Business
Sri Lanka launches national guidelines for Bipartite OSH Committees on World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment announced the nation-wide rollout of guidelines on establishing Bipartite Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committees at Workplaces during the ‘World Day for Safety and Health at Work’ event on the 28th of April 2023.
The guidelines were initially developed by Better Work Sri Lanka Programme, a joint initiative between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), specifically for the country’s garment industry. The nation-wide rollout marks a significant step towards improving health, safety, and overall well-being for the workforce in Sri Lanka.
The event brought together more than 280 participants, comprising representatives from government institutions, leading industries, trade unions, development partners, the Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC), the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), and international buyers.
The event introduced the national guidelines on Bipartite OSH Committees, a platform composed of management and union/worker representatives with different roles, expertise, and experiences to assist the employer in creating a culture of safety to improve the workforce’s physical and mental health, safety, and well-being. Emphasis has been placed on ensuring female representation in the bipartite OSH committees to encourage them to take leadership in OSH functions. Furthermore, the initiative creates a platform for good communication, coordination and cooperation between workers, their representatives and employers.
This national rollout is seen as a significant and timely step for OSH. The right to a “safe and healthy working environment” was included as one of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work in June 2022.
During the event, the Chief Guest, Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, highlighted the importance of prioritizing a safe and healthy work environment for all workers nationwide. “Respecting, promoting, and realizing the absolute right to a safe and healthy working environment is of utmost importance,” he noted. “OSH is a fundamental right for all workers, and we are committed to creating a sustainable and resilient future for them.”
Ms. Simrin Singh, Country Director of the ILO in Sri Lanka, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to implement strong OSH measures across all sectors to cater to the different requirements of workplaces. “We also need to prioritize OSH, using bipartite committees as an example and a testament of the relevant stakeholders’ collective ability to safeguard employees, ultimately leading to increased productivity,” she stated.
R.P.A Wimalaweera, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, added that it is crucial to implement OSH measures from the grassroots level, especially within SMEs, by taking a multi-dimensional approach. He stressed the need for legislative and regulatory frameworks for OSH in line with Conventions, stating that OSH is not just a moral obligation but a legal right.
“Employers and employees must prioritize safety and health through implementing new regulations, employee training, safety committees, and cultivating a safety first culture. Personal protective equipment alone is insufficient for a safe work environment,” said Commissioner General of Labour B. K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
Looking towards the future, Mr. Kesava Murali Kanapathy, Head of Better Work Sri Lanka programme, expressed the importance of effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the right to a safe and healthy working environment is upheld. “The nation-wide adoption of the Guidelines is a milestone for the country and the right step to promoting OSH,” he said.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the importance of OSH and OSH as a fundamental right, moderated by Dr. Aseni Wickramatillake, Occupational Health and Hygiene Practitioner and Secretary of WSHA. The panellists included Dr. Nirmalie Champika Amarasinghe, Director General of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Eng E. Abeysiriwardena, Additional Commissioner General of Labour (Engineering); Mr. Vajira Ellepola, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) and Mr. Leslie Devendra, General-Secretary of Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya (SLNSS), Sri Lanka.
With COVID-19 having spotlighted the importance of health and safety, Mr. Devendra stated that Trade Unions are now prioritising OSH in the workplace. “Fighting for a survival wage has always been a priority among trade unions in a developing country like ours, but following the pandemic, we in the leadership see OSH as one of the top priorities in the workplace,” he said.
Meanwhile, EFC Director General and CEO Mr. Vajira Ellepola stressed, “Collaboration and communication between workers, their representatives, and employers to create an effective OSH management system is critical. Through the implementation of bipartite committees, we hope that we recognize health & safety as fundamental principles and rights at work,”
During the panel discussion, the speakers agreed that with OSH being declared a fundamental principle and right, workers and employers see employee safety as a common area of interest which can be enabled through a robust regulatory framework that encourages a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace.
Business
Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook
Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.
The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.
The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.
The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.
Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.
Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.
The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.
Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Business
Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund
The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.
Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.
As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.
This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.
This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.
Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Business
NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana
NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.
The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.
The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.
Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.
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