Business

‘Be Sri Lankan, Buy Sri Lanka’, indicator of ‘product excellence’

Published

5 years ago

2021/11/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

Institute of Packaging committee

By Steve A. Morrell

‘Be Sri Lankan, Buy Sri Lanka’, was not only a marketing blurb but carried with it integrity of product excellence and added prestige to local products, newly-elected president of the Institute of Packaging Rohan Wijesinghe said. He was elected 46th president of the Institute recently.

Past president Anuradha Jayasinghe introducing the in-coming president said the fact that the mantle of office is moving to another year of progress for innovation and a new focus on priorities meant that the Institute of Packaging was in consonance with the changing times. The exigencies and challenges in the context of the unavoidable incidence of the on-going pandemic posed new priorities to be addressed. Taking office in these times of extraordinary significance was important for the year ahead and it was with confidence that Rohan Wijesinghe was elected to the high office of president.

Jayasinghe added: ‘Rohan Wijesinghe’s background resume was that he is not new to leadership, having proved himself a professional both locally and internationally.

‘He represented Sri Lanka at the World Packaging Congresses in Japan and many other countries, including Germany, China, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Malaysia, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Dubai and Tasmania.

‘Mr. Wijesinghe successfully held the office of chairman, Twins Packaging Pvt. Ltd, Premium Packaging Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and other organizations who lauded his progress as outstanding contributions instrumental in their progress.

Rohan Wijesinghe accepting office said he was perhaps the first Catholic to be conferred the titles, Deshamanya, Desha Shakthi and Lanka Puthra.

Accepting the office of president, he paid tribute to the leadership of the Institute of Packaging which withstood the vicissitudes of time and through the 46 years or so of its existence continued to ensure the excellence of the essentialities of packaging to maintain high standards so essential for product marketing and presentation.

Wijesinghe said: ‘The packaging industry is now a crucial component for product marketing and effective shelf presentation. Its attractive features that are usually seen on product shelves are of distinct assistance to ensure product distinction and sustainability that contribute to value addition of such products. ‘Be Sri Lankan buy Sri Lanka’ was not only a marketing blurb but carried with it integrity of product excellence and adds to the prestige of each local product.

‘Demand for excellence was now a sophisticated necessity and the Institute of Packaging and its professional exactitude was necessary for product marketing and consequent public appeal.’

Rohan Wijesinghe’s Alma Mater is St. Anthony’s College, Kandy. He excelled in academic activity and was a true all-rounder. He represented the college in athletics and rugger and is a triple coloursman, having played basketball and tennis as well. He was also captain of the table tennis team.

Wijesinghe said out-going president Anuradha Jayasinghe, past president Rohan Victoria, Secretary – Social, Tania Francis, treasurer Sunil Costa and others who held office, continued to be actively involved with the packaging industry. Their expertise was etched in the progress of the Institute and ensured its continuous positive development.

His tributes to the past committee and outstanding personnel included Michael Perera, recipient of the life-time achievement award.

Michael Perera said packaging was now essential to minimize waste. He said it was now time that re-cycling was part of the packaging industry, in that it had to be addressed as a matter of urgency, because of waste plastics that was now the bane of goods and services. As much as packaging was important, the conversion of waste and its recycling was urgent and cannot be ignored. Particularly because waste from other countries too was carried to our shores, which was a growing problem.

Outgoing president Anuradha Jayasinghe expressed his appreciation to his committee and assured the Institute of his continuous interest in its activities.

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Business

SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

Published

22 hours ago

2026/09/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

Business

Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

Published

22 hours ago

2026/09/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

Business

American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

Published

22 hours ago

2026/09/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.