Business

HUMAN – ELEPHANT PEACE:

Published

2 years ago

2022/11/13

‘Ali Pancha’ a Landmark Project

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), Mr Johnson Liu, and the President of the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Mr Jehan CanagaRetna, mid-October to launch the ‘Ali Pancha’ Project – a way to help the transition from Human – Elephant Conflict (HEC) to Human – Elephant Peace. The broad aims of the Project are as follows:

The annual sponsoring of 25 orphaned elephants at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) at Uda Walawe to provide them with their essential nutrition for healthy development.The sponsoring of a research project to understand the varieties of antibiotics that work safely, and effectively, in the treatment of orphaned elephants.

The provision of six (6) ‘Smart Collars’ for elephants selected for release back into the wild. Their movements will be monitored via VHF frequencies and GPS Systems to understand their range of roaming and behaviour, and to scientifically evaluate and understand how they integrate into the wild.

Conduct Education & Awareness Programmes for a minimum of 200 farmers in the Hambantota District, in partnership with Farmer Societies and Government Institutions, and

Install five (5) of the WNPS’s Light Repel Systems (LRSs) in selected locations in the Hambantota District to protect these farmers’ homes and cultivations from incursions by elephants.The WNPS has the responsibility of coordinating these objectives to ensure that they are achieved, and within the time frames set out in the Agreement.

ANOTHER VITAL PARTNER

For the success of this project, the cooperation of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) is essential, especially for the Veterinary Surgeons and other officers of the ETH. It is they who must provide the technical and scientific inputs, and research, necessary for the initiatives with the orphan elephants. Dr Vijitha Perera, the Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the ETH will lead this project on behalf of the DWC, ably assisted by Dr Malaka Abeywardana who was present at the Project Launch.

In the course of its 128 year history as the 3rd oldest conservation organisation in the World, the WNPS counts its active involvement in the setting up of the DWC with great pride. During this long history, the WNPS has worked with the DWC on several projects, and greatly looks forward to this renewed partnership.

ENLIGHTENED THINKING

The CEO of HIPG, Mr Liu, in his address to the gathering had this to say:

“As a leading development project situated in this area, which is also home to a variety of wildlife, especially an Elephant population, we have a major challenge of facilitating development with minimal impact to nature and other life forms. This reflects our commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goals of protecting life on land and life underwater while achieving our business objectives. This is integrated in our ESG framework under the “Care for the Planet” focus area, and we now give our fullest support to minimize Human – Elephant Conflict which is an essential need of this area.

Under the “Human Elephant Peace Project”…our newest addition is the “Save Ali Pancha (elephant)” Project with the WNPS in collaboration with the ETH with a grant of USD 102,487.00…”

As a part of the sponsorship is for the collaring of selected animals from the identified herds to track their movements and formulate a strategy as to how this could be done with the knowledge of science. At present, there are elephants who visit the Port, mainly at night, and though they have not caused any damage to its buildings or harmed any of the employees, HIPG is understandably anxious that no damage is done to its valuable cargo that is stored in its yards.

As Mr CanagaRetna explained in his address, Sri Lanka’s wild populations of elephants share approximately 44% of its landscape with people. While development is essential for the country, it must be planned development and HIPG is demonstrating a good example of this, by placing care for the elephants, and other wildlife, alongside those of the necessary future Port development. CanagaRetna continued by saying that the future of our wildlife and conservation depends on humans. With all the destruction along with global warming and climate change, we must do our utmost to protect what we have. HIPG along with the partnership with WNPS is trying to plug a deep ravine in our country when it comes to our elephants. Sri Lanka has the highest Human Elephant Conflict in the world. Therefore, it is heartening to see Corporates such as HIPG stepping up to do their part for our country’s wildlife.

FROM CONFLICT TO PEACE

The elephant is an important part of the culture and religions of Sri Lanka. It is also important for conservation, for as a Keystone Species, the health of all the forests and its other denizens depend on them. Healthy forests lend to clean air and water, essential for human existence. We are all connected.

In addition, the wild elephant is an important source of revenue for this country, attracting foreign visitors who wish to see these magnificent animals in their wild surroundings. This leads to the financial enrichment of those communities that have elephants, and other wildlife, as their neighbours. As such, it is hoped that this landmark project will prove an inspiration to other ‘developers’ too, and enable the transition from ‘Conflict’ to ‘Peace’, and the saving of valuable lives.

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Business

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

Published

11 hours ago

2025/04/12

Thilina Walpola

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.

Business

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

Published

11 hours ago

2025/04/12

Thilina Walpola

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.

Business

Empowering SMEs on capital raising through listing

Published

11 hours ago

2025/04/12

Thilina Walpola

(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.