Business
HIP supports SME Development Conference 2020 in view of sector’s pressing challenges

Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, president CMA Sri Lanka and coordinator presenting the proposals on taxation and incentives to develop the SME sector in both the domestic and export sector, to the Prime Minister at the SME Development Conference held recently.
Hambantota International Port was the venue sponsor of the SME Development Conference 2020, held under the auspices of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who was Chief Guest at the event, and special dignitaries Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa and State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal.
The aim of the conference was to help small and medium-scale enterprises meet challenges faced in financial management, entrepreneurial leadership and bank funding in the country’s post-Covid economy. This was the first regional SME conference organised by CMA with the expectation of gaining government attention on the SME sector. There were two panel discussions where several pressing issues faced by the SME sector were discussed. The panel discussion on “Management and Entrepreneurship development in the New Normal” had HIPG participation where representatives fielded questions on how the SME sector can benefit from port related activities and future business opportunities HIP would pursue.
Speaking on how the Port adds value to the SME sector in a post COVID environment, Nishantha Gamage, Marketing Manager of HIPG says the port continued to operate during the lockdown and even found other opportunities such as crew-changes that were handled via the port. He added that as more vessels with various service requirements such as ship supplies begin calling at the port, SMEs could operate as suppliers by upgrading their offerings to cater to them. As advice to SMEs on how to operate under the new normal Nishantha Gamage says, “SMEs should definitely look into digital technology to develop their business. For example, develop an online platform for ship supply services which can cater to international vessels calling at HIP.” He added that the port will soon begin containerisation business to support the free zone, paving the way for more efficient and streamlined container imports and exports via HIP, which would be advantageous to SMEs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event the COO of HIPG, Tissa Wickramasinghe said, “We are committed to the development of Hambantota and we see smaller medium-scale enterprises as an important component in this endeavour. As much as Hambantota International Port is looking outwards towards developing the port, we also are looking inwards to develop HIP as a gateway port and for this the industrial development of Hambantota is a must.”
The conference committee comprised nearly 50 members from professional bodies, chambers of commerce & industry, commercial banks and industry experts who had met since April 2020 to find solutions to the problems experienced by the SME sector. Around 250 SME customers of Hambantota commercial banks took part in the event where varied challenges faced by the SME sector and future development opportunities were taken up. Going forward, CMA Sri Lanka plans to hold similar conferences in other districts across Sri Lanka.
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
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