Business
Transitioning to Green energy seen as vital for sustainable development in SL
By Ifham Nizam
In a significant move towards sustainable development, Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, former Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, emphasized the urgent need for Sri Lanka to transition from fossil fuels to Green energy.
Prof. Munasinghe’s remarks were made during the launch of the National People’s Power (NPP) Energy Policy Framework titled “Energizing the National Renaissance,” held recently at the Courtyard Marriot in Colombo.
Prof. Munasinghe, a key figure in global sustainable development discourse, warned against continuing on the current path, which he described as “very risky.”
He called for a transformation of governance systems at all levels, stating that the NPP could play a critical role in catalyzing support for sustainable development by mobilizing business and civil society to work alongside the government.
Prof. Munasinghe added: ‘The Sustainable Development Triangle is one of the elements that show how Sri Lanka can take the first step towards balanced, inclusive, green growth. Sri Lanka is at a crucial juncture and must act now to ensure a safer and more secure future.
‘Sustainable development is the major challenge for humanity in the 21st century. At the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, we proposed the first principle for making global development more sustainable.
‘It is important to integrate the Sustainable Development Triangle, which includes three key elements—economy, society, and environment—into national policy. This approach is at the core of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which Sri Lanka endorsed in 2015.
‘Energy is one of these goals, but it is critically linked to all the other 16. It demands an integrated approach that addresses all problems together’.
Prof. Munasinghe lauded the NPP Energy Policy for building on this framework, positioning Sri Lanka on a path towards what he described as “balanced, inclusive green growth.”
The event also saw the participation of NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who echoed Prof. Munasinghe’s sentiments by emphasizing Sri Lanka’s potential in harnessing renewable energy resources such as wind and solar power. Dissanayake highlighted that the NPP’s energy policy aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on oil-based electricity generation and envisages transitioning to a green economy.
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.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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