The Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter (PMI SL) set a new national benchmark in sustainability and professional excellence, hosting Sri Lanka’s first-ever carbon-neutral conference and awards event at The Kingsbury, Colombo.
The twin events — the National PMI Conference 2025 and the National PMI Excellence Awards (NPMEA) 2025 — drew over 300 project professionals from more than 100 organisations, making it the country’s largest gathering of project leaders this year.
Championing responsible leadership and climate-conscious event practices, PMI SL’s commitment to carbon neutrality marked a historic step in the country’s professional event landscape. The Chapter achieved the milestone by measuring, reducing, and offsetting the event’s carbon footprint in partnership with sustainability experts, setting a model for future corporate gatherings.
The day-long conference featured insightful sessions on leadership, innovation, and the future of project management in a rapidly evolving business environment. Thought leaders and industry veterans shared strategies on navigating complexity, fostering resilience, and embedding sustainability in project execution.
The evening spotlighted excellence with the National PMI Excellence Awards, recognising over 350 winners, from 50 leading organisations, for outstanding achievements in project execution, innovation, and results. In a landmark moment, PMI SL introduced “The Project Manager Award”, a first-of-its-kind accolade in Sri Lanka that honours individual project leaders driving progress, national development, and social impact.
Marking a double celebration, PMI SL also commemorated its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of advancing project leadership and professionalism in Sri Lanka. Since its inception in 2005, the Chapter has grown into a thriving community of practitioners dedicated to elevating standards in delivery excellence, ethical leadership, and industry collaboration.
“Our 20-year journey reflects the strength and passion of Sri Lanka’s project professionals,” said Dhammike Mendis, President of PMI Sri Lanka Chapter. “Delivering a carbon-neutral conference and introducing an award dedicated to the contribution of individual project managers are significant milestones in our mission to inspire and influence the future of the profession.”
The event was organized by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
During the ceremony, ThaiPongal rituals were performed under the patronage of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The celebration was enriched with a range of vibrant cultural performances of Hindu culture and traditions.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi said yesterday he had ordered an inquiry into the withdrawal of China-based Amber Adventures (Private) Ltd., from the Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project.Addressing the media, the Minister said the Environment Ministry had no direct agreement with the company, as the project was under the purview of the Board of Investment (BOI).
He said construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone had been suspended following complaints from environmental organisations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. All constructions in high-risk areas, he said, had been halted pending clearance by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
According to the Minister, complaints had been received that construction at Ambuluwawa was continuing without NBRO clearance.
In response, the Ministry instructed the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to conduct an investigation and thereafter construction activities were suspended pending a technical assessment by experts.
The Ministry of Environment subsequently ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone until the assessment was completed, he said, adding that work could resume if expert evaluations cleared the project.
Following the suspension, Amber Adventures (Private) Ltd,, described as the country’s first cable car venture, formally withdrew from the project, citing what it termed “regulatory obstruction and arbitrary state action.”
The company, a major Chinese investor in the project, proposed as Sri Lanka’s first cable car initiative with both Chinese and American investment, officially informed the BOI of its decision on Wednesday (14). In a letter to the BOI, the company said it had obtained all required permits and approvals in line with BOI procedures but faced repeated disruptions that resulted in significant financial losses.
Company Director Yuan Yuping warned that legal action would be pursued at the International Court of Arbitration to recover losses incurred due to the suspension of the project, citing continuous interruptions and government decisions as the cause.
Meanwhile, the Ambuluwawa Trust Board said the withdrawal of investors from the project was a major loss to the country, noting that it was regrettable that decisions had been taken without proper investigation, based on allegations by parties lacking a clear understanding of the facts.
It warned that halting a large-scale project of that nature would result in the loss of direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as income sources for communities in the surrounding areas.
By Chaminda Silva and SK Samaranayake ✍️
Balangoda Kassapa Thero, held in Trincomalee remand prison over alleged violations of the Coastal Conservation Act, reportedly refused meals yesterday (15).
Prison authorities, however, said it could not be confirmed whether the monk’s action amounted to a hunger strike. Prison Media Spokesperson A. C. Gajanayake added that an official statement on the matter would be issued today (16).
The monk and eight others were remanded until 19 Jan by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court over allegations of unauthorised construction of a shelter to place a Buddha statue at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraj Viharaya. Prison sources said Thero had also declined food brought from outside.
The case follows reports to the court by the Trincomalee Harbour Police that unauthorised constructions had been carried out, despite instructions from the Court of Appeal to resolve the dispute peacefully.
by Chaminda Silva ✍️
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