Business
Sri Lanka hosts world’s first Meditation Conference
By Professor Saroj Jayasinghe
Unknown to many, Sri Lanka has made history. Few in the country were likely aware that the UN General Assembly had declared December 21st as World Meditation Day. On December 6th, a momentous occasion took place. According to the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, the draft resolution L.27, titled “World Meditation Day,” was presented to the UN General Assembly.
A core group of six countries, including Liechtenstein, Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, and India, worked alongside Sri Lanka, which played a pivotal role in this achievement. Seventy-one member states from diverse geographical regions and cultural backgrounds co-sponsored the resolution, which was adopted by consensus without the need for a vote. The resolution acknowledges meditation’s universal contribution to health and well-being. Sri Lanka’s leadership in facilitating negotiations was instrumental in its adoption, marking a historic moment for the nation.
Unfortunately, this significant achievement received little prior publicity in Sri Lankan media, leaving many unaware of its importance. Nevertheless, with just 14 days until the inaugural World Meditation Day, a dedicated group of academics from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo took on the ambitious task of organizing an international academic conference, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the global map of meditation.
This event holds enduring significance as the world’s first conference dedicated to meditation, taking place on the very first World Meditation Day. The organizers collaborated with the Sri Lankan Mission for UNESCO, aligning the program with the UN resolution, which “invites all Member and observer States, organizations within the United Nations system, international and regional bodies, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to observe World Meditation Day in appropriate ways to raise awareness of the benefits of meditation.”
The outcome exceeded all expectations. The conference brought together experts and academics from nine countries, with over 250 registrants from around the world, reflecting global interest in meditation.
The online symposium commenced promptly at 9:00 AM Sri Lankan Time on December 21st and continued until 1:00 PM. The event opened with a welcome address by Senior Professor Vajira Dissanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo. This was followed by a message from Sri Lanka’s Chargé d’Affaires, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, who described the UN declaration as a significant step toward raising awareness of meditation’s contributions to health, well-being, and the broader vision of a peaceful, sustainable world. Dr. Sirimali Fernando, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted UNESCO’s role in promoting mental health through cultural initiatives such as meditation.
The academic program was thoughtfully curated, featuring diverse topics such as the global impact of meditation, its potential in achieving sustainability, and cutting-edge research.
Renowned meditators from the UK, Australia, the USA, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia shared their personal reflections, while participants from Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Thailand presented meditation practices unique to their countries. Groundbreaking research from India and Sri Lanka showcased meditation’s positive effects on bodily functions, the brain, well-being, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes.
A video presentation by the Centre for Meditation Research at the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo highlighted the work of seven doctoral students. Their research underscored meditation’s potential to promote social harmony and environmental awareness, emphasizing its relevance in fostering global peace and addressing the climate crisis.
Esteemed international speakers included Bhante Shravasti Dhammika from Australia, Ven. Luang Por Khemadhammo OBE from the UK, Malaysian practitioner Chee Bock Chwee, Dr. Karma Tenzin from Bhutan, Prof. Aurobinda Routray from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Dr. Moe Thida Kyaw representing Myanmar, Asst. Prof. Tanatchaporn Kittikong from Thailand, and Dr. Iresha Goonesinghe a cardiologist from the USA. Sri Lanka was represented by Professors Dilshani Dissanayake and Saroj Jayasinghe. The compere was Professor Jeevani Herath.
The symposium included a serene, guided meditation session led by Venerable Panadure Chandrarathana from the Nissarana Vanaya Forest Monastery in Sri Lanka. This session, joined by participants from across the globe, exemplified the unifying power of meditation.
The event received financial support from the University of Colombo, UNESCO, the Rekhi Foundation, and other contributors.
The Centre for Mediation Research can be reached at https://med.cmb.ac.lk/cmr/
(The writer is an advisor to The Centre for Mediation Research, University of Colombo)
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
Business
LOLC Life Assurance hosts MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 honouring top performers
LOLC Life Assurance recently hosted its MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, celebrating its 2025 MDRT qualifiers while aspiring the team to achieve even greater milestones in the year ahead. The event brought together senior leadership and top performing advisors in a distinguished forum focused on recognising performance excellence, sharing industry insights, and setting the strategic direction for continued success.
In 2025, the Company produced 89 MDRT qualifiers, including six Court of the Table (COT) and two Top of the Table (TOT) achievers, along with one Lifetime MDRT member. Representing Agency and Bancassurance channels, these professionals demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering responsible financial guidance and long-term protection solutions to individuals and families across Sri Lanka.
The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is globally recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the life insurance and financial services profession. Membership is reserved for individuals who meet rigorous production targets and uphold strict ethical standards. Achieving MDRT status is widely regarded as a mark of credibility, trust, and advisory distinction.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance stated, “It is with great pride that we recognise our MDRT qualifiers for their dedication, discipline, and integrity, which set a benchmark of excellence for our advisory force and reflect the customer-first values that define LOLC Life Assurance. These achievers deserve recognition not only for meeting targets or selling policies, but also for safeguarding families, empowering individuals to build their legacies, and supporting financial independence, providing certainty and confidence in an unpredictable world. In acknowledging their exceptional contributions, I congratulate all our MDRT qualifiers and am confident they will continue to deliver meaningful financial protection while creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”
Further echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jayantha Kalinga, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Life Assurance added, “This Summit not only celebrates the outstanding performance of our MDRT achievers in 2025 but also acknowledges the resilience, consistency, and customer dedication demonstrated by our teams throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen capabilities through structured development initiatives, advanced training tools, and robust operational support, empowering our advisors to serve clients with confidence and professionalism while further expanding our MDRT presence in the years ahead.”
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