Business
First multi-stakeholder initiative on Child Rights in Tourism launched in Sri Lanka
On World Tourism Day, representatives from leading hotel businesses, tourism associations, NGOs, and government departments convened in Colombo to officially launch the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business in Tourism. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, brings together key actors from the tourism supply chain to enhance the well-being of children and families connected to the sector through long-term, continuous actions.
The launch comes on the heels of a new study by The Centre for Child Rights and Business in partnership with Save the Children, highlighting serious child rights risks in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The study identifies key challenges such as sexual exploitation, child labour, and educational disruptions, driven by factors like inadequate regulation of guesthouses and homestays, the absence of child safeguarding measures among tourism providers, and a lack of formalised pathways to decent work for youth.
This event marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal, which has already seen success in Sri Lanka’s tea sector, with seven major plantation companies and exporters committing to initiatives that improve the welfare of tea communities. The extension of this Seal to the tourism sector is timely, as Sri Lanka prepares to welcome over 3 million tourists by 2025, positioning the industry to align with global human rights due diligence regulations and the growing demand for ethical tourism.
At the launch, stakeholders engaged in practical discussions about the child rights risks facing the tourism sector and explored collective solutions. Issues such as the outmigration of mothers and its impact on children were brought up, with participants offering valuable insights into areas for Seal members to address.
The panel discussed the critical issues that women and children face in the travel and tourism industries and some of the priorities and opportunities that the industry could address.
“Young children often do not realise they are being exploited. Providing a safe and respectful environment for them should be our primary goal. We must consider the risk factors in these scenarios, as there is currently no data to support issues in tourism, such as trafficking and exploitation. While problems like festival tourism have existed, they have increased since COVID-19 and have been exacerbated by the economic crisis,” said Buddhini Withana, Senior Technical Advisor Child Protection and Child Rights in Business, Save the Children.
Irstel Janssen, Director, Sustainable Sri Lanka added: “10% of women are working in this sector due to social stigma, safety concerns, and harassment. The economic crisis has forced women to step into this industry, but they are not employed in roles that match the nature of the work. The Seal initiative is an important step to address these issues and encourage more women’s participation.”
One of the highlights of the event was a keynote speech delivered by Cinnamon Hotels, where they underscored their commitment to protecting women and children. The company outlined key initiatives, including robust policies to support the female workforce, a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, and a comprehensive sexual harassment policy. Cinnamon Hotels also conducts awareness sessions to educate staff about these policies, provides parental leave, and offers 100 days of paternity leave. Additionally, the company places a strong emphasis on mental health benefits for all employees. Their efforts served as an inspiration for other accommodation providers, offering practical steps to strengthen child safeguarding and empower women in the tourism sector.
For more information about the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business, visit srilanka-motherandchildseal.org or contact info.SL@childrights-business.org.
Business
Sarvodaya Development Finance joins Global Banking Alliance, set to host annual board meeting in Sri Lanka
Remarking a new milestone in its pledged journey towards sustainable financing and inclusive financing,
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has secured the full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an international network of banks working to build a more sustainable and inclusive financial system.
Through this membership, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC aims to strengthen its ability to create social and environmental impacts by expanding access to ethical financial tools, supporting community-led development, and promoting environmentally responsible lending. The alliance provides opportunities to engage with global peers, share practical knowledge, and adopt approaches that have worked in similar contexts around the world. It also allows Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC to align more closely with international standards on sustainable finance, build relationships with mission-aligned investors, and stay informed on evolving policy and regulatory trends. As part of this engagement, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC will host the Asia Pacific Conference and the GABV Annual Board Meeting in Colombo on October 15–16, 2025, bringing together CEOs from over 12 countries to collaborate on advancing values-based banking across the region.
The 17th Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values was held in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Building Resilient Futures.” The event brought leaders from over 70 member banks across more than 45 countries to the GABV network to discuss how values-based banks can respond to global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation. Channa De Silva – the Chairman and the Nilantha Jayanetti – the Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC have represented the Company at this event.
Business
Sanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
A Global Hospitality Visionary Returns Home to Lead Sri Lanka’s Most Ambitious Integrated Resort
Cinnamon Life announces the appointment of Sanjiv Hulugalle as the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.
With a career that spans over three decades and 12 countries across five continents, Hulugalle brings to Cinnamon Life an unparalleled legacy in luxury hospitality, real estate development, and transformative leadership. From the Maldives to Canada, China to the UAE, he has been at the helm of some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and real estate ventures.
Previously the Group President of Hospitality & Real Estate at KOHLER Co., Hulugalle drove innovation and strategic growth across a diverse portfolio. At Auberge Resorts Collection, he led the ambitious repositioning of a $210 million development. His 24-year tenure with Four Seasons saw him lead top-tier teams and deliver award-winning results across the globe.
But this latest chapter is deeply personal.
Having been semi-retired, Hulugalle’s return to Sri Lanka was sparked not by circumstance, but by calling and purpose. “This is not just a role,” says Hulugalle. “It’s a way of giving back to the country that raised me—with its gracious hospitality, boundless warmth, and vibrant soul.”
“Sri Lankan hospitality is naturally gracious and kind,” he reflects. “It’s in our DNA. My mother would’ve wanted me to return and give back.”
Redefining Colombo as a City of Dreams
With Hulugalle at the helm, Cinnamon Life is set to emerge not just as a landmark development in Colombo—but as a destination, that captures the imagination of the world. Under his leadership, City of Dreams will embody the essence of modern Sri Lanka: rooted in culture, rich in character, and radiating with opportunity.
In addition to his work in hospitality, Hulugalle is also an active investor in AI-led technologies, residential real estate, and wellness-driven consumer brands, always seeking to blend strategic foresight with heartfelt service.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), hosted an Issuer Forum in Gampaha aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in exploring avenues for capital raising through listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
The forum, titled “Redefining the Trajectory of Your Business”, provided guidance on exploring effective capital-raising avenues, specifically through listing on the Empower and Diri Savi Boards. These boards offer dedicated listing platforms for SMEs, focusing on sectors such as agribusiness, livestock, energy generation, ICT, and tourism-related ventures. Attracting over 70 participants, the forum offered valuable insights that were well received.
The main presentation of the evening, delivered by Mr. Nikila Darmadasa, Senior Management Associate of the Corporate Advisory Division at NDB Investment Bank Limited, educated the participants on the benefits of capital generation and mobilization through listing on the CSE, outlining the processes and advantages for businesses ready to grow beyond traditional financing models.
A panel discussion on “The Journey Towards Listing and Life After Listing” featured Manuri Weerasignhe, Director, Corporate Affairs, SEC; Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO, CSE; Nikila Darmadasa, and J.F. Fernandopulle, Managing Director and CEO, Mahaweli Coconut Plantations PLC. The session was moderated by Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President, Commercial, CSE. The panel offered practical perspectives on preparing for a listing, regulatory expectations, and the business journey post-listing.
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of the SEC and CSE to broaden access to capital market opportunities for SMEs across Sri Lanka, enabling them to scale sustainably while contributing meaningfully to the national economy.
Hundreds of flights cancelled in China as strong winds hit capital
Iran says it wants ‘fair agreement’ as nuclear talks with US begin in Oman
Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country – PM
-
Business6 days agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features7 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Features2 days agoRobbers and Wreckers
-
Features4 days agoSri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part III
-
Features7 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Midweek Review4 days agoInequality is killing the Middle Class
-
Features6 days agoSri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part I
-
Features5 days agoA brighter future …