Business
Need for manufacturer-authorized brand new EVs stressed
A key factor that needs to be borne in mind when introducing electric vehicles (EV) to Sri Lanka is the need to allow only manufacturer authorized brand-new vehicles of this kind into the country, it was revealed at a recent forum organized by the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) and the Association of International Marketing Graduates in Sri Lanka (AIMG). The event which was titled ‘Road to Electrification’ was held at the Jetwing Colombo.
A press release said: ‘The joint forum was participated in by over 100 automotive industry experts, marketers, corporate leaders, executives, and professionals and was aimed at initiating productive discussion within the community and imparting knowledge on the introduction of EV to the Sri Lankan market and its impact on the economy of Sri Lanka.
‘The speakers at the event included Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, founder of VEGA, the first electric super car made in Sri Lanka; Dr. Niles Perera, logistics specialist from the University of Moratuwa; Ms. Maricor Muzones, regional program development lead for GGGI; and Lalith De Alwis, additional secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Highways. Yasendra Amerasinghe, immediate past Chairman of CMTA and CEO of Carmart (Pvt) Ltd, served as the moderator.
‘A vibrant and thought-provoking panel discussion took place, with the speakers sharing their knowledge of technical expertise, environmental protection, and regulatory policy development requirements to embrace the EV age. While both the pros & cons of the EV rollout was well highlighted, one key factor which was established was the need to strongly regulate the EV eco-system and for the need to allow only manufacturer authorized brand-new electric vehicles to the country.
‘In his introduction, Dr. Subasinghe stated that “the future for electrically powered vehicles is very bright” and delved into the benefits and issues of EVs that we need to overcome. He further stressed the importance of charging networks and the exportation of charges to other countries, and he shared his wealth of experience on batteries, controllers, etc. Speaking in terms of electricity generation, Dr. Subasinghe delved into SMR (small modular reactor) systems and the possibility of Sri Lanka adapting them.
‘Ms. Maricor Muzones spoke on GGGI, which is a treaty-based organization operating to get the principle of green growth in Sri Lanka. In her opinion, “Sri Lanka has put in many development policies, out of which the transport policy is now being reviewed for strengthening.” Although the mandate is available, how it should be operationalized is the question. “GGGI is looking at supporting the government and there should be an operational plan’. GGGI’s role is to support the government of Sri Lanka; however, Muzones believes the involvement of the private sector is vital.
‘De Alwis, as a Sri Lanka Government representative, stated, “Transport is the key factor to the economy, and there are guidelines being prepared for EV vehicles with the support of the UNDP.” De Alwis also spoke on the financial issues and the national transport action plan that is being prepared, including e-mobility, technology, environmental protection, infrastructure, etc. Concluding, De Alwis spoke on the policy changes needed and highlighted the important factors relating to the awareness of EV.’ He also stated that by 2030, there will be an action plan in place to develop renewable energy sources up to 70%, and he asked for private sector participation in this effort.
‘Dr. Niles stated that in transportation there is a lot of movement toward sustainable transportation, mentioning that EV is the fastest developing technology. The aim should be to move faster with better sustainable resources, and in order to do that, it is important to look at the supply chains for electric vehicles, such as mining and so on. He also stated that “there should be a plan to train people, provide charging stations, and build other infrastructure to support electric mobility.” Converting the existing fleet to electric vehicles is not feasible. For the transition, a new fleet of electric vehicles should be brought in, and in terms of energy, his point was to ensure Sri Lanka’s energy security while putting the required regulations and infra-structure in place.
‘The event concluded with a question-and-answer session. The corporate partners of CMTA and AIMG are SLIC, HNB Leasing, SLT-Mobitel, Sampath Bank & Emerging Media.’
As part of World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined stock exchanges around the world in ringing the market opening bell for financial literacy on 5 October 2026, under the patronage of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
World Investor Week is an annual global campaign led by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness of the importance of investor education and investor protection. The “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” initiative, pioneered by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), brings together stock exchanges and other stakeholders worldwide to promote greater financial literacy and encourage individuals to make informed financial decisions.
The ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the CSE and the joint launch by the SEC and the CSE of the Stock Market Game, an online stock market simulation based on the ATrad trading system.
The Stock Market Game enables participants to gain practical experience of how the stock market works, make investment decisions and construct portfolios of listed shares without using real money. The platform is accessible through the websites of the SEC and CSE and is expected to serve as an important practical tool for promoting financial education. It is envisaged that the Stock Market Game will also be used to conduct simulation competitions among universities and the 100 Capital Market Clubs established in schools across the country.
The ceremony also featured the commemorative issuance of a stamp and First Day Cover to mark the 40th anniversary of the CSE. Issued in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka, the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, by the SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and Ray Abeywardena, Director CSE and Chairman of Central Depository Systems (CDS).
Welcoming the gathering, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE, highlighted the importance of obtaining reliable information when making investment decisions.
“We operate in a digital world where a vast amount of information and data is disseminated through social media. While some of this information is factual, some may be inaccurate or misleading. When investing in the stock market, it is essential to make informed and prudent investment decisions. Therefore, investors should obtain information and data from reliable and responsible sources and persons before making investment decisions.”
Addressing the gathering, SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara emphasised that the SEC’s role extends beyond regulation to facilitating the further development of the capital market.
“The SEC needs to determine how best to introduce the stock market to Generation Alpha, Generation Beta and generations beyond. When it comes to investors, we need to build confidence in the market, because people will invest only when they have confidence in the market.’’
Business
Rs. 5 million worth of prizes to be given at 8th edition of CSE Masterminds Quiz Competition
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced that the eighth edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz will be held on 9th October 2026, from 3.00 p.m. onwards, at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.
Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, CSE Masterminds brings together teams from the public and private sectors. Participants will be tested across international business, global markets, current affairs, the Sri Lankan economy and business, the Sri Lankan stock market, and sports and entertainment, before a concluding rapid-fire round.
This year the winning team can win up to Rs. 2,000,000, the runners-up up to Rs. 1,000,000, and the second runners-up Rs. 750,000. Sector awards will also be presented to the highest-performing team from each participating sector. Guest participants will also be able to compete in rounds of Audience questions, and will have the opportunity to participate a raffle draw for three free return tickets provided by Fits Aviation (Pvt) Ltd.
The evening will also include an exclusive after-party with live music provided by the band ‘Doctor’ featuring guest performer Umara Sinhawansa, fine food and beverages, providing an opportunity for networking and celebration. Every participant will receive a premium goodie bag made possible by the support of the event’s sponsorship partners. Collectively, the event will feature over Rs. 5 million worth of prizes, rewards, and giveaways, encompassing championship prizes, sector awards, audience engagement prizes, raffle draw offerings, and goodie bags.
Sponsorship partners include:
Platinum Sponsors: Hatton National Bank PLC and Bartleet Religare Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.
Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Asha Securities Ltd., and Lanka Securities (Pvt) Ltd.
Silver Sponsors: Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Capital Trust Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., LOLC Holdings PLC, Arpico Ataraxia Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., IronOne Technologies (Pvt) Ltd., and LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd.
Co-Sponsors: Access Engineering PLC, Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, CryptoGen (Pvt) Ltd., Deloitte Lanka (Private) Limited, Dialog Finance PLC, Efutures (Pvt) Ltd., People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, Senfin Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., and Softlogic Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.
Business
NCCSL to conduct practical workshop on food labelling and advertising regulations in Sri Lanka
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is organizing a one-day practical workshop on “Food Labelling & Advertising Regulations in Sri Lanka” on Thursday, 8th October 2026 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the National Chamber of Commerce, Colombo 10. The workshop has been organised to provide a practical understanding of the latest regulatory requirements governing the food products labelling and advertising of food products in Sri Lanka, with particular attention to regulatory developments applicable in 2026, compliance requirements, and the potential legal and financial implications of non-compliance.
As food products increasingly compete not only with quality and price but also on packaging, labelling and promotional claims, businesses must ensure the information they communicate to consumers is accurate, transparent and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. Understanding these requirements is therefore essential for businesses seeking to protect their brands, maintain consumer confidence, and minimize regulatory and legal risks.
The practical workshop will go beyond an overview of regulations and focus on how businesses can apply regulatory requirements in their day-to-day operations. Participants will be guided through key areas of food regulatory compliance, including the national food regulatory framework, recent food labelling regulations and key changes, mandatory approvals and prohibitions relating to food labelling, and the litigation process associated with regulatory violations. The programme will also cover several areas of growing importance to the food industry, including the EU EMPCO Directive, food colour coding regulations, regulations relating to food trans-fatty acids and the importance of compliance in the use of food additives. Practical exercises will further enable participants to apply their knowledge to real-world compliance situations and strengthen their ability to identify potential regulatory concerns.
For further information and registration, please contact the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on 011 4741788 – Nethmi or Udula – 071 403 4775.
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