Business
Colombo Port operations continue without any hindrance
Message from the chairman; Sri Lanka Ports Authority
I take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who contribute to the continuation of efficient and reliable operations of all ports of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority ( SLPA) and all terminals operating in the Port of Colombo and elsewhere in the country during this challenging period. All of your services are equally important.
It is a commonly accepted fact by now that the Covid-19 pandemic spreads around the globe have posed challenges to the active function of the global supply chain. Consequently, supplying the daily needs of the public to ensure the safety and well-being of all was challenged. But, we all worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges we faced and to fulfil the responsibilities and duties of our part of the global supply chain. As a result of our collective efforts, this part of the global supply chain functioned smoothly on time.
Unfortunately, some parties with vested interests are giving inappropriate and manipulated interpretations to the work that we all continue to do collectively to ensure the safety of all. There is a risk of spreading unnecessary fear in the society, including among stakeholders and other interested parties in shipping and maritime industry, due to these hyperbolical stories propagating by these parties.
I would like to reaffirm that SLPA has promulgated the all necessary health measures as quickly as the pandemic was reported and started disrupting the global supply chain. Our priority is the health and well-being of all. Accordingly, strictly health measures have introduced for the smooth operation of the port, the heart of the country a.k.a. the lifeline of the nation.
All operations at the Port of Colombo continued without any interruption. All port premises and access gates are keenly monitored around the clock and systematically disinfected. Randomly selected teams working and engaging at various capacities in the Port of Colombo and other ports in the country are regularly subjected to PCR and antibody tests. The medical advice given on the results of those tests is facilitated to be followed in the same manner.
Due to the precarious situation prevailing in the country, the number of employees required to report for duty has limited. The special precautionary arrangement followed by strictly health guidelines has been introduced and implemented for all employees reporting for duties. Other employees have instructed to perform their duties from home.
Therefore, all of your continued supports are crucial at this need of the moment to make the terminal operations and port activities, an essential service in the country, more successfully. It is important to recall that the challenges we face shall easily overcome through collective action and sincere commitments. We all have a responsible role to play in defending the health and well-being of all and conserve the terminal and port operations and other activities. Everyone’s role is crucial and equally essential.
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.
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.
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.
Our government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. – Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
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