Business
SL in a critical moment which may bring profound impacts on business community and society: CPA Australia
By Sanath Nanayakkare
We understand that Sri Lanka is undergoing a critical moment which may bring many profound impacts to the business community and society, Dale Pinto FCPA John Curtin Distinguished Professor President & Chair of the Board CPA Australia told The Island Financial Review in an email interview.
He made this comment when The Island reached out to him to ask what transformations the business and accounting landscape in Sri Lanka should undergo post-presidential election.
When asked to elaborate on his comment, he said, ” As a professional body, CPA Australia maintains its commitment to the advancement of accounting and finance professions. However, we are not in the position to comment on any political matters to ensure a thorough focus on our core mission, which is to support the professional development of members, advocate for the profession and contribute to the public interest through initiatives that help enhance the quality and integrity of financial and business information.
Accountants and finance professionals play essential roles for the efficient operation of the economy globally. They are strategic partners influencing organisational success. We are eager to collaborate with local bodies to nurture more talent to support Sri Lanka’s economy, preparing them to equip them with contemporary skills to meet economic challenges and support sustainable growth. Therefore, education to train up more talent is critical. Equally important is a good tax system which includes simplicity, certainty, equity, neutrality and efficiency to fund services and infrastructure to support a functioning and orderly society.”
A high-level delegation from CPA Australia, including board members and representatives from international markets, recently concluded a successful visit to Sri Lanka. The delegation’s primary focus was on establishing strong relationships with local governments, professional bodies, universities, and banking institutions.
Mr. Pinto speaking to the media during the delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka said, “We’re excited to be expanding our presence in Sri Lanka. Since the launch of our local liaison office in June 2023, we’ve seen our membership flourish to nearly 500. Many of these members are now holding pivotal roles across diverse industries, showcasing the strength and influence of CPA Australia in the region.”
The delegation also recognised long-standing members during a special ceremony, acknowledging their achievements over the past 10 or 20 years.
Mr. Pinto said that he was grateful for the support of prominent employers partnering with CPA Australia to advance the accounting and finance profession in Sri Lanka.
“Their collaboration opens up exceptional opportunities for our members, enabling them to thrive and succeed in their careers on a global scale, “he said.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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