A special committee meeting was recently held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation to accelerate the implementation of an electronic gate system project, funded through a grant from the Japanese government.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry Senior Professor Kapila C. Perera, Acting Chief of Staff of Japan Kamoshida Naoki, Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Christine Parko, and representatives from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airports, Customs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The committee reviewed the current progress of the e-gate system installation and explored practical steps to expedite the project. Discussions also focused on identifying potential challenges and implementing context-specific adjustments to ensure timely completion.

The electronic gate system aims to modernize border control infrastructure and improve efficiency in passenger processing at key ports of entry in Sri Lanka.

Three young Sri Lankan talents have received recognition in Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025. 

This annual list honours 300 notable individuals under the age of 30 across various sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The Sri Lankans included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025 are;

• Nikin Matharaarachchi (Social Media, Marketing & Advertising)

In 2021, Nikin Matharaarachchi founded Synapse AI Labs, a Sri Lanka-based company behind the AI-powered social listening tool-Kommon Poll. This tool provides businesses with marketing insights by analyzing keyword performance across multiple online platforms, including news sites, blogs and social media. Kommon Poll was also credited by the John Keells X (JKX) startup accelerator and open innovation program in 2022.   

• Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna (Retail & Ecommerce)

Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna, an alumna of UC Berkeley and Imperial College London, founded Silver Aisle, Sri Lanka’s first-ever wedding registry, in 2019. Expanding beyond weddings, this e-commerce platform now offers gifts for various occasions as well as experiences in dining, vacation, packages and lessons in horse riding, golf and pottery. In 2023, she also appeared as an independent director of LB Finance, one of Sri Lanka’s largest finance firms. 

• Charith N Silva – The Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink)

Well-known among the youth of Sri Lanka, Charith N Silva has built a reputation through his cutting-edge videos that showcase him preparing mouthwatering dishes from around the world.

With over 600 videos, his YouTube channel, ‘Wild Cookbook’, launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, played a significant role in directing him in his journey of success. Today, ‘Wild Cookbook’ has become one of Sri Lanka’s largest YouTube channels with over 10 million subscribers. His restaurant, Wildish, opened in November 2024, in Colombo, and also takes part in his reputation as an outstanding individual. 

Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list :   https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2025/asia/ 

In a landmark development for Sri Lanka’s capital market, Ceylon Capital Management, led by dynamic entrepreneur and Chairman Amila Basnayaka, has acquired 23 million shares in Browns Investments PLC, further cementing its status as a major force in the country’s investment landscape.

Over the recent trading sessions, Mahesh strategically increased his stake in Browns Investments by purchasing an additional 19 million shares at market prices ranging from Rs. 6.80 to Rs. 7.30 per share. This sizable investment of approximately Rs. 134 million raises Ceylon Capital Management’s total holdings to 23 million shares, highlighting long-term confidence in Browns’ value trajectory and growth prospects.

Browns Investments PLC: A Key Growth Catalyst and Strategic Arm of LOLC Group

As a dynamic subsidiary of the LOLC Group, Browns Investments PLC spearheads strategic investments across plantations, agriculture, leisure and travel, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. With a strong focus on enhancing its core holdings and pursuing calculated acquisitions, the company continues to expand LOLC’s presence across vital sectors of the economy.

Browns Investment’s major shareholding in Hatton National Bank highlights its long-term strategy to align with top-performing institutions that promote economic growth and financial inclusion.

For the nine months ending December 2024, Browns Investments PLC reported a total profit of LKR 47.57 billion—up 117% from the previous year. Earnings per share recorded at 3.31, marking a 116% increase year-on-year. Additionally, the Net Asset Value per share was recorded at 12.07.

The company’s diversified operations span across several key sectors, including:

●      Leisure & Travel: Eden Hotel Lanka PLC, Dolphin Hotels PLC, Hotel Sigiriya PLC, Excel World

●      Agriculture: Hapugastenne Plantations PLC, Udapussellawa Plantations PLC, Browns Plantations Kenya, and the strategic acquisition of Lipton

●      Engineering & Construction: Colombo Port City through the construction of The Colombo Marina, Browns Metal and Sands, Sierra Cables

This acquisition reflects the culmination of a journey that began in 2019, when Mr. Amila Basnayaka began personally accumulating shares in Browns Investments. Over six years, his disciplined and methodical strategy has matured into a sizable institutional presence through Ceylon Capital Management.

A Broader Vision Beyond Equities

Ceylon Capital Management is not limited to equities. Under Basnayaka’s leadership, the company has diversified into high-growth sectors that align with Sri Lanka’s and the region’s future economic landscape:

●      Hospitality: Wellness Ceylon Global Pvt Ltd, focused on luxury wellness tourism

●      Traditional Healing: Seth Siri Arana Global Pvt Ltd, promoting Ayurveda and meditation

●      Tourism: Unithinc International Pvt Ltd, curating immersive Sri Lanka–Maldives travel experiences

●      Automotive Solutions: CBN Group Pvt Ltd, meeting demand for quality vehicles

●      Real Estate: Total Trust Global Pvt Ltd, facilitating sustainable property development

Each venture contributes to a cohesive long-term strategy of creating sustainable value across multiple industries and borders.

Chairman’s Insight: The Promising Future of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)

By Amila Basnayaka, Chairman – Ceylon Capital Management

As the capital markets evolve, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is entering a golden era. At Ceylon Capital Management, we are excited to be at the forefront of this transition. With Sri Lanka’s economy rebounding on the back of political stability and infrastructure investment, the CSE offers a solid platform for scalable growth.

✅ Political Stability as a Launchpad for Economic Confidence

Investor sentiment is intimately tied to stability, and with a renewed focus on good governance and pro-business reforms, Sri Lanka is regaining investor trust. This is creating fertile ground for capital formation and corporate growth.

✅ Ambition to List 500 Companies by 2026

The CSE’s drive to expand its listings to 500 companies by 2026 will significantly deepen market opportunities for both retail and institutional investors. This broader base enables better diversification, liquidity, and transparency.

✅ Government-Owned Listings: A Structural Shift

The upcoming listing of state-owned enterprises represents a major policy reform that will bring transparency and public participation into the management of national assets—setting a strong example for corporate accountability.

✅ Port City as a Magnet for FDI

The Colombo Port City project is poised to attract global capital flows into finance, real estate, and logistics. With this momentum, foreign investors will increasingly view the CSE as a regional gateway to emerging Asian markets.

✅ A Hidden Gem: Lowest PE Ratio in the Region

The CSE currently offers one of the lowest price-to-earnings (PE) ratios in Asia. For discerning investors, this is a clear indicator of underlying value, offering a rare opportunity to invest in fundamentally strong companies at discounted valuations.

Expanding Horizons: Business Advisor Global – Your Gateway to the Maldives

In addition to his local ventures, Amila Basnayaka also serves as the Director of Business Advisor Global, a consultancy focused on connecting foreign investors with high-potential opportunities in the Maldives. With over 15 years of experience in the Maldivian market, the team offers:

●      Regulatory guidance and market entry strategy

●      Business planning, feasibility studies, and compliance

●      Partnership development and stakeholder engagement

●      Sectoral insights in tourism, fisheries, hospitality, and real estate

Whether you’re a first-time investor or an established enterprise, Business Advisor Global provides trusted local expertise to drive success in the Maldives.

From strategic acquisitions on the Colombo Stock Exchange to bold ventures in wellness, tourism, and regional advisory services, Ceylon Capital Management under Amila Basnayaka’s visionary leadership is redefining what it means to invest in Sri Lanka. The future of Sri Lanka’s capital market is not only promising—it’s already unfolding.