Business

‘Galle Concerto 2024’ to put Sri Lanka back on world stage; four years on from crises exit

Published

2 years ago

2024/01/19

From left: Edward Robinson - Southern Book Fair, Chanchala Gunewardena - Matara Festival for the Arts, Champika De Silva - Opera at the Anantara , Niranjan Deva Aditya - Presidential Advisor, Chalaka Gajabahu - Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau , Nilupul Gunawardena - Rhythms of Paradise and Tracy Holisnger -Galle Literary Festival

By Sanath Nanayakkare

The Presidential Secretariat, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority together with sponsors announced the launch of Galle Concerto 2024 at the Kingsbury Hotel Colombo on Wednesday.

They emphasized that the series of events of the programme would convey to the world that Sri Lanka is not only recovering but re-emerging as a strategically managed top tourist destination, consistent with its social, environmental and macroeconomic goals.

The Concerto, which comprises six segments, held its inaugurating ‘Rhythms of Paradise’ drum festival in Koggala from 12th – 14th January. The ‘Gourmet Galle Food Festival’ is taking place from 12th January – 30th March. The Classical Music Event will take place in Tangalle through 19th-21st January. Meanwhile, the Southern Book Fair will be held in Galle from 19th – 28th January, while the Galle Literary Festival will take place from January 25-28, followed by the Matara Festival from February 1-4.

“It will be the largest promotion of Sri Lanka’s music, culture, art and food ever undertaken, reaching out to a global audience, marketed throughout South Asia and the world. Galle Concerto will help make the southern belt of Sri Lanka to become one of the most visited destination in the world with the right audience”, Chalaka Gajabahu – chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said.

The handbook launched along with the official announcement is set against the backdrop of the rich heritage of the country’s tourism ecosystem and vibrant coastal charm in the Southern Province.

Notably, the event will bring together a diverse array of writers, poets, intellectuals, literary enthusiasts, musicians, artists and celebrity chefs from around the world, who have the power to influence more travellers to visit Sri Lanka.

The Galle Concerto 2024 is launched under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe with the support of the office of the Presidential Envoy, Niranjan Deva Aditya.

Delivering the keynote speech at the event, Niranjan Deva Aditya said,” Four years ago, this country was shut down due to Covid 19 travel restrictions and people were forced to stay home unable to interact face-to-face for meaningful work like this. And two years ago, we had Aragalaya, riots, power-cuts and various shortages. I don’t need to remind you of the trials and tribulations the country of my birth endured over the past four years.

However, in the two ensuing years, we have all come together to work in unison to create an extraordinary celebration of Sri Lanka’s ancient history, culture, music, food, art and so on which are unique in the world with the objective of putting Sri Lanka back on the world tourism map in a much more dynamic way. I personally know the uniqueness of Sri Lanka. I have legislated for a number of countries over the past 20 years, and therefore, I can tell you Sri Lanka is the best.”

“Having gone through the two crises, we have been able to resurrect and revive our global identity and stand within a short span of two years and showcase our cultural diversity to the world. Today we are working together under the auspices of a man who inspired us for progressive possibilities. Nine months ago, he said we should call the largest event Sri Lanka ever had to show that we are back on the world stage.

Everybody right around him bought into his vision and many unsung heroes have worked thousands of hours to put together this extraordinary event without being paid, without any salaries because they believe in the great potential of this country. If we continue to nurture this progressive and collaborative attitude, I can assure you that Sri Lanka will have a great and secure future,” he said.

Tracy Holisnger -Galle Literary Festival- Gourmet Galle said,” Gourmet Galle will be a 12 week-long gourmet festival up and down the southern coast of Sri Lanka. A partner to the incredibly successful Galle Literary Festival, Gourmet Galle will feature dinners, afternoon tea and master classes with thirteen amazing celebrity and world-renowned chefs along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The dinners will take place in exquisite homes and the finest boutique hotels, carefully curated to make each weekend its own unique and incredible event.”

Edward Robinson – Southern Book Fair, Chanchala Gunewardena – Matara Festival for the Arts, Nilupul Gunawardena – Rhythms of Paradise, Champika De Silva – Opera at the Anantara , and Damitha Nikapota – Gourmet Galle, spoke of their respective segments.

The literary sessions will be held at the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum. The flagship event will conclude with a concert by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan artistes.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism earnings for 2023 exceeded $ 2 billion mark with 1.48 million tourist arrivals. The following are some official statistics on tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in 2023 in alphabetical order.

Armenia 2,490, Australia 67,436, Austria 10,594, Bangladesh 17,846, Belarus 10,969, Belgium 10,667, Canada 43,944, China 68,789, Czech Republic 12,056, Denmark 10,346, France 56,251, Germany 102,539, India 302,844, Israel 19,517, Italy 22,242, Japan 19,583, Malaysia 10,940, Maldives 37,328,Netherlands 29,056,Pakistan 10,744, Poland 17,946, Russia 197,498, Spain 23,905, Switzerland 23,556, U.K. 130,088, U.S.A 46,344.

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Business

Fifty ninth ADB Annual Meet opens in Samarkand amid global uncertainty

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

Guests from member countries of the ADB arrive at the venue for the 59th Annual Meeting of the Bank in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, yesterday

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is set to commence this week, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and development leaders from across Asia and beyond at a time of mounting global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing journalists ahead of the opening sessions, Bernard Woods, Principal Director of the Department of Communications, said the meetings were beginning at a pivotal moment for the world, with fuel markets, food security and fertilizer supply chains coming under strain due to tensions in the Middle East.

He noted that amid rising political and economic fragmentation, regional connections and stronger collaboration have become more important than ever. Against that backdrop, the key sessions and high-level discussions in Samarkand will focus on building collective resilience and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

Among the major themes expected to dominate the agenda are cross-border digital connectivity, cyber security, energy integration, capital market development, transport corridors and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to improve resilience and productivity in member economies. Woods also said discussions would examine how resources can be distributed more effectively to meet the unique development priorities of each country.

The official programme features a series of strategic seminars and media events over four days. The opening session of the Board of Governors will include addresses by high profile authorities and subject experts.

Other key sessions include discussions on how capital markets can drive development across Asia and the Pacific, scaling up investments for critical minerals and manufacturing value chains, digital highways for inclusive growth, and pan-Asia transport and power connectivity initiatives.

ADB President Kanda is also scheduled to hold a press conference to announce major new initiatives, while several technical briefings will examine global value chains, private sector operations, digital transformation and regional energy cooperation.

With global shocks increasingly spilling across borders, the Samarkand meeting is expected to underline a central message: that regional cooperation, practical partnerships and timely investment remain essential for sustaining growth and stability across Asia and the Pacific.

By Sanath Nanayakkare in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Business

Nations Trust Bank completes transfer of HSBC Sri Lanka’s Retail Banking Business to its portfolio

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has announced that the transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business in Sri Lanka to NTB has officially been completed, with the acquired portfolio transitioning to NTB effective 1st May 2026.

NTB has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations, ensuring continuity of service and relationship management. The transition also includes the onboarding of HSBC Sri Lanka staff as part of the integration process. The transition has been carried out with a focus on operational stability and minimal disruption, with ongoing support in place as customers familiarise themselves with their banking arrangements at NTB.

The migration brings approximately 200,000 retail customer accounts under NTB, encompassing savings and current accounts, fixed deposits, credit and debit cards, retail loans and a high‑net‑worth customer segment that now joins Nations Trust Bank Private Banking. Through this transfer, Nations Trust Bank’s countrywide network expands to 96 branches. The transition adds seven branches to the network, with locations in Bambalapitiya, Flower Road, Union Place, and Pelawatte operating as dedicated Private Banking Centres, while three other branches are located in Nugegoda, Jaffna, and Kandy.

To support customers during the transition period, NTB has ensured that multiple access points and support channels remain available. Customers may continue to bank through the nearest NTB branch, contact NTB’s 24-hour Help Desk via +94 11 441 4151, and access digital banking services through the Nations Direct mobile app. Dedicated transfer‑related information and FAQs are also available at https://migration.nationstrust.com

Additionally, arrangements were made to extend branch support across two weekends as part of the transition programme.

Business

Amana Takaful named Sri Lanka’s Most Awarded Insurance Company

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

(L) Siva Karthigun, Chief Executive Officer – General and Gehan Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer – Life

Amana Takaful Insurance has been recognized as Sri Lanka’s Most Awarded Insurance Company for 2026 by LMD Magazine, marking its third consecutive year of achievement. This recognition reflects the company’s consistent focus on delivering value across both its Life and General businesses, supported by customer-centric solutions, operational discipline, and continued innovation.

Over the years, Amana Takaful has strengthened its market position by enhancing service delivery, investing in digital capabilities, and expanding access to insurance solutions for a wider segment of Sri Lankans.

Commenting on the recognition, Siva Karthigun, Chief Executive Officer – General, stated: “This recognition reflects the discipline and focus we maintain across our operations to deliver consistent outcomes for our customers. Our continued investments in process improvements, digital capabilities, and service excellence have enabled us to strengthen our responsiveness and reliability, ensuring we meet the evolving expectations of our customers across all touchpoints.”

Commenting further, Gehan Rajapakse, Chief Executive Officer – Life, stated: “This recognition reflects the consistency of our efforts in delivering meaningful value to our customers, while continuously strengthening our capabilities across both Life and General businesses. As we move forward, our focus remains on enhancing accessibility, leveraging digital innovation, and ensuring our solutions remain relevant to the evolving needs of Sri Lankans, while maintaining the highest standards of service and reliability.”

Notably, a significant portion of these awards were received for digital excellence, underscoring the company’s continued progress in its digital transformation journey. Amana Takaful’s investments in technology-driven solutions, process automation, and enhanced digital customer experiences have played a key role in strengthening accessibility, efficiency, and service delivery across both Life and General businesses.

The recognition further reinforces Amana Takaful’s standing within the industry, highlighting its ability to sustain performance and adapt in a dynamic environment. For Every Sri Lankan, as one.