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Govt. assures policy consistency in energy sector

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Minister Anura Karunathilake assumes duties.

Despite a reshuffle at the helm of energy sector, the government has moved swiftly to reassure markets, investors, and industry stakeholders that policy continuity—not disruption—will define the road ahead.

Newly appointed Power and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake, assuming duties at a moment of heightened scrutiny, made it clear that the administration’s core commitment remains unchanged: uninterrupted supply of electricity and fuel, regardless of political transitions.

His remarks come at a critical juncture for the country’s energy economy—still recovering from past volatility, navigating global price pressures, and attempting to build investor confidence in long-term infrastructure and generation projects.

Addressing journalists following his appointment, Karunathilake struck a notably measured tone, signaling stability rather than reformist disruption.

“The national energy policy is anchored in long-term objectives. There is no shift in direction,” he said, in what analysts interpret as a deliberate message to both domestic and foreign investors wary of policy reversals.

Energy economists note that Sri Lanka’s power and fuel sectors remain deeply sensitive to political signals. Even minor uncertainty can ripple through procurement cycles, independent power producer (IPP) negotiations, and fuel hedging strategies.

By emphasizing continuity, the government appears intent on avoiding the stop-start policy cycles that have historically plagued the sector.

The transition follows the resignation of former Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala on April 17, a move widely viewed as an attempt to ensure the independence of an ongoing Presidential Commission probing coal procurement processes.

From a governance perspective, the resignations may serve to reinforce institutional credibility—particularly at a time when transparency in energy procurement is under intense public and political scrutiny.

Karunathilake acknowledged opposition criticism regarding transparency but responded with a firm challenge: present concrete evidence to investigative authorities rather than litigating issues through media narratives.

Perhaps the most market-sensitive assurance came in the Minister’s outright rejection of imminent power cuts.

Energy supply stability remains a cornerstone of economic recovery. From export manufacturing to tourism and digital services, uninterrupted electricity is non-negotiable.

Karunathilake indicated that groundwork laid by his predecessors—including generation planning and fuel supply arrangements—has already mitigated immediate risks.

“If those plans are implemented effectively, there will be no need for power cuts,” he said, positioning his role as one of policy support and execution oversight rather than structural overhaul.

Industry observers point out that this continuity is crucial. Any disruption in electricity supply could directly impact industrial output, SME operations, and investor sentiment—particularly as Sri Lanka courts foreign direct investment in energy-intensive sectors.

On the fuel front, the minister acknowledged the reality that global price movements—exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—remain beyond Sri Lanka’s control.

For businesses, especially logistics operators, fisheries, and agriculture, fuel price predictability is as critical as supply continuity. Sudden spikes can erode margins and disrupt planning cycles.

Karunathilake’s assurance that supply will remain uninterrupted, regardless of external shocks, is therefore likely to be welcomed by key economic sectors.

By Ifham Nizam



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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