The Colombo Briefing

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Podcast by AHK Sri Lanka

The Colombo Briefing

🎙️The Colombo Briefing – a podcast by AHK Sri Lanka, spotlighting business, innovation, and global partnerships shaping Sri Lanka’s future. Tune in for expert insights, industry stories, and international perspectives all in one brief.

Latest episodes

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22 June 2026

🎙️Colombo Briefing – AHK Sri Lanka Podcast Episode 05

In this episode of The Colombo Briefing, host Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, takes a deep dive into one of the most critical drivers of Sri Lanka’s future economic growth vocational training and industry-ready education.

While traditional academic qualifications continue to play an important role, today’s job market demands something more: practical skills, hands-on experience, and adaptability. Vocational education is increasingly becoming the bridge between classroom learning and real-world industry needs, with Germany’s dual education system widely regarded as a global benchmark.

To unpack what this means for Sri Lanka, we speak with Vimukthi Randeny from DIMO, representing the DIMO Academy, an institution actively working to align technical education with real industry requirements.

Together, we discuss:

  • How DIMO Academy’s model compares with Germany’s dual vocational training system
  • What it takes to ensure students are truly job-ready, not just qualified on paper
  • The biggest skill gaps currently affecting Sri Lanka’s youth in technical sectors
  • The impact of global and German engineering standards on training quality and employability
  • And how stronger collaboration between institutions like DIMO Academy and organizations like AHK Sri Lanka can scale vocational education nationally

This conversation highlights a clear message: when education is closely connected to industry, and global best practices are adapted locally, we don’t just build careers we strengthen an entire economy.

Tune in for valuable insights on the future of work, skills development, and Sri Lanka’s path toward global competitiveness.

🎵 Special thanks to Ayodhya Karunarathne (Studio AYO) for the composition “Sri Lankan Traditional Musical Piece – Gajaga Wannama Version II”, featured as our intro and outro music. Explore more of his work on YouTube and social media.

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04 May 2026

🎙️Colombo Briefing – AHK Sri Lanka Podcast Episode 04

In this episode of the Colombo Briefing, host Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, sits down with Nimaya Manudewa from DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service to explore Falling Walls Lab Colombo 2026 a global pitch competition bringing together Sri Lanka’s brightest young researchers, innovators, and changemakers.

As the application phase closes, they unpack the strong and diverse response from across the country, what makes the unique three-minute pitch format so powerful, and why this platform goes far beyond simply presenting ideas.

Together with DAAD Sri Lanka, the conversation also highlights how international opportunities in Germany are opening doors for local talent, and what to expect from the upcoming event on May 26. Whether you're an aspiring innovator or simply curious about Sri Lanka’s growing research ecosystem, this episode shows how ideas can break barriers and reach a global stage.

🎵 Special thanks to Ayodhya Karunarathne (Studio AYO) for the composition “Sri Lankan Traditional Musical Piece – Gajaga Wannama Version II”, featured as our intro and outro music. Explore more of his work on YouTube and social media.

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17 March 2026

🎙️Colombo Briefing – AHK Sri Lanka Podcast Episode 03

In this episode of Colombo Briefing, host Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, sits down with Charitha Bandara from Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited to explore the powerful connection between people, culture, and organizational transformation.

Culture is often spoken about, but rarely fully understood. What does culture really mean in a corporate context? Is it something that naturally evolves, or should leaders intentionally shape it? And why do culture transformation efforts often look great on paper but struggle in reality?

This episode dives into:

    • How organizational culture is formed
    • The role of leadership in shaping culture
    • Why culture change fails despite good intentions
    • Where meaningful transformation truly begins
    • How individual mindset shifts can spark broader change

A thoughtful and practical conversation for leaders, managers, and professionals who want to build workplaces that drive innovation, accountability, and sustainable growth.

🎧 Tune in and discover why real transformation always starts with people.

🎵 Special thanks to Ayodhya Karunarathne (Studio AYO) for the composition “Sri Lankan Traditional Musical Piece – Gajaga Wannama Version II”, featured as our intro and outro music. Explore more of his work on YouTube and social media.

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11 November 2025

🎙️Colombo Briefing – AHK Sri Lanka Podcast Episode 02

Exploring Germany’s and Sri Lanka’s Economic Landscape

  • Guest: Florian Wenke, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI)
  • Host: Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka

In this episode, we take a closer look at the evolving economic landscapes of Germany and Sri Lanka — what’s shaping them today, how global trends are influencing change, and what opportunities lie ahead.

Joining us is Florian Wenke from Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), who shares insights into GTAI’s mission, Germany’s investment outlook, and the growing potential for collaboration with Sri Lanka. Together, we unpack key developments, challenges, and promising sectors driving future growth.

🎧 Tune in for an engaging conversation that connects markets, perspectives, and opportunities between Germany and Sri Lanka.

🎵 Special thanks to Ayodhya Karunarathne (Studio AYO) for the composition “Sri Lankan Traditional Musical Piece – Gajaga Wannama Version II”, featured as our intro and outro music. Explore more of his work on YouTube and social media.

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08 October 2025

🎙️Colombo Briefing – AHK Sri Lanka Podcast Episode 01

Welcome & Insights with Martin Klose

  • Guest: Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka
  • Host: Malintha Gajanayake, Head of Corporate Affairs/Export Promotion

In our very first episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka. Join us as we explore the role of AHK Sri Lanka in strengthening German–Sri Lankan business relations, dive into key initiatives, and uncover valuable insights from Martin’s experience leading bilateral trade and cooperation efforts.

Whether you're a business leader, trade enthusiast, or curious listener, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead — honest conversations, expert insights, and a fresh perspective on international partnerships.

🎵 Special thanks to Ayodhya Karunarathne (Studio AYO) for allowing us to feature his composition “Sri Lankan Traditional Musical Piece – Gajaga Wannama Version II” as the intro and outro for this podcast. Explore more of his work on YouTube and social media.

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