Business
Renewable energy generation seen as a strategic investment
Power and Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to expanding renewable energy generation, calling it not just an environmental goal but a strategic investment in Sri Lanka’s economic future.
Speaking at the recent inauguration of a 5-megawatt solar power project in Galle, Jayakody emphasized that despite current fiscal and institutional challenges, renewable energy remains central to the administration’s national development agenda.
“Renewable energy projects will continue without interruption, he told The Island Financial Review. “We are taking all necessary measures to address any social or human challenges that arise. The production of renewable energy is not merely a policy choice — it is a national necessity.”
The minister noted that the renewable energy sector has already attracted billions of rupees in private investment over the past five years and continues to draw the attention of local and foreign financiers due to its long-term profitability and environmental alignment.
He said the government is determined to fast-track project approvals and create an investment-friendly climate that ensures both energy security and investor confidence.
He also added: “Even the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will be carried out with transparency and consultation, Minister Jayakody added. “This government has made it clear that state ownership in the electricity sector will remain protected. We will continue to engage with trade unions and professional bodies to implement reforms that improve efficiency without compromising public accountability.”
The minister explained that efficiency-driven restructuring and renewable expansion are intertwined components of Sri Lanka’s broader economic reform agenda. “A strong, modern energy sector is the foundation of a competitive economy, he said.
He pointed out that solar and wind energy projects — particularly those developed through public-private partnerships (PPPs) — are poised to play a significant role in reducing the national fuel import bill and stabilizing electricity tariffs.
“When we strengthen renewable generation, we are saving foreign exchange, reducing carbon emissions, and attracting responsible investment. Every new project represents jobs, local enterprise, and regional growth, Jayakody said.
The newly commissioned 5 MW solar power facility was developed by PAP EGSS Solar (Pvt.) Ltd., a subsidiary of Pan Asian Power PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost renewable energy companies. The project is expected to generate clean electricity sufficient to power thousands of homes in the Southern Province, contributing directly to the government’s target of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Industry analysts note that projects of this scale signal renewed confidence in Sri Lanka’s energy transition. Harsha Wickramasinghe, Deputy Director-General of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, and Lakshman de Silva, Chairman of Pan Asian Power PLC, also attended the inauguration alongside local government representatives and investors.
By Ifham Nizam
Business
Export of scrap metal required for domestic industry to be banned
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to impose the necessary legal provisions to prevent the export of scrap metal in a manner detrimental to domestic industries.
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
-
News7 days agoSenior citizens above 70 years to receive March allowances on Thursday (26)
-
Features4 days agoA World Order in Crisis: War, Power, and Resistance
-
News5 days agoEnergy Minister indicted on corruption charges ahead of no-faith motion against him
-
News6 days agoUS dodges question on AKD’s claim SL denied permission for military aircraft to land
-
Business6 days agoDialog Unveils Dialog Play Mini with Netflix and Apple TV
-
News7 days agoCEB Engineers warn public to be prepared for power cuts after New Year
-
Sports5 days agoSLC to hold EGM in April
-
Latest News6 days agoA strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM
