Business
Sri Lanka recognises 100 SMEs for advancing sustainable tourism
A programme implemented by SLTDA and UNDP
In a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s green economic revival, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have certified 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) scheme, reinforcing the island’s commitment to eco-friendly and inclusive tourism growth.
The certification, aligned with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards, highlights Sri Lanka’s push to position itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism – a sector that employs thousands and contributes over 50% of the nation’s GDP. The awards ceremony, graced by Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, and British Deputy High Commissioner Lisa Whanstall, underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving nature-positive investments.
A standout achievement of this year’s awards is the marked increase in women-led tourism businesses, with 27 of the 100 certified SMEs being female-owned – five times higher than the industry average. This milestone aligns with Sri Lanka’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.
“By embedding sustainability into tourism, we’re not just protecting our environment but also creating livelihoods and empowering underrepresented groups,” said SLTDA Chairman Buddika Hewawasam.
Since 2018, UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), backed by Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland, and the EU, has supported Sri Lanka’s sustainable tourism roadmap. The 2023 expansion to SMEs, particularly women entrepreneurs, aims to unlock new market opportunities as global demand for eco-conscious travel surges.
Azusa Kubota of UNDP stressed, “For Sri Lanka to emerge as a resilient, sustainable destination, all stakeholders must unite to promote responsible tourism and inclusive growth.”
With the global wellness tourism market projected to hit $1 trillion by 2025, Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, Ayurveda heritage, and cultural assets offer a competitive edge. The NSTC scheme equips local businesses to capitalize on this trend while preserving the island’s ecological and cultural legacy.
As Sri Lanka charts its post-pandemic recovery, these certifications signal a transformative shift, proving that tourism can thrive in harmony with both people and the planet.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Business
Export of scrap metal required for domestic industry to be banned
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to impose the necessary legal provisions to prevent the export of scrap metal in a manner detrimental to domestic industries.
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
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