reach an advanced stage of development by next year.

He also urged critics questioning the feasibility of the airport project to visit the site and assess the level of work, insisting that construction was progressing beyond claims circulating about the initiative.

‘Please, I want them to come here to see things by themselves. It is not an AI thing. You can see the equipment working, and they are working day and night. We are not going to make noise about it; we invite them to come and see,’ he said.

Ododo described Tinubu’s support for the project as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to extending critical infrastructure development to states, adding that the airport was intended to deliver long-term benefits to Kogi residents.

Beyond promises on paper: Sri Lanka must deliver on investments it wins

Much of the policy discussion centres on attracting new investors through roadshows, investment forums and incentive packages. However, less attention is given to an equally important aspect of the FDI story, retaining the investments already secured. Every project that is withdrawn, delayed or stalled sends a powerful signal to the wider market, often speaking far louder than any promotional campaign.

Two recent cases make the point. China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort) withdrew from its planned $ 392 million logistics hub project at the Port of Colombo in October. Meanwhile, Sinopec’s proposed $ 3.7 billion refinery project in Hambantota, considered the largest FDI commitment in Sri Lanka’s history, remains at a standstill despite the signing of the MoU.

Lost opportunity at Colombo Port

On 15 October CMPort exited the commercial and logistics hub project following a mutually agreed settlement with its Sri Lankan partners, Access Engineering, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Established through a joint venture company, the South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub was envisaged as South Asia’s largest integrated commercial and logistics hub, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a regional trade and maritime centre.

In 2023, an agreement was signed for the construction and operation of the facility under a 50 year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement. Under the agreement, CMPort held a 70% stake in the project, while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Access Engineering each held 15%.

The decision to withdraw from the investment was driven by concerns relating to the project’s implementation environment, timelines and commercial considerations while some local observers attribute the withdrawal to broader geopolitical pressures. Following the project’s termination, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has announced plans to develop a new logistics hub through a competitive public private partnership (PPP) model.

It is important to emphasise that CMPort is not leaving Sri Lanka. The company continues to operate the container terminal at the Port of Colombo and remains involved in the Hambantota Port. However, that is precisely the point, when an investor that has already established a long term presence in the country decides to withdraw from a new project, potential investors take notice.

Sinopec’s Hambantota refinery: Biggest deal still on paper

In January 2025, Sri Lanka signed an agreement with Sinopec for a $ 3.7 billion refinery project in Hambantota with a planned processing capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, a significant portion of which is intended for export market. The project is set to represent the largest FDI commitment in the country’s history. For context, Sri Lanka’s only existing refinery at Sapugaskanda has a processing capacity of just 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Despite its scale and strategic significance, the project has made little progress amid a series of unresolved concerns. Mainly the disagreement over market access, with Sinopec seeking unrestricted access to sell its refined products in the local market, while the Government has limited domestic sales to 20% of total output. Additional points of contention include requests for more land, the fiscal concessions available to the investor, and concerns regarding long term water availability in the Hambantota region.

On the issue of local market access, in early 2026, Ministry of Energy stated that Sinopec agreed to proceed with the project under the Government’s 20% cap on domestic fuel sales. At the time, authorities expressed confidence that construction would commence sooner, while also indicating willingness to consider Sinopec’s request for more access to the local fuel market.

However, the project remains on paper, with no clear implementation timeline in place. As a result, the economic benefits associated with the investment continue to be delayed.

What these cases tell us

The two projects differ significantly in scale and sector, yet they share a common pattern. Both were announced with headlines on papers, both encountered obstacles, and both have remained stalled long enough to erode investor confidence.

Getting the fundamentals right from the beginning is essential. The disagreements over land allocation, regulatory clearances and market access surfaced only after agreements had been signed. These are issues that should have been resolved during negotiations. Once a project is announced, investors should have confidence that its core terms and conditions are settled and will not be subject to renegotiation.

Delay carries a cost of its own. Projects that spend years waiting for land allocation, regulatory approvals or final agreements risk losing momentum, missing financing opportunities and weakening internal support from investor’s side. More often than not, prolonged delays inflict more damage on a project than any single obstacle. By the time outstanding issues are resolved, the original investment rationale may no longer exist.

Sri Lanka’s investment story is not written on a paper or promotional campaigns. It is written in the fate of the projects already on the table. A completed refinery in Hambantota or a fully operational logistics hub in Colombo would do far more to attract the next wave of investors than any investment forum or overseas roadshows.

The priority now should be not only to attract new investment opportunities but also to strengthen investor aftercare. This requires a robust framework centred on a single point of accountability for approved projects, time bound approval processes, and the early and transparent resolution of land, regulatory and policy related issues. Attracting investment is only half the challenge. Retaining it, implementing it and converting commitments into successful projects are what ultimately build a country’s reputation as a credible investment destination.

CanCham Sri Lanka leads business delegation to Canada to connect investors and unlock new markets

The Business Promotion Mission of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CanCham Sri Lanka) is creating opportunities for its member companies to connect with Canadian investors, explore commercial partnerships and expand their reach to international markets.

Running from 18 October to 1 November 2026, the mission travels across Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal, with a focus on sectors such as tourism, real estate and infrastructure, AgriTech, green housing, healthcare and wellness, education, IT and Fintech, with Women in Development and Empowerment identified as a special area of interest.

Building a Canada-Sri Lanka-Indo-Pacific business corridor

At a business conclave and networking session in Vancouver hosted by Surrey Board of Trade former President and CEO Anita Huberman, CanCham Sri Lanka Co-Founder and Board Director Mohamed Hameez outlined the Chamber’s proposed Canada-Sri Lanka-Indo-Pacific Corridor Initiative.

‘Our proposed initiative seeks to connect Canadian expertise, capital and innovation with Sri Lanka’s capabilities and commercial opportunities. At a time of changing global trade dynamics, market diversification is increasingly important. Sri Lanka’s strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, together with its position along major maritime routes, presents opportunities for Canadian businesses seeking to expand their reach into regional markets,’ he said.

The initiative is intended to link Canadian investment and expertise with Sri Lankan businesses and resources, providing a framework for exploring commercial cooperation across the two countries and the wider Indo-Pacific.

Connecting member companies with Canadian investors

Representing a range of sectors including property development, education, telecommunications, tourism and manufacturing, the delegation comprises members of Home Lands Skyline, Port City Colombo, Horizon Campus, Horizon College International, Hutch Sri Lanka, ECD Global, AmmA Mega Industries Ltd., Thames International Educational Consultancy and Spillburg Vacation Ltd.

The Vancouver program included meetings with colleges and universities, as well as Sri Lankan university student groups from British Columbia and Alberta, opening discussions on educational links and potential areas of collaboration.

At the Port City Colombo Investment Forum – Metro Vancouver, Hameez highlighted Port City Colombo’s potential to attract regional business operations and investment. The forum connected Canadian investors with Sri Lankan business leaders to explore prospects in the country’s flagship Special Economic Zone. Former Surrey Councillor Linda Annis was also appointed CanCham Sri Lanka’s Honorary Brand Ambassador, which strengthens a further link between the Chamber and the Canadian community as it develops its international business network.

Advancing the mission across Canada

Following the Vancouver program, the delegation continues its mission in Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal, with further business, investment, institutional and tourism-related engagements planned across the three cities.

CanCham Sri Lanka is also connected to investment-promotion initiatives in Sri Lanka, including the Northern Investment Summit and Sri Lanka Expo 2027. These platforms promote the Chamber’s international outreach by strengthening links between local enterprises and overseas investors.

Through its involvement, CanCham Sri Lanka aims to build on its international business network and expand opportunities for international commercial cooperation.

Oil Revenue: PANDEF Seeks 50% Derivation For Oil-Producing States

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for an increase in the derivation allocation to oil-producing states from the current minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent to address environmental damage and years of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta.

The forum also urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation, arguing that offshore oil exploration also affects coastal communities and their sources of livelihood.

PANDEF made the demands in a communiqué issued after a meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee in Abuja on Tuesday. The communiqué was read by its National Chairman, Dr Godknows Igali.

The forum said the current derivation rate, provided for under Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution, had remained unchanged for more than two decades despite the environmental and developmental challenges facing oil-producing communities.

It said increasing the allocation would enable the states and communities to tackle infrastructure deficits, pollution, health hazards and the social and economic effects of oil and gas exploration.

PANDEF argued that offshore oil operations affect maritime ecosystems and fishing grounds on which coastal communities depend, adding that oil spills and other incidents could damage livelihoods regardless of whether the resources were located onshore or offshore.

It called on the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the National Assembly to take urgent legislative and constitutional steps to address the issue.

On environmental protection, the forum called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding for the Ogoni clean-up programme and urged the government to extend the remediation exercise to other affected parts of the Niger Delta.

It specifically identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa, Odidi in Delta and Kula in Rivers as areas requiring urgent attention. It also asked presidential candidates to present practical and time-bound plans for environmental restoration and sustainable development.

The forum welcomed plans to modernise the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, as well as proposals for deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states. It urged the Federal Government to establish sustainable funding arrangements for the projects.

PANDEF also described the completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as non-negotiable, saying it would improve connectivity, boost trade and unlock the economic potential of coastal communities.

The forum called for greater investment in the region’s gas resources, including power generation, mini-LNG plants, LPG and CNG hubs, petrochemicals and other gas-based industries.

It also urged the Federal Government to prioritise modular refineries through appropriate funding, licensing and technical support, while ensuring environmental compliance.

To reduce dependence on oil, PANDEF asked the Federal and six South-South state governments to develop a coordinated agricultural programme focusing on crops such as palm oil, rice and cassava, alongside processing, storage, rural roads and access to affordable financing.

As the 2027 general elections approach, PANDEF urged residents of the South-South to vote peacefully for candidates with credible programmes for the region’s development.

The forum, which reviewed its first decade of activities, also cited the establishment of the South-South Development Commission and its advocacy for infrastructure, maritime development and greater participation in the oil and gas industry among its achievements.

SLT-MOBITEL unveils Apple’s revolutionary next-gen iPhone 18 Pro series

SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has ushered in the next era of mobile technology, unveiling the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series in Sri Lanka, through Sri Lanka’s most reliable 5G network.

Poised to redefine premium smartphone experiences in the island, the revolutionary next-gen lineup blends Apple’s peak innovation with SLT-MOBITEL’s ultra-fast connectivity.

At an event, held recently, SLT-MOBITEL handed over the first iPhone 18 Pro Series devices to customers, providing the opportunity to experience 5G on Apple’s latest smartphones.

The launch showcases SLT-MOBITEL’s drive to equip Sri Lankans with premium global technology, and maximising its potential through advanced network capabilities.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now available through SLT-MOBITEL, together with the iPhone Duo, widening the range of Apple devices on offer. With Mobitel’s reliable connectivity and trusted service, SLT-MOBITEL continues to strengthen its position as the trusted choice for customers seeking the best and latest Apple devices.

Mobitel’s 5G coverage supports everyday digital needs such as high-quality streaming, faster downloads, video calls and improved connectivity on compatible devices within 5G coverage areas.

To mark the launch, customers who move to the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max 5G with SLT-MOBITEL stand a chance to win 2TB of Mobitel Data, an Apple Watch Series 12 or a MacBook Neo. Selected customers will also receive Apple AirPods 5 and an original 20W power adapter.

SLT-MOBITEL is dedicated to connecting Sri Lankans with the latest technology through its premium smartphone portfolio and mobile network services. The availability of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo highlight the company’s focus on offering customers greater choice, convenience and a superior 5G experience. Customers can visit SLT-MOBITEL outlets for more information. Terms and conditions apply.