Business
The British Council launches compelling report – ‘Young People on Climate Change: A Perception Survey’
overwhelming 66% of participants agreed that climate change will be the biggest threat to Sri Lanka in the coming years
Notably six out of ten people in rural Sri Lanka think that climate change will be the biggest impending risk
Encouraging to know that 70% of the youth participants believe they can play the role of an awareness agent on climate change
Over 24% of the youth considered less or no access to knowledge resources as the biggest challenge with another staggering 62.5% not having access to affordable capacity building resources on climate action
Young people aged 18-35 years are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change impacts, particularly in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Seeing as young people are also the future leaders and decision-makers whose attitudes and actions will prove decisive for how the world addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation, it is critical to get a deeper understanding of their perceptions and understanding of climate change and action.
To understand the perceptions of young people in Sri Lanka on climate change and potential action to combat it, the British Council conducted an extensive survey with a respondent base of 1000 youth aged between 18-25 as well as 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with youth aged between 26-35 and interviewed over 25 policy makers, climate youth leaders, and other key stakeholders. British Council Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring Unit (REMU), South Asia together with SLYCAN Trust led on the research study.
The research report was formally launched on the 28 and 29 October, at a two-day Youth in Climate Action Virtual Conference hosted by the British Council, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka. The event was successfully concluded with valuable contributions made by the Ministries of Environment, Youth and Sports, Wildlife and Forest Conservation and Regional Corporation as well as Lisa Whanstall, , British Deputy High Commissioner, Sri Lanka, the UNDP Global Youth Program Manager together with the active participation of young people advocating for climate action. The virtual conference will serve as a much-needed platform and agency for setting up dialogue and conversation between key stakeholders, leading to recommendations and ideas for future, whilst discussing how young people can effectively contribute to climate action priorities set out by Government of Sri Lanka, UK and COP26.
“Action and innovation to address climate change is so important and harder to do than simple talking or tweeting about it. I hope to see real measurable action happening post conference, for us and for the future.” shared Anoka Abeyrathne, Climate Lead for Royal Commonwealth Society, who delivered the inspirational keynote session.
The research is part of the British Council’s Climate Connection programme, which aims to bring people around the world together to address the challenges of climate change, through arts and culture, education and the English language. The conference came ahead of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland from 1 – 12 November 2021, with the UK presiding as the Summit’s President.
Commenting on the collaboration, Malin Herwig, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka stated, ‘COVID-19 has made people, the world over, experience the fragility of life on earth. Through UNDP’s extensive work in supporting Sri Lanka realize its climate priorities, young people are essential to play a key role in this transformation pathway – to put nature at the heart of sustainable development. It’s encouraging to hear that 70% of the youth interviewed believe they can play the role of an awareness agent on climate change. Let’s draw on the young people for the necessary transformation.’
The findings from the report have also been used to write a Global Youth Letter, a plan of action setting out young people’s aspirations and recommendations around climate change. The letter directly addresses the policymakers and world leaders who will attend the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).
British Council Sri Lanka Country Director, Maarya Rehman said, ‘Climate emergency is the biggest crisis facing our planet so it’s no surprise that British Council research has found it’s the number one priority for young people the world over. I’m confident that the research will be a powerful piece of work that can be fed into the National Action Plan at a policy level and more importantly the findings are set to send a strong message about the importance of including youth voices in the climate action conversation.’
Business
ADB working to strengthen Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance framework amid low-innovation capital market
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance sector during the Serendipity Knowledge Programme on Sustainable Finance, emphasising the country’s untapped potential to leverage capital markets for green investments.
Delivering the closing remarks at the event held on March 19, ADB Sri Lanka Country Director Takafumi Kadono underscored the bank’s role as a “trusted partner” in the nation’s sustainable finance journey, citing collaborative efforts such as the development of Sri Lanka’s green bond framework with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
“ADB is happy to have assisted the SEC and CSE in developing the green bond framework,” he stated, positioning the initiative as a milestone in diversifying financial instruments to attract foreign and local capital.
Kadono highlighted global precedents where sustainable finance flourished even in markets constrained by limited liquidity and product variety. “There is strong potential for sustainable finance using Sri Lanka’s capital market to attract funds,” he said, stressing that product innovation—such as green bonds—could catalyze growth while strengthening market depth. He pointed to the phased rollout of ESG (environmental, social, governance) disclosure standards aligned with IFRS, set to begin in 2025, as a critical step toward building investor confidence.
Sri Lanka’s existing frameworks, including the Central Bank’s 2019 Sustainable Finance Road Map and 2022 green taxonomy guidelines for banks and non-banking institutions, were praised by him as foundational achievements.
ADB Sri Lanka Country
Director Takafumi Kadono
However, Kadono emphasized the need for broader corporate compliance with disclosure norms, capacity-building, and policies that incentivize ESG innovation. “Today’s discussions emphasised raising awareness and fostering an ecosystem where ESG goals can thrive,” he noted, linking these efforts to attracting global investor attention.
Beyond green bonds, ADB’s support spans banking reforms, SME finance, and the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Institution—initiatives aimed at stabilizing Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Kadono revealed plans to prioritize digital finance and fintech to accelerate financial inclusion, stating, “ADB will elevate its support to enhance digital finance in Sri Lanka.”
Kadono lauded the Sri Lankan government’s vision for greening the financial system but urged sustained collaboration to implement reforms. “The discussions today are just the beginning—success will require decisive leadership and resilience,” he concluded, reiterating ADB’s long-term commitment to the country’s sustainable finance goals.
The event, attended by policymakers, financial experts, and global stakeholders, spotlighted Sri Lanka’s incremental progress and the strategic role of capital markets in aligning economic growth with climate resilience. With ADB’s backing, the nation now faces the challenge of translating dialogue into actionable frameworks that unlock sustainable investment.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s premier business chamber, proudly marks its 186th anniversary today (25th March)
Reflecting on this milestone, the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber, Duminda Hulangamuwa, stated, ‘for 186 years, the Ceylon Chamber has remained committed to putting “Sri Lanka First” in all its efforts. Whether through policy advocacy, trade facilitation, or fostering market access, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing business interests while driving national growth and prosperity.’
Guided by its core pillars—Policy Advocacy, Engagement, and Market Access—the Ceylon Chamber continues to champion economic resilience, international trade, and sustainable business practices. Over the past year, it actively engaged with key stakeholders to support post-crisis economic recovery, attract investment, and facilitate trade. Through high-level business delegations, forums, and partnerships with global trade bodies, the Ceylon Chamber has expanded opportunities for Sri Lankan enterprises, fostering stronger economic ties worldwide.
Looking ahead, the Ceylon Chamber remains focused on building stronger businesses, creating sustainable opportunities, and ensuring that Sri Lanka remains a key player in the global marketplace.
Business
ALFT empowers Sri Lanka’s leading consumer brands with industry-first packaging masterclass
ALFT Packaging, Sri Lanka’s pioneer in Flexible packaging, successfully concluded an exclusive three-day masterclass titled ‘Unboxing the Future of Flexible Packaging’ in partnership with Miraclon, a frontrunner in the global shift to flexography. The industry-first event, held on 3-5 March in Colombo, connected Sri Lanka’s leading consumer goods manufacturers and brand owners to explore revolutionary approaches to packaging design, technology, and sustainability.
The masterclass featured renowned packaging expert speakers Steve Smith, who has transformed the print and packaging industry across Asia Pacific with over 40 years of expertise in Modern Flexo technologies, and Hersh Lulla, who provided valuable insights on innovation and market trends.
The event attracted an impressive lineup of Sri Lanka’s most prominent companies, including Nestlé Sri Lanka, Unilever Sri Lanka, CBL Group, Maliban Group, Prima Ceylon, Hettigoda Industries, Keells Foods, Hayleys PLC, Ceylon Chocolates, Milco, and other industry leaders. The diverse attendance covered the food and beverage, personal care, and consumer goods sectors, reflecting the universal importance of innovative packaging solutions across industries.
Lakshman De Fonseka, Chairman, ALFT Packaging said, “We are committed to driving the evolution of flexible packaging excellence in Sri Lanka. The masterclass represents our dedication to bringing world-class expertise and cutting-edge technologies to local brands, enabling them to compete confidently on the global stage. The enthusiastic participation from Sri Lanka’s most prestigious brands confirms that packaging innovation has become a strategic imperative for business growth and consumer engagement.”
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