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.
Business
Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook
Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.
The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.
The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.
The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.
Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.
Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.
The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.
Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Business
Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund
The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.
Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.
As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.
This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.
This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.
Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Business
NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana
NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.
The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.
The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.
Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.
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