Business
Invest Sri Lanka Forum draws strong investor interest in Singapore
The “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forum, organised by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in association with the High Commission of Sri Lanka to Singapore, successfully concluded at the Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, making a compelling case for channeling investment flows into Sri Lanka. The event attracted over 150 prospective investors from diverse sectors in Singapore.
The forum brought together a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Prof. Anil J. Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore; Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara; Chairman, SEC; Ray Abeywardena, Director, CSE; Ruchir Desai, Fund Manager, Asia Frontier Capital Ltd; and Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Managing Director, LYNEAR Wealth Management. Their insights underscored Sri Lanka’s ongoing reforms, improved macroeconomic stability, and attractive capital market valuations, positioning the country as a frontier market investment destination.
The Sri Lankan delegation included senior representatives from the SEC, CSE and 11 listed companies, and stockbroking firms, collectively presenting a strong case for investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Delivering the welcome address, Senarath Dissanayake stated “It is our hope that this forum will not only highlight key developments in Sri Lanka’s capital markets but also inspire new partnerships between Sri Lankan and the Singaporean business communities. Singapore has long been a valued partner for Sri Lanka in investment and innovation. With Sri Lanka’s evolving policy framework and strategic location at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, we see compelling opportunities in infrastructure, services, manufacturing, logistics, and the digital economy”.
Commencing the proceedings, Ray Abeywardena observed, “Sri Lanka is not merely a story of recovery, it is a story of transformation. We have a stable macroeconomic environment, a committed reforms agenda, and a capital market gaining regional traction. This is a moment of alignment between policy, performance, and potential. Whether through financial instruments, infrastructure projects, digital finance, or capital market participation, Sri Lanka offers a strategic gateway to a market defined by resilience, reform, and growing global relevance”.
Stressing on the untapped power of the capital market Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara remarked, “If a public listed company company like John Keells Holdings can raise the majority of USD 1.4 billion for Cinnamon Life, half the size of the IMF bailout, through our own capital market, why can’t the Government do the same? We have political stability, strong market sentiment, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, and the right policy mindset. The playground is ready, now it’s time to play the match. The SEC will continue to safeguard market integrity while facilitating market development.” Given the current economic situation in the country Professor Dissabandara highlighted that capital market-based financing for SOEs is not just an option but a necessity to enable vibrant growth and economic stability
HProfessor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, presented the government’s policy outlook, focusing on an investment-led growth strategy to reverse a “lost decade” of economic stagnation, supported by new fiscal legislation and sectoral priorities including energy, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and digitalisation.
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to investor confidence, Hon. Prof. Fernando said, “The political sphere is now firmly focused on delivering clean, corruption-free governance. This will be a major boost for investor confidence. Coupled with consistent policies and the provision of modern infrastructure, we are creating a strong foundation for investment growth”.
Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe remarked “We believe the next wave of investment will transform Sri Lanka’s economic landscape. With debt restructuring nearing completion and the potential for a sovereign rating upgrade from CCC+ to the B category, market sentiment is already poised to respond positively. Now is the time to seize the opportunity, before the upgrade takes place”.
He highlighted that key reforms for long-term stability have been implemented, and strong external, monetary policy and fiscal buffers are now in place. Despite severe pressures during the crisis, the banking sector remained solvent, avoided failures, and today stands well-capitalised and highly liquid,” Dr. Weerasinghe said.
The programme featured two panel discussions: “Outlook of the Sri Lankan Economy in Light of Global Uncertainty”, moderated by Ms. Avril Hong, Singapore Reporter for Bloomberg Television & Radio; and “Sri Lankan Equity Market Outlook”, moderated by Ms. Ana Isabel Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer, Farringdon Asset Management. These sessions explored macroeconomic trends, market performance, and sectoral growth potential, engaging participants in a forward-looking dialogue.
The event concluded with a networking session and one-on-one meetings between Sri Lankan corporates and international investors, fostering direct engagement and potential deal flow. The impact was immediate—foreign investor interest surged, with market turnover exceeding Rs. 1 billion within the first hour of trading the following day, a clear sign of positive sentiment generated by the forum.
The forum was supported by the Singapore Sri Lanka Business Association (SLBA), CFA Society Sri Lanka, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Sri Lanka, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and Sri Lankan Airlines.
Business
JAT Holdings celebrates the 6th Pintharu Abhiman Convocation, uplifting over 800 painters through NVQ certification
JAT Holdings PLC marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of the 6th JAT Pintharu Abhiman Convocation, recognising more than 800 painters who have earned their NVQ Level 3 qualification, an internationally recognised professional certification delivered in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA).
JAT Pintharu Abhiman was established to uplift Sri Lanka’s painter community through structured skills development, professional recognition and stronger earning potential. This year’s graduating cohort reflects the programme’s expanding reach and the tangible changes it continues to deliver for individuals, families and communities.JAT in collaboration with NAITA has streamlined the certification process such that what would traditionally take up to six months has been refined into an efficient and high-impact three-day assessment model. This approach ensures painters can obtain their qualification without sacrificing extended periods of work, while JAT fully absorbs the certification cost, removing financial barriers and enabling wider access to formal recognition.
Research conducted amongst NVQ qualified participants shows meaningful improvements in livelihoods, with 90 percent reporting increased personal confidence and 76 percent noting an improvement in their overall standard of living. This uplift demonstrates the long-term value of industry-aligned professional training.
A noteworthy moment at this year’s convocation was the recognition of four female painters who received their NVQ certifications. Their achievement marks an important step in broadening female participation in a field that has historically been male dominated, reinforcing JAT Holdings’ commitment to creating inclusive pathways for technical development and sustainable employment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Wasantha Gunaratne, Director Sales and Technical (South Asia) of JAT Holdings PLC, said:
“Pintharu Abhiman is fundamentally about development, giving painters the knowledge, structure and recognition they need to progress in their careers. By equipping over 800 painters with an internationally recognised NVQ qualification, we are not only strengthening the technical standards of the industry but also creating real pathways for entrepreneurship and financial independence. It is especially encouraging to see that one in five certified painters have already begun building their own businesses. These are the outcomes that matter because they show that when we invest in skills, we unlock opportunity. JAT remains committed to expanding these avenues so every painter has the chance to grow, lead and build a sustainable future.”
The 6th JAT Pintharu Abhiman Convocation underscores JAT’s continued dedication to uplifting the painter community, enhancing industry standards and supporting national skills development through accessible, professionally recognised qualifications.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, together with the American Chamber of Commerce, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Federation of Renewable Energy Developers, Joint Apparel Association Forum, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies, has submitted joint observations on the Draft National Electricity Policy, highlighting that several key issues have not been adequately addressed.
Whilst recognizing the need for reform in the electricity sector, the submission flags several gaps in the draft policy that require closer attention. Key areas such as affordability, decarbonisation commitments, incentives for renewable energy, competition, and the long-term financial health of the sector are either missing or not addressed in sufficient depth.
The proposed tariff revisions outlined in the draft energy policy raise concerns, particularly regarding the removal of cross-subsidies and the proposal to restrict subsidies exclusively to households consuming less than 30 kWh per month. Without detailed analysis, these measures could weaken access to sustainable and affordable energy and potentially lead to fiscal risks.
The provisions allowing uncompensated curtailment, removing feed-in tariffs, and imposing mandatory time-of-use tariffs on rooftop solar users could make renewable energy projects un-bankable for international lenders, thereby increasing the cost of capital for Sri Lanka.
Calling for a more future-focused approach, the submission stresses the need for a policy that reflects modern electricity systems, including planning for the energy transition, energy storage, market competition, cross-border electricity trading, and emerging technologies.
The Chambers and Associations request a comprehensive revision of the Draft National Electricity Policy, alignment with the Electricity Act, and resubmission following substantive consultation, and reiterate support to engage constructively with policymakers to shape a policy that supports affordability, investment confidence, and Sri Lanka’s long-term energy security.
Bank of Ceylon (BOC) partnered with the 36th Annual Convention of the Association of Professional Bankers (APB) Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to promoting professional excellence and knowledge sharing within the banking sector. The partnership was officially handed over by Sameera D. Liyanage, Chief Marketing Officer of Bank of Ceylon and M. R. N. Rohana Kumara, Deputy General Manager Business Revival Unit of Bank of Ceylon, reflecting BOC’s focus on empowering banking professionals and supporting the sustainable growth of Sri Lanka’s financial services industry.
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