Business
SLGJA confident US $2 billion revenue target from gem exports is achievable
The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) officially recognized by the Sri Lankan Government, commends President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his recent endorsement of the pivotal role played by the gem and jewellery sector in the national economy. The SLGJA expresses deep appreciation for President Wickremesinghe’s unwavering commitment to the enhancement of gem and jewellery exports and re-exports, a strategy that holds great potential to invigorate the economy.
President Wickremesinghe’s emphasis on the significance of the gem and jewellery industry resonates strongly with the SLGJA, which views this recognition as an essential step towards a brighter future for the sector. The association warmly welcomes the government’s focus on fostering an environment conducive to growth and development within the industry.
In response to President Wickremesinghe’s call for increased export revenue, the SLGJA affirms its eagerness to engage in productive discussions with the relevant authorities. The association’s members are keenly interested in understanding and fulfilling the requirements set forth by the government to ensure the prosperity of the industry. Ajward Deen, President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, said “As the apex body for the industry, we look forward to actively collaborating with the government and relevant stakeholders to drive the growth, innovation, and global recognition of our industry. Together, we can create an environment that propels our nation to new heights of success.”
Underpinning the vision of a thriving gem and jewellery sector is the industry’s strategic plan, designed to chart a course for growth over the next 10 to 15 years. The SLGJA acknowledges the notable efforts being made by the industry to implement a hub strategy that will shape its trajectory for years to come.
The association firmly believes that with the right policies in place, the true potential of the gem and jewellery industry can be unleashed, towards achieving the President’s target of achieving at least $2 billion in export revenue. The SLGJA is confident that this goal is well within reach and that a rejuvenated gem and jewellery sector will undoubtedly contribute to the economic prosperity of Sri Lanka.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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