Business
PA Urges Government to Restart Oil Palm Cultivation to Help National Economic Recovery
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) once again reiterated its call for an urgent reversal of the ban on oil palm cultivation as a means of unlock transformative growth for the plantation industry, and significantly boost worker incomes, a news release from the PA said last week.
According to the Association, following the Government’s abrupt ban on oil palm cultivation in 2021, this lucrative crop that was once considered as the nation’s most valuable strategic diversifications instead become a symbol of policy inconsistency and lost economic opportunity.
Palm oil cultivation was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 1968, but only began to gain traction in the early 2000s when Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) sought alternatives to loss-making rubber. Recognizing the crop’s immense potential, the Government at the time promised to extend tax concessions for establishment of new oil palm cultivation in 2009 and even formally endorsed expansion up to 20,000 hectares by 2016.
Encouraged by these strong positive signals from the Government at the time, plantation companies such as Watawala, Namunukula, Elpitiya, Agalawatte, Horana, Kegalle, Malwatte Valley and Kotagala invested billions in nurseries, milling facilities and research.
The Association noted that despite these expansions being strictly restricted to marginal and degraded rubber lands, and nearly six prior decades of oil palm cultivation in Sri Lanka without any notable documented instances of negative environmental impacts, the expansion of oil palm cultivation faced persistent opposition from a variety of vested interests.
The 2021 ban has already led to the destruction of over LKR 550 million worth of seedlings, with nurseries fully written off. Additionally, the policy reversal has placed approximately LKR 23 billion in sectoral investments—including plantations, mills, and future revenue—at serious risk, all without any form of compensation, the PA said.
“This was particularly damaging because palm oil was by far the most profitable crop in the sector, delivering average net margins of 49% and contributing in some cases to more than half of RPC profits. The abrupt prohibition has eroded profitability, diminished investor confidence and crippled a once-thriving segment of the industry.” Secretary General of PA, Lalith Obeyesekere stated.
Social and Economic Consequences
More than 5,000 direct jobs and 21,000 dependent livelihoods were tied to the sector, with oil palm workers earning nearly double the wages of their counterparts in tea and rubber. The industry contributed over LKR 2.5 billion annually to plantation households, providing a steady source of income in regions where poverty is deeply entrenched. Its sudden halt has pushed many families into financial insecurity at a time when the national economy is already under strain.
The ripple effects have been felt across industries as well. Refiners and manufacturers who depended on steady supplies of local crude palm oil now face delays, higher costs and heavy reliance on imports secured through cumbersome licensing. The bakery and confectionery industry, valued at over LKR 200 billion, has suffered shortages and price hikes in staples such as bread, biscuits and margarine. Pharmaceuticals, personal care and industrial sectors have also been disrupted, leaving bottlenecks that impact both businesses and consumers.
Foreign Exchange Drain and Misplaced Environmental Concerns
The ban has also deepened Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange crisis. Annual consumption of edible oils is around 264,000 metric tonnes, yet local production meets only a quarter of this demand. The shortfall is covered through imports, costing an estimated USD 35 million annually in lost reserves. Substituting with coconut oil undermines a lucrative export industry that earned LKR 63 billion in 2020. Over five years, the ban could cost more than 175 million dollars in foreign exchange which is an unsustainable burden for a nation in economic recovery, the PA statement said.
“Environmental concerns, often used to justify the policy, are largely misplaced in Sri Lankan context. Globally, palm oil is recognized as the most efficient oil crop, producing 40% of vegetable oil on just six percent of land. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have embraced cultivation while enforcing sustainability standards such as RSPO and ISPO certifications, smallholder integration and zero-waste technologies.” it said.
“In Sri Lanka, oil palm was grown mainly on old rubber lands that had already completed their economic cycle and not on virgin forests. With the right regulatory framework and commitment to global best practices, Sri Lanka could develop a sustainable palm oil sector without environmental compromise.”
Palm oil’s nutritional and health benefits are another overlooked dimension. Naturally trans-fat free, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants and widely used in food manufacturing, palm oil offers a healthier alternative to hydrogenated oils. Recognized by the WHO and WWF when produced responsibly, it is a proven, safe and efficient choice for food security.
A Golden Opportunity Not to Be Missed
Sri Lanka can revive its palm oil sector by lifting the ban and adopting sustainability standards, integrating smallholder farmers, reforming import taxation and investing in R&D and traceability systems. India has already moved decisively in this direction, expanding palm oil cultivation by 45% in five years with ambitious plans to reach 1.7 million hectares by 2030. Sri Lanka, with ideal growing conditions, is well-positioned to follow this example.
Sri Lanka’s palm oil ban has inflicted avoidable wounds on plantation companies, rural households, industries and the national economy. Yet the potential for revival remains. With global best practices readily available, palm oil could be harnessed as the foundation of agricultural diversification, food security and foreign exchange income.
“PA urges the government to reconsider its stance and embrace palm oil as a core strategy for the revival of the plantation industry. At this decisive moment, Sri Lanka cannot afford to ignore such a golden opportunity.” the statement concluded.
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.
Business
LOLC Life Assurance hosts MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 honouring top performers
LOLC Life Assurance recently hosted its MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, celebrating its 2025 MDRT qualifiers while aspiring the team to achieve even greater milestones in the year ahead. The event brought together senior leadership and top performing advisors in a distinguished forum focused on recognising performance excellence, sharing industry insights, and setting the strategic direction for continued success.
In 2025, the Company produced 89 MDRT qualifiers, including six Court of the Table (COT) and two Top of the Table (TOT) achievers, along with one Lifetime MDRT member. Representing Agency and Bancassurance channels, these professionals demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering responsible financial guidance and long-term protection solutions to individuals and families across Sri Lanka.
The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is globally recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the life insurance and financial services profession. Membership is reserved for individuals who meet rigorous production targets and uphold strict ethical standards. Achieving MDRT status is widely regarded as a mark of credibility, trust, and advisory distinction.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance stated, “It is with great pride that we recognise our MDRT qualifiers for their dedication, discipline, and integrity, which set a benchmark of excellence for our advisory force and reflect the customer-first values that define LOLC Life Assurance. These achievers deserve recognition not only for meeting targets or selling policies, but also for safeguarding families, empowering individuals to build their legacies, and supporting financial independence, providing certainty and confidence in an unpredictable world. In acknowledging their exceptional contributions, I congratulate all our MDRT qualifiers and am confident they will continue to deliver meaningful financial protection while creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”
Further echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jayantha Kalinga, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Life Assurance added, “This Summit not only celebrates the outstanding performance of our MDRT achievers in 2025 but also acknowledges the resilience, consistency, and customer dedication demonstrated by our teams throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen capabilities through structured development initiatives, advanced training tools, and robust operational support, empowering our advisors to serve clients with confidence and professionalism while further expanding our MDRT presence in the years ahead.”
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