By: Staff Writer

February 25, Colombo (LNW): The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and competitive private sector in Sri Lanka. Recognizing the evolving challenges businesses face in the current economic landscape, the EFC is committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive business practices.

Through its initiatives, the Federation aims to equip enterprises with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive amidst turbulence while promoting long-term growth and stability.

A key initiative in this regard is the highly anticipated Employers’ Symposium 2025, scheduled for 28 February at the Monarch Imperial.

This annual event, a flagship gathering for EFC member companies and business stakeholders, will be held under the theme “Traversing Turbulence – Fuelling Enterprises for Success.”

Featuring esteemed speakers and industry experts, the symposium will delve into crucial issues impacting businesses, providing actionable insights for sustainable progress.

Joni Simpson, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, underscores the need for businesses to be competitive, socially responsible, and adaptable to external challenges, such as climate change.

 At the symposium, she will address the topic, “Responding to the Demographic and Social Environment by Building an Inclusive Workplace.” Simpson highlights that fostering workplace diversity is essential for business success, driving innovation, productivity, and employee retention.

According to her, inclusive policies contribute to economic growth, promote decent work, and uphold social justice by ensuring fair treatment, equal opportunities, and protection from discrimination.

The EFC’s role in championing inclusive workplaces is significant, Simpson notes, as it leads efforts in promoting responsible, sustainable, and equitable business practices.

She sees the symposium as an invaluable platform for companies to exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and advance strategies for a stronger private sector.

Another key speaker, Nirmal Perera, Senior General Manager – Group ESG and Compliance at Brandix Apparel Ltd., will provide insights into the critical role of compliance in business stability and growth. Perera emphasizes that adherence to regulatory and social compliance requirements not only mitigates legal risks and operational disruptions but also enhances brand reputation, fosters customer trust, and ensures workplace safety.

Compliance, he asserts, aligns with sustainability goals, improves financial stability, and enables access to global markets.

Despite its benefits, compliance presents significant challenges, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Perera highlights issues such as rapidly evolving regulations, high compliance costs, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the complexities of maintaining supply chain accountability.

He notes that adherence to compliance standards can serve as a safeguard during economic crises by ensuring business credibility, investor confidence, and workforce stability.

Initiatives like the EFC Symposium provide a much-needed platform for businesses to address these challenges. Perera acknowledges the event’s role in fostering meaningful discussions, offering strategic guidance, and advocating for policies that support sustainable business growth.

 By facilitating collaboration among industry leaders, the symposium aims to equip enterprises with the tools necessary to navigate uncertainties and seize emerging opportunities.

By: Staff Writer

February 25, Colombo (LNW): SLT-Mobitel, committed to providing superior value, reliability, and seamless connectivity across Sri Lanka, has introduced innovative Fibre Speed-Based Unlimited data packages. 

Designed to cater to diverse user requirements, these packages offer internet speeds ranging from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps, ensuring uninterrupted browsing, streaming, video conferencing, and gaming experiences.

With the increasing demand for high-speed internet, SLT-Mobitel’s Speed-Based Unlimited packages set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka’s broadband market.

These plans cater to different usage patterns, ensuring smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, and seamless video calls. The company has also incorporated enhanced reliability, improved latency, and flexible data usage, allowing customers to work remotely, engage in e-learning, and enjoy high-definition entertainment without interruptions.

Additionally, the packages include value-added services such as parental controls, Wi-Fi optimisation, and bundled entertainment features, making them ideal for modern households.

Leveraging advanced fibre-optic technology, SLT-Mobitel delivers unparalleled speed, reliability, and performance. Users can enjoy buffer-free 4K streaming, uninterrupted cloud gaming, and crystal-clear video conferencing.

The superior signal strength of fibre ensures consistent performance even during peak usage hours, making it a preferred choice for multi-device households and heavy internet users.

These new packages are designed to provide extensive coverage for home broadband users, ensuring unimpeded access to entertainment, remote work, online learning, and gaming. Whether for professional use or leisure, SLT-Mobitel’s Fibre Speed-Based Unlimited packages provide a comprehensive digital solution tailored to meet modern connectivity needs.

Customers can conveniently upgrade their existing plans or subscribe to new ones via the user-friendly MySLT app or by visiting any SLT-Mobitel branch. New connections can also be requested through the company’s website at www.sltmobitel.lk. For additional details or assistance, customers can reach out to SLT-Mobitel’s 24/7 hotline at 1212.

SLT-Mobitel’s Progress in 2024

As part of its 2024 expansion strategy, SLT-Mobitel has significantly upgraded its network infrastructure, extending high-speed fibre connectivity to underserved regions across Sri Lanka.

The company has also introduced AI-driven network optimisation, enhancing speed and stability for a more efficient online experience. These advancements align with SLT-Mobitel’s mission to bridge the digital divide and support the country’s digital transformation.Additionally, SLT-Mobitel has expanded its 5G trials and introduced new smart home solutions, reinforcing its position as a leader in telecommunications. 

With investments in cybersecurity, cloud services, and enterprise solutions, the company continues to empower businesses and individuals with cutting-edge digital innovations. 

Through these initiatives, SLT-Mobitel remains at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s telecommunications sector, ensuring seamless connectivity for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

February 25, Colombo (LNW): The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed Sri Lanka’s latest budget but has raised significant concerns about the potential impact of the premature removal of the Simplified Value-Added Tax (SVAT) system.

The Forum has cautioned that such a move, without a clear and thoroughly tested alternative, could have adverse effects on the apparel sector, a key contributor to the nation’s export economy.

JAAF emphasised the importance of ensuring a seamless transition from the SVAT system, which has been a vital part of the industry’s operations.

The Forum argued that any disruption in the VAT process could undermine the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector and erode investor confidence, which has already been strained in recent times.

To safeguard the liquidity of exporters, the organisation stressed the need for timely VAT refunds and a robust system to prevent any delays.

Furthermore, JAAF reiterated its long-standing call for a digitally-driven VAT refund mechanism, one that would significantly reduce human intervention, improve efficiency, and ensure transparency.

A poorly managed shift away from SVAT could result in cash flow constraints for exporters, disrupting their operations and potentially damaging Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable sourcing hub.

With global brands placing an increasing emphasis on supply chain stability, such disruptions could have far-reaching consequences.

The apparel sector remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s export economy, contributing more than 40 per cent to the country’s total merchandise exports.

As such, JAAF has urged the government to collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that the VAT transition is handled smoothly, with a focus on incorporating efficient, digital refund systems to prevent operational disruptions.

In addition to VAT concerns, the Forum called for the proposed wage increases for the private sector to be accompanied by the removal of the two Budgetary Relief Allowance Acts.

This would allow the National Minimum Wage to be consolidated into a single figure, encompassing all allowances, thereby providing greater clarity and consistency for businesses and workers alike.

JAAF further stressed the importance of clear tax administration, the timely execution of trade facilitation measures, and a continued focus on enhancing export competitiveness.