Business
Turkey’s foreign policy seen as vital to navigate current world instability
The Turkish government’s foreign policy priorities in a period of heightened global turbulence, stressing diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation are essential tools for navigating an increasingly unstable international environment, Turkey’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut said.
‘The turbulence and uncertainty of recent years have carried forward into 2026, with unresolved conflicts, shifting power balances and declining respect for a rules-based international order, Dr. Turgut explained at a foreign policy round table conducted recently by the Pathfinder Foundation Sri Lanka at the Colombo Club, Hotel Taj Samudra. It was presided over by Pathfinder Foundation Chairman, retired Ambassador Dr. Bernard Goonatilleke.
The Turkish ambassador stressed that while geography may separate Türkiye and Sri Lanka, both countries share a common aspiration for peace, stability and sustainable development at regional and global levels and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation at a time when collaboration is of the utmost importance.
Dr. Turgut added: ‘International relations are increasingly shaped by differing perspectives and interpretations of geography, history, and power.
‘Conflicts in seemingly distant regions can have significant ripple effects worldwide, reinforcing the need for informed and flexible foreign policy approaches.
‘The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza are defining crises of the present era.
‘These conflicts demonstrate both the limits of military power and the deep humanitarian costs of war, while also exposing a certain duplicity in the international system. The fragile nature of ceasefire efforts, particularly in Gaza, called for sustained international engagement to prevent further escalation and human suffering.
‘Of considerable note is the continued instability in the Middle East, including developments in Yemen, Iran and the Horn of Africa, as well as rising tensions in Europe and East Asia.
‘Increasing militarisation, proxy rivalries and geopolitical competition risk further erosion of global stability, while economic pressures and austerity measures could fuel political extremism in many regions.
‘Ankara’s approach is anchored in regional peace, stability, and independence. Türkiye continues efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of securing the Black Sea for global food security.
‘Full membership of the European Union remains a strategic priority for Türkiye and its engagement in Central Asia through the Organization of Turkic States with its focus on economic cooperation in energy along with transport corridors is important. Diplomacy remains the most effective and least costly instrument of foreign policy, particularly at a time of resource constraints and global uncertainty.
‘The international community needs to prioritise dialogue over confrontation and should uphold the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and cooperation in the pursuit of lasting peace.’
By Hiran H Senewiratne ✍️
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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