Business

LAN and Ladies’ College partner for the school’s ‘Building Future Leaders’ program

Published

3 years ago

2023/05/30

LAN Chairperson Chandi Dharmaratne and Ladies College Principal Deepika Dassanaike

The Lankan Angel Network (LAN) recently partnered with Ladies’ College, Colombo for the school’s innovative “Building Future Leaders” program. This is Sri Lanka’s first structured initiative to bring in corporate leaders, business professionals, and partners from various industry and corporate bodies, to share their experience and impart important skills which will enable the future success of these secondary school students who are at a pivotal point in their lives.

Initiated and driven by Ladies’ College Colombo, with LAN providing access to its network and expertise; “Building Future Leaders” highlights the importance of a holistic education and life skills, along with business networking, to better educate students about the new horizons available to them in terms of career opportunities within both traditional and non-traditional fields.

LAN, in collaboration with its distinguished partners Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM), Great Places to Work (GPTW), AICPA & CIMA, additionally delivered mentoring and professional support, including offering up some highly sought after speakers, for this program.

“Shaping our future is best achieved by giving our young students every opportunity to redefine their lives by equipping them to make passionate and unique contributions that rely on creativity, courage, confidence and integrity,” opined Ms. Deepika Dassanaike, Principal of Ladies’ College Colombo. She also noted; “The ‘Building Future Leaders’ program at Ladies’ College is proving to be invaluable since it not only encourages our students to ruminate on their true potential, but it also enlightens them to a number of futuristic career paths.

Beyond that, our students have also been emboldened as a result of the program bringing in a variety of inspiring and highly successful Sri Lankan leaders from multiple fields. We are not just helping them prepare for a bright and constructive future ahead, but also equipping them with both professional and entrepreneurial skills; making their overall education prior to leaving school a truly holistic, all-encompassing experience.”

Professor Malik Ranasinghe, Chairperson of People Development Committee of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce commenting on the program said, “We are passionate about building an employable pool of future talent in Sri Lanka and we are positive that this change must start in an early stage and hence this program was initiated”.

Positive feedback about the program piloted at Ladies’ College Colombo has given LAN and its partners the confidence to explore deploying this holistic career development program at other secondary schools. Attempts to further integrate programs like these into the national school curriculums, at earlier levels, will help build the foundations of leadership into Sri Lankan society. It is also hoped that such programs will prove critical for children to experience first-hand the many different varieties of career opportunities available to them, paving the way for a brighter future. And by pushing for its adoption within the national educational system in the near future, these initiatives will help ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of opportunity.

Commenting on the “Building Future Leaders” program, LAN Chairperson & Axiata Digital Labs Chief Peoples Officer Ms. Chandi Dharmaratne emphasized the program’s focus on holistic education, as well as its offered invaluable exposure to industry experts and leaders. “We celebrate the success of the Building Future Leaders program at Ladies College Colombo, spearheaded by Professor Malik Ranasinghe – Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Lankan Angel Network. This initiative has provided students with the unique opportunity to explore various industries, professions, competencies, and skills, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future pursuits. Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, the program has equipped students with valuable insights and networking opportunities, empowering them to confidently embark on their chosen paths.”

Ms. Dharmaratne further highlighted the program’s focus on networking and fostering connections, empowering students to become well-informed about industry requirements. And she also added that by developing essential skills and competencies necessary to overcome entry barriers in their chosen fields, the program has laid a strong foundation for students’ professional journeys with a bright promise for their future.

A platform for angel and private investors who invest in high-growth early-stage Sri Lankan ventures with the goal of creating an impact by reducing inequality, LAN, in addition to being led by a woman, features four other female board members and patrons, which is significantly more than in other Sri Lankan corporates. Supporting trailblazing programs such as the “Building Future Leaders” series, at Ladies’ College Colombo, strongly aligns with LAN’s own ongoing commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s Women Entrepreneurs.

“It was truly a privilege and honour to work with Ms. Chandi Dharmaratne who, upon our invitation, has brought to this program a vision, as well as the involvement of a high calibre of professionals, that have inspired our girls,” said Ms. Taanya Tranchell, Career Guidance Counsellor at Ladies’ College Colombo.

Additionally, she commented; “I am also deeply grateful to Ms. Thinushka Gunasekara who came onboard to support this project and worked hard to give our students this opportunity. At a time when young people have to really work hard to find their way in the world, the knowledge and exposure the ‘Building Future Leaders’ program gave them is definitely a huge boost to their future! I hope many more schools will introduce this program as a catalyst to enriching their students with key life skills and knowledge before releasing them into the world!”

All News Advertisement

Up Next

Melstacorp state capital reduction positively impacts shares of three major companies

Don't Miss

CICT in milestone initiative with CILT to enhance training in logistics & transport

Click to comment

Business

Commercial Bank scales up ADB credit line to empower Jaffna SMEs

Published

4 hours ago

2026/09/28

Thilina Walpola

Empowering Regional Enterprise: ADB Country Director Shannon Cowlin (right), T. Thivaharan, Manager of Commercial Bank’s Manipay Branch (center), and P. Prabakaran, Proprietor of New V.S.P. Gingelly Oil (left),at the production facility in Sandilipay, Jaffna (415 km north of Colombo). The visit highlighted how targeted ADB-backed financing helps local small and medium-sized enterprises overcome financing barriers, upgrade operations, and stimulate employment across regional supply chains.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Continuing its mission to drive inclusive economic recovery and empower Sri Lanka’s grassroots business sector, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has actively accelerated the disbursement of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Enhancing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Finance Project line of credit.

As Sri Lanka’s premier private sector lender, Commercial Bank drives regional development by bridging financial gaps outside the Western Province. Jaffna and the broader Northern Province remain pivotal focus areas due to their immense potential for industrial regeneration, vibrant agricultural output, and entrepreneurial resilience in the post-crisis economic landscape.

Directing targeted, affordable financing enables local enterprises to overcome historical financing barriers, expand production capacity, and stimulate employment across regional supply chains.

Quality at the Source: ADB Country Director Shannon Cowlin inspects a bottle of premium sesame oil at the New V.S.P. Gingelly Oil factory floor in Jaffna. Working capital facilities extended through Commercial Bank under the ADB line of credit enable manufacturers like Harish Industries to meet growing wholesale and retail demand across Sri Lanka while securing long-term economic resilience.

The dedicated credit scheme offers affordable interest rates to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rebound from recent macroeconomic shocks, maintain employment stability, and build long-term sustainability. Designed to target underserved segments, the funding line prioritizes viable enterprises located outside the Colombo district, women-owned and women-led businesses, and ventures incorporating strong climate finance components. Eligible sectors span manufacturing, agriculture, animal husbandry, technology, tourism, and direct export industries.

A standout beneficiary showcasing the transformative impact of this regional focus is Harish Industries, a flourishing manufacturing firm located within the purview of Commercial Bank’s Manipay branch in Jaffna. Owned and operated by proprietor Ponnuchamy Prabakaran, Harish Industries manufactures premium sesame oil under the popular brand name “New VSP Gingelly Oil”.

The working capital facility extended by the line of credit to Harish Industries helped to cater to short-term liquidity needs, ease out cash flow pressure, and operate the business in a sustainable manner.

Additionally, this financial backing helped create more employment opportunities, strengthen its supply chain, and expand business operations to meet growing wholesale and retail demand across Sri Lanka.

Business

A tech-savvy new generation stepping in to reinvent Sri Lankan hospitality

Published

4 hours ago

2026/09/28

Thilina Walpola

When the final twelve champions took the stage for their honours, the event shifted from a mere ceremony into a profound symbol of tomorrow

The grand halls of the Taj Samudra in Colombo buzzed with a distinct energy on the morning of September 25, 2026, as leaders gathered for the National Celebration of World Tourism Day.

Yet, beneath the formal discussions on digital agendas and artificial intelligence, a deeper, more vibrant narrative was quietly unfolding. This was not merely a story of algorithms and automated efficiency; it was a human story – a tale of Sri Lanka’s youth stepping forward to redesign the future of hospitality.

For generations, Sri Lanka’s allure has been rooted in its timeless landscapes, golden shores, and the legendary warmth of its people. But as global travel evolves, a new generation of tech-savvy local innovators is finding ways to weave cutting-edge technology into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture. This shift took center stage during the Tourism Start-Up Competition 2026, held under the theme “AI-Driven Innovation for the Future of Tourism”.

Out of 52 competitive applications spanning tertiary and commercial levels, young minds proved that technology and tradition can go hand in hand.

The twenty-five shortlisted teams stood before expert panels to defend visions that bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern data intelligence.

Behind every submitted AI solution was a young entrepreneur eager to protect local destinations, enhance visitor experiences, and elevate service delivery.

When the twelve winners were finally honoured, the celebration transformed into something much greater than an awards ceremony.

It served as a powerful reminder that the true engine of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation is its youth. Armed with code, creativity, and a profound love for their country, these young visionaries are ensuring that when travelers explore Sri Lanka, they do not just witness the future – they feel the heartbeat of a new, digitally empowered era of hospitality.

Business

IRD enforces mandatory TIN certificate submission for specified transactions starting November 01

Published

4 hours ago

2026/09/28

Thilina Walpola

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced a sweeping regulatory shift, confirming that the submission of a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will become mandatory for a wide range of essential financial, commercial, and property transactions starting November 1, 2026.

The decisive directive, enforced under the legal framework of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, applies directly to individuals specified under Section 102(3) of the principal Inland Revenue Act.

Under the new mandate, relevant authorities and corporate entities across the island have been instructed to withhold processing or completion of key procedures unless applicants present a verified TIN document. The specified transactions include:

Financial Services: Opening any account at a bank or financial institution, and obtaining a credit card.

Property and Construction: Obtaining approval for building plans, and registering land or titles to land.

Automotive Administration: Registering a motor vehicle or renewing a motor vehicle license.

Commercial Activity: Registering a new business.

Corporate Transfers: Transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka—a requirement binding on both the transferor and the transferee.

The IRD has reiterated that acquiring a TIN remains a statutory obligation for all resident individuals who were aged 18 or older as of December 31, 2023, as well as those who attain the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2024, upon reaching that milestone. Officials handling the designated services have been sternly directed to verify compliance before moving forward with any customer requests.

To streamline the transition and prevent administrative bottlenecks, the department has encouraged members of the public who have not yet secured their numbers to register promptly via the official IRD e-Services platform. Furthermore, recognizing potential logistical hurdles, the IRD noted that a printout of the online TIN verification result—clearly displaying the applicant’s National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN—will be accepted as a valid alternative to the official certificate.

As the November 1 deadline approaches, citizens are urged to secure their documentation beforehand to ensure uninterrupted access to essential public, financial, and legal services.