Business

ADB powers a new era of innovation at Rajarata University

Published

1 year ago

2025/09/29

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is making a substantial investment in Sri Lanka’s future, with the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka at the forefront of this transformative initiative. A total of $30 million has been allocated to the university as part of a broader project to enhance higher education in the country. This funding aims to establish a new Faculty of Technology, offering students industry-relevant programs in science and technology.

The project’s success, as highlighted by Principal Social Development Officer J.M.H. Jayasundara of the ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission, underscores a shared vision of empowering the next generation with practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.

The university plans to generate revenue through its UBLs and by renting out its high-quality infrastructure

This strategic investment aligns perfectly with the ADB’s broader goals for education in its member countries. The project not only aims to enhance the quality of tertiary education but also to ensure its accessible and equitable for all. By targeting regional universities like Rajarata, the initiative actively promotes social mobility and gender equity through a comprehensive Gender Action Plan. The focus on STEM fields, curriculum reform, and fostering international partnerships positions Rajarata University to meet the evolving needs of Sri Lanka’s workforce and contribute to the nation’s Strategy 2030.

Overcoming Challenges

The project’s physical development has been a remarkable success. Despite the immense challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic – including lockdowns and supply chain disruptions – the construction of the new Faculty of Technology complex was completed with superior quality. This outcome is a testament to the dedication of the construction and supervision teams and the robustness of the project’s monitoring framework.

J.M.H. Jayasundara, Principal Social Development Officer of the ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission

Beyond the physical structures, Rajarata University is addressing critical gaps in Sri Lanka’s higher education system. The new faculty complex, which features a platinum-rated green building and an innovation center called PULSE, is designed to enhance learning, research, and industry collaboration. The project also tackles human resource challenges by providing overseas scholarships and training programs for academic staff. These efforts are crucial for creating a forward-looking curriculum that fosters innovation.

Empowering Rural Communities

Rajarata University is strategically positioned to serve students from rural and marginalized backgrounds. By bringing state-of-the-art facilities and modern laboratories to underserved regions, the university is dismantling traditional barriers to accessing high-quality education. A standout example of this is the introduction of Bioprocess Technology, a degree program specifically designed to leverage the region’s agricultural strengths.

This focus on local context ensures that education is not only relevant but also a catalyst for local economic growth. The university is even conducting targeted research to address community-specific issues, such as the leishmaniasis disease.

The funding is also being used to create an ecosystem of innovation. The development of University Business Linkages (UBLs), industry incubators, and innovation hubs is fostering collaboration between academia and the corporate world. These platforms are already attracting businesses and creating valuable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the local population, further positioning the university as a key driver of inclusive regional development.

A Sustainable Model

To ensure the long-term sustainability of these new facilities and capacities, Rajarata University has a comprehensive strategy in place. The university plans to generate revenue through its UBLs and by renting out its high-quality infrastructure, including auditoriums and specialized equipment. These income streams will help maintain and upgrade facilities, ensuring that the university can continue to offer a cutting-edge education for years to come.

As the university makes full use of its new infrastructure, plans are already in motion to scale up operations. However, a few challenges remain, including the recruitment of additional staff and the establishment of new regulatory frameworks to support revenue generation.

In conclusion, Jayasundara said, “With the ADB’s continued support, and a clear path forward, an enhanced Rajarata University is poised to become a dynamic hub for education and innovation, playing a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lanka’s national development goals for decades to come.”

By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️

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Business

PM ‘Rings the Bell’ at CSE to champion financial literacy and investor education

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

P.M. Dr.Harini Amarasuriya

As part of World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined stock exchanges around the world in ringing the market opening bell for financial literacy on 5 October 2026, under the patronage of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

World Investor Week is an annual global campaign led by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness of the importance of investor education and investor protection. The “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” initiative, pioneered by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), brings together stock exchanges and other stakeholders worldwide to promote greater financial literacy and encourage individuals to make informed financial decisions.

The ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the CSE and the joint launch by the SEC and the CSE of the Stock Market Game, an online stock market simulation based on the ATrad trading system.

The Stock Market Game enables participants to gain practical experience of how the stock market works, make investment decisions and construct portfolios of listed shares without using real money. The platform is accessible through the websites of the SEC and CSE and is expected to serve as an important practical tool for promoting financial education. It is envisaged that the Stock Market Game will also be used to conduct simulation competitions among universities and the 100 Capital Market Clubs established in schools across the country.

The ceremony also featured the commemorative issuance of a stamp and First Day Cover to mark the 40th anniversary of the CSE. Issued in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka, the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, by the SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and Ray Abeywardena, Director CSE and Chairman of Central Depository Systems (CDS).

Welcoming the gathering, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE, highlighted the importance of obtaining reliable information when making investment decisions.

“We operate in a digital world where a vast amount of information and data is disseminated through social media. While some of this information is factual, some may be inaccurate or misleading. When investing in the stock market, it is essential to make informed and prudent investment decisions. Therefore, investors should obtain information and data from reliable and responsible sources and persons before making investment decisions.”

Addressing the gathering, SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara emphasised that the SEC’s role extends beyond regulation to facilitating the further development of the capital market.

“The SEC needs to determine how best to introduce the stock market to Generation Alpha, Generation Beta and generations beyond. When it comes to investors, we need to build confidence in the market, because people will invest only when they have confidence in the market.’’

Business

Rs. 5 million worth of prizes to be given at 8th edition of CSE Masterminds Quiz Competition

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced that the eighth edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz will be held on 9th October 2026, from 3.00 p.m. onwards, at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, CSE Masterminds brings together teams from the public and private sectors. Participants will be tested across international business, global markets, current affairs, the Sri Lankan economy and business, the Sri Lankan stock market, and sports and entertainment, before a concluding rapid-fire round.

This year the winning team can win up to Rs. 2,000,000, the runners-up up to Rs. 1,000,000, and the second runners-up Rs. 750,000. Sector awards will also be presented to the highest-performing team from each participating sector. Guest participants will also be able to compete in rounds of Audience questions, and will have the opportunity to participate a raffle draw for three free return tickets provided by Fits Aviation (Pvt) Ltd.

The evening will also include an exclusive after-party with live music provided by the band ‘Doctor’ featuring guest performer Umara Sinhawansa, fine food and beverages, providing an opportunity for networking and celebration. Every participant will receive a premium goodie bag made possible by the support of the event’s sponsorship partners. Collectively, the event will feature over Rs. 5 million worth of prizes, rewards, and giveaways, encompassing championship prizes, sector awards, audience engagement prizes, raffle draw offerings, and goodie bags.

Sponsorship partners include:

Platinum Sponsors: Hatton National Bank PLC and Bartleet Religare Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.

Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Asha Securities Ltd., and Lanka Securities (Pvt) Ltd.

Silver Sponsors: Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Capital Trust Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., LOLC Holdings PLC, Arpico Ataraxia Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., IronOne Technologies (Pvt) Ltd., and LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd.

Co-Sponsors: Access Engineering PLC, Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, CryptoGen (Pvt) Ltd., Deloitte Lanka (Private) Limited, Dialog Finance PLC, Efutures (Pvt) Ltd., People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, Senfin Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., and Softlogic Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.

Business

NCCSL to conduct practical workshop on food labelling and advertising regulations in Sri Lanka

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is organizing a one-day practical workshop on “Food Labelling & Advertising Regulations in Sri Lanka” on Thursday, 8th October 2026 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the National Chamber of Commerce, Colombo 10. The workshop has been organised to provide a practical understanding of the latest regulatory requirements governing the food products labelling and advertising of food products in Sri Lanka, with particular attention to regulatory developments applicable in 2026, compliance requirements, and the potential legal and financial implications of non-compliance.

As food products increasingly compete not only with quality and price but also on packaging, labelling and promotional claims, businesses must ensure the information they communicate to consumers is accurate, transparent and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. Understanding these requirements is therefore essential for businesses seeking to protect their brands, maintain consumer confidence, and minimize regulatory and legal risks.

The practical workshop will go beyond an overview of regulations and focus on how businesses can apply regulatory requirements in their day-to-day operations. Participants will be guided through key areas of food regulatory compliance, including the national food regulatory framework, recent food labelling regulations and key changes, mandatory approvals and prohibitions relating to food labelling, and the litigation process associated with regulatory violations. The programme will also cover several areas of growing importance to the food industry, including the EU EMPCO Directive, food colour coding regulations, regulations relating to food trans-fatty acids and the importance of compliance in the use of food additives. Practical exercises will further enable participants to apply their knowledge to real-world compliance situations and strengthen their ability to identify potential regulatory concerns.

For further information and registration, please contact the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on 011 4741788 – Nethmi or Udula – 071 403 4775.