The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has launched an innovative telemedicine psychology program designed to provide essential support and mental health care to individuals adversely affected by the Ditwa Cyclone. This initiative is a vital response to the psychological challenges faced by the community in the aftermath of the disaster.

However, the implementation of this program has faced significant obstacles, primarily due to a considerable lack of access to smart devices among the target beneficiaries. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, S-lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has made a commendable contribution by donating tablet devices through its corporate social responsibility initiative, the “Suwasahana Charika” Program. This generous donation aims to bridge the technological gap, ensuring that individuals in need can access the psychological services offered by the telemedicine program.

The collaborative efforts were strengthened during a recent event that was attended by key figures, including Mr. S.C. Weerasekara, the Group Director / Chief Operating Officer of The Capital Maharaja Group, and Dr. Dashanthi Akmemana, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists.

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists expressed its gratitude to S-lon Lanka for its support and is committed to addressing the community’s mental health needs during this challenging time.

Rolf Blaser, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., has been conferred the distinguished honour of CEO of the Year 2025 by the Global CEO Forum, placing him among an exceptionally exclusive cohort of business leaders recognized for outstanding strategic vision and sustained contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.

The recognition, bestowed following rigorous independent evaluation and endorsed by leading professional bodies, was formally celebrated at a ceremony on 26 February 2026 in Colombo. Since assuming leadership in October 2018, Blaser has orchestrated a period of sustained growth across the company’s diversified portfolio.

Under his stewardship, the healthcare division has doubled operations in four years, establishing partnerships with global pharmaceutical leaders and now serving as a conduit between global medical innovation and Sri Lankan healthcare needs, from medicines and diagnostics to surgical equipment and medical nutrition. In agriculture, the company has moved decisively toward sustainable solutions. When Sri Lanka’s 2021 fertilizer ban threatened the sector, Baurs engaged agricultural institutes globally to architect practical transition pathways, establishing a comprehensive Centre of Excellence with Switzerland’s FiBL and HAFL. The company’s subsequent introduction of Super Urea, a nitrogen dual stabilizer that improves crop yields while reducing environmental impact, demonstrates the innovation-driven approach that has defined Blaser’s tenure.

Sri Lanka’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector — widely recognized as the backbone of the national economy — is currently facing one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Over the past few years, SMEs have endured a series of major shocks that have disrupted businesses, weakened financial stability, and threatened thousands of livelihoods across the country.

The sector first experienced a significant setback following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which severely affected tourism, trade, and investor confidence.

Soon after, the global COVID-19 pandemic brought prolonged lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and a sharp decline in consumer demand.

As businesses attempted to recover, the country faced further instability during the Aragalaya period, followed by the severe national economic crisis, which resulted in shortages, escalating costs, and limited access to finance.

Natural disasters such as Cyclone Dithwa added further pressure, while the ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to create uncertainty for trade and remittance flows.

These successive crises have taken a heavy toll on SMEs. The sector contributions have comedown to nearly 52% of Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment for over 45% of the national workforce, making its stability crucial for the country’s economic recovery.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries (SLCSMI) has stepped forward to support the sector by engaging directly with industrialists and SME entrepreneurs. The Chamber plans to listen to their concerns, understand the challenges faced at ground level, and connect them with relevant authorities to identify practical solutions.

As part of this initiative, the Chamber will organize a Special SME Forum towards the end of this month, creating a platform for entrepreneurs to discuss issues related to finance, regulations, market access, and operational challenges.

SME owners and industrialists across the country are strongly encouraged to participate in this important forum and take advantage of the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and policymakers.

Those interested in attending are requested to register with the following details by E-mail to :slcmi@sltnet.lk or whats App to: 0774586940, on or before the 20th of March 2026.

• Name

• Contact Number

• Business Address

• Industry Sector

By coming forward and voicing their concerns collectively, SMEs will be able to seek meaningful solutions and contribute to rebuilding confidence and resilience in Sri Lanka’s vital enterprise sector.

The Chamber believes that reviving SMEs is essential for national economic recovery, and the success of this initiative will depend on the active participation of the country’s entrepreneurs.