Business

EMA calls for enforcement of COVID-19 safety amidst re-start of events

Published

4 years ago

2021/07/18

Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Colombo, the Event Management Association (EMA) issued comprehensive guidelines for hosting COVID-safe events and called for strictest possible adherence from stakeholders.

The EMA’s Handbook, lists out detailed safety and hygiene standards and protocols to ensure that all future events will be hosted in a responsible manner – minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission at events in order to avoid further shutdowns of an industry that is already on the verge of collapse after 14 months of closure.

The EMA represents the interests of an array of business segments, from event management companies, wedding planners, equipment rental companies (sound systems, lighting, LED, etc.) stage & set fabricators, furniture & infrastructure rental companies, and digital creatives companies to venues, florists, musicians, event support services, entertainers, dance troupes, artists, designers, technicians and many more. In total, the entire sector is estimated to contribute as much as Rs. 30 billion towards the national economy.

“We express our collective gratitude to the Government for taking a positive decision that will allow our members to earn a living after several painful months. While we welcome the opportunity for events to be hosted once more, extremely strict enforcement of comprehensive safety protocols is essential to avoid transmission of COVID-19 at events.

“When events were previously allowed, we have been disappointed to see many instances when these measures were totally disregarded. If such carelessness recurs and further COVID-19 cases arise, another shutdown will risk permanently destroying what is left of our industry. For the sake of all those employed and the families who depend on our industry, this cannot be allowed to happen. We therefore call on all stakeholders to implement and enforce our recommendations immediately and without compromises,” Roshan Wijeyaratne, President, EMA stated.

“Many event companies have made massive investments into infrastructure, equipment, and development of skills with investments ranging from Rs. 10 Mn to Rs. 800 Mn per business. They are now on the brink of collapse and are struggling to pay wages and meet financial commitments. Without assistance, they face impending bankruptcy. This will affect 130,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs and the people and families who depend on our industry for their livelihood,” Sajith Kodikara, Vice President, EMA.

Events are considered essential to businesses as a vital tool of ‘live communication’ which enables a cross-section of industries to present new products to the market and generate sales. In that regard, a high frequency of corporate events is often correlated with a healthy economy.

For countries that are beginning to emerge from COVID-19, face-to-face meetings and events are a priority feature of work they are looking to restart. A study of 125 New Zealand-based organisations found that 97% are planning to hold a business event in 2021 – up from 94% of respondents to a survey conducted in May 2020#. Another recent study found that business travel has increased by 55% since restrictions eased while 37% of respondents expect to resume travel in 2021.

“Another crucial factor to consider is the potential for Sri Lanka to be positioned as a ‘safe event hub’ for MICE and destination event tourism which will accelerate Sri Lanka’s economic revival. That is provided we are able to get the health crisis under control with a scientific approach and a sustainable way forward for the industry. If we delay, we will most certainly lose out on business to other countries in the region,” Nishan Wasalathanthri, Treasurer Member, EMA.

In emulation of global best-practices adopted as a solution to ensure compliance of guidelines, the EMA Handbook proposes the appointment of ‘safe-event ambassadors’ tasked with reporting on non-compliance of guidelines.

“The handbook is created to simplify the organisers’ tasks of planning and hosting events and to mitigate the risk of weaker standards being applied. While the guidelines are already comprehensive, we expect to update it with additional information shortly,” Minha Akram, Committee Member, EMA added.

The Association also expressed its support for the Government’s efforts to control the pandemic and re-start the Sri Lankan economy.

“As with many sectors of the economy today, our industry is in dire peril. There is however a light at the end of the tunnel, in the form of mass vaccination. We take great encouragement from the Government’s emphasis and continuing rollout of vaccines to the public and request the prioritization of vaccines for industry members.

“In order for all sectors of the economy to scale up activity, and have a meaningful chance at recovery, we need to achieve 60% vaccination as soon as possible. Only then will we be able to see larger scale events take place. We also take this opportunity to urge the public to continue cooperating with public health measures to speed our progress to recovery,” Gerry Jayasinghe, Advisory Counsel, EMA said.

The EMA handbook will be available online on www.emalk.org from July 19, 2021.

All News Advertisement

Business

‘Trailblazing moment’ for New Zealand-SL bilateral economic ties

Published

16 hours ago

2025/11/7

Thilina Walpola

New Zealand H.C. David Pine

The landmark announcement of JAT Holdings’ acquisition of Mirotone (NZ) Ltd, New Zealand’s No. 1 industrial wood-coatings company, took place on Nov. 4th at ITC Ratnadipa, drawing leading diplomats, business leaders and industry stakeholders. The event was seen as a “trailblazing moment” for New Zealand- Sri Lanka bilateral economic ties by New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Pine.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner Pine, delivering the keynote remarks, went on to describe the acquisition as “a powerful example of responsible foreign investment; strengthening a proud New Zealand brand.”

“What we really want to see a lot more of in New Zealand—just like every other country—is high-quality foreign investment, Pine said. “And just as important is ensuring companies that have done well for decades find responsible new owners, especially after challenging periods.”

He said the acquisition was “preserving and strengthening a New Zealand company that deserved a secure future” and added:

“This is the most significant investment to date by a Sri Lankan company in New Zealand. I hope we will look back on this night—and on you, Aelian, and your team—as trailblazers.”

Aelian Gunawardene, Founder and Managing Director of JAT Holdings, said that throughout his travels across Asia and Australia, one brand consistently stood out—Mirotone, seen as a respected and dominant name in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and beyond.

“For nine decades, this company led the wood-coating industry in the Asia-Pacific region, he said. “It was a brand I admired, benchmarked and looked up to. Today, to be its custodian feels almost unreal.”

He recalled the intense negotiations—early morning calls, late-night meetings, and the JAT board’s approval of a USD 3 billion allocation to acquire a top-tier international coatings brand.

“This isn’t just about growth, Gunawardene added. “It’s about joining hands with a 90-year-old legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.”

He expressed gratitude to the original founders and said JAT looked forward to celebrating the brand’s 100th anniversary in 2035.

JAT Holdings CEO Nishal Ferdinando walked stakeholders through the strategic transformation the acquisition will unlock over the next 24–30 months.

He emphasised JAT’s groundbreaking R&D capabilities, including South Asia’s first water-based wood-coating binder, developed by only four companies globally.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Sampath Bank and Ideal Motors partner to drive affordable vehicle ownership in Sri Lanka

Published

16 hours ago

2025/11/7

Thilina Walpola

Kasun Fernando, General Manager – Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd (fourth from left), and Deepal De Silva, Chief Operating Officer – Sampath Bank (fifth from right), exchange the MoU in the presence of officials from both organisations

Sampath Bank PLC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd., an authorised distributor of Mahindra vehicles in Sri Lanka. The partnership aims to offer customers enhanced vehicle financing solutions and exclusive benefits that make vehicle ownership more affordable and convenient.

Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will extend a range of financial privileges to customers purchasing Mahindra vehicles from Ideal Motors. These include a 0.5% per annum reduction in the published leasing interest rates, loans to cover vehicle insurance premiums with no interest if settled within two months, and Sampath Credit Cards with no joining fee, enabling customers to pay their insurance premiums at 0% interest for up to 12 months.

Commenting on the partnership, Deepal De Silva, Chief Operating Officer, Sampath Bank PLC, said, “This partnership represents our commitment to delivering practical financial solutions that support our customers’ lifestyle aspirations. The collaboration with Ideal Motors enables us to offer more accessible financing and flexible repayment options, empowering individuals and businesses to make confident vehicle ownership decisions. It also reflects our broader vision of being a trusted financial partner that continuously anticipates and responds to customer needs.”

Expressing her thoughts on the partnership, Ms. Nimisha Welgama, Director – Legal and Corporate Affairs, Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd., said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Sampath Bank to offer customers a selection of Mahindra vehicles complemented by attractive financing options, enhancing both value and the overall ownership experience.”

Business

Positive corporate earnings driving CSE’s bull-run; ASPI hits 23,000 points

Published

16 hours ago

2025/11/7

Thilina Walpola

The CSE kicked off on a bullish note yesterday because the All Share Price Index topped the 23000 points level mainly due to positive corporate earnings amid conducive macroeconomic conditions in the county.

The All Share Price Index went up by 158.99 points while the S and P SL20 rose by 57.10 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 6 billion with ten crossings. Top seven crossings were reported in Laugfs Gas where 3.95 million shares crossed for Rs 276.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 67.50, Hemas Holdings 4.9 million shares crossed for Rs 172 million; its shares traded at Rs 31, JKH 7.75 million shares crossed for Rs 168.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 20.90, NTB 450,000 shares crossed for Rs 135 million; its shares sold at Rs 300, People’s Leasing and Finance 2 million shares crossed for Rs 58 million; its shares traded at Rs 29, Commercial Bank 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 41.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 208 and HNB 90000 shares crossed for Rs 35.8 million; its shares fetched Rs 396.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Colombo Dockyard Rs 451.3 million (one million shares traded), Laugfs Gas 304 million (4.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 260 million (11.97 million shares traded), Sierra Cables 231 million (7.6 million shares traded), Sunshine Holdings Rs 231 million (5.6 million shares traded), NDB Rs 203 million (1.4 million shares traded) and Digital Mobility Solutions Rs 196 million (1.2 million shares traded). During the day 187 million share volumes changed hands in 43220 transactions.

It is said that the banking and finance sector performed well, especially NTB, while the manufacturing sector also performed well, especially JKH, Hemas and several other companies. IT sector also performed well.

Yesterday the rupee was trading weaker at Rs 304.80/305.00 to the US dollar in the spot market from 304.55/80 on Tuesday, dealers said, while bond yields dropped by about 3-4 basis points.

By Hiran H Senewiratne