U.S. Soybean Export Council’s SUSTAINASUMMIT conference spotlights U.S. Soy’s role in building sustainable food systems.

Progressive leaders from across South Asia and U.S. Soy farmers gathered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the SUSTAINASUMMIT conference this week, hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council. Under the theme of “Now More Than Ever,” the conference served as a call to action, catalyzing South Asians to integrate sustainability into their businesses with a focus on responsible sourcing.

Sustainability: Beyond a trend, a business need

Sustainability is not just good for the environment; it also benefits the bottom line. According to PwC’s Voice of Consumer survey, customers are willing to pay 9.7% more for sustainable or sustainably sourced goods. This market shift proves that sustainability is here to stay, and corporations that adapt will increase market share, mitigate risks and continue to build brand preference.

“Sustainably verified U.S. Soy can play an integral role in meeting customers’ evolving needs for sustainable sourcing, from livestock and aquafeed to soy foods,” added Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “By choosing U.S. Soy, our customers gain a competitive advantage while continuing to build trust in the market.”

In a bold and strategic continuation of its mission to redefine Sri Lanka’s place in the global healthcare economy, AuroraRCM, a Financial Technology company revolutionizing healthcare revenue systems, has launched a nationwide initiative to develop the next generation of healthcare technology professionals.

This momentum follows a landmark MoU signed earlier this year with NSBM Green University, part of a broader network of partnerships AuroraRCM is building with top universities and academic institutions across Sri Lanka. These collaborations are laying the foundation for a powerful industry-academia alliance—one designed to groom world-class talent in the ever-evolving Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) space.

As the first major step in this journey, AuroraRCM has unveiled a first-of-its-kind workshop series aimed at sparking curiosity, raising awareness, and developing core skills in RCM—a hundred billion -dollar global industry that forms the financial backbone of healthcare systems.

“RCM is the invisible engine of healthcare—and our mission is to make it visible, valuable, and viable for the next generation,”, “This isn’t just a workshop series. It’s a national movement to unlock Sri Lanka’s true talent potential.” Team at AuroraRCM

AuroraRCM kickstarted this initiative with two back-to-back RCM101 workshops, drawing over 400+ students at its first stop—NSBM.

At the heart of this movement lies a future-facing vision: to position Sri Lanka as a premier hub for Revenue Cycle Management, powered by homegrown talent that is digitally skilled, globally competitive, and industry-ready.

By fusing classroom learning with real-world application, AuroraRCM is educating students on the vital role RCM plays in global healthcare, exposing them to a thriving career pathway, equipping them with hands-on tools and career-ready skills, and empowering them through direct access to internships and placements at AuroraRCM

“We’re building a pipeline of future healthcare leaders,” said Elisha Claessen, Strategy and Corporate Communications Lead at AuroraRCM.

“NSBM was just phase one. We’re taking this across the island—seeking out the brightest minds, boldest thinkers, and most driven talent. AuroraRCM is here to guide, mentor, and raise a generation that will redefine healthcare finance.”

With over six universities already onboard, AuroraRCM’s university engagement strategy is quickly gaining momentum. More partnerships are in the pipeline, as the company accelerates its vision of creating a nationwide RCM awakening—one that positions Sri Lanka not just as a source of talent, but as a strategic force in the global healthcare ecosystem.

The CSE yesterday bounced back but profit- takings were still noted. Moreover, investor optimism waned amid low activity though foreigners remained upbeat, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by19.65 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 6.94 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.4 billion with seven crossings.

Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 7.5 million share volumes to the tune of Rs 160 million and its shares traded at Rs 21.30, Vallibel One 2.1 million shares crossed for Rs141 million; its shares traded at Rs 69, Union Bank of Colombo 10 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 105 million; its shares sold at Rs 10.50, Commercial Bank 652,000 shares crossed for Rs 93.3 million; its shares traded at Rs 143, Hemas Holdings two million shares crossed for Rs 49.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 24, Dialog 2 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 31 million; its shares sold at Rs 15.50 and Sierra Cables 1.2 million share crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 17.40.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Dialog Rs 100.9 million (90.8 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 90.7 million (634,000 shares traded), Access Engineering Rs 87.5 million (2.3 million shares traded), Merchant Bank Rs 81.5 million (10.5 million shares traded), RIL Properties Rs 71.2 million (4.1 million shares traded), JKH Rs 70.5 million (3.3 million shares traded) and LB Finance Rs 59.6 million (103,000 shares traded). During the day 170 million share volumes changed hands in 18000 transactions.

It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and National Development Bank. Mixed interest was observed in JKH, Hayleys and JAT Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Beruwala Resorts, Kotagala Plantations and Browns Investments.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) while the sector index gained. The share price of Commercial Bank lost 50 cents to get to Rs. 143. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by 75 cents to Rs. 113.75.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to JKH and Hayleys), while the sector index increased. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by 10 cents to reach Rs. 21.10. The share price of Hayleys moved up by 25 cents to reach Rs. 141.00.

Yesterday the rupee opened at Rs 299.80/300.10 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger against previous day’s close of Rs 300.75/301.10 dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 was quoted flat at 9.75/85 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 10.17/25 percent, down from 10.20/25 percent. A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 10.67/73 percent, up from 10.65/75 percent. A bond maturing on 15.03.2035 was quoted at 10.95/11.05 percent. An auction of Rs. 157,500 million Treasury bills was ongoing.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne