Business

SL’s Livestock Insurance Scheme – a historic first

Published

7 months ago

2025/08/21

Key dignitaries at the launch of the insurance scheme.

In a bold step to address one of Sri Lanka’s most pressing conservation and rural development challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) and LOLC Insurance, under the guidance of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), on Tuesday unveiled the country’s first Livestock Insurance Scheme.

The pioneering initiative provides rapid monetary compensation within 72 hours to farmers who lose livestock to leopard attacks, marking a first in Sri Lanka — and in the wider South Asian region. By cushioning the financial shock for rural communities, the scheme aims to eliminate retaliatory killings of the endangered Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), while also securing the economic stability of farming families.

“This programme offers a practical and timely solution to a long-standing challenge in leopard conservation, said Ranjan Marasinghe, Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, speaking at the United Nations compound in Colombo.

He added: “By ensuring affected farmers are compensated swiftly and fairly, we reduce the risk of retaliatory actions and build trust between communities and conservation authorities.”

The Sri Lankan leopard, the island’s only apex predator, plays a crucial role in regulating ecosystems. Yet habitat loss, fragmentation and declining prey populations increasingly force leopards to target livestock, creating tension in rural areas bordering parks such as Yala, Wilpattu, and Horton Plains. For farmers, a single attack can wipe out months of income, often triggering fatal revenge killings of leopards.

Baseline surveys conducted under the Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project by WNPS and LOLC revealed frequent livestock predation in buffer zone villages, with many incidents going unreported due to mistrust of authorities. The insurance model was designed directly in response to these findings.

UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) will fund the premium, while LOLC Insurance acts as the provider. When a predation event occurs, affected farmers report it to a designated WNPS officer. DWC officials, together with veterinary and Grama Niladhari officers, verify the claim, after which compensation is released directly to the farmer’s account — typically within 72 hours.

Kithsiri Gunawardena, chairman of LOLC Insurance, described the initiative as a milestone for the private sector: “We are proud to introduce Sri Lanka’s first livestock compensation policy for leopard-related predation. This pioneering initiative reflects our long-term commitment to safeguarding biodiversity while supporting rural livelihoods. By working together, we can create sustainable solutions where both communities and wildlife can thrive.”

The programme also goes beyond financial relief. It promotes preventative measures such as predator-proof night enclosures, communal livestock pens and an innovative ‘Cattle Bank’ system, which allows farmers to receive replacement animals rather than cash. These approaches aim to reduce losses while encouraging coexistence.

Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, emphasised the wider significance: “Protecting the leopard is not an isolated act of conservation. It is a collective commitment to preserving biodiversity and economic opportunities. If this model succeeds, Sri Lanka can set a global precedent for balancing community needs with wildlife protection.”

Kubota added that UNDP will support a grassroots communication campaign to ensure effective participation of farmers, veterinary officers, and conservation staff.

For BIOFIN, which operates in over 130 countries, Sri Lanka’s scheme is a regional first. Annabelle Trinidad, BIOFIN’s Regional Technical Lead, said: “Insurance is part of a wider nature risk management approach. Today, Sri Lanka sets a benchmark for Asia in addressing human–wildlife conflict through finance solutions.”

The project also builds on WNPS’s 131-year legacy of leading conservation initiatives — from the establishment of Yala and Wilpattu National Parks to current work on species and ecosystem protection.

Spencer Manuelpillai, Project Lead at WNPS, explained: “The need for such a programme emerged through research. Rather than endlessly debating the issue, we chose to act — developing a practical mechanism that addresses a long-standing challenge in leopard conservation while supporting communities who share their landscapes.”

Graham Marshall, President of WNPS, echoed this: “Lasting conservation depends on long-term solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. This compensation programme is rooted in science, partnerships, and trust-building. Experiencing it come to life is a rewarding moment in our society’s history.”

The Sri Lankan Leopard is more than just a conservation priority — it is also a key tourism asset. Thousands of international visitors flock annually to Sri Lanka’s national parks hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive big cat, generating significant foreign exchange revenue. By reducing leopard killings and promoting coexistence, the insurance scheme indirectly strengthens eco-tourism potential while stabilising rural economies.

As Marshall pointed out, addressing livestock predation is not just about saving a species. “It’s about building lasting harmony between the wild and humans — a model Sri Lanka can lead the world in.”

By Ifham Nizam

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Business

Cargills adopts Crow Island Beach in partnership with Clean Ocean Force Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

2026/03/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Cargills Food and Beverage Ltd. through its brands KIST and Knuckles, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Clean Ocean Force Lanka (COF) to adopt Crow Island Beach for one year, reinforcing its commitment to long-term coastal conservation in Sri Lanka.

This pioneering initiative is designed to protect and preserve the coastal environment through several key measures, including the removal of plastic and other pollutants from the beach and surrounding coastal area. As part of the adoption programme, the beach will be maintained daily with the support of dedicated beach caretakers, while also supporting their livelihoods by providing meaningful income opportunities.

Marking the partnership and in celebration of World Recycling Day, a coastal clean-up programme was conducted at Crow Island Beach to remove plastic and other manmade pollutants. Volunteers from Cargills, Clean Ocean Force Lanka, the Interact Club of Colombo, the Colombo Municipal Council and the Women’s Force of COF Negombo (Sri Vimukthi Association) participated in the clean-up with support from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the Sri Lanka Police Environmental Division and the Ministry of Local Government and Environment as well as the Crow Island Beach Park Society.

Jerome Fernando, Chairman & Co-founder of Clean Ocean Force Lanka said that, “Marine & Coast Conservation demands a unified front. Our unique Public-Private-People Partnership model is the cornerstone of our mission, and today, we are thrilled to welcome Cargills (Ceylon) PLC as a vital partner in this journey adopting the Crow Island Beach for the next one year. This collaboration will not only amplify our efforts to eliminate plastic and manmade pollutants from our beaches, but also reinforce our commitment to empowering marginalized communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities. Cargills’ deep-rooted dedication to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing perfectly aligns with our vision.”

Jagath Gunasekara, General Manager of MEPA added, “The Marine Environment Protection Authority consistently promotes active private sector engagement in marine and coastal conservation, as well as pollution control initiatives. This approach aligns closely with our Beach Caretaker Programme. We are pleased to collaborate with Cargills (Ceylon) PLC in the adoption of Crow Island Beach through our long-standing partnership with Clean Ocean Force Lanka.”

During the event, Knuckles also launched Sri Lanka’s first tethered bottle cap, introducing a packaging innovation aimed at improving plastic waste management and supporting recycling efforts. The tethered cap is designed to remain attached to the bottle after opening, reducing the likelihood of caps being discarded separately. Bottle caps are among the most commonly littered plastic items globally and frequently enter landfills and waterways due to their small size and low collection rates.

Speaking on the initiative, Arjuna Kumarasinghe, Managing Director of Cargills Food & Beverage Ltd., said, “Cargills has always believed in taking responsibility for the communities and environments around us. By adopting Crow Island Beach, we’re able to work closely with our partners and local volunteers to protect this part of our coastline. Launching the tethered bottle cap is another way we’re addressing plastic waste and making recycling easier for everyone.”

Business

CBSL adopts cautious stance in the face of economic uncertainties

Published

11 hours ago

2026/03/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe; focus on inflation stabilization

The Central Bank is keeping its overnight policy rates unchanged, adopting a cautious stance amid uncertainty over the inflationary impact of energy prices due to the Middle East crisis.

‘We maintained the overnight policy rate at 7.75 percent, considering low inflation and a restrained approach on the fallout of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Central Bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe said.

The Governor made these remarks yesterday at a press briefing held at the Central Bank head office in Colombo to announce the monthly monetary policy stance.

Dr Weerasinghe added: ‘Inflation is now expected to reach the Central Bank’s target of 5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, after Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by about 35 percent this month.

‘However, spillovers from the ongoing conflict could weigh on domestic economic activity in the period ahead should the conflict be prolonged.

‘The rates were steady since last May as the nation recovers from a 2022 financial crisis driven by a severe dollar shortage.

‘Supported by a US$ 2.9 billion programme with the IMF, Sri Lanka posted a strong economic recovery last year, growing by 5 percent and now targeting growth between 4 percent and 5 per cent in 2026.

‘What stands out is that they see space for inflation to rise because of energy prices but still stay contained.

‘From now to June, underlying economic momentum has the space to keep pace despite the disruption because domestic liquidity and credit has been quite substantial as well.

‘An IMF team will arrive in Colombo on Friday for the combined fifth and sixth reviews of the bailout.

‘Furthermore, Gross Official Reserves increased to US$ 7.3 billion at end February 2026 and the Central Bank purchased a substantial amount of foreign exchange from the market in the first two months of the year.

‘However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses risks to Sri Lanka’s external sector outlook, particularly through energy, tourism, trade and remittance flows, although the overall magnitude of the impact remains uncertain.

‘While the Sri Lanka rupee remained relatively stable in early 2026, some depreciation pressures were observed following the onset of the Middle East conflict, similar to the exchange rates of regional peers.

‘Meanwhile, the Monetary Policy Board remains prepared to implement appropriate policy measures to ensure that inflation stabilizes around the target, while supporting the economy to reach its potential.’

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Business

Dialog Unveils Dialog Play Mini with Netflix and Apple TV

Published

11 hours ago

2026/03/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dialog Television, Sri Lanka’s #1 Pay-TV service provider, has announced the latest upgrade to its smart entertainment lineup with the Dialog Play Mini, featuring seamless access to global streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV and YouTube, alongside the Dialog Play entertainment ecosystem for a unified viewing experience. Previously known as the ViU Mini, the device has now been reintroduced as the Dialog Play Mini, reflecting the evolution of Dialog’s digital entertainment platform under the Dialog Play brand.

The Dialog Play Mini transforms any television into a smart 4K entertainment hub by enabling hybrid multi-platform streaming across leading global and local content platforms, delivering a smoother, more intuitive viewing experience. Whether enjoying Netflix originals, Apple TV exclusives, or local favorites, households can now experience world-class entertainment in one compact device.

The Dialog Play Mini brings a streamlined, user-friendly experience to any home setup. Its single numeric-keypad remote controls both the TV and the device, offering simplicity and convenience for everyday viewing. With multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, hotspot, LAN, or wingle, the device ensures uninterrupted entertainment even in areas without smart TVs or advanced broadband setups.

Bridging the gap between entry-level set-top boxes and premium Android TV devices, the Dialog Play Mini offers a plug-and-play smart experience. Supported by Dialog’s nationwide service network, local warranty, and after-sales care, it delivers a reliable, feature-rich entertainment experience for Sri Lankan homes.

“With Dialog Play Mini, entertainment becomes more directly accessible for every Sri Lankan home – with or without a Smart TV,” said Lim Li San, Group Chief Operating Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC. “By bringing Netflix, Apple TV, YouTube, and Dialog Play together in one compact 4K-ready device, we’re redefining home entertainment through simplicity, innovation, and the power of connectivity.”

The Dialog Play Mini is now available at Dialog Experience Centers and authorized retailers islandwide. To purchase online, please visit

https://dialog.lk/dialog-play-mini