Business

Sri Lanka’s future is decidedly female: banking on empowered women for economic rejuvenation

Published

4 years ago

2022/03/8

By Hatton National Bank Chairperson Aruni Goonetilleke

One of the most famous women in history once said: “Within crisis, are the seeds of opportunity”. The source of such a powerful truism? Marilyn Monroe, a woman who clearly possessed great wisdom, but is unfortunately remembered for her physical beauty than her intellectual and emotional strength.

While it may be hard to focus on growth during times of turbulence, those that are able to find those seeds of opportunity ultimately receive disproportionate benefits. Today Sri Lanka is in the middle of just such a moment. There is of course unanimous consensus that our nation needs to urgently identify and utilize every available opportunity to help revive and rejuvenate our economy. But the devil is in the details.

Therefore, in weighing our options, we should consider a few essential details. First, we must acknowledge that is a compelling reason why women’s empowerment is often raised in tandem with economic development. Globally, countries are estimated to lose US$160 trillion in wealth because of differences in lifetime earnings between women and men. This amounts to an average of US $23,620 for each person in the 141 countries studied by the World Bank.

Secondly, despite Sri Lanka’s rich history of female leadership at the top and outstanding female education rates – including near parity between men and women in higher education, Sri Lanka’s female labour force participation (FLFP) rate has been persistently entrenched at a dismal 32%; the same as it was a decade ago, and falling among the lowest in South Asia.

Most importantly, research has shown that Sri Lanka can increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by as much as US$ 20 billion each year up to 2025, simply by advancing the cause of gender equality1. The question we must collectively ask ourselves this year is simple; can we afford to neglect this potential any longer?

Our hope this International Women’s Day is that in responding to Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges, we also take the time to reflect on the significant contribution that women have made to the development of our nation and reach a firm consensus on the extensive measures we need to take to empower many more Sri Lankan women to reach their full potential.

Clearing a path to progress

Many of the obstacles faced by Sri Lankan women today are the product of generations of regressive attitudes and ideologies that have become entrenched to the point where today, they have created systemic failures. While these issues are certainly not unique to Sri Lanka, the solutions we create to address these issues will have to be.

One area that has the potential to have the highest impact is encouraging and supporting more women to become entrepreneurs. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s directive to the domestic banking sector to allocate 5% of its loan portfolio specifically for women-led enterprises was certainly a positive step in the right direction. The onus is now on our industry to carry forward this initiative with greater enthusiasm.

So far, approximately 3% of our total SME portfolio comprising 126,216 clients in total, has been channeled towards women-led enterprises. This means that in total, we have supported over 3,000 women-led SMEs to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and gain an unprecedented level of control over their own finances. These businesses span diverse areas including everything home gardening, agriculture, food, fashion, packaging, and stationery.

In 2022, we aim to expand our SME lending by 20% Year-on-Year (YoY). In the process, we hope to further expand access to finance and opportunity for more women entrepreneurs. Capacity building will be another essential focus area, with a total of 40 structured capacity building programs already arranged over the course of the year, across the island.

HNB is also partnered with USAID for selected short-term SME development programs. Similarly, we partnered with ITC and the Sri Lankan Export Development Board to provide focused capacity building and financial literacy training to 100 women to support their aspirations to compete in international markets.

We are also partnering CIMA Sri Lanka to train and mentor women entrepreneurs, to help them unlock disproportionate growth potential in the SME space and leverage that growth to create more employment opportunities for women.

Over the year, HNB hopes to drive greater awareness and focus on these programs to ensure that funds and training are channeled to where they are most needed. However, while Sri Lankan women, on average, are better educated than their South Asian counterparts, they are less likely to use that education to secure economic advantages. Part of the problem is that our education system itself requires reform so that our next generation is better prepared with the hard and soft skills necessary to enter the workforce.

Similarly, we need to focus on expanding technical and vocational training to more women while simultaneously dispelling myths and biases against women taking up some jobs and not others.

Moving forward, Sri Lankans must join in creating a nurturing environment that is conducive for women entrepreneurs and address the specific pain-points that are most responsible for keeping women out of the workforce. These include practical investments in systems to ensure safe childcare, and transport.

Legal reforms are an important component, such as the domestic ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190, which enshrines the right of everyone to a world of work, free from violence and harassment. However legal reform will only take us so far.

True progress requires that we also address the cultural dysfunction at the root of all gender-based discrimination. Because ultimately, change must start with each of us. In our homes, our schools, and our communities. Given that the stakes for economic development have never been higher, we must make sure that we get this right, to build a better, more equitable future that serves all Sri Lankans, regardless of their gender.

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Business

Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum strengthens economic ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Published

18 hours ago

2026/05/9

Priyan

Marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, the Sri Lanka– Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum was successfully held on Friday (08) at the Hilton Colombo.

The Forum, jointly organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, was held in parallel with the State Visit of President Tô Lâm of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The event was attended by President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Forum underscored the importance of the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries and reflected the shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation.

The primary objective of the Forum was to further strengthen bilateral economic ties by focusing on key priorities including the expansion of trade, promotion of investment and enhancement of tourism cooperation. The event also provided an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration, strengthen business-to-business engagement and facilitate greater market access by bringing together senior government officials, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from both countries on a common platform.

During the Forum, direct air connectivity between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City was officially launched. The new services, operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, are expected to further strengthen relations between the two nations and their people.

Six Memoranda of Understanding covering key areas of cooperation were also signed during the Forum. In addition, a notable development was the establishment of the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Alongside the Forum, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board organised a business networking session, providing Sri Lankan and Vietnamese entrepreneurs with the opportunity to engage directly with one another. The event received strong participation from the private sectors of both countries, with businesses expressing keen interest in expanding trade and establishing resilient supply chains.

Representing Sri Lanka at the event were Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Environment , Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development ,Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, K.A.Vimalenthirarajah, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe along with several other dignitaries and officials.

Representing Vietnam were Politburo Member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Organisation Commission , Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo Member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Commission for Policies and Strategies , Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Politburo Member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Phan Van Giang, Politburo Member and Minister of Public Security, Luong Tam Quang and Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung, among others.

(PMD)

Business

SL to launch first Dedicated Sustainable Tourism Association in South Asia

Published

20 hours ago

2026/05/9

Thilina Walpola

Tourism personnel at the press briefing

‘Sri Lanka embarks on a journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous tourism industry.’

The Executive Committee of the Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka (SusTour) announced the above at its final meeting held on May 6, at Connaisance head office, Colombo. The committee finalised all preparations for the official launch in August of the first private sector led, non-governmental Sustainable Tourism Association in South Asia, as most tourism associations in Asia operate as dedicated Eco Tourism entities while this is probably the first in Asia.

This momentous event will be officiated by Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, who has agreed to inaugurate the Association in conjunction with a media launch.

Prof. Ranasinghe is not only a qualified academic specializing in sustainable tourism but also a passionate advocate for the development of sustainable tourism practices in Sri Lanka. His involvement is pivotal, as he has expressed his commitment to provide unwavering support to the Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka.

In addition to Prof. Ranasinghe’s support, Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman, SLTDA and Dheera Hettiarchchi, chairman, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, have also pledged their cooperation in the implementation of sustainable tourism initiatives through their respective state organisations. Their combined expertise and resources are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in Sri Lanka, ensuring that it aligns with sustainable development goals.

This inauguration marks a significant step towards fostering a sustainable tourism framework in Sri Lanka, one that prioritizes environmental preservation, cultural heritage and economic viability. The Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka is poised to lead the charge in promoting responsible tourism practices, ensuring that the industry flourishes while respecting the rich natural and cultural resources of the island.

Speaking at an exclusive press interview the Tourism Deputy Minister noted; “I am thrilled to see the private sector actively participating in the promotion of sustainable development, particularly within the tourism industry. This partnership is not just beneficial but essential, as it represents a viable mission that requires the joint engagement of both government and private entities. By working together, we can ensure that our tourism practices not only enhance economic growth but also preserve our natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations. It is through this collaborative approach that we can create lasting change and fulfill our commitment to sustainability.”

Adding to this collaborative effort, Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth said Australia would continue its long-term support for sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka. Australia has contributed more than 50 million Australian dollars over the past decade to sustainable tourism initiatives in Sri Lanka, including to support more sustainable planning, accreditation and skills development for this crucial sector. The High Commissioner confirmed that this support would continue into the future and highlighted Australia’s partnership with the Market Development Facility (MDF), which had recently launched a new initiative using data analytics to help Sri Lankan policy makers better understand how travelers discover and engage with destinations.

“Our vision is to create a platform where all stakeholders including product manufacturers can collaborate and share best practices in sustainable tourism, said Chandra Wickramasinghe, elected founder president of the Association. “We aim to ensure that tourism in Sri Lanka not only provides economic benefits but also contributes positively to the environment and local communities, he added.

The founders of STASL-SusTour believe that sustainable tourism is the ‘Future of World Tourism’ and is crucial for the long-term viability of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy. By fostering responsible travel practices, the association seeks to educate stakeholders, including tourists and businesses along with manufacturers about the importance of sustainability.

‘ The association plans to launch various initiatives, including workshops, awareness campaigns and partnerships with local and international organizations focused on sustainable tourism, said Nalin Malwenna, newly elected secretary. Through these efforts, SusTour hopes to position Sri Lanka as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers looking for authentic and responsible travel experiences.

“The establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka arrives at a pivotal moment, signaling a commitment to a more sustainable future in the nation’s tourism landscape, said elected treasurer Dr. Samantha Pathirathne.

By Claude Gunasekera

Business

Siyapatha Finance unveils 62nd branch in dynamic Horana City

Published

20 hours ago

2026/05/9

Thilina Walpola

Premier finance company Siyapatha Finance PLC recently unveiled its newest branch in Horana, successfully expanding its islandwide branch network to 62 branches. Located in one of the fastest-emerging economic hotspots in the Kalutara District, the Horana branch offers Siyapatha Finance’s wide range of holistic financial services including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans,fast draft, factoring, and Smart Pay – the Company’s bill payment facility.

The branch was declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Directors- Jayanath Gunawardena and Ms. Sriyani Ranathunga , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana in the presence of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Rajeev De Silva, Ms. Dinuli Gihansi Perera -student of Govinna Maha Vidyalaya , Horana who has been selected to represent Sri Lanka for Asian Boxing Championship 2026 , Senior Management, staff members as well as Police HQI Ranga Perera , Grama Niladhari Mr. Chaminda Kumara, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “Horana is a region that has captured massive interest nationally in terms of commercial and social development in recent years. Expanding our branch network to this area gives us a significant opportunity to broaden our reach and serve a larger, diverse ;;customer base’’.