Business
University of Moratuwa and Union Bank link-up to help ‘transform Sri Lanka’s future education’
By Ifham Nizam
Senior Professor N.D. Gunawardena, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, highlighted the university’s journey in ‘transforming the future of education in Sri Lanka’, as a crucial role.
Speaking at an event held at The Taj Samudra, last week in association with the Union Bank, the Vice-Chancellor connected the Bank’s motto, “Transform Real Lives,” with the university’s mission to revolutionize education and make an impact on students.
The Bank announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Moratuwa and the National Innovation Agency to support the National Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NEDP). This initiative aims to empower SMEs and youth aspiring to become entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka.
‘From the beginning, we have been transforming lives, the Vice-Chancellor remarked, noting that the University attracts top students from across the nation, securing the “best of the best” for its programs.
‘The University of Moratuwa, renowned for its emphasis on technological education, continues to see overwhelming demand, particularly within its Engineering Faculty, which now enrolls 90% of the top 10% of students in the country, the Vice Chancellor explained.
The Moratuwa University VC added: ‘The University’s commitment to innovation is also reflected in its unique academic offerings. The university boasts Sri Lanka’s only dedicated faculty for Information Technology and is the sole state university with a specialized architecture faculty. The popularity of its Artificial Intelligence program further underscores its leadership in cutting-edge fields.
‘The University’s achievements in Business Education is also notable. As the first Dean of the Business Faculty, I encountered challenges in launching the program in 2017, when the intake was a modest 100 students. Today, the Faculty has expanded to include streams in Financial Services, Business Course Management, and Business Analytics, positioning the University as a formidable competitor even against established institutions like the University of Sri Jayawardenepura.
“Our approach has been one of differentiation. The University has tailored its Medical Faculty to stand out by integrating medical technology, a unique feature among Sri Lankan institutions.
‘We take pride in the ongoing efforts to change the lives of students and the University is continuously commitment to being in the forefront of education in Sri Lanka.
‘We have established a private company within the university, linked to the National Entrepreneurship Development Programme, as a key initiative in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students.’
The mentioned MOU was signed in the presence of Nirvana Chaudhary, chairman of Union Bank, Dilshan Rodrigo, Director/CEO of the Union Bank and Senior Professor N.D. Gunawardena.
The NEDP certificate course aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to launch and grow their social enterprises. The program will be open to Sri Lankan citizens aged 18 and above who are passionate about driving social change and demonstrate a commitment to advancing their social enterprise ideas.
The University of Moratuwa, with its tested and approved short course offerings, will co-brand the program with the Union Bank and the National Innovation Agency, ensuring a robust and impactful initiative. This partnership underscores Union Bank’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Sri Lanka.
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.
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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