Business
NCE calls for urgent action to address visa and passport crisis impacting business community
The recent visa and passport crisis has sparked significant concern among the public, and especially within the business community. Media reports, including those in leading newspapers, have highlighted issues of corruption, and these reports are being amplified internationally through various digital platforms. This is adversely affecting the credibility of Sri Lanka on a global scale.
Sri Lanka is currently advancing as an export-driven economy, a direction supported by both the current government and the presidential candidates running for the upcoming elections in September 2024. The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) of Sri Lanka, being the sole chamber dedicated to the interests of Sri Lankan exporters, is in full alignment with government efforts. We are committed to supporting and connecting Sri Lankan exporters with international markets through a variety of initiatives, ensuring that they remain competitive on the global stage.
The President of the NCE, Jayantha Karunaratne, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Sri Lanka’s credibility. He stressed that it is essential for the country to demonstrate to international stakeholders that Sri Lanka is governed professionally and that the business environment is conducive and streamlined.
Ensuring a stable and transparent governance structure is vital for fostering confidence among international investors and business partners. The NCE is dedicated to advocating for these principles to uphold the integrity and reputation of Sri Lanka as a reliable and attractive destination for business and investment.
The Secretary General of the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) highlighted that many Chamber members have reported the severe difficulties they are experiencing, particularly due to the delays in obtaining passports and the ongoing issues with the visa-on-arrival process. The chaotic conditions at the airport, with overcrowding and long delays, are causing undue hardship not only for the business community but also for tourists and other travelers. This situation is creating a negative impression of Sri Lanka among international visitors and business partners.
In response to these challenges, the NCE is urging the government and relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the root causes of these issues and hold the responsible individuals accountable. If decisive action is not taken, there is a significant risk that these problems will continue to recur, further damaging the country’s reputation. The NCE stresses the need for accountability and, if necessary, calls for the replacement of individuals who have failed to perform their duties effectively.
The Chamber firmly believes that those in charge of critical national functions such as passport issuance and immigration services must be held to the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility. Only by addressing these systemic failures can Sri Lanka restore confidence among its business community and international partners, ensuring a stable environment for trade and investment. (NCE)
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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