Business
JAAF re-appoints Chairman Sharad Amalean & Executive Committee at 19th AGM
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the apex body that guides Sri Lanka apparel towards its ultimate goal of being the world’s number one apparel sourcing destination, held its 19th Annual General Meeting recently, re-appointing industry veteran Sharad Amalean as Chairman. It also unanimously re-elected its Executive Committee including Saifudeen Jafferjee and Felix Fernando as Deputy Chairmen.
Delivering the Chairman’s address, Amalean highlighted that JAAF identifies the importance of bringing in a new generation of young leaders with motivated youthful energy to drive the apparel industry beyond 2025. He stressed that while the past year has not been easy, the credibility JAAF has sustained over the years has undeniably aided the industry to work closely with the Government, relevant authorities and regulatory bodies. This has been a key driver in the ease of doing business in an unprecedented socio-economic fabric, a competitive edge in a challenging business climate.
“2022 was a defining moment for Sri Lanka. The textile and apparel sector should be proud that we prevailed and achieved a turnover of LKR 5.5 billion at the end of last year. I thank our stakeholders, team members and associates working in manufacturing plants all over the country for this achievement,” stated Amalean. He concluded his address with the reminder to adopt a positive outlook for 2023 as the IMF assistance is on the horizon.
Past Chairman of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) Aroon Hirdaramani stressed that 2023 will be a challenging year with inventory pile-ups and an increase in costs and input prices. “Luxury brands will go on to do better than others, with the US being in a superior position globally,” he noted in his address.
Highlighting vital policy priorities crucial for the industry to optimise potential in 2023 and beyond, Secretary General of JAAF Yohan Lawrence pointed out that 2022 has been an year of mixed fortunes for apparel exports, starting off with a promise but seeing declining growth in the last months of 2022. “The global recession, overstocking of retail goods in warehouses and the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on global supply chains took its toll. While Sri Lanka ended 2022 with exports worth USD 5.5 billion which is nearly a 10% increase from previous years, a closer look at the data reveals a worrying trend.”
He quantified Bangladesh’s USD 45 billion export industry growing by a massive 28% as against Sri Lanka’s YoY of 10%. “This growth in Bangladesh indicates that competitor nations are gaining market share from Sri Lanka. We comprise only 1 to 2% of global trade and this will reduce if the government fails to take immediate action.” He noted that with Bangladesh classified as a Least Developed Country, it has unrestricted access to the EU and the UK, while Sri Lanka’s GSP+ and DCTS programme dictate rules of origin, allowing only 50% of exports qualifying for duty free access to those countries.
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
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”.
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.
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
Showers in the Western, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
22A, Judicature Amendment Bills passed with 2/3 majority
TIN mandatory for key transactions from Nov. 1
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