Business
Cooperation between SL and India on managing fisher issues lauded

India appreciates the ongoing cooperation between Sri Lanka and India on resolving matters relating to fishermen of both countries. India stresses the need for the countries to deal with issues concerning fishermen and their boats in a humane manner in accordance with existing understandings, an Indian High Commission press release said.
The release: The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay met Minister of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena and the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devanada at the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
The High Commissioner thanked the government of Sri Lanka for organizing the 4th NSA level Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Security held in Colombo on November 28. He also expressed appreciation and gratitude for minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s visionary inaugural remarks at the meeting. The High Commissioner and the minister agreed that enhanced cooperation among various countries, particularly Sri Lanka and India, is crucial for addressing challenges like terrorism, radicalization, organized crime, drug trafficking, etc. in our region. The High Commissioner expressed the confidence that India-Sri Lanka relations will reach new heights in the coming year.
The High Commissioner responded positively to the request for government of India assistance in arranging repatriation of about 1500 Sri Lankans stranded mostly in South India due to COVID19 pandemic. The two governments will coordinate the matter through diplomatic channels.
The High Commissioner appreciated ongoing cooperation between the relevant authorities of the two countries on matters related to fishermen. He pointed out that such cooperation had saved precious lives of fishermen of both countries at sea. The High Commissioner thanked the government of Sri Lanka for the cooperation in returning the mortal remains of Indian fishermen who lost their lives at sea due to inclement weather earlier this year. He stressed the need to continue to deal with the matters related to fishermen and their boats in a humanitarian manner, in accordance with the existing understandings.
The High Commissioner highlighted concrete steps taken by both the government India and the state government of Tamil Nadu in addressing all dimensions of the issue and specifically underlined government of India’s ongoing measures to support and encourage Indian fishermen to practise deep sea fishing.
He expressed the hope that the next meeting of the bilateral mechanism on matters pertaining to fishermen could soon be arranged online.
On the proposal for joint management for Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar by Fisheries minister Douglas Devananda, the High Commissioner shared that the forward looking elements in the proposal needed to be examined in greater detail.
Business
From import to export – Finch Foods expands international retail presence to Australia

Finch Foods – pioneering Sri Lankan FMCG brand – is furthering its international expansion with the launch of its retail presence in Australia. The move marks yet another turning point for the homegrown company, following four international market launches under the Finch Foods brand within the space of just three years, a company news release said on Wednesday.
This milestone entry includes a dedicated e-commerce site, a listing on Amazon AU, and ongoing discussions with major supermarket chains, specialty stores, and distributors. Australian consumers can now access Finch Foods’ extensive portfolio of high-quality signature spices and seasonings, coconut products, gluten-free flours, ayurvedic and herbal products, and natural food colourings that showcase the rich variety and distinctiveness of Sri Lankan ingredients, it said.
“Australia has always been a key market for Finch Foods – one with immense potential to enter, develop, and scale,” says Fawaz Fassi, Founder & Managing Director of Finch Foods. “This expansion reflects the growing global demand for authentic Sri Lankan heritage ingredients, and we are excited to bring our unique offerings to Australian consumers.”
Founded in 2015 as a 100 per cent import-driven company, Finch Foods entered the food industry by becoming the exclusive agent for renowned international brands such as Bragg Live Foods (USA), The Berry Company (UK), Kewpie (Japan/Malaysia), Cornish (UK), Pokka (Singapore), and Nando’s Grocery; bringing superior flavours and ingredients from around the world to Sri Lankan consumers.
However, the global pandemic followed by local economic instability severely tested this business model, and in just a few years since inception, it was time for the company to rethink its operations. In 2022 Finch Foods set its sights outwards by looking inwards; having discovered that there was a wealth of incredible spices, herbs, and ingredients to be found right here in Sri Lanka – robust and nuanced flavours that would surely intrigue culinary tastebuds from around the world.
“As a pioneer in culinary innovation, our vision is to harness the rich and diverse culinary tradition of Sri Lanka while also bridging the growing disconnect between food and its heritage,” Fassi adds. “At Finch Foods, we recognized the need to add unique value to our products—offering new and exciting options for consumers while distinguishing ourselves from more traditional exporters in the market.”
In 2023, Finch Foods celebrated the opening of its first independent store in Havelock City Mall, Colombo, and expanded its international footprint; establishing a retail presence in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, and Canada, becoming a key supplier to Japan, and securing a partnership with global retail giant Lulu Group in the UAE. This shift to exports has allowed the company to adapt to different market requirements, leveraging its wide product range to remain flexible in catering to diverse consumer needs.
“As Finch Foods continues to expand its distribution network and strengthen its presence in Australia, the company is also poised to to focus on accelerating its global expansion, breaking into new markets, while also further diversifying its product portfolio,” the release concluded.
Business
The Residencies Kotte by ICC nears completion ahead of schedule

The Residencies Kotte by ICC is making remarkable progress, moving ahead of schedule towards completion (December 2025). With ICC’s proven track record of on-time delivery and availability running low, this is a rare opportunity to invest in a home that blends modern luxury with a thriving community, said a release.
It said: Now in its final phase, key milestones are being completed at an accelerated pace. From the striking façade to the finishing touches within each apartment, every element is meticulously crafted to meet ICC’s highest standards.
As The Residencies Kotte nears completion, demand has surged. With all two-bedroom apartments already sold out, only a limited number of three-bedroom units remain available. This overwhelming response is a testament to the unmatched value, world-class amenities, and most importantly, the prime location. Nestled in the heart of Kotte, this development offers unparalleled convenience—situated in a highly sought-after neighbourhood that seamlessly blends urban connectivity with the tranquillity of a well-established residential area.
Business
Dearo Investment partners with Ceylinco General Insurance to enhance customer benefits

Dearo Investment Pvt. Ltd. has signed an MoU with Ceylinco General Insurance to provide an insurance scheme for its customers. Under this agreement, every customer who transacts with Dearo from anywhere in the country will receive insurance coverage. The MoU was officially signed on 26 Feb, 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organisations. Dearo Investment was represented by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Prasanna Sanjeewa and Chief Operating Officer Niranjan Warnasooriya, while Ceylinco General Insurance was represented by General Manager S. Thilakesh, Assistant General Manager V.K. Gunathilaka, Area Sales Manager N.G.C. Gunarathna, and Senior Marketing Executive Keshara Hasun. Dearo Investment has flourished as a trusted name in the financial sector with its highly experienced Board of Directors, including Prabash Gunaratne, Upul Edirisuriya, Tharindu Dhananjaya Samarawickrama, Niranjan Warnasooriya, and Thilini Kalhari Ekanayake.
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