Business

NCE draws President AKD’s attention to his pledge of ridding SL of corruption and waste

Published

2 years ago

2024/09/24

A critical factor for the success of the new government will be the fulfillment of key election promises, especially the eradication of corruption and waste, which have long hindered the country’s economic and administrative systems, the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) states in a congratulatory note to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his assuming office as the President of Sri Lanka.

‘As we celebrate this transition, we must also acknowledge the significant challenges ahead. Sri Lanka faces severe financial constraints, particularly in meeting its debt repayment obligations. Balancing these commitments while fostering economic growth will require steady leadership and innovative solutions, the NCE congratulatory message adds.

The press release: ‘The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) extends its sincere congratulations to Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his historic victory as the newly elected President of Sri Lanka. This decisive mandate reflects the trust and confidence the people have placed in his leadership to guide the country forward.

‘We also take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the outgoing President, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose exceptional leadership steered the country through one of its most challenging periods. Under his stewardship, Sri Lanka experienced a remarkable economic recovery, particularly during a time when the nation was on the brink of collapse. His efforts to stabilize the country and lay the groundwork for recovery will be remembered as a key chapter in our nation’s history.

‘We further recognize and appreciate Mr. Sajith Premadasa for his steadfast role as Leader of the Opposition, providing essential checks and balances to the government. His leadership has been instrumental in safeguarding the democratic values of the country.

‘The NCE expresses its gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka for conducting a peaceful election, once again demonstrating the resilience of the country’s democratic processes. The electorate has shown commendable civic responsibility by voting responsibly and ensuring the preservation of democracy.

‘The NCE fully supports President Dissanayake’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, which are essential for restoring public trust and fostering a more efficient and productive state. Additionally, the removal of bureaucratic red tape is crucial for accelerating economic growth. Exporters and businesses have faced unnecessary delays and obstacles due to outdated administrative processes. We urge the new administration to streamline procedures and create a more business-friendly environment that empowers entrepreneurs and exporters to drive the economy forward.

‘We also urge the newly elected President to prioritize an export-driven economy as a key strategy for sustainable development. Increasing export revenues is vital not only for easing the country’s debt burden but also for improving the balance of trade and boosting national income. The NCE believes that Sri Lanka’s economic future depends on empowering exporters, creating favorable trade policies, and facilitating access to new global markets.

‘The NCE stands ready to offer its assistance in steering the country toward economic resilience. We look forward to working closely with the government in driving growth within the export sector and ensuring that the policies implemented contribute to the long-term prosperity of Sri Lanka.

‘Once again, we congratulate President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and wish him great success in leading Sri Lanka through these challenging times toward a brighter and more prosperous future.’

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Business

Asia-Pacific business leaders to accelerate sustainable business action

Published

15 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

More than 200 senior business leaders, policymakers, investors, sustainability practitioners and United Nations representatives convened in Colombo on 11–12 August for Forward Faster Now | APAC 2026: Driving Business Leadership for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth—the United Nations Global Compact’s flagship regional forum in Asia-Pacific.

Hosted by UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka and organized by the UN Global Compact APAC Hub in collaboration with 14 Global Compact Country Networks, the forum strengthened regional collaboration and demonstrated the growing role of business leadership in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth across Asia-Pacific.

More than 80 high-level speakers from across the region contributed to the two-day programme, bringing together expertise from business, finance, government, the United Nations and civil society. The forum also convened an exceptional audience of CEOs, C-Suite, Board Directors, Heads of UN agencies and senior decision-makers, creating one of the region’s most significant platforms for cross-sector dialogue on sustainable business.

Across plenary dialogues, leadership panels and action-oriented workshops, participants explored the issues shaping the future of business in Asia-Pacific, including climate action, sustainable finance, gender equality, resilient supply chains, water stewardship, governance and integrity, digital innovation, human rights due diligence, circular economy solutions and ESG data for decision-making. Rather than focusing solely on ambition, Forward Faster Now challenged businesses to move from broad sustainability goals to target setting, practical decisions, stronger systems and action that can deliver progress at scale.

A defining milestone of the forum was the visit of Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. Her presence in Sri Lanka underscored the country’s growing role within the regional sustainability agenda and reinforced the importance of private sector leadership in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals.

Beyond the public programme, her visit included a series of bilateral engagements and strategic convenings with business and institutional leaders, deepening relationships and opening new avenues for engagement between the UN Global Compact and stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

The event also marked the launch of three significant initiatives by UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka that will extend the impact of the convening well beyond the event itself. The Responsible Business Coalition was introduced as a new partnership to embed sustainability, and strengthen governance by bringing together Sri Lanka’s leading professional and industry associations to embed the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their existing convening, training and thought-leadership channels, moving responsible business from a standalone function to a shared C-Suite and Board responsibility.

Business

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General celebrates ‘One Team, One Vision’ sales excellence at Annual Awards 2025

Published

15 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL) team gathered to honour its top-performing sales professionals at the Annual Sales Awards 2025, held under the theme ‘One Team, One Vision’ on 20th August at the Monarch Imperial.

The evening convened sales leaders and high achievers throughout the island to celebrate a year of sustained performance, customer trust, and commitment which has kept SLICGL at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s general insurance sector.

Affirming SLICGL’s appreciation for the people driving success on the ground, the Sales Awards 2025 recognised those who went beyond targets, deepened client relationships, and contributed directly to the company’s continued expansion.

The event drew an unprecedented audience of over 700 participants. This year’s celebrations recognised a record number of winners, more than double the achievements honoured last year covering a diverse range of award categories reflecting excellence at every level of the business.

Nusith Kumaratunga, Chairman, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation graced the event as the Chief Guest together with the Board of Directors and senior management of SLICGL also present as invited guests, encouraging and commending the winners for their outstanding achievements.

The award winners at this year’s ceremony included Insurance Advisors, Marketing Executives, Branch Managers, Regional Managers, and members of the Head Office Sales Channels, who were recognised and celebrated for their outstanding achievements in multiple categories.

Business

Sri Lanka to host SEARIC Summit 2026 for the first time, welcoming over 500 youth leaders from across South East Asia

Published

15 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

(Left to Right: District Rotaract Representative of Sri Lanka and Maldives - PHF Rtn. Rtr. PP Dr. Jude Lucian, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Management Sector at John Keells Holdings PLC – Nalaka Amaratunga, SEARIC Summit Sri Lanka 2026 Chair – PDRR Akhila Wijetunga, Rotary District 3220 Governor of Sri Lanka and Maldives - Rtn. Kumar Sundararaj)

Sri Lanka is set to host the SEARIC Summit 2026 from 11 to 13 September 2026 at the Pegasus Reef Hotel, marking the first time the country will host the flagship regional gathering of the South East Asia Rotaract Information Centre (SEARIC).

Hosted by Rotaract in Rotary International District 3220 (RID 3220) – Sri Lanka & Maldives, the three-day summit is expected to bring together more than 500 delegates from six countries, creating a regional platform for leadership development, knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and collaboration among young leaders. The South-East Asia Rotaract Information Centre (SEARIC) serves as a regional platform connecting Rotaract districts across South East Asia. It facilitates collaboration, information exchange, cultural understanding and joint initiatives among Rotaractors across the region. The annual SEARIC Summit serves as the network’s flagship gathering, bringing together Rotaractors and Rotarians from participating countries for shared learning, fellowship, cultural exchange and collective growth.

Under the theme “The Role of Technology in the Future of Careers and Services,” SEARIC Summit Sri Lanka 2026 will explore the rapidly changing relationship between technology, careers, leadership and community service. As emerging technologies continue to transform industries and the way people work, the summit will provide a platform for young leaders to examine how technology can be used not only to prepare for the future of work, but also to strengthen the way communities are served. Across three days, delegates will participate in leadership and professional development sessions, discussions, cultural experiences, networking opportunities and community-focused programming, with the central theme reflected throughout the summit programme.

Beyond the Rotaract movement, the event also contributes to Sri Lanka’s broader positioning as a destination for international conferences, youth leadership programmes and regional collaboration. With hundreds of international delegates travelling to the country, the summit provides an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s hospitality, culture and potential as a host destination for future international gatherings. The event further creates a platform for young leaders from across South East Asia to connect with Sri Lankan counterparts, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration.