Business
Biodiversity forest oasis surrounding Heritance Kandalama expands
In line with its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, Aitken Spence Hotels announces the expansion of Heritance Kandalama’s biodiversity forest oasis. This significant enhancement which comes as a result of a 48-million-rupee investment sees an additional 13 acres of land added to the conservation forest area, which now spans 211 acres creating a secure forest bridge within the existing Forest Department nature reserves.
Embracing the spirit of nature’s symphony, this expansion secures the longevity of the sanctuary’s wealth of biodiversity creating a haven of ecological preservation amidst Sri Lanka’s central province. The forest stands as a testament to Heritance Kandalama’s dedication to protect our country’s invaluable ecosystems and their myriad inhabitants.
Within the verdant expanse of the forest oasis, a symphony of life unfolds marked by remarkable diversity that thrives in harmony. Visitors will encounter a vibrant canvas of 128 species of native flora that form a colourful backdrop to the flurry of activity from the forest’s inhabitants as 64 species of butterflies add a graceful dance to the landscape whilst the air resonates with the songs of 183 endemic and migratory bird species.
The sanctuary’s recent expansion safeguards a habitat and roaming territory for 19 species of reptiles, some rare and endangered, and 17 mammals. The forest area is also home to rich birdlife and notable residents including the Grey Heron, Blue Tailed Bee-Eater and the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. The jungle also houses birds of prey such as the Changeable Hawk Eagle, Brahminy Kite and the Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
The sanctuary is crisscrossed by 11 protected natural streams that nurture the local ecosystem sustaining life throughout the landscape and feeding the Kandalama tank. These water sources contribute to the flourishing biodiversity and serve as vital lifelines for the myriad species within the forest.
“Heritance Kandalama’s expansion of the biodiversity forest oasis is a shining example of our unwavering dedication to sustainable environmental stewardship. By investing in the preservation of this land, Heritance Kandalama continues to strike a balance between uniquely opulent hospitality and nature conservation, creating a model for sustainable tourism and eco-resort operation that inspires the industry at large”, commented Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson Aitken Spence Hotel Managements Pvt (Ltd).
The hotel warmly invites guests and eco-tourism enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this expanded sanctuary.
Business
Australia-based company seeking to provide sustainable energy solutions to SL
A leading Australia-based sustainable energy solutions company, ‘365 Future Energy’, is now exploring possibilities to enter Sri Lanka to provide sustainable energy solutions to Sri Lanka at affordable prices.
‘365 Future Energy’ CEO, Isuru Yapa, together with internationally recognized energy technology entrepreneur Ludovico Finotto,visited Sri Lanka this week.
” If we could set up this plant here it would benefit Sri Lanka because it could store sustainable energy to stabilise the national grid, supply energy at an affordable operational cost and manage the energy supply system in a more stable manner, Ludovico Finotto, founder and CEO of ‘QiOn Technologies’ a globally recognized innovator in the energy, automotive and high-performance electronics sectors, said.
With over 18 years of international experience, Finotto has played a leading role in advanced developments related to electric mobility, energy storage, charging infrastructure, hydrogen technologies, marine electrification and smart energy systems in more than 24 countries.
Speaking to the Island Financial Review he said that the purpose of this strategic visit is to explore sustainable energy solutions, evaluate emerging opportunities within Sri Lanka’s energy sector and identify potential investment and technology partnerships that can contribute to the country’s future energy transformation.
‘365 Future Energy’ is focused on delivering innovative and environmentally responsible energy solutions, supporting the global transition toward renewable and sustainable power infrastructure. Through this visit, the company aims to better understand Sri Lanka’s growing energy demands and assess opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure and next-generation sustainable energy developments.
‘365 Future Energy’ believes Sri Lanka holds strong potential for future-focused sustainable infrastructure projects and clean energy investments. The company’s leadership team will engage with local stakeholders, businesses, and industry representatives during the visit to discuss opportunities for innovation, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainable growth, company sources said.
By Hiran H Senewiratne
Business
Celebrating Vesak, serendib Flour Mills Serves community through Dansala at Orugodawatta
Celebrating the spirit of Vesak, Serendib Flour Mills served the community through a Tea Bun Dansala and Plain Tea Dansala held near the Orugodawatta Bridge on 29 May 2026, distributing 12,500 buns and 12,500 cups of tea to devotees and members of the public.
The Dansala commenced with the blessings and presence of a venerable monk, reflecting the values of compassion, generosity and service that define Vesak. The initiative was carried out through the collective commitment of the Serendib Flour Mills team, who came together to serve the community and support those observing the sacred occasion.
Through this initiative, Serendib Flour Mills reinforced its belief that nourishment extends beyond food, living in the kindness shared, the relationships built and the communities uplifted. Guided by its purpose of “Nourishing the Nation,” the company remains committed to creating nourished futures through meaningful acts of service and care.
Business
Siyapatha Finance announces appointment of two Board Directors
Siyapatha Finance PLC has appointed Deshal de Mel and Nishani De Zoysa as Independent Non-Executive Directors to its Board with effective from the 18th May,2026.
Deshal de Mel is a distinguished Sri Lankan economist and corporate professional with extensive experience in economic policy, financial markets, and corporate governance.
He has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Sampath Bank PLC, including in the capacity of Senior Independent Director, contributing to the Bank’s strategic direction and governance oversight.
De Mel has held several key positions in both the public and private sectors. He served as an Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, where he was closely involved in macroeconomic policy formulation and reform initiatives. He has also been a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, providing regulatory oversight to the capital market.
In the corporate sector, he has served on the Boards of leading institutions, including at present Capital Alliance PLC and Fairfirst Insurance Ltd and previously Janashakthi Insurance PLC. He has also held senior roles within the Hayleys Group, contributing to economic analysis and business strategy.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford and a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
De Mel was recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
He is a member of the Board Integrated Risk Management Committee and the Board Nominations and Governance Committee of Siyapatha Finance PLC.
Ms. Nishani De Zoysa is a seasoned banking professional with over 30 years of experience in Corporate Banking, Project Finance, and Development Finance. She served at DFCC Bank PLC from July 2003 to November 2024, most recently as Assistant Vice President – Corporate Banking, where she managed large corporate portfolios with full P&L and risk responsibility, and structured complex financing solutions including syndicated and project finance transactions.
She has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement across government, state-owned enterprises, and leading corporates, as well as in credit risk management and portfolio governance. Prior to DFCC, she held several roles at Seylan Bank PLC, gaining broad exposure to corporate and retail banking operations.
Ms. De Zoysa holds an MBA from the University of Colombo (Merit). and is an Associate Member of CIMA (UK) and the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from CIM (UK).
She is a member of the Board Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and the Board Audit Committee of Siyapatha Finance PLC.
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