Business
BIMSTEC Secretary-General discusses regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region at LKI
Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was hosted by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) for a special guest lecture and interactive session titled “Regional Cooperation through BIMSTEC” on 09 April 2024 at the Lighthouse Auditorium. The programme provided an opportunity for the gathering of Sri Lankan policymakers, academics, researchers, and university students to engage directly with the Secretary-General who was on his first official visit to Sri Lanka, in evaluating topics and concerns related to the region and BIMSTEC, in the context of global politics and Sri Lanka’s foreign policy interests.
Welcoming Secretary-General Pandey, Executive Director of the LKI Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha highlighted the contribution Sri Lanka has made to BIMSTEC as a founding member, in fielding its first Secretary-General, and the role played during Sri Lanka’s chairmanship of BIMSTEC during 2018-2021 in revitalising the organization through the adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter and the rationalisation of the areas of cooperation, as well as the streamlining of related institutes. He added that during bilateral consultations with the Secretary-General, the LKI as the Sri Lankan focal point of the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks, had expressed its continued support towards future collaboration with BIMSTEC, with special emphasis on the thematic domain of science, technology and innovation which is Sri Lanka’s focussed area of responsibility, along with the sub-areas of Technology, Health, and Human Resource Development.
Delivering opening remarks, Additional Secretary (Economic Affairs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Shanika Dissanayake noted that the seven-member states – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand accounted for 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of 5.2 billion dollars. Describing the organization as a vibrant and progressive intergovernmental organization, Ms. Dissanayake noted BIMSTEC’s relevance in creating a more interconnected region, especially in the fields of transport, security, and energy.
Delivering his guest lecture, Secretary-General Pandey outlined the role and functions of BIMSTEC and the new measures being operationalised to create a more effective and active organisation. Outlining each of the seven sectors of BIMSTEC’s sectors of cooperation, he emphasised Sri Lanka’s continuing critical role as a founding member, and thanked the Government of Sri Lanka and its leadership for their continued support in building regional cooperation in the region. Sharing that the sixth summit is set to take place in Thailand later this year, he added that BIMSTEC nations are set to meet every two years. Noting that he had already paid first visits to several member states, he said there is political commitment to further strengthen regional cooperation through BIMSTEC. He also highlighted the relevance of BIMSTEC as a platform for development, building towards a more integrated region in terms of economics, transportation, technology, and communication, leveraging the region’s geographic placement, along with its population, and GDP among other factors. He added that BIMSTEC is now ready to open its doors to new member and observer states and expressed a positive outlook for the organisation’s future.
During the interactive session that followed the audience expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the Secretary-General. The discussion covered a wide array of topics. On the possibility of a shared energy grid and regional collaboration in the energy sector, the Secretary-General revealed that they are hopeful to make more progress and emphasised the importance of transitioning into renewable energy sources at a regional level. On intra-regional trade which remained low at present, the Secretary-General noted that there are some developments on the subject and more progress could be expected. He said finding projects to build a more connected region would not be easy given that some nations in BIMSTEC are still in the process of development. The importance of human resource development was also emphasised during the discussion. Additional Secretary Dissanayake further underlined the importance of involving youth in BIMSTEC plans. On cooperation and collaboration between regional organisations, she said the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) had approached the BIMSTEC to sign an MoU for the common purpose of greater regional cooperation. Emphasising sustainability and ocean concerns, she said both organisations prioritise connectivity, and regarding funding constraints noted IORA’s success in adopting more dialogue partners like the European Union (EU), which could also help BIMSTEC.
Responding to a question on the future of multilateral organisations such as IORA or BIMSTEC, in the context of growing minilaterals, the Secretary-General said it was difficult to find convergence even in bilateral negotiations, and it is that much harder in multilaterals. He said each of these mechanisms have a role to play and we should not give up because there are challenges in finding convergences or in implementing our decisions. It’s important to persist because regional and sub-regional organisations present huge opportunities for countries to come together and work together. Citing the EU and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he said we find that under very difficult circumstances, regional organisations have been able to deliver. Ambassador Aryasinha, responding on this issue, acknowledged that the priorities of individual countries within regional organisations such as IORA and BIMSTEC might have changed from its founding to the present day depending on the new minilateral alignments some of them might have entered into and the changing global power dynamics. However, rather than being over ambitious, the safe bet for such organisations is to focus on ‘functional’ areas that are politically less contentious on which to initially cooperate, and to allow the confidence built through this to help move on to the more complex issues.
The Commercial Documents Registration Division (CDRD) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has expanded its export support services with the introduction of the Free Sale Letter for Pharmaceuticals, providing Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters with an additional document certification service to support their export processes and compliance requirements in international markets.
The new service expands CDRD’s portfolio of trade documentation solutions, which includes Certificates of Origin and the certification of key commercial documents required by overseas buyers, customs authorities, and regulatory bodies. These services assist exporters across sectors by helping ensure their documentation meets applicable requirements for international trade.
Established in 1925 as one of the authorised institutions to issue Certificates of Origin in Sri Lanka, CDRD has supported the country’s international trade for nearly a century. Today, the Division provides certification and verification services to exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and other trade stakeholders, supporting businesses in meeting documentation requirements for global markets.
In addition to pharmaceutical certification, CDRD facilitates the certification of Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Price Lists, Health Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificates of Analysis, Bills of Lading, Survey Reports, Beneficiary Certificates, and other export-related documents. The Division also issues Free Sale Letters and Surveyor Appointment Letters, while supporting exporters through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS), enabling secure and efficient document authentication.
Through established processes, digital solutions, and its e-service platform, CDRD continues to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of trade documentation services. Available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, the platform enables exporters to submit and manage documentation requirements conveniently while ensuring that certified documents meet internationally accepted requirements. By providing reliable documentation support and adapting its services to changing trade needs, the Division assists Sri Lankan businesses in managing export requirements and accessing international markets.
For more information on obtaining commercial document registration services, contact Achala via achala@chamber.lk / 0115588886
Siyapatha Finance PLC recently expanded its island-wide footprint with the successful inauguration of its 64th branch in Bandarawela. Strategically located in scenic hill town in the Badulla District, the latest branch offers convenient and wider access to tailored, customer-centric financial solutions.
The branch was ceremoniously declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana, joined by Chief Operating Officer (COO)Rajeev De Silva, Ms.D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, a student of Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya who won the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, the Senior Management and staff members as well as Traffic OIC Kandasami, Trade Association Secretary Sunanda Rathnayaka, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.
Sharing his thoughts, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. It is a region that showcases potential for greater economic development primarily through the country’s traditional agricultural practices. We look forward to reaching as many different communities as possible in the coming years.”
The Bandarawela branch offers a comprehensive product portfolio including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to Smart Pay, the Company’s bill payment facility. With a thorough understanding about the current socio-economic dynamics of the region, the well-trained team at the newest branch is dedicated to providing flexible financial solutions to aspiring individuals as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Business
Dialog recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Service and Telecommunications Brand for third consecutive year
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand in the Service and Telecommunications sectors, while also ranking among the top Corporate Brands in the LMD Brands Annual. Marking its third consecutive year at the top of both categories, the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through technology, while creating value for customers, communities and the nation.
The accolades were awarded through the LMD Brands Annual survey, conducted independently by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. Based on responses from 400 readers across Sri Lanka, representing a broad demographic and geographic mix, the survey identified the brands that resonated most strongly with consumers in terms of trust, loyalty and brand affinity.
Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand across both the Service and Telecommunications sectors is a meaningful endorsement of the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans continue to place in Dialog. This recognition reflects our commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of our customers while expanding access to digital connectivity, services and opportunities. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focused on creating value for communities and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital and socioeconomic progress.”
The recognition also reflects Dialog’s continued focus on innovation, customer-centricity and investments that support Sri Lanka’s digital future, including expanded 5G connectivity, AI-powered digital experiences and broader access to digital services.
Beyond connectivity, Dialog continues to support communities, livelihoods and the environment through initiatives such as Govi Mithuru, which provides AI-driven agricultural advisory services to over one million farmers, and Shishyadhara, which has enabled subsidy distribution to more than 450,000 underprivileged students. The company also continues to advance its Net Zero 2050 ambition through energy optimisation, renewable energy adoption and the expansion of solar-powered network infrastructure.
Further underscoring the brand’s standing among Sri Lankan consumers, Dialog was also recognised as the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the fifth time and the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 15th consecutive year at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026.
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