Business
SACEP regional headquarters opens in Colombo: A Green investment in South Asia’s sustainable future
Sri Lanka strengthened its position as South Asia’s environmental and sustainability hub with the opening of the regional headquarters of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) in Colombo — a state-of-the-art facility that embodies the region’s commitment to green growth and climate resilience.
The new headquarters, situated at Nawala, was declared open by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi, World Bank officials and Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K. R. Uduwawala in attendance. Constructed with World Bank financial and technical support under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) initiative, the project is seen as a major step in advancing sustainable infrastructure investment in the region.
“This headquarters is not merely a building; it is a regional symbol of cooperation and innovation, said Prime Minister Amarasuriya.
“South Asia’s environmental future depends on collective action, shared technology and responsible investment. The SACEP regional headquarters demonstrates that sustainability and development can go hand in hand.”
The 1,610-square-meter complex is designed in accordance with LEED Gold Certification standards, a globally recognized benchmark for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible buildings. The facility integrates solar panels that generate 20 percent of its total energy consumption, efficient waste management systems and inclusive design principles — making it one of the most advanced green government buildings in the region.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s leadership in environmental cooperation, Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi said the new facility places the country at the heart of South Asia’s sustainability dialogue.
“As SACEP’s host nation, Sri Lanka now offers a modern, eco-friendly headquarters that will enhance regional coordination and policy alignment. This is an investment in our shared environmental and economic future, he noted.
The World Bank, which played a key role in financing the project, described the facility as a “flagship example of climate-smart infrastructure.”
“The SACEP headquarters demonstrates how targeted investments in sustainability can generate economic value, foster innovation, and strengthen resilience across borders, a World Bank representative said, adding that the Bank remains committed to expanding its environmental portfolio in South Asia.
Established in 1982, SACEP serves as the regional intergovernmental platform for environmental cooperation among eight South Asian nations — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its work spans climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, marine litter reduction and sustainable resource management.
According to Environment Secretary K. R. Uduwawala, the facility will also serve as an incubator for green innovation and capacity building.
“This new regional headquarters enables SACEP to lead with data, technology, and collaboration — promoting initiatives that not only protect ecosystems but also drive green jobs and investment opportunities across South Asia, he explained.
By Ifham Nizam
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.
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.
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.
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