Business
Assetline Leasing to uplift Northern economy and people

Assetline Leasing Company Limited (ALCL) recently introduced several projects as part of its efforts to further develop its operations in the Northern Province. The financial services arm of the David Pieris Group of Companies, Assetline, has built its brand and reputation as providing funding, and financial assistance to the less affluent economic classes, entrepreneurs as well as small and medium enterprises. It is their anticipation that rollout of the initiatives under these projects in the Jaffna District which will benefit the entire Northern Province will contribute to uplifting the livelihood of the people and contribute to revitalize the economy in the Northern Province.
With this agenda and leveraging on Group synergies C. K. Motors, Chunnakam, Jaffna, a longstanding dealer of David Peiris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd was brought on board as a Business and Cash Collection Centre representing ALCL. In addition to the ALCL Branch, the Company’s Leasing customers can now pay their lease rentals here. For C. K. Motors now in an addition to offering “DPMC Certified Three-Wheelers” their scope of business has expanded with the partnership with ALCL and the financial support provided.
“Jaffna Vehicle Spot”, a popular business entity in Kokuvil was also appointed as a business introducer with the aim of adding convenience to customers looking for financial assistance. Currently discussions are under way for “Jaffna Vehicle Spot” to partner the Group’s registered vehicle sales operation “Riyasakwala” which would mean both vehicles and tailor-made leasing solutions at attractive interest rates will be available at the same place.
Concurrently, as part of their commitment to the local community, a seminar was sponsored and facilitated for the traffic police officers under the guidance of Jaffna DIG Priyantha Liyanage, Jaffna HQI, Chief Inspector Chamly Palihena and other officials. The resource persons for this seminar were facilitated by the Police Headquarters, Colombo. More than 100 traffic police officers attached to 16 police stations in Jaffna Division participated in this workshop, the objective of which was to enhance road safety and traffic management in Jaffna.
Commenting on these recent initiatives, Mahesh de Silva, Chief Operating Officer, Assetline Leasing, said; “As a responsible financial institution, we are carrying out these projects aligned to Northern Province Development Plan of the Government and Road Map outlined by the Hon Governor Mr. Jeevan Thiagarajah, creating a win-win for both the Company and the people in the region.”
Launched in 2003, Assetline Leasing is one of the largest specialized leasing companies in the country and has a significant presence in the leasing market. Assetline has 54 branches covering all major regions of the island and offers a wide range of innovative solutions to suit the needs of a diverse customer base.
Business
SIA warns of 1,000 SME collapses, urges fair policies to protect Sri Lanka’s rooftop solar sector

By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Solar Industries Association (SIA), representing over 1,000 companies and employing 40,000 workers in Sri Lanka’s rooftop solar sector, issued a stern warning recently regarding threats to the industry’s survival and the nation’s renewable energy ambitions. The association condemned recent regulatory instability and called for urgent policy reforms to avert economic and social crises.
The SIA categorically rejected the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) claim that rooftop solar installations caused the recent island-wide power outage, calling the accusation “baseless and misleading.”
“Public trust is eroded when accountability is misdirected,” the SIA stated. “We demand an independent, transparent investigation led by experts appointed by the Ministry or the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL). The CEB’s unilateral statements disregard the sector’s contributions and jeopardize Sri Lanka’s renewable energy transition,” they said.
“While acknowledging the formation of a tariff determination committee, the SIA criticized its narrow focus on financial parameters, ignoring the sector’s socioeconomic value. Rooftop solar empowers businesses and households with energy independence, reduces grid strain, and supports climate goals. However, proposed volatile tariff structures risk destabilizing over 100,000 installations—primarily owned by middle-class families—and deter future investment,” they noted.
“A rigid, equation-based tariff system is unsustainable,” the association warned. “Sri Lanka needs a stable policy framework to attract long-term investments. For instance, retirees could invest EPF savings into solar projects, securing income while advancing national energy targets. Without urgent action, 1,000 SMEs and 40,000 jobs face collapse, with dire consequences for employment, energy security, and economic stability,” they pointed out.
SIA urged policymakers to establish an independent committee to investigate the power outage fairly, expand the tariff committee’s mandate to include socioeconomic and environmental benefits and implement predictable policies to safeguard SMEs, households, and investor confidence.
“Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads,” the SIA emphasized. “Protecting rooftop solar isn’t just about energy—it’s about livelihoods, economic resilience, and a sustainable future. We urge stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that prioritize both people and progress,: they emphasized.
Business
SLT-MOBITEL partners with the Rush Lanka Group to power its apartment portfolio

SLT-MOBITEL has entered into a strategic partnership with Rush Lanka Group to provide exclusive SLT-MOBITEL Fibre connectivity solutions to their portfolio of luxury apartment developments in Colombo and the suburbs, enhancing the digital experience of all residents.
The agreement was signed between Imantha Wijekoon, Chief Business Officer of Consumer Business at SLT, and Zaid Ariff, Director of Construction at the Rush Group headquarters. Representatives from both companies also attended the ceremony.
Under the partnership, SLT-MOBITEL will serve as the exclusive digital service provider for five prestigious Rush Lanka developments including Street Rush Residencies and Rush Court 4 in Mt. Lavinia, Rush Tower 2, Rush Metropolis in Dehiwala, and Rush Court 5 in Colombo 14. The collaboration ensures residents will enjoy superior fibre connectivity speeds, enabling seamless digital experiences in modern smart homes. The partnership with the Rush Lanka Group aligns with SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to offer ultra-fast, reliable connectivity solutions to residential developments. Delivering exclusive fibre connectivity to luxury apartments, SLT-MOBITEL ensures residents have access to world-class digital services that complement the living experience promised by Rush Lanka Group.
Powered by advanced fibre technology, SLT-MOBITEL network will provide the residences with seamless performance across digital activities. The SLT-MOBITEL Fibre backbone ensures lag-free experiences whether tenants are gaming online, attending virtual classes, working remotely, or streaming high-definition entertainment. SLT-MOBITEL Fibre will transform the lifestyles of all apartment users bringing greater convenience and superior quality of life.
Rush Lanka Group, established in 1992, is a property developer specializing in luxury and semi-luxury apartments.
Business
Sri Lanka makes outstanding appearance at OTM and SATTE 2025 in India

Starting its promotional work for 2025, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) added another feather into its cap of endorsements, by being recognized as the most innovative Tourism Board promotion in Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) . In parallel to that, several other sub events were held. The OTM was held in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai—India, from 30th January to 01st February 2025.Before OTM, the Global Village – Global Exchange & Trade Exhibition was held at the Surat International Exhibition & Convention Centre , Sarsana, Surat (Gujarat – India , from 25th to 27th January 2025. This travel fair was organized by Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).
Sri Lanka participated in both OTM and South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), held from 19th – 21st Feb 2025, in New Delhi, India . This was an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to promote it’s potential as a unique travel destination, especially for the Indian counterparts, as SLTPB has identified India as the number one source market for Sri Lanka, tourism bringing the largest number of tourist arrivals to the destination.
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