Business
Room to Read and Colombo Stock Exchange ring the bell on behalf of education
On behalf of the ‘International Day of Education’ which was celebrated on the 24th of January, Room to Read Sri Lanka partnered with the Colombo Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell for trading. Room to Read marks this occasion as it approaches a significant milestone of transforming the lives of 40 million children across the globe through quality education in 2024.
Room to Read is a global nonprofit organization which creates a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. It achieves this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading through its Literacy Program, and by supporting girls in secondary education with life skills and financial literacy via its Girls’ Education Program, as they build skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. It collaborates with governments and other partner organizations to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale.
Addressing the gathering, CSE’s Chairman, Dilshan Wirasekara mentioned that “We at CSE, believe that an increase in the level of financial literacy can contribute to the improvement of rationality in investment decision making which will ultimately contribute to the overall development of the economy. The Colombo Stock Exchange Education Academy was formed in this context, to institutionalize financial education in Sri Lanka.”
He went on to say, “We are proud to be one of the key institutions that drive financial education in Sri Lanka. Established in March 2023, CSE Education Academy has undertaken numerous successful initiatives in recent years and aims to continue advancing financial awareness among the general public with special attention to youth so that we may cultivate the minds of tomorrow’s investors.”
Keynote speaker Shevanthi Jayasuriya, Country Director of Room to Read Sri Lanka emphasized on how this year, Room to Read Sri Lanka will focus largely on scale up and system integration with the support of the Ministry of Education, beyond conducting their regular programs in under-resourced communities. Recently, Room to Read Sri Lanka renewed its MOU with the government, to continue their work together with the national and provincial ministries of education, to help children receive quality education.
As of last year, Room to Read has been at the forefront of modifying the existing primary grade curriculum with its Literacy Program, also known as the Reading Development Program in Sri Lanka, introducing the Early Grade Reading Assessment for grades 1, 2, and 3. This initiative aims to enhance literacy skills among young students and create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
In her speech, Shevanthi also proudly announced the establishment of the National Consortium on Children’s Books in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka. This initiative brings together government and private sector leaders to set national standards for children’s books, ensuring a higher quality of reading materials for primary grade children across the country, while fostering the growth of the local publishing industry by providing essential training for young writers and illustrators.
Room to Read Sri Lanka is excited to expand its scope to the pre-school curriculum which started in 2023. This new venture involves comprehensive training programs for teachers, focusing on instilling a habit of reading in children even before they embark on their formal education.
Dr. Asanka Senanayake, founder of Shine Dental Care centres—which provide dental services across multiple locations—was recently honoured as the Most Popular Dental Doctor of the Year at the Business World International Awards 2025.
The awards, organised by the US-based Business World International Organisation (BWIO), recognised outstanding business ventures and professionals across various industries. The ceremony was held recently at the Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo.
Business
Another 43 Ceylinco Life sales officers graduate with diplomas in Financial Sales Management
A group of 43 sales officers of Ceylinco Life recently graduated with diplomas in Financial Sales Management, under a programme tailor-made for the life insurance market leader by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).
Covering subjects such as Financial Planning, Communication, Analytical Skills Development, Time Management, Financial Markets, and Taxation among others, the bespoke diploma programme was introduced by Ceylinco Life to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of its sales personnel, and to nurture a highly proficient sales force capable of tapping into premier markets and delivering exceptional services to customers.
The nine-month course programme includes contemporary coursework, examinations and assignments to ensure a well-rounded education for the candidates.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ceylinco Life Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Samitha Hemachandra said the company had from its inception, placed special emphasis on developing and rewarding professionalism among the members of its sales force. “We led the way in equipping our sales professionals with digital tools, pushed them to obtain professional qualifications from leading international bodies relating to life insurance, to qualify for Million Dollar Round Table membership, and to improve their knowledge in finance,” he said. “As a result, they have earned the respect of the community and their peers, and built stable and lucrative careers with Ceylinco Life.”
SLIM President Prof. Jayantha N. Dewasiri said: “Promoting professional competence as a contributor to the economic growth of our country is one of the objectives of SLIM. In furtherance of this, we provide professional education to thousands of Sri Lankans every year, and are happy to support Ceylinco Life’s efforts to advance the careers of its sales officers though professional development. This is an example to other corporate entities.”
Ceylinco Life’s senior directors Messrs. Devaan Cooray and Palitha Jayawardena, Director/Deputy CEO Ranga Abeynayake, SLIM Vice President – Education & Research Dr Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke, CEO Chamil Wickremasinghe other distinguished guests attended the graduation ceremony at the Ceylinco Life Auditorium.
Companies in the construction sector have been provided an opportunity to acquire new equipment through affordable leasing options created via a collaboration between the Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Senok Trade Combine (Pvt) Ltd., which represents global brands in construction machinery and equipment.
A memorandum of understanding signed by the two organisations provides for a series of special benefits to be provided to customers who purchase JCB and Kobelco branded construction equipment from Senok under a customised leasing package provided by Commercial Bank.
The benefits include special prices and lower interest rates, customised payment plans with attractive and affordable rentals, and the first three services at 50, 250 and 500 hours, free of charge.
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