Business

Documentary on 72 years of Sri Lankan history

Published

4 years ago

2021/11/17

In a brand new initiative, under the working title ‘Project 72’, Roar Media and author Sarah Kabir are set to take a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s past since gaining Independence in 1948, entertainingly and educationally covering some of the most defining years in the nation’s history.

A first-of-its-kind documentary, Project 72 will portray Sri Lanka’s journey since Independence in a way it has never been seen before; From brilliant political manoeuvring to battles won and lost, ethnic tensions and moments of kindness — all through the eyes of witnesses, the voices of experts, and the memories of citizens who lived through these events.

Speaking on the project, Sarah Kabir stated: “Sri Lanka’s post-Independence history has largely been overlooked in the education curricula. From mainstream sources, we either hear one-sided accounts of events or nothing at all. As the saying goes, ‘If we close our eyes to the past, we remain blind to the present.’ Roar Media and I have embarked on this exciting new project hoping to spark debate and discussion amongst Sri Lankans, create awareness, and convey a pluralist history.”

The documentary hopes to provide in-depth coverage of key events from Sri Lanka’s past that have impacted the present, both negatively and positively, in an entertaining and educational manner. Focused on raising awareness and highlighting the struggles and the wins the country has gone through, Project 72 aims to be a comprehensive resource of the key milestones in Sri Lankan history, by focusing on a string of intersecting events and key debates and issues of the time.

The documentary will combine footage, images, animation, infographics, eye-witness accounts, and as many as 50 interviews from experts, and people who have spent their life researching and understanding these events and issues, as well as political leaders and key decision-makers at the time, and those who were eye-witnesses to many of these events, to provide a balanced and comprehensive perspective of Sri Lanka’s journey since Independence.

Coupled with a dynamic narration style and stunning visual representation, Project 72’s unadulterated narratives are set to match some of the top documentaries that are being streamed on platforms like Netflix.

Roar Media Editor-in-Chief Roel Raymond, speaking on the upcoming documentary, stated: “This is an ambitious and challenging — but deeply satisfying project we’ve embarked on, with Sarah Kabir, that seeks not just to confront our own—often inadequate—knowledge of Sri Lanka’s post-colonial history, but also creatively present our findings to a diverse and large audience, so that we are all able to function as an informed citizenry, with the ability to perform our civic duties.

“Creating impactful, authentic content is at the heart of what Roar does, and this project resonates with these goals, making for a seamless partnership—most certainly the first of many more to come.”

The documentary will be made available on its own comprehensive website in English, Sinhala and Tamil, along with a range of supporting materials, such as timelines, articles and more, so that all relevant information presented in the documentary is available for viewing at a glance. It will also host links to other related material, media, and content so that it will serve as a larger repository for information that gives historical context to the subject matter in the documentary.

Project 72 is, in many ways, a groundbreaking genre of filmmaking in Sri Lanka, as it bridges the gap between education, entertainment, and insight, to tell Sri Lanka’s story as it has never been told before.

Stay tuned to Roar Media’s social channels to watch the project unfold.

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Business

New policy framework for stock market deposits seen as a boon for companies

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Eardly Kern: ‘CSE experiencing strong revival

The government’s new policy framework to allocate a maximum interest rate for stock market deposits would pave the way for companies and investors to plan their future business activities, a senior stockbroker said.

‘Accordingly, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has entered a period of strong revival, supported by economic stabilization and rising investor confidence while significant market reforms would support the new policy framework on interest, Assistant Vice President Softlogic Stockbrokers, Eardly Kern, told The Island Financial Review.

He said that the imposition of maximum interest rates for stock market deposits would prevent the interest rates from moving upwards, thus paving the way for investors to invest in stocks with a lot of confidence.

Kern added: ‘The CSE outlook would provide expanding opportunities for investors as Sri Lanka positions itself for market-led investor platforms.

‘Improving macro fundamentals, such as lower interest rates, rising corporate earnings and historically attractive valuations, have been key catalysts in driving investment into the equities market.

‘These tailwinds, together with ongoing economic reforms, have helped re-establish confidence among both local and foreign investors.

‘Over the past two years, the number of CDS accounts has surpassed 949,000, with digital on-boarding through the CSE mobile app driving the latest surge.

‘Further, foreign inflows for 2024 amounted to USD 66.5 million, while Rs 175 billion was raised through capital market activity, including 16 new listings. With a target of 20 IPOs on the horizon, the CSE anticipates several new companies entering the market by early 2026.

‘The All Share Price Index (ASPI) delivered an impressive 49.7 percent return in 2024, ranking the CSE as the second-best performing market in Asia for the year. By November 2025, the index had risen a further 45.65 percent amounting to an extraordinary two-year return of approximately 95 percent.

‘The S&P SL20 Index recorded a parallel recovery, gaining 58.5 percent in 2024 and 31.84 percent so far in 2025.

‘ Despite the rally, the CSE continues to trade below its 10-year average PER and valuations remain significantly more attractive than in regional markets, such as, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China.

‘ Turnover has surged to Rs 1.06 trillion in 2025 (as of mid-November), nearly doubling the figure recorded in 2024. Market capitalization grew 34 percent n 2024, despite only around 40,000 active investors capturing most of the gains—highlighting the potential for broader participation.

‘ Corporate earnings have also strengthened markedly. After generating Rs 686 billion in earnings during 2024—a 50% year-on-year increase—listed entities are projected to deliver between Rs 775–800 billion in 2025. Earnings for the first half of 2025 have already grown 57 percent year-on-year.’

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Business

Dialog reinforces commitment to heritage through Kelaniya Duruthu Festival

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has reinforced its enduring commitment to preserving national culture by sponsoring the Kelaniya Duruthu Festival, aligning long standing patronage with purposeful community engagement to honour religious heritage, support cultural continuity, and strengthen shared values.

The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Festival, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious and cultural observances, was held on 8th, 9th and 11th January 2026, marking a congregation of thousands of devotees and visitors at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. As a long-term patron, Dialog continues to provide sponsorship support, enabling the seamless organisation of the festival while uplifting traditions deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural identity.

Through its continued support of the Kelaniya Duruthu Festival, Dialog underscores its role as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage for future generations. This commitment is further reflected in Dialog’s long-term patronage of national events such as the Kandy Esala Perahara, Nawam Maha Perahara at Gangaramaya, Katharagama Esala Perahara and Gatabaru Esala Perahara. Complementing these efforts, Dialog has also undertaken heritage preservation initiatives including the construction of the vestibule at Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanaya, the launch of a website and directory of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Temples, and the restoration of the Anuradhapura Maha Vihara Sannipatha Shalawa.

Business

Sri Lanka launches its first-ever Smart Bus Ticketing System

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Advancing public transport with digital bus ticketing — CBA, in partnership with SLTB and Nimbus Venture.

A National Breakthrough in Public Transport Digitalization Powered by Ceylon Business Appliances with Nimbus Ventures.

Sri Lanka has taken a historic step forward with the launch of its first Smart Bus Ticketing System, enabling passengers to pay fares using contactless cards, digital wallets, and QR payments. This advancement places the country among global leaders in smart mobility.

The initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, leading banking partners, and the technology leadership of Ceylon Business Appliances (CBA) and Nimbus Ventures, who serve as the Technology, Software, Hardware, and Operational Partners behind the nation’s first Open Loop Transit Payment System.

For decades, CBA has been at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation efforts—bringing modern, global-standard technologies that have strengthened the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Speaking to the media at the launch, Sardha Fernando, Managing Director of CBA, stated:

“This is not just a ticketing upgrade—it is a complete digital evolution of public transport in Sri Lanka. For years, CBA has been committed to introducing advanced technologies to the country, and today, we are proud to bring a globally recognized, secure, and seamless smart transit solution to our people. With every tap, we are enabling convenience, transparency, and a more connected future for all Sri Lankans.”

He added:

“This milestone reflects our ongoing mission: to help build a digitally empowered Sri Lanka that is ready to embrace the technologies shaping the world.”

‘Ruwath Fernando, CEO/Director of CBA, highlighted:

“This project demonstrates that Sri Lanka is ready to adopt and operate on par with global smart mobility technologies. Our commitment has always been to bring the world’s best software systems and innovations into Sri Lanka—solutions that are secure, scalable, and built to international standards.”

He continued:

“By introducing a state-of-the-art open-loop transit payment platform, we are proving that Sri Lanka can not only embrace but also successfully operate advanced digital ecosystems. This is a defining moment in positioning the country as a technology-proof nation prepared to trial and adopt global digital advancements.”

CBA extends heartfelt congratulations to the banking partners who trusted this vision—

Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, and DFCC Bank— on the successful launch of their new ticketing application.

This application integrates seamlessly with the PAX A910S ticketing device, powered by a robust CBA– Nimbus ventures software solution, engineered for scale, reliability, and national deployment..