Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed members of the Chief Executives Organization (CEO) during a session held on Thursday [3 February 2026] at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, as part of CEO’s Pearl of the Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka programme.

The Chief Executives Organization is a global network of business leaders representing diverse industries across more than 60 countries. The visiting delegation comprised leading entrepreneurs and executives exploring Sri Lanka’s economic prospects, investment climate, and development trajectory.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka’s reform agenda is anchored in structural transformation, transparency, and inclusive growth.

“We are committed not only to ensuring equitable access to education, but equitable access to quality education. Our reforms are designed to create flexible pathways for young people beyond general education and to build a skilled and adaptable workforce for the future.”

She highlighted that the Government is undertaking a fundamental pedagogical shift towards a more student-focused, less examination-driven system as part of a broader national transformation.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s recent political transition, the Prime Minister stated:

“The people gave us a mandate to restore accountability, strengthen democratic governance, and ensure that opportunity is not determined by patronage or privilege, but by fairness and merit. Sri Lanka is stabilizing. We have recorded positive growth, restored confidence in key sectors, and are committed to sustaining this momentum. But our objective is not short-term recovery it is long-term resilience.”

Addressing governance reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, she said:

“We are aligning our legislative and regulatory frameworks with international standards to provide predictability, investor protection, and institutional transparency. Sustainable investment requires trust, and trust requires reform.”

Turning to the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwa, which affected all 25 districts of the country, the Prime Minister underscored the urgency of climate resilience.

“Climate change is not a distant threat. It is a lived reality for our people. We are rebuilding not simply to recover, but to build resilience, strengthen disaster mitigation systems, and protect vulnerable communities.”

Inviting CEO members to consider Sri Lanka as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, she highlighted opportunities in value-added mineral exports, logistics and shipping, agro-processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and innovation-driven sectors.

“We are not looking for speculative gains. We are seeking long-term partners who share our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and inclusive development.”

She further emphasized collaboration in education, research, vocational training, and innovation as essential pillars for sustained economic growth.

Concluding her address, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Chief Executives Organization for selecting Sri Lanka as part of its 2026 programme and reaffirmed the Government’s readiness to engage constructively with responsible global investors.

The event was attended by the Governor of the Western Province,  Hanif Yusoof, and other distinguished guests.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, met Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), in Karachi on Feb. 6 and urged a high level visit of Pakistani business people to Sri Lanka, a news release from the High Commission said.

Dr. Munir, who also serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), leads Pakistan’s premier business policy advocacy body, which plays a key role in promoting a conducive business environment, export growth, and industrial development.

The High Commissioner who was warmly received by Dr. Munir at her office briefed her on the current economic and political landscape in Sri Lanka, highlighting the country’s improving economic outlook, enhanced political stability, and a favourable environment for foreign investment, the release said.

He also outlined the policy priorities of the new Government, with particular emphasis on ongoing economic reforms, investment-friendly initiatives, and opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, it said.

He invited Dr. Munir to consider leading a delegation of prominent business leaders and investors to Sri Lanka, with a view to engaging with Sri Lankan counterparts and exploring potential investment opportunities and avenues for collaboration across key sectors.

The meeting was facilitated by. Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, Mehmood Mandviwalla, who was also present. Minister and Head of Chancery of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad, Christy Ruban, and Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Sanjeewa Pattiwila also participated at the meeting.

HNB Assurance PLC was recognized as the Best Health Insurance Coverage Provider of the Year – Sri Lanka, at the prestigious awards ceremony organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), marking a significant milestone in the Company’s journey of delivering comprehensive, customer-centric protection solutions.

This accolade adds to a growing list of recognitions from the ICC, which has previously acknowledged HNB Assurance as the Best Life Insurance Company, highlighting the Company’s consistent presence among the most respected players in the insurance industry. The latest recognition reflects HNB Assurance’s focus on innovation, strong product architecture, and its ability to anticipate and respond to evolving healthcare needs.

Commenting on the achievement, Lasitha Wimalaratne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance, stated, “Being recognized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce as the Best Health Insurance Coverage Provider of the Year is a strong validation of the trust our customers place in us and the strength of the solutions we offer. Our health portfolio has been built with a clear focus on meaningful coverage and long-term value, ensuring that our customers are protected when it matters most. This award, alongside previous ICC recognitions, reinforces our position as one of the most reliable and forward-thinking insurance providers in the country.”

He further noted that consistently featuring among the best is not incidental, but the result of a deliberate strategy focused on product excellence and service quality while possessing a deep understanding of customer expectations.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition and extend our sincere thanks to the Indian Chamber of Commerce for acknowledging our efforts. This award belongs to every team at HNB Assurance whose passion and focus on excellence continue to elevate the standards of what we offer. I am immensely proud of our teams and the collective effort that goes into building solutions our customers can truly rely on.”