The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, met Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), in Karachi on Feb. 6 and urged a high level visit of Pakistani business people to Sri Lanka, a news release from the High Commission said.

Dr. Munir, who also serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), leads Pakistan’s premier business policy advocacy body, which plays a key role in promoting a conducive business environment, export growth, and industrial development.

The High Commissioner who was warmly received by Dr. Munir at her office briefed her on the current economic and political landscape in Sri Lanka, highlighting the country’s improving economic outlook, enhanced political stability, and a favourable environment for foreign investment, the release said.

He also outlined the policy priorities of the new Government, with particular emphasis on ongoing economic reforms, investment-friendly initiatives, and opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, it said.

He invited Dr. Munir to consider leading a delegation of prominent business leaders and investors to Sri Lanka, with a view to engaging with Sri Lankan counterparts and exploring potential investment opportunities and avenues for collaboration across key sectors.

The meeting was facilitated by. Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, Mehmood Mandviwalla, who was also present. Minister and Head of Chancery of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad, Christy Ruban, and Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Sanjeewa Pattiwila also participated at the meeting.

Officials from the Western Provincial Council, Colombo Municipal Council, and event organisers marked the official launch of IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo – Presented by Port City Colombo today at Shangri-La Colombo, the Host Hotel, signalling the return of Sri Lanka’s premier endurance event and the start of the long-term #ActiveColombo initiative.

Scheduled from 19–22 February 2026, the world-class triathlon will anchor #ActiveColombo Week, combining international competition with a city-wide celebration of sport, health, and urban vitality. Highlights include the KAYA Colombo – Active Lifestyle & International Expo (19–21 Feb), the family-focused IRONKIDS Colombo (21 Feb), and the IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo triathlon (22 Feb), featuring swim, bike, and run events at Port City Colombo, the Official Venue Partner.

The event is set to welcome nearly 1,000 athletes from over 49 countries, many visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, bringing international media attention and significant economic impact across hospitality, aviation, retail, and transport. As part of the globally recognised IRONMAN® circuit, Colombo now joins iconic host cities such as Sydney, Nice, and Muscat, reinforcing its position as South Asia’s emerging endurance sports hub.

“IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence,” said Rajan Thananayagam, Director of Serendib Multisport (Pvt) Ltd. “This event puts Sri Lanka on the world stage and showcases Colombo as a vibrant, welcoming destination for athletes and their families.”

The launch also introduced #ActiveColombo, a long-term initiative aimed at transforming Colombo into South Asia’s leading Active City. The programme focuses on activating everyday urban spaces through parks, waterfronts, beaches, clean streets, shaded corridors, and safe environments that encourage walking, cycling, yoga, and other outdoor activities.

“Through #ActiveColombo, we aim to inspire a more active generation while strengthening Colombo’s appeal as a globally competitive capital,” said Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province. Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar added that the initiative symbolises inclusive growth, promoting healthier streets, greener corridors, and vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors alike.

With signature policies such as the “Every Active Street is a Shaded Street” Shade the Road initiative, Colombo aims to combine urban health, economic growth, and international sports tourism. Experts say cities that invest in active lifestyles see 10–20% reductions in long-term healthcare costs, safer streets, and higher visitor spending.

By linking IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo with #ActiveColombo, organisers hope to position the city as a healthier home for citizens, a premier destination for high-value tourists, and a credible host for global sporting and lifestyle events, cementing Colombo’s reputation as South Asia’s Active Capital.

HNB Assurance PLC was recognized as the Best Health Insurance Coverage Provider of the Year – Sri Lanka, at the prestigious awards ceremony organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), marking a significant milestone in the Company’s journey of delivering comprehensive, customer-centric protection solutions.

This accolade adds to a growing list of recognitions from the ICC, which has previously acknowledged HNB Assurance as the Best Life Insurance Company, highlighting the Company’s consistent presence among the most respected players in the insurance industry. The latest recognition reflects HNB Assurance’s focus on innovation, strong product architecture, and its ability to anticipate and respond to evolving healthcare needs.

Commenting on the achievement, Lasitha Wimalaratne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance, stated, “Being recognized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce as the Best Health Insurance Coverage Provider of the Year is a strong validation of the trust our customers place in us and the strength of the solutions we offer. Our health portfolio has been built with a clear focus on meaningful coverage and long-term value, ensuring that our customers are protected when it matters most. This award, alongside previous ICC recognitions, reinforces our position as one of the most reliable and forward-thinking insurance providers in the country.”

He further noted that consistently featuring among the best is not incidental, but the result of a deliberate strategy focused on product excellence and service quality while possessing a deep understanding of customer expectations.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition and extend our sincere thanks to the Indian Chamber of Commerce for acknowledging our efforts. This award belongs to every team at HNB Assurance whose passion and focus on excellence continue to elevate the standards of what we offer. I am immensely proud of our teams and the collective effort that goes into building solutions our customers can truly rely on.”