Business
‘The lack of a proper management system hindering SL’s port efficiency’
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lanka does not have a proper port management system and this drawback causes tremendous delays when dealing with documentation. It will not serve the purpose even if the government expands port operations, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
“The government should not regulate the shipping industry but on certain occasions act as a regulator in order to protect the interests of the people. Streamlining the port management system will enable us to create an efficient port. Once the IMF agreement is signed we could develop the shipping industry with assistance from the private sector, De Silva said at the Sixth Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA). The event was held at the Cinnamon Grand on Monday.
De Silva added: ‘Colombo Port has no room for any expansion but the Asian Development Bank is planning to fund the North Port development project and the final feasibility report will be ready soon. Therefore, the private sector could take a leading role in its development activities.
‘Once the IMF agreement is signed we could get more funds for the development of the country. Initially Galle Port will be developed as a tourism and passenger hub in the country. Apart from that, Japan one of our main donor countries, has supported us with US $ 1 billion to set up a night vision system in Trincomalee Port.
‘A large number of investment opportunities are available in the Trincomalee area, especially to set up an LPG gas terminal. Other investments will flow into Sri Lanka once the IMF agreement is signed.
‘Further, the Indian government will invest US$ 50 million to build the break water system and develop other facilities at Kankesanthurai Port. Once the IMF agreement is signed, foreign funds will come into Sri Lanka, which would enable us to develop the country in a systematic manner.’
SLANA was formed to promote and protect the interests of NVOCC agents in Sri Lanka and to formulate national policies to elevate the maritime industry, together with the Ministry of Ports & Shipping. SLANA works with the SLPA, Director General of Merchant Shipping & Customs and other trade associations to identify and address issues faced by its members. Currently SLANA membership stands at 52.
SLANA was formed in 2016 by licensed agents in Sri Lanka representing Non-Vessel Operating Container Carriers who operate fleets of marine containers. The principal container fleets include 20ft & 40ft standard dry containers, refrigerated containers, liquid carrying ISO tank containers and dry special containers, such as flat racks & open tops.
The NVOCC membership consists mainly of regional carriers, who operate shipping services within the Indian sub-continent (including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives), Middle East Gulf Ports (including, Dubai, Sohar, Shuwaikh, Doha, Bandar Abbas, Umm Qasr) and Far East Ports (including Singapore, Port Klang, Busan, Hai Phong, Taiwan, and Base Ports in China).
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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