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AmCham Sri Lanka highlights Sri Lanka’s ‘People, Passion & Professionalism’ at the SLIF 2021

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The Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021 (SLIF 2021) was organised by the Board of Investment, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Colombo Stock Exchange of Sri Lanka. The aim of this forum was to facilitate trade and investment between foreign investors, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project promoters and listed corporates. The 3-day virtual event from the 7th – 9th June 2021 featured sessions and presentations by senior government leaders, top leadership of public and private companies, global experts, investment bankers, and advisory firms and was concluded with registration of close to 5000 participants.

At the Inauguration, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, expressed his vision for a decade of growth culminating in the doubling of the economy, and the pivotal role local and foreign investors would play in the rapid transformation of the economy. He invited investors to seize the window of opportunity to benefit from Sri Lanka’s strategic location as the gateway to South Asia, high quality human resources, unique tourism potential and progressive policy environment among other factors.

Chairman of the Board of Investment, Sanjaya Mohottala highlighted the unique advantages of trade and investment in and with Sri Lanka, including its strategic geo-location with a proximity market of close to 3 billion consumers in South Asia and East Africa, as well as being a skills powerhouse, with the best living environment in South Asia. Mohottala presented a detailed overview of the investment climate in Sri Lanka and in concluding his presentation noted, “Growth is enabled by low cost of doing business … The 2021 budget gives certainty for investors beyond attractive tax holidays that have been provided to equalize or better incentives that are offered by competing countries … Sri Lanka offers one of the lowest productivity adjusted labor costs across all segments, the labour force is far more loyal compared to competing destinations and salary inflation is one of the lowest in the region. For investors, BOI provides tax free capital good importation, reducing startup costs and more importantly, the lowest power cost in the region. All of this, combined with location advantages provide a compelling investor value proposition in Sri Lanka”

USA Country Session:

The country session dedicated for the United States of America (USA) on the 9th June 2021 was graced by the Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the USA Ravinatha Aryasinha, while Chargé d’ Affaires of the US Embassy in Colombo Martin Kelly delivered the keynote address. Delivering the Opening remarks for the session, Ambassador Aryasinha noted that “the US is presently the 10th largest investor in Sri Lanka … The US being Sri Lanka’s largest export destination accounting for 26% of exports worth 2.5 Billion US dollars in 2020, there is always the potential for greater US investment” Further, the Ambassador referred to the recent ‘Trade Shifts’ Sectoral Study released by the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL), where he observed that “Sri Lanka stands to benefit from an estimated US Dollars 150 billion worth of business estimated to be shifting over the next five years” and that the Sri Lankan Embassy in the USA continues to pro-actively engage and encourage those who have the potential to invest in Sri Lanka.

In his Keynote address, Chargé d’ Affaires of the US Embassy in Colombo Martin Kelly noted that “The U.S. Government has long been supportive of Sri Lanka’s efforts to broaden and modernize its economy … promoting trade and investment opportunities is one of our Embassy’s top priorities. It’s a vital component of our efforts to encourage private sector-led development and to forge stronger ties between our people.” Speaking more in detail the CDA noted that “The Sri Lankan people, its democracy and business community, have proven their resilience, time and again … accruing the highest standard of living and most advanced development indicators in South Asia … [and] has also steadily upgraded its air, sea, and telecom infrastructure to position itself as a regional base of operations for technology and manufacturing – with an eye to attracting investment”. He concluded that despite those positive indicators FDI from the USA has remained mostly flat over the past five years due to concerns about transparency and the regulatory framework “I’m confident that, … concrete efforts will begin to improve ‘ease of doing business’ and ensure a level playing field for U.S. investors”.

 

AmCham SL Presentation on Investment Climate in Sri Lanka

Presenting an overview of the investment climate in Sri Lanka specific to US investors, General Manager and Head of Secretariat of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka Ms. Vrai Raymond, highlighted the emerging opportunities for investment in Sri Lanka, the progressive commitment of the GoSL, and the passion and professionalism of Sri Lanka’s people. She drew attention to Sri Lanka’s status accruing the highest standard of living and most advanced development indicators in South Asia in 2019 and 2021, and the country’s continued transition from an agricultural commodity-based economy to become a world leader in textiles and apparel, a major exporter of IT and communication-related products and services, and a world class destination for international tourists.

As key takeaways of the presentation, she provided overviews of the investment climate, tax incentives, talent and education, ease of doing business, market access, quality of life and infrastructure, location advantage, and competitiveness and productivity.

Deriving key economic data on Sri Lanka and USA business relations, Ms. Raymond noted that the USA is the largest single-country export market for Sri Lanka with a tax treaty in place since 1985 and a bilateral investment treaty since 1991. She also highlighted that “to support US investors in Sri Lanka, the American Embassy, the AmCham Sri Lanka and the Board of Investment provide commercial information for interested investors and advocacy for US companies with projects or proposals to help companies enter specific sectors, and to identify potential Sri Lankan partners, while US investors can also access several US Government options to help develop and finance large scale infrastructure projects, such as the Trade Development Agency (USTDA) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), among others.”

She concluded by noting to potential investors, “if you are seeking talented, qualified, competent, creative, passionate people who will continuously evolve, adapt and innovate to nurture and grow your business, your brand and your investment, then this is it”.



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Janashakthi Life delivers 36% revenue growth, ‘outperforming the industry’

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Janashakthi Life, the flagship company of JXG (Janashakthi Group), delivered a strong first-half performance in 2026, with Gross Written Premiums (GWP) increasing by 36% year-on-year to Rs. 5.11 billion. The Company’s growth significantly outpaced the industry’s 20.8% growth during the period, reflecting continued demand for its life insurance solutions and progress in expanding its customer base and strengthening its market presence.

The Company’s balance sheet also continued to expand, with total assets increasing to Rs. 41.14 billion as at Q2 2026, compared to Rs. 40.37 billion at the end of 2025. The growth reflects the continued scale of the business and provides a stronger platform to serve an expanding policyholder base while investing in the capabilities required to support its next phase of growth.

During the first half, Janashakthi Life paid Rs. 2.24 billion in claims and benefits, reaffirming its commitment to supporting policyholders when it matters most. These payments provide essential financial support at critical moments in the lives of individuals and families, highlighting the vital role of life insurance in protecting their financial wellbeing and long-term security.

The Company remained profitable during the period, recording Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 271 million, excluding the surplus transfer for the period. With the declaration of the surplus transfer, profitability is expected to be substantially higher. Janashakthi Life remains focused on strengthening earnings quality, managing costs effectively, and translating business growth into sustained improvements in overall performance.

Annika Senanayake, Chairperson of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, said, “The performance in the first half reflects the strength of Janashakthi Life’s business and the opportunities that exist to further develop the life insurance market in Sri Lanka. We remain focused on building a business that combines sustainable growth with sound fundamentals, while making insurance more accessible to a wider segment of the population. As part of JXG, Janashakthi Life is well positioned to leverage the Group’s financial services ecosystem and continue strengthening its position in the market.”

Ravi Liyanage, Director/CEO of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, said, “The first half delivered strong growth across key areas of the business, with GWP increasing 36% to Rs. 5.11 billion. In all key segments, namely regular business, group life business and single premium business, the Company has outperformed the industry significantly, demonstrating its market challenger behaviour. The Company is strengthening its stability, crossing LKR 41 billion in assets under management. Our focus now is on building on this momentum through stronger distribution, improved productivity and disciplined cost management, while continuing to enhance the customer experience by providing an unmatched service throughout the lifespan of the service contract.”

The first-half performance provides a strong platform for Janashakthi Life to build on its growth plans for the remainder of the year. The Company will continue to focus on expanding access to life insurance, strengthening customer relationships and developing solutions that respond to changing financial priorities.

With GWP growth significantly ahead of the industry, a growing asset base and increased claims and benefits delivered to policyholders, Janashakthi Life continues to build scale across its core operations. The Company remains focused on disciplined growth, stronger execution and improving the quality of its performance, with the objective of creating sustainable value for policyholders, shareholders and the wider business.

Further reinforcing its strong market standing, Janashakthi Life was recognised among Sri Lanka’s 50 Best Workplaces™ for 2026 by Great Place To Work® Sri Lanka and was also named among Brand Finance’s Sri Lanka 100 Most Valuable Brands. These recognitions reflect the Company’s continued focus on building a strong brand, delivering value to customers and creating a high-performing organisation. (JXG)

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Hunas Holdings and CCH enter strategic collaborative partnership

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(L-R): Dhanuka Samarasinghe (Chairman - Hunas Holdings PLC) Yoshihiko Tanabe, Director CCH

Major Japanese business group sees long-term potential in Hunas Holdings as the two organisations explore new opportunities for growth in Sri Lanka

Hunas Holdings PLC is entering a new phase of growth through a collaborative partnership with CCH Co., Ltd. (CCH INC.), a major Tokyo-based business group with experience across business process outsourcing (BPO), in-house services, investment, mergers and acquisitions, and business development.

The partnership follows a period in which Hunas Holdings maintained a measured approach to new investments amid volatile market conditions, focusing on identifying the right opportunities and international relationships capable of creating sustainable long-term value.

Founded in Japan in 2008, CCH has grown into a significant and diversified business group with interests across multiple industries. Its approach combines investment with M&A, business development and operational expertise, enabling the company to play an active role in the businesses and markets it enters.

For CCH, the partnership represents an opportunity to bring this experience to Sri Lanka through Hunas Holdings, an established local group with a strong platform and long-term growth ambitions.

Yoshihiko Tanabe, Director of CCH Co., Ltd., said: “Through our discussions with Hunas Holdings, we see a company with strong foundations, local expertise and a clear ambition for growth. We believe there is meaningful potential in bringing the strengths of CCH and Hunas Holdings together. I am excited about this partnership, and particularly about some of the projects and opportunities we are already exploring together. There is much to look forward to soon”

For Hunas Holdings, the collaboration marks a renewed chapter of investment and international partnership, while for CCH, it reflects confidence in Hunas Holdings and the opportunities presented by the Sri Lankan market.

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Prime Minister to headline Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit session

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Dr Harini Amarasuriya

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will deliver the keynote address at a special session on day 2 of the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, titled “Nation Building in the Digital Age”, on 13 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Colombo.

The session will examine how Sri Lanka can use artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation and education to accelerate economic growth, improve productivity and build a knowledge-driven economy. As technology reshapes industries and the nature of work, the discussion will focus on how Sri Lanka can develop the capabilities needed to remain competitive and create opportunities for future generations.

The Prime Minister will be joined by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy; Prof. Roshan Ragel, Senior Lecturer in Computer Engineering, University of Peradeniya; and Sanjay Shah, Founder and CEO, Elevante AI, who together will add perspectives from government, academia, and industry. Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of Hirdaramani Group and Deputy Vice Chairperson of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will moderate the session.

The discussion will look at the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, and their potential to transform industries and create new areas of economic activity. It will also consider the role of digitalisation in improving public services and supporting entrepreneurship.

Education and skills development will be another important part of the conversation, particularly as the demand for new capabilities grows alongside technological change. The panel will consider how Sri Lanka can prepare its workforce for future jobs while developing an environment that supports innovation and technology-led businesses.

The session will also look beyond technology itself to the wider conditions needed for a digital economy to grow. Policy, investment, infrastructure, education and collaboration between government, industry and academia will all have a role in determining how effectively Sri Lanka can turn technological change into economic opportunity.

Held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy,” SLEIS 2026 will offer perspectives from senior policymakers, business leaders, investors and international experts over two days of discussions on Sri Lanka’s economic direction, investment opportunities and the reforms needed to support future growth.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

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