Business
Russel’s recognises October Service Champions, upholding a culture of excellence
Russel’s Pvt Ltd. recognized its exceptional team members whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence stood out during the month of October. Their contributions continue to strengthen the company’s service standards and organizational success.
Award winners: Best Outdoor Catering Manager – Sampath Kumara (for exemplary leadership and exceptional service in managing outdoor catering operations). Best Female Employee of the Month – Renuka Damayanthi (honoured for her outstanding dedication, strong work ethic, and consistent performance). Most Courteous Staff Member – Okitha Puntila – AIA Cafeteria (Acknowledged for his exceptional courtesy, professionalism, and customer-friendly service. Most Efficient Staff Member – Dinesh Lakmal ( for his remarkable efficiency and valuable contribution to the smooth functioning of operations). Outstanding Steward of the Month – Jude Krishantha (for delivering high quality service and maintaining exceptional standards). Outstanding Stewardess of the Month – Sharmila Fernando (for her excellent performance and consistent dedication to guest service).
Business
First Capital to unveil Sri Lanka’s Economic Outlook and Investment Strategies for 2026
First Capital Holdings PLC (the Group), a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a pioneering force in Sri Lanka’s investment landscape, is set to host the 12th edition of its renowned ‘First Capital Investor Symposium’ on 22 January 2026 at Cinnamon Life Colombo, starting from 5.30 pm onwards.
The 12th Edition will focus on Sri Lanka’s Economic Outlook for 2026, offering attendees a comprehensive analysis of market forecasts, investment strategies and emerging opportunities in the capital markets. The symposium serves as a crucial gathering for investors seeking insights to navigate the evolving economic landscape and make sound, strategic decisions.
As a leading investment institution, First Capital remains committed to promoting informed decision-making through comprehensive research and market analysis. By hosting this annual symposium, the organisation reinforces its role as a trusted partner in Sri Lanka’s capital markets, providing a premier platform for investors, professionals, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and build meaningful connections.
A key highlight of this year’s agenda will be First Capital’s presentation on the Economic and Investment Outlook, outlining market conditions and investment strategies for the period ahead. The presentation will be delivered by Ranjan Ranatunga, Assistant Vice President – Research of First Capital Holdings PLC.
Business
Rivers, Rights, Resilience Forum 2026 begins in Colombo
Oxfam in Asia commenced the Rivers, Rights, Resilience Forum (RRRF) 2026, a three-day regional forum bringing together water experts, policymakers, civil society, researchers, and community leaders from across South Asia and beyond to strengthen cooperation on shared river systems and climate resilience.
The Forum is part of the Transboundary Rivers of South Asia (TROSA) programme, supported by the Government of Sweden, which works on the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) river basins, while also encouraging cross-basin learning at the regional and global levels. This year’s theme is “Building Resilient Communities and Ecosystems.” The Forum is co-organised by Oxfam in Asia and Dev Pro, Sri Lanka.
The forum opened with a welcome address by John Samuel, Regional Director, Oxfam in Asia, who highlighted the deep connection between rivers, politics, climate change, and sustainability. He underlined how rivers shape both environmental and social outcomes across South Asia and called for stronger collaboration between governments and civil society.
“Today building resilience is important in terms of climate and politics, and when civic space is shrinking, we should all work in solidarity,” he said.
Speaking at the Forum, Chamindry Saparamadu, Executive Director of DevPro shared examples of how communities in Sri Lanka have taken actions to ensure equitable access to water resources through catchment protection initiatives, community-based water societies etc. She further highlighted that learning exchanges would be useful to further strengthen inter-provincial water governance in Sri Lanka.
The Chief Guest, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Water Resources, Bangladesh, in her video message, emphasised the need for regional cooperation among South Asian countries beyond the upstream–downstream identity.
“Climate change will make water scarce, so South Asian countries have to come together to work on the common interest of their communities. Rivers are not just ecology but economics as well for communities. Forums like this help us to share our experience and learn from each other,” she said.
Business
Siyapatha Finance welcomes the New Year with renewed hope and resilience
Siyapatha Finance PLC welcomed 2026 at its Head Office, auspiciously commencing a new year of growth and prosperity with traditional rituals and religious observances.
The celebration was joined by the Board of Directors, Chairman, CEO , Senior Management, and staff members as well as invitees and well-wishers.
Expressing gratitude towards the blessings that shaped 2025, Siyapatha Finance PLC Chairman Sumith Cumaranatunge encouraged the team to look forward to a year of unity, resilience and perseverance.
Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer Mathisha Hewavitharana shared that 2026 is a year the team rally together not only to grow as a company, but also to uplift the standard of the finance industry to new heights. “This is an opportunity to make greater use of our talents, skills, passion and team spirit to fulfill a bigger purpose in this country,” he added.
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