By: Staff Writer

November 04, Colombo (LNW): In a strong move to boost women’s participation in international trade, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with Verité Research, successfully conducted a capacity-building program titled “Leveraging Trade Data for Export Success” on 21 October at the EDB Training Arena in Colombo.

The program, part of EDB’s ongoing Women Entrepreneurship Development initiative, brought together 35 women-led exporters representing multiple sectors of the economy. It aimed to equip participants with the analytical tools and technical skills needed to interpret trade data, assess global market trends, and make informed decisions that drive export growth.

Through interactive workshops and case-based learning, participants explored the use of trade data to identify market opportunities, assess competitiveness, and develop export strategies aligned with global demand patterns. The sessions also encouraged peer learning and collaboration, fostering a network of data-savvy women entrepreneurs committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s export performance.

The training was conducted by Verité Research’s International Economics Programme, a team widely recognised for its expertise in trade and economic policy analysis. Lead Economist Mathisha Arangala delivered practical insights into analysing trade statistics and leveraging them for export diversification. He was joined by Research Director Subhashini Abeysinghe, Economics Program Lead Malinda Meegoda, and Research Analyst Bulani Weerawadane, who guided participants through data interpretation and strategy formulation.

The workshop underscored how evidence-based decision-making can help exporters identify emerging markets, manage risks, and adapt to changing trade dynamics critical skills for women entrepreneurs navigating the competitive global marketplace.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, EDB officials said the program reflects the institution’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing access to professional knowledge, market intelligence, and mentorship. By developing their capacity to use trade data effectively, the EDB aims to strengthen the contribution of women-led businesses to Sri Lanka’s export economy and sustainable development goals.

The collaboration between EDB and Verité Research also demonstrated the impact of partnerships between research organisations and trade promotion agencies. It showcased how combining policy insight with practical business training can create transformative opportunities for women in export industries.

As global trade becomes increasingly data-driven, the EDB’s training initiative marks a vital step in ensuring Sri Lanka’s women exporters are equipped not only with ambition but also with the analytical capability to thrive in international markets.

By: Staff Writer

November 04, Colombo (LNW): In a strong display of corporate commitment to balanced national growth, East India Holdings, parent company of International Distillers Ltd. (IDL), has joined hands with The Management Club to back the upcoming Northern Economic Summit 2026 in Jaffna marking a pivotal moment in the private sector’s engagement with regional development.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, IDL Chief Executive Officer Janek Jayasekara said the initiative goes beyond conventional corporate sponsorship. It reflects a deeper belief that Sri Lanka’s prosperity depends on empowering all regions equally, particularly the historically underdeveloped Northern Province.

Chairman and Managing Director Ravimohan Tissanayagam’s personal connection to the region further strengthens this vision. Descended from the historic Tissanayagam–Barr Kumarakulasinghe family of Jaffna, Tissanayagam’s heritage reinforces his long-held conviction that national progress must be inclusive.

His late wife, Rukmini Tissanayagam a great-granddaughter of national icons Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam and Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan inspired the creation of the Rukmini Tissanayagam Trust, which today promotes education, empowerment, and community welfare across Sri Lanka.

Jayasekara described the Northern Province as standing at a “turning point of opportunity” — a region of resilience, talent, and promise. With infrastructure upgrades such as the Kankesanthurai Port, Palaly Airport, and the Yarl IT Hub, the North is positioned to become a vibrant hub for trade, technology, and innovation. East India Holdings envisions partnerships that create jobs, nurture women-led enterprises, and encourage environmentally sustainable, culturally rooted growth.

He described the Northern Economic Summit as more than a business forum — “a call to action” to connect vision with responsibility, linking local talent to global opportunities. “The private sector must lead not only with investment and innovation, but with empathy and genuine engagement,” Jayasekara said.

Meanwhile, Japan has deepened its commitment to post-conflict recovery in the North. The Government of Japan has granted $477,185 (approximately Rs. 144 million) to the humanitarian demining agency SHARP to clear over 180,000 square metres of land, enabling around 600 people to resettle and 1,500 others to restart livelihoods.

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata reaffirmed Tokyo’s long-standing partnership in reconciliation and regional development, highlighting the initiative as key to socio-economic healing in conflict-affected areas.

As Sri Lanka prepares for the Northern Economic Summit 2026, collaboration between the private sector, development partners, and local communities signals renewed hope. East India Holdings’ vision uniting heritage with progress, and enterprise with empathy may well define a new model for inclusive national growth rooted in reconciliation and shared prosperity.

By: Staff Writer

November 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) recorded a sharp downturn in overall profitability during the first half of 2025, with total profits falling to Rs. 227.8 billion, down from Rs. 280.7 billion in the same period last year, according to the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report released on October 31.

The slump was primarily driven by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which reversed from a historic profit to a net loss following tariff reductions earlier this year. The CEB’s revenue from electricity sales plunged nearly 39% to Rs. 192.6 billion, despite higher demand, while the average revenue per kilowatt-hour fell from Rs. 41.97 to Rs. 24.64. As a result, the utility posted a net loss of Rs. 13.2 billion, compared to a profit of Rs. 119.2 billion in 2024.

Although favourable weather helped lower thermal generation costs by nearly 9%, the reduced tariff structure and delayed cost-reflective pricing eroded margins. The Government has since implemented structural reforms through the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Act, No. 14 of 2025, establishing four new SOEs for generation, transmission, distribution, and system operation in a bid to restore efficiency and transparency.

The CEB’s reversal overshadowed robust performances by other major SOEs particularly the three State banks, which collectively posted strong growth in profitability. Bank of Ceylon’s pre-tax profit surged to Rs. 61.1 billion, from Rs. 22.4 billion a year earlier, supported by a 78% rise in net interest income.

People’s Bank reported its highest-ever half-year profit before tax at Rs. 28 billion, while the National Savings Bank saw a 55% profit increase to Rs. 31 billion, reflecting lower impairment costs and stronger balance sheets.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) reported a 17.9% decline in profits to Rs. 17 billion, driven by reduced global oil prices and a stronger rupee. The CPC also made partial repayments under its “tea-for-oil” barter deal with Iran, lowering dues to the National Iranian Oil Company from $191 million to $131 million.

Other utilities fared better. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board posted a net profit of Rs. 17.7 billion, up 28%, aided by lower electricity costs and expanded coverage, while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority achieved a Rs. 29.2 billion pre-tax profit as container throughput and revenue climbed sharply. Airport and Aviation Services Ltd. recorded a 31% increase in revenue, though foreign exchange losses reduced overall profits.

However, SriLankan Airlines continued to weigh on the public sector balance sheet, reporting a Rs. 10.7 billion loss despite higher passenger volumes. The airline’s accumulated losses exceeded Rs. 628 billion, with negative equity of Rs. 415 billion prompting a new five-year restructuring plan focused on cost-cutting and fleet rationalisation.

The Finance Ministry cautioned that while the SOE sector remains marginally profitable, its fiscal contribution declined to Rs. 11.7 billion, from Rs. 14.9 billion last year. To address mounting financial and governance issues, the Government is advancing a Public Commercial Enterprises Management Bill, which aims to professionalise management, improve accountability, and align SOEs with commercial discipline.

With 2025 shaping into a critical reform year, the performance of Sri Lanka’s State enterprises will test the Government’s commitment to fiscal prudence and structural transformation amid fragile public finances.