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USD 40 million five star resort to be powered entirely by renewable energy

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Hewage Upananda Karunaratne

By Ifham Nizam

In a bold step to transform the tourism landscape of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, a groundbreaking USD 40 million ecotourism project is set to take shape in the serene town of Uda Thimbiriya, Bulathkohupitiya. The “Thimbiriya Skyline Resorts,” a luxury 100-room, five-star resort, will be built on sustainable principles, powered entirely by renewable energy and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

At the helm of this ambitious venture are two visionaries: Mrs. Elisabeth Berg Khan, an economist with a passion for green innovation, and Dr. Sikander Khan, a renowned professor and CEO of Peak Education Ltd., based in Stockholm, Sweden. Partnering with them was Hewage Upananda Karunaratne, the head of UDS Agro Holdings. ‘Together, they formed an alliance built on mutual respect and a shared dream: to create an eco-tourism marvel that would redefine hospitality, knowledgeable sources said.

The resort will be a pioneer in green tourism, integrating 1 MW agrivoltaic solar energy systems to support its operations, ensuring a fossil fuel-free environment. The project, which is a collaborative effort between international and local experts, boasts an ambitious design that includes energy-producing facades, building-integrated photovoltaics, and passive house components, such as enhanced insulation and energy-efficient windows.

At the forefront of this initiative is Major General Nimal Krishnaratne (Rtd), the Project Coordinator. With extensive experience in leadership and coordination, Major General told The Island Financial Review that the resort will not only attract international tourists but also foster significant local employment and skill development.

“This ecotourism project is more than just a hotel; it is an opportunity to uplift the entire community. With around 120 direct job opportunities and the training of local youth in marketable skills, we are helping to raise the standard of living in the area, he said.

The USD 40 million investment, with 99% of the funding sourced from foreign direct investment (FDI), will also have far-reaching social benefits. A portion of the proceeds will be allocated to community initiatives, such as healthcare, housing, and environmental development, particularly focusing on flora and fauna protection. Additionally, the project aligns with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underlining its commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.

The resort’s location on eight acres of land, with five acres dedicated to hotel facilities and three acres for the solar farm, further emphasizes its focus on green infrastructure.

According to Major General Krishnaratne, this project is a perfect example of how tourism can be developed sustainably, creating a model for future projects across the region. “Once operational, this resort will not only be the first five-star hotel in the Sabaragamuwa Province but will also set a global standard for ecotourism, he remarked.

Already approved by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) with preliminary clearance, the Thimbiriya Skyline Resorts project will be a milestone for both the local economy and Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. The resort will help bring international attention to the area, boosting tourism and supporting the country’s broader goal of becoming a global ecotourism destination.

Major General added: “This project represents a unique synergy between sustainable development and tourism, one that we believe will create lasting positive impacts for generations to come.”



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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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