Business
Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) Sri Lanka Chapter acknowledges inherent resilience of members at 2022 AGM
The Sri Lankan Chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO), the world’s largest peer-to-peer network of entrepreneurs, successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the year 2022 at the Port City Colombo. In line with EO’s core mission of engaging with leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, the day’s schedule witnessed a variety of activities including addresses from key global and leaders within the organization. The key highlights of the AGM included a review of the past year’s activities, keynote address by EO Global Chair MarcStockli, a speech by incoming President of the EO Sri Lanka ChapterJithendranGajendran, water sports activities and a special segment by dynamic comedy duo Blok and Dino who shared their insights on their personal entrepreneurial journey of the past few years.
Additionally, the incoming team of Board Members was also introduced to the large gathering. Sri Lanka has experienced numerous challenges over the past two and a half years, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and the ongoing economic crisis that is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Given such a backdrop, Marc Stockli highlighted the resilience of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs who continue to strive for success while showcasing high levels of flexibility and adaptability amidst difficult operating conditions of the global impact of the pandemic and the unprecedented economic challenges faced in Sri Lanka at the moment. He also commended EO Sri Lanka for taking initiative during this crisis to use their skills and resources to uplift underprivileged communities in the country. During his speech,Incoming President of EO Sri Lanka JithendranGajendran outlined the goals and objectives of the organization for the upcoming year, stating, “As a country we are faced with unprecedented challenges, both from a social and economic standpoint.
EO Sri Lanka chooses to be inspired from the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken and damaged pottery is rebuilt with gold so that the broken parts are now the strongest and the more beautiful aspect of the pottery. We believe this is a good metaphor for the resilience of the Sri Lankan spirit.” Gajendranalso emphasized that EO Sri Lanka’s focus this year is to understand key areas for development within the organization and to support the growth of entrepreneurs in the country. “It is our collective belief that within us lies the intuition and genius that can make us stronger and smarter so that we can again rebuild Sri Lanka” he added. Additionally, based on the success of the Save Sri Lanka project so far, EO Sri Lanka unanimously decided to continue on with the project where the main focus is to provide much needed medications to underprivileged communities or state hospitals.
About EO Sri Lanka Entrepreneur’s Organization is a global, peer-to-peer network of business founders and builders who gain the wisdom and support needed to realize ambitions and move the world forward, together. EO Sri Lanka is comprised of leaders, founders, builders and changemakers who share a passion for entrepreneurship. It is an organization that helps entrepreneurs achieve their full potential in business and personal life through life-enhancing connections, shared experiences and collaborative learning. EO Sri Lanka is community with fellowship that fuels growth. For more information on Entrepreneur’s Organization – Sri Lankan Chapter, please visit their website on www.eonetwork.org/srilanka.
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.
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