Business

SL facing the challenge of attracting ESG conscious foreign and local investors

Published

2 years ago

2024/07/6

Thilina Walpola

SEC Chairman Faizal Salieh

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Sri Lanka appears to be facing the challenge of attracting local and foreign investors towards Sustainable Bonds; the likes of Green Bonds and Blue Bonds, and other sustainable debt instruments that have a common goal to create a sustainable ecosystem, and are becoming an important part of global fixed income markets.

This was made known during the course of a speech made by the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Faizal Salieh, at a seminar centred on ‘Unlocking Opportunities through Sustainable Bonds: Towards a Greener Economy’.

The event had been organized by the SEC, The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Shangri-La Colombo on July 3.

“The challenge is how quickly can Sri Lanka socialize these bonds and attract ESG conscious foreign investors, whilst being mindful of Sri Lanka’s default sovereign rating hurdle. We also need to build an ESG conscious local investor base,” he said.

“We are witnessing a new landscape of ESG conscious investor activism evolving in the world today, inspiring and moving markets towards a greener horizon. Investors are becoming more and more conscious and concerned about impact reporting, climate change mitigation, social equity considerations, transition towards a circular economy, and are driving the demand for innovative green financing and green financial instruments. A green and sustainable economic environment is now the joint responsibility of the government, business and civil society,” he pointed out.

Speaking further the SEC chairman said,” Sustainable Bonds, the likes of Green Bonds and Blue Bonds, and other sustainable debt instruments have a common purpose and goal to create a sustainable ecosystem and are becoming an important part of global fixed income markets. According to a report by the Climate Bonds Initiative, green bonds issued reached a record high of USD 1.1 trillion in 2023, driven by strong demand from investors seeking to finance climate-friendly projects. In the global stock take, nature and biodiversity are key factors for mitigating risks and protecting vulnerable communities in a heating planet. Nature-based financial solutions are crucial in this regard and the compelling reason for markets to embrace and enable sustainable debt instruments.”

“COP 28 has identified the continuing prevalence of a large climate finance gap, an even larger overall environmental finance gap, and a huge UN SDG finance gap. To close these gaps, countries need to mobilize much more private capital at a much faster pace through the capital markets, and allocate it to projects, products, and processes that have a positive impact on the sustainability agenda.”

“Investors are actively seeking to align their investments with ESG principles and contribute to the transition to a climate-friendly low-carbon economy. Green finance instruments are increasingly being integrated into mainstream investment portfolios.”

“Sustainable Bonds fit this purpose. They are structured to finance new and existing projects and activities with positive environmental impact. Sustainable Bonds can raise funds for projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, green buildings, wastewater management and climate change adaptation in accordance with the globally defined and accepted principles, rules and requirements that govern the issuance of Sustainable Bonds.”

I am happy to say that the SEC, with the technical support and assistance of the ADB, has established an enabling policy and regulatory framework for Sustainable Bonds since Oct 2023. Any prospective issuer; whether the government, parastatal agencies or the private sector can now raise capital under this framework. We also have had ADB’s technical assistance for other new initiatives such as the Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) Code and the regulatory framework for Islamic Capital Market Products.”

“The regulatory framework for Sustainable Bonds provides discerning investors higher comfort levels by mandating an independent and professional verification and assurance process on the use of the capital raised, performance monitoring and periodic reporting requirements. Investor engagement is a key part of labeling a bond. The increased transparency of sustainable bonds helps build investor trust and confidence.”

“Sustainable Bonds provide more market power, relevance and value benefits to issuers. Though the connected costs and resources may seem to be bit cumbersome at the outset, the effort required for the next round of issues would be substantially less than that for the first round and so on. The extra effort on the issuer for labeling continues to decline in the long run.”

“By expanding the availability of green finance instruments and fostering collaboration between investors, issuers, and regulators, financial markets will be able to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient financial system.”

“Though the regulatory framework has been in place since Oct 2023, we are yet to see new issues in the local capital market. So it is critically important that all stakeholders come together, work together and support one another to kick start sustainable bond issuances,” he said.

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Business

Ceylinco Life celebrates its ‘Unstoppable Champions’ at Annual Awards 2026

Published

20 hours ago

2026/04/19

Thilina Walpola

Ceylinco Life’s top award winners with Directors and senior management at the Company’s Annual Awards

The power of momentum was the focus when Ceylinco Life, Sri Lanka’s life insurance market leader for an unbroken 22 years, celebrated the exceptional achievements of its top-performing sales force at its Annual Awards Ceremony 2026, held at Cinnamon Life Colombo.

Bringing together more than 300 of the company’s highest achievers, the event recognised Sales Officers who attained High Flyers status, qualified for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), or earned ‘Sales Superstar’ status in 2025, each having met rigorous performance benchmarks. In total, close to 370 awards were presented at the ceremony, which was attended by over 450 participants including the company’s Board of Directors and senior management.

Themed ‘Unstoppable Champions,’ the awards ceremony underscored the spirit of resilience, ambition and consistent excellence that defines Ceylinco Life’s sales force, positioning the awardees as drivers of the company’s sustained market leadership.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Srinivasa Rao, Managing Director – Life and Health (South Asia and South East Asia) at Munich Re, and featured an evening of scintillating entertainment with performances by Sanka Dineth, Shashika Nisansala, the Naadro Band and Prashanthini, complemented by dance acts from Muddrika Dance Studio.

Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of two Toyota Axio motor cars to R. P. Edirisinghe and S. S. H. M. T. Laksiri in recognition of their consistent excellence in qualifying as High Flyers and MDRT members. The top honours at the awards ceremony were presented to Mr A. S. L. Fernando as Best Agency Head, H. D. Pathirana as Best Agency Supervisor, A. I. P. Manjula as Best Life Insurance Advisor, and J. Meera as Best Regional Sales Manager.

Business

Kia drives into Colombo’s skyline with landmark showroom at Altair

Published

20 hours ago

2026/04/19

Thilina Walpola

Kia Motors (Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Mahen Thambiah and Managing Director Andrew Perera at the opening of the new showroom.

Top Korean nameplate Kia has reinforced its presence in Sri Lanka with the opening of a striking new showroom at the iconic Altair high-rise in Colombo, marking a significant step in the brand’s continued expansion and customer engagement in the country.

The new facility, unveiled exclusively to media on 7th April 2026, occupies approximately 2,700 square feet of prime space at Retail 3 of the Altair development.

Strategically positioned at the entrance to the complex for maximum visibility and accessibility, the showroom places Kia at the heart of one of Colombo’s most prominent luxury residential and lifestyle destinations.

Designed in line with Kia’s global brand guidelines, the showroom presents a modern, customer-centric environment that reflects the company’s focus on innovation, quality and service excellence. The space is intended to offer an immersive retail experience, enabling customers to explore the brand’s evolving portfolio in a setting that mirrors international standards.

“The opening of this new showroom signals Kia’s renewed commitment to Colombo, strengthening its proximity to customers while enhancing convenience and accessibility for those seeking to engage with the brand,” Kia Motors Lanka Chairman Mahen Thambiah said. “It represents a key milestone in our strategy to deepen customer relationships and expand the Kia footprint across key urban locations.”

Taking centre stage at the new showroom is the all-new Kia Tasman, the brand’s first-ever double cab pickup, which makes its debut in Sri Lanka in tandem with the opening. The introduction of the Tasman underscores Kia’s drive to diversify its offering and respond to the evolving demands of customers across multiple segments.

In addition to the Tasman, visitors to the Altair showroom can experience Kia’s full range of vehicles, further enhancing the brand’s appeal to a broad spectrum of automotive enthusiasts.

Business

Nalin Sri Tikiri Bandara: forging discipline and character through martial arts

Published

20 hours ago

2026/04/19

Thilina Walpola

After nearly three decades on the mat, Sri Lankan martial arts instructor H. M. Nalin Sri Tikiri Bandara has built a career that stretches from local dojos in Kandy to international training arenas in the United Arab Emirates, shaping a growing generation of students through what he describes as “a lifelong journey of discipline and self-development.”

With more than 28 years of experience, Bandara has emerged as a prominent figure in martial arts education for children, youth and adults, particularly across Sri Lanka and the UAE, where he is currently based in Abu Dhabi.

Bandara’s martial arts journey began at a young age and has since spanned multiple disciplines, including Kyokushin Karate, Ashihara Karate, Mumonkai Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and yoga.

He holds several international dan rankings, including 3rd Dan in Kyokushin Karate (Japan), 4th Dan in Ashihara Karate (Australia), 2nd Dan in Mumonkai Karate (Japan), and 1st Dan under Josui Kai Kan Karate (Japan). Years of training camps, seminars and competitions abroad, he says, have helped refine both technical skill and teaching philosophy.

Bandara is the founder and chief instructor of Nalin Dojo, which operates across multiple locations, including a main branch in Abu Dhabi and an established centre in Kandy. He also runs expansion programmes in schools and fitness centres in the UAE.

Collectively, his programmes have trained more than 2,000 students, ranging from children as young as four to adults.

He also serves as branch chief and representative of the World Karate Alliance Kyokushin Bugakukai, and contributes to the development of full-contact karate at national level in Sri Lanka.

At the core of his teaching is a hybrid approach he calls “Yoga Martial Arts”, blending karate discipline, yoga-based mental conditioning, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles and sports science.

The focus, he says, extends beyond physical combat to character formation, emphasising discipline, respect, confidence-building and mental resilience.

“Martial arts is not just about fighting, it is about building better human beings,” Bandara said.

Much of his work is directed at children and adolescents, particularly in an era he describes as increasingly dominated by digital distractions.

He argues that structured martial arts training can reduce screen dependency, improve concentration, and strengthen emotional stability, while promoting healthier lifestyles.

“Children’s future is the future of the community,” he said, underscoring his belief that early discipline shapes long-term social outcomes.

Beyond regular training, Bandara organises grading examinations, workshops, school programmes and community fitness initiatives in both Sri Lanka and the UAE.

He has continued such activities even during periods of global disruption, maintaining regular engagement with students and instructors.

Looking ahead, Bandara plans to expand his dojo network across the UAE and internationally, while developing structured youth development programmes and training future instructors.

His long-term ambition is to build a sustainable martial arts ecosystem that integrates physical excellence with character education.

In a career defined by discipline and continuity, Bandara represents a generation of martial arts instructors blending traditional combat systems with modern wellness principles — and, in the process, attempting to shape not just fighters, but future citizens.

by SK Samaranayake