Business
CEO Forum on ” Eco Label: One Step, Great Change – Join theTransformation”
In a significant stride toward sustainable manufacturing, the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, successfully hosted an impactful CEO Forum titled “Eco-Label: One Step, Great Change – Join the Transformation.” The event, held at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Hotel, attracted prominent business leaders from diverse sectors, including tea, dairy, construction chemicals, textiles, rubber, activated carbon and more.
Eco-labeling, a voluntary certification method for environmental performance, is increasingly recognized worldwide as a pivotal strategy for businesses adopting eco-friendly practices. This forum aimed to highlight the benefits of eco-labeling and inspire industries to adopt sustainable and responsible manufacturing techniques.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Anura Dissanayaka, Secretary to the Prime Minister, who emphasized the importance of integrating eco-labeling into business practices. The keynote address, “The Value of GEN Membership in Ecolabeling: Building Trust and Global Reach,” was delivered by Mr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Deputy Manager at the Japan Environment Association, who shared insights into the international implications of eco-labeling.
Among the distinguished speakers were Samantha Kumarasena, Chief Executive Officer of NCPC, and Ms. Wilasinee Poonuchaphai, Project Co-Director of GIZ’s SCP Outreach in Asia. The forum featured inspiring success stories from the tea industry, with representatives from Finlays Colombo Ltd, Basilur Tea Exports Pvt Ltd and from activated carbon category, Haycarb PLC showcasing the tangible benefits their companies have realized through ecolabeling initiatives.
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses recognize the necessity of sustainable solutions. Eco-labeling not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances competitive edge in international markets. The NCPC’s “Eco Label-Sri Lanka” program, recognized as the country’s most prominent green product certification scheme, sets a remarkable precedent, having achieved full membership in the Global Eco-Labelling Network (GEN).
Under the guidelines of ISO 14024:2018, all products and services that carry the NCPC EcoLabel undergo independent third-party assessments, ensuring reliability for consumers and procurement teams alike. At the event, the “Eco Label-Sri Lanka” program was awarded with the accreditation certificate from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board under ISO 17065:2012. Currently, NCPC certifies six product categories ranging from agrifood to construction chemicals, with Finlays Colombo Ltd, Basilur Tea Exports Pvt Ltd and Haycarb PLC notably receiving Eco-Label certifications at the forum.
With ongoing support from and technical collaboration from Eco Mark, Japan, NCPC’s EcoLabel has gained both local and international acclaim as a trusted sustainability certification. The NCPCSL, a member of the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Network (RECP Net), was founded by UNIDO and UNEP.
“In Sri Lanka, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Environment Sri Lanka, under the Sustainable Production and Consumption (SCP) Outreach in Asia – The Next Five project, funded by the
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV), is focused on promoting climate-friendly products through ecolabels and green public procurement (GPP)”.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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