Business
Ceylon Chamber welcomes growth-oriented budget 2021

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the proposals put forward by the Prime Minister in the national budget 2021 which are business friendly, production oriented and demonstrative of policy continuity. The budget has focused on boosting economic growth by enhancing exports, providing investment relief for key thrust sectors supplemented by public investment proposals, promoting capital markets and supporting the growth of Startups and SMEs.
The emphasis on tax policy continuity and measures announced to strengthen tax administration demonstrates a strong commitment to policy consistency while strengthening and broad basing revenues. The Chamber in its pre-budget proposals highlighted the importance of the government maintaining the current tax laws and rates at least for the next five years or so thereby providing the necessary consistency in tax policy. The adoption of a consistent tax policy under national budget 2021 would not only provide a platform for proper planning for business but would also help the government in long term cash flow planning and strengthening fiscal consolidation.
The Chamber also welcomes the tax relief for investment in machinery and equipment for domestic manufacturing and exports and the relaxing of import restrictions on certain sectors in line with past recommendations by the Chamber. Proposals on enhancing digital governance, investments in technology and infrastructure including rural connectivity to facilitate digital inclusion are also notable.
We trust the commendable proposals in the budget will see timely implementation and will continue to involve private sector consultation. The Chamber looks forward to the facilitation of further stakeholder engagement with respect to holistic labor reform and the placement of the proposals related to the extension of the retirement age and the contribution of 0.25% on turnover towards an insurance fund, within the context of the said broader reform agenda. With respect to wage reform, the Chamber recommends that reliance continues to be placed on the time-tested mechanism of collective bargaining which has so far been adopted consistently across industry sectors and encompasses factors related to productivity and worker welfare, and as such that the government reconsiders the budget based wage intervention for the plantation sector. The incorporation of productivity linkages within the proposal to increase wages of plantation sector workers is also a subject which merits further consultation.
The Chamber trusts that the positive benefits accrued from the macro stability set out by national budget 2021 will provide a foundation for sustainable growth acceleration over the medium and long-term as envisaged. The Chamber is also hopeful that the government will pivot on the growth foundation established, to continue its progress in reforms on several key agendas including but not limited to those related to local and foreign investment, debt management, export promotion, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), capital market and productivity enhancements in the public sector.
The Ceylon Chamber in its capacity as the premier representative of the private sector, looks forward to an ongoing engagement with the government, and for the opportunity to play a meaningful role alongside the private sector at large, with respect to the implementation of the budget proposals. The Chamber will continue to support the Government’s initiative to effectively execute a public-private shared vision for accelerated economic revival and social sustenance.
Business
Dr Asanka Senanayake named most popular dentist at BWIO Awards

Dr. Asanka Senanayake, founder of Shine Dental Care centres—which provide dental services across multiple locations—was recently honoured as the Most Popular Dental Doctor of the Year at the Business World International Awards 2025.
The awards, organised by the US-based Business World International Organisation (BWIO), recognised outstanding business ventures and professionals across various industries. The ceremony was held recently at the Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo.
Business
Another 43 Ceylinco Life sales officers graduate with diplomas in Financial Sales Management

A group of 43 sales officers of Ceylinco Life recently graduated with diplomas in Financial Sales Management, under a programme tailor-made for the life insurance market leader by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).
Covering subjects such as Financial Planning, Communication, Analytical Skills Development, Time Management, Financial Markets, and Taxation among others, the bespoke diploma programme was introduced by Ceylinco Life to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of its sales personnel, and to nurture a highly proficient sales force capable of tapping into premier markets and delivering exceptional services to customers.
The nine-month course programme includes contemporary coursework, examinations and assignments to ensure a well-rounded education for the candidates.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ceylinco Life Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Samitha Hemachandra said the company had from its inception, placed special emphasis on developing and rewarding professionalism among the members of its sales force. “We led the way in equipping our sales professionals with digital tools, pushed them to obtain professional qualifications from leading international bodies relating to life insurance, to qualify for Million Dollar Round Table membership, and to improve their knowledge in finance,” he said. “As a result, they have earned the respect of the community and their peers, and built stable and lucrative careers with Ceylinco Life.”
SLIM President Prof. Jayantha N. Dewasiri said: “Promoting professional competence as a contributor to the economic growth of our country is one of the objectives of SLIM. In furtherance of this, we provide professional education to thousands of Sri Lankans every year, and are happy to support Ceylinco Life’s efforts to advance the careers of its sales officers though professional development. This is an example to other corporate entities.”
Ceylinco Life’s senior directors Messrs. Devaan Cooray and Palitha Jayawardena, Director/Deputy CEO Ranga Abeynayake, SLIM Vice President – Education & Research Dr Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke, CEO Chamil Wickremasinghe other distinguished guests attended the graduation ceremony at the Ceylinco Life Auditorium.
Business
ComBank and Senok unveil special offers on construction machinery and equipment

Companies in the construction sector have been provided an opportunity to acquire new equipment through affordable leasing options created via a collaboration between the Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Senok Trade Combine (Pvt) Ltd., which represents global brands in construction machinery and equipment.
A memorandum of understanding signed by the two organisations provides for a series of special benefits to be provided to customers who purchase JCB and Kobelco branded construction equipment from Senok under a customised leasing package provided by Commercial Bank.
The benefits include special prices and lower interest rates, customised payment plans with attractive and affordable rentals, and the first three services at 50, 250 and 500 hours, free of charge.
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