Business
Port City Colombo showcased at Roadshow Event in Thailand with support from Joint Chambers of Commerce in Thailand
The Investment Relations Office to promote the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (CPCSEZ) in Bangkok, Thailand, led by Dr Sarayut Lekplipol, the Regional Head of Investment Promotion (Asia-Pacific) for CHEC Port City Colombo (pvt) Ltd, recently hosted the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce Presidents Council Meeting, which includes 36 countries, in partnership with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at Conrad Bangkok on the 25th of January 2023, and served as an excellent multilateral platform to showcase investment opportunities at Port City Colombo (PCC).
The Investment Relations Office promoting the CPCSEZ in Bangkok is presently working with BOI Thailand, the Thailand Board of Trade, and the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand. Together, this group is creating awareness about PCC and inviting both Thai and foreign investors to consider investing in vertical developments and other ventures within PCC, along with positioning the SEZ as an ideal destination for regional offices and or headquarters, allowing businesses to leverage PCC’s position as a gateway to the South Asian region. There is also an effort to connect Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, which is also an SEZ, to PCC, with the intention of creating stronger trade and logistics routes and ties between South and Southeast Asia.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Lekplipol said, “It was a great moment and opportunity for us to showcase the incredible opportunities at PCC with trade and investment representatives from over 36 countries, while also being able to spread awareness amongst the Thai business and investment community. Sri Lanka and Thailand share strong historic ties, and PCC is a great opportunity for both countries to mutually benefit, strengthen relationships and promote further cooperation.”
At the recent event in Bangkok, the regional investment relations office unveiled its plans to organize an Investment Forum in Bangkok, to launch “INVEST SRI LANKA 2023-2024” in late June to promote PCC. This will be a special awareness and marketing campaign to draw investor attention to PCC, and will be targeted at listed companies in Thailand, private investors, REIT funds and selected foreign investors based in Thailand.
Port City Colombo is a world-class city development built as an international service-oriented Special Economic Zone (SEZ), financial district and business hub, strategically located in the heart of South Asia – Sri Lanka. With an expected overall investment of US$20Bn on completion, the project spans 269 ha of ocean reclamation, extending the current Colombo Business District (CBD).
Developed in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd under a Public-Private-Partnership framework, Port City Colombo’s Regulations consist of a modern legal framework and attractive regulations that ensure ease of doing business. The framework is internationally recognized and independently regulated by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission.
Port City Colombo will be transformed into a modern, green, smart city enabling the exceptional in business, lifestyle and community. The City is estimated to have 6.3Mn m2 of built-up space and an estimated population of 273,000. The project is open to primary investment by property developers and secondary investment from key service-oriented business sectors such as financial services, shipping & logistics, IT services, BPOs, regional trading HQs and hospitality.
Business
Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook
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.
Business
Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund
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.”
Business
NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana
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.
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