Business
SEC urges Compliance Officers to play a more effective role
As part of their continuing efforts to strengthen market standards and investor confidence, officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently met with Compliance Officers of all categories of Market Intermediaries. The meeting served as a valuable opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue on regulatory matters and industry best practices.
Emphasizing the importance of the compliance function, the SEC Chairman, Faizal Salieh, stated that the SEC regards the Compliance Officer as a Key Management Person who is empowered to act with independence, authority and responsibility. The appointment of a Compliance Officer is a prerequisite for granting or renewing licenses to Market Intermediaries and to comply with SEC requirements. Compliance Officers must provide a sworn affidavit declaring their adherence to the fit and proper criteria established by the SEC.
He further stated that, in the event the Compliance Officer resigns, it is imperative that the Market Intermediary must promptly inform the SEC, and select a successor with prior SEC approval. The Chairman stated that the SEC will investigate the reasons behind a resignation, particularly focusing on any internal interference or influences within the compliance function.
Referring to the regulatory obligations outlined in the SEC Rules applicable to Market Intermediaries, the SEC Chairman asserted that the SEC mandates that Compliance Officers must hold full-time positions due to the substantial responsibilities associated with their role.
Speaking on the reporting lines of the Compliance Officer, Salieh, emphasised that the compliance function should be independent of the business operations of the Market Intermediary and all compliance related matters should be reported by the Compliance Officer directly to the Board of Directors or a Board sub-committee dealing with risk, such as the Audit or Risk Committee.
The discussion also focused on the need for all Market Intermediaries to ensure compliance with the SEC Act and the applicable Rules. These Rules mandate the creation of an internal compliance manual for directors and employees, incorporating the specific content outlined in the relevant schedule to the Rules. It was stressed that before developing this manual, Market Intermediaries should have a Board-approved compliance policy to guide the Compliance Officer in implementing the compliance process. The Chairman urged Compliance Officers to ensure that there is a Board-approved compliance policy and discussed key areas within the minimum content of the compliance manual, including conflicts of interest, corporate governance, and risk management with a view to elevating market standards and making the market more attractive to investors.
The Chairman also stressed the need for Compliance Officers to provide prior written approval for all personal account trade transactions of other employees, in order that these transactions do not harm other clients’ interests. Referring to the complaints received by the SEC, the need to have an effective complaint handling mechanism at the Market Intermediary level to proactively address client complaints was also emphasized.
Speaking on the critical role Market Intermediaries play to protect the financial system and the wider community from criminal activities, Salieh stressed the importance of adhering to the regulatory framework set by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka (FIU) with regard to Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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