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Groundbreaking academy aimed at managing climate change issues

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The head table at the Climata Academy launch

By Ifham Nizam

Climata (Pvt) Ltd and BCAS Campus recently announced the launching of Climata Academy, a groundbreaking educational initiative aimed at empowering individuals to take action against climate change through a practical based education with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

‘The launch of the Climata Academy marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against climate change. By investing in education and empowering future generations, Sri Lanka is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for all, company sources said.

These sources added: ‘The Academy would be teaching Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs, spanning Climate Smart Agriculture, Climate Smart Aquaculture, Sustainable Finance, Corporate Sustainability, Green Marketing and more.

‘The Climata Academy offers immersive learning experiences designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to build a greener future. The Climata Academy provides a unique platform where learning translates directly into tangible action, fostering a generation of climate-conscious leaders.’

Speaking at a press conference, IAS Holdings Group Managing Director Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny said that investing in corporate sustainability isn’t just about the planet; it’s about the bottom line.

Wettimuny added that ‘it’s about optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and innovating for a greener future. It’s about creating a workforce empowered with the knowledge and skills to lead this transformation.

Speaking on the topic, ` Why it’s important for organizations to invest on corporate sustainability’, Wettimuny said: “We at IAS Holdings understand the gravity of climate change and corporate sustainability. The road ahead demands climate action, one where economic prosperity and environmental responsibility walk hand-in-hand.”

Wettimuny stressed that it is the very reason why IAS Holdings, a company dedicated to logistics, finds itself at the forefront of Climata, ‘a venture dedicated to combating climate change. Climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s a present reality demanding immediate action.

‘Businesses, once passive observers, are now key players in this fight. Why? Because sustainability is a survival strategy. It’s about building resilience, mitigating risks, and attracting talent and customers who crave purpose-driven brands. Sustainable companies outperform their less-green counterparts in efficiency, profitability, and brand loyalty,” she added.

Climata Academy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Clair Prakash said that the institution is the first of its kind which is dedicated to climate change and sustainability education, powered by modern technology to equip people with the knowledge, skills and tools to address climate change and sustainability.

The Board of Directors of Climata Academy consists of a diverse panel, such as, Clair Prakash, Teresh Amaratunga, CEO of BCAS Campus, Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny and Gihan Mendis, Co-founder/CEO Engenuity AI.



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Sarvodaya Development Finance joins Global Banking Alliance, set to host annual board meeting in Sri Lanka

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Chairman Channa De Silva

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.

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Sanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka

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Sanjiv Hulugalle

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.

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Empowering SMEs on capital raising through listing

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(L - R) Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Manuri Weerasignhe, Punyamali Saparamadu, Nikila Darmadasa, and J.F. Fernandopulle

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.

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