News
Lanka made bamboo bikes attract foreign sample orders
Entrepreneur Sarathchandra Ramanayake has taken the initiative to introduce the world-renowned “Bamboo Bike” to Sri Lanka for the first time, aiming to attract international tourists and boost the local tourism industry.
The bicycle is crafted using locally sourced mature bamboo, making it lightweight and eco-friendly. Ramanayake revealed that the bamboo bike frame has already attracted bulk sample orders from countries including the Netherlands, with plans for exhibitions in France and Germany.
“Before the pandemic, I started a project to introduce electric bikes in Sri Lanka, but there was little local interest,” Ramanayake said. “I realized that a sustainable, health-friendly alternative could save money on fuel and encourage people to be active. When the demand for bicycles grew, I decided to adapt this idea for tourism, creating the bamboo bike.”
One of the bikes he produced
Entrepreneur Ramanayake
The bike’s main appeal lies in its natural materials and sustainability, offering a healthier, lighter alternative to conventional metal bicycles. Unlike traditional bikes, the bamboo bike’s frame absorbs shocks, reducing strain on riders and minimizing health risks. UNESCO-style programs in African countries are already distributing such bikes to schoolchildren, while countries like the Philippines, Netherlands, Germany, and the UK are integrating them into tourism and speciality bicycle markets.
Ramanayake plans to primarily use the bamboo bikes for tourist rentals and sales in Sri Lanka. A dedicated outlet at the airport is in the works, enabling visitors to purchase bikes before leaving the country.
“This initiative will not only promote tourism but also generate employment opportunities in bicycle manufacturing,” he added. “The frames are built entirely with local materials, supporting domestic industry and encouraging sustainable practices.”
The project also aims to offer tourists a unique Sri Lankan experience, allowing them to engage with the country’s culture, food, and lifestyle while exploring on eco-friendly bamboo bikes. Ramanayake’s venture includes plans for a bicycle manufacturing facility in Kalutara, with all components produced locally.
“To develop Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, we must introduce new, innovative products that highlight our culture and sustainability. The bamboo bike is designed to do just that,” he said.
By Upendra Priyankara Jathungama ✍️
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
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