Business
The people should be allowed to express their opinion at the earliest opportunity – CBEOU
The people should be allowed to express their opinion with regard to the political future of the country at the earliest possible opportunity, the Central Bank Executive Officers Union (CBEOU) said in a press release.
The release:’ The primary demand of the people’s movement held on July 9, 2022 was to compel the then President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed to fill the vacant position due to the resignation of the President who left the country in the face of intense public pressure and the Parliament is expected to elect a new President on July 20, 2022.
‘We are of the opinion that there is no need for a detailed explanation about the current economic crisis faced by the country thus we believe that the House of Representatives also understand the gravity of the catastrophe. The most practical solution at the moment to get out of the crisis is to get involved in a program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as soon as possible, which even the outgoing regime had recognized though was too late.
‘Even though it has been more than two months since a new Cabinet was appointed after the political upheaval that happened on May 9, 2022, the continued delay in the implementation of the necessary reforms in the fiscal sector is not at all beneficial to the aforementioned program. On the other hand, the “Central Bank Act” drafted in 2019 for a more independent Central Bank which will support the stability of the country is yet to be passed in the Parliament and the IMF too has insisted that the Central Bank should be made more independent.
‘Political stability is essential to achieve economic stability, and there should be a guiding economic and political program that can be agreed upon by all political parties in the existing Parliament. For that, it is necessary to appoint a President and a Prime Minister who would have public recognition. Therefore, we insist that all political parties representing the Parliament actively engage to find a viable solution to the existing problem deprioritizing party politics and personal agendas.
‘We are of the view that the opinion of the general public is not reflected through the existing Parliament majority, as a result of the wrong and ill-timed decisions taken by the ruling party especially during the past two and half years. In this background, it is doubtful that an Executive President who will be elected by the current Parliament will have the social acceptance to stay in power for a longer period of time. In such a situation, it would be prudent to give an opportunity for the people to express their opinion at the very first instance when the basic level of stability of the country is fulfilled, and we hope that the incoming President and Prime Minister will attend to this matter with due consideration.’
Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.
The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.
Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.
The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.
The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.
Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).
Business
A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem
The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.
Establishment of the New Advisory Committee
To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:
• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.
• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.
• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.
New Trustee Appointment
Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.
A Vision for the Future
“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.
The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.
Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
Showers in the Western, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
22A, Judicature Amendment Bills passed with 2/3 majority
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