Business

Colombo Development Symposium highlights the Road Not Taken

Published

5 years ago

2021/03/28

The Colombo Development Symposium, organized by BiZnomics, was successfully held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo on March 24, with the attendance of corporate leaders, captains of industry, and foreign emissaries.

Secretary to the President, Dr. P.B. Jayasundera delivered a keynote address titled “The Road Not Taken”, where he outlined Sri Lanka’s development story so far, and the critical reforms needed to stimulate inclusive growth and development in line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s manifesto: “Visions of Prosperity and Splendor”.

Jayasundera said that Sri Lanka’s debt problem has been exaggerated, and that total external debt declined by 500 million US dollars in 2020. Emphasizing that Sri Lanka has never defaulted on a debt or LC (Letter of Credit), even amid war and natural disasters. He said that the government has taken progressive steps for debt sustainability, such us reducing foreign borrowing, relying on domestic financing, and rationalizing imports.

He said that resorting to the IMF to deal with the country’s current challenges would force the government to raise taxes, which would harm both consumers and producers, throttle growth, and cause the economy to contract. The government would instead maintain a stable tax policy for five years and that the government would opt for currency SWAPS with friendly countries such as China to buffer foreign reserves.

Jayasundera urged the private sector to change its thinking. Local banks which enjoy high profitability and low rates of non-performing loans should engage in long term lending for production, and develop new instruments and investment banking. Large plantation companies should learn from the innovative examples set by smallholders and companies such as Dilmah.

More investment should be poured into expanding the production, processing and value-addition of agricultural products, especially for export. He also urged local businesses to start using CNY (Chinese Yuan) and also embrace usage of the Chinese Renminbi, which is an IMF basket currency.

He said that the government, led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has identified five areas in need of critical reforms in order to facilitate inclusive growth. The President has appointed bodies to research and recommend reforms in the areas of business regulation, commercial law, customs, finance, and land use.

The Jayasundera speech was followed by a panel discussion featuring Secretary to the Treasury S.R. Attygalle, Board of Investment Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala, Access Engineering Chairman Sumal Perera, and John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra. The panel was moderated by senior broadcast journalist Indeewari Amuwatte.

During the broad ranging discussion, Attygalle said that government’s Budget for 2021 was designed to enhance inclusive growth, with a focus on lower taxation, rural investment and domestic financing mechanisms. He said that the country will depend less on external borrowing, while ironing out bottlenecks for investment.

Mohottala said that the country needs law reforms and digitization of processes such as customs and tax reforms in order to enhance the ease of doing business and foreign companies required large local companies to partner for investments here. He requested the private sector to rise to this task.

Sumal Perera expressed the need for media cooperation in presenting a positive image of Sri Lanka to the world. The media has a responsibility to build Sri Lanka as a brand and showcase positive success stories from the country.

Krishan Balendra said that the country’s tourism sector continues to be badly affected by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. However successful rollout of vaccines will alleviate these problems. Domestic consumption has recovered since lifting of lockdowns and footfall in the Western Province is close to pre-pandemic levels.

The Symposium was organized by BiZnomics, a magazine about business, economics and lifestyle. BiZnomics has an in-house research team that dissects raw data into analysis and provides insights into current business trends. The magazine also celebrates local entrepreneurs who have gone beyond our shores to become “Global Sri Lankans”.

The event was sponsored by Capital Alliance Limited, LOLC Holdings PLC, Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, and CHEC Port City Colombo. The official media partner for the event was Ada Derana and the official newspaper for the event was the Daily FT.

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Business

SL’s economic outlook for 2026 being shaped by M-E conflict

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/11

Thilina Walpola

The top table at the ADB media briefing

Sri Lanka’s economic growth is expected to moderate to 4.0% in 2026 and climb to 4.2% in 2027, following two consecutive years of strong 5.0% growth.

This forecast is based on an early stabilization scenario for the Middle East conflict, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2026, Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) flagship economic publication. Sri Lanka’s recovery held firm in 2025 despite the late-year disruption of Cyclone Ditwah. Private consumption surged amid low inflation and easing interest rates, while remittances hit a record high, as did the primary budget surplus. The current account posted a third consecutive surplus, and official reserves climbed to their strongest level in years.

The outlook for 2026 is increasingly shaped by the conflict in the Middle East, even as post-Ditwah reconstruction spending provides some support for growth. Private consumption will remain the main growth driver, though higher inflation will temper household spending power, and private investment is expected to recover only gradually amid heightened uncertainty.

Higher energy costs, potentially weaker remittance inflows, and disruptions to trade and tourism will weigh on household incomes and external buffers and drag on economic growth. Inflation is projected to accelerate sharply to 5.2% in 2026, driven largely by the Middle East conflict.

“Sri Lanka has come a long way since the recent economic crisis, and its economic performance over the last two years is a major achievement,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin. “However, the risks ahead are real and significant. This is not the moment to ease up on reforms. Fiscal discipline must be maintained and resilience must be strengthened against the external shocks that will keep testing this economy. At the same time, scaling up and executing public investment will be essential to sustaining the recovery.”

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.(ADB)

Business

Hameedia unveils “Threads of Culture”

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/11

Thilina Walpola

This Avurudu season, Hameedia introduces its latest campaign, “Threads of Culture,” celebrating the traditions that connect generations while embracing a more conscious and forward-thinking approach to fashion.

Rooted in the spirit of Sinhala and Hindu New Year, the campaign highlights the importance of preserving culture while evolving with modern values. This year, Hameedia places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable fashion, encouraging customers to move away from fast and imitation fashion towards quality, authenticity, and responsible choices.

As part of this shift, Hameedia presents a refreshed festive collection crafted using lightweight cotton and linen fabrics, designed specifically for Sri Lanka’s climate. The collection focuses on breathability, comfort, and timeless style, offering customers clothing that is both practical and refined for the season.

Commenting on the campaign, Fouzul Hameed, Managing Director of Hameedia, stated, “Avurudu is a time of renewal, reflection, and meaningful connection. With ‘Threads of Culture,’ we wanted to go beyond celebration and inspire a shift in mindset, encouraging Sri Lankans to choose authenticity over imitation, quality over quantity, and responsibility over convenience. As a homegrown brand, we take pride in upholding craftsmanship and ethical practices, and we believe fashion should not only look good but also do good.”

Marking a key milestone in its expansion, Hameedia is also set to open its newest outlet in Galle, further strengthening its presence across the island and making its signature craftsmanship more accessible to customers in the southern region.

Business

Colombo Shopping Festival 2026 declared open for 5 days of Avurudu Shopping

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/11

Thilina Walpola

The much-anticipated 41st Edition of the Colombo Shopping Festival (CSF) – Avurudu Fair was ceremonially declared open at the BMICH Exhibition Centre, marking the beginning of five exciting days of festive shopping in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The ceremonial opening commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp on 8th April 2026, in the presence of guests, industry leaders, and invitees. Organized by Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions, the event continues to reinforce its position as one of Sri Lanka’s premier consumer exhibitions.

Running from 8th to 12th April 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, the Colombo Shopping Festival brings together over 200+ Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the island, offering a vibrant marketplace that supports local businesses while delivering exceptional value to shoppers.

This year’s Avurudu Fair promises an unmatched retail experience, featuring a wide range of products including fashion, lifestyle, homeware, beauty, and more. Visitors can shop top brands such as Boss, EL Holdings, Vantage, Miniso, Governor Shirts, Edge Casual, Avirate, Cetaphil, Phoenix, Rite Shu and many more top brands, alongside a diverse selection of Indian stalls offering exclusive collections at massive discounts.

The festival creates the perfect opportunity for families and shoppers to prepare for the New Year with unbeatable deals, festive offers, and a lively atmosphere filled with seasonal excitement.

With its strong legacy and continued commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs, the Colombo Shopping Festival stands as a key highlight in Sri Lanka’s event calendar—bringing together commerce, culture, and celebration under one roof.