Business
John Keells Group transportation sector and University of Moratuwa mark 19 years of collaboration
John Keells Group Transportation Sector and University of Moratuwa Mark 19 Years of Collaboration Shaping the Future Leaders in Transportation and Logistics
The John Keells Group Transportation Sector proudly marks 19 years of impactful collaboration with the Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering (TM&LE) at the University of Moratuwa, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to human capital development in Sri Lanka’s transportation and logistics industries.
Initiated in 2006, this strategic partnership goes beyond financial assistance—it is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and equip the next generation of industry leaders to face the modern challenges in the fields of Aviation, Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Public Transportation. Whilst the scholarship programme is a great boon to the undergraduates, not only supporting their tertiary studies but also facilitating a host of attractive career choices, it also helps develop a much needed resource base of professionals for the country’s growing transportation industry. Through a combination of merit and need-based scholarships, customised English language and communication training conducted by the Group’s CSR entity, John Keells Foundation, and a structured mentoring programme offering hands-on internships and industrial placements, students gain the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to thrive in the industry.
The culmination of this year’s programme was celebrated at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, bringing together senior leaders from the John Keells Group, students, faculty, and key industry stakeholders. The event honoured the outstanding achievements of the students through certificates and awards, while heartfelt testimonials from both students and facilitators underscored the transformative impact of this initiative.
Speaking at the event, Zafir Hashim, President – Transportation and Plantation Sectors, John Keells Group, emphasized the importance of investing in the future of Sri Lanka’s transportation sector. “We are proud to celebrate yet another year of nurturing the bright young minds from the University of Moratuwa, who will play a critical role in shaping the country’s transportation and logistics landscape—key drivers of economic growth and national development. For nearly two decades, we have been committed to supporting these deserving individuals, enabling them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”
Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR, John Keells Group added, “Sri Lanka has been through the most unprecedented times of its history. Young leaders such as yourselves represent the knowledge, talent and potential that can take our nation forward. The John Keells Group is deeply committed to and is invested in empowering Sri Lanka’s future workforce. As we celebrate this 19-year partnership between the John Keells Group and the University of Moratuwa and their joint investment on this programme, the best return will be for each of you students to use your knowledge, skills and expertise to serve the country and the industry through your utmost commitment and contribution.”
Business
Australia and Sri Lanka strengthen maritime security partnership
The Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have launched Disi Rela 2026, marking the third consecutive year of the joint maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, operational capability, and public awareness across Sri Lanka’s coastal regions.
This year, Disi Rela 2026 expands its community engagement and public awareness activities to Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, following successful activations conducted in the Western and Southern Provinces in previous years.
Meaning “keeping a watchful eye over the maritime environment,” Disi Rela reflects the continued partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka to strengthen maritime security, combat transnational maritime crime, and promote safer seas across the region. Through intelligence sharing, operational cooperation, advanced equipment support, and public awareness initiatives, both countries continue to work together to address threats including people smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other unlawful maritime activities.
Over the past three years, the Australian Government has supported Sri Lanka’s maritime security efforts under the Disi Rela initiative through the donation of 24 surveillance drones, three all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), three Stabicraft patrol vessels, and the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 hotline number — 106.
Further strengthening Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s operational capability, the Australian Government will donate an additional five all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under Disi Rela 2026 to support coastal surveillance and rapid response operations.
In reflecting upon the continued partnership and shared commitment of both nations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries and coastal communities, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard,
Business
National SME Revival Programme by SLCSMI and NCCSL
The Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries (SLCSMI) and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) have jointly announced the National SME Revival Programme, a forum dedicated to identifying practical challenges, opportunities, and strategic pathways for the growth and sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Sri Lanka.
The programme is scheduled for 16th June 2026 from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., at the Auditorium of the National Chamber of Commerce, 450, D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10. The forum will bring together MSMEs from diverse sectors and regions to engage in substantive dialogue on competitiveness, sustainability, and their contributions to the national economy, both locally and in global markets.
The programme will feature two eminent guest speakers who bring deep expertise in economics, business strategy, and financial management: Talal Rafi is an Economist; Former Consultant to the Asian Development Bank and the European Union; Former Director, Ernst & Young. Rafi brings extensive international experience in economic policy and development finance, having advised leading multilateral institutions on growth and reform initiatives. Chaaminda Kumarasiri is a Senior Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, and Business Advisor. Kumarasiri is a distinguished professional with a strong track record in financial management and strategic advisory services for businesses across multiple sectors.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by both organisations to support Sri Lanka’s SME sector, which forms the backbone of the national economy. Interested participants are encouraged to reach out to +94 762 555707/ 11 4741788 (Nishanthi) or +94 77 4586940 (Gerard).
Business
Pink Eagle Holdings consolidates leadership in diversified services and global expansion
With bold vision and global outlook, one of Sri Lanka’s trailblazing conglomerates, Pink Eagle Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, a modern investment holding company, steps into the spotlight. Established in recent years and rooted in Sri Lankan heritage, the organisation has rapidly grown from a single founding idea and evolved into a diversified ecosystem including tea exports, logistics, warehousing, food production, and hospitality.
Pink Eagle Holdings is driven with an ambition to redefine what a Sri Lankan business group can achieve on the world stage, and is growing into a trusted name among international investors and partners, with ventures and collaborations covering Sri Lanka, Dubai, UK, France, Kenya, Ethiopia, China, and Taiwan. The Group continues to expand globally, consolidating leadership in Sri Lanka’s export and service sectors through its subsidiaries Continental Tea (Pvt) Ltd, Abanchy Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Continental Freight (Pvt) Ltd, T Co by Adra (Pvt) Ltd, Continental Food Products (Pvt) Ltd, and Pink Panda.
-
News6 days agoWomen’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Chamari Athapaththu’s 94 helps Sri Lanka beat Pakistan
-
News6 days agoLankan-Canadian inducted to Toronto Sports Hall of Fame
-
News7 days agoAsst. Manager, security officer arrested over Rs 30 mn snatch at Horana PB branch
-
Editorial5 days agoProbe Sallay’s complaint
-
News3 days agoLocal firms move millions of dollars overseas for phantom imports: Govt.
-
Editorial6 days agoPrez in the dock
-
Features6 days agoEntering MIT for my Ph.D program, coping with harsh Boston winter and breasting the tape
-
News7 days agoNo blanket ban on musical performances; only those promoting LTTE
