Business
ADB Vice President underscores importance of macroeconomic management and necessary reforms in Sri Lanka
Reaffirms ADB’s support to Sri Lanka’s long-term development agenda
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Shixin Chen who was in Sri Lanka on a 6-day visit, has underscored the importance of macroeconomic management and necessary reforms for robust and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka.
The ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen met with Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 10 January and commended the government’s rapid vaccination programme and other efforts to speed the country’s socioeconomic recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
During meetings with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Central Bank Governor, Chen underscored the importance of macroeconomic management and necessary reforms for robust and inclusive growth.
“The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of health and that investment in the health sector is critical to ensuring we are able to respond to public needs and emergencies,” said Chen. “ADB is committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to continue the vaccination drive and to provide other COVID-19 support, including for the most vulnerable.”
Acknowledging the government’s efforts to address economic challenges, Chen reaffirmed ADB’s support to Sri Lanka’s long-term development agenda.
Along with ADB Secretary Muhammad Ehsan Khan, Chen reviewed preparations for the 55th Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Governors to be hosted by Sri Lanka during the first week of May 2022.
Chen travelled to Dambulla to review progress of the ADB-funded Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program. The programme is a key climate change adaptation initiative that will help secure much-needed access to water resources for agriculture, domestic and industrial use, and environmental flows in the North Central, Central, North Western, and Eastern Provinces, thus improving climate resilience and food security, and sustaining rural economic growth.
He also visited Colombo Port and the Port Access Elevated Highway Project, which provides a direct link to the port from the expressway network. Colombo Port received support from ADB to improve container handling capacity and is now one of South Asia’s few deep-water ports strategically linking the key Asia–Europe shipping route.
Chen inspected Sri Lanka’s first microgrid pilot, which can operate in both grid-tied and off-grid modes, at the University of Moratuwa. The project, supported under the Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project, has the potential to be replicated and contribute to a green and climate resilient future.
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) announced the appointment of Sarah Nasry as Director & Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
In her new role, Sarah will lead both the Finance and Human Resources functions at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and people agenda. She holds a distinguished track record across multiple business disciplines, including Supply Chain, ICT, Administration, Corporate Communications, and CSR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her most recent position as General Manager – Finance & Business Partnering at Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer.
Recognised for her strengths in business partnering, financial planning, and strategic decision-making, Sarah is also widely respected for nurturing inclusive, people-centric cultures that foster growth and high performance.
Thayalan Bartlett, Executive Chairman of MLG, commented, “Sarah’s appointment follows an extensive search for the right person to lead our finance division through the next phase of our journey. Her wide-ranging experience and strong leadership credentials give me every confidence that she will continue to strengthen the financial integrity and compliance standards we are known for, and the Board looks forward to working closely alongside her in this journey.”
Sarah also marks a significant milestone for the company, becoming the first female member of MLG’s Board of Directors. She will additionally serve on the MLG Executive Committee (ExCo), reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said, “I am honoured and excited to join MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka and help steer the company into its next chapter. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at MLG to drive financial strength, champion a people-first culture, and build on the company’s strong legacy of creativity and performance.”
Business
Sun Siyam Pasikudah Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Best of the Best Winner for 2025
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a boutique luxury resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, is thrilled to announce its recent win at the Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of resorts worldwide. This accolade reflects the resort’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
Reopened in November 2023 after an extensive transformation, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers 34 spacious one- and two-bedroom garden and beach pavilions, each featuring bold monochromatic interiors accented with golden tones. The redesign, led by Studio Sixty7, emphasizes a blend of contemporary elegance and local craftsmanship. The resort collaborated with local artisans, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich talent and cultural heritage.
‘‘We are thrilled to being recognized on par with some of the world’s best resorts. Under just two years since our reopening, this achievement couldn’t be possible with the tremendous effort and support of our world-class team and our guests that keep coming for the unique experiences we offer. We are proud to contribute to Sri Lanka, a destination that is on every traveler’s go-to list,’ said its General Manager, Arshed Refai who has been with Sun Siyam Resorts for over a decade.
OTTO Bathware has received Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). This certification confirms that OTTO’s sanitaryware meets the highest national standards for safety, durability, and performance. With over 30 years of experience, OTTO Bathware operates under the ADI Group (Art Decoration International Pvt. Ltd.- www.ottobathware.com) and runs a modern 435,000square feet manufacturing facility in Bandaragama. The company has grown to become; South-Asia’s largest decorative ceramic manufacturer/ exporter, Sri Lanka’s second-largest sanitaryware producer, supplying to over 500 retailers island-wide.
“We’re proud to offer sanitaryware that meets national safety and quality standards. We encourage all Sri Lankans to look beyond the price tag and choose products that are certified, tested, and built to last.” said its Chairman, S. H. B. Karunarathne.
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