News
Insurance luminary Nihal Senaratne honoured
In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s insurance industry, Nihal Senaratne, Chairman of Senaratne Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Limited, has been honoured by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of London, UK, for his outstanding contribution to the profession. The accolade was presented during a visit to his office in Colombo by senior CII officials; Holly Porter, Executive Director (Market & Opportunities) and Gaenor Jones, Regional Director (Middle East, Central and South Asia).
The recognition celebrates Senaratne’s remarkable legacy spanning over seven decades, marked by visionary leadership, industry innovation, and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence. This accolade, accompanied by a formal certificate of commendation, is believed to be the first of its kind ever issued by the CII – London, marking a truly historic moment for both Senaratne and the Sri Lankan insurance community.
In his remarks, Senaratne shared, “To be recognized by the Chartered Insurance Institute of London is a humbling honour. My journey in insurance has always been about service to clients, colleagues, and the industry I hold dear. This commendation is not mine alone; it belongs to every Sri Lankan professional who has worked tirelessly to elevate our standards and reputation on the global stage.”
Founded in 1979, Senaratne Insurance Brokers has long been a pillar of independent financial insurance broking in Sri Lanka. Under Senaratne’s stewardship, the firm has grown into a client-centric powerhouse, known for its technical expertise, ethical standards, and long-term partnerships. The company’s emphasis on Chartered qualifications and continuous professional development has made it a model of best practice, as highlighted in a recent CII case study.
Speaking at a ceremony, former CII President Jane Portas praised Senaratne’s “visionary leadership and enduring impact,” noting that “his dedication to raising professional standards has not only transformed his own firm but has elevated the entire Sri Lankan insurance landscape.”
The recognition comes on the heels of Senaratne’s 72nd anniversary in the industry; a milestone celebrated earlier this year by colleagues, clients, and peers across the region. Known for his humility and sharp intellect, Senaratne reflected on the honour with characteristic grace: “To be recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of London is a humbling honour. My journey in insurance has always been about service to clients, colleagues, and the industry I hold dear. This commendation is not mine alone. It belongs to every colleague, client, and partner who believed in the power of trust, professionalism, and service and to every Sri Lankan professional who has worked tirelessly to elevate our standards and reputation on the global stage.”
The accolade also underscores the growing global recognition of Sri Lanka’s insurance talent. As the industry navigates digital transformation and evolving risk landscapes, leaders like Senaratne continue to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to excellence and integrity.
In a career spanning an unprecedented 72 years, Senaratne has become a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s insurance landscape, leaving an indelible mark on both national and international platforms. Born on 3rd January 1934, Senaratne is the son of two distinguished Sri Lankans; Loranee Senaratne, the country’s first female ambassador, and Dr. Owen L. F. Senaratne, a renowned eye surgeon. A proud alumnus of Royal College Colombo, his journey in insurance began in February 1953 as a Trainee Manager at Bosanquet & Skrine Ltd.
by CII for Lifetime Contribution ✍️
The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ concluded a logistics replenishment visit to Sri Lanka and departed the Port of Colombo on 24 Jan 26.
In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.
The price of gold has risen above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025.
It comes as tensions between the US and NATO over Greenland have added to growing concerns about financial and geopolitical uncertainty.
US President Donald Trump’s trade policies have also worried markets. On Saturday he threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it strikes a trade deal with China.
Gold and other precious metals are seen as a so-called safe-haven assets that investors buy in times of uncertainty.
Demand for gold has also been driven by a range of other factors including higher-than-usual inflation, the weak US dollar, buying by central banks around the world and as the US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates again this year.
Wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as Washington seizing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, have also helped push up the price of gold.
On Friday, silver topped $100 an ounce for the first time, building on its almost 150% rise last year.
[BBC]
SJB Working Committee member and ex-SLPP lawmaker Charitha Herath says that all eyes are on the newly constituted Constitutional Council (CC) as to how it will handle the dispute between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the previous CC, over the appointment of Auditor General (AG).
The former parliamentarian said so in response to The Island query yesterday (25). In terms of the Constitution, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa last week agreed on the appointment of former civil servant Austin Fernando, Professor Wasantha Seneviratne and Ranjith Ariyaratne as non-MP members of the CC.
They replaced former Ministry Secretary Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, former Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Medical Association Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere and Dr. Dinesha Samararatne of the University of Colombo. Pointing out that they rejected the President’s nominees for the AG’s post on several occasions, Herath emphasised the pivotal importance of the appointment of a person with impeccable credentials.
The other CC members are the Prime Minister, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne (Chairman), the Opposition Leader, the President’s nominee Bimal Rathnayake and five persons appointed by the President, upon being nominated as follows: one MP nominated by agreement of the majority of the MPs representing the Government (Aboobucker Athambawa, MP), one MP nominated by agreement of the majority of the Members of Parliament of the political party, or independent group, to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs (Ajith P. Perera, MP), and one MP nominated by agreement of the Members of Parliament other than those representing the Government and those belonging to the political party or independent group to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs, and appointed by the President ( Sivagnanam Shritharan, MP.)
The present CC was established on October 31, 2022 in terms of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. The Attorney General heads the National Audit Office (NAO). One-time COPE Chief said that it would be the responsibility of the government to ensure the integrity of the NAO.
Chulantha Wickramaratne, who served as AG for a period of six years, retired in April 2025. Following his retirement, President Dissanayake nominated H.T.P. Chandana, an audit officer at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation as the AG. The CC rejected that nomination. Subsequently, President Dissanayake appointed the next senior-most official at the NAO Dharmapala Gammanpila as Acting Auditor General for a period of six months. Then, the President nominated Senior Deputy Auditor General L.S.I. Jayarathne to serve in an acting capacity, but her nomination, too, was also rejected. Many an eyebrow was raised when the President nominated O.R. Rajasinghe, the Internal Audit Director of the Sri Lanka Army for the top post. That nomination too was rejected. As a result, the vital position remains vacant since 07 December, 2025.
Herath said that the government was in a bind over the Auditor General’s appointment and the disgraceful campaign launched against Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Jr, PC.
The ex-lawmaker said that JVP/NPP loyalists masquerading as journalists and civil activists had launched the protest against the Attorney General. Herath said that the decision to send Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, on compulsory leave, too, was a matter of serious concern.
Herath said: “This is the same government that campaigned strongly on non-interference, institutional independence, and respect for the rule of law—principles they used to criticise every previous administration. Now, they appear to be doing exactly what they once opposed, only more openly. If this pattern continues, these undemocratic actions will eventually lead to their own downfall.”
BASL in late December, 2025 urged President Dissanayake and others, including the Opposition Leader, to consult civil society and professional bodies, including them, before the appointment of civil society representatives.
Herath said that the newly constituted CC would face its first acid test when it addressed the Auditor General issue.
by Shamindra Ferdinando
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