Business
Ties among Japan, India and Sri Lanka seen as crucial for regional development
The critical importance of growing ties among Japan, India and Sri Lanka for regional development was stressed by the founder of the Pathfinder Foundation Milinda Moragoda recently. Among other things, he also pointed to the crucial significance of growing India-Sri Lanka connectivity in taking development to Northern Sri Lanka.
A Pathfinder Foundation press release said in this connection: ‘Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of trilateral cooperation between Japan, Sri Lanka, and India. The event, held at the newly renovated Japanese embassy, brought together high-level representatives from all three countries and was attended by representatives of Japanese investors in Chennai, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Chennai, and key members of the Sri Lankan business community.
‘The trilateral trade and investment promotion mission was organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Chennai and the Japanese embassy in Colombo in collaboration with JETRO. Coincidentally, Pathfinder Foundation participated in this important trilateral promotional event that took place on the last day of Japanese ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki’s tenure in Sri Lanka.
‘In his keynote speech, Moragoda expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Mizukoshi’s influential role during a critical period for Sri Lanka. The ambassador’s leadership, particularly during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, was praised for his steadfast support of the country and its people. Moragoda noted that the ambassador was pivotal in promoting key projects that would positively impact Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and development.
‘The event also served as a platform to discuss the growing potential for trilateral cooperation between Japan, Sri Lanka and India. Moragoda emphasised the importance of investing in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, a region ripe with opportunities, particularly in the power and energy sectors. He stressed that strengthening connectivity between India and Sri Lanka could unlock significant economic benefits, spur further investment, and enhance regional growth.
‘Dr. Dayaratna Silva, Executive Director of the Pathfinder Foundation, made a comprehensive presentation on the prospects for trilateral cooperation in key sectors such as trade, renewable power and energy connectivity. He highlighted the growing convergence of interests between Japan, Sri Lanka, and India, emphasising leveraging shared opportunities in the energy sector. He outlined specific projects that could foster deeper ties, promoting a mutually beneficial framework for sustainable power and energy development that would connect with the larger regional network. The Pathfinder Foundation was represented at the event by its Chairman, Bernard Goonetilleke, and Director PF, Ahmad A. Jawad.’
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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