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Queen Margaret University UK and ICBS announce strategic partnership

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From left: Dr Theresa Cronin, Director of International - School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management QMU, Lisa Whanstall, Acting British High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, Dr Ganeshamoorthy, Dean - Imperial College of Business Studies, Pravinth Rajaratnam, Academic Director - Imperial College of Business Studies.

To provide world class education to Sri Lankan students

Queen Margaret University (QMU) and Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) announced the launch of a groundbreaking partnership between the two institutions, aimed at providing world class education to our Sri Lankan students in pursuing their Degree and Master’s qualifications in multiple trending disciplines. The ceremony took place at the Kingsbury Hotel on the 19th of July 2023, with an esteemed gathering of high-level delegates, corporate leaders, and education sector officials. Her Excellency Lisa Whanstall, Acting British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

By combining QMU’s expertise in transnational education with specialised programmes in Business and Management studies, along with related research, with ICBS’s renowned expertise as a robust business school in Sri Lanka, offering innovative syllabus mapping and practical teaching with a focus on career-driven outcomes, Sri Lankan students will receive an enriched and interdisciplinary approach to high-quality, practical education.

Through the QMU and ICBS partnership, students will benefit from access to a diverse range of prestigious degrees. Undergraduate students can pursue BSc (Hons) Business Management, Specialised degrees in Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, and International Business Management. Postgraduate students can select from MBA General, MBA in Human Resource Management, MBA in Business Analytics, and MSc Strategic Marketing. These degrees cover multiple trending disciplines and provide students with high-quality education, cutting-edge learning facilities, and industry connections, providing them with a comprehensive skill set and a competitive edge in the job market.

Imperial College, with its strong panel of lecturers comprising multidisciplinary high-level academics, industry leaders, and experts, aims to commence the intake of these programs at their campuses in Colombo and Kandy in September 2023. Students after Advanced Level Exam, or any other Diploma or equivalent level qualifications in either professional or academic disciplines can seek enrolment for the BSc (Hons) Special degrees which are well designed to cater to the demands of working professionals.

Postgraduate and Masters programmes will attract the interest of Executives and Managers who aspire a faster growth in their career. With a suitable academic background in their respective disciplines, they are eligible to apply for the MBA or MSc programmes.

Imperial College, together with QMU, invites prospective students and candidates to join their programmes and experience the learning journey of a lifetime, aiming towards vibrant career opportunities both locally and globally! Selective scholarship schemes are on offer and interested students can visit the official website www.icbsgroup.com or contact them on 0773 918777 / 0114 515 253 for the Colombo Campus, or 0814 950 950 for the Kandy Campus for further details.



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NDB Bank hosts Investor and Analysts Earnings Call on FY 2024 financial results

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(Pictured L to R) Himali Nandika – Chief Manager Finance; Alex Perera - VP, CRO; K.V. Vinoj - DCEO; Kelum Edirisinghe - Director/CEO; Sanjaya Perera - SVP, Personal Banking & Customer Experience; Damitha Samaranayake – VP Treasury; Kumudari Peiris – Senior Manager Finance

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) conducted its Investor and Analysts Earnings Call on 12th of March, following the release of the financial results and annual report for the full year ended December 31, 2024.

The session, led by Kelum Edirisinghe, Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDB Bank, along with the bank’s senior management team, was held virtually via Zoom. During the call, the CEO delivered a comprehensive presentation on the bank’s financial performance for FY 2024, its strategic direction, and key operational highlights. This was followed by an interactive Q&A session, providing investors and analysts with valuable insights into the bank’s growth trajectory and future outlook.

The forum attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including research analysts, stockbrokers, fund managers, and investors. Organized by NDB’s Investor Relations Team, the session reinforced the bank’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement. Since 2014, NDB has consistently hosted these quarterly and annual earnings calls, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to fostering trust and accountability. Transcripts and recordings of the call will be made available on the bank’s website, ensuring continued access to key insights.

During the presentation, the CEO highlighted NDB’s strong financial performance in 2024, underpinned by strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing the cost of funds, strengthening portfolio quality, and driving sustainable profitability. The bank’s digital transformation efforts, coupled with a focus on enhancing transactional and fee-based income, played a pivotal role in navigating macroeconomic challenges and positioning NDB for long-term growth. The Q&A session that followed saw insightful discussions on key topics, including the bank’s loan portfolio quality, CASA base, projected loan growth, sources for loan growth, and expectations on interest rate movements in the economy.

Despite the dynamic economic landscape, NDB remained resilient, leveraging its robust risk management framework and customer-centric approach to maintain stability and deliver value to stakeholders.

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ComBank crowned People’s Private Bank Brand of the Year for 3rd successive year

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Representatives of Commercial Bank led by Deputy General Manager – Human Resources Management Mr Isuru Tillakawardana and Chief Manager Marketing Ms Aparna Jagoda accepting the award on behalf of the Bank.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been voted the ‘People’s Private Banking Services Brand of the Year’ for the third consecutive year at the SLIM Kantar People’s Awards 2025, in a significant validation of the Bank’s status as the most popular private sector bank in the country.

Presented by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and based on research by Kantar, a leading global insights agency, these awards are considered the ultimate testament to consumer-driven recognition in Sri Lanka. They are determined solely by consumer votes rather than a panel of experts, and recognise the brands and personalities that have earned the trust and loyalty of Sri Lankans.

The Bank said this accolade is a testament to the continuing impact of its services in the lives of millions of people, as well as the effectiveness of the Bank’s brand-building efforts and marketing initiatives. The Bank’s continuous engagement with customers, innovative campaigns, and commitment to delivering superior banking experiences have been instrumental in securing this recognition.

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Advancing solar PV integration: A vision for a sustainable energy future

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During the Eng. (Prof.) R. H. Paul Memorial Oration 2025, Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake emphasised the urgent need for advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) integration to create a resilient and sustainable energy future. Speaking on the Future of Renewable Energy, he highlighted projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) that forecast global renewable electricity generation will exceed 17,000 TWh by 2030, representing an almost 90% increase from 2023. Solar PV is anticipated to become the leading source of renewable electricity, followed by wind and hydroelectric power.

Sri Lanka has set an ambitious target of achieving 100% renewable energy. Policymakers are working towards a people-centric, equitable, and affordable energy transition. The government also aims to reduce electricity tariffs by 30% within five years, though no specific timeline has been set for net-zero emissions.

Challenges in Solar PV Integration—While renewable energy adoption is increasing, challenges remain. A major issue is grid stability due to solar energy’s intermittent nature. Grid stability refers to the ability of an electrical power grid to maintain a consistent voltage and frequency while balancing electricity supply and demand. One of the main challenges with integrating solar energy into the grid is its intermittent nature, meaning that solar power generation fluctuates depending on sunlight availability. This variability can cause instability in the grid.

Why is Solar Energy Intermittent? Solar panels generate electricity only when exposed to sunlight. At night, there is no generation, requiring alternative power sources. Cloud cover, rain, and seasonal changes affect solar energy output. On cloudy days, solar generation can drop suddenly, causing fluctuations in power supply. Unlike conventional power plants that provide a steady output, solar energy can vary within minutes, making it challenging to maintain a stable power flow.

How Does This Affect Grid Stability? The Electricity grids operate at a specific frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz). A sudden drop in solar power generation can lead to a decrease in frequency, potentially causing power outages. Solar energy injections can cause voltage levels to rise or drop unpredictably, affecting equipment performance and consumer supply quality. Traditional power plants have rotating generators that provide inertia, helping to stabilise the grid. Solar PV systems do not have this natural inertia, making the grid more susceptible to instability.

Prof. Samaranayake explained that Sri Lanka’s current power generation mix, as of November 2024, includes:

27% from hydroelectric power

19.6% from rooftop solar

14.3% from coal

13.6% from oil

5.1% from private oil plants

Smaller contributions from wind, biomass, and other renewable sources

A key concern is the lack of inertia in renewable energy sources. Unlike conventional power plants, solar and wind do not provide inherent grid stability, leading to frequency fluctuations.

Prof. Samaranayake proposed an innovative solution for grid stability: implementing Virtual Inertia using advanced power electronic control systems. This approach mimics the stabilising effect of traditional rotating generators, ensuring a steady frequency supply in the grid.

Other potential solutions include:

Adding rotating machines such as LNG or nuclear power plants

Energy storage systems like pumped storage, flywheels, and large-scale battery systems

Enhancing grid regulations to support the integration of rooftop solar PV systems

The introduction of advanced Virtual Inertia technology is expected to complement regulatory changes that relax statutory voltage limits and improve the quality of electricity supply.

Another controversial yet forward-looking strategy discussed was the possibility of nuclear energy. According to sources from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB), the country’s first nuclear power plant, leveraging integral pressurized water reactor (iPWR) technology, could be operational by 2032. Given Sri Lanka’s proximity to India, which already operates nuclear plants, proponents argue that nuclear energy could be a viable option for stabilizing the power grid.

Prof. Samaranayake stressed the need for a holistic approach, as solar PV continues to be vital to Sri Lanka’s energy future. This involves investing in energy storage, enhancing grid infrastructure, and enacting regulatory reforms. He called on policymakers, engineers, and the public to collaborate in creating a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.

The Eng. (Prof.) R. H. Paul Memorial Oration reminds us of engineering and innovation’s critical role in tackling global energy challenges. With strategic planning and technological advancements, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The oration paid tribute to the late Prof. R. H. Paul, a distinguished academic and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, who made significant contributions to electrical and electronic engineering in Sri Lanka. His legacy continues to inspire advancements in the energy sector.

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