Business
BCIS Festival of Ideas: Commemorating 50 Years of International Studies
By Priyanthi Fernando, Executive Director/BCIS
In celebration of its golden jubilee, the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) launches the Festival of Ideas, a collaborative initiative that promises to reshape conversations on international relations. Beginning Friday, November 1st, 2024, this thought-provoking programme unfolds every Friday of November (excluding the post-general election Friday) at the BCIS premises on Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo.
The world is witnessing a global surge of armed conflicts, inter-state as well as intrastate and regional. The quest for international peace, understanding and cooperation remains elusive. Institutions of democracy are losing their relevance, discrimination and inequality are on the rise and the battle against climate change continues to be a challenge. Despite the remarkable changes of the last five decades, turmoil persists and the world is not very different from that of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, when she founded BCIS as the educational arm of the SWRD Bandaranaike Memorial Foundation. Her vision was to democratise the knowledge on international relations and BCIS has since its establishment in 1974 continued to be at the forefront of knowledge sharing in International Relations, providing opportunities to young and mature students for education and learning, collaborative research, networking, advocacy, and achieving language proficiency.
Against this backdrop of fragility and fragmentation, the Festival of Ideas will create an independent space for informed dialogue that can influence the South Asian discourse on foreign policy and international relations and provide a ‘bottom up’, critical and alternative view on global politics and its impacts on the lived experiences of ordinary people.
The Festival’s programme weaves together diverse forms of engagement. Expert panels, leveraging both physical and digital spaces, will tackle urgent global issues—migration, SOGIE rights, and Investor State Dispute Settlements—while scrutinising international agreements and institutional frameworks. Participatory workshops and teach-ins will immerse attendees in urgent global dialogues spanning economic debt, environmental sustainability, gender dynamics, and urban development. The conversation extends through thoughtfully curated film screenings and book discussions, each adding new dimensions to these crucial debates.
To further enrich the experience, three distinctive exhibitions have been prepared, that will run for three days each. From November 7-9, the University of Colombo’s History Department presents “Lak Ithihasayata Kawuluwak” (A Window to Sri Lankan History). The Women and Media Collective brings “Sangraha Ubasarippu” from November 20-22, followed by “Rooted” by the Collective for Historical Dialogue and Memory from November 28-29. If you missed seeing any of them or wish to see them again – here is your chance!
Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to two compelling productions staged at Kolomba Kamatha: Ruwanthie de Chickera’s original work “Patterns of Genocide” by Stages Theatre Group (November 8th), and Dr. Kanchuka Dharmasiri’s “Thatta Gayikawa” (November 29th)—a skilful Sinhala adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s “La Cantatrice Chauve” (The Bald Soprano), co-sponsored by Alliance Francaise.
Throughout the Festival, attendees can browse and purchase publications from BCIS and partner organisations including the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES), Thambapanni, Women’s Economic Research Centre (WERC), and the Social Scientists’ Association (SSA). Between sessions, immerse yourself in the rich archives of the BCIS Library—a treasure trove of international relations scholarship—or find inspiration among the peaceful paths of BMICH’s landscaped gardens.
Join us in this celebration of ideas, dialogue, and international understanding as we honour BCIS’s legacy of fostering informed discourse on global affairs.
For registration and inquiries:
Tel: 011-268-7118
Email: researchdivision@bcis.edu.lk
Find us on Facebook: Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies
*Eventbrite registration links for all sessions are available on the BCIS Facebook page.
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.
The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.
The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.
The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.
To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com
Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.
Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.
The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.
Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.
Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.
As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.
Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”
Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.
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