Business

Red Cross raising funds to aid vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka

Published

4 years ago

2022/10/17

Thilina Walpola

= 96% of more than 2,900 households surveyed have been affected by the current crisis in some way

=Launches urgent call for humanitarian financing until core economic issues are addressed by government

= Says humanitarian assistance for a certain period of time can mitigate risks of negative coping mechanisms

=Effort not seen easy as donors prioritize among other crises in the world

By Sanath Nanayakkare

A survey report produced by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provides first-hand evidence of how the most vulnerable people, who are already under the poverty line, are being driven further towards despair.The report gravely warns that without immediate humanitarian interventions, the impact on communities is likely to be long-lasting and cumulative.To meet the country’s spiralling needs, the IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal for urgent humanitarian assistance for 28 million Swiss francs in support of Sri Lanka Red Cross. The Island learned that 15% of the target amount of donations has already been received from donors in the U.K., Canada, Japan and a number of other nations that are empathetic towards Sri Lanka.

The needs assessment conducted by Red Cross in 11 of the country’s 25 districts has found that 96% of more than 2,900 households surveyed have been affected by the current crisis in some way—with food insecurity, health, livelihoods, and nutrition among the top concerns. Deteriorating physical safety and security, as well as violence against women and children stood out in the report.It uncovered worryingly high problem of access to food, either because of high cost, income stress or lack of availability. Runaway inflation and loss of livelihoods have doubly impacted people’s ability to cope with the record cost of living. Income loss is causing significant food insecurity, while inflation is driving up the cost of medicine and fuel costs are preventing access to essential healthcare.

Alexander Matheou, Regional Director, Asia Pacific of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who was on a visit to Colombo to meet with affected communities, government authorities and the diplomatic community said:

“The deepening economic crisis is forcing people to make heartbreaking choices between going hungry, buying life-saving medicine, or finding the money to send children to school. Our survey is not exhausted, so we cannot say it’s a final statement, but it indicated that vulnerability is being experienced evenly across the country and some groups are more affected than others.”

“I think that a survey like this one is going to help because it’s evidence-based. Our argument is widely accepted that in an economic crisis like this vulnerable communities’ income is affected, and so, the coping mechanisms tend to be negative. They sell their assets. Children may drop out of school, girls may get married early; these are all negative coping mechanisms from which it is very difficult to recover. Our argument is that humanitarian assistance for a certain period of time can mitigate the risks of some of those negative coping mechanisms. This is not a permanent solution. So we are always in favour of development financing, World Bank loans, ADB loans, debt restructuring and assurances from bilateral partners because ultimately the solution has to be found out at governmental level. We hope that friends of Sri Lanka will recognise that humanitarian support should be part of how they are trying to work with this country throughout this crisis; not the core issues, but the humanitarian aspects of it. We hope we will be successful in persuading donors. I understand that donors will have to prioritize among other crises in the world. So I don’t think it will be easy. But I think the argument is strong and this survey will help us make this argument in a more compelling way.”

“Hopefully this economic crisis won’t last forever. So we think if we can intervene for a year two for the most vulnerable people and can mitigate the risks of those negative coping mechanisms being adopted, that will be a good intervention.”

“The ideal intervention will be with cash distribution because cash allows people to make those choices. Should I eat? Should I take medicine? Do I fix my roof? What is posing the greatest pain and risk in my life? Sometimes you have to provide nutritional support for pregnant mothers and breast-feeding mothers. That will be one of the interventions we make. We may look at an agreement with the government for school feeding programmes which is a very good way to keep children in school. If any ongoing school feeding programme is stopped, that’s another area we can intervene. We are also very keen to find ways to have feedback mechanisms and raise awareness on the risks of sexual and gender-based violence because the prevalence of these goes up when poverty increases. We are keeping an eye on that as well. Anything we can do to mitigate that we shall try.

“Humanitarian action is particularly important which is by nature neutral and impartial. Humanitarian financing can alleviate suffering of vulnerable people in a non-political way and when that financing is released, it will not be politicised.”

“Our main priorities remain meeting humanitarian needs at its worst. Unless this is done effectively and quickly, people who are struggling now will find themselves on a demeaning pathway to destitution from which there is no escape. The time to act is now.” Swiss franc to US dollar exchange rate: 1.001 USD equals 1 Swiss franc.

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

17 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

17 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

17 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.