Connect with us

Business

Nation has got its priorities mixed up between humanity and availability: Sri Lanka Red Cross chief

Published

on

Saskia de Jongh, Regional General Manager for Delivery, Uber APAC, commits a USD 200,000 donation to Jagath Abeysinghe, president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to help vulnerable communities affected by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, at Galadari Colombo recently

by Sanath Nanayakkare

Sri Lanka appears to have got its priorities mixed up between humanity and availability, Jagath Abeysinghe, president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society told The Island Financial Review recently.

“We hear many concerned voices about the difficulties arising from the shortages of fuel and other commodities as a result of the ongoing foreign exchange crisis, but unfortunately, there isn’t enough concern and attention towards the larger section of the people across the length and breadth of the country who quietly bear the brunt of the economic crisis, and are left without the basic needs to live. So the talk about humanity has taken a back seat, president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society said.

He made these remarks on the sidelines of a recent event where Uber Sri Lanka announced a USD 200,000 donation to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to help vulnerable communities affected by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. The donations will be used to distribute food and life-saving medicines across the country.

Further speaking the president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society said:

“Beyond the prevailing shortages of various things that reduce the convenience of life in general, there’s an underlying huge humanitarian crisis. These people don’t have money to buy even basic needs and this is the first time I have seen a humanitarian crisis in its most extreme form ever since I joined the Red Cross as a youth member forty years ago.

“These people are mostly daily income earners with very low-wages. Although poor they worked and lived with dignity and respect until the economic crisis hit them out of the blue. It was not their fault and it was clearly somebody else’s fault. The heart-rending side of this story is they can’t communicate their plight to the world and take their message to the empathetic people out there who feel for them and may well be willing to support them to alleviate their suffering.

“The government because of its limited fiscal space may not be able to support all these people. But it can muster the support of all kind-hearted people willing to contribute to this cause by establishing a transparent mechanism that ensures their donations will directly and definitely go to this segment of people that needs support to live through the crisis time. Unlike in times of natural disasters, the crisis has affected middle-income households too. As a nation, we must draw our prime focus on this and do the best we can do to help them. The corporate sector, NGOs and other organizations need to step in and the government has to adopt a holistic approach to muster and channel their support to these vulnerable sections.”

“There are many compassionate people in the Sri Lankan diaspora working and living overseas who have made their intentions known to us about their willingness to help the people get rid of this frustrating situation. But it has to be coordinated and channeled through a credible mechanism.”

“The media also has to play a key role in bringing this matter to the surface instead of playing up political rhetoric because the need of the hour is to support the poor and vulnerable people among other urgent matters. If all responsible groups and benefactors join hands, we will be able to fulfill our duty towards these voiceless people.”

“Uber has embarked on a timely initiative to assist the most vulnerable people of Sri Lanka by providing financial assistance during this economic crisis. The trust in Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to deliver their aspirations prove that the Society has continued to work for the most vulnerable in its time of need. Such partnerships as this are vital.”

Sharing her views on the partnership, Saskia de Jongh, Regional General Manager for Delivery, Uber APAC, said, “We are committed to helping Sri Lanka and the communities that we serve. We recognize this is a difficult time for the country, and we are pleased to be able to support it via this partnership with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. Sri Lanka and its people are full of potential, and both will emerge stronger from this crisis.”



Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook

Published

on

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm's engagement with its growing client base.

Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.

The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.

The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.

Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.

Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.

The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.

Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.

Continue Reading

Business

Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund

Published

on

The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.

Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.

As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.

This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.

This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.

Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Continue Reading

Business

NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana

Published

on

Samitha Waidyasekera CEO - NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd

NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.

The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.

The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.

Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.

Continue Reading

Trending