Specialised training programme set to begin

The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) has launched a new initiative that could quietly reshape the country’s tourism industry – the National Tourist Interpreter Training Programme.

The idea, explained by SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, is simple but important. Sri Lanka does not need to rely only on bigger tourist numbers or louder promotion. It needs to help visitors understand the country better.

“This is where the concept of a tourist interpreter comes in”, he said.

“Unlike traditional tour guides, who mainly explain and show places, interpreters are trained to go deeper. They connect the story behind what visitors see; linking history, culture, environment and local life. In a country like Sri Lanka, where ancient heritage, rich biodiversity and living communities are closely connected, this approach can make a real difference,” Hettiarachchi explained.

The programme itself will run for three months and focus more on field visits and practical learning rather than classroom teaching. It is open to academics and professionals with knowledge in areas such as history, culture, environment and research. Those who complete the course will receive a National Tourist Interpreter Licence from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, along with a digital badge.

With a course fee of around Rs. 250,000, this is not meant for mass entry. The target is a smaller, more specialised group. These interpreters are expected to work with destination management companies, serving high-end travellers who are looking for meaningful and informed experiences, not just sightseeing.

Speaking further, the SLITHM chairman said: “Globally, this trend is already visible; visitors increasingly expect detailed explanations about nature, conservation and local communities in the destinations they visit. They want to know not just what they are seeing, but why it matters. Sri Lanka has the natural and cultural depth to offer this kind of experience. What has been missing is the structured way of delivering that knowledge. That is where this initiative fits in.”

According to SLITHM, there is also a wider benefit. Visitors who understand a place tend to respect it more. This can reduce damage to sensitive sites and support conservation efforts, creating a better balance between tourism and the environment.

In this context, a new group of trained interpreters could gradually change how Sri Lanka is presented to the outside world. Instead of quick impressions shaped by social media, these interpreters can offer informed, thoughtful accounts of the country, combining knowledge with storytelling.

For a destination long promoted mainly for its beaches and scenery, this shift towards deeper storytelling may be both timely and necessary.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

A quiet but persistent strain is being felt by Sri Lanka’s savers, particularly retirees and fixed-income households who depend on bank interest to meet daily expenses such as groceries, medicine and utility bills. As deposit rates remain subdued, this segment continues to absorb the impact of a changing monetary environment with little visibility, even as broader conditions begin to ease for borrowers.

The latest economic indicators show that this pressure on savers is unfolding alongside a gradual shift towards lower lending rates and improved liquidity in the banking system.

At the centre of the transition is the Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR), which declined to 9.63% in the week ending April 24, 2026, easing by 16 basis points from the previous week. This signals that borrowing costs are beginning to edge down, offering some relief to businesses and individuals reliant on credit.

In practical terms, housing loans, business overdrafts and working capital facilities could become marginally cheaper in the period ahead. However, as banks tend to adjust lending rates cautiously, the full benefit may take time to reach small businesses and ordinary consumers.

In contrast to the relief expected for borrowers, savers are likely to remain under pressure. Deposit rates have not shown a corresponding upward movement, meaning that interest income, a crucial lifeline for many households remains constrained in real terms, especially against the backdrop of rising living costs.

Monetary developments during the week also reflect a careful balancing act by policymakers. Reserve money declined, largely due to a reduction in currency in circulation, which stood at around Rs. 1.79 trillion by April 24. This suggests tighter control over physical cash in the system, possibly aimed at maintaining price stability and managing inflation expectations.

Yet, within the banking system itself, liquidity conditions have eased significantly. Total outstanding market liquidity rose sharply to a surplus of Rs. 199.17 billion, nearly doubling from the previous week. This increase indicates that banks have plenty of cash, which typically encourages lending and places downward pressure on interest rates.

For the public, the implications are mixed and unevenly distributed. Borrowers stand to gain gradually from lower interest rates, and businesses may find credit more accessible as liquidity improves. Consumers could also benefit from increased competition among banks to lend.

But for savers – a significant yet often overlooked segment – the story is different. With deposit returns remaining relatively low, their purchasing power continues to be tested, underscoring a growing divide in how monetary policy outcomes are experienced across society.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has expanded its ‘ComBank Shakthi’ Agency Banking network to 26 strategic locations nationwide, adding 22 new outlets to the four pilot sites launched earlier.

The initiative partners with trusted local businesses or individuals who act as bank intermediaries, equipped with specialised POS devices running proprietary software for secure, real-time transactions. Customers can perform cash deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, balance inquiries, and bill payments closer to home—reducing travel time and cost.

The expansion strengthens financial inclusion for underserved and unbanked communities, particularly in rural areas, and integrates closely with the Bank’s Agriculture and Micro Finance Units (AMFU), leveraging existing community trust. Agency outlets now complement Commercial Bank’s 272 traditional branches, bringing total physical access points to 298.

New locations include Katupotha, Oddusudan, Baduraliya, Vankalai, Akkaraipattu, and Lahugala, among others. The four pilot outlets remain at Tissamaharama, Hambantota, Siyambalanduwa, and Buttala.