What does the next decade hold for Sri Lanka’s real estate market? That is the central question industry leaders will gather to explore next month at a high-level forum bringing together some of the country’s most influential voices in property, investment, policy, and urban development.
The Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) is hosting “Driving Growth Through Real Estate: 10-Year Plan”, the first in a series of strategic discussions aimed at shaping a long-term roadmap for the sector. The forum will take place on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Port City Sales Gallery in Port City Colombo—a landmark symbol of Sri Lanka’s evolving urban future.
A conversation the industry has been waiting for
The forum is designed as the starting point of RIUNIT’s broader 10-year real estate roadmap. Discussions will focus on key national priorities, including how Sri Lanka can capture a larger share of global real estate investment, position Port City Colombo as a strong international investment destination, and develop a more inclusive, people-centric approach to residential real estate.
“This is not just another industry conference,” said Roshan Madawela, Founder and CEO of RIUNIT. “We want this to mark the beginning of a structured, long-term plan to position Sri Lanka as a leading international real estate investment destination, capable of attracting a significant share of the estimated one trillion US dollars in institutional real estate investment in 2026.” He further noted the importance of integrating affordable housing into the national development agenda.
Who’s in the room
The panel will feature leading figures from Sri Lanka’s real estate and business sectors, including:
Premalal Brahmanage — Co-Founder & Group Chairman, Prime Group
Amaya Herath — Executive Director, Home Lands Group
Namal Pieris — Managing Director, ICC
Minoli Wickramasinghe — Chairperson / CEO, Capital Trust Properties (Pvt) Ltd
Revan Wickramasuriya — Director General, Colombo Port City Economic Commission
Hiroshini Fernando — CEO / Executive Director, RIL Properties PLC
Romali Tudawe — CEO & Director, Tudawe Brothers
Priyanka Samaraweera — Executive Director, Investment Promotion & Research, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka
Reza Magdon-Ismail — Director / CEO, Crystal Property Group (Pvt) Ltd
The sessions will be moderated by Roshan Madawela and Dr. Anil Priyanka of RIUNIT, with Nilesh De Silva—Member of RIUNIT Advisory Board and Chartered Architect & Managing Partner at Kahawita De Silva & Associates—joining as a key moderator.
Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC Appoints Sarmad Abbasi to Lead Operations
Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) has announced the appointment of Sarmad Abbasi as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st May 2026.
Mr. Abbasi succeeds Ms. Fariyha Subhani, who has served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer since April 2024, continuing the company’s tradition of strong leadership and strategic direction.
A seasoned leader within the British American Tobacco (BAT) Group, Mr. Abbasi brings over 15 years of cross-functional experience across general management, strategic marketing, and category transformation. He most recently served as General Manager for BAT in Iraq, where he led the business through complex geopolitical conditions while delivering strong performance outcomes.
Throughout his career, Mr. Abbasi has held several senior roles within BAT, including Regional Manager in Pakistan and Head of Brands, where he played a key role in driving business transformation initiatives and distributor consolidation efforts. His track record reflects consistent delivery of strong commercial results alongside organisational development.
In addition to his operational achievements, Mr. Abbasi is recognised for his leadership in talent development. Under his guidance, regional business units have evolved into strategic talent hubs, building high-performing teams capable of delivering on a global scale.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Abbasi said, “I am excited to lead the already exceptional Sri Lankan team to achieve greater heights and to learn from the local experiences that can be shared with the wider BAT network. The journey ahead will be built on our strong foundations of sustainability, excellence, and most importantly, our people.”
Mr. Abbasi holds an MBA from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and a degree in Computer Science, combining analytical expertise with strategic brand leadership.
Sri Lanka’s Real Estate Leaders to Outline 10-Year Vision at RIUNIT Forum
