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Sustainable Development Council steps up efforts towards integrated SDG monitoring in Sri Lanka

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The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) conducted a two-day workshop for key government agencies on integrated monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka on 08th and 09th May in Colombo.

In order to address a critical gap highlighted in Sri Lanka/s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDG implementation in 2022, relating to monitoring and evaluation of Sri Lanka’s progress on SDGs, the SDC developed the National SDG Progress Dashboard as a first step towards comprehensive SDG progress monitoring and evaluation in Sri Lanka following a whole-of-government approach. The National SDG Progress Dashboard developed with technical support from ESCAP provides a snapshot of Sri Lanka’s progress towards achieving nationally recognized SDG targets.

The objectives of the two-day workshop held last week were to further enhance the use of data for effective monitoring of SDG implementation in Sri Lanka, including achieving increased ownership of the SDG national targets by the line ministries, and work towards an integrated approach in monitoring and evaluation of Sri Lanka’s SDG progress.

In welcoming the participants, Director General of SDC, Chamindry Saparamadu, highlighted that as the time to achieve the SDGs is running out, government institutions should focus on how accountability for the implementation of SDGs can be improved through robust monitoring and evaluation of SDG achievements.

Speaking during the Opening Session of the two-day workshop, the UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, Marc- Andre Franche, emphasized that, monitoring progress towards the SDGs is a crucial part of the 2030 Agenda and the national SDG targets identified and validated by all line ministries will form the basis for future development planning.

Delivering the Key Note Remarks, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake observed that without timely statistics, including different levels of disaggregation, it is difficult to delve deeper into multifaceted and complex development challenges that are facing the society today. Dissanayake emphasized the importance of strengthening data and monitoring frameworks to improve decision-making, transparency and accountability as well as efficiency in directing policy interventions and investments towards where the needs are.

The workshop delved into understanding the flow of SDG data at global and national levels, the key components of effective SDG data coordination, regional experiences using SDG data for effective monitoring, selection of national SDG indicators and approaches towards integrated monitoring and evaluation. The workshop also featured a panel discussion with Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anuradha Kumarasiri, Director General, National Planning Department, Ms. Anoja Senevirathne, Director General, Department of Census and Statistics, D.D.Matharachchi, Additional Secretary (Planning and Development), Ministry of Urban Development & Housing. The workshop concluded with the formulation of an Action Plan to develop an integrated monitoring and evaluation framework for the SDGs in Sri Lanka.

The participants of the workshop included SDG data focal points and SDG focal points appointed by the line Ministries and government institutions and relevant officers from the Sustainable Development Council, the Department of Census and Statistics and the National Planning Department.



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CB Governor underscores rating agencies’ critical role in post-debt restructuring recovery

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Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable in Washington DC

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has underscored the critical role of sovereign credit rating agencies in helping debt-distressed nations smoothly transition out of default status after successful debt restructuring.

Speaking at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, Dr. Weerasinghe shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring experience.

He highlighted that while restructuring is a crucial step toward economic recovery, rating agencies must play a proactive role in reassessing countries’ creditworthiness fairly and promptly once restructuring is completed.

The GSDR, co-chaired by the IMF, World Bank, and G20 Presidency, serves as a key platform for debtor nations and creditors to address debt challenges.

Sri Lanka, a country which has undergone complex debt negotiations, has been an active participant in these discussions.

Governor Weerasinghe’s remarks come at a pivotal time, as Sri Lanka seeks to restore international investor confidence post-restructuring.

His call aligns with broader discussions at the GSDR on improving coordination between debtors, creditors, and financial institutions to ensure sustainable debt solutions, and help restore international investor confidence in countries such as Sri Lanka.

The roundtable also highlighted the newly introduced Sovereign Debt Restructuring Playbook, designed to guide countries through restructuring processes.

The Central Bank’s push for more responsive and supportive rating agency policies could set an important precedent for other debt-distressed economies as well.

Speaking at the GSDR, Treasury Secretary K M M Siriwardana acknowledged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as instrumental in stabilising Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy, as the country prepares to receive its fifth IMF tranche of $344 million in the coming weeks.

Siriwardana reflected on Sri Lanka’s ‘extremely challenging journey’ since its 2022 economic collapse marked by severe shortages, public unrest, and a loss of confidence in governance.

“Seeking IMF support was a strength, not a weakness,” he asserted, crediting the Fund’s policy framework and technical assistance for reversing the economic freefall.

He highlighted over 200 IMF training programmes conducted to strengthen institutional capacity, stating, “The IMF laid the foundation for stability.”

Notably present at the discussion was Peter Brewer, the IMF’s former Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, underscoring the close collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Fund.

Siriwardana traced the roots of the crisis to political instability between 2017–2019, the 2019 Easter attacks, and contentious tax policies, which collectively deepened Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerabilities. “Yet,” he noted, “Difficult reforms are now yielding positive results.”

By Sanath Nanayakkare

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Calcey earns ISO 27001 certification, strengthening data security commitment

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Sudheera Perera (General Manager, Cal cey) and Manjula Tilakarathne (Chief Operating Officer, Calce y), receiving the certificate of compliance for ISO 27001:2013

Calcey, a global software services provider, has achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification, the international benchmark for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification highlights Calcey’s strong measures in safeguarding client data and managing security risks.

The rigorous audit covered Calcey’s security protocols, risk management, and operational processes across its offices in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.

Mangala Karunaratne, CEO of Calcey Technologies, stated that this milestone underscores their dedication to top-tier data security, reinforcing trust among clients in the U.S., Europe, and the Nordic regions.

The certification ensures compliance with global security standards, benefiting Calcey’s diverse clientele, from startups to large enterprises.

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HNB Assurance recognised as a ‘Company with Great Managers’ for 3rd consecutive year

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HNB Assurance’s Great Manager Award Winners 2024

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) has been honored as a ‘Company with Great Managers’ for the third consecutive year at the prestigious Great Manager Awards 2024, organized by the Colombo Leadership Academy.

This year, seven distinguished HNBA managers received individual accolades for their outstanding leadership and contributions: Deepal Punchihewa (SBU Head), Rukshan Wijesinghe (Senior Manager – Underwriting, Group Life & DTA), Niranjan Croos (Senior Manager – Customer Experience), D. P. S. Anuranga Peiris (Software Architect), Asanka Gonagala (Manager – Alternate Channels), Vinu Jayasuriya (Senior Manager – Finance), Amaz Irshad (Senior Manager – Marketing, Digital & PR)

This recognition underscores HNBA’s robust leadership development framework and its commitment to fostering future-ready leaders who drive innovation and excellence across the organization.

Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, remarked:

“Great companies are built by great leaders. This third consecutive recognition reaffirms our investment in cultivating exceptional talent. I commend our award-winning managers for their dedication to inspiring teams and delivering outstanding results. My gratitude also extends to the Colombo Leadership Academy for this esteemed honor.”

Navin Rupasinghe, Head of Human Resources at HNB Assurance, added:

“At HNBA, we empower leaders to drive impact with purpose. This accolade reflects our strategic focus on talent development and fostering a growth mindset. Congratulations to our managers for exemplifying these values daily, and we thank the Colombo Leadership Academy for this recognition.”

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