Business
Sri Lanka Insurance hosted Insurance Brokers’ Appreciation Night
The Nations’ Insurer, Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) recently hosted a special event in appreciation of the remarkable contribution made by the Insurance Brokers to the Insurance industry of Sri Lanka. The event was held on Oct 18 at the Hilton, Colombo.
Insurance Broker companies plays a key role in uplifting the Insurance industry and contribute significantly to the economy of a country. They are essential intermediaries that add value to the insurance industry and the economy by providing expertise, market access, risk management, and personalised solutions to individuals and businesses.
Acknowledging the contribution, the Insurance Brokers has made to SLIC, the company annually holds an event for the Brokers. This year the event was special as Sri Lanka Insurance felicitated five Broker veterans from the insurance industry. Their dedication and commitment is praiseworthy and up to date they are still working as Insurance Brokers and contributed to the Insurance industry of the country.
Nihal Senarathna, Chairman of Senaratne Insurance Brokers has provided his services as an Insurance Broker for the past 70 years. A student of Royal College, Colombo, he is a Charter Member of the International Insurance Society based in Alabama, USA, Associateships from Charted Insurance Institute and Indian Insurance institute, a Chartered Insurance Broker and a fellow of Chartered Management Institute. Mr. Senarathna is also the only Sri Lankan to have been invited by the Association of British Insurance to address Britain’s Insurance Industry in 1986.
Hema Wijeratne, a product of Nalanda College, is the founder of Mercantile Insurance Brokers. He is a Fellow of Chartered Insurance Institute and a Chartered Insurance Broker. In 1967 he joined Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and held various esteemed positions. He was a pioneer in the Insurance industry creating opportunity for insurance education. Mr. Wijeratne was instrumental in establishing Sri Lanka Insurance Institute. Furthermore, he also established the Sri Lanka Insurance Broker Association in 1980 to create a platform for the Broker community of Sri Lanka. Imparting his knowledge to the youth, Mr. Hema Wijeratne has also lectured at Sri Lanka Insurance Institute, Sri Lanka Institute of Bankers, and University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Mr. Wijerante has served the Insurance industry for over 60 years and continues his service to date.
Vernon Edirisinghe, a student from St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, is the Managing Director and Principle Officer at Equity Insurance Brokers. He is also the Co-founder of Equity Insurance Brokers. He holds a Bsc. in Economics from the University of London. Mr. Edirisinghe has served as the Managing Director of leading insurance companies and have been continuing to serve the insurance industry for the past 58 years.
Victor Colambage, a student of Christian College Kotte, is a pioneer in the Insurance industry with a service record of 50 plus years. He is a Chartered Insurer and has extensively contributed to the growth and evolution of the industry. Mr. Colombage has held many esteemed positions in the industry in insurance companies and Broker companies.
Ray Pompeus, has been in the Insurance industry for more than 58 years and continues to serve the industry up to date. He is currently working as a Consultant at LM & A Insurance Brokers. He has held many senior positions at numerous Insurance Broker companies in Sri Lanka. Mr. Pompeus is also a student from St. Joseph’s College, Colombo.
This special occasion was graced by Boards of Directors and senior officials of Insurance Broker Companies, President Counsel Mr. Ronald C Perera – Chairman (SLIC), Mr. Chandana L Aluthgama – Chief Executive Officer (SLIC), Chief Officers and other senior officials from Sri Lanka Insurance.
Sri Lanka Insurance understands the pivotal role the Brokers play in the industry and therefore they ensure to give them their due recognition and appreciate their hard work and commitment.
Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.
The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.
Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.
The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.
The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.
Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).
Business
A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem
The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.
Establishment of the New Advisory Committee
To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:
• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.
• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.
• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.
New Trustee Appointment
Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.
A Vision for the Future
“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.
The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.
Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.
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Showers in the Western, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
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