A delegation led by Prof. Wang Weijia, Director of the Research Centre for Global Governance and International Communication at the Institute of Area Studies and Dean of the Institute of International Communication at Peking University, China, conducted a series of high-level research interviews in Colombo recently.

During their visit, the delegation met with several government and state sector representatives, members of legal fraternity, members of the armed forces and experts from leading international affairs think tanks, engaging in wide-ranging discussions on Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Trade and Investment as Key Growth Drivers

At a meeting with Hanif Yusoof, Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investments and Governor of the Western Province, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions on Sri Lanka’s international trade and investment landscape. Governor Yusoof noted that international trade and foreign direct investment are critical to Sri Lanka’s future economic growth, with logistics, energy, and tourism identified as priority sectors for attracting foreign capital.

He further highlighted the longstanding involvement of Chinese enterprises in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, energy, road, and telecommunications sectors, noting their significant contribution to the country’s economic development. Looking ahead, he stressed that Sri Lanka should leverage its strategic geographic position to build regional supply chain networks and deepen cooperation with Chinese enterprises in export-oriented manufacturing.

A Relationship “Beyond Commercial”

Speaking with Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the delegation explored various dimensions of the Sri Lanka-China relationship. Dr. Suriyapperuma emphasized that the two countries are bound by longstanding historical, cultural and sentimental ties that extend well “beyond commercial and transactions”.

In this context, he highlighted Port City Colombo as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and China, and described the project as an important platform with the potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth and international connectivity.

Exploring New Models of Cooperation

During the interview with Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Acting Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s current investment landscape and potential new models for Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Dr. Jayawardena noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) projects such as Port City Colombo generate both direct and indirect economic benefits, including foreign capital inflows, employment opportunities for local citizens, and technology transfer. Beyond infrastructure development, he noted that high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles should serve as key areas for deeper Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Looking ahead, he hopes to leverage academic and think-tank institutions such as Peking University to create more platforms for mutual exchange and collaboration. In particular, he highlighted the value of learning from China’s experience in special economic zone governance, manufacturing development, and workforce training, with a view to exploring new avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation.

Throughout the visit, Prof. Wang introduced Peking University’s academic strengths in area studies and international communication to the officials and experts engaged during the delegation’s meetings. He also expressed the university’s commitment to conducting further research aligned with Sri Lanka’s development priorities, while fostering scholarly and cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding and serve as a bridge between the two countries.

Global oil markets saw Brent crude slip below US $ 80 dollars per barrel yesterday as stock investors responded to a road map to a final US-Iran peace agreement mediated by Qatar and Pakistan.

Amid those developments both indices moved downward. The All Share Price Index went down by 84.91 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 15.33 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 1.2 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Ceylinco Holdings, which crossed 40000 shares to the tune of Rs 124 million; its shares traded at Rs 3100 and NDB 196,000 shares crossed for Rs 22 million; its shares sold at Rs 110.

In the retail market, companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; NDB Rs 90 million (821,800 shares traded), Lanka Realty Investments Rs 81 million (1.4 million shares traded), Access Engineering Rs 36 million (461,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 28 million (136,000 shares traded), Overseas Realty Rs 25 million (495,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 24 million (1.2 million shares traded) and Royal Ceramics Rs 22 million (484,000 shares traded). During the day 38 million share volumes changed hands in 14650 transactions.

It is said that banking sector counters, especially NDB, led the market, while construction related companies, especially Access Engineering and Overseas Reality, performed well.

The telegraphic transfer rate for Sri Lanka’s rupee against the US dollar was Rs 329.50 buying, Rs 338.50 selling; the euro was Rs 375.1846 selling, Rs 389.1016 buying; and the pound was Rs 434.5227 buying, Rs 448.5683 selling.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

FitsAir commences only direct air service between Colombo and Ahmedabad

FitsAir officially commenced direct operations between Colombo and Ahmedabad on 19th June 2026, becoming the only airline to offer non-stop flights between the two cities. Operating three times weekly, the new service strengthens connectivity between Sri Lanka and Western India while offering greater convenience for both leisure and business travellers.

Ahmedabad, one of India’s leading commercial centres and the gateway to Gujarat, represents a key market for tourism, trade and investment. The new route supports growing demand for direct travel while creating new opportunities for business and cultural exchange between the two destinations. only

The inaugural flight marks another milestone in FitsAir’s network expansion strategy, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through affordable and convenient travel.

A special launch ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion, attended by representatives from FitsAir, the travel trade, tourism sector, Walker’s Tours, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Cinnamon Life City of Dreams.

Speaking at the launch, Ammar Kassim, Executive Director of FitsAir, said, Routes transcend airports- they connect dreams, drive trade, and build partnerships. We are excited to launch our newest direct service between Colombo and Ahmedabad, the only non-stop link of its kind. This milestone simplifies travel while unlocking new opportunities for tourism, trade, and economic collaboration between Sri Lanka and Gujarat in India.”

Passengers can now book flights between Colombo and Ahmedabad through www.fitsair.com, the FitsAir ticketing office and authorised travel agents.