Business
President and Indian PM jointly launch and inaugurate three development projects

The inauguration and commencement of three development projects implemented in the country with the assistance of the Indian Government took place on Saturday (05)
These projects include the commencement of construction of the Sampur Solar Power Plant, which will add 50 megawatts to the national grid, the inauguration of the Temperature and Humidity Controlled Agro Cold Storage complex in Dambulla and the installation of solar panels on 5,000 religious sites. President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated and launched these projects via virtual technology following their official meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka reaffirms the concept of “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
The Sampur Solar Power Plant is part of the Eastern Renewable Energy Zone, which is being established under Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP). It is being developed by Trincomalee Power Company, a joint venture between India’s NTPC Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The project is planned in two phases, with the second phase scheduled to commence in 2027. A 500-acre land area has been allocated for this initiative, under the first phase it will contribute 50 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The project will incorporate state-of-the-art N-type TOPCon solar cell technology, enhancing energy security and promoting a shift from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy sources. Consequently, the Sampur Solar Power Project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 200,000 tonnes.
The Dambulla Agricultural Storage Complex (Cold Storage Facility), with a capacity of 5,000 metric tons and equipped with temperature and humidity control, was inaugurated today with the objective of reducing post-harvest losses by approximately 40%, stabilizing fluctuations in agricultural product prices, ensuring the supply of high-quality food to consumers and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
To facilitate research on advanced storage methods for different crops, the facility includes six storage chambers, each designed to simulate various climatic conditions. This is the first facility of its kind in Sri Lanka, built at a total cost of LKR 524 million, with LKR 300 million provided as a grant by the Government of India and LKR 224 million contributed by the Government of Sri Lanka.
The Government of India has invested USD 17 million on the project to install solar panels on 5,000 religious sites and places of worship representing all major religions in all 25 districts. The nitiative, is being implemented jointly by the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd.
Under this project, 5,000 solar panel systems with a capacity of 5 kW each will be installed on the rooftops of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Catholic and Christian places of worship. This is expected to add 25 megawatts of solar power capacity to the national electricity grid. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable energy system.
[PMD]
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
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