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CEO Forum on ” Eco Label: One Step, Great Change – Join theTransformation”

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In a significant stride toward sustainable manufacturing, the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, successfully hosted an impactful CEO Forum titled “Eco-Label: One Step, Great Change – Join the Transformation.” The event, held at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Hotel, attracted prominent business leaders from diverse sectors, including tea, dairy, construction chemicals, textiles, rubber, activated carbon and more.

Eco-labeling, a voluntary certification method for environmental performance, is increasingly recognized worldwide as a pivotal strategy for businesses adopting eco-friendly practices. This forum aimed to highlight the benefits of eco-labeling and inspire industries to adopt sustainable and responsible manufacturing techniques.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Anura Dissanayaka, Secretary to the Prime Minister, who emphasized the importance of integrating eco-labeling into business practices. The keynote address, “The Value of GEN Membership in Ecolabeling: Building Trust and Global Reach,” was delivered by Mr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Deputy Manager at the Japan Environment Association, who shared insights into the international implications of eco-labeling.

Among the distinguished speakers were Samantha Kumarasena, Chief Executive Officer of NCPC, and Ms. Wilasinee Poonuchaphai, Project Co-Director of GIZ’s SCP Outreach in Asia. The forum featured inspiring success stories from the tea industry, with representatives from Finlays Colombo Ltd, Basilur Tea Exports Pvt Ltd and from activated carbon category, Haycarb PLC showcasing the tangible benefits their companies have realized through ecolabeling initiatives.

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses recognize the necessity of sustainable solutions. Eco-labeling not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances competitive edge in international markets. The NCPC’s “Eco Label-Sri Lanka” program, recognized as the country’s most prominent green product certification scheme, sets a remarkable precedent, having achieved full membership in the Global Eco-Labelling Network (GEN).

Under the guidelines of ISO 14024:2018, all products and services that carry the NCPC EcoLabel undergo independent third-party assessments, ensuring reliability for consumers and procurement teams alike. At the event, the “Eco Label-Sri Lanka” program was awarded with the accreditation certificate from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board under ISO 17065:2012. Currently, NCPC certifies six product categories ranging from agrifood to construction chemicals, with Finlays Colombo Ltd, Basilur Tea Exports Pvt Ltd and Haycarb PLC notably receiving Eco-Label certifications at the forum.

With ongoing support from and technical collaboration from Eco Mark, Japan, NCPC’s EcoLabel has gained both local and international acclaim as a trusted sustainability certification. The NCPCSL, a member of the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Network (RECP Net), was founded by UNIDO and UNEP.

“In Sri Lanka, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Environment Sri Lanka, under the Sustainable Production and Consumption (SCP) Outreach in Asia – The Next Five project, funded by the

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV), is focused on promoting climate-friendly products through ecolabels and green public procurement (GPP)”.



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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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