Sri Lanka is set to establish a dynamic platform for cross-border partnerships and business growth. As globalization accelerates and trade barriers diminish, new opportunities emerge for economic and diplomatic collaboration.

Round Table Sri Lanka is hosting “Bridging Borders: Fostering Regional Cooperation and Global Impact,” a landmark fireside chat on 23 May at Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. This event, part of the Asia Pacific Area (ASPA) Round Table Regional Meeting, will bring together 500-600 leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts from Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal to enhance trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

The fireside chat will be moderated by renowned business leader Peter de Almeida and feature distinguished panelists such as Aruna Warnakulasooriya (National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka Chairman), Shivkumar Eashwaran (Immediate Past President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Tamil Nadu), and Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal (Nepal Chamber of Commerce Chairman). Discussions will focus on boosting trade connectivity, overcoming bureaucratic challenges, and unlocking investment opportunities. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into market entry strategies, trade agreements, and funding avenues to facilitate smoother cross-border business expansion.

Beyond trade and investment, the event will spotlight Sri Lanka’s growing global influence in design and sustainability. A special session will feature industry pioneers such as Spa Ceylon Co-Founder Shalin Balasuriya, DWA Chairman Deepal Wickramasinghe, and Channa Daswatte of MICD Associates. They will discuss sustainable design trends, cultural integration, and innovative solutions positioning Sri Lanka as a regional leader in architecture and interior design.

Round Table Sri Lanka President Raveen Wickramasinghe emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “For the first time, key leaders from Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal will unite to explore trade, investment, and Sri Lanka’s influence in global design. This event will strengthen economic ties, encourage cultural exchange, and solidify Sri Lanka’s role in regional and global industries.”

ASPA Chairman Rahul Agrawal highlighted that the event presents a unique opportunity to build impactful collaborations across South Asia, fostering long-term progress in trade, design, and innovation.

The event will be inaugurated by Round Table International President Danielle Cusie, who will emphasize the global significance of this initiative in shaping the future of trade and innovation in South Asia.

Additionally, Bridging Borders will address Sri Lanka’s role in digital transformation and fintech, exploring how Sri Lankan start-ups and tech firms can collaborate with India and Nepal on fintech solutions, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure development.

A dedicated networking session will allow attendees to connect with industry leaders, diplomats, and business professionals, creating a platform for strategic alliances and business expansion.

With the support of Round Table Sri Lanka, this event is poised to become a key driver of economic and cultural diplomacy in South Asia. By fostering collaboration in trade, design, and digital innovation, it will establish lasting partnerships that promote progress and prosperity across the region.

 Bridging Borders stands as a milestone event for economic and cultural growth, empowering businesses in Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal to explore new opportunities and strengthen regional cooperation for a more interconnected and prosperous South Asia.

Sri Lanka’s workforce is increasingly exploring diverse job opportunities both within the country and abroad. Taxi drivers play a vital role in the nation’s transport sector, significantly contributing to economic development by providing essential services. The rise of ride-hailing platforms and international job openings offers them the chance to enhance their income and overall quality of life. Seeking employment in foreign markets where skilled drivers are in demand can help them access better financial prospects, alleviating some of the economic difficulties at home.

Recently, Romania announced 100,000 job openings for foreign workers, presenting new employment avenues for Sri Lankans across various industries such as ports, logistics, cybersecurity, education, and ICT. The inclusion of taxi drivers in Romania’s permitted occupations list, following amendments in work permit regulations, further expands opportunities.

Romanian media reports indicate that the country now allows non-EU nationals to work as taxi or ride-hailing drivers (including Uber and Bolt) due to recent regulatory changes. A significant policy shift now enables candidates to take the licensing exam in English, making the process more accessible. For the past five years, Romanian transport authorities have sought to recruit professional drivers from economically developing nations, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where English proficiency meets acceptable standards.

The revised licensing process allows drivers to take the theoretical exam in English, with practical tests currently available only in Bucharest. These reforms aim to address Romania’s shortage of skilled drivers while strengthening its transport sector.

In addition to the demand for drivers, Romania is witnessing increased investment from multinational companies, creating job openings for IT professionals. This surge in business expansion benefits Sri Lankan IT specialists looking for career growth in both international and local Romanian firms, further enhancing their employment prospects.

. While the Romanian government does not directly oversee recruitment, private employment agencies handle the process. According to a senior Sri Lankan foreign ministry official, job opportunities in Romania are mainly in construction, IT, and tourism.

To promote ethical recruitment, authorities emphasize the importance of regulating service fees and implementing legal measures against fraudulent recruitment practices. Currently, around 2,500 Sri Lankans are employed in Romania, with ongoing discussions regarding appointing a permanent consul to assist them.

Beyond Romania, other countries also seek experienced taxi drivers to strengthen their transport networks. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, offers promising opportunities with competitive salaries, job stability, and better working conditions. International employment also allows drivers to gain cross-cultural exposure, improve professional skills, and ensure financial security for their families.

However, local Sri Lankan taxi drivers face numerous challenges, including rising fuel prices, competition from unregulated ride-hailing services, and economic instability. Difficulty accessing financing for vehicle purchase and maintenance further restricts their growth. To address these issues, collaboration between the Sri Lankan government and private stakeholders is essential to develop policies that enhance working conditions and create pathways for international employment.

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka on April 5, work on the Sampur power plant is set to begin, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the third reading of the budget on Friday, the President stated that this would be PM Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2015.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the visit will finalize agreements reached during President Dissanayake’s recent trip to Delhi. “We have maintained a close relationship with India. Our first diplomatic visit was to India, where we reached several agreements on bilateral cooperation,” he said.

During the visit, several new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed, alongside the opening of the Sampur power station, signaling further economic collaboration between the two nations.

President Dissanayake also highlighted that his government has successfully restored confidence among businesses, investors, and international financial institutions, transitioning Sri Lanka from economic instability to stability.

He emphasized that Sri Lanka has moved from being a high-risk debtor nation to one with reduced debt risk, while also achieving economic milestones, increasing state revenue, and resuming stalled development projects with foreign assistance.

Additionally, a major initiative is underway to develop a port-centric maritime economy, with the Kerawalapitiya Container Terminal construction being expedited with support from the Asian Development Bank.

The Ministry of Health has announced that the Meningococcal vaccine is now mandatory for all foreign workers entering Bahrain, including Sri Lankans.

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will implement the vaccination program based on guidelines from Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Meningococcal disease, caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, is a severe infection with a high mortality rate if untreated. The GCC recommends vaccination to prevent outbreaks, especially in regions with large migrant worker populations.

Bahrain remains a key employment destination for Sri Lankans, with over 4,000 workers departing for Bahrain in 2024 alone.

Former Chief Justice and President’s Counsel Jayantha Chandrasiri Jayasuriya has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, USA.

Additionally, the Parliamentary Committee on High Officials has approved three other key diplomatic appointments:

R.M. Mahinda Dasa Ratnayake – Ambassador to Cuba
Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe – Ambassador to Japan
S.D. Nimal Upali Senadheera – High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

These appointments signify a strategic move to enhance Sri Lanka’s global diplomatic presence and strengthen international relations.

The Hambantota International Port has embarked on a groundbreaking marine conservation effort to protect its naturally formed coral reef colony along the breakwater. This marks the first time a Sri Lankan port has undertaken such an initiative, highlighting its dedication to sustainable environmental practices.

Chief Executive Officer Wilson Kwo emphasized the port’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems, stating that this initiative aligns with its broader environmental conservation goals.

The Department of Meteorology has forecasted showers or thundershowers in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Northwestern provinces after 2:00 p.m. today.

Fairly heavy rainfall of around 75mm is expected in some areas of Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces.

Additionally, several spells of showers are likely in the Uva and Eastern provinces as well as the Polonnaruwa district.

Misty conditions can be expected in the morning in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva provinces, along with Galle, Matara, and Kurunegala districts.

The general public is advised to take precautions against localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers to minimize potential damage.

By Adolf  

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s (AKD) rise to the presidency marked a historic moment in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. As the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) and a long-standing opposition figure, his strength has always been his ability to critique the failures of past governments. He was the first president to be elected with less than 50% of the vote—securing only 43%. His victory was largely due to the bickering between Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, which split the opposition vote. However, AKD seems to have forgotten this, as his government now enjoys a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The opposition leader must be blamed for running a poor election campaign. History shows that whoever wins the presidency tends to win the subsequent general election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for instance, had a two-thirds majority and a record 6.9 (52%) million votes in 2019.  Anura got 5.6 (42%)  million in 2024.

Governing is Not Opposing  

Gotabaya’s presidency clearly demonstrated that governing is vastly different from opposing. If President Anura truly wants to lead Sri Lanka into a new era, he must transition from being an opposition politician to a statesman capable of making tough, pragmatic decisions. He must avoid surrounding himself with yes-men, chamber executives like Hulungamuwa, businessmen and academics, as Gotabaya did, which ultimately led to his downfall. While AKD is undoubtedly a skilled orator who can dismantle his opponents, that skill constitutes only 10% of the job. The real challenge lies in governance and results .  

Moving Beyond Protest Politics  

For decades, AKD built his career on exposing corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement in government. His speeches in Parliament have been sharp and relentless, earning him a reputation as a formidable opposition leader. However, being in power requires more than just pointing out problems—it demands solutions. Protest politics is effective for rallying support, but as president, he must now work with institutions, business leaders, and international stakeholders to implement real reforms. The transition from opposition to governance requires a shift in mindset—from agitation to action.  

Managing Economic Realities, Not Just Criticizing Them  

AKD has been vocal about economic mismanagement, particularly regarding debt, foreign influence, and corruption. However, he has been reluctant to acknowledge Mahinda Rajapaksa’s role in ending the war or Ranil Wickremesinghe’s economic leadership. Sri Lanka’s economic reality is far more complex. The country is still navigating an IMF-backed recovery program, facing high debt repayments, and needing foreign investment for growth. Criticizing privatization, for example, is easy from the opposition, but as president, he must decide whether state-owned enterprises should be restructured, sold, or subsidized. If he fails to make pragmatic economic choices, investor confidence will plummet, and Sri Lanka’s economic recovery will stall.  

Balancing Idealism with Pragmatism  

AKD’s political ideology is deeply rooted in socialist principles, advocating for wealth redistribution and reducing corporate influence in policymaking. While these ideas resonate with many struggling Sri Lankans, running a country requires pragmatism. He must recognize that private sector growth, foreign direct investment, and global economic integration are crucial for Sri Lanka’s development. If he alienates key business leaders and investors, his administration will struggle to create jobs and boost economic productivity. Leadership means making compromises that ensure stability and progress, rather than rigidly adhering to ideological purity.  

Building Alliances Instead of Enemies 

As an opposition politician, AKD thrived on exposing the failures of the ruling parties. However, as president, his role must shift from confrontation to coalition-building. He needs the support of policymakers, the bureaucracy, the business community, and even sections of the opposition to pass critical reforms. If he continues to approach governance as an “us vs. them” battle, he will find himself isolated, with little ability to push through meaningful change. Successful leaders build consensus, even with those they once opposed.  

Political Maturity   

Leadership is about making tough, often unpopular, decisions. While the opposition thrives on populism, governance requires measured, sometimes painful choices. Whether it’s managing inflation, negotiating with international creditors, or reforming state institutions, President Anura must demonstrate that he can think beyond short-term political gains and act in the long-term interests of the nation.  

Presidential

President Anura’s election victory represents a shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, but his real test begins now. He must prove that he is more than just an opposition firebrand—he must be a leader who can unify the country, make tough economic decisions, and drive sustainable growth. If he fails to mature into a statesman, Sri Lanka risks falling into deeper economic and political instability. It is time for him to grow beyond opposition rhetoric and become the leader the country needs.  He has four years and few months left to deliver on his promises. Mahinda Rajapaksa, once seen as the uncrowned king, is now pushed into the political dustbin, his leadership during the war is ignored and the NPP tries very hard to discredit Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts . However, neither of the NPP ministers have Ranil’s experience or international exposure. They are happily running on the platform he put together during the crisis . The question is whether AKD can leverage these advantages to transform Sri Lanka or remain trapped in the role of an opposition politician. Time is running out fast for him and Sri Lanka.

Health authorities have raised concerns over a resurgence of the Chikungunya virus in Colombo and Kotte, following several years of low transmission. Medical experts emphasize that the only effective way to curb the spread of the virus is by eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and has been reported across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and various islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Officials warn that infected travelers could further contribute to the spread of the disease to new regions.

Authorities note that Sri Lanka is experiencing a re-emergence of the virus, particularly in urban zones. With school holidays ongoing, children are spending more time outdoors, and recent rainfall has increased mosquito density, raising the risk of transmission. The public is urged to remain vigilant, destroy mosquito breeding grounds, and maintain clean surroundings to help prevent further outbreaks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of Chikungunya typically appear four to eight daysafter a mosquito bite but can range from two to 12 days. The most common symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Severe joint pain, particularly in the hands and feet
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rash

Most patients recover fully, but joint pain can persist for weeks or even months in some cases. While Chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can be more severe in older adults, newborns, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Health officials urge the public to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in high-risk urban areas, and to seek medical attention if symptoms appear.Health authorities have raised concerns over a resurgence of the Chikungunya virus in Colombo and Kotte, following several years of low transmission. Medical experts emphasize that the only effective way to curb the spread of the virus is by eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and has been reported across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and various islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Officials warn that infected travelers could further contribute to the spread of the disease to new regions.

Authorities note that Sri Lanka is experiencing a re-emergence of the virus, particularly in urban zones. With school holidays ongoing, children are spending more time outdoors, and recent rainfall has increased mosquito density, raising the risk of transmission. The public is urged to remain vigilant, destroy mosquito breeding grounds, and maintain clean surroundings to help prevent further outbreaks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of Chikungunya typically appear four to eight daysafter a mosquito bite but can range from two to 12 days. The most common symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Severe joint pain, particularly in the hands and feet
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rash

Most patients recover fully, but joint pain can persist for weeks or even months in some cases. While Chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can be more severe in older adults, newborns, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Health officials urge the public to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in high-risk urban areas, and to seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry exhibited resilience and adaptability in February 2025, recording a 2.3% export growth generating $407.93 million compared to the same period in 2024. According to provisional data from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the industry experienced mixed performance across key markets, with declines in traditional regions but notable gains in emerging destinations.

Exports to the United States, a primary market for Sri Lankan apparel, saw a 7.43% drop, amounting to $153.11 million, while the UK market recorded a 14.58% decline, with total exports at $54.85 million. These downturns reflect economic uncertainties and changing consumer demand in Western markets.

However, the industry saw strong growth in other regions. Apparel exports to the European Union (excluding the UK)rose by 7.54% to $120.69 million, while shipments to other international markets surged by 39.85%, reaching $79.28 million. This diversification highlights Sri Lanka’s strategic expansion into emerging markets to mitigate losses in traditional strongholds.

For the first two months of 2025, total apparel exports increased by 12%, reaching $845 million compared to the same period in 2024. Despite a February decline, exports to the US market grew by 8.12% in January and February, totaling $322.86 million. The EU (excluding the UK) also showed a 17% increase, reaching $250.18 million. Meanwhile, the UK market remained weak, recording a 0.21% decline, with exports totaling $116.42 million.

The most significant growth was seen in non-traditional markets, with exports rising 23.16% to $155.54 million in the first two months of 2025. This shift underscores the industry’s focus on diversification and expansion beyond Western markets.

Despite challenges in key regions, Sri Lanka’s apparel industry remains robust, with total export earnings reaching $4.7 billion in 2024, marking a 5% year-on-year growth. Industry leaders are increasingly exploring alternative markets and adopting innovative strategies to ensure sustained expansion and competitiveness in an evolving global landscape.