Business
Biala at the helm of FTZMA for another term
The General Manager and the Director of ISIN Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Jatinder Biala retained his position as Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) as members voted in favour of extending the term of the current office for another year at the 41st Annual General Meeting held at the Hilton Colombo.
Accordingly, EGM – Tropical Findings (Pvt) Ltd, Dhammika Fernando is also unanimously re-elected as the secretary of the Association while Vice Chairman Hemantha Perera, Managing Director of Isabella (Pvt) Ltd also will continue to serve for another term.
M.H.Z.M.Marzook, Managing Director of Filotex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, will remain as the Treasurer, are the Executive Committee members.
The former State Minister of Aviation and Development of Export Zones, D.V. Chanaka was the chief guest at the AGM while ILO Country Director Ms. Simrin Singh and Chairman of Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Raja Edirisuriya were the guests of honour.
FTZMA is the leading Association representing the foreign direct investors in the various export processing zones in Sri Lanka. Since it commenced its operation from Katunayake Free Trade Zone over 40 years ago, the Association has been representing the foreign direct investments, expanding their presence to all Free Trade Zones in Sri Lanka.
In his statement after the re-election, Chairman Biala said: “FTZMA’s role in Sri Lanka’s export industry is well recognized for its pro-active and forward-looking actions during the difficult situation the country is in today. Our membership spans some of the most prominent and major industrial groups in Sri Lanka.”
“Over the last four decades, we have addressed the issues relating to the various aspects of business faced by the member enterprises by liaising with BOI and other state agencies such as Customs, Central Bank and Ports Authority etc. As a leading association we take utmost care of our employees whilst looking after the interests of the investors, at the same time we ensure that the operations of the enterprises are carried out without any hindrance with the close support of the BOI During pandemic period our association has taken various steps to help the health and law enforcement authorities to overcome various challenges whilst sustaining the interests of our investors and our employees. During this period we have contributed to promote foreign direct investments,” Biala added.
“FTZMA strongly believe that our country will be able recover from the current difficult economic situation faced by our members and the present Government would formulate policies and take action in the right direction to foster the socio-economic progress of Sri Lanka and will bring back confidence of all investors,” the Chairman said.
The Association ensures that continuous and smooth operation of the activities and most importantly sustain the industry by satisfying the Investor. Issues brought up by members are being dealt with efficiently by creating a conducive environment with officials of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and all stake holders.
“During the pandemic in last year, an Intermediate Care Centre (ICC) established by Association in collaboration with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and our member Crystal Martin Ceylon Pvt Ltd (CMPL) was very successful and helped immensely for the wellbeing of employees & staff of all BOI companies. This unmatched act was appreciated by all stakeholders. The Association is once again thankful to CMPL, BOI, NYSC, their member enterprises, Health Ministry, Doctors, Medical staff and all those who have contributed for their perpetual support to make this a reality We are also happy to note that the Website launched by us last year for the benefit of our members is very successful and very much useful to most of our members and outsiders. We will continuously update it with all activities and whatever data that could be updated for the benefit of the Association and its members,” Chairman Biala added.
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rate is approximately 58 percent. Such literacy is absolutely necessary for the inclusion of people in the country’s financial system which in turn is central to overall economic development, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.
‘One needs to have knowledge and skills of a financial nature to figure in financial inclusiveness. While 86 percent of Sri Lanka’s population has access to the country’s financial system, 82 percent of the public has at least a savings account in the country’s banking system, Dr Weerasinghe said.
The Governor made these comments recently at the inauguration of Financial Literacy Month 2026 at the Central Bank’s Centre for Banking Studies, Rajagiriya.
Dr. Weerasinghe added: ‘Suitable, affordable and quality financial instruments are needed to enhance financial literacy in the country.
‘Financial information has to be accurate, risk-free and accountable, thus creating confidentiality in the financial system, which would enable the sector to reach greater heights’.
Meanwhile CBSL sources said: ‘The Literacy Month opened with the two-day ‘FinLit Expo Colombo’. The expo gives the public the opportunity to engage with institutions, better understand financial services, gain practical insights into managing their finances and learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud and scams.
‘The CBSL is leading the program in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. It forms part of the Financial Literacy Roadmap for Sri Lanka, which is implemented under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), the national framework for widening access to and use of formal financial services.
‘The Colombo event will be followed by six regional ‘FinLit Expos’ aimed at direct engagement with local communities. Partner institutions will also run awareness activities. Together, the events are intended to provide financial education to communities and encourage people to apply financial knowledge in everyday life.
‘A public awareness campaign on television, radio, newspapers and social media will extend the program’s reach. The program also includes digital financial literacy activities and the promotion of QR codes and other online payment methods.
‘The public and stakeholder institutions are encouraged to take part in the month’s activities under the theme, “Towards a Financially Literate Sri Lanka”.
HUTCH Sri Lanka strengthened its position as a leader in digital engagement by securing five accolades at SLIM Digis 2.6, emerging as one of the most recognized brands at this year’s digital excellence awards. The achievement was further highlighted by HUTCH being the only telecom operator to be recognized at the event.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), SLIM Digis is Sri Lanka’s premier platform celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the digital marketing industry. The recognition highlights HUTCH’s growing strength in digital-first, agile, and creative marketing, and its ability to respond to everyday moments, engage audiences, and deliver impactful digital campaigns.
The Gold Award for Best Use of Agile and Moment Marketing, a Silver for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign, and a Bronze for Best Performance Marketing were all awarded for “Keeping Sri Lanka Connected Through Ditwah,” HUTCH’s response to the cyclone that struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, recognised for the speed and relevance with which HUTCH kept customers better connected and informed.
HUTCH Roaming also earned two further Bronze awards for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Creative Content. Bringing together AI-led storytelling, the campaign was designed around distinct customer clusters, each characterized by unique travel behaviours, needs, and perceptions, delivering relevant content for different audiences within a single overarching campaign.
“These wins are a strong reflection of how HUTCH approaches marketing today, staying close to the moments that matter to our customers and responding with speed, relevance, and creativity. Being the only telco recognised at SLIM DIGIS 2.6, and across five categories, is proof that agility and thoughtful storytelling can go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the collective efforts with our strategic partners, whose collaboration, expertise, and shared commitment brought great campaigns to life,” said Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer, HUTCH Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Smart Luxury Business Hotel to Host Delegates and Contestants from Over 40 Countries as the Island Nation Hosts Its First-Ever Global Pageant of This Scale
Fairway Colombo, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, has been appointed as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious male pageants, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.
The event marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka, as the country prepares to host a global pageant of this scale for the very first time. More than 40 contestants representing countries from across the world will arrive in Colombo, bringing together diverse cultures, international media attention, and a global audience — further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and hospitality.
As the official accommodation partner, Fairway Colombo will welcome and host international delegates and contestants throughout their stay in Colombo, delivering the exceptional hospitality experience and personalized service that the hotel is recognized for.
A Landmark Partnership for Sri Lankan Tourism
“We are truly honored to be selected as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026. This partnership is a proud moment not only for Fairway Colombo but also for Sri Lanka as a whole. Hosting an event of this global stature provides us with an opportunity to showcase our commitment to smart luxury, innovation, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to an international audience. We look forward to creating a memorable and seamless experience for all delegates and guests,” said Avinga Wanigasekara, General Manager of Fairway Colombo.
Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s historic Fort district, Fairway Colombo is recognized as a Smart Luxury Business Hotel, combining modern comfort, advanced technology, and exceptional service. As part of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the property represents the group’s vision of delivering innovative, world-class experiences across the hospitality and leisure sectors.
Delegation from Korean Volunteer Association meet Secretary to the President
Imran Khan’s PTI braces to fight federal takeover of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Nissanka’s return headlines Sri Lanka’s Test squad against Pakistan
HRCSL issues recommendation on seizure of four books by B. Piratheepan by Sri Lanka Customs
Former Zimbabwe player and umpire Sarah Dambanevana dies aged 36
Deflated Sri Lanka look to prevent whitewash against dominant Pakistan
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features5 days agoThe Sri Lankan who made Scottish history
-
Sports5 days agoNissanka absence opens door for Sri Lanka’s young guns
-
News4 days agoNDB fraud Rs 60mn more than reported
-
News6 days agoGnansara Thera to be assigned to prison printing section: Officials
-
News4 days agoRemoving monk’s robes matter for Sangha to decide: Mahanayake Theras
-
News6 days agoOIC of FCID summoned before Maligakanda Magistrate
-
Features5 days agoFuture of Sri Lanka’s state university system: Should it be shut down and reopened?
-
News5 days agoShiranthi R remanded until 13 Oct.