Business
DFCC Bank’s “Samata English” programme furthers commitment to sustainability through education
In steadfast commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s youth with essential English language and soft skills, DFCC Bank completed its Samata English Programme for the 5th year running. The programme reached a remarkably successful conclusion, with students receiving their certificates at special Awards Ceremonies conducted by the respective DFCC Bank Branches, through which 81 students were honoured for their dedication and hard work for the batch of 2022. DFCC Samata English is undertaken with the support of Gateway Educational Services Pvt Ltd, an education services partner, who conducts the study programme.
The DFCC Samata English Programme has been a ray of hope for rural youth aged 18-25 who have completed the GCE Advanced Level Examination. It has effectively bridged the gap between education and employment, equipping these aspiring professionals with the linguistic and soft skills needed to excel in the competitive job market. The Bank also provides individuals who successfully completed the programme with internship and work opportunities, while in upcoming editions, a placement programme will also be introduced.
DFCC Bank’s unwavering commitment to Developing Resilient Communities has found expression through this initiative, aligning seamlessly with one of its core sustainability pillars –Education– one of the “6 Es” of the Bank’s long-term sustainability vision, which takes centre stage through this initiative. Furthermore, DFCC Samata English also happily aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, leveraging partnerships for sustainable development through its collaboration with Gateway Educational Services.
Over the past five years, the programme has directly impacted the lives of approximately 800 young individuals across the Island, including in regions such as Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle, Ampara, Rathnapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Badulla, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya and Hambantota. The programme’s top performers were provided internship opportunities at the Bank.
The programme’s significance goes beyond just language skills, explained Nilmini Gunaratne – Vice President- Head of Marketing and Sustainability at DFCC Bank, “Developing English language skills in young people helps to unlock a world of opportunity for them. Fluency in English enhances their employability and provides access to a limitless realm of information and global perspectives through the Internet. Learning these skills can help our youth engage as global citizens, broaden their horizons, and take advantage of opportunities at home and abroad.”
Samata English exemplifies DFCC Bank’s dedication to sustainable development, empowering the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to navigate a dynamic and competitive world, contributing to a brighter and more prosperous future for Sri Lanka.
The 3-month Spoken English course covers essential aspects like communication skills, grammar, listening, reading, and writing. It includes activity-based learning for practical experiences. Additionally, a one-month Soft Skills segment covers teamwork, time management, presentation skills, and interview preparation. Through DFCC Samata English, DFCC Bank supports breaking language barriers and creating employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth through education, contributing to the nation’s future beyond finance.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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