Business
Commonwealth scholars from Sri Lanka receive a warm welcome
The British Council hosted a networking event to welcome the recent batch of Sri Lankan Commonwealth Scholars returning from the UK recently. Commonwealth Scholarships are offered to citizens and permanent residents of a Commonwealth country with a record of academic achievement and the potential to make a positive impact in their home country.
The 2021/2022 cohort of scholars spanned a gamut of subject areas including International Commercial Law, Public Policy, Wild Animal Health, Translation Studies, Exercise Science and Physical Rehabilitation (with a special interest in rehabilitation after amputation) and Economics.
The event was held in Colombo with the attendance of Sarah Hulton, the British High Commissioner for Sri Lanka and Maldives; Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council, Sri Lanka; officials from the Ministry of Education (Higher Education section), Commonwealth Scholars from Sri Lanka over the years and British Council staff.
“Since its inception, almost 1,100 Sri Lankans out of a total of over 30,000 global scholars have received the opportunity to study in prestigious universities in the UK under the Commonwealth scholarship scheme, demonstrating the strength of UK and Sri Lankan ties,” said Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council, Sri Lanka.
“Out of these scholars, many have gone on to achieve great things. Alumni include prime ministers, cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize winners, academics, diplomats, writers and leaders in major NGOs and businesses. In that respect, Sri Lanka also excels – previous alumni have achieved the highest status in their chosen fields in Sri Lanka. Returning scholars have gone on to be a Central Bank Governor, Bank Chairpersons, Vice Chancellors of universities, Chair of the University Grants Commission and much more,” noted Edwards speaking at the event.
The 2022 returnees shared their experiences as scholars, speaking candidly about their application process, choice of subject, learnings at university, and their experiences studying in the UK. Many spoke about the new knowledge and specialisations they received in their varied subjects and shared their short term and long term plans about how they hope to apply their new learnings. The event culminated with plans for future alumni activities and a vibrant networking session.
Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They are offered under six development themes: Science and technology for development, strengthening health systems and capacity, promoting global prosperity, strengthening global peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises and access, inclusion and opportunity. While there is no restriction to subject choice, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission gives priority to applicants whose studies are most relevant to their development criteria.
Commonwealth scholars are a part of a global alumni community of over 30,000 individuals who have advanced social change and made their mark in fields such as healthcare, marine conservation, technology and more.
The Commonwealth Scholarship scheme is aimed at talented students from across the Commonwealth who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK. Sri Lankans can avail of a series of scholarships from the Commonwealth Foundations including PhD Scholarships, Split-site Scholarships, Master’s Scholarships, Shared Scholarships, Distance Learning Scholarships, Medical Fellowships and Professional Fellowships.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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