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Manaco Marine signs MoU with Southern Maritime Training Institute to empower future Sri Lankan seafarers

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From left; Capt.Roshan Perera-Direcror/General Manager -Manaco Marine, Capt.Nalin Peiris -Chief Executive Officer-Manaco Marine , Capt.Kolitha Gunawardane -Chief Executive Officer -Southern Maritime Training Institute , Capt.Sanjeewa Usgoda Arachchi -Director-Southern Maritime Training Institute

Sri Lanka, 17th July 2023: Manaco Marine, a prominent maritime recruitment and port agency services provider in Sri Lanka, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Southern Maritime Training Institute (SMTI), Galle. This landmark agreement solidifies the commitment to employ cadets from SMTI and highlights Manaco Marine’s dedication to selecting and training the most suitable candidates who will excel as officers on modern ships on which emission abatement technologies are being used.

As per the MoU, Manaco Marine will serve as one of the training partners for SMTI, providing placements and comprehensive training for the institute. Manaco Marine’s unique approach involves meticulous interviews with candidates from various maritime institutes to ensure that only the most talented individuals are chosen, enabling them to become competent Cadets capable of thriving in the global maritime industry.

Being aware of SMTI’s dedication and potential to cultivate competitive and skilled seafarers, Manaco Marine is delighted to establish this collaborative relationship. As stated by Capt. Nalin Pieris, the Chief Executive Officer of Manaco Marine, “We are pleased to embark on this partnership with them, and unite in our goal to provide exceptional opportunities and develop top-tier maritime professionals.”

The alliance between Manaco Marine and SMTI will primarily focus on training and employment of cadets up to their graduation. They will be placed on board ships operated by Manaco Marine’s principals, after a very stringent selection and engagement process. Throughout their training, both Manaco Marine and SMTI will closely monitor their progress to ensure that the highest standards of education and skill development are achieved. Navigation Officer Cadets will embark on a seven-month residential program at SMTI, where they will be taught essential skills to take up their first phase of onboard training.

Thereafter, they will be offered ship placement by Monaco Marine for a period of 12-month on-board merchant vessels. Upon completing the on-board training, the cadets will return back to SMTI for the final phase of shore based training which is for 6 months, before appearing for their first certificate of competency examination conducted by the Ministry of Merchant Shipping Secretariat. On successful completion of the examination these Cadets will qualify to join ships as watch keeping officers.

Commenting on the significance of signing the MoU during a time of rapid transformation in the maritime industry, Capt. Nalin Pieris remarked, “This partnership with SMTI aligns with our commitment to staying at the forefront of modern sea-faring. By providing comprehensive training and employment opportunities, we aim to nurture a new generation of skilled seafarers who will thrive in the evolving maritime landscape.”

SMTI Chief Executive Officer Capt. Kolitha Gunawardane expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with Manaco Marine in shaping the future of maritime training and education. Through this MoU, we will empower our cadets to excel in their careers, contributing to the growth and success of the global maritime industry.”

Manaco Marine and SMTI’s MoU sets a significant milestone in the development of skilled seafarers, further strengthening the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. With their shared vision and commitment to excellence, both organizations are poised to shape a new era of modern and competent seafaring professionals.



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AIA delivers strong first half results in 2026; double-digit growth across key financial metrics

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The Board of AIA Group Limited (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the Group’s financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026. Growth rates are shown on a constant exchange rate basis unless otherwise stated:

New business performance and embedded value

Value of new business (VONB) of US$3,212 million, up 10 per cent overall and 14 per cent excluding Thailand(1)

Record high annualised operating ROEV of 18.0 per cent, up from 15.8 per cent in full year 2025

EV Equity of US$83.4 billion, up 6 per cent per share over the first half on an actual exchange rate basis

IFRS earnings

Operating profit after tax (OPAT) of US$4,163 million, up 13 per cent per share

AIA now expects to exceed OPAT per share CAGR target of 9 to 11 per cent from 2023 to 2026(2)

Record high annualised operating ROE of 17.5 per cent, up from 15.5 per cent in full year 2025

Cash generation and capital returns

Underlying free surplus generation (UFSG) of US$3,935 million, increased by 10 per cent per share

Net free surplus generation (net FSG) of US$2,758 million, up 12 per cent per share

US$3.6 billion returned to shareholders in the first half through dividend and share buy-back

Interim dividend increased by 10 per cent to 53.90 Hong Kong cents per share

Lee Yuan Siong, AIA’s Group Chief Executive and President, said:

“AIA has delivered another strong performance in the first half of 2026, with double-digit growth across our key financial metrics, while continuing to return substantial capital to shareholders. VONB reached a record high of US$3.2 billion with growth across all distribution channels, and all reportable segments excluding Thailand. The Group has achieved 17 per cent CAGR since the first half of 2023(3), demonstrating consistently strong demand for AIA’s professional advice and differentiated products.

“At the core of our unrivalled distribution platform is our market-leading Premier Agency. I am delighted that AIA has once again been ranked the number one Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) multinational company globally. We have held this position for a record 12 consecutive years and we have more than double the number of MDRT members of our nearest competitor. In the first half of 2026, our Premier Agency achieved strong VONB growth of 11 per cent excluding Thailand(1). Our extensive network of strategic distribution partners further expands our market reach and generated an 18 per cent increase in VONB, supported by very strong performance in both the bancassurance and independent financial adviser (IFA) and broker channels.

“Strong new business, together with disciplined management of our in-force portfolio, has supported sustained growth in recurring earnings with OPAT per share up by 13 per cent in the first half. As a result, we expect to exceed our 9 to 11 per cent OPAT per share CAGR target for 2023 to 2026(2). UFSG, the Group’s core measure of operating cash generation, increased by 10 per cent per share. After allowing for new business investment, net FSG increased by 12 per cent per share. In accordance with our prudent, sustainable and progressive dividend policy, the Board has declared a 10 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 53.90 Hong Kong cents per share. These achievements demonstrate that our financial strategy is working as intended.

“Asia remains the most compelling growth opportunity for life and health insurance. Powerful structural tailwinds across the region continue to create substantial demand for our professional advice and differentiated products and underpin the exceptional long-term prospects for AIA’s business. I am confident that AIA’s disciplined execution of our strategic priorities will continue to deliver long-term sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”

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British Council Sri Lanka launches soft skills workshops to elevate learning and empower communication

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The British Council team answering questions on Corporate English Solutions from leading corporates about professional development skills courses

The British Council Sri Lanka has launched Corporate English Solutions (CES), tailored to the Sri Lankan corporate and education ecosystem, aimed at helping organisations strengthen workplace communication and professional development.

The launch event took place recently at the NH Collection, Colombo 3, gathering corporate partners, clients and education stakeholders throughout the country.

CES extends the British Council’s long-standing work in English language education and teacher training into a dedicated offering for the corporate sector. The launch introduced two new components to the British Council’s presence in Sri Lanka such as public workshops and teacher training programmes, open to learners and educators beyond the organisation’s existing corporate and academic partners. Guests at the event were shown a short video introducing Corporate English Solutions before the formal proceedings began.

Talal Meer, British Council Regional Business Development Director, South Asia, welcomed guests and introduced the British Council’s team in Sri Lanka. In his remarks, Meer set out the scope of the CES launch, covering the introduction of public workshops in Sri Lanka, the rollout of teacher training programmes, and an overview of the CES product portfolio. Meer’s role covers educational partnerships in the South Asia region, and his address framed the Sri Lanka launch within the British Council’s broader regional strategy.

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Ogilvy Group tops award tally at ‘Dragons of Sri Lanka’ 2026

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Ogilvy Group Sri Lanka delivered a standout performance at the recently concluded Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026 Awards, securing a total of nine awards comprising two Gold Dragons, one Silver Dragon and six Black Dragons, among the festival’s highest overall award tallies. Gold Dragon wins for Phoenix Ogilvy and Ogilvy Digital, together with the seven additional recognitions across multiple categories, highlighted Ogilvy’s ability to combine creativity, strategic thinking and commercial effectiveness to deliver business results.

Organised by the 4As Sri Lanka, the third edition of Dragons of Sri Lanka shortlisted more than 50 agencies and corporates, making it one of the country’s most competitive marketing communications awards. These local awards, along with the chapters in Malaysia and Pakistan are part of the Dragons of Asia platform, one of the region’s leading programmes for marketing communications effectiveness, with entries being judged on strategy, originality, execution and measurable results.

Ogilvy Digital accounted for eight awards in total, including a Gold Dragon in the Business & Trade Marketing category, and a Silver Dragon in the Innovative Idea or Concept category. The Agency additionally received six Black Dragons across the categories of Innovative Idea or Concept, Business & Trade Marketing, Content Creation, Small Budget, Event or Experiential, and Brand Trial or Sales Generation.

Commenting on the achievement, Sajith Weerasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of Ogilvy Digital, said, “These recognitions reflect the breadth of capabilities we’ve built across strategy, creative, content, experience design, technology and performance marketing. The fact that the work was recognised across so many different disciplines demonstrates our ability to apply creativity to a wide range of business challenges and objectives. We’re proud that this achievement spans multiple clients, categories and types of work, reflecting both the versatility of our people and our commitment to delivering results.”

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