Business

Cut through the BS and focus on What’s Real

Published

5 years ago

2020/12/13

by Sarinda Unamboowe

My corporate career now enters its 33rd year. Apart from the fact that many of you reading this were not even born, my career began at a time when mobile phones didn’t exist, neither did e-mail; most communication took place either by ‘snail mail,’ telephone or via what was then a miraculous new technology, the fax machine.

During this time, I have had the privilege of working in some great organizations under some inspirational leaders. On this journey, the greatest privilege I have had is to have been given the responsibility of ‘starting up’ two companies — one as a green field project and one a brown, both of which I am proud to say are considered global leaders in their space.

I hope to document the experience of setting up such organizations at a later date; however, this note is a reflection on some of the conversations I have had with many of the very smart people I have worked with and a common thread that has weaved its way through many of their thought processes.

I like to set up times to have chats with small groups of my colleagues. In one organization, it was to welcome them as new recruits, and in the other, to clarify the path the ‘new’ organization was heading down, and in both, to answer any questions they may have.

One of the common questions I would ask both groups was, “why did you want to work in this organization?” And the answer almost always something on the lines of “working for this group has been a dream of mine,” and “I want to be a part of the success of this company,” etc. I probe further, “what’s the real reason?” and usually I get a bewildered look back, but the truth is, we all have a deeper reason as to why we pick jobs. So when they persist with their answers of love for group, company or wanting to be part of a winning team, I look at them and say “that’s a lot of Bull Shit” and laugh, the looks I get are pretty comical.

This is not done with the intention of humiliating or belittling anyone, but it has been a method of ‘shock value’ that was used primarily to bring the focus on the true meaning of why we work.

We work for the betterment of our own lives. The fact is, we all have a deeper need that drives us to seek suitable employment and most times we lose focus on that. While it’s important to enjoy your job and to find fulfilment in that role you play, the true success of our effort is in achieving our personal goals.

Granted for some, this could be linked closely to the organization’s goals, but for most, it would link to a milestone they hope to reach in their life. Building your own home, being able to give your children a good education, traveling, buying a vehicle, or even ensuring health & safety needs are taken care of, are all priorities that we place in our lives. Therefore, while I perform to the best of my ability at my chosen job and ensure my contribution is relevant, meaningful and of value to the organization, I ensure I don’t lose focus on what’s truly my measure of success.

The career we chose is the vehicle we travel on to achieve our life goals. Our effort, commitment, skill, etc. in how we execute those roles, will, in a fair and structured organization, help us succeed and progress in our career, thus giving us the opportunity to stay on track with our life plans. If not, don’t hesitate to switch job roles or organizations.

Have a dream, have a plan, commit yourself to working smart and achieve success in your career, but never lose focus on the factors that true success is measured by — your life’s journey. Make that the ultimate barometer for all you do.

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Business

‘Notable drop in SL’s 2025 tourism sector earnings compared to those of 2018’

Published

5 hours ago

2026/01/24

Thilina Walpola

Chandana Amaradasa addressing the meeting while Rotary Club Colombo South President Kumar Sithambaram looks on.

The revenue that was earned from the tourism sector in 2025 was US $ 3.2 billion, which is a significant drop compared to the 2018 figure , which is US$ 4.3 billion, a top tourism sector specialist said.

‘Comparatively there is a revenue deficit of US $ 1.2 billion, which we cannot be satisfied with at any cost, ‘Island Leisure Lanka’ founder chairman Chandana Amaradasa said.

Amaradasa made these observations at a Rotary Club joint meeting organised by Rotary Club Colombo South, featuring also the Rotary Clubs of Kolonnawa and Sri Jayawardenapura, at the Kingsbury Hotel on Tuesday.

Amaradasa added: ‘To develop the tourism sector the government has to do many things which previous governments comprehensively failed to take up.

‘The revenue that comes from the local tourism sector is four to five percent of the GDP, while in Dubai it is more than 45 percent of the GDP.

‘At present the country has 51000 rooms, out of which not more than 10000 rooms are at the four to five star level. Of that number 6000 rooms are located in Colombo, which is a major issue for tourism promotion in tourism potential areas.

‘Sri Lanka should focus on high quality standards in tourism and also develop the East Coast with the necessary infrastructure; especially having an international airport is absolutely necessary.

‘Colombo could be developed as a MICE tourism hub in the region. But not having an international level conference/convention hall is a another bottle neck in promoting that market as well.’

By Hiran H Senewiratne ✍️

Business

A Record Year for Marketing That Works: SLIM Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2025 crosses 300+ entries

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/24

Thilina Walpola

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) announces a defining milestone for the country’s marketing, advertising, and creative sectors, as Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2025 records the highest number of entries in its history, crossing 300+ submissions. The unprecedented response reflects a stronger, more confident industry, one that is increasingly committed not only to bold creativity, but to creativity that can prove its value through measurable business and brand outcomes.

Now in its 17th year in Sri Lanka, the Effie Awards remain the most recognised benchmark for marketing effectiveness, honouring campaigns that bring together creative excellence, strategic discipline, and results. As the industry evolves, the Effies have become a space where the agency community, brand teams, media and creative partners are collectively challenged to raise the bar, moving beyond attention and awards, toward work that drives growth, shapes behaviour, and delivers real impact.

The record volume of entries this year also signals a healthy shift in the market: more brands and agencies are willing to be evaluated against rigorous effectiveness criteria, and to put forward work that demonstrates clear thinking, strong execution, and proof of performance. SLIM notes that this momentum highlights the expanding role of marketing and advertising in Sri Lanka, not simply as communication, but as a strategic driver of competitiveness and value creation.

SLIM confirms that the judging process will commence soon, guided by the established Effie evaluation framework that assesses entries on insight, strategy, execution, and measurable outcomes. The Grand Finale is scheduled for end-February 2026, where Sri Lanka’s most effective marketing work will be recognised on a national platform.

For inquiries, entries, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the SLIM Events Division: +94 70 326 6988 | +94 70 192 2623.

Business

The Unit Trust industry closes 2025 with Rs. 587 Bn assets under management

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/24

Thilina Walpola

The Unit Trust industry of Sri Lanka reported a 7.8% year-over-year growth of its assets under management (AUM) to Rs. 587 Bn by the end of 2025. During the year, the AUM reached a high of Rs. 613 Bn, indicating continued interest in the asset category. These assets are currently managed across 86 funds by 16 management companies.

While fixed-income funds accounted for the largest share of AUM, equity-related funds saw strong inflows, increasing by Rs. 30 Bn in 2025 compared to just Rs. 2 Bn for fixed-income funds. This reflects improved investor sentiment, with a clear shift from a capital preservation mindset toward long-term capital growth.

The year also saw a move from ultra-safe short-term instruments to medium-term growth, with strong inflows into open-ended income funds, open-ended equity index/sector funds, and balanced funds, accompanied by a decline in inflows to money-market funds. Additionally, open-ended growth funds (equity) recorded a 79% year-over-year increase, signalling a rising risk appetite among investors.

Commenting on the full-year industry performance, Secretary of the Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTASL) and Director/CEO of Senfin Asset Management Jeevan Sukumaran noted: “Post-economic crisis, the unit trust industry has been on a strong upward trend with the AUM surpassing Rs. 600 Bn last year.

‘’The steady growth of the unit trust industry in 2025 is a strong indication of increasing investor confidence in professionally managed and well-regulated investment products. Beyond the growth in fund flows, we have also seen encouraging progress in expanding the investor base — not only in terms of unit holder numbers, but also in the broadening of investor demographics — reflecting a gradual shift towards long-term, market-linked investing.”