Business
Corporates pack muscle into Sri Lankan rugby
With the Asia Rugby World Cup Qualifiers in the pipeline, a sense of momentum is building around the Sri Lanka national rugby team — not just on the pitch, but in the boardroom and sponsor suites as well. In a media event that blended patriotic fervor, corporate pride and cautious optimism, top officials from Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), key sponsors, and the players themselves gathered in Colombo to lay out their ambitions ahead of a crucial series of international fixtures.
At the heart of the event was the announcement of Maliban as the Platinum Sponsor of the Sri Lanka rugby team for the “Asia Rugby World Cup Qualifiers powered by Maliban,” with support from other partners like Commercial Bank, Aitken Spence Travels, Power World and Edge Nutrition.
But beyond the fanfare, the event also showcased a deeper narrative: a sport undergoing transformation, a governing body realigning with international standards and a team preparing to reassert itself on the Asian rugby stage.
Responding to The Island Financial Review, Retired Senior DIG Latiff, chairman of the Sri Lanka Rugby Task Force, addressed the pressing issue of rugby governance, assuring both World Rugby and the local public that structural reforms were well underway.
“By vote of appeal, I did file an order that the new Constitution shall be approved by World Rugby. The foundation is the Constitutional Review Group, Latiff confirmed. “The new Constitution has already been published and registered. That’s why we’re having this programme as a one-time measure — we are on track.”
He further elaborated that the election for the new Executive Director was impending. Once appointed, the Executive Director will oversee membership registration and the eventual conduct of an Annual General Meeting (AGM), likely within 90 days.
Latiff also addressed the elephant in the room — player payments and fund utilization, noting that “internal costs must be covered first,” but that mechanisms were in place to ensure players were recognized and rewarded.
Rodney Gibbs, former assistant coach of All Black’s Seven, now Sri Lanka’s head coach, a recent arrival tasked with pulling the team together in time for the qualifiers, struck a tone of cautious optimism:
“I’m really impressed with the boys, he said. “We’ve had a tough few weeks, but we’ve kept things simple and focused on why they’re playing — who they’re playing for.”
Team captain Tharinda Ratwatte echoed those sentiments in his address, thanking the sponsors and calling on fans to show up in numbers for matches
“We’re as ready as we can be, he said. “This is the start of our campaign for the World Cup qualifiers, and I promise that my team and I will give our best for the nation — no matter what others bring against us. We are a resilient nation.”
Maliban’s Group Marketing Director Mulinda Weerasinghe said: “This is a brand with 70 years of history. We’ve always believed in supporting the spirit of Sri Lanka, he said. “We’ve already conquered 40 countries as a local brand and now we’re tying that international ambition to sport — starting with rugby.”
Isuru Tilakawardana, Deputy General Manager, Commercial Bank, reflected on why the bank chose to step up as an official sponsor:
“Sri Lanka rugby has done really well recently, and these youngsters have tremendous potential. As the leading private sector bank in the country, it’s our duty to support such sports — especially one that mirrors the qualities our country needs: energy, courage, and efficiency.”
The media event also sparked discussions on how Sri Lanka Rugby could further commemorate its progress. The island Financial Review floated the idea of issuing a first-day postal cover or even a commemorative coin to mark the team’s qualification to the Asian qualifiers. Senior DIG Latiff responded with interest, though cautiously:
“Yes, it’s a significant occasion. First-day covers usually mark major milestones. If we qualify for the World Cup, we’ll definitely look into it — but even now, it’s worth considering.”
In terms of talent, SLR High Performance Rugby Director Inthi Marikar, responding to queries addressed concerns about whether Sri Lanka was producing players on par with past legends like S P D Silva or Charles Wijewardene.
Marikar added: “No disrespect to players of the past, but the game has evolved, he said. “The current athletes have skill levels far beyond what we had. Rugby today is faster, more structured, and requires much higher technical proficiency.”
By Ifham Nizam
To catalyze bilateral trade and investment and drive regional economic integration, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai facilitated a series of high-level strategic engagements between The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and leading Indian commercial institutions on May 13 and 14.
The delegation from The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was led by its Chairman Krishan Balendra, CEO of John Keells Holdings Pvt Ltd and comprised a distinguished group of Sri Lankan industry leaders from Hirdaramani Group, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd, Sierra Cables PLC, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt) Ltd, Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, Hayleys PLC, Vidullanka PLC, MAS India Clothing (Pvt) Ltd, Tudawe Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, David Pieris Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Bank of Ceylon, Aitken Spence PLC, LTL Holdings Ltd. and Orel IT Pvt. Ltd.
On May 13, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce jointly hosted the ‘India–Sri Lanka Business Forum: Partnering in Sri Lanka’s Growth and Investment’ and an exclusive CEO interaction in Mumbai. The forum convened senior government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders from both countries.
These included, among others, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Mahishini Colonne; Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe; Senior Economic Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka Duminda Hulangamuwa; Secretary (Protocol, FDI, Diaspora & Outreach) and Chief of Protocol Government of Maharashtra Rajesh Ravindra Gawande; Co-chairman, CII Western Region Sub-committee on International Trade & Investment and Chief Executive Officer, Polycab India Ltd. Anurag Agarwal; Chairman, CII Western Region Sub-Committee on Tourism and Hospitality and Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd Vishal Kamat and Secretary General & CEO of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Shiran Fernando.
Conversations centered on accelerating cross-border cooperation across high-priority sectors, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
On May 14, the delegation engaged in productive Business-to-Business sessions with the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, culminating in the formal renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and IMC. The delegation also participated in an interactive session hosted by the World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI).
The two-day mission concluded with a robust exchange of views cementing a strong foundation for sustained bilateral collaboration and paving the way for a new era of industrial synergy between Colombo and Mumbai. (Consulate General of SL, Mumbai)
Demonstrating its commitment to supporting the nation’s next phase of economic transformation, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has become one of the first banks in Sri Lanka to enter into an agreement to establish a fully-fledged branch at Port City Colombo, marking a significant step in the Bank’s strategic expansion into the country’s emerging international financial hub.
The agreement was signed by Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank, and Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. The partnership further reinforces Commercial Bank’s position at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s evolving financial landscape.
The proposed branch will function as a fully-fledged banking branch, offering a full spectrum of products and services tailored to the needs of corporates, investors, businesses and retail customers operating within the Port City Colombo ecosystem. These will include digital banking facilities, trade services, foreign currency transactions, corporate banking solutions, deposits, lending, card services and remittance facilities.
By establishing a presence within Port City Colombo, the Bank said it aims to further strengthen its ability to support cross-border business and investment flows while positioning itself to meet the sophisticated requirements of global investors, multinational corporates and high-net-worth individuals expected to operate within the Special Economic Zone.
Commenting on this ground breaking initiative, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said the Bank’s decision to establish a fully-fledged branch within Port City Colombo reflects both its long-term confidence in the project and its readiness to support the evolving needs of a globally integrated financial ecosystem.
“As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank with a strong track record in serving corporates, international clients and high-value businesses, we see Port City Colombo as a pivotal development in the country’s economic future,” he said. “Our presence within this Special Economic Zone will enable us to seamlessly support cross-border transactions, facilitate international trade and investment, and deliver world-class banking solutions backed by advanced digital capabilities. Being one of the first banks to formalise plans for a full-service branch within Port City Colombo reaffirms our role as a pioneer in driving financial innovation and supporting national development.”
A 269-hectare extension of Sri Lanka’s central business district, Port City Colombo is being developed as a multi-service Special Economic Zone designed to serve as a regional financial centre, business and lifestyle hub. One of the largest public-private partnership projects in the country, it is envisioned as a catalyst for high-value investments, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and a progressive regulatory framework.
“Our role as master developer goes beyond building the city itself. It is about creating the foundations for a functioning international business and financial hub,” said Mr Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. “The establishment of institutions such as Commercial Bank within Port City Colombo is an important part of that process, because it brings real operational depth and credibility into the ecosystem from an early stage. It reflects the broader momentum behind the project and the growing shift towards a more globally connected, investment-driven economy in Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lanka’s renowned specialty tea brand “Singharaja Wiry Tips,” produced by Lumbini Tea Valley Ceylon, has won two major accolades at the prestigious “The Leafies International Tea Awards” held recently at Fortnum and Mason in the United Kingdom.
The award-winning low-grown Ceylon tea secured the titles of “Best Ceylon Black Tea” and the overall “Best of All Black Teas,” emerging as the top black tea entered at the international competition.
With these latest honours, “Singharaja Wiry Tips” has now earned its 43rd and 44th international awards, further strengthening its reputation as one of the world’s most highly awarded black teas.
Classified as FBOPF EX SP (Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings Extra Special), the tea is named after its distinctive golden-tipped wiry leaves and unique flavour profile derived from the ecosystem surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singharaja Rainforest, which borders the Lumbini plantation.
Lumbini Tea Valley’s latest innovation, “Lumbini Screw Buds,” also received high commendation at this year’s competition, highlighting the company’s continued excellence in producing premium Ceylon teas.
Chairman and Managing Director Chaminda Jayawardena, who accepted the awards in London, credited the achievement to the dedication of the Lumbini workforce and the support of nearly 1,800 tea farmers supplying high-quality green leaf harvested using the traditional “two leaves and a bud” method.
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