Business

SLIC Suba Pathum awards 375 scholarships for school children

Published

3 years ago

2023/03/5

Sri Lanka Insurance – The Nations’ protector, over the years have had contributed to the betterment of the future generation of the country. Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) is not only one of the most profitable state owned enterprises but also a responsible corporate citizen that enriches the community it operates in.

SLIC initiated the ‘Sri Lanka Insurance – Suba Pathum Scholarship’ program in 2014 for the children of its Life policy holders across the country. This scheme has awarded 1800 scholarships, worth of approximately 200mn up to date. This year the scholarship scheme will be rewarding 375 students, who excelled in the 2020/21 Grade 5 Scholarship, 2020 GCE Ordinary Level and 2020/21 GCE Advanced Level examinations. 75 top ranking students were selected from each of the three examinations totaling up to 375 students. Grade 5 Scholarship and GCE Ordinary Level, qualifiers were selected based on the district achievement and for GCE Advanced Level applicants, selections were based on the national level achievement.

A Financial scholarship of Rs. 20,000 for five years, Rs. 40,000 for two years and Rs. 50,000 for three years is awarded to the students who are eligible for the Suba Pathum scholarship from Grade 5 Scholarship, GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level examinations, respectively. A total of Rs. 50mn has been allocated for the 2020/21 Suba Pathum Scholarship program which will continue for the next five years.

In his speech to the guests, Ronald C. Perera, PC, Chairman of Sri Lanka Insurance, said, “The right to education is a fundamental human right that every child should have. There are 4.4 million school children in Sri Lanka who are primary and secondary school age, however not every child is fortunate enough to receive an education in an environment with the same degree of facilities. Having an educated populace is very important for a nation, thus kids should have access to uninterrupted primary and secondary education that enables them to access university education. Sri Lanka has 15 National Universities and we need to encourage and support our children to obtain university education. The objective of ‘Sri Lanka Insurance Suba Pathum Scholarship’ program is to extend the required support to our children to obtain the education they deserve without any interruption. As a responsible state sector corporate giant it is our responsibility to assist the future generation’s access to quality education.

Speaking at the Suba Pathum Scholarship program Chandana L. Aluthgama – Chief Executive Officer of SLIC said, “over the years as an organization we have contributed for the betterment of the future generation of this country through numerous initiatives. The Minimuthu range and the ‘School Fee Protector’ policies were introduced for the benefit of the children. Both these products support towards a guaranteed uninterrupted education support and highly beneficial returns for the children and provides both parents and kids a peace of mind. By going above and beyond the call of duty, SLIC has been involved with the “Pasal Piriyatha Surakimu” CSR program in creating a suitable educational environment for underprivileged schools. furthermore, to mark the International Children’s Day, we have offered parents of children born on October 1st a free Life Cover. We as a state owned organization believes in transformation and adapting to the status quo. Therefore, as a responsible corporate citizen we will continue to transform the next generation’s future with a secure education in order to uplift the future of this country”.

The scholarship awarding ceremony was held at Nelum Pokuna – Mahinda Rajapakse Theater, Colombo on the 28th of February 2023 with the participation of the Board of Directors, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and the senior management team along with the students and their parents.

Established in 1962, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation celebrates over 60 years of excellence as the largest government-owned insurance company in Sri Lanka, with a managed asset base of over Rs.268 billion and a Life fund of Rs. 152 billion, the largest in the local insurance industry. The insurer is also the first and only local insurer to secure Fitch Ratings A (lka) rating for its long-term financial stability and sustainability and also Sri Lanka Insurance ranked as the ‘Most Valuable General Insurance Brand’, ‘Most Loved Insurance Brand’ for the 5th consecutive year in the country by Brand Finance. The national insurer is on a mission of being a customer-focused company that constantly innovates in providing insurance services to customers and is now serving customers through an extensive network of over 190 branches and customer service locations.

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Business

Beira Lake restoration, ‘a crucial urban environmental intervention’

Published

20 hours ago

2026/01/21

Thilina Walpola

The Beira Lake; in for a clean-up

Sri Lanka’s decision to invest Rs. 2.5 billion in restoring the heavily polluted Beira Lake marks one of the most significant urban environmental interventions in recent years, underscoring a growing recognition that ecological rehabilitation is also an economic imperative.

The multi-pronged project—covering the closure of illegal sewage discharge points, large-scale dredging, and the installation of aeration systems—is expected to not only revive aquatic life but also unlock commercial, tourism and real estate value in the heart of Colombo.

Officials say the initiative is designed to transform Beira Lake from a long-neglected liability into a productive urban asset.

A senior official from the Ministry of Environment told The Island Financial Review that untreated wastewater and illegal sewer connections had been the primary contributors to the lake’s degradation for decades. “Closing these illegal sewage points is the most critical intervention. Without that, any dredging or aeration would only offer temporary relief, the official said, adding that enforcement will be carried out in coordination with the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and other regulatory agencies.

From a business perspective, the clean-up is being viewed as a catalyst for urban regeneration. Urban Development Authority (UDA) sources noted that a healthier Beira Lake would significantly enhance the attractiveness of surrounding commercial developments, hospitality projects and public spaces. “Environmental remediation directly impacts land values and investor confidence. A clean, living lake changes the entire economic profile of the area, an UDA official said.

The dredging component of the project is aimed at removing decades of accumulated sludge, which has reduced water depth and contributed to foul odours and fish die-offs. According to officials involved in project planning, the dredged material will be disposed of following environmental guidelines to avoid secondary pollution risks—an issue that has undermined similar efforts in the past.

Meanwhile, the installation of modern aerators is expected to improve dissolved oxygen levels, a key requirement for sustaining fish and other aquatic organisms. “Restoring aquatic life is not just about biodiversity; it is about creating a water body that can safely support recreational activities and public engagement, a senior CMC engineer explained.

Economists point out that the Rs. 2.5 billion allocation, while substantial, should be seen against the long-term cost savings and revenue potential. Reduced public health risks, lower water treatment costs downstream, increased tourism activity and higher commercial footfall could deliver returns that far exceed the initial outlay.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Expectation of positive Q3 corporate results jerks bourse to life

Published

20 hours ago

2026/01/21

Thilina Walpola

CSE activities kicked off on a negative note initially but later experienced some recovery yesterday because most investors were anticipating positive third quarter result shortly, market analysts said.

Amid those developments, the market indicated mixed reactions. The All Share Price Index went down by 4.13 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 14.02 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.17 billion with 11 crossings.

Top seven crossings were reported in Renuka Holdings where eight million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 324 million; its shares traded at Rs 40.50, Tokyo Cement one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 113 million; its shares traded at Rs 113, Distilleries 1.85 million shares crossed for Rs 111 million; its shares traded at Rs 60, ACL Cables 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 51.5 million, its shares sold at Rs 103 Chevron Lubricants 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 47.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 190, Ambeon Capital 738600 shares crossed at Rs 40.50 each and Melstacope 150,000 shares crossed for Rs 27 million; its shares traded at Rs 180.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Colombo Dockyard Rs 1.26 billion (12 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 348 million (3.3 million shares traded), HNB (Non-Voting) Rs 152 million (425,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 109 million (507,000 shares traded), Tokyo Cement (Non-Voting) Rs 94 million (989,000 shares traded) Lanka Realty Investments Rs 80 million (1.6 million shares traded) and Sampath Bank Rs 77 million (498,000 shares traded). During the day 135 million share volumes changed hands in 38398 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially Tokyo Cement and ACL Cables, performed well. Further, Colombo Dockyard became the most preferred share for investors. The Banking sector also performed well.

Browns Beach Hotels said that the company will delist from the CSE, having made arrangements with majority shareholders Melstacope and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings to buy back shares from minority shareholders at an exit offer price of Rs 30.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.75/85 to the US dollar in the spot market, from Rs 309.72/77 the previous day, having depreciated in recent weeks, dealers said, while bond yields were down.

A bond maturing on 15.05.2026 was quoted at 8.25/35 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 9.00/10 percent, down from 9.05/10 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.65/70 percent, up from 9.65/69 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.03.2030 was quoted at 9.72/75 percent, from 9.70/76 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 9.95/10.00 percent, down from 10.00/10 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted at 10.30/50 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.06.2033 was quoted at 10.72/75 percent, down from 10.70/80 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2035 closed at 11.05/10 percent, down from 11.07/11 percent.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 306.2500 buying, 313.2500 selling; the British pound was 409.9898 buying, and 421.3080 selling, and the euro was 354.1773 buying, 365.5655 selling.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Business

Ceylon Theatres and British Council present National Theatre Live’s ‘Hamlet’

Published

20 hours ago

2026/01/21

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres Limited, in partnership with British Council, is proud to present the first ever screening of National Theatre (NT) Live’s Hamlet starring Hiran Abeysekara in Asia. The first screening will happen at Regal Cinema in Dematagoda (Colombo 9) at 5:30 pm on Sunday, 25 January. Sri Lankan actor Hiran Abeysekera stars in the title role—the first Asian actor to play Hamlet in a National Theatre production.

For Sri Lankan audiences, this screening is both a celebration and a homecoming. It reflects the British Council’s long-standing commitment to nurturing creative talent, widening access to world-class culture, and building deep, people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom through theatre and the creative arts. To celebrate the inaugural screening, the British Council is inviting winners and runners-up of the All-Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition, alongside drama teachers and university actors, to attend the premiere.

Further details on screening dates, venues, and ticketing can be found at: https://ceylontheatres.com/ and on the British Council Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/britishcouncilsrilanka/ or call: 0766192370