A range of tourism development initiatives, including the proposed introduction of cable car systems at key destinations such as Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), were discussed at a Tourism Task Force meeting held on the 28th at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meeting was held under the patronage of Vijitha Herath, where attention was drawn to long-standing requests from various stakeholders to develop a cable car project in the Sri Pada area. In addition, locations such as Kikiliyamana and Ella have been identified as potential sites for similar projects.
Discussions focused on conducting feasibility studies for the proposed locations, securing necessary preliminary approvals, and reviewing technical reports required for future implementation.
The Task Force also reviewed the planned introduction of a visa-free entry facility for citizens of 40 countries from 25 May, a measure expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.
Progress on improving infrastructure in national parks was also assessed, particularly the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s programme to develop sanitation facilities across 19 parks, including Yala National Park. It was noted that maintenance of existing facilities, including toilets, has been entrusted to a private entity as part of ongoing improvements.
Attention was also given to the installation of upgraded sanitation systems across key tourist sites, with officials emphasising that such facilities, though often overlooked, are essential for ensuring a better visitor experience.
Additionally, discussions were held on establishing a dedicated tourism zone along the coastal road from Kollupitiya, aimed at enhancing visitor safety and improving tourism appeal. The initiative is expected to attract approximately 2,000 to 3,000 tourists upon implementation.
JXG Celebrates Successful IPO and Market Debut with Opening Bell at CSE
Trading of shares of Janashakthi Limited commenced on the secondary market of the Colombo Stock Exchange
this morning (29), following the successful completion of its Initial Public Offering (IPO).
To mark the occasion, a ceremonial opening bell ringing event was held at the CSE, attended by the company’s founder Chandra Schaffter, members of the Board of Directors, senior management of the Janashakthi Group, and officials from the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Senior leadership of JXG (Janashakthi Group) rang the opening bell, celebrating the company’s successful IPO and official entry into the stock market. Janashakthi shares commenced trading on the Main Board of the CSE, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s corporate journey.
The company raised LKR 5 billion through its IPO by issuing 500 million ordinary voting shares at LKR 10 each. The offering saw strong investor interest and was oversubscribed on the first day itself, leading to an early closure. The company later confirmed that total applications received were approximately three times the number of shares offered.
According to the CSE Listings Division, a total of 2.3 billion ordinary voting shares of Janashakthi Limited, including those issued through the IPO, have been listed on the Main Board.
During early secondary market trading, the shares—initially issued at LKR 10—were observed trading in the range of LKR 13.60 to LKR 15.50.
Speaking at the ceremony, JXG Group Chairman Chandan de Silva said the threefold oversubscription of the IPO, the largest in the past 14 years, reflects strong investor confidence in the brand. He attributed this to sound governance, clear strategy, and execution capability, adding that the company aims to expand its impact and contribute to the development of Sri Lanka’s financial markets.
Government Explores Introduction of Cable Car Facility to Sri Pada
