Business
Sri Lankan leaders urged to balance historical wisdom with modern innovation
By Ifham Nizam
Prof. Patrick Mendis, a Sri Lankan-born U.S. diplomat and presidential advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense issued a call to action for Sri Lanka’s leaders, urging them to adopt a pragmatic vision that balances historical wisdom with modern innovation.
Speaking on the topic, `The Power of Geopolitics and Its Implications for Sri Lanka’s National Development’, at a seminar organized by the National Chamber of Commerce last Friday, he said: “Commerce and connectivity have always been the lifeblood of nations. Sri Lanka must harness its strategic position and unique assets to chart a path of sustainable growth and prosperity.”
Mendis provided to the audience at the National Chamber Auditorium deep insights into how global political dynamics shape Sri Lanka’s economic and strategic future.
Drawing from his extensive experience across over 140 countries, Mendis highlighted key opportunities and challenges facing the nation. The event served as a vital platform for engaging discussions among policymakers, academics and industry leaders.
Professor Mendis of the University of Warsaw drew connections between history, trade, and modern geopolitics. His analysis highlighted how nations leverage their geographic and economic strengths to navigate global power dynamics. He outlined the opportunities and challenges for Sri Lanka amidst the shifting tides of international trade and diplomacy.
Opening with a historical lens, Mendis emphasized the role of commerce in shaping global alliances. Quoting Thomas Jefferson, he reiterated the timeless motto: “Commerce with all nations, alliance with none.” This principle, rooted in America’s founding vision, underscores the idea that peaceful trade can serve as a cornerstone for national prosperity. Jefferson’s vision for “practicable water communication across the continent for commerce” resonates even today as countries explore trade routes that minimize conflict while maximizing economic benefits.
Mendis also reflected on historical instances of Sri Lanka’s strategic connectivity. From King Bhatika Abhaya’s diplomatic exchanges with Rome and China in the Anuradhapura Kingdom to the maritime strategies of Parakramabahu I during the Polonnaruwa era, Sri Lanka has long been a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Such historical precedents underscore the island’s potential as a pivotal player in contemporary global trade.
Transitioning to modern geopolitics, Mendis focused on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He described it as a transformative project aimed at fostering “a peaceful world built on trade.” By connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure investments, China seeks to rejuvenate the historical Silk Road and assert its economic dominance. For Sri Lanka, this presents both opportunities and challenges.
Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean has made it a critical node in China’s maritime ambitions. Mendis referred to Sri Lanka as China’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier,” highlighting major investments like the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City. While these projects promise economic growth, they also raise concerns about sovereignty and debt dependency.
Mendis likened China’s approach to a modern “MIDLIFE Strategy,” where military, intelligence, diplomacy, legal, identity, financial, and economic tools are employed to win battles without war. For example, Chinese survey missions in the Indian Ocean, ostensibly for fiber-optic cable laying and resource mapping, underline its dual-use strategy, blending commercial and strategic interests.
In the face of growing U.S.-China competition, Professor Mendis urged Sri Lanka to adopt a pragmatic and balanced approach. He discussed the implications of key U.S.-India agreements, including the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). These alignments, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation, have significant implications for the Indo-Pacific and Sri Lanka’s positioning.
Quoting Winston Churchill, Mendis reminded the audience: “We have no lasting friends, no lasting enemies, only lasting interests.” He emphasized that Sri Lanka must prioritize its national interests over allegiances, ensuring sustainable development while avoiding entanglements in power rivalries.
Mendis urged businesses to focus on sectors where Sri Lanka holds a comparative advantage, such as tourism, agriculture, and technology. By capitalizing on its rich cultural heritage and skilled workforce, the nation can attract investments that align with sustainable development goals.
Business
Business, economic heavyweights converge in Colombo
Senior business leaders, economists and international development experts, alongside the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will headline the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12 and 13 October at the Shangri-La Colombo.
The Summit will open with a keynote address by T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, who brings more than four decades of experience in the consumer brands and FMCG sectors. Having previously served as President of Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, with extensive experience in building businesses and driving growth across emerging markets, Krishnakumar, more popularly known as Kk, now leads Reliance Consumer Products as it expands across categories and builds new customer, partnership and market opportunities.
Day 2 will bring together four international perspectives across discussions on economic resilience, regional connectivity, sector growth and digital transformation.
Lilia Aleksanyan, Senior Country Economist for Sri Lanka at the Asian Development Bank, will open the day’s discussions with a focus on Sri Lanka’s economic resilience. Her work covers the country’s macroeconomic outlook, policy advice and macro-fiscal and financial-sector reform. Her international policy experience also includes roles at the French Ministry of Finance and the French Central Bank.
The Summit will then turn to Sri Lanka’s connections with regional markets, with P. D. Singh, Chief Executive Officer, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, delivering the keynote for the session on trade corridors and value chains. Singh counts close to three decades of experience in banking and finance, with senior leadership roles spanning Standard Chartered, JPMorgan Chase Bank and HSBC.
The Sector Deep Dives will bring international perspectives to discussions on healthcare and energy.
Tushar Shroff, Chief Financial Officer, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, will deliver the keynote for the healthcare discussion, drawing on more than three decades of experience in corporate finance, strategic investment and financial transformation. His career spans senior finance and leadership roles with ABB, Piramal Healthcare, Intas Pharmaceuticals and Vedanta Group, giving him a broad perspective on the business and investment decisions shaping the healthcare sector.
For the energy-focused deep dive, Edore Onomakpome, Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal at the International Finance Corporation, will bring extensive experience in infrastructure investment and project finance across emerging markets. Since joining IFC in 2013, she has held senior roles across Africa and South Asia, including managing IFC’s infrastructure portfolio across 16 countries.
The Summit will conclude its keynote programme with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who will deliver the keynote for “Nation Building in the Digital Age.” The Prime Minister also oversees the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, bringing a direct policy perspective to discussions on digital transformation, innovation, education and the skills needed for a changing economy.
Together, these perspectives will bring regional, international and policy insight to SLEIS 2026 as Sri Lanka considers how to strengthen economic resilience, attract investment, deepen regional connections and develop new sources of growth.
Held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy,” SLEIS 2026 will take place on 12 and 13 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Colombo.
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., Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited, 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 for SLEIS 2026 are now closed. The Ceylon Chamber looks forward to welcoming participants to the discussions on Sri Lanka’s future trajectory on 12 and 13 October.
Business
Commercial Bank launches ‘Prestige’ banking for HNW clients
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has launched ‘Prestige’, a three-tier banking proposition aimed at high-net-worth (HNW) clients, combining wealth management, advisory services and lifestyle benefits.
The initiative replaces the bank’s existing ‘Elite’ private banking brand with Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond tiers, designed to cater to customers according to their wealth profiles and banking relationships.
The bank said Prestige would provide dedicated relationship managers, priority branch services, preferential rates on loans and deposits, enhanced card privileges, family banking programmes and offshore account solutions.
Its wealth and investment management services include access to capital-protected income solutions, dual-currency investments, institutional deals and estate and portfolio governance.
Clients will also have access to specialist financial and corporate advisory services, including assistance with international relocation, overseas property and capital repatriation.
The programme includes lifestyle benefits such as VIP airport lounge access, travel concierge services, property management and medical coordination, as well as access to selected art and culinary events.
The bank said its flagship Prestige banking residence at R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been refurbished, with the service to be extended to other economically important cities.
Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said Prestige was intended to support customers in managing their wealth, business interests, family needs and long-term legacy.
Existing Elite clients are being transitioned to the new programme, the bank said.
Business
Ceylinco Life rewards 80 sales achievers with overseas tours
Ceylinco Life has rewarded 80 members of its sales force with overseas tours to Vietnam and China for their outstanding performance in the company’s 2025 sales competitions.
The group comprised 62 sales achievers who travelled to Vietnam and 18 who visited China.
The Vietnam tour included visits to Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Hoan Kiem Lake. The group also travelled to Ha Long Bay, where they went on an Aurora Cruise and explored attractions including Sung Sot Cave, Luun Cave and Titop Island.
The tour also featured a sunset party aboard the cruise, with music and refreshments.
The 18 achievers who travelled to China visited several of Beijing’s major historical and cultural attractions, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. They also took a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
A highlight of the China tour was a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, including a round-trip cable car ride. The group also attended an acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre and visited the Panda Garden at Beijing Zoo.
The company said the tours were organised to recognise and reward sales personnel for their performance and achievements.
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