BIZ
Sri Lanka – China business zone launched
The formal inauguration of the 920-acre Sri Lanka-China Business Zone, established in Xinping Province, China to facilitate Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to expand their business operations in China, was held at the Jasmine Ballroom of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) recently.
The initiative was organized by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka-China Business Council, Mr. Herbie Silva, and the Secretary of the Council, Ms. Sharmila Fernando, and the Council’s Business Finance and Management Advisor, Mr. Nipuna Wahalathanthrige. Distinguished representatives of the Sri Lankan government who attended the ceremony included the Secretary to the State Ministry of Defence, Retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha; the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Mr. Sampath Mantrinayake; and the General Manager of the Fisheries Corporation, Mr. Mudalige Janaka Prasanna.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking Chinese government officials, prominent Chinese investors, and a significant number of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and business leaders. The discussions highlighted the mutual commitment to strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. It was emphasized that under the proposed business agreements, China will expand business opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance, technical assistance, and extensive infrastructure facilities.
The Chinese delegation included a group of distinguished representatives, including:
Mr. Li Jie, Deputy Director of Yuxi Investment Promotion Bureau, Mr. Shi Shufeng, Deputy General Manager of Yuxi Industrial Information Corporation Limited, Mr. Yang Shufeng, Deputy Commissioner of the Xining County Party Committee and Deputy Governor of the People’s Government of the Republic of China, Mr. Shi Shifu, Deputy Director of Xining Industrial Park Management Committee, Mr. Liu Jiaxi, Director of Xining County Investment Promotion Bureau, and Mr. Li Quan, Head of Yuxi Investment Promotion Bureau.
Mr. Herbie Silva, Chairman of the Sri Lanka-China Business Council, welcomed the participants and explained the investment strategy behind the establishment of the business zone. Retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, who was the special guest, expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lanka-China Business Council and the Chinese Government for creating this opportunity for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
During the event, representatives of the Chinese Government outlined the extensive facilities provided to Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in China. Ms. Sharmila Fernando provided insight into specific opportunities accessible to Sri Lankan businesses, while Mr. Nipuna Wahalathanthrige outlined a strategic roadmap for integrating local entrepreneurs into the global market.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of non-binding agreements aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and investment. For this initiative, TEMCO Cooperative Bank was selected as the official infrastructure provider to support Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in international markets and Dr. Ishantha Siribaddana, Chairman of TEMCO Banks Society, signed an agreement with the Sri Lanka China Trade Corridor. TEMCO Bank pledged to provide essential financial services to facilitate business links between Sri Lanka and China.
In addition, Mr. Gamini Kannangara, Chairman of Trico Logistics, formalized agreements with Chinese Business Assosiations AMCOT and ANLAN to streamline the export of finished goods from Sri Lankan entrepreneurs by ensuring the import of necessary raw materials and accessories. Furthermore, Mr. Nishantha Jayasuriya, CEO of CEC Agromart Sri Lanka, and Dr. Shammi Kumar, Director of Hiru Jaya Plantations, also signed MoUs to promote cooperation in the fields of agriculture, cash crop cultivation, tourism agriculture and green forestry.
Commenting on the importance of an entrepreneur’s contribution to a country’s economic stability, Mr. Nipuna Wahalathanthrige emphasized that entrepreneurs play a vital role in national development by producing what the country needs, thereby generating income, creating jobs and contributing to government tax revenue. He further stated that amidst a transformative political and economic landscape for the entire world and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka would benefit immensely from utilizing the financial and infrastructure support provided by China, the world’s leading economic power.
The launch of the Sri Lanka-China Business Zone marks a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations, and aims to provide a dynamic platform for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to thrive in international markets, while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in the global trading arena.
BIZ
BOC & NSB record historic profits
In a milestone moment for Sri Lanka’s financial sector, the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and the National Savings Bank (NSB) reported record-breaking profits for the year 2024, officially presenting their annual reports to President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (22).
The achievements, marked by robust fiscal discipline, strategic vision and public accountability, signal a renewed trajectory of confidence in state-owned banking institutions.
The BOC announced a staggering pre-tax profit of Rs. 106 billion, the highest ever recorded not only by a bank but by any institution, public or private, in Sri Lanka’s history. BOC Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa emphasized the significance of this financial milestone, stating, “This is a historic record as the BOC recorded the highest profit before tax of Rs. 106 billion, the highest profit achieved by any institution, bank or company in Sri Lanka in its entire history.”
He credited the bank’s strategic focus on national development and SME support, adding, “BOC continues as the largest SME and development bank in the country with the best business rehabilitation unit which is futuristic and supports the entire nation.”
Meanwhile, the NSB posted a dramatic turnaround, reporting a pre-tax profit of Rs. 26.4 billion, a remarkable leap from Rs. 4.2 billion in 2023. Chairman Dr. Harsha Cabral attributed this growth to prudent fiscal governance and effective stakeholder collaboration.
“The National Savings Bank recorded the highest ever profit before tax of Rs. 26.4 billion for the year 2024. This is a momentous success and a major increase from the Rs. 4.2 billion in 2023,” he said. “The success of NSB is mainly due to the financial discipline and macroeconomic stability of the country. I dedicate this achievement to the entire NSB family, including our employees, board of directors, senior staff, customers and all stakeholders who support us directly or indirectly.”
Dr. Cabral highlighted that NSB is no longer a burden on the state. “We are a self-sustaining success story and not a burden on the Treasury anymore. With professional management and financial discipline, the NSB has achieved its targets and hopes to exceed them in 2025,” he noted. He also pointed to internal reforms and staff incentives that bolstered morale and productivity. In 2024, NSB’s workforce was streamlined from 4,600 to 4,200 while maintaining a 262-branch network. Employees were rewarded with a five-month bonus, and gold coins were reintroduced for long service recognition after a five-year gap.
Both chairmen underscored a rare but significant aspect of their governance: neither they nor their board members draw a salary for their service. “Our reward is the institution’s success and its contribution to national development,” Cabral remarked, a sentiment echoed by de Zoysa as a model of civic-minded leadership.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake commended the accomplishments of both institutions, stating, “These banks demonstrate how strategic leadership and ethical governance can transform public institutions into pillars of national strength. Their performance is a beacon of what’s possible in Sri Lanka’s economic future.”
With an eye on 2025, BOC is set to expand its digital infrastructure to enhance accessibility and customer service, while NSB plans to refine its operations further, guided by corporate governance best practices.
(President’s Media Division)
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