Ceylon Energy has successfully hosted Energize 2026, a premier knowledge-sharing forum focused on the latest industrial developments transforming the global energy sector, while unveiling its new investment platform, Apollo Energy, Delaware USA.
Held under the theme “Latest Industrial Developments in the Energy Sector,” the event brought together global industry experts, engineers, investors, business leaders and energy professionals to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies and discuss future opportunities shaping the energy landscape.
The forum featured technical presentations and an expert panel discussion covering advancements in energy technologies, modern engineering practices and innovations driving the transformation of power systems worldwide.
Distinguished speakers representing Ceylon Energy’s global strategic partners, including Hubbell Power Systems, CTC Global and Aclara Technologies, shared insights into advanced transmission and distribution technologies, smart grid solutions, digital infrastructure and next-generation energy solutions.
The event attracted participation from a wide range of stakeholders including engineers, utility sector professionals, investors, financial institutions, business leaders and energy industry representatives.
A key highlight of Energize 2026 was the panel discussion titled “Shaping the Future of Energy,” which explored the challenges and opportunities involved in developing resilient, technology-driven energy systems.
The panel featured global experts including Fabio C. Faria – Vice President, International HPS Sales, Hubbell Power Systems USA; Julian Roteta – Vice President, Product Management, Aclara Technologies USA; Dr. Timothy See Thoe – Territory Manager, Southeast Asia; Jeff Butler – Principal Engineer – Transmission, Hubbell Power Systems USA; and Hitesh Mundhada – Vice President, South Asia, CTC Global USA.
The experts shared perspectives on technological innovation, investment opportunities and the importance of adopting global best practices to accelerate energy sector development.
The event also marked the official launch of Apollo Energy, Delaware USA, an innovative investment platform introduced by Madu Fernando, Chairman and Founder of Ceylon Energy.
The platform aims to connect investors with carefully selected high-value energy and infrastructure projects across Sri Lanka and the region, creating a transparent marketplace for sustainable energy investments.
Apollo Energy is designed to provide access to investment opportunities for a broad range of investors, including individuals, corporates and institutional groups, allowing participation in projects that have traditionally been accessible mainly to large-scale investors.
By connecting project developers with potential investors, Apollo Energy is expected to support the growth of renewable energy and infrastructure projects while creating new opportunities for sustainable investment and long-term value creation.
Through initiatives such as Energize 2026 and Apollo Energy, Ceylon Energy continues to strengthen its role in advancing innovation, collaboration and investment within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector.
World Bank Urges Export Reforms at EASL AGM, Warns Against Looking Inward for Growth
The Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has elected its new office bearers and Executive Committee for the upcoming term at its 29th Annual General Meeting, bringing together exporters, industry leaders, Heads of Mission, trade officials and representatives from across the country’s export sector.
The event was attended by Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as Chief Guest, alongside diplomatic representatives, trade officials and senior members of the business community, highlighting the importance of collaboration in strengthening Sri Lanka’s export-driven growth.
At the AGM, Nalaka Ratnayake was elected as the new Chairperson of EASL. He will be supported by Manuje Hordagoda as First Vice Chairperson and Rozanne de Almeida as Second Vice Chairperson. Former Chairperson Yohan Lawrence will continue to contribute to the Association as Immediate Past Chairperson.
Reflecting on EASL’s advocacy work over the past year, Lawrence highlighted the Association’s efforts on key policy matters affecting exporters, including the removal of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme, improvements to trade facilitation and the implementation of the National Single Window initiative.
He noted that EASL has continued engaging with policymakers and government authorities to represent exporter concerns while promoting reforms aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global markets.
Delivering the keynote address, World Bank Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan said Sri Lanka has made positive progress in its economic recovery, but the next challenge is to improve competitiveness, accelerate growth and generate more employment opportunities.
He pointed out that manufacturing value addition per worker in Sri Lanka remains significantly below countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines, while Sri Lanka was the only peer economy to record negative labour productivity growth in 2024.
Sargsyan highlighted three key priorities for strengthening export competitiveness: reducing the cost of doing business, expanding market access and attracting higher-quality foreign investment.
Emphasising the importance of global integration, productivity and export-led growth, Sargsyan said that countries cannot sustain prosperity by focusing inward. He noted that successful economies have built their progress through stronger exports, deeper international integration and improved productivity.
He added that Sri Lanka possesses key advantages, including its strategic location, skilled workforce and resilient private sector, and the focus now should be on transforming these strengths into a more competitive and globally connected economy.
Ceylon Energy Hosts Energize 2026 and Launches Apollo Energy Investment Platform in USA
