The Sri Lanka Australia–New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) has extended its profound gratitude to both the Australian and New Zealand governments for the generous and timely assistance provided to Sri Lanka during the recent flood devastation.

Chandana Amaradasa, SLANZBC president, noted that both governments donated one million dollars each, in their respective currencies, at a critical moment for Sri Lanka — support that will play a significant role in helping communities rebuild their livelihoods.

The government of New Zealand has pledged NZ$1 million to support humanitarian relief efforts in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah.

This assistance will be channeled through an international

humanitarian partner to strengthen ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Similarly, the Australian government announced on November 30, 2025 that it will provide AUD 1 million in humanitarian aid to bolster Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah.

These compassionate and timely gestures, Amaradasa said, once again demonstrate the unwavering commitment of both countries to stand beside the Sri Lankan people in times of crisis. He also recalled that

Australia and New Zealand have consistently supported Sri Lanka, stepping forward during previous national emergencies as well.

Today’s humanitarian assistance further reaffirms the depth of these longstanding relationships and the true spirit of friendship that binds the nations — a bond built on mutual respect, shared values and enduring goodwill.

“Our association deeply appreciates this kind and meaningful support and remains committed to fostering even closer ties between the people of Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia, he added.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently conducted more investor forums in Galle, Badulla, Ratnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle & Kuliyapitiya.

These events aim to raise awareness on investor protection, educate the public on how to invest in the stock market, and leverage on the opportunities present in the capital market. The forums attracted over 800 participants collectively, providing valuable insights to both potential and existing investors in the said regions.

Each forum also featured a senior SEC representative who provided an overview of the SEC’s role in the equity market, investor protection, and the conduct expected from investors and traders. Mr. Suneth Perera, Acting Director – Supervision, SEC, spoke at the forums in Galle and Badulla, while Nimal Kumarasinghe, Manager – External Relations, SEC, spoke at the forums in Ratnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle and Kulipitiya.

Potential investors and first-time investors were also provided with an opportunity to learn about Unit Trust Investments and their potential for higher returns through the rising capital market. Speakers at the forums included Naleen Sadesh, Portfolio Manager – Investments, Asset Trust Management (Pvt) Ltd at the Galle and Badulla investor forums; Ms. Suresha Fernando, Fund Manager and Ms. Hansini Aravinda Snr., Financial Analyst of CT Smith Asset Management Ltd at the Gampaha forum; and Dilan Jayakody Senior Business Development Manager of JB Financial (Pvt) Ltd at forums in Ratnapura, Kegalle and Kuliyapitiya.

The forums also featured in-depth analyses of sectoral performance and market opportunities by leading stock brokering firms, which highlighted the opportunities provided by the low-interest rate environment that made the capital market more attractive than traditional investment options with declining returns. Speakers at the forums included Ms. Kaveena Nanayakkara – Snr. Research Analyst of NDB Securities (Pvt) Ltd at the Galle, Badulla and Kuliyapitiya Investor Forums; Kapila Pathirage, Director – Sales, HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd at the Ratnapura Investor Forum; Iranga Fernando, Research Analyst at Bartleet Religare Securities (Pvt) Ltd at the Gampaha forum; and Chamath Wickrama Arachchi, Research Analyst at Asha Securities Ltd at the Kegalle investor forum.

The main feature of each of the forums was an interactive panel discussion with the participation of members of the SEC, CSE and leading stock-brokering firms. The Badulla and Gampaha forum panelists; Suneth Perera, Acting Director – Supervision, SEC; Niroshan Wijesundere, Senior Vice President – Marketing, CSE; Naleen Sadesh; and Ms. Kaveena Nanayakarra, with the Galle Forum moderated by Priyantha Heenpella and the Badulla forum moderated by Jeewan Chathuranga.

Aitken Spence Travels marked a significant milestone with the handling of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first call to the ports of Colombo & Galle, on the 14th & 15th of December 2025. This inaugural visit reflects Aitken Spence’s ongoing efforts to introduce world renowned, ultra-luxury cruise brands to Sri Lanka, elevating the country’s profile within the high-end, global cruise travel segment, and establishing Sri Lanka as the ideal, multiport destination for luxury travellers.

Celebrated internationally for its unmatched elegance and refined modern luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a premier experience that merges the exclusivity of a private super yacht with the acclaimed service excellence of The Ritz-Carlton brand. The Collection’s arrival in Sri Lankan waters represents a significant step towards attracting a new demographic in the cruise travel segment, welcoming high-end, discerning travellers to the island.

Aitken Spence Travels is the official shore excursion provider for these idyllic calls to Colombo & Galle. In recent years, the company has placed a strong emphasis on developing the luxury cruise segment, fostering relationships with prestigious brands and showcasing Sri Lanka’s potential as an ideal destination for premium ocean journeys. The upcoming visit by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a remarkable testament to the continued efforts of the company in promoting Sri Lankan tourism.

Commenting on the historic arrival of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to Sri Lanka, Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, stated “We are truly thrilled to welcome The Ritz-Carlton Collection to Sri Lanka on their maiden voyage. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our team in positioning Sri Lanka within the luxury cruise travel segment. It is a significant endorsement of our country as a destination-of-choice, particularly at such a critical moment, bringing high-net-worth travellers to experience the island’s diversity through bespoke, privately curated shore excursions.”

Chairman / Chairperson Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena added “We are delighted that Aitken Spence Travels is leading the way as Sri Lanka’s premier destination management company, taking the first step in a long journey towards expanding the high-end cruise segment. Our commitment lies in creating unique, culturally immersive private tours that ensure guests leave with unforgettable memories of our island paradise.”

The yacht’s arrival is expected to draw considerable international attention, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a unique and compelling destination for luxury exploration. Aitken Spence Travels looks forward to curating exceptional onshore experiences for Ritz-Carlton guests and is positioned to continue attracting world leading cruise brands to Sri Lanka.