Business
Implementation seen as key to Budget 2025’s success
By Ifham Nizam
Despite the 2025 budget’s optimistic outlook, implementation remains the key to its success, warned Nandika Buddhipala, Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Bank PLC.
Speaking at a post budget seminar on Wednesday organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Buddhipala stressed that while tax reforms and fiscal discipline are necessary, businesses will need clarity on regulatory frameworks—especially concerning VAT changes, investment incentives and trade policies.
In response to a question posed by The Island Financial Review, he added: “Budget 2025 sets the foundation for growth, but execution will be the true test. If we can manage debt effectively, encourage exports and attract investors, we can create a resilient economy.”
Buddhipala added: “We appreciate the government’s efforts in aligning the budget with the Public Finance Management Act and the IMF Debt Sustainability Framework. However, it is critical that we remain aware of the persistent debt servicing and interest cost burden.
“Sri Lanka’s high borrowing costs mean that interest payments remain a significant portion of government expenditure. Policymakers should adopt concrete plans for reducing this burden while ensuring economic stability.
“We must create an environment that fosters exports and attracts FDI. The emphasis should be on trade-oriented sectors rather than industries that do not contribute to foreign exchange earnings.
“The government’s aims to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations through participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), is a move that could boost trade and investment opportunities.
“We need to expand Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) beyond the current 46 countries. This would increase investor confidence and facilitate smoother trade flows.
“The proposed Development Bank, which seeks to provide financial support for SMEs and new entrepreneurs, is a positive step but access to finance must be streamlined.
“Providing tailored financial solutions for SMEs is essential. However, ensuring that the Development Bank is efficiently integrated into the existing banking system will determine its success.
“This budget is a strategic response to economic challenges. We need to strike a balance between private sector-driven growth and state intervention to ensure stability and equitable distribution of wealth.”
Meanwhile an official explained in response to another query raised by this newspaper: “The first reading of the budget, which will be followed by a month-long discussion in a budget-related forum, aims to clarify ambiguities and refine implementation strategies. There are a lot of concerns regarding implementation, but this one-month period allows us to fine-tune certain aspects.”
A senior Finance Ministry representative added the following: “We have to consider international expectations and commitments, especially in the context of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreements. The recent IMF release of USD 330 million following policy adjustments shows the importance of staying within global economic expectations.
Hasitha Radella of KPMG Sri Lanka, presenting an overview of tax reforms said that as Sri Lanka continues its recovery, the budget is focused on several taxation reforms. Sustained improvements in fiscal management will be key to maintaining growth momentum for the country.
“Clarifications on the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system and the transition from SVAT to a Risk-Based Refund System that will streamline the VAT refund process to an efficient process are urgent requirements, said Ms. Iyesha Asanthi, Commissioner, Tax Policy & legislation of the Inland Revenue Department.
She said that if any eligible exporter who exports more than 50 percent of total supplies requires VAT refunds under the new risk-based refund system, such a need could be included in a relevant pilot project.
She added that the current VAT threshold is Rs. 15 million per quarter and Rs. 60 million per year at the standard rate 18%. Due to the current situation in the country, the budget proposals of 2025 do not include tax exemptions or concessions. However, the budget proposals made to amend individuals’ tax rates by increasing tax relief from Rs 1.2 million to 1.8 million and the relaxing of tax brackets could benefit individuals, including employees.
Ms. Jayani Wickrama Arachchi, Director, Fiscal Policy Department of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said that with the fiscal space being highly constrained, every policy move must be strategic, ensuring key fiscal targets are protected while safeguarding economic stability in the medium term. Interest payments remain a significant burden, accounting for substantial government recurrent expenditure, primarily due to Sri Lanka’s high borrowing costs.
She added: “We need to move ahead despite these challenges.”
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
Business
LOLC Life Assurance hosts MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 honouring top performers
LOLC Life Assurance recently hosted its MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, celebrating its 2025 MDRT qualifiers while aspiring the team to achieve even greater milestones in the year ahead. The event brought together senior leadership and top performing advisors in a distinguished forum focused on recognising performance excellence, sharing industry insights, and setting the strategic direction for continued success.
In 2025, the Company produced 89 MDRT qualifiers, including six Court of the Table (COT) and two Top of the Table (TOT) achievers, along with one Lifetime MDRT member. Representing Agency and Bancassurance channels, these professionals demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering responsible financial guidance and long-term protection solutions to individuals and families across Sri Lanka.
The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is globally recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the life insurance and financial services profession. Membership is reserved for individuals who meet rigorous production targets and uphold strict ethical standards. Achieving MDRT status is widely regarded as a mark of credibility, trust, and advisory distinction.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance stated, “It is with great pride that we recognise our MDRT qualifiers for their dedication, discipline, and integrity, which set a benchmark of excellence for our advisory force and reflect the customer-first values that define LOLC Life Assurance. These achievers deserve recognition not only for meeting targets or selling policies, but also for safeguarding families, empowering individuals to build their legacies, and supporting financial independence, providing certainty and confidence in an unpredictable world. In acknowledging their exceptional contributions, I congratulate all our MDRT qualifiers and am confident they will continue to deliver meaningful financial protection while creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”
Further echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jayantha Kalinga, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Life Assurance added, “This Summit not only celebrates the outstanding performance of our MDRT achievers in 2025 but also acknowledges the resilience, consistency, and customer dedication demonstrated by our teams throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen capabilities through structured development initiatives, advanced training tools, and robust operational support, empowering our advisors to serve clients with confidence and professionalism while further expanding our MDRT presence in the years ahead.”
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