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Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises to be promoted for Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka

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The meeting held at the Ministry of Finance

The Sustainable Development Council, in collaboration with the Trade, Investment, and Innovation Division of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), aims to develop a practical and effective strategy to advance inclusive and sustainable enterprises in Sri Lanka to accelerate Sri Lanka’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

An exploratory mission by UNESCAP took place from June 26th to 29th, with the purpose of evaluating priorities related to establishing a private sector strategy for sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The mission also focused on specific initiatives such as Inclusive Business interventions in specific industries and social enterprise models.

Throughout the mission, consultations were conducted with key government agencies, including the Offices of the President and Prime Minister, as well as the Ministries of Industries, Agriculture, Finance, and Environment. Additionally, discussions were held with entities such as the Board of Investment, Central Bank, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Accreditation Board, prominent business chambers, and industry associations, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Colombo Stock Exchange, UN Global Compact, Biodiversity Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Banker’s Association, Finance Houses Association, Joint Apparel Association Forum. International Development Partners, including the UNDP, ADB, ILO, UNIDO, WHO, IOM, JAICA, Embassy of Japan, European Union, and technical agencies such as the SLYCAN Trust, Verite Research, Chrysalis, National Cleaner Production Centre were also consulted.

To achieve inclusive and sustainable development, it is crucial for the private sector to play a more significant role in supporting the country’s development objectives. This sector is instrumental in providing innovative solutions on a large scale to address pressing challenges, including the current “triple crisis” in food, energy, and finance. Moreover, it can contribute to mitigating the on-going impact of climate change and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Inclusive enterprises offer commercially viable goods, services, and livelihood opportunities to individuals with low incomes. They contribute to poverty reduction efforts while fostering economic growth and diversification. Sustainable enterprises adopt practices that prioritize environmental sustainability in their operations, embrace circular business models, and address climate change and the green transition through their products and services.

Recognizing the significant role of inclusive business in driving social impact at scale, numerous governments have begun implementing strategies to promote it. For instance, ASEAN member states adopted the ASEAN Inclusive Business Framework in 2017, followed by the Guidelines for Promoting Inclusive Businesses in ASEAN in 2020. Governments can facilitate the emergence and success of inclusive businesses by implementing policies that raise awareness of these business models, provide targeted incentives, and offer services and investments that enable firms to develop inclusive business models.

Across Asia and the Pacific, particularly in the agribusiness sector, there are several valuable examples of inclusive business models that are commercially viable and have a substantial social impact. Sri Lanka already showcases numerous successful models of inclusive and sustainable business developed and implemented by the private sector, which should be scaled up.

Drawing upon UNESCAP’s extensive experience in promoting inclusive and sustainable enterprises throughout the Asia Pacific Region, including in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, it is anticipated that a White Paper will be produced to promote inclusive and sustainable business models that support the country’s sustainable development trajectory.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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