News
SDC conducts workshop on Inclusive Business Accreditation
The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) successfully conducted a workshop on ‘Establishing an Inclusive Business Accreditation System’ for Sri Lanka in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the United Nations Resident Coordinators Office on 24th February 2025, bringing together government officials, industry experts, and passionate entrepreneurs dedicated to building a more inclusive business ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
The Workshop focused on the establishment of an Inclusive Business (IB) Accreditation System and the transformative power of IB models to contribute not only to economic growth but also towards a more just, stable, and resilient society. Accreditation would play a pivotal role in distinguishing credible IBs from those engaging in superficial social responsibility efforts.
The Guidelines for Promoting Inclusive Businesses adopted by the ASEAN member states proposes IB Accreditation as a core policy instrument to promote inclusive businesses in the region. An IB Accreditation would offer significant benefits to both the government and businesses. For the government, it would drive solutions addressing the needs of low-income populations by encouraging businesses to adopt inclusive business models. The system would also enable more effective promotion and recognition of inclusive businesses, inspiring others to follow suit. Additionally, it could help the government to identify businesses eligible for both financial or non-financial incentives. For businesses, IB Accreditation would help gain enhanced visibility and brand recognition, boosting access to investment and new market opportunities, while attracting impact investors to support their growth. In addition, a well implemented IB Accreditation System could provide accredited businesses opportunities to access a range of advantages, including financial and non-financial incentives and businesses support services which would help scale operations and increase social impact.
The workshop focused on areas such as the Inclusive Business Landscape in Sri Lanka, IB Accreditation Process and Steps in the implementation of an IB Accreditation System and Financial and Non-Financial Incentives that can be linked to an IB Accreditation System. Several ASEAN member states have put in place IB Accreditation systems based on the IB Accreditation Principles advanced by the ASEAN Secretariat and the workshop facilitated participants to learn from comparative experiences and good practices from IB Accreditation Systems implemented in Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and South Korea.
The Workshop kicked off with a presentation on the Inclusive Business Landscape in Sri Lanka and recommendations for driving inclusive business growth by the Director General of the Sustainable Development Council Chamindry Saparamadu, followed by a panel discussion with inclusive business leaders on their challenges, successes, and opportunities in leveraging IB Accreditation. Vihagun Ariyaratne, the Founder of Owita Naturals Pvt Ltd, Asitha Jayasinghe, Founder of Blackpool Coffee, and Dushmantha Dissanayake, Agri Entrepreneur/ SME Finance Specialist, elaborated on the importance of accreditation and how it will enhance brand value, accountability, transparency, and help businesses adopt a holistic approach to inclusivity and ethics.
The Workshop Participants delved into the vital steps required to establish an IB Accreditation System in Sri Lanka that will drive sustainable growth, innovation, and equal opportunities for all under the expert guidance of Marta Perez Cuso from the Trade, Innovation and Investment Division of UNESCAP who brings forth extensive experience in promoting inclusive enterprises throughout the Asia Pacific Region, including in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, Ms. Pham Hong Ngan, Research Consultant from Vietnam shared insights from the Vietnam Accreditation Pilot, and Mr. William Baxter, Project Lead, Inclusive Business at the European Chamber of Commerce, presented key learnings and recommendations for developing an IB Accreditation System in Sri Lanka.
The workshop was successfully concluded, obtaining important feedback and suggestions from relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Industries, Export Development Board, Industrial Development Board, Sri Lanka Accreditation Board, Sri Lanka Standards Institute, Board of Investment, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Development Finance Department, business chambers, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the way forward for establishing an IB Accreditation system through the facilitation of resource persons Ms. Ganga Iddamlgoda, Ms. Sheron Hewawaduge and Mr. Navaka Navarathne.
An Outcome Report with recommendations for establishing an IB Accreditation System is expected to be presented to the Government in due course.
Three Sri Lankan male passengers who arrived from Muscat by flight no. OV 437 on Saturday (24) have been arrested by officers attached to the NCU at BIA as they were found to be carrying 12,306 grams of Cannabis class narcotics (suspected as Hashish & Kush) valued at 123 million rupees.
Building on its success in seizing major narcotic stocks in 2025, the Navy continued to support the “A Nation United” National Mission in 2026. In continuation of these efforts, during an
operation conducted on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy apprehended eleven (11) suspects aboard two local multi-day fishing trawlers suspected of drug smuggling.
Based on shared information, by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police, this special operation was conducted off the southern coast, deploying the Navy‟s Offshore Patrol Vessels. The operation
resulted in the interception of a multi-day fishing trawler suspected of smuggling narcotics, and the apprehension of five (05) suspects on board.
During further operations in the same area, naval units seized another multi-day fishing trawler (01), along with communication equipment and six (06) additional suspects, also believed to be involved in drug smuggling.
This morning (25 Jan 26), the two intercepted fishing trawlers, along with fourteen (14) sacks laden with suspected narcotics and the suspects, were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour.
An expert examination by the Police Narcotic Bureau confirmed that the fourteen (14) sacks contained more than 184 kilograms of heroin and over 112 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine).
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and the Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasuriya, inspected the narcotics at the Dikovita harbour.
The Deputy Minister of Defence said that the current administration has initiated several projects for national development. As a flagship initiative, under the directives and guidance of the President, and under the supervision of the
Ministry of Defence, well-coordinated anti-narcotic raids have been launched.
This effort, part of “A Nation United” National Mission, involves the tri-forces, police, and all intelligence agencies working together under a coordinated plan to ensure that drug smugglers have no opportunity to bring narcotics into the country, he opined. He further stated that despite the national disaster situation, the state machinery, including the tri-forces, the police, and the public at large, remains united in rebuilding the nation, no room will be left for drug trafficking, which poses a severe threat to national security and public safety. Those
who engage in or support drug trafficking, under the cover of fishing activities, will find no escape, he added.
The Deputy Minister also reaffirmed that the tri-forces, police, and all law enforcement agencies are fully committed to their duty of suppressing this menace.
The Deputy Minister of Defence reported that, throughout 2025, a series of highly successful operations were conducted leading to numerous arrests. This was achieved through close coordination and mutual cooperation among the tri-services, the police, the Special Task Force, Police Narcotics Bureau, local law enforcement and international agencies. He noted that this
same spirit of cooperation and commitment has continued into 2026, resulting in the seizure of a large stockpile of drugs.
On behalf of the Honourable President, he extended gratitude to all who contributed to these efforts, specifically acknowledging the Commander of the Navy, the Inspector General of Police, the Police Narcotic Bureau, and the crews of the Navy’s Offshore
Patrol Vessels.
Moreover, the Deputy Minister declared that drug smuggling has become a national crisis, fueled by youth involvement and social crime. With borders secured under the “Nation United” National Mission, he warned traffickers to cease operations and urged users to abandon the destructive habit.
The Deputy Minister urged the public to report suspected drug smugglers to law enforcement via the hotlines 1818 or 1997 and also commended the role of media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the dangers of narcotics through responsible reporting.
Meanwhile, the two (02) multi-day fishing trawlers, along with a haul of narcotics, eleven (11) suspects, and communication equipment, were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for
further investigation and legal proceedings.
The Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, which arrived in Sri Lanka for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission, departed the island on 23 Jan 26.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the stay in Sri Lanka, crew members of the ship visited some popular tourist destinations within the city of Colomb
Three arrested with narcotics valued at Rs123 million at BIA
Navy intercepts 02 narcotics-laden trawlers with 11 suspects in southern seas
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’ departs island
U19 World Cup: Japan defeat Tanzania by nine wickets
U19 World Cup: Ambrish’s four-fer powers India to third straight win
Josh Hoey breaks world 800m short track record with 1:42.50 in Boston
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features7 days agoExtended mind thesis:A Buddhist perspective
-
Business21 hours agoComBank advances ForwardTogether agenda with event on sustainable business transformation
-
Opinion6 days agoAmerican rulers’ hatred for Venezuela and its leaders
-
Opinion4 days agoRemembering Cedric, who helped neutralise LTTE terrorism
-
Business4 days agoCORALL Conservation Trust Fund – a historic first for SL
-
Opinion3 days agoA puppet show?
-
Opinion6 days agoHistory of St. Sebastian’s National Shrine Kandana
-
Opinion21 hours agoConference “Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill: Neither Here, Nor There”