The European Union (EU), through the UNIDO-led BESPA-FOOD initiative, is backing Sri Lanka’s coconut industry in implementing a 10-year strategic roadmap to transform it into a $2 billion export powerhouse.

This ambitious plan is being developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), and the newly formed Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI).

To kickstart the initiative, the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure recently organized a workshop that brought together public and private sector representatives.

 A select committee, chaired by the Ministry Secretary, will convene in mid-February to assess the workshop’s findings and formulate the next steps for executing the roadmap.

Ministry Secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized that Sri Lanka’s coconut industry stands at a pivotal juncture. While production and supply challenges persist, the roadmap will offer a structured strategy to enhance global competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

The BESPA-FOOD project, funded by the EU, is set to provide technical expertise and solutions to address critical issues such as low productivity, value addition, and quality improvements.

Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through initiatives like BESPA-FOOD. 

He highlighted that clear, actionable steps are necessary to enhance productivity, improve quality standards, and empower rural communities involved in coconut farming.

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is leading the formulation of the strategic roadmap, incorporating insights from industry stakeholders to address market challenges and build resilience. 

The plan will focus on boosting domestic production, optimizing supply chains, and increasing value addition to meet international demand.

Formation of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries

A significant milestone for the sector was the recent establishment of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI). 

Officially launched on August 29, 2024, at the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the CCCI aims to unite key industry players to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and enhance global market access for Sri Lankan coconut products.

 Sri Lanka’s coconut industry currently generates over $800 million in annual export revenue, with aspirations to reach $1.5 billion. The CCCI, the first organization of its kind in the country, seeks to elevate product quality and global competitiveness through collaboration across industry sectors.

This initiative has been facilitated by UNIDO under the EU-funded BESPA-FOOD project, along with Ernst & Young.

Ranil De Saram, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young and the first General Secretary of CCCI, described the chamber as a platform to unify the industry, drive innovation, and advocate for policies supporting sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jairo Villamil Diaz from UNIDO stressed the importance of the chamber in modernizing the sector and enhancing the livelihoods of those involved in the coconut value chain.

The CCCI has received backing from key industry associations, including the Coconut Growers Association, various manufacturers’ associations, and state agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries.

These partnerships aim to drive policy advocacy, promote sustainable farming, and expand market opportunities.Looking forward, the CCCI envisions a thriving coconut industry that ensures national food security, supports rural livelihoods, and strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in the global coconut market. 

By focusing on sustainability, value addition, and technology adoption, the chamber seeks to lead Sri Lanka’s coconut industry into a prosperous future

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is set to introduce regulations for vehicle repair garages in an effort to enhance road safety and efficiency amid rising accident rates.

Addressing a press conference on the 6th, Chief Examiner of Motor Vehicles, Sujeewa Tennakoon, emphasized the need to scrutinize both the expertise of garage employees and the quality of repair equipment used.

This move comes as a response to concerns that negligence by vehicle owners contributes to road accidents.Tennakoon also advocated for digitization as a means of improving traffic management and safety.

He highlighted the importance of digital vehicle monitoring systems and the transition to digital driving licenses, which were approved by the Cabinet in 2024. He pointed out that the cost of printing physical licenses is substantial, making digital alternatives a more efficient solution.

In addition to vehicle maintenance issues, the police have identified pedestrian safety as a major concern. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Indika Hapugoda, noted that obstructions on pavements often force pedestrians to walk on roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

Unauthorized roadside businesses and illegally parked vehicles contribute significantly to this issue. Despite existing regulations prohibiting parking on pavements, enforcement remains a challenge. The police reiterated that illegally parked vehicles would be towed to ensure pedestrian safety.

Traffic congestion around international schools was another issue highlighted by Hapugoda. He attributed the problem to the limited use of public transport, leading to a high concentration of private vehicles during school hours. To mitigate congestion, he suggested implementing quality shuttle services and enhancing public transport options.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Automobile Services Providers Association raised concerns about the growing preference for replacing car parts rather than repairing them. Association President,

Amal Piyatilake, noted that many dealerships now opt to replace damaged components instead of refurbishing them, negatively impacting local service workers who specialize in vehicle repairs.

He explained that in developed countries, it is common practice to sell damaged vehicles rather than repair them, as it is often more cost-effective. However, in Sri Lanka, where many depend on repair-based jobs, preserving this craft remains essential.

Piyatilake also argued that excessive imports of replacement parts contribute to currency depreciation. However, economists suggest that broader monetary policy reforms, rather than restricting imports, are necessary to stabilize the rupee.

The trend of using second-hand parts from Japan instead of new components has been growing in Sri Lanka over the past two decades. While this practice saves time, it reduces the need for extensive mechanical repairs.

During the import control era of the 1970s, Sri Lankan mechanics often had to fabricate spare parts using lathe machines, causing prolonged vehicle downtimes. A car owner who recently replaced a damaged bumper expressed no concerns about part replacement, as his insurance covered the cost and the vehicle looked as good as new.

However, independent auto repairers are feeling the impact of these changes, as they are losing business to authorized dealerships. Industry representatives claim that although 80 to 88 percent of accident-related repairs are handled by independent garages, dealerships claim 60 percent of total insurance payouts.

They are now calling for regulations to ensure fair competition and sustain the livelihoods of local repair workers.

By Adolf

On February 3, 2025, Harry Jayawardena passed away in Colombo at the age of 82. His demise marked the end of an era, but his contributions will continue to influence Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.Deshamanya Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena, widely known as Harry Jayawardena, was a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s business landscape. Born on August 17, 1942, in Ja-Ela, British Ceylon, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the nation’s most influential industrialists. His journey from a tea trader to a business magnate exemplifies determination, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Early Life and Career

Harry Jayawardena began his professional journey in the tea industry, joining a British-owned tea export firm as a tea trader. His keen business acumen soon led him to the State Trading Corporation (Consolidated Exports), commonly known as Consolexpo Ltd., where he headed the Tea Department. During the 1970s, under Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike’s administration, Consolexpo held a monopoly over Sri Lanka’s tea exports, providing Jayawardena with invaluable experience in international trade.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In 1977, Jayawardena ventured into the private sector by founding Stassen Exports Limited, focusing on exporting Ceylon Tea. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t t stop there; in 1988, his companies acquired a significant stake in Hatton National Bank, Sri Lanka’s largest private commercial bank. Later a few more bank’s stakes. This move marked the beginning of a series of strategic investments across various sectors.

In 1992, under his leadership, his business empire secured a controlling interest in the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL), marking the largest transaction in the history of the Colombo Stock Exchange at that time. By 2007, DCSL had become a top company under Jayawardena’s visionary leadership.

Diverse Business Interests

Harry Jayawardena’s business interests were vast and varied. He held significant positions in several leading companies:

Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka: As Chairman, he oversaw the company’s growth into a dominant player in the beverage industry.

Aitken Spence PLC: Appointed to the board in April 2000, he became Chairman in April 2003, steering the conglomerate into new ventures and markets.

Lanka Milk Foods: As Chairman and Founder, he played a pivotal role in promoting dairy products in Sri Lanka. 

Lanka Bell: Under his chairmanship, the company emerged as a significant player in the telecommunications sector. 

His portfolio also included interests in plantations, hospitality, insurance, banking and telecommunications, reflecting his versatile business strategy.

Public Sector

Harry Jayawardena was a shrewd and ruthless businessman who understood the intersection of politics and business, leveraging the political system to expand his influence and secure strategic advantages. While he was primarily known as a private sector giant, his close connections with successive governments allowed him to hold key positions and influence decision-making in Sri Lanka’s corporate and economic landscape.Jayawardena’s business empire grew significantly during the liberalization of the Sri Lankan economy in the late 1970s under President J.R. Jayewardene. His experience at the State Trading Corporation (Consolexpo) under the socialist policies of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in the 1970s had already given him insights into state-controlled trade, particularly in tea exports. When the economy opened up, he capitalized on the new opportunities. Over the decades, Jayawardena maintained close relationships with key political figures, adapting his strategies to different administrations. It is said his ability to navigate the political landscape ensured that his business interests were protected and often expanded through regulatory and policy decisions that favored his enterprises.

Honors and Recognitions

In recognition of his contributions to Sri Lanka’s industry, and his efforts in turning round Sri Lankan Airlines Jayawardena was awarded the title of Deshamanaya by the President of Sri Lanka in 2005. Further cementing his international reputation, in 2010, he was appointed Knight of the Order of Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe II for his services as the Honorary Consul General for Denmark in Sri Lanka.

Jayawardana was a shrewd businessman who understood the intersection of politics and business,

Legacy of Jayawardana 

Harry Jayawardena’s legacy is characterized by his transformative impact on Sri Lanka’s corporate sector. He was instrumental in elevating several Sri Lankan companies to international prominence. His leadership style, marked by strategic foresight and an unyielding drive for success, served as an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Harry Jayawardena’s life story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, resilience, and hard action, leading to solid results . From his early days in the tea industry to building a diversified business empire, he remained committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s position in the global market. His legacy as a business legend will endure, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and innovation.Now, it is left to his 3 children to carry on his legacy without losing their way or becoming vulnerable to competition.

LNW

SriLankan Airlines has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot named ‘Yaana’ to enhance customer support and streamline passenger inquiries.

‘Yaana’ integrates advanced AI and natural language processing technologies to assist with various customer queries efficiently. According to Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution at SriLankan Airlines, the chatbot has already managed nearly 12,000 inquiries, resolving 88% of them autonomously.

Developed in collaboration with CodeGen International, ‘Yaana’ is now available on the airline’s corporate website. It is designed to operate in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a broader customer base.

The Ministry of Health has placed advance orders for 862 essential medicines and over 5,000 surgical items required for 2025, marking the first time such a proactive measure has been taken, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa announced.

Key institutions, including the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC), and the Medical Supplies Division (MSD), are collaborating to streamline the procurement process.

“For the first time in history, the MSD has, by January 31, placed an order for 862 essential medicines and surgical items needed for the next year through the SPC. This was made possible due to the voluntary service of employees in these institutions,” Minister Jayathissa stated.

Additionally, the NMRA has significantly reduced its backlog of 2,100 pending drug registrations to 447, with 330 files processed in January alone.

The Minister acknowledged that delays in medical supply distribution have been a persistent issue, with state pharmaceutical procurement taking up to nine months. To further improve efficiency, the government has already begun placing orders for 2026 medical supplies.