Business
SLID sets sights on international network to enrich training of future corporate directors

by Sanath Nanayakkare
The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), cementing a relationship with Institutes of Directors (IODs) of India, Singapore and Malaysia and building good contacts and rapport with IODs of the United Kingdom and Australia, is planning to give more from its popular Board Leadership Training Programme to future corporate leaders in Sri Lanka.
SLID Chairman A.R Rasiah made this observation at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo on Wednesday at the SLID Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) held with full in-person attendance, ensuring adherence to the guidelines set out by the health authorities.
The 8th AMM unanimously re-elected all office-bearers including Council Members to represent the interests of the Institute and achieve its desired outcomes amid unprecedented challenges in the year ahead.
Many high-profile corporate leaders, directors and professionals attended the event where Fabrice Cavallin, Managing Director of Nestle Lanka was the chief guest.
The AMM re-elected office bearers- A. R Rasiah, Chairman, M.O.F. Salieh, Senior Vice Chairman, Ms. Aroshi Nanayakkara, Vice Chairperson, M. P. Jayawardena, Immediate Past Chairman and Council Members – D. Rodrigo, Ms. N. Tambiah, R Abeysuriya, Vish Govindasamy, Prakash Schaffter, Dinesh Weerakkody and Ms. Aruni Rajakarier and Secretariat/ Secretary to the Council Ms. Radika Obeyesekere -CEO.
Speaking on the plans ahead Rasiah said: “SLID is now updating its popular Board Leadership Training Programme by revamping to take into consideration the modern changes and the “new norm” in the corporate world. I thank the IFC for its support and assistance given to us. SLID is now trying to build a regional relationship with IODs of India, Singapore and Malaysia while making good contacts and rapport with IODs of United Kingdom and Australia. Integration of global insights from these IODs will enrich our Board Leadership Training Programmes”.
“SLID from its humble beginnings has grown to be in stature and recognition in Sri Lanka today. The very fact there were many organisations willing to partner SLID in many ventures and the excellent response from members to be co-opted into various sub committees was certainly proof of the contribution SLID has been making. The theme of propagating Corporate Governance and training the potential and current directors were the main goals which have been carried out very well. SLID team travelled outstations regularly with the support of the local chambers to conduct seminars to promote Corporate Governance. However due to the current Covid-19 situation, this has been somewhat hampered. However the Secretariat, headed by new CEO, Ms Radika Obeyesekere was very active and conducted five webinars on important topics during the curfew period which were very well attended. Key sub committee forums; namely the audit forum headed by Suren Rajakarier, the Independent directors forum (INED) headed by Faizal Salieh and the recently formed Women Directors forum headed by Ms. Aroshi Nanayakkara have been active all along”.
Fabrice Cavallin Managing Director of Nestle Lanka illustrating his presentation with a video clip explained how Nestle Lanka dealt with the challenges during the Covid-19 situation and how the company empowered its staff by giving them visible leadership from the front, to identify and make the best of the new opportunities that arose with it.
Notably the SLID AMM approved by resolution, to ensure that women make up 25% of its Council Members.
Business
Exporters warn against ‘backdoor charges’, urge government to uphold transparent trade practices

The Joint Chambers of Commerce urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy. The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling charges (THC) through misleading claims to policymakers.
Calls were made to reinstate THC, citing alleged adverse impacts on the Port of Colombo. However, the Joint Chambers strongly reject this assertion, clarifying that there is no legal or operational void to “reinstate.” Port terminal handling charges are already paid by shipping lines under existing market contracts, and any further charges imposed on exporters or importers would constitute a reversion to pre-2014 cartel-like practices that hurt competitiveness and transparency.
Sean Van Dort, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, condemned the move, stating:
“This is yet another attempt by powerful intermediaries in the shipping and logistics sector to reintroduce anti-competitive fees through the backdoor. Exporters and importers already pay all-inclusive freight based on market terms. There is no free service being provided. What we are seeing is a push to extract surcharges from non-contracting parties, which is against global trade norms and local regulation.”
He added that since the 2014 regulation, introduced with support from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and based on INCOTERMS best practices, the Port of Colombo has seen volume growth and an increase in licensed agents—contrary to claims that the regulations have harmed the sector.
Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), also expressed concern:
“The apparel industry cannot afford renewed cost pressures or uncertainty due to policy shifts driven by narrow interests. Sri Lanka’s export sector is already under strain, and the Government must ensure that any regulatory changes are made with full industry consultation. Fragmented lobbying only undermines our national competitiveness.”
The Joint Chambers warned that unbundling freight charges to reintroduce THC would raise costs for manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately burden consumers through hidden costs. They reiterated that Sri Lanka’s competitiveness hinges on transparent and predictable trade policy.
The Chambers further cautioned that such attempts, often timed around transitions in political leadership or changes in ministerial portfolios, aim to exploit gaps in regulatory oversight. They urged the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, to act with integrity and consult all stakeholders—not just intermediaries with vested interests.
As the country focuses on rebuilding exports and attracting investment, the Joint Chambers reaffirm their commitment to protecting the interests of Sri Lankan businesses, exporters, and consumers alike, and called on the Government to uphold regulatory clarity and market fairness.
Business
LOLC Life Assurance signs strategic MoU with SMIB to strengthen Bancassurance services

LOLC Life Assurance, a fully owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings, has entered into a strategic partnership with the State Mortgage and Investment Bank (SMIB), one of the longest standing banks in Sri Lanka, to offer life endowment insurance solutions through its bancassurance channel.
With ownership of the most extensive bancassurance channel in Sri Lanka’s insurance industry, LOLC Life Assurance aims to provide SMIB customers across Colombo and its suburbs with innovative life endowment insurance solutions that seamlessly integrate with comprehensive protection, ensuring that SMIB customers have seamless access to high-quality life insurance solutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the presence of senior leadership teams from both organizations, marking a significant milestone in the development of LOLC Life Assurance’s Bancassurance channel. This collaboration aligns with LOLC Life Assurance’s commitment to providing tailored life assurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of SMIB’s customers.
Sharing his views on this landmark partnership, Jayantha Kalinga, COO of LOLC Life Assurance, stated, “This partnership with SMIB signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility to comprehensive life insurance solutions through strategic banking collaborations. We are excited to work closely with SMIB to offer tailored protection plans that enrich the lives of their customers with security and financial peace of mind.”
Thushara Asuramanna, CEO/General Manager of SMIB, also shared his thoughts, saying, “At SMIB, our goal is to enhance the value we provide to our customers through integrated financial solutions. Partnering with LOLC Life Assurance enables us to expand our offerings and provide customers with convenient access to trusted life insurance solutions that ensure their long-term financial security.”
Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to make a lasting positive impact on their customers’ financial well-being and life protection. By offering reliable, accessible, and trusted life insurance protection, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of SMIB’s customers in today’s dynamic financial landscape, reinforcing our shared vision for a secure and prosperous future.
Business
SLIIT launches new BA (Hons) in English Studies enabling students to master linguistic and communicative skills

Setting a new benchmark for English language education in Sri Lanka, SLIIT’s Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, has launched a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Studies degree programme.
This comprehensive four-year programme offers students unparalleled opportunities to master linguistic and communicative skills while accessing guaranteed career pathways in high-demand sectors. Unlike traditional English programmes, SLIIT’s degree uniquely combines theoretical excellence with practical industry applications, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. The programme’s distinctive tri-fold approach consisting of Language, Literature, and Communication, incorporated with 120 UGC-approved credits, positions students ahead of competitors in today’s challenging employment market. The programme’s key differentiators include an industry-integrated curriculum that connects academic learning with practical experience along with a research component as well. Students benefit from technology-enhanced learning environments that incorporate cutting-edge media technology integration, developing essential 21st-century communication skills.
The course also provides a captivating journey through diverse literary genres, periods, movements, and communities, featuring British, American, Commonwealth, European, and Sri Lankan contributions. From medieval classics to postmodern innovations, students develop a refined literary perspective. Additionally, the degree maintains a strong professional skills focus through specialized training in journalism, digital media, corporate communication, and strategic marketing, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in the modern communications environment. Programme highlights include an in-depth exploration of English grammar, academic writing, historical development, and diverse linguistic theories such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and discourse stylistics. Students acquire expertise in the use of media technology in language communication.
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