Business
UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka: Empowering Businesses to Lead Sustainability in 2025 & Beyond
Colombo, Sri Lanka_ The UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka came together recently for their flagship event – Compass 2025 – to celebrate the progress made in the year 2024 as well as unveil the strategic priorities, initiatives and programme lineup for 2025. The audience included participants, collaborators and valued stakeholders.
Addressing the recent Compass 2025 event, Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka and Chairman of Dilmah Tea, highlighted the critical role of businesses in steering the world towards sustainable growth amidst rising global challenges. Reflecting on 25 years since the inception of the UN Global Compact by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Fernando underscored the importance of collaboration, leadership and resilience to meet the urgent demands of sustainability.
“In 1999, Kofi Annan envisioned the UN Global Compact to preserve universal values as the foundation for sustainable growth. Today, his successor has added to the urgency of that call, citing widening geopolitical divisions, climate chaos, and growing inequalities,” Fernando said, emphasising that the UN Global Compact’s principles remain as vital as ever in addressing these pressing issues.
He pointed to the exponential growth in the green economy, with market capitalisation reaching USD 7.2 trillion in Q1 2024. This, he noted, presents a significant opportunity for businesses to invest in low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive growth models. “We can contain global warming, address inequality, and create green jobs — it only needs leadership, your leadership,” he urged participants.
Highlighting the achievements of Network Sri Lanka, Fernando applauded its innovative programmes, including Working Groups and initiatives like the Climate Emergency Task Force and Sustainable Supply Chain Working Groups. “Our network saw a 25% membership increase last year, and participation in our accelerators ranked among the highest globally,” he remarked.
Sri Lankan companies also shone on the international stage, with Aitken Spence PLC, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC, and Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC receiving recognition for their leadership in sustainability and showcasing the nation’s progress in integrating sustainable practices into business operations.
Speaking at the event, Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, said, “Sri Lanka’s private sector has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. As we navigate global challenges, it is this leadership in sustainability that will define the future of business and economic progress.”
Dilhan C. Fernando reiterated the urgency of sustainability as both a moral obligation and a business imperative. “The European Green Deal has changed the sustainability landscape, compelling businesses to align their strategies with new realities to remain competitive,” he explained. He also emphasised that resilience and profitability are inextricably linked to sustainable practices.
In closing, he called on businesses to embrace the UN Global Compact’s CEO Agenda, a critical toolkit for navigating financial, legal and market challenges, while fostering inclusive, sustainable growth. He expressed gratitude to members, partners and Network Sri Lanka’s team for their dedication and collaboration.
“We are entering uncharted territory, do not back down. Stay on the right side of history,” Fernando urged, quoting UN Secretary General António Guterres.
Through these efforts, Network Sri Lanka continues to lead the charge in embedding sustainability into core business strategies, empowering organisations to drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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