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Sustainable Development Council steps up efforts towards integrated SDG monitoring in Sri Lanka

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The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) conducted a two-day workshop for key government agencies on integrated monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka on 08th and 09th May in Colombo.

In order to address a critical gap highlighted in Sri Lanka/s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDG implementation in 2022, relating to monitoring and evaluation of Sri Lanka’s progress on SDGs, the SDC developed the National SDG Progress Dashboard as a first step towards comprehensive SDG progress monitoring and evaluation in Sri Lanka following a whole-of-government approach. The National SDG Progress Dashboard developed with technical support from ESCAP provides a snapshot of Sri Lanka’s progress towards achieving nationally recognized SDG targets.

The objectives of the two-day workshop held last week were to further enhance the use of data for effective monitoring of SDG implementation in Sri Lanka, including achieving increased ownership of the SDG national targets by the line ministries, and work towards an integrated approach in monitoring and evaluation of Sri Lanka’s SDG progress.

In welcoming the participants, Director General of SDC, Chamindry Saparamadu, highlighted that as the time to achieve the SDGs is running out, government institutions should focus on how accountability for the implementation of SDGs can be improved through robust monitoring and evaluation of SDG achievements.

Speaking during the Opening Session of the two-day workshop, the UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, Marc- Andre Franche, emphasized that, monitoring progress towards the SDGs is a crucial part of the 2030 Agenda and the national SDG targets identified and validated by all line ministries will form the basis for future development planning.

Delivering the Key Note Remarks, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake observed that without timely statistics, including different levels of disaggregation, it is difficult to delve deeper into multifaceted and complex development challenges that are facing the society today. Dissanayake emphasized the importance of strengthening data and monitoring frameworks to improve decision-making, transparency and accountability as well as efficiency in directing policy interventions and investments towards where the needs are.

The workshop delved into understanding the flow of SDG data at global and national levels, the key components of effective SDG data coordination, regional experiences using SDG data for effective monitoring, selection of national SDG indicators and approaches towards integrated monitoring and evaluation. The workshop also featured a panel discussion with Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anuradha Kumarasiri, Director General, National Planning Department, Ms. Anoja Senevirathne, Director General, Department of Census and Statistics, D.D.Matharachchi, Additional Secretary (Planning and Development), Ministry of Urban Development & Housing. The workshop concluded with the formulation of an Action Plan to develop an integrated monitoring and evaluation framework for the SDGs in Sri Lanka.

The participants of the workshop included SDG data focal points and SDG focal points appointed by the line Ministries and government institutions and relevant officers from the Sustainable Development Council, the Department of Census and Statistics and the National Planning Department.



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‘ComBank ends Q1 as first private sector banking group on the cusp of Rs 3 Tn. assets milestone’

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Commercial Bank Chairman Sharhan Muhseen & Managing Director and CEO Sanath Manatunge

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has made a characteristically strong start to 2025, recording healthy profit and balance sheet growth in the first quarter of the year.

Comprising of Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, its subsidiaries and an associate, the Group reported in a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) that assets reached Rs 2.999 trillion as at 31st March 2025.

Gross income for the quarter grew by 9.85% to Rs 88.10 billion, while interest income improved by 3.14% to Rs 72.60 billion. Interest expenses reduced by 10.09% to Rs 38.38 billion as a result of repricing of liabilities amidst the lower rates regime that prevailed, generating a 23.53% growth in net interest income, which amounted to Rs 34.21 billion for the three months reviewed.

Total operating income grew by 33.40% to Rs 46.62 billion, but the Group’s provision for impairment charges and other losses was increased by 110.44% to Rs 7.23 billion with additional provisions made on a prudential basis for individually-significant customers, which resulted in an improvement in the Bank’s impaired loans (Stage 3) ratio.

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Intrepid in collaboration with MDF hosts an empowering workshop

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Seen here are the participants of the workshop along with the Intrepid and MDF team

Building on the momentum of its groundbreaking “Women in Tourism” initiative, Intrepid Travel Colombo, in collaboration with the Market Development Facility (MDF) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), successfully conducted another impactful workshop—this time focusing on women business owners in the tourism sector.

Held in Kandy on Saturday, 5th April, the session brought together 15 dynamic female business owners from the Central Province with a shared passion for responsible tourism and sustainable business. The workshop forms part of Intrepid’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women across the tourism value chain in Sri Lanka and follows the inaugural training program held in September last year which targeted aspiring female tour leaders.

This insightful session was tailored to uplift and support women who are already leading or managing businesses within the tourism ecosystem, and hailing from the Central Province.

“This was an impactful day of learning, sharing, and growing together,” said Poornaka Delpachitra, Country GM of Intrepid. “Our focus this time was on women business owners—those who are already shaping Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in meaningful ways but often face unique challenges in accessing resources, networks, and recognition. By creating a space for peer connection, leadership development, and shared learning, we’re investing in a stronger, more inclusive tourism sector.”

The training session was designed to strengthen key leadership and entrepreneurial skills such as business strategy, confidence-building, marketing, and innovation in sustainable tourism. It also provided participants with valuable networking opportunities and a sense of solidarity, reinforcing the message that women are not alone in their journeys.

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Kushan Samararatne takes the helm at Colombo Coffee Company

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Kushan Samararatne , Chief Executive Officer

Colombo Coffee Company, the largest total coffee solutions provider in Sri Lanka’s and a fully-owned subsidiary of the world’s largest Ceylon Tea exporter Akbar Brothers, has appointed Kushan Samararatne as the Chief Executive Officer.

With a career marked by strategic foresight, operational excellence, and transformational leadership, Kushan brings a wealth of experience and innovation to his new role. As General Manager, he led Colombo Coffee Company to unprecedented heights during his tenure.

Kushan’s impact at Colombo Coffee Company extended far beyond financial metrics. Under his dynamic leadership, the company successfully established its first in-house production unit, developed many local coffee blends, and launched roasting operations, making significant strides toward vertical integration and value creation. His deep commitment to quality was further evidenced by the company aligning its operations with Lavazza’s international standards – reinforcing Colombo Coffee Company’s reputation for excellence in every aspect of its operations.

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