Business
‘Sri Lanka is a Union Country’, says global labour leader
ITF pledges expanded partnership with transport sector workers at Colombo Welfare Hub launch
In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s transport sector, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) unveiled The Palace—a brand new welfare facility for seafarers—while declaring its commitment to partner with the nation’s entire transport workforce.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton delivered a stirring message at the launch on March 20, hailing Sri Lanka as “a union country” with robust labour laws and a resilient worker-led culture; a rare endorsement from a global labour leader.
“I call Sri Lanka a union country because it’s a nation that takes pride in its labor laws and collective strength,” Cotton declared to a room of policymakers, shipowners, ship crews, ILO officials, women seafarers and maritime stakeholders.
“The ITF doesn’t just want to support seafarers—we’re here to partner with all transport workers, from railways to ports, to build a fairer future,” he said.
Located in central Colombo, The Palace—a collaboration between the ITF, its Seafarers Trust, and the National Union of Sri Lankan Seafarers (NUSS) —aims to transform the lives of maritime workers. The facility offers affordable lodging, family reunification spaces, counseling, and recreational resources for seafarers transitioning to and from grueling voyages.
Boa Athu, President of NUSS called it a “long-overdue sanctuary” for workers who sustain Sri Lanka’s economy through foreign remittances.
Cotton emphasized the timing of the launch amid global instability: “We’re in turbulent times—geopolitical shifts, climate crises, and economic uncertainty. But here, Sri Lanka’s unions have shown what solidarity can achieve. He noted NUSS’s growth from 7 to 30,000 members, calling it a “phenomenal” model for worker empowerment.
The ITF’s vision extends far beyond the docks. Cotton revealed he had met with railway workers the day prior, signaling broader ambitions.
Transport workers were the lifeblood of the global economy linking supply chains and keeping the world moving, and they were vital to successfully responding to the challenge of Covid-19. We mustn’t forget the risks that transport workers faced on the frontlines. Now, we must ensure they’re shielded from crises like climate change,” he said, framing the climate emergency as a “workers’ crisis” requiring urgent re-training for green energy transitions.
ITF General Secretary, Stephen Cotton unveils The Palace, in Colombo on March 20.
With partnerships spanning the UN Global Compact and International Maritime Organization, the ITF plans a Singapore forum to accelerate fossil fuel phase-outs.
“Seafarers here are already training for new energy technologies—but placing them in jobs remains a challenge,” Cotton admitted.
Referencing global political volatility—including U.S. leadership shifts—Cotton stressed the need for “predictable” worker alliances like the ITF. He praised Sri Lanka’s push to grow its maritime economy, including government plans to boost container capacity and recruit women into skilled and rewarding roles.
“The Palace isn’t just a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when unions, governments, and global partners unite,” Cotton said. “Sri Lanka’s workers are its economy. Safeguarding their wellbeing isn’t charity—it’s strategic,” he said.
As the ITF expands collaborations in Brazil, Mexico, and beyond, Sri Lanka’s transport sector stands at a crossroads. The Palace offers immediate relief for seafarers, but Cotton’s message signals a larger ambition: positioning the island as a beacon of worker solidarity in an unstable world.
For Sri Lanka’s 30,000-strong NUSS members—and thousands more in railways, ports, and tourism—the call is clear: the fight for fair conditions is now a global alliance.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced an international call for proposals to develop two 50 MW wind farm facilities in Mullikulam on a Build, Own & Operate (BOO) basis. The initiative aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s renewable energy capacity, aligning with the government’s strategy to increase the share of clean energy in the national grid.
The bidding process, launched on behalf of the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee, invites local and international project proponents to finance, design construct and maintain the wind farms under a 20-year agreement. The deadline for proposal submissions is June 12, 2025.
A senior electrical engineer at the CEB, speaking on the significance of the project, told The Island Financial Review: “This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals. Wind power is a key component of our strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.”
According to the CEB, interested parties can obtain the Request for Proposal (RFP) document by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 300,000 (or USD 1,035 for foreign applicants). The RFP provides comprehensive details on project requirements and evaluation criteria.
“Given the global shift towards clean energy, we expect strong interest from both local and international developers. This project not only supports our sustainability targets but also creates investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, the engineer added.
The wind farm project is part of a broader initiative to achieve 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, a key target set by the Ministry of Energy. Experts believe that projects like these will play a vital role in stabilizing electricity supply and reducing carbon emissions.
by Ifham Nizam
LOLC once again emerges as the “People’s Financial Services Brand of the Year”, securing the prestigious title bestowed at the SLIM Kantar People’s Choice Awards 2025 for an unparalleled ninth consecutive year. This recognition, conferred through a comprehensive consumer research, reflects the brand’s firm connection with the Sri Lankan people and its consistent leadership in financial services.
Unlike many industry awards, the SLIM Kantar People’s Choice Awards is determined by independent consumer research conducted by Kantar, a global leader in brand insights. Instead of relying on a judging panel, this recognition is purely based on public perception, brand recall, and customer loyalty, making it one of the most authentic measures of a brand’s standing. Securing this title for ninth consecutive years highlights LOLC’s deep-rooted connection with its customers and its ability to evolve with their changing needs while maintaining a firm commitment to excellence.
Kapila Jayawardena-
Group Managing
Director/CEO of LOLC
Holdings PLC
LOLC’s continued success is driven by its assurance to financial empowerment, innovation, and inclusiveness. It has redefined accessibility to financial services by reaching underserved communities and pioneering digital transformation. Beyond its core financial solutions, LOLC is a brand that stands with the people, for the people, embodying resilience and hope through the years. In times of crisis, be it economic hardships or global disruptions, LOLC has remained a pillar of strength, stepping in when the nation needed it most. This deep-rooted connection with the people is what truly sets LOLC apart. The company has also been recognized for initiatives that create real social impact, such as the Divi Saviya Humanitarian Project, which uplifts vulnerable communities through sustainable support.
Orient Finance PLC has reported an outstanding financial performance for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2024, showcasing significant growth in key financial indicators compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
The Company recorded a remarkable 161% increase in profit after tax, reaching Rs. 254.6 million compared to Rs. 97.6 million in the same period of the previous year. Net interest income surged by 37%, amounting to Rs. 1.66 billion from Rs. 1.21 billion, demonstrating strong portfolio growth and enhanced operational efficiencies.
Total assets expanded by 28%, rising to Rs. 25.3 billion, while loans and receivables increased by 36% to Rs. 19.76 billion. The Company’s deposit base grew to Rs. 15.12 billion, marking a 19% increase, reflecting continued customer confidence. Meanwhile, total equity improved by 12%, standing at Rs. 3.86 billion.
Earnings per share (EPS) grew 163% to Rs. 1.21, up from Rs. 0.46, while net assets per share (NAPS) rose by 12% to Rs. 18.27.
For the month of December 2024, Orient Finance reported a Cost-to-Income Ratio of 68%, reflecting continued efforts towards cost management amidst challenging market conditions. The Gross Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Ratio stood at 9.62%, while the Provision Cover was maintained at a healthy 65.37%, demonstrating company’s prudent approach to credit risk management. As the quarter ended 31st December 2024, Orient Finance’s Tier 1 Capital Ratio stood at 13.14%, with the Total Capital Ratio recorded at 13.16%, both remaining comfortably above the minimum regulatory requirements.
Commenting on the results, Rajendra Theagarajah, Chairman of Orient Finance PLC, stated, “These exceptional results underscore our commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence. Our focus on innovation and customer-centric financial solutions has strengthened our position in the market. As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to offering innovative financial products that meet the diverse needs of our customers while driving long-term shareholder value.”
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