Business
UNDP and IFC helping Sri Lanka to discover financial inclusion
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The barriers to financial inclusion have been a longtime problem in Sri Lanka as financial literacy has thus far been the prerogative of only the nation’s affluent customers.
However, eventually the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 40 other national institutions, the public and private sector of the country along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are now looking to help broaden financial literacy among the general public of the country to help them achieve financial freedom without allowing it to remain an exclusive right anymore.
This was revealed when the Financial Literacy Roadmap of Sri Lanka (2024-2028) was unveiled at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on May 21st 2024.
The roadmap developed under the Financial Literacy and Capacity Building pillar of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) quite obviously incorporates sequenced actions proposed by the United Nations Development Programme and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which were described by the Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe as vital partners in rolling out the roadmap.
Introducing Mr. Beewise – the Sri Lankan Financial Literacy Expert in the first-ever financial inclusion roadmap for Sri Lanka, the multi-stakeholder knowledge tank promotes two aspects leading to financial inclusion in Sri Lanka; namely, knowledge and skills and attitude of the Sri Lankan general public by taking a cue from the busy bees.
“Bees, skilled in searching for and using resources reflect the value of knowledge to steer the day to day life prudently. The skills bees demonstrae in collecting nectar and producing honey reflect the practical skills needed in finance, budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt. And that is why we are referring to the analogue of the bee in this context,” said UNDP Resident Representative for Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota.
“One of the mandates the Central Bank has been given is Financial Inclusion, and our endeavor towards this national agenda is strengthened and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the members of the National Financial Inclusion Council,” said CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.
He further said:
“Financially literate people make informed decisions about savings, investments and borrowings. They are more likely to understand the impact of the monetary policy decisions we take, and respond appropriately in line with monetary policy stance, contributing to effective monetary policy implementation.”
“Secondly, financially literate consumers will make informed choices and will demand efficient, transparent and responsible culture from the financial institutions rather than we need to regulate them all the time. Financial literacy will increase public trust in the financial system by supporting individuals to understand how the financial system works. This understanding is very important for the public to make their financial decisions. Further, financial consumers will be empowered to safeguard themselves against financial frauds which are growing with the new of technologies. More importantly, financial literacy can support reducing over-indebtedness and alleviating poverty.”
“Informed access to financial services enables people to manage their finances better, save for the future and invest in opportunities that benefit them. In the long run, this will reduce the burden on the government in terms of having to provide a social safety net, and will enable them to have better living conditions. Financially literate people can come out of poverty from their own financial decisions. A forward looking aspect of financial literacy advocates equipping the future generations with necessary financial capabilities to be financially resilient when they become adults. So, it is important for them to acquire financial literacy at school and university level.”
“Thus investing in financial literacy will be an investment in higher social and economic returns. So there are clear social and economic benefits out of financial literacy in any country. In this backdrop, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is striving to improve the financial inclusion landscape of Sri Lanka through various initiatives.”
“The introduction of National Financial Inclusion strategy in 2021 with the help of all stakeholders by the Central Bank is currently in its implementation phase. That marks a significant milestone. The new CBSL Act entrusts the duty of promoting financial inclusion. The mandate has been given to the CBSL to formally promote financial inclusion. This road map provides an evidence based policy framework aimed at positively changing the financial behavior towards the betterment of the general public in Sri Lanka.
“Thirdly, creating of vigilant consumers is important to ensure consumer protection. As a whole, the implementation of this roadmap will be crucial in realizing the aspirations of financial inclusion in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Business
CEB urged to revise Draft Long Term Generation Expansion Plan, in view of renewable energy needs
By Ifham Nizam
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to revise its Draft Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) 2025-2044, incorporating more robust projections for renewable energy and battery storage, while also reassessing LNG infrastructure and procurement strategies.
The Island Financial Review reliably learns PUCSL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe emphasized the need for “more robust and realistic cost assumptions for Renewable Technologies and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).”
The Commission stressed that BESS should be valued not just as a renewable integration tool but also for its potential to mitigate power shortages.
The directive also calls for revisions in LNG infrastructure planning, including “a comprehensive analysis covering LNG fuel cost calculation, infrastructure development, procurement contracting options, and risks associated with supply and procurement.” PUCSL has specifically highlighted the importance of evaluating the financial and economic feasibility of a natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa.
Kanchana Siriwardena, Deputy Director General – Industry Services, reinforced the Commission’s stance on renewable energy, stating that “further reductions in renewable energy curtailment should be explored by incorporating more BESS.”
The PUCSL’s instructions also mandate incorporating clauses from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronet India, which includes a temporary LNG supply for the Sobadhanavi Plant. The revised LTGEP must also factor in infrastructure costs related to the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and pipeline networks as part of the overall LNG cost calculation.
The CEB is expected to resubmit the revised plan for PUCSL’s approval, ensuring alignment with Sri Lanka’s long-term energy security and sustainability goals.
The PUCSL directive also calls for a comprehensive evaluation of various LNG procurement options and associated risks. These include:
LNG infrastructure development and expansion
Contracting options for LNG procurement
Risks related to LNG supply and procurement stability
Robustness of natural gas demand calculations
Economic feasibility of the proposed natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa, given the low plant factors of power stations at Kelanitissa.
Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024, achieving a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 17 Bn, up 46% YoY.
Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 showcases our continued growth and expansion across diverse customer segments. Our solid capital position, strong liquidity buffers, effective risk management frameworks, and steadfast commitment to service excellence and digital empowerment remain the key drivers of our success.”
Improvements in the macro-economic environment and successful management of the Bank’s credit portfolio resulted in total impairment charges decreasing by 69% and the Net Stage 3 ratio reducing to 1.6%.
The Bank’s financial performance is supported by its strong capital buffers, with Tier I Capital at 21.47% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 22.66%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.
A strong liquidity buffer was maintained with a Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 320.56% against the regulatory requirement of 100%.
The Bank reported a Return on Equity (ROE) of 24.22%, while its Earnings Per Share for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 increased to LKR 50.82, against LKR 34.70 recorded during the same period last year.
Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through multi-channel customer touch points spanning both physical and digital. The Bank is focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.
Business
Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry: JAAF drives industry dialogue
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with Monash Business School and the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) successfully hosted the International Conference on the Apparel Industry 2025 recently in Colombo. This was the second time the event was held, following its inaugural edition in 2018, as part of JAAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global apparel sector.
Themed “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry”, the three-day event brought together industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts to discuss pressing issues such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, circular economy strategies, technological advancements, and workforce transformation.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Current Actions and Their Impact on ESG-Related Outcomes in the Apparel Industry,” featuring:
Felix A. Fernando – CEO, Omega Line Ltd.
Nemanthie Kooragamage – Director Group Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings
Gayan Ranasinghe – Control Union,
Chamindry Saparamadu – Director General/CEO, Sustainable Development Council
Pyumi Sumanasekara – Principal Partner, KPMG Sri Lanka
Discussions emphasized how Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is adapting to global ESG standards, incorporating sustainable production methods, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks.
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