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Sri Lanka Needs Sector-Specific Labour Reforms to Unlock Growth, Says Plus94 Fund’s Arj Samarakoon

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Labour reform in Sri Lanka cannot be approached as a uniform policy, according to Arj Samarakoon of Plus94 Fund, who argues that the country needs a more nuanced strategy to unlock growth and attract investment.

Speaking at the Labour Reforms Vital to Attract Investment and Develop the Export Sector forum, Samarakoon said that sectors such as ICT, logistics, mining and manufacturing face distinct challenges and should not be regulated under the same rigid framework.

He pointed to the Shop and Office Employees Act, which still prevents women from working after 6 p.m., as an example of how outdated provisions can limit progress. While originally intended for a manufacturing economy, the law now restricts the growth of 24-hour ICT and knowledge industries.

“These rules belong to a different era,” Samarakoon told the forum. “If Sri Lanka wants to compete in a knowledge economy, we must modernise the law while protecting workers’ rights. Removing barriers, especially for women, is essential if we are to strengthen the workforce and attract global investment.”

Samarakoon added that reforms should not be seen as reducing protections but as aligning them with modern realities. Sector-specific policies, he argued, could empower employees, expand opportunities for women and give ethical employers the flexibility to compete internationally.

Analysts note that Sri Lanka lags behind regional peers in female workforce participation, a factor that has weighed on economic competitiveness. According to Samarakoon, tackling this issue through inclusive reforms would boost investor confidence while creating broader opportunities across high-value industries such as ICT, logistics and advanced manufacturing.

About Plus94 Fund
Plus94 Fund is a Singapore-based investment advisory and private equity firm with operations in Sri Lanka, focused on building dollar-denominated revenue and driving sustainable growth. In January 2025, Plus94 launched the Crewstone Plus94 Technology Fund, a US$75 million initiative targeting early-stage tech companies across South and Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit Plus94 Fund

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Sohan Jayasena to take ceylon spices to the global wellness stage with Mild Earth

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Sri Lanka may give the world another refreshing beverage. Made of an original recipe, it’s brewed from some of the country’s most iconic spices, that could, in time, match the country’s best-known export, tea, thanks to the vision of the enterprising young marketing professional, Sohan Jayasena and his company mild earth

‘Wild Mist Water’ unveiled at an appropriately styled ‘quiet reveal’ in Colombo 7 a few weeks back is, in its creator Sohan Jayasena’s words, “a luxury wellness experience inspired by Sri Lanka’s botanical heritage.”

Available initially in four variants, the Wild Mist Water mixes come in canisters, and their contents must be brewed just as tea is, with each canister containing a thoughtfully curated mix of local spices that have been associated for generations with physical and mental wellbeing.

The spices that go into the mix are drawn entirely from Sri Lanka’s botanical repertoire, with each blend combining coriander seeds with carefully balanced accents of nigella, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary and lemongrass. The result is a subtle, refined infusion designed not to overwhelm the palate, but to offer a calming aroma, a smooth mouthfeel and a sense of grounding that unfolds slowly with each sip, giving its patrons a time to pause a moment of calm that is much needed in a world that never pauses or stops.

At the heart of the brand is its founder’s belief that Sri Lanka’s wellness heritage does not need exaggeration or nostalgia to be relevant to modern life, only thoughtful reinterpretation.

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Araliya Group of Companies Strengthens Logistics Operations with Acquisition of 10 New Trucks from DIMO

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Araliya Group of Companies has further strengthened its logistics and transportation capabilities with the acquisition of 10 brand-new TATA LPK 1618 trucks from Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), one of Sri Lanka’s leading automobile distributors.

This strategic investment expands the Group’s existing fleet to over 200 vehicles, reinforcing its ability to support large-scale operations across multiple sectors. The newly added trucks are expected to enhance efficiency, reliability, and operational capacity within Araliya’s supply chain and distribution network.

DIMO’s comprehensive after-sales service, technical expertise, and long-standing reputation for quality were key factors behind the Group’s decision. The collaboration highlights Araliya Group’s continued commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth, while reaffirming DIMO’s position as a trusted partner for large-scale commercial transport solutions in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka’s Largest Vehicle Investment: DIMO and Rathna Rice Pvt Ltd Complete Historic 50-Vehicle Fleet Deal

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In a groundbreaking transaction that marks Sri Lanka’s largest single vehicle investment to date, DIMO Lanka has successfully completed the delivery of 50 LPT 1615 TATA commercial trucks to Rathna Rice Pvt Ltd, setting a new benchmark for fleet acquisitions in the country.

This substantial growth demonstrated by the local business sector represents an economically significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s commercial vehicle industry.

The deal underscores the confidence and expansion capabilities of Sri Lankan enterprises, highlighting the continued strength of the domestic business community.

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