Business
Lanka Leather Fashion optimistic & confident in Sri Lanka despite domestic turmoil
Manufacturing high-end leatherwear since 1982; asserts country remains top spot for investors
When Sri Lanka opened its Free Trade Zones in Katunayaka, Biyagama and Koggala in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s, the country’s unique geographic location proved to be the biggest advantage to prospective foreign investors who saw immense potential in the tiny island. Being one of the first countries to establish FTZs in the South Asian region located at the crossroads of the major shipping routes to South Asia, the Far East and the European and American continents, major shipping lines and airfreight services used Sri Lanka as a convenient port of call en-route to major trading hubs.
Lanka Leather Fashion (Pvt) Limited was amongst those investors who envisaged the potential of Sri Lanka and was one of the first to establish operations in the Katunayake FTZ in 1982. Being the oldest leading manufacturers of high-end leather apparel, Director of Lanka Leather Fashion Marco Weidemann remembers his father setting up operations in Sri Lanka with unbridled conviction as Sri Lanka had no import or export restrictions and operated well within a liberalized trading economy.
“The talent pool in the 1980s and the high literacy rate compared to other regions were the other advantages, which also meant a win-win formula for both Sri Lanka and our company,” says Marco Weidemann. “We were able to assist in meeting the high demand for employment, while the Sri Lankan workforce, macro operating environment and strategic location was the foundation for operating a large scale manufacturing plant which met the high standards demanded by the European fashion industry.”
Director Duncan Fraser adds that at the time, “Manufacturing in neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan were not options for Lanka Leather Fashion as FDIs were not favoured in those regions. What we did however was work on a seamless supply chain by sourcing our leather from those countries and manufacture our products in Sri Lanka. Because Sri Lanka had less bureaucracy compared to the rest of South Asia, it made sense for us to establish operations because of our proximity to the leather sourcing regions.”
However, the war began a year later and dragged on for three long decades in which, Marco Weidemann says financial and manufacturing entities including FDIs were left well alone to continue their operations. Being in close proximity to both the port and airport, he says at no time were they in any fear of not meeting orders as the entire process from sourcing to shipping was implemented without any interruption.
Lanka Leather has been manufacturing high-end leatherwear since 1982
“Sri Lanka has generally been fully supportive towards operational businesses, but successive governments have made ad-hoc policy decisions and continually changed taxation structures which doesn’t argue well from an FDI perspective. Any FDI requires stability and continuity and those are two focal points that any government should remember when reaching out to FDIs.”
‘Marco Weidemann remains absolutely confident and optimistic about Sri Lanka. “The core reasons for us being here have not changed.’
Some of the country’s strong suites including the workforce and their literacy, easy access to markets and the ease and efficiency of importing and processing raw materials continue to be in place. Even with the price hikes in the overall logistics industry during the pandemic which was a global crisis and Sri Lanka’s more recent economic crisis, manufacturers continue to operate without hindrance.”
He added that the government making arrangements to ensure smooth operations for exporters by providing facility to purchase diesel direct from oil companies in USD augmented the confidence the company felt in operating in Sri Lanka.
With a 650 strong workforce and notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges Sri Lanka was going through, Lanka Leather retained its workforce, paid full remuneration and gave bonuses in full. “We are well aware of the spiralling inflation translating into considerable increase in the cost of living”. To assuage some of the daily problems our employees face including sourcing essential requirements, we introduced a cost of living allowance over the basic salary each month and added transport solutions to ensure they are able to report for work.”
While Sri Lanka continues to climb an uphill battle to achieve economic stability and boost social prowess, it is foreign investors who have seen the promise of the country and remained in situ for decades who will write that testament of confidence on behalf of Sri Lanka. The country is not just about a strategically advantageous location but also about higher literacy rates and a highly trainable workforce and as Lanka Leather Fashion have mentioned, “being able to run operations smoothly despite a troubled environment is truly gratifying.”
The Commercial Documents Registration Division (CDRD) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has expanded its export support services with the introduction of the Free Sale Letter for Pharmaceuticals, providing Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters with an additional document certification service to support their export processes and compliance requirements in international markets.
The new service expands CDRD’s portfolio of trade documentation solutions, which includes Certificates of Origin and the certification of key commercial documents required by overseas buyers, customs authorities, and regulatory bodies. These services assist exporters across sectors by helping ensure their documentation meets applicable requirements for international trade.
Established in 1925 as one of the authorised institutions to issue Certificates of Origin in Sri Lanka, CDRD has supported the country’s international trade for nearly a century. Today, the Division provides certification and verification services to exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and other trade stakeholders, supporting businesses in meeting documentation requirements for global markets.
In addition to pharmaceutical certification, CDRD facilitates the certification of Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Price Lists, Health Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificates of Analysis, Bills of Lading, Survey Reports, Beneficiary Certificates, and other export-related documents. The Division also issues Free Sale Letters and Surveyor Appointment Letters, while supporting exporters through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS), enabling secure and efficient document authentication.
Through established processes, digital solutions, and its e-service platform, CDRD continues to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of trade documentation services. Available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, the platform enables exporters to submit and manage documentation requirements conveniently while ensuring that certified documents meet internationally accepted requirements. By providing reliable documentation support and adapting its services to changing trade needs, the Division assists Sri Lankan businesses in managing export requirements and accessing international markets.
For more information on obtaining commercial document registration services, contact Achala via achala@chamber.lk / 0115588886
Siyapatha Finance PLC recently expanded its island-wide footprint with the successful inauguration of its 64th branch in Bandarawela. Strategically located in scenic hill town in the Badulla District, the latest branch offers convenient and wider access to tailored, customer-centric financial solutions.
The branch was ceremoniously declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana, joined by Chief Operating Officer (COO)Rajeev De Silva, Ms.D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, a student of Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya who won the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, the Senior Management and staff members as well as Traffic OIC Kandasami, Trade Association Secretary Sunanda Rathnayaka, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.
Sharing his thoughts, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. It is a region that showcases potential for greater economic development primarily through the country’s traditional agricultural practices. We look forward to reaching as many different communities as possible in the coming years.”
The Bandarawela branch offers a comprehensive product portfolio including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to Smart Pay, the Company’s bill payment facility. With a thorough understanding about the current socio-economic dynamics of the region, the well-trained team at the newest branch is dedicated to providing flexible financial solutions to aspiring individuals as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Business
Dialog recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Service and Telecommunications Brand for third consecutive year
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand in the Service and Telecommunications sectors, while also ranking among the top Corporate Brands in the LMD Brands Annual. Marking its third consecutive year at the top of both categories, the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through technology, while creating value for customers, communities and the nation.
The accolades were awarded through the LMD Brands Annual survey, conducted independently by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. Based on responses from 400 readers across Sri Lanka, representing a broad demographic and geographic mix, the survey identified the brands that resonated most strongly with consumers in terms of trust, loyalty and brand affinity.
Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand across both the Service and Telecommunications sectors is a meaningful endorsement of the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans continue to place in Dialog. This recognition reflects our commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of our customers while expanding access to digital connectivity, services and opportunities. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focused on creating value for communities and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital and socioeconomic progress.”
The recognition also reflects Dialog’s continued focus on innovation, customer-centricity and investments that support Sri Lanka’s digital future, including expanded 5G connectivity, AI-powered digital experiences and broader access to digital services.
Beyond connectivity, Dialog continues to support communities, livelihoods and the environment through initiatives such as Govi Mithuru, which provides AI-driven agricultural advisory services to over one million farmers, and Shishyadhara, which has enabled subsidy distribution to more than 450,000 underprivileged students. The company also continues to advance its Net Zero 2050 ambition through energy optimisation, renewable energy adoption and the expansion of solar-powered network infrastructure.
Further underscoring the brand’s standing among Sri Lankan consumers, Dialog was also recognised as the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the fifth time and the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 15th consecutive year at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026.
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