Business

‘Gal Oya – critical pillar of social upliftment in Ampara’

Published

4 years ago

2022/12/28

‘Although the factory had been abandoned for over a decade, the Browns Group evinced an interest in reviving the erstwhile Hingurana Sugar Factory. Now known as Gal Oya Plantations, it was revived 15 years ago in 2007 as a joint venture between the Government and a consortium of private sector investors, comprising Brown and Company PLC and LOLC Holdings PLC in a unique Public-Private Partnership. Apart from the mammoth investment that went into resuscitating the factory, a key challenge for Gal Oya Plantations was to convince local farmers to revert to sugarcane cultivation, not an easy task considering their previous negative experience, an LOLC press release said.

‘However, encouraged by the trustworthy LOLC brand and the viable plan from the management to revive the factory, many farmers came onboard. Even though finding skilled labour in the area was a challenge, LOLC managed to hire skilled labourers and restart the factory. Making steady progress year after year, the resumption of the sugar factory has ushered in unimaginable prosperity into the lives of these farmers who took a leap of faith with Gal Oya Plantations. Apart from providing farmers with a means of income, the company has constructed better infrastructure around the factory premises by building irrigation, roads and drainage, thereby uplifting the surrounding community, the release added.

Extracts from the release; ‘The thriving sugar plantation today employs about 1,300 direct employees across 8,500 Ha of agri land. About 8,000 farmers are engaged in sugarcane cultivation and over 30,000 people gain indirect employment from this project. Gal Oya Plantations has successfully become one of the largest employers in the area. Under its solid leadership, Gal Oya Plantations has provided tremendous support and welfare for farmers. Its farmer community was able to overcome the fertilizer shortage, since Gal Oya recycles 100% of its sugarcane waste into organic fertilizer, which is then sold to farmers at concessionary rates. In 2022/23, farmers will receive a portion of the highest-ever profits earned by Gal Oya for the first time in its history.

‘Gal Oya has provided support to all local temples, churches and mosques over the last decade. During the power shortage period, generators were provided for 30 religious places to sustain operations. In addition, 1,000kg of sugar is provided free for functions organized by local religious and social institutions. More than 45 water bowsers are provided annually for occasions hosted by army camps, police stations, schools, preschools and other societies in the area.’

‘As a key employer in the area and integral to the lives and livelihoods of the local community, Gal Oya considers it its duty to help the community by fulfilling countless requests. Focusing on the welfare of children, Gal Oya organizes a School Children Nutrition programme for nearly 2,000 students at a value of Rs. 400,000 per week. The company also constructed a children’s park at Deegawapi Dutugemunu Vidyalaya. It sponsors the cleaning of playgrounds, police stations, schools, preschools and other organizations as and when requested. A dwelling for ailing monks is scheduled for construction in Aranthalawa by the company at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million. Moreover, blood donation camps are held annually with the participation of Gal Oya employees.

‘Venerable Poddiwela Saddharma Keerthi Sri Chandananda Nayaka Thero of the Viharadhipathi – Deeghavapi Pariwara Chaitya Rajamaha Vihara noted, “The Hingurana area became like a grave when the earlier sugar factory closed down. It was a very sad situation. But since Gal Oya was established, the Hingurana town has flourished. Gal Oya dutifully donates to various public religious and national missions. By helping ‘Viharas’ and temples in the area, the company provides a great service for the welfare of the farmers. And we cannot forget its noble mission of uplifting the school system and building future generations. We can clearly see that Gal Oya’s journey is on the correct path.”

‘Engaged in sugarcane cultivation, Mallika says, “I have been growing sugarcane for about

10 years now and am making a tidy profit. Gal Oya does everything for us – even providing fertilizer and fuel, and helping in land preparation. The company even helps in the cutting and transport of the sugarcane crop. Once the sugarcane is harvested, the money is given to us within 10-15 days. Thanks to Gal Oya, we can sustain our families and even save money.”

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Related Topics:Gal oya Higurana Gal Oya Plantations

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SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

12 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

13 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

13 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.