Business
COYLE marks celebratory hour with accent on driving development
L to R – Dimuth Chankama Silva (Senior Vice Chairman – 2021/22), Saranga Goonewardena (Chairman – 2021/22), Chamath Kottage (Chairman – 2020/21) & Rasith Wickramasingha (Vice Chairman – 2021/22)
Chief Guest Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion at the COYLE anniversary celebrations following the 22nd AGM and appointment of the new chairman of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE.) The new chairman (2021/22) Saranga Goonawardena takes the Chamber lead from outgoing chairman Chamath Kottage.
The event was held recently at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. Also present at the gala function were several ministers, State ministers together with Secretaries and government officials.
The anniversary celebrations of The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) marked its ongoing success story and more importantly, was a platform to showcase the business sector’s contributions towards the Sri Lanka’s economy over the years. Members who attended comprised of business magnates from big blue-chip companies to medium and small scale start-ups and individual entrepreneurs.
The grandeur of the event which consisted of a show of traditional music and dance acts, was followed by a top-class dinner. However, it still managed to remain focused on offering networking opportunities that allowed members face-to-face interaction which leads to stronger relationships.
The Prime Minister, in his address stated, “COYLE has and always will be a partner in progress with the governments of Sri Lanka and in the present challenging times, preserving and creating jobs must be our absolute top priority. We have to keep working towards this and there are plenty of opportunities. It is something we cannot achieve without the business community and we need to think about this, not only for us, but also in your own interests. Let us stand united to lift the standard of living of the people of our country. Since COYLE’s inception, its members and leadership have maintained the same unwavering fervor and passion for our country.”
The success of COYLE will ensure a better future for Sri Lanka.”
Established in 1999, the Chamber is a business information portal that strengthens informal relationships while collaborating ventures and resources that generate new business opportunities. COYLE is the only chamber where the controlling shareholders and chairmen sit and advocate together. COYLE members controlling over 500 companies, provide direct employment to over 500,000 and indirect employment to over 2.5m Sri Lankans. COYLE’s contribution to the country’s annual GDP is over Rs. 650 Billion.
COYLE is proud and appreciative of the longevity it has held within the business community of Sri Lanka. It has spent the last 22 years since its establishment helping the country’s business community grow and in turn their growth has led businesses to give back to the community which strengthens the economy.
This year’s celebration was a chance for the Chamber to look back at its history within the community and continue to enhance its program to best serve its members. In its 22 year history, the names and faces of the Chamber may have changed, but it’s focus hasn’t – providing its members unique opportunities that are meant to grow their businesses.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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