Business
CDB concludes first digital art competition ‘CDBRankatiSiththamRoo 2021’ on a high note

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), Sri Lanka’s premier financial services provider, launched ‘CDB RankatiSiththamRoo 2021′ in commemoration of world children’s day with the aim of inspiring young minds to express themselves and create. The initiative concluded on a high note on October 9, 2021, via a Facebook live stream. The participants’ submissions for the islandwide Digital Art Competition were exhibited prominently, followed by an interactive session for the children.
To develop the necessary cognitive skills, children must be able to express themselves creatively at a young age. However, due to the current pandemic, children are confined to their homes, with fewer opportunities to express themselves creatively. Understanding this, CDB established a platform for them to freely express themselves. The final event, led by veterans RenukaBalasooriya and Prageeth Rathnayake, was more than a mere exhibition; it also included an interactive knowledge sharing session for the children.
‘CDB RankatiSiththamRoo 2021’, was open to children 5-12 years of age. There were three winners selected from an overwhelming number of over 1000 registered participants. The 1st Place was awarded to Chamika Thehan, Age – 5 Years from Anuruddha Kumara National College, Nawalapitiya, Nethru Sadilka, Age – 8 Years from GonagalaMadyaVidyalaya, Galle and GangulDanodya, Age – 12 Years Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda, were awarded 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
Commenting on the initiative, the host of the event, RenukaBalasooriya said; “CDB has curated an ideal activity by organizing this event for the children, especially amidst the current pandemic situation. Art is a special subject that teaches many things. I believe motivating the children to put on their thinking caps is great. It gives an opportunity to be creative in a time where there is uniformity in their lifestyles during the pandemic. I wish the organization all the very best and hope ‘RankatiSiththamRoo’ is conducted annually.”
Commenting further on the initiative, the judge of the event, PrageethRathnayake added; “It was mesmerizing to see the creative minds the future of our country carries. The art submissions were not mere sketches; all the drawings had a story behind their artwork. With the ongoing pandemic situation, the children have been housebound for a long time period, and children this young must have been adversely affected. There were deep thoughts and stories behind each drawing, and as the judge, I decided to put myself in their shoes when selecting the best. Selecting the best was tough, as all of them were beautiful. CDB has done great in initiating such an event for the children”.
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) is a publicly quoted corporate leader positioned among the Ten Best Sustainable Companies, Top Thirty Businesses and Top Five Largest Non-Banking Financial Institutions in Sri Lanka with an islandwide presence, driven by a state-of-the-art technological platform that has revolutionized the way financial transactions are performed. To learn more, visit www.cdb.lk
Business
Business World International Awards 2025 takes off at Mount Lavinia Hotel

The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Business
Sampath Bank Partners with COYLE to Champion SME Growth and Entrepreneurship

Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
Business
ANC hosts NUCARS 2025

ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
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