Business

NCE Highlights women to the fore in exports: Pioneering the next wave of economic growth in Sri Lanka

Published

4 years ago

2022/03/10

Although gender equality and women empowerment are not novel concepts in the modern world, as there have been many changes occurring in the thinking patterns of the minds of people, achieving gender equality is an important part of the Sustainable Development Goals of Sri Lanka. Females play a significant role in the global economy, as they invest more on the socioeconomic life of their families more than males do.

Female participation to the economy is considered a vital factor for a middle income country like Sri Lanka to be at the forefront of the next wave of economic growth. Currently, female participation in the labor force is at 40% which is significantly lower than 75% of men’s contribution. It is a known fact that, female entrepreneurs will reinvest in their business, families and education, assisting a sustainable economic growth. Therefore, empowering women is the key to achieve more entrepreneurs in the country and thereby increasing the contribution to the country’s economy.

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka established a special setting for women entrepreneurs “NCE Women’s Wing” who are already involved in exports to encourage and motivate them with a long term vision to achieve sustainable economic growth and the achievement of development goals through active participation of women in business. This special section is dedicated to women owned/women led businesses with the intention of contributing to the National Economy through empowerment of women entrepreneurs and exporters. The Chamber has taken this initiative to achieve the following objectives:-

To facilitate women exporters and entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to enter international markets such as the EU.

To highlight women exporters as a career and encourage women to take on employment in export-oriented companies.

To diversify the export product base through women participation.

To find out opportunities available in foreign markets for women exporter or entrepreneur.

Contribute towards the government’s initiative to increase the women participation in business and legislative framework.

Achieve sustainable economic growth through women participation in business/exports

Contribute towards improving the socio-economic life of society.

In line with the stated objectives, NCE has already initiated connecting local banks with multi-national companies for export related projects such as loan schemes for small and medium enterprises owned by females, whilst seeking foreign funding for projects related to women empowerment in international trade. Also the Chamber has facilitated advice and knowledge sharing forums from top NCE members on their export related issues. We are also representing issues faced by women owned enterprises at various forums related to international trade.

In furtherance, in its business plans for the next year, the NCE is also planning to conduct training programs, seminars and webinars and also identify regional talents of women entrepreneurs for entry into international trade through links with regional chambers. Moreover, we will also create networking opportunities with other women led enterprises both local and international.

In highlighting and recognizing the performance of Sri Lankan women led businesses in the international markets, the NCE confers a special award for “Best Woman Exporter of the Year at the Annual Export Awards, the flagship event of the Chamber. We are proud to mention that the following women entrepreneurs have been able to win this prestigious award during past years.

The Chamber believing in the importance of empowering women to be involved in International Trade has formulated the concept of a Women’s Wing in the chamber dedicated to support women owned and women led enterprises. The Women’s Wing will provide specialized services with the firm belief that this initiative will enable more female entrepreneurs to choose exports as a career and in the long run will contribute as chamber towards the sustainable economic development of the country whilst promoting gender balance in local and international trade.

The National Chamber of Exporter of Sri Lanka is the leading chamber exclusively responsible for serving the export sector with variety of services. The Membership of the Chamber represents leading exporters across all product and service sectors in Sri Lanka, ranging from Large to Small export-oriented enterprises.

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Business

A Historic First: Sri Lanka’s capital market leaders bring investor forum to Saudi Arabia

Published

22 hours ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

Key dignitaries at the Saudi investor forum

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in association with the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, successfully convened an investor forum on Saturday 24th January 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center. Alongside the forum, the SEC and CSE facilitated a meeting with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) which is Saudi Arabia’s main sovereign wealth fund.

The forum was organized to engage directly with the vibrant Sri Lankan expatriate community in the Kingdom and international investors, highlighting compelling opportunities within Sri Lanka’s capital market following the country’s successful exit from sovereign default and restoration of macroeconomic stability.

The forum was marked by the presence of several senior level policy officials, market leaders and market regulators including; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL); Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Ameer Ajwad Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.; Senior Prof D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC; Ray Abeywardena, Director of CSE; and Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lynear Wealth Management.

In his welcome address, Ameer Ajwad stated, that a significant opportunity remains in broadening public participation in the capital market of Sri Lanka. As financial literacy and investment awareness among potential investors are limited, the investor forum would serve to bridge the knowledge gap. The forum offered an excellent opportunity for first-time investors, overseas investors, and those seeking to enhance their knowledge, to learn how to invest prudently, manage risk, and build wealth with discipline and confidence. Ambassador invited participants to make full use of the presence of high-level authorities from Sri Lanka’s key financial institutions, such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the SEC, and the CSE, and to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s capital market, not only as a pathway to financial growth but also as a meaningful contribution to Sri Lanka’s resilience and long-term prosperity.

Business

CIC Holdings’ 9MFY26 revenue reaches Rs.70 bn

Published

22 hours ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

Agriculture-rich diversified conglomerate CIC Holdings PLC (CSE: CIC) recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs. 70.28 billion for the nine months ended 31 December 2025 (9MFY26), reflecting an increase of 8.69% YoY compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

The Group’s gross profit increased by 10.11% to Rs. 18.42 billion, with the gross profit margin for the period under review improving to approximately 26%, supported by disciplined pricing and product mix optimisation. Profit after tax (PAT) increased to Rs. 5.97 billion from Rs. 5.70 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, despite losses incurred in parts of the Group’s agri operations following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which disrupted cultivation activity during the Maha season.

The Group’s Crop Solutions sector remained the largest contributor to consolidated revenue, accounting for approximately 44.7% of total revenue, followed by Livestock Solutions at 21% and Health & Personal Care at 20.18%. The remaining sectors, Industrial Solutions and Agri Produce, contributed 8.6% and 6.4% to Group turnover respectively. Health and Personal Care , particularly export-driven product lines, recorded improved performance during the period, alongside continued growth in feeds, poultry, and veterinary care solutions, which supported the Group’s overall operating results.

Despite cyclone-related disruption to cultivation cycles, the Group delivered a strong operating performance, with EBITDA and operating profit (EBIT) both recording year-on-year growth. Operating profit (EBIT) closed at Rs. 9.67 billion, compared to Rs. 8.62 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting the strength of the Group’s diversified portfolio and disciplined cost management.

During the period in review, key Group businesses across the five industry sectors, namely Crop Solutions, Agri Produce, Livestock Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Health & Personal Care, continued to perform resiliently. Crop Solutions revenue increased from Rs. 28.06 billion to Rs. 32.32 billion, while Livestock Solutions revenue grew from Rs. 13.35 billion to Rs. 14.60 billion. Health & Personal Care revenue improved from Rs. 14.29 billion to Rs. 14.46 billion, supported by herbal health product exports and steady domestic demand. Revenue from Agri Produce increased from Rs. 4.35 billion to Rs. 4.64 billion, while Industrial Solutions revenue rose from Rs. 6.07 billion to Rs. 6.28 billion.

Commenting on the performance, CIC Holdings Group CEO Aroshan Seresinhe said, “Despite the disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah to agricultural activity during the Maha season, the Group remained focused on supporting farming communities through well clean-up operations, field renovation, and the restoration of cultivation activity.

Business

CSE regains some of its bullish verve as turnover hits Rs.11 billion

Published

22 hours ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

CSE trading reflected a bullish trend yesterday due to positive quarterly corporate earnings coupled with lower Treasury Bill yields, market analysts said.

Further, institutional participation contributed more than 50 percent to the day’s turnover.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 63.67 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 12.58 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 11.1 billion with10 crossings. The top seven crossings were: JKH 189.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 4.2 billion; its shares traded at Rs 22.70, HNB 3.5 million shares crossed for Rs 1.48 billion; its shares traded at Rs 422, Hemas Holdings 11 million shares crossed for Rs 376.2 million; its shares traded at Rs 34 20, Commercial Bank 1.5 million shares crossed for Rs 336.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 224.50, Sampath Bank 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 93.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 156, Laugfs Gas 868,000 shares crossed for Rs 51.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 71 and Sierra Cables 1 million shares crossed for Rs 36.7 million; its shares sold at Rs 36.70.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Ceylon Land Equity Rs 385 million (20 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 373.9 million (1.7 million shares traded), Luminex Rs 247.2 million (26.7 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 152 million (one million shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 152 million (four million shares traded), Easter Merchants Rs 142 million (8.7 million shares traded) and RIL Properties Rs 116.9 million. During the day 441.3 million share volumes changed hands in 44406 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, led the market while the banking sector also performed well, especially HNB and Sampath Bank. Further, the capital goods sector too performed well.Yesterday the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 305.78 and selling rate Rs 313.32.

By Hiran H Senewiratne