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Kantar Lighthouse 2023: Gen Z – unravelled

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KANTAR Sri Lanka, hosted its annual knowledge-sharing event, KANTAR LIGHT HOUSE 2023, at the Kings Court, Cinnamon Lakeside and unravelled compelling insights around the young generation, Gen Z in Sri Lanka, through sessions that included key trends impacting the overall business landscape and their implications on brands.

The conference was attended by top leaders from a diverse range of brands present in Sri Lanka. The distinguished guests included CEO, Kantar APAC – Leung Cheong Tai, Executive Managing Director, Insights Division, Kantar South Asia – Deepender Rana, and the Executive committee of Kantar South Asia.

Head of Kantar Sri Lanka – Himalee Madurasinghe, emphasised the crucial necessity of comprehending the prevailing pulse of the people. She explained the myriad experiences individuals have undergone in recent years, leading to unprecedented shifts in behaviour. “The resultant impact on businesses has been profound, leaving little room for proactive planning or anticipation of these transformative changes. While certain sectors show positive momentum, the journey towards reclaiming past levels of achievements is anticipated to be gradual.”

Madurasinghe emphasised that the profound understanding of consumers remains a paramount concern, given the evolving landscape. “Notably, the emergence of Gen Z into the workforce introduces novel and intriguing behavioural patterns that demand thoughtful consideration from brands and their custodians”. In reaffirming Kantar’s commitment, Madurasinghe reiterated the company’s dedicated role as a facilitator for providing invaluable insights into these nuanced dynamics.

CEO, Kantar APAC – Leung Cheong Tai, shared insightful observations with the audience, shedding light on three overarching trends prevalent in the APAC region. With a succinct articulation, she outlined these trends as “Do more with less, Unlearn to build brands of tomorrow, and Do well by doing good.”

In his engaging address, Executive Managing Director, Insights Division South Asia – Deependra Rana, presented a compelling perspective on the integration of artificial intelligence within KANTAR, aptly titled “KANTAR and Artificial Intelligence – Future is Here”. Rana illuminated how this technology serves as a catalyst for “Generative AI = Humanizing EI (Enhanced Intelligence)”, ushering in a paradigm where AI enhances human capabilities.

The evening’s focal point was the exchange of information and insights encapsulated within the theme – GEN Z – Unravelled. Shevanie Senanayake and Nuwani Jayasuriya skillfully took the audience through a captivating presentation. “Gen Z, the demographic cohort aged between 11 to 26 years, took centre stage in our exploration, with a specific focus on those aged 15-26 for this study, constituting 23% of the population. These Gen Zers emerged as alchemists, reshaping the societal norms of Sri Lanka.

While Gen Z can sometimes be enigmatic, they represent a puzzle, embodying a complex and multi-faceted identity composed of various pieces that together form a cohesive whole. Our exploration delved into five distinct facets of this generation, casting light on their identity.” The facets categorised as Neo-Traditional, Aspirant, Go-Getter, Phygital (Physical and Digital), and Explorer, offered a nuanced understanding of Gen Z.

The study not only reaffirmed known behaviours but also unveiled new perspectives, empowering marketers and businesses to appreciate the significance of these findings for making informed decisions.

Gen Z and Gen Y make up 50% of Sri Lanka’s population with 25% being Gen Z. As per Kantar’s National Demographic and Lifestyle Survey (NDLS), Gen Z is present in 58% of our households and is not only influencing the buying power shift, but they are also a part of a large-scale cultural shift.



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Business, economic heavyweights converge in Colombo

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Senior business leaders, economists and international development experts, alongside the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will headline the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12 and 13 October at the Shangri-La Colombo.

The Summit will open with a keynote address by T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, who brings more than four decades of experience in the consumer brands and FMCG sectors. Having previously served as President of Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, with extensive experience in building businesses and driving growth across emerging markets, Krishnakumar, more popularly known as Kk, now leads Reliance Consumer Products as it expands across categories and builds new customer, partnership and market opportunities.

Day 2 will bring together four international perspectives across discussions on economic resilience, regional connectivity, sector growth and digital transformation.

Lilia Aleksanyan, Senior Country Economist for Sri Lanka at the Asian Development Bank, will open the day’s discussions with a focus on Sri Lanka’s economic resilience. Her work covers the country’s macroeconomic outlook, policy advice and macro-fiscal and financial-sector reform. Her international policy experience also includes roles at the French Ministry of Finance and the French Central Bank.

The Summit will then turn to Sri Lanka’s connections with regional markets, with P. D. Singh, Chief Executive Officer, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, delivering the keynote for the session on trade corridors and value chains. Singh counts close to three decades of experience in banking and finance, with senior leadership roles spanning Standard Chartered, JPMorgan Chase Bank and HSBC.

The Sector Deep Dives will bring international perspectives to discussions on healthcare and energy.

Tushar Shroff, Chief Financial Officer, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, will deliver the keynote for the healthcare discussion, drawing on more than three decades of experience in corporate finance, strategic investment and financial transformation. His career spans senior finance and leadership roles with ABB, Piramal Healthcare, Intas Pharmaceuticals and Vedanta Group, giving him a broad perspective on the business and investment decisions shaping the healthcare sector.

For the energy-focused deep dive, Edore Onomakpome, Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal at the International Finance Corporation, will bring extensive experience in infrastructure investment and project finance across emerging markets. Since joining IFC in 2013, she has held senior roles across Africa and South Asia, including managing IFC’s infrastructure portfolio across 16 countries.

The Summit will conclude its keynote programme with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who will deliver the keynote for “Nation Building in the Digital Age.” The Prime Minister also oversees the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, bringing a direct policy perspective to discussions on digital transformation, innovation, education and the skills needed for a changing economy.

Together, these perspectives will bring regional, international and policy insight to SLEIS 2026 as Sri Lanka considers how to strengthen economic resilience, attract investment, deepen regional connections and develop new sources of growth.

Held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy,” SLEIS 2026 will take place on 12 and 13 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Colombo.

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., Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited, 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 for SLEIS 2026 are now closed. The Ceylon Chamber looks forward to welcoming participants to the discussions on Sri Lanka’s future trajectory on 12 and 13 October.

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Commercial Bank launches ‘Prestige’ banking for HNW clients

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Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of Commercial Bank flanked by Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO and Hasrath Munasinghe, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer at the launch of Commercial Bank Prestige Banking

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has launched ‘Prestige’, a three-tier banking proposition aimed at high-net-worth (HNW) clients, combining wealth management, advisory services and lifestyle benefits.

The initiative replaces the bank’s existing ‘Elite’ private banking brand with Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond tiers, designed to cater to customers according to their wealth profiles and banking relationships.

The bank said Prestige would provide dedicated relationship managers, priority branch services, preferential rates on loans and deposits, enhanced card privileges, family banking programmes and offshore account solutions.

Its wealth and investment management services include access to capital-protected income solutions, dual-currency investments, institutional deals and estate and portfolio governance.

Clients will also have access to specialist financial and corporate advisory services, including assistance with international relocation, overseas property and capital repatriation.

The programme includes lifestyle benefits such as VIP airport lounge access, travel concierge services, property management and medical coordination, as well as access to selected art and culinary events.

The bank said its flagship Prestige banking residence at R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been refurbished, with the service to be extended to other economically important cities.

Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said Prestige was intended to support customers in managing their wealth, business interests, family needs and long-term legacy.

Existing Elite clients are being transitioned to the new programme, the bank said.

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Ceylinco Life rewards 80 sales achievers with overseas tours

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Ceylinco Life has rewarded 80 members of its sales force with overseas tours to Vietnam and China for their outstanding performance in the company’s 2025 sales competitions.

The group comprised 62 sales achievers who travelled to Vietnam and 18 who visited China.

The Vietnam tour included visits to Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Hoan Kiem Lake. The group also travelled to Ha Long Bay, where they went on an Aurora Cruise and explored attractions including Sung Sot Cave, Luun Cave and Titop Island.

The tour also featured a sunset party aboard the cruise, with music and refreshments.

The 18 achievers who travelled to China visited several of Beijing’s major historical and cultural attractions, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. They also took a boat ride on Kunming Lake.

A highlight of the China tour was a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, including a round-trip cable car ride. The group also attended an acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre and visited the Panda Garden at Beijing Zoo.

The company said the tours were organised to recognise and reward sales personnel for their performance and achievements.

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