The Turkish government’s foreign policy priorities in a period of heightened global turbulence, stressing diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation are essential tools for navigating an increasingly unstable international environment, Turkey’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut said.

‘The turbulence and uncertainty of recent years have carried forward into 2026, with unresolved conflicts, shifting power balances and declining respect for a rules-based international order, Dr. Turgut explained at a foreign policy round table conducted recently by the Pathfinder Foundation Sri Lanka at the Colombo Club, Hotel Taj Samudra. It was presided over by Pathfinder Foundation Chairman, retired Ambassador Dr. Bernard Goonatilleke.

The Turkish ambassador stressed that while geography may separate Türkiye and Sri Lanka, both countries share a common aspiration for peace, stability and sustainable development at regional and global levels and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation at a time when collaboration is of the utmost importance.

Dr. Turgut added: ‘International relations are increasingly shaped by differing perspectives and interpretations of geography, history, and power.

‘Conflicts in seemingly distant regions can have significant ripple effects worldwide, reinforcing the need for informed and flexible foreign policy approaches.

‘The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza are defining crises of the present era.

‘These conflicts demonstrate both the limits of military power and the deep humanitarian costs of war, while also exposing a certain duplicity in the international system. The fragile nature of ceasefire efforts, particularly in Gaza, called for sustained international engagement to prevent further escalation and human suffering.

‘Of considerable note is the continued instability in the Middle East, including developments in Yemen, Iran and the Horn of Africa, as well as rising tensions in Europe and East Asia.

‘Increasing militarisation, proxy rivalries and geopolitical competition risk further erosion of global stability, while economic pressures and austerity measures could fuel political extremism in many regions.

‘Ankara’s approach is anchored in regional peace, stability, and independence. Türkiye continues efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of securing the Black Sea for global food security.

‘Full membership of the European Union remains a strategic priority for Türkiye and its engagement in Central Asia through the Organization of Turkic States with its focus on economic cooperation in energy along with transport corridors is important. Diplomacy remains the most effective and least costly instrument of foreign policy, particularly at a time of resource constraints and global uncertainty.

‘The international community needs to prioritise dialogue over confrontation and should uphold the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and cooperation in the pursuit of lasting peace.’

By Hiran H Senewiratne ✍️

A group of local entrepreneurs is urging the government to overhaul the nation’s textile import policy, proposing a bold shift toward domestic saree manufacturing to stem the critical outflow of foreign exchange.

Sidambaram Karunanithi, a Pettah-based entrepreneur with deep roots in India and the textile trade, told The Island Financial Review that approximately 100,000 sarees are sold daily across Sri Lanka. He argued that the total reliance on Indian imports for this high-volume commodity represents an “unnecessary drain” on the country’s precarious dollar reserves.

The consortium, led by Karunanithi, has drafted a comprehensive roadmap to achieve self-sufficiency in the sector. The plan envisions the establishment of nine specialised factories – one in each province – to decentralize the industry.

“Our strategy is to import raw materials, specifically high-quality yarn, from India and conduct the entire manufacturing process locally,” Karunanithi explained. “By producing within the provinces, we eliminate significant freight costs as well as the need for regional dealers to travel to Pettah. These logistical savings will be passed directly to the end-consumer.”

The entrepreneurs intend to utilize advanced industrial multi-head systems sourced from leading Chinese manufacturers, capable of producing high-speed air-jet and jacquard weaves. Karunanithi emphasised that this technology would allow the local industry to reach a 50% value-addition threshold – more than the 35% standard often requested by the government for other sectors.

“India achieved global manufacturing status through partnerships like Hero Honda and Maruti Suzuki. There is no reason we cannot do the same with sarees. If there is a will, there is a way,” he noted.

Addressing the technical gap, the group plans to initially import skilled labor from India to facilitate a year-long technology and skills transfer. “Within 12 to 18 months, these foreign workers will be entirely replaced by a trained Sri Lankan workforce,” he said.

The proposal includes a request for the government to restrict Indian saree imports over one year to provide the necessary market protection for local startups. Karunanithi stressed that the group is not seeking concessional bank facilities, stating they are prepared to invest in private lands if state land is unavailable.

The entrepreneurs are calling for a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Ministry of Industries to present their financial profiles and technical capacity.

“We urge the authorities not to make half-hearted or inconsistent policy decisions. If the country allows the manufacture of alcohol, why not sarees?” Karunanithi asked, adding that the foreign currency saved could be vital for the health and education sectors.

By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️

LOLC Holdings PLC has entered into a strategic mobility collaboration with PickMe, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) while creating an inclusive and sustainable vehicle ownership pathway for independent ride-hailing drivers across the country. Anchored by Browns EV, the LOLC Group’s latest electric mobility venture marks a significant step towards redefining access to clean, affordable, and future-ready transportation in Sri Lanka.

At the centre of this initiative is a direct rent-to-own facility offered by LOLC to independent third- party drivers that engage with the PickMe platform. Under this model, LOLC provides Browns EV vehicles directly to these independent drivers. The programme allows the drivers to choose to operate EVs by committing to a daily rental structured by LOLC, with the full ownership transferred at the end of a six-year tenure, which is managed solely by LOLC. For the convenience of the drivers, daily rental payments are remitted through the PickMe platform’s digital interface based on driver authorization, assisting them in managing their personal financial obligations while enabling long-term asset creation.

A key milestone of the collaboration was marked with the official opening of the Browns EV Experience Centre on 09th of January 2026 at the Browns EV Showroom premises. Designed as a dedicated resource hub, for independent drivers that engage with the PickMe platform, the Centre allows these entrepreneurs to explore a variety of electric vehicle options and engage directly with LOLC representatives. At the Centre, drivers can independently evaluate LOLC ’s daily rental model, assess their individual eligibility, and complete their registration process directly with LOLC. This streamlined environment provides a one-stop location for drivers managing their own independent business growth.

The launch event also featured the formal signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director/CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC, and Jiffry Zulfer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PickMe Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the initiative, Kapila Jayawardena stated, “At LOLC, we believe that meaningful progress is achieved by empowering people through access, opportunity, and innovation. This strategic collaboration with PickMe, supported by Browns EV, brings together financial innovation, responsible asset ownership, and affordable electric mobility to strengthen livelihoods while advancing Sri Lanka’s national sustainability priorities. Following years of import restrictions that limited access to vehicle ownership, this initiative responds directly to pent-up demand by making high-quality, future-ready electric vehicles genuinely accessible to independent entrepreneurs who depend on mobility for their livelihoods.”

Browns EV recently launched a line-up of electric vehicles positioned to expand affordable mobility across Sri Lanka. In partnership with global automotive leaders SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile (SGMW) and Beijing Auto Works (BAW), Browns EV has introduced models designed to cater to diverse consumer and commercial segments. Wuling, the world’s second-largest EV brand, has produced over three million units globally, while Beijing Auto Works is among China’s oldest and largest automotive manufacturers. Their expertise, combined with Browns’ 150-year legacy in Sri Lanka, ensures quality, safety, and long-term value for consumers.

Drivers exploring options through the Browns EV Experience Centre can view a diverse portfolio of Browns EV models, including the BAW E6, BAW E7, BAW E7 Pro, Wuling Binguo, and Wuling Cloud.

Emphasising the synergy unlocked through the collaboration, the CEO of PickMe stated, “Collaborating with LOLC Holdings, an institution defined by scale, credibility and long-term value creation, marks a significant milestone in PickMe’s journey. Alongside Browns EV, this collaboration integrates finance, technology and sustainable mobility into a unified ecosystem. By combining PickMe’s digital platform with LOLC’s financial strength and Browns EV’s electric vehicle expertise, we are not only accelerating the adoption of clean mobility but also empowering independent mobility entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka with access, opportunity and long-term economic resilience”.

Together, the collaboration between LOLC Holdings, PickMe, and Browns EV establishes a scalable and future-focused model for electric mobility in Sri Lanka, one that seamlessly integrates financing, technology, and vehicle access within a unified ecosystem. By lowering barriers to EV adoption and facilitating long-term asset ownership for independent drivers, the initiative supports national sustainability goals while strengthening livelihoods and entrepreneurship.