Business
John Keells Group partners with Unilever and LSEG for FastTrack 2022.
Introduced in 2011, the ‘FastTrack’ summer internship programme of John Keells Group, returns this year partnering with London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Unilever Sri Lanka to provide undergraduates with a unique opportunity to participate in a four-week internship. The partnership agreement was signed on 4th July 2022 by Isuru Gunasekera – Chief People Officer & Head of Sustainability, Enterprise Risk Management & Group Initiatives – John Keells Group, Pulasthika Wirasingha Head of HR – LSEG and Ananya Sabharwal Director HR – Unilever Sri Lanka Limited.
While the three partner corporates seek undergraduates who are innovative thinkers that will challenge the status quo, FastTrack 2022 will be unique as it will be conducted online, providing the opportunity for the partners to showcase the corporate sector opportunities that exist in Sri Lanka for Sri Lankan undergraduates overseas, and those in Sri Lanka who may otherwise seek opportunities overseas.
Krishan Balendra – Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC said, “The objective of the FastTrack internship programme has always been to engage closely with those who have the potential to be future corporate leaders in Sri Lanka and provide undergraduates from local and foreign universities, the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the diverse career opportunities within the Sri Lankan corporate sector. This year as well, despite the challenges, we are committed to showcase how companies like ours not only provide respectful and inclusive workplaces, but also contribute to our economy, drive innovation and sustainable businesses, and empower our communities.”
The interns will receive exclusive exposure to the industry sectors of Leisure, Real Estate, Consumer Foods, Retail, Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Transportation which will allow participants to learn and understand the operations of each, first-hand.
Commenting on the partnership, Fadhil Jiffry, Chief Financial Officer, LSEG Sri Lanka said, “LSEG has welcomed some of the best professionals in the country. That is why we are excited about the FastTrack programme. It is a great opportunity to introduce young graduates to a workplace that is truly shaping the world across 70 countries. LSEG is delighted to have the chance to provide our future leaders with an extensive, hands-on learning experience that will motivate FastTrack applicants to become leaders in their professions. We are excited to provide them with the chance to connect with industry leaders and bring something special to the projects they will be working on.”
During the comprehensive four-week programme, interns will receive the opportunity to enhance their soft skills, covering areas such as business etiquette, leadership and presentation skills through directed workshops, and develop critical teamworking skills through a project management experience.
They will be guided and mentored by professionals and interact with prominent business personalities and immerse themselves in practical work assignments that connect their academic backgrounds to actual career experiences.
One of the objectives of FastTrack this year is to retain young talent and bring their unique strengths and talents back to Sri Lanka to support the nation’s progress, the partners additionally stated.
In her message, Hajar Alafifi – Chairperson and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka said, “Our youth are the change agents of Sri Lanka’s future. As such, we at Unilever are pleased to be a part of the FastTrack Internship Programme to inspire Sri Lankan students studying both locally and overseas to contribute to their homeland through local career opportunities. As a company committed to pioneering new models of work and grooming youth to take up space in the corporate world, this initiative will enable us to fast track the learning curve for future-ready leaders by exposing talent early on to diverse work styles & environments and extending their exposure beyond our own industry, to build external orientation and skills which are vital ingredients for effective leadership.”
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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