Business
NCE warns of ‘increasing chaos and mass protests’
‘A lethal combination of divisive politics, disastrous economic policies and persecution of minorities has destroyed the country’s image as a South Asian success story. In this context, the country cannot simply afford yet another cataclysm. Whilst the political instability, inflation, fuel prices and shortage of food supplies continue to drastically affect average citizens, a more likely scenario is increasing chaos and mass protests by the general public, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka says in a press release.
Extracts of the release: ‘Already the negative image created though all social media platforms has a negative effect on Sri Lanka which in turn affects all international relationships. It is reported that many international buyers have moved to other suppliers in the region due to loss of confidence. This will have detrimental effects on Sri Lanka’s export industry if corrective action is not taken faster to restore country’s political and economic stability. Moreover, it is now also a daunting task to obtain bank facilities, further disturbing country’s trading activities.
‘In this context, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) makes a special appeal to the government to take prompt action in reconciling all affected areas of the country. The IMF has detailed measures to help Sri Lanka restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability whilst safeguarding financial stability. In this context, eradicating corruption by political, state and other parties are also mandatory to unlock Sri Lanka’s growth potential. Also, establishing stronger and strategic relationships with fellow countries will definitely support Sri Lanka in its path to recovery.
‘The multibillion dollar loans may have stabilized the nation from the depths of its crisis, yet a lack of reforms and further economic hardships could send protesters back to the streets. Hence, the Chamber insists government to take a serious look at the soaring Cost of Living. According to UNICEF, Sri Lanka has the highest acute malnutrition, where almost 17% of under 05 years are suffering from deceases that carries the highest risk of death. This has taken Sri Lanka to the top 10 countries of malnourished children, which is a grave concern.
‘Sri Lankan consumers are sinking with over 50% of the households cannot afford to purchase essential food items. The quality of life of an average Sri Lankan is fast declining. According to a latest report released by the University of Peradeniya, a 42% Sri Lankan households are in poverty, to be specific 9.6 million of our people. To make things worse, tax payers will be further subjected to a 36% of taxation from November onwards as announced by the Department of Inland Revenue. The effects will definitely be catastrophic.
‘Considering the fact that any government to be given a considerable period of time to bring back a fraught economy to normalcy, while ruling parties must work out immediate solutions to address the most perilous issues at hand.
‘The time is right to implement robust economic drives, including implement mass agriculture to ensure food safety, control corruption, establish political stability and importantly to sign up Free Trade Agreements with countries like Singapore, Malaysia and China and penetrate on the existing FTAs with India and Pakistan for improved bi-lateral relationships and harness support from neighboring countries. As IMF has very clearly pointed out, we have to focus on stringent implementation of clear policies and work tirelessly with one vision to bring Sri Lanka back to its glory.
‘Exports are vital, as it is the only sector currently bringing the much needed foreign currency to the country, without which the country will further plummet economically. Hence supporting to run and sustain exports is mandatory. Export Value Chain has to be continued, supporting all stakeholder organizations to provide an uninterrupted service to exporters, continued riots will disrupt these services, paralyzing exports which will have mortal circumstances.
‘The NCE, urges the president and the cabinet to bring solutions immediately which is the need of the hour, regardless who remain in power.’
‘The NCE is committed to support the authorities to engender change in rebuilding our economy through exports.’
Business
Export of scrap metal required for domestic industry to be banned
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to impose the necessary legal provisions to prevent the export of scrap metal in a manner detrimental to domestic industries.
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
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