Business

Nuwan Gamage elected 44th President of Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/20

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) elected Nuwan Gamage as it’s 44th President in its 52nd year along with New Council of Management and Executive Committee for the year 2022/23. Gamage is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Arinma Holdings and a past Honorary Vice President of SLIM. He has over 20 years of experience in a plethora of fields including infrastructure development, cosmetics, beauty, fashion, and education. He has vast expertise in strategic marketing, brand management, digital marketing, international marketing, corporate communication, and sustainability.

Commenting on his appointment, Gamage said: “As we are all experiencing, Sri Lanka is going through probably the worst economic crisis in its history, I firmly believe that we must have a more collaborative approach with all the relevant stakeholders to take this nation out of this situation. Nation Branding is an exercise where a country aims to build, enhance and manage its reputation on the global stage. It presents the country with the opportunity to be better positioned to deal with foreign nations and build stronger relationships which in turn would benefit the nation economically by means of greater investments, more tourism, higher value and demand for its products and services, attract talented, creative workforce and enhance its influence on the world stage.”

Gamage went on to say: “I look forward to working with the extremely diversified Council of Management and the Executive Committee of SLIM to Develop the Nation branding blueprint for Sri Lanka with the support of the relevant government agencies and private sector expertise.”

The vision for SLIM is ‘to lead the Nation’s efforts towards economic prosperity’ and its mission is ‘to establish marketing as the driving force which enhances business and national value’. In order to drive and align with this vison and mission, Gamage has a six-pillar plan which he plans to implement to its full effect during his tenure. The five pillars are future-proof education, entrepreneurial marketing, sustainable marketing, digital marketing ecosystems, national Level research, and advocacy, which encapsulate a developing a nation branding blueprint.

In terms of education, Gamage believes that focussing on providing knowledge, training and skills is vital stabilise the future of the country. Focus on these aspects is necessary to enable learning in a stable yet enduring manner; this helps change the students’ attitudes and enhances their confidence and helps develop the set of skills required in 2030. In the same vein, Gamage believes that developing a collaborative programme for small-businesses and start-ups to help them with seed funding, mentoring, training and provide growth opportunities will go a long way in their initial stages and help the economy greatly.

It is also his intention to initiate sustainable marketing practices in Sri Lanka by developing a green brand evaluation matrix and accreditation framework. This would encourage Sri Lankan corporates to implement the best possible sustainable practices, and encourage sustainable consumption amongst the community, which would in turn promote a circular economy.

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Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.