Sri Lanka is set to host the SEARIC Summit 2026 from 11 to 13 September 2026 at the Pegasus Reef Hotel, marking the first time the country will host the flagship regional gathering of the South East Asia Rotaract Information Centre (SEARIC).

Hosted by Rotaract in Rotary International District 3220 (RID 3220) – Sri Lanka & Maldives, the three-day summit is expected to bring together more than 500 delegates from six countries, creating a regional platform for leadership development, knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and collaboration among young leaders. The South-East Asia Rotaract Information Centre (SEARIC) serves as a regional platform connecting Rotaract districts across South East Asia. It facilitates collaboration, information exchange, cultural understanding and joint initiatives among Rotaractors across the region. The annual SEARIC Summit serves as the network’s flagship gathering, bringing together Rotaractors and Rotarians from participating countries for shared learning, fellowship, cultural exchange and collective growth.

Under the theme “The Role of Technology in the Future of Careers and Services,” SEARIC Summit Sri Lanka 2026 will explore the rapidly changing relationship between technology, careers, leadership and community service. As emerging technologies continue to transform industries and the way people work, the summit will provide a platform for young leaders to examine how technology can be used not only to prepare for the future of work, but also to strengthen the way communities are served. Across three days, delegates will participate in leadership and professional development sessions, discussions, cultural experiences, networking opportunities and community-focused programming, with the central theme reflected throughout the summit programme.

Beyond the Rotaract movement, the event also contributes to Sri Lanka’s broader positioning as a destination for international conferences, youth leadership programmes and regional collaboration. With hundreds of international delegates travelling to the country, the summit provides an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s hospitality, culture and potential as a host destination for future international gatherings. The event further creates a platform for young leaders from across South East Asia to connect with Sri Lankan counterparts, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

With more than 500 delegates expected to gather in Sri Lanka, SEARIC Summit Sri Lanka 2026 is set to become a significant regional platform for youth leadership, technology, professional development and service.

For Rotaract in Sri Lanka, the summit represents more than an international event. It is an opportunity to place Sri Lanka at the centre of regional youth collaboration, strengthen relationships across South East Asia and demonstrate the potential of young people to lead meaningful conversations about the future.

For partnership inquiries, please contact Rtr. Haneef Mohamed, Head of Partnerships, via email at haneef.rotaract3220@gmail.com or by phone at +94 77 044 7021.

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Altair, an address that elevates and defines contemporary living, stands as MosheSafdie’s architectural masterpiece and a powerful statement that buildings can achieve extraordinary feats. Rising above Colombo’s traditionally horizontal urban fabric of traffic and density, Altair introduced a different architectural grammar: a vision of living beautifully in Colombo through vertical innovation, space, light, and lifestyle.

Altair has recently unveiled a refined upgrade to its entrance and lobby, creating a renewed arrival experience for residents and visitors alike. Executed by Philip Weeraratne Associates (PWA), the enhancements were carefully designed to strengthen Altair’s premium residential identity while respecting the integrity and character of Safdie’s original architectural vision.

At the entrance, the previous frontage has been transformed into a bold and elegant architectural statement through the introduction of bronze-toned vertical fins, warm ambient lighting, lush greenery, and a central branded feature panel. The fins introduce rhythm, depth, and sophistication, while the integrated lighting creates a distinctive evening presence. Green walls and curated landscaping soften the built form and deliver a welcoming, resort-inspired arrival experience.

The lobby upgrade reimagines the dramatic triple-height volume as a luxurious residential lounge rather than merely a transitional space. While preserving the openness, natural light, and restrained material palette of the original design, the new concept introduces curated seating clusters, textured rugs, marble tables, indoor planting, and vertical green features. These interventions create intimate pockets within the expansive volume, bringing warmth, comfort, and vibrancy to the interior environment.

The existing vertical artwork, a key focul point, has been retained and complemented by a calm palette of soft neutrals, off-whites, blue accents, bronze finishes, natural stone textures, and lush greenery. The overall design language is one of understated luxury, achieved through proportion, texture, lighting, landscaping, and carefully curated detailing rather than excessive ornamentation.

“The overall design intent was to create a more refined identity for Altair — one that feels welcoming during the day and visually striking in the evening. The upgrades bring together architecture, landscape, interiors, lighting, and branding into a cohesive and immersive experience,” said Philip Weeraratne.

“The renewed entrance and lobby environment was one of many new investments made after last year’s purchase of Altair’s parent company by Blackstone and is part of the vision of the new management to enhance the everyday experience of residents, strengthen the arrival impression for visitors, and thereby reinforce the property’s lifestyle and hospitality-oriented character,” affirmed Thilan Wijesinghe, Strategic Partner of Altair’s owning company and Chairman of TWC Holdings.

The Community at Altair residence states that the lobby and entrance upgrades have infused Altair with renewed warmth, identity and sophistication.

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Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private Life Insurer, has come on board as Main Sponsor of the Colombo Marathon 2026, partnering with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. The collaboration was formally announced at the marathon’s official launch on August 4 at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, bringing together a shared vision for sport, health and national pride.

Held under the theme “Steps for Peace and Humanity,” Colombo Marathon 2026 is set to take place on September 13 and marks a significant step towards establishing Colombo as Sri Lanka’s premier international city marathon. The event will welcome over 4,000 local and international runners, offering something for every level of fitness across five categories. These include the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km Fun Run and a Mini Run for children.

Commenting on the partnership, Union Assurance Chief Marketing Officer Mahen Gunarathna said, “As a company that exists to protect what matters most, our partnership with the Colombo Marathon 2026 is a natural extension of our purpose. What matters most is to prepare for the future, as well as to enable people to live healthier by leading more active lives. This partnership gives us an opportunity to bring our purpose to life through a platform that encourages people to place greater value on their health and wellbeing.

We are proud to support an event that brings together people from across the country and beyond, united by a shared commitment to health, resilience and human potential. We hope the Colombo Marathon will inspire people of all ages and fitness levels to take that first step towards a healthier way of living, while reinforcing the importance of protecting the things that matter most to each of us.”

Registration for Colombo Marathon 2026 is now open at www.colombomarathon.lk.

Union Assurance is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 80 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. The Company has completed nearly four decades of success with a Market Capitalisation of Rs. 43.1 Bn and a Life Fund of Rs. 102.1 Bn as of end June 2026. Set to protect lives and enrich the well-being of all Sri Lankans, Union Assurance offers Life Insurance solutions that cover the health, investment, protection, retirement and education needs of Sri Lankans. With an island-wide branch network and a workforce that is over 3000-strong, Union Assurance continues to invest in people, products and processes with a customer-centric focus to be responsive to emerging changes in the Life Insurance industry.

Union Assurance PLC is licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL).

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Happy Hen, the Sri Lankan leading egg brand operated by Switz Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, has relaunched its website, giving customers and business partners a closer look at the people, care and processes behind its eggs.

Built around the promise “Better Care, Better Eggs,” the new website takes visitors through the journey of a Happy Hen egg — from producing the feed and caring for the hens to grading, packing and delivering eggs to customers across Sri Lanka.

The website also highlights what makes Happy Hen different, including its focus on quality, freshness, food safety and traceability. Every Happy Hen egg can be traced back to its production date, bird batch and feed batch, giving customers greater confidence in where their eggs come from.

Visitors can also discover how Happy Hen is working towards more responsible farming through initiatives such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, recycling and turning poultry by-products into organic fertilizer.

The website also showcases Happy Hen’s products, distribution network, packaging solutions, company story, career opportunities and services for retailers, hotels, restaurants, bakeries and other business customers.

More than just a place to find information, the new website offers a window into what goes into bringing better eggs from farm to fork.

Visit the new www.happyhen.lk website to discover the journey behind every egg.

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1.86 million Sri Lankan men continue to smoke. Tobacco is the second leading cause of cardiovascular disease in the country. Non-communicable diseases by tobacco account for roughly 83% of all deaths nationwide. Sri Lanka is not losing this fight for lack of commitment — the country was the first in Asia to ratify the World Health Organization (‘WHO’) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control — it is losing it partly because its strategy is producing consequences nobody in charge wants to acknowledge.

A new report by ‘Prohibition Does Not Work’ makes this case comprehensively. It is a report worth reading, not because it breaks entirely new ground, but because it marshals the evidence into a picture that is difficult to ignore.

The experiment and its results

By 2025, a Parliamentary inquiry by the Committee on Public Finance had heard what the streets of Colombo already demonstrated: enforcement actions were producing seizures but “very few successful prosecutions.” Officials were not describing a work in progress. They were describing a framework that does not function. The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (‘NATA’) is now discussing amendments that would tighten restrictions further — a response that would only make sense if history suggested that more of the same prohibition would produce better results.

It does not.

What prohibition actually produces

Nicotine products are, by any reasonable measure, widely available in Sri Lanka. They circulate through informal retail networks, dedicated Facebook pages, WhatsApp groups that advertise delivery, and professional-looking e-commerce websites. At present, Sri Lanka Customs data confirms that no nicotine products have been legally imported into the country, yet it’s undeniable that the market exists anyway, entirely outside regulatory oversight, subject to no product safety standards and no age restrictions 

The products being sold through these channels are not benign in their marketing either. The report documents numerous online advertisements featuring brightly coloured devices with cartoon-style graphics, flavour names resembling sweets and soft drinks, and some devices that include built-in screens capable of displaying animations or simple games. These are not products targeting the 45-year-old smoker looking for a less harmful alternative. They are products that thrive precisely because no regulator can tell them otherwise. The smuggling routes are similarly revealing. Nicotine products enter primarily from China and the UAE, often mis-declared in commercial shipments. In 2025, one airport seizure recovered products valued at approximately USD 25,000. Clearly, the prohibition route has not worked. But Sri Lanka is not the only country to tread this unsuccessful path.

Example (1): Brazil prohibited the sale of vapour products in 2009. By 2025 — sixteen years into the ban — the illicit market was estimated at USD 1.03 billion. Not a black market operating in the shadows of a legal one. The black market, full stop.

Example (2): Australia adopted a different approach, restricting vapour product sales to prescription only. A 2024 parliamentary assessment put the value of the illicit market between USD 750 million and USD 1.3 billion. Illicit sales now account for an estimated 95.7% of the total vapour market. The Australian government spends approximately half a billion dollars annually on border control and enforcement. It cannot make a dent.

The more revealing number from Australia, however, is this: vaping rates among 14 to 17-year-olds jumped from 0.8% in 2018 to 14.5% in 2023 — a period during which prohibition was in force. Prohibition removes the mechanisms that restrict underage access. Licensed retailers can be regulated and monitored. Illicit sellers cannot. And illicit sellers, unburdened by regulatory obligation, are considerably less bothered about age.

The big picture

It is possible that the overarching issue is that enforcers, policy-makers and other relevant authorities have become too granular in their field of vision when tackling the problem of THR. While tunnel vision is good at times, too much of it can handicap you into only seeing what is right in front of you, as opposed to the bigger picture. It is likely that the authorities have gotten overly caught up in banning x, y and z, rather than understanding that the road to tobacco harm reduction (‘THR’) may require more of a nuanced approach.

It is worth noting, too, that the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control — Sri Lanka’s flagship international commitment — explicitly defines tobacco control as including harm reduction strategies. The IMF, in March 2026, recommended that lower-risk nicotine products be taxed at lower rates than cigarettes to incentivize switching. Sri Lanka’s current approach contradicts both.

The ability to toggle between the immediate task at hand and the bigger picture is an elusive and high-value trait. In this instance, taking step back reminds you that the enemy is the harm caused by combustion of tobacco and not any particular consumer good (‘FMCG’).

From a THR point of view – if you take the examples of New Zealand and Sweden, the former’s smoking rates dropped from 18.4% to 8.3% over a decade or so, and the latter, who has integrated reduced-risk nicotine products into its broader tobacco control strategy is approaching 5% smoking prevalence and is on the verge of becoming the first smoke-free country in Europe. What these two have in common is that they chose regulation over prevention. They made sure legal, regulated alternatives to cigarettes were available to adult smokers. Alternatively, when those channels are closed, the cigarette remains the most (sometimes only) accessible option — and the black market provides everything else, without safety standards, quality controls, or any meaningful barrier to underage access. The lesson here is that, although the product may go away, the demand rarely does. So instead of artificially suppressing the demand, it may serve better to re-direct it.

The Lives Saved Report: Potential Public Health Impact of THR in Sri Lanka (2025) estimated in its report that as many as 85,000 lives could be saved in Sri Lanka by 2060 if adult smokers who would otherwise continue using cigarettes were instead able to switch to substantially lower-risk nicotine alternatives. The report also proposed a robust regulatory framework consisting of clear legal definitions, strictly enforced age restrictions, product safety standards, risk-proportionate taxation, and enforcement directed at illicit suppliers rather than adult consumers.

Keeping in mind that the intention here is not to promote smoking or vaping, a foundational premise of a free-market economy is that consumers should retain the choice, and the access, to purchase the products they prefer. The State — which carries the broader responsibility of sustaining the country and its markets — does not need to foreclose that choice to discharge that responsibility. It can shape it instead, through a regulatory framework that informs and empowers adult consumers to switch to less harmful products, rather than denying them the choice altogether.

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The Government of Sri Lanka has advanced a key national digital transformation priority through the launch and handover of Decision Support Systems for the fisheries and plantation sectors under the Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation Programme, known as IDAT. The Government-led initiative is designed to strengthen how public institutions collect, integrate and use data to guide policy, planning, resource allocation and service delivery. 

The Fisheries Sector Decision Support System brings together data from six Government institutions: The National Aquaculture Development Authority, Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, Cey-Nor Foundation, North Sea Ltd. and the Central Fish Market (Colombo).

The platform provides integrated datasets, dashboards, visual analytics, reports, monitoring tools and alerts to support decisions relating to fisheries production, aquaculture, market intelligence, operational performance, sustainability and resource management. Its development included institutional consultations, system design, analytical development, validation, capacity building, user acceptance testing and production-readiness activities. 

“The Fisheries DSS represents an important step in modernising sector governance through reliable data and evidence-based decision-making. By bringing institutional data together, the platform strengthens planning, monitoring, forecasting and resource management across the fisheries sector. This initiative will strengthen institutional efficiency, transparency and responsiveness while supporting Sri Lanka’s broader digital transformation agenda,” said Dr. B.K. Kolita Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.

The Plantation Sector Decision Support System integrates information from the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Tea Small Holdings Development Authority, Rubber Development Department, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Coconut Cultivation Board, Coconut Development Authority and Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.

“The Plantation DSS marks an important step in strengthening evidence-based governance, enabling institutions to make better-informed decisions through integrated data and analytics. The platform will strengthen institutional coordination, operational efficiency and long-term planning across Sri Lanka’s plantation sector. This initiative demonstrates how collaboration and digital public infrastructure can support a more competitive, resilient and sustainable plantation economy,” said Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure. 

Commenting on the initiatives, Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy said, “Digital technologies, interoperable data systems and advanced analytics are becoming fundamental to modern governance. The Fisheries and Plantation Sector DSSs demonstrate how Digital Public Infrastructure can strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve institutional coordination and enhance service delivery across strategically important sectors. Through IDAT, we are supporting a Government-led approach that uses trusted data and digital systems to advance economic resilience, sustainability, inclusive development and Sri Lanka’s broader digital transformation.”

The programme was delivered by the IDAT Consortium, bringing together the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, the Ministry of Digital Economy, Sarvodaya, PwC, MillenniumIT ESP and Connect to Care (CTC). The consortium members contributed expertise across sector engagement, institutional assessments, data governance, systems architecture, technology development, analytics, capacity building, change management and operational readiness.

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DGL Free Zone (Pvt) Ltd, the latest venture under Dart Global Logistics Group, has officially opened in Sri Lanka, introducing a large-scale logistics and value-addition facility aimed at attracting international businesses and strengthening the country’s position as a regional supply-chain hub.

The facility, officially opened on August 19, spans approximately 135,000 square feet and provides around 30,000 cubic metres of storage capacity. It features a 10-level racking system, with capacity equivalent to approximately 450 forty-foot containers, and more than 25 cargo docks to facilitate faster loading and unloading.

DGL Free Zone has been developed to support multi-country consolidation, regional distribution and value-added logistics services, allowing international businesses to undertake activities such as labelling, pick-and-pack, country-specific customisation and other supply-chain operations within Sri Lanka.

The facility is divided into three chambers and is designed to accommodate multiple commodity categories. It also includes infrastructure for temperature- and humidity-controlled cargo, including specialised requirements associated with sectors such as pharmaceuticals and FMCG.

Three mezzanine floors have been allocated for value-addition activities and temperature-controlled cargo storage, expanding the range of services available to customers operating through the free-zone facility.

Technology is another key component of the operation, with an international Tier-1 warehouse management system and RFID scanning technology being used to improve inventory management and provide greater visibility of cargo movements.

The opening comes as regional supply chains continue to evolve, with businesses increasingly seeking flexible logistics and consolidation solutions closer to key markets. DGL said developments in the Middle East and growing demand from regional markets highlight opportunities for Sri Lanka to play a larger role in international supply chains.

The company believes Sri Lanka’s free-zone infrastructure can help attract global brands looking for a base for regional consolidation, country-specific customisation and e-commerce fulfilment.

Beyond the direct investment and warehouse operations, the facility is expected to create employment across warehouse and value-addition activities while generating opportunities for supporting sectors including transport, cargo clearance and other logistics-related services.

The opening brought together representatives from government, industry and the logistics sector, including senior officials from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Customs, the banking sector and the wider logistics ecosystem.

DGL Group leadership, including Group Chairman Charles Wijesundera and Group Managing Director and Group CEO Jude Wijesundera, also attended the opening.

With its combination of high-capacity warehousing, technology-enabled inventory management, consolidation services and specialised cargo capabilities, DGL Free Zone is positioning itself as a platform for international companies seeking to use Sri Lanka as part of their regional supply-chain networks.

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KUKA HOME, one of the world’s largest integrated home furnishing companies, has opened its first showroom in Sri Lanka. Renowned for contemporary furniture designed for modern living at accessible price points, the global brand is represented locally by Finco Homes, the furniture retail arm of Finco Holdings.

“KUKA HOME brings more than four decades of award-winning design, patented technologies and global expertise to Sri Lanka. With a presence in over 120 countries and more than 6,000 retail locations worldwide, the brand offers an extensive range of products designed to complement modern lifestyles while remaining accessible to a broad customer base.

At Finco Homes, we identified a clear gap in the market for a furniture brand that successfully combines international design standards with the needs and aspirations of Sri Lankan households. KUKA HOME’s design capabilities, manufacturing excellence, product depth and international reputation made it the ideal partner and an excellent fit for the Sri Lankan market,” said Safraz Careem, CEO of Finco Homes Pvt Ltd.

Established in 1982, KUKA HOME operates 14 manufacturing facilities across China, Mexico, the United States and Vietnam, supported by a design centre in Milan, Italy. The company is also known for its collaborations with leading design firms in Europe and North America.

“We are delighted to partner with a global home furnishing brand that places such a strong emphasis on research, design excellence, craftsmanship, technology and sustainable production. KUKA HOME is a significant addition to Sri Lanka’s home décor landscape, offering customers award-winning designs and versatile products that combine comfort, functionality and style,” said Tarusha Weerasooria, Director of Finco Homes Pvt Ltd.

Designed as a complete concept store, the showroom offers an immersive retail experience with thoughtfully curated room settings that enable customers to visualise how furniture can enhance their homes and lifestyles. The collection reflects KUKA HOME’s philosophy of innovation and user-centred design, incorporating smart living concepts for modern, technology-driven households.

Customers can also explore the full collection online at www.kukahome.lk.

Sustainability remains central to KUKA HOME’s business philosophy. The company incorporates environmentally responsible materials into its products, continues to reduce its carbon footprint and actively promotes more sustainable and environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.

KUKA HOME is located at 12 Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 03, and is open from 9.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday.

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Sri Lankan food and spice brand රස පදම® (Rasa Padhama) has received two category level honours at the BestWeb.LK 2026 Awards, winning the Bronze Award for Best Food & Beverage Website 2026 and the Best Mobile User Experience 2026 award in its category. The awards were presented at the BestWeb.LK 2026 Awards Ceremony, held on 12 August at Monarch Imperial, Colombo. Mrs. Fathima Ammaarah, Events & Delivery Coordinator, accepted the awards on behalf of Rasa Padhama.

The recognition comes just seven months after the launch of rasapadhama.lk in January 2026. The website was developed as more than an e-commerce platform, bringing together online shopping, recipes and food content with digital initiatives including Taste e-Points, Taste eShare and Taste ePromise. Rasa Padhama entered BestWeb.LK 2026 with the aim of evaluating its website against recognised industry standards. The two awards mark the brand’s first national level digital award recognition.

“We entered BestWeb.LK because we wanted to make sure our website was built to a proper standard and to see how our work stood among other Sri Lankan websites. We honestly did not expect recognition at this calibre, so receiving two honours is both a proud and humbling moment for us,” said Mufassir Hussain Mohamed, Founder / Concept Lead of Rasa Padhama.

“This achievement gives us confidence that the direction we have taken with digital innovation is the right one. Building the platform has been a long journey, and we see these awards not as an ending, but as encouragement to continue improving and creating better experiences for our customers.”

BestWeb.LK 2026 is the 16th edition of the annual web competition organised by the LK Domain Registry, recognising excellence among Sri Lankan websites across multiple industry categories.

Rasa Padhama Team feather said it will continue developing rasapadhama.lk with new digital experiences, food content and customer focused innovations as it works towards its ambition of building a trusted Sri Lankan culinary brand with a strong digital presence.

රස පදම® (Rasa Padhama) is a Sri Lankan food and spice brand offering spices, masalas, food add-ons and selected kitchen products. The brand combines Sri Lankan food traditions with modern retail and digital experiences.

Website: rasapadhama.lk
Media Contact: fusion@rasapadhama.lk

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Springfield College Kandy produced an outstanding performance at the All Island Inter School Team Table Tennis Championship, securing the U10 “A” Division Championship at the Bandaragama Indoor Stadium on 10 July 2026.

The young Springfield paddlers demonstrated remarkable skill, composure and teamwork throughout the tournament, finishing at the top of their group to qualify for the knockout stages. Their impressive run continued as they overcame some of the country’s strongest school teams on their way to the championship title.

In the quarter final, Springfield College defeated Maliyadewa College, Kurunegala, booking their place in the semi-final. They maintained their momentum in the next round, overcoming Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda, in a hard fought semi-final to earn a place in the grand final.

The decisive final saw Springfield College come up against St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa. Showing confidence and determination beyond their years, the Springfield team rose to the occasion and secured victory to be crowned the All Island U10 “A” Division Champions.

The championship winning team consisted of Hassan Zaman, Hussein Zaman and Mohammad Usman, whose individual talent and ability to perform as a cohesive unit were key to Springfield’s success.

The young champions were guided throughout the competition by their dedicated coaches, Mrs. Kanchana Wedagedara and Mr. Rajesh Kumar, whose training, guidance and encouragement played an important role in the team’s achievement.

Winning an All Island championship at such a young age is a significant achievement for the three players and represents a proud moment for Springfield College Kandy. The team’s journey from topping the group stage to defeating three strong opponents in the knockout rounds reflects not only their technical ability but also their discipline, resilience and competitive spirit.

The triumph is expected to further inspire the school’s young table tennis players and strengthen Springfield College Kandy’s presence in inter school table tennis. For Hassan, Hussein and Mohammad, the championship provides a memorable milestone early in their sporting careers and a strong foundation for future success on the national school sporting circuit.

Springfield College Kandy’s U10 team has now firmly placed its name among the champions of school table tennis, bringing home an impressive All Island “A” Division title.

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Sri Lanka’s coaching landscape has reached a significant milestone with Lakshan Madurasinghe becoming the country’s first and only Certified WHY Coach, accredited to facilitate the internationally recognized WHY Discovery process developed by Simon Sinek’s WHY School.

With more than 25 years of experience and exposure spanning the corporate, development and public sectors, Lakshan has built a distinguished career helping organisations create legacy, navigate crisis, lead transformation, strengthen leadership, drive reputation, stakeholder engagement and deliver lasting impact. His professional journey has included leadership roles with The Coca-Cola Company across Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, serving as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka and Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka, Board Director of the Board of Investment Sri Lanka, and leading numerous initiatives in corporate affairs, strategic corporate sustainability and communications, regulatory affairs, crisis management, policy advocacy and in creating community impact.

Today, he brings that extensive leadership experience together with one of the world’s most recognised purpose-discovery methodologies, providing Sri Lankan individuals, leaders, and entrepreneurs with access to a globally proven framework for uncovering the deeper purpose that drives performance, leadership and fulfilment.

The WHY Discovery process is built around a simple yet powerful principle popularized by Simon Sinek: The WHY is your deep-seated purpose, cause and belief. It’s an articulation of you, the best part of you. Unlike job titles, a WHY represents the deeper cause that naturally motivates an individual. Understanding this purpose can help people make better decisions, communicate more authentically, build stronger relationships and lead with greater clarity and confidence.

“Purpose isn’t a privilege, it’s a right. Every person deserves to wake up knowing their WHY. Your WHY is inspirational, not aspirational. It isn’t who you want to be, it is who you truly are and is the best part of you,” said Lakshan Madurasinghe.  “Throughout my career, whether working with multinational corporations, government institutions, entrepreneurs or community organisations, I have observed that the most effective leaders are those who understand what truly drives them. The WHY Discovery process gives people the language and clarity to articulate that purpose. When individuals understand their WHY, they are able to make better decisions, communicate more authentically, build stronger relationships and lead with greater confidence and consistency.”

For Lakshan, the WHY methodology is not simply a coaching framework but a practical leadership tool that aligns closely with lessons gained throughout his career exposure. Having led regional teams, managed complex stakeholder environments, built public-private partnerships and guided organisations through periods of transformation and crisis, he has witnessed firsthand how purpose-driven leadership influences culture, engagement, resilience and ultimately performance.

The methodology has applications across a wide range of audiences, including senior executives, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, professionals navigating career transitions and teams seeking stronger alignment around a shared purpose.

Individuals who undertake the WHY Discovery process will undoubtedly gain greater self-awareness, improved confidence, stronger decision-making capabilities and a clearer sense of direction. Leaders benefit from enhanced authenticity, stronger communication and increased trust among teams. Participants typically complete the process with a clearly articulated WHY statement with attached HOWs, a deeper understanding of what motivates them and practical insights that can guide future personal and professional decisions.

For Lakshan, the WHY Discovery process is not an end point, but the beginning of a longer journey. Through ongoing coaching relationships, he aims to help individuals in Sri Lanka and across the world move beyond clarity of purpose to intentionally living, leading and making decisions that are consistently aligned with their WHY. Through executive coaching, mentorship and leadership development programmes, founder and entrepreneur coaching, and personal development engagements, Lakshan aims to help more people discover, articulate and live their WHY.

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Around the world, employers are looking for graduates who can do more than demonstrate academic knowledge. They want people who can solve problems, adapt to change, work collaboratively, and contribute from day one. This shift is driving growing interest in applied learning, an education model that combines classroom learning with real-world experience.

By combining industry projects, workplace exposure, and hands-on learning, students develop both technical expertise and the practical skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving workplaces.

New Zealand has long been recognised for its strong focus on industry-connected learning. Its vocational education providers work closely with employers to ensure programmes remain relevant, responsive and aligned with workforce needs. The result is graduates who are equipped not only with qualifications but also with the confidence and capability to thrive in their chosen careers.

For Sri Lanka, which continues to prioritise skills development, workforce readiness and economic transformation, applied learning offers valuable opportunities to strengthen links between education and industry while preparing graduates for the future.

Against this backdrop, ‘Applied Learning and Industry Connect 2026’, to be held in Colombo on 24th August, will bring together New Zealand applied learning providers, Sri Lankan institutions and policymakers to explore opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and partnership development.

His Excellency Mr David Pine, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, says that as Sri Lanka continues to invest in skills development and workforce capability, New Zealand is pleased to share its experience in delivering industry-connected education.

“Applied learning creates pathways for learners to gain practical skills, supports economic growth and strengthens connections between education and industry,” he says.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to preparing young people for future opportunities.”

David Downs, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, the New Zealand government agency dedicated to international education, says that the future of international education is not just about where students study but how countries work together to develop the skills, ideas and talent needed for a rapidly-changing world.

“New Zealand’s applied learning approach has demonstrated the value of bringing education and industry closer together, and we see significant potential to deepen that collaboration with Sri Lanka,” he says.

“By strengthening institutional partnerships and creating new pathways for learners, we can help build a workforce that is adaptable, innovative and ready to meet the demands of the future.”

The applied learning pathway has benefitted many Sri Lankan students who are today successfully employed in New Zealand.

Sharing his journey, Dimithri Wellage, a test analyst at Enlighten Designs, said that enrolling in the Master of Applied Information Technology at Wintec was a defining step in his journey, driven by his personal interests and clear career aspirations in the IT industry.

“I was able to achieve exceptional results and complete my research focused on improving the accuracy of AI responses for cybersecurity risk management,” Dimitri says

“This achievement was made possible with excellent academic guidance and mentorship across three semesters, which played an important role in helping me complete my studies successfully and strengthen my technical knowledge.”

“Overall, the academic experience helped me stay focused on my learning goals and progress toward building my career in the IT field.”

As economies become more knowledge-driven and technology continues to reshape workplaces, the ability to connect learning with practical experience will only grow in importance.

Through deeper collaboration between education providers, governments, and industry, New Zealand and Sri Lanka have an opportunity to equip learners with the skills, experience and confidence needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Home Lands Skyline has been recognised with two prestigious Gold Awards at the BestWeb.LK Awards 2026, winning Best Corporate Website – Gold Winner and the highly coveted Overall Best Website – Gold Winner. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Home Lands, recognising the strength of its digital presence and its commitment to delivering world-class experiences both online and offline. This year’s competition attracted 500+ applications, with 350 shortlisted and 106 awards presented across 24 categories.

For Home Lands, these awards represent more than recognition of its website. As Sri Lanka’s number 1, most trusted, and most innovative real estate brand, establishing a strong digital identity has always been an important part of the brand’s journey. The Home Lands Skyline website has been developed as a comprehensive platform for investors and prospective homeowners to explore the company’s extensive portfolio, discover developments and access the information they need when considering a property investment. With an intuitive layout, seamless navigation and visually engaging presentation, the website brings the scale, quality and lifestyle proposition of Home Lands to life digitally.

Winning Best Corporate Website – Gold is a meaningful recognition of how Home Lands represents itself as a leading corporate brand in the digital space. Securing the Overall Best Website – Gold Winner, selected from winners across the competition’s categories, makes the achievement even more significant and reinforces the strength of the platform as a whole.

Commenting on the significance of the occasion, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Chairman of the LK Domain Registry, said: “This is a celebration of the wonderful work that organisations, individuals and educational institutes have done to establish their presence on the web, as well as all those who have chosen the .LK domain to build and establish their brands online.”

For Home Lands, being part of this celebration of Sri Lanka’s digital achievements is a true honour. Successfully establishing Home Lands Skyline on the .LK domain represents more than a digital address; it reflects the brand’s commitment to building a strong presence within Sri Lanka’s digital identity.

As Home Lands continues to pioneer innovation and raise benchmarks across the real estate industry, these two Gold Awards reaffirm the company’s commitment to ensuring that its digital presence reflects the same standards of excellence as its developments. Above all, the achievement strengthens Home Lands’ mission to make discovering, exploring and investing in property easier, more engaging and more accessible for everyone.

Trusted in Sri Lanka and overseas by a growing international clientele, Market Leader Home Lands has sold over 5,000 units across 24 large scale development projects while already having delivered over 3,750 units with 400 more units ready for delivery within this year and over 2,850 units under construction. With a growing global presence and offices in Australia, Dubai, and London, Home Lands serves both local and international clients, delivering landmark residential projects across the country. Home Lands has earned multiple accolades, including the Best Developer – Sri Lanka award at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards three times, in 2021, 2024 and 2025, and in 2025 was honoured with Superbrands status, becoming the only real estate Superbrand in Sri Lanka.

Home Lands is the pioneer of resort-style residential developments in Sri Lanka and continues to redefine modern living, setting new benchmarks in quality, design, and lifestyle. As a fully integrated group of 14 companies, including its own construction arm, Heyraa Construction, holding the highest CS2 grading from CIDA, Home Lands delivers end-to-end solutions across real estate, construction, property management, and lifestyle creation, ensuring uncompromised quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Home Lands, Sri Lanka’s number 1, most trusted and most innovative developer continues to build on its brand values, shaping the nation’s real estate landscape with a legacy built on trust, innovation, and excellence.

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Beruwala Chinafort Gem Market is the oldest open air gem market in the world. Its heritage is built over many generations. The Chinafort Gem Market is the meeting point in Sri Lanka for local and international buyers. On a busy day the market attracts more than 5000 local and international traders and visitors who come to experience its vibrant trading environment and various sources of fine gem stones. 

With the growing scale of   business activity in the market, it is naturally the next step for all the stake holders to come together and establish operating hours and Protocol acceptable to all the stakeholders, the visitors, traders, residents, property owners, road users, trade and community associations and the Urban Council of Beruwala.

In this context, the new Chinafort Gem Market Trading protocol was launched on 18^th July 2026, has successfully completed its first month, with the consensually agreed 9AM to 3PM market   operating hours implemented very successfully. 

Therefore, following a series of discussions and collective decision, the new working hours of 9am–3pm was ceremoniously launched on the 18th of July 2026 under the patronage of Hon Chandhima Hettiarachchi MP., (Beruwala seat organizer and Chairman of development council) Mr. Mafasim Azahir Chairman of Beruwala Urban Council, Dr S.P Chaminda Chairman of National Gem and Jewellery Authority ,and their Directors , Mr. Rizwan Nayeem Chairman and EXCO team of the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association, The Secretary  and members of the Chinafort Mosque Society , Gem merchants , Area residents , land lords and tenants with over 1500 people . The Chinafort gem market has gained this enormous momentum, thanks to well-coordinated and successful promotional programs by the Ceylon Gem And Jewellery Traders Association to build its brand image worldwide as a trustworthy and reliable first source market for fine cut & polished gemstones.

Following a very successful  first month operation of the new protocol, the Ceylon Gem And Jewellery Traders Association  and the Urban Council of Beruwala continue to receive overwhelming positive feedback from all the participants in the market to continue their great work for  further development of this market for the benefit of the entire gem community in Sri Lanka, whilst successfully maintaining coherence and co-existence among all market participants as well as the residents of the area. 

One Market. One Protocol. One Collective Commitment. 

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• André meets students, faculty and industry figures at the University of Moratuwa and the University of Colombo to launch the Sinhalese edition of his book and share his ten humanist principles of leadership
• The Sinhalese edition follows earlier translations into French and Chinese, part of a growing effort to bring the book’s ten leadership principles to readers in their own language, wherever they are in the world

Global Chief Executive André Lacroix visited two of Sri Lanka’s leading universities today to launch the Sinhalese edition of his book, Leadership with Soul, which challenges conventional leadership thinking and invites current and future leaders to stop, reflect and reinvent their approach to become ever-better leaders.

“The visit comes at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka. The economy grew 5.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, extending ten consecutive quarters of recovery since the country’s 2022 financial crisis. Sri Lanka is also aging faster than any other country in South Asia, with a median age of around 34 years. With its working-age population set to shrink in the years ahead, giving today’s young people the tools and the confidence to lead is more urgent than ever.

The event marks AndréLacroix ‘s first visit to Sri Lanka and a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s testing, inspection and certification (TIC) industry: Leadership with Soul becomes the first leadership book by a FTSE 100 TIC sector leader to be launched in the country and in Sinhalese. As Intertek Group plc CEO, André leads a global Total Quality Assurance business that has been present in the country since 2008 and has since grown to offer its ATIC advantage of Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification to customers across Softlines, Cargo, Oil & Gas, Audits & Assurance, and Environmental.

During his visit, André addressed close to 250 students, faculty and senior figures from Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel industry at the University of Moratuwa, the country’s premier technological university and training ground for many senior leaders in its textile sector. He also addressed an audience of 200 students from the Faculty of Management and Finance at the University of Colombo, the country’s oldest and most prestigious public university.

At both universities, André spoke about the ten principles at the heart of Leadership with Soul and answered questions from students. The Sinhalese edition was launched with senior faculty members and industry representatives, and firstsigned copies of the book were presented to the university libraries.

Dr. T. S. Jayawardana, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, commended the decision to release a translation of the book: “With Leadership with Soul in Sinhalese, we open the door for students to connect more deeply with its ideas in a language that feels like home. This is not just a translation, it is a step toward placing Sinhalese confidently alongside global languages on the international stage. The book brings together ten powerful leadership concepts, which can guide the youth of Sri Lanka as they prepare to enter the world of work and look to achieve their full potential.”

Professor K. A. S. P. Kaluarachchi, Director, Postgraduate Studies at the University of Colombo, further spoke about the value of the book to leadership literature, “Leadership with Soul offers practical guidance and insights for developing a leadership style centred on awareness of self and others, compassion, integrity, authenticity, trust and transparency.Professor Maduka Udunuwara, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance, added: “This work is an invaluable addition to leadership literature.”

Speaking about the launch, André Lacroix said: “Leadership with Soul is more than a leadership book. It is a guide to building organisations where people, purpose and performance go hand in hand. “Drawing on more than three decades of my global leadership experience, it offers practical insights on how to inspire people, create customer-centric organisations, and leave a lasting legacy. Today, we are proud to launch the Sinhalese edition, making these timeless leadership principles accessible to an even wider audience.”

In his book, Lacroix reveals his model for business success, built over more than three decades with world-leading organisations including Ernst & Young, PepsiCo, Burger King, Euro Disney, Inchcape, Reckitt Benckiser and Intertek. He attributes his success to an empathetic, humanist approach to driving sustainable growth and value for all: customers, employees, shareholders, communities and society as a whole.

To learn more about Leadership with Soul, please visit: https://www.leadershipwithsoul.com/

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Yala, Sri Lanka – Hilton Yala is proud to announce an extraordinary milestone for its wildlife ranger team, as its rangers achieved exceptional results in the globally recognised CyberTracker Level 3 Qualification in South Africa, reaffirming Hilton Yala’s position as a leader in safari and wildlife interpretation experiences.

The standout achievement came from Senior Ranger Sanka Abeysinghe, who recorded an impressive 96% score in the CyberTracker Level 3 evaluation, representing one of the highest scores achieved at this level and setting a new benchmark for excellence.

CyberTracker is widely regarded as the international gold standard in wildlife tracking certification. Originally developed in Southern Africa, the programme evaluates a tracker’s ability to accurately identify animal tracks and signs, interpret animal behaviour, and understand ecological relationships within natural environments. The certification is recognised globally by conservationists, researchers, guides, and wildlife professionals.

Hilton Yala’s achievement reflects the resort’s long-standing commitment to maintaining the highest standards in wildlife guiding. Many members of the ranger team possess internationally recognised professional qualifications and are certified through respected industry bodies, including the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).

The resort’s safari experiences are distinguished by highly trained rangers who combine scientific knowledge, conservation awareness, tracking expertise, and storytelling to create meaningful wildlife encounters for guests. Hilton Yala’s safari programme emphasises education, ethical wildlife viewing, and responsible tourism while providing guests with access to one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

“This achievement demonstrates the calibre of expertise within our ranger team and our ongoing commitment to professional excellence. Sanka’s remarkable score is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of Hilton Yala’s dedication to providing guests with safari experiences led by some of the most highly qualified wildlife professionals in the region. When guests embark on a safari with Hilton Yala, they are guided by individuals whose skills are recognised at the highest international standards,” said Sanoj Perera, Director of Marketing & Communication, Hilton Yala.

As wildlife tourism continues to evolve, Hilton Yala remains committed to investing in ranger development, conservation education, and world-class safari experiences that inspire deeper connections with nature while supporting wildlife protection for future generations.

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Today, Orion City proudly announces the launch of Orion Tower II, one of the most ambitious commercial office developments to date. Construction on Orion Tower II commenced in August 2026, with completion targeted for January 2029. This investment represents another significant milestone in Orion City’s long-term vision of creating Sri Lanka’s leading integrated business destination.

Developed in response to the growing needs of our tenant community and the increasing demand for world-class commercial office space, Orion Tower II will deliver approximately 300,000 square feet of premium Grade A office space, designed to support business expansion while further strengthening the Orion City ecosystem.

The master plan has been developed by the internationally renowned DP Architects Singapore, creating a landmark development that seamlessly integrates with Orion Tower I to provide a combined floor plate of approximately 36,000 square feet. The new tower will feature 180-degree panoramic views of Colombo, large column-free office floor plates that maximise workspace flexibility, and is being designed to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, reflecting Orion City’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international workplace standards.

At Orion City, our vision has always extended beyond constructing office buildings. We believe the future of work is created by environments where businesses, people, and communities can thrive together.

Over the years, Orion City has continuously invested in facilities and services that enhance the everyday workplace experience. Today, our integrated business ecosystem includes premium office infrastructure, flexible workspaces, childcare facilities, EV charging stations, enhanced food and beverage offerings, fitness and wellness amenities, hospitality services, retail conveniences, professionally managed common areas, and a growing range of lifestyle experiences designed to support both organisations and their people.

Orion Tower II represents the natural evolution of that vision. Beyond delivering premium commercial office space, the development will further strengthen Orion City’s integrated business ecosystem while creating new opportunities to expand the facilities, services, and experiences available to our tenants and their teams.

Mr. Milinda Wickremeratne, Chief Operating Officer, Orion Development (Pvt) Ltd, said, “Orion Tower II represents a significant milestone in Orion City’s long-term vision of creating Sri Lanka’s leading integrated business destination. This development reflects our continued confidence in Sri Lanka’s future and our commitment to delivering world-class commercial infrastructure that supports business growth, attracts investment, and creates lasting value for our tenants and stakeholders.”     

Mr. Sudheera Bandara, Head of Marketing, Orion Development (Pvt) Ltd, further stated, “Orion Tower II is far more than another office tower. It is the next chapter in Orion City’s journey of creating a connected business ecosystem where organisations can innovate, collaborate, and grow. Every aspect of this development has been carefully planned to enhance the workplace experience while reinforcing Orion City’s position as Sri Lanka’s Destination for Innovation.”     

With Orion Tower II, Orion City continues to build on nearly two decades of success, creating future-ready commercial destinations that combine world-class infrastructure with sustainability, technology, hospitality, and lifestyle—setting a new benchmark for commercial real estate in Sri Lanka.

The project also represents the next phase of Orion City’s long-term expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of business in Sri Lanka while supporting multinational corporations, local enterprises, entrepreneurs, and the wider business community with internationally recognised commercial infrastructure.

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The Sri Lankan property market could enter its next major growth phase following the government’s approval to commence the procurement process for the first phase of the Ruwanpura Expressway Project. Phase 1 of the project, which will connect Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya and will include the construction of a new bridge interchange at Kahathuduwa, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Colombo and Sabaragamuwa Province. While the expressway is primarily a transport infrastructure project, LankaPropertyWeb’s research indicates that it also has the potential to reshape property demand and create new investment opportunities across the proposed corridor.

According to data from the LankaPropertyWeb (LPW) Land Price Index (LPI), Ingiriya and Padukka have already been among Sri Lanka’s strongest-performing land markets over the past several years, even before the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway. Between 2017 and 2025, the average asking price of land in Ingiriya increased from Rs. 49,363 per perch to Rs. 344,850 per perch, representing an impressive sevenfold increase. During the same period, Padukka recorded a 151.3% increase, while the Colombo District average grew by 66.9% and the Kalutara District average increased by 123%. These figures indicate that Ingiriya and Padukka have consistently outperformed the broader market, demonstrating strong long-term demand.

LPW analysis indicates that approval of the project could further strengthen the upward trend for areas adjoining the Ruwanpura Expressway Route, such as Polgasowita, Gonapola, Horana, and beyond.  Improved connectivity has historically been one of the most influential drivers of land value appreciation in Sri Lanka. Easier access to Colombo, reduced travel times, improved logistics, and better connectivity to employment centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial hubs often encourage residential development while attracting developers and long-term investors.

A key reason behind this prediction is the transformation of areas surrounding expressway interchanges, such as Kahathuduwa. Following the development of the Southern Expressway interchange, Kahathuduwa experienced significant growth in residential and commercial activity, resulting in stronger buyer demand and increasing land values. Today, it has become one of the most sought-after suburban locations due to its strategic connectivity. With the proposed Ruwanpura Expressway interchange being built at Kahathuduwa, LPW expects the area’s importance as a transport and investment hub to strengthen even further.

Rather than viewing Kahathuduwa as the primary growth story, LPW anticipates that it will provide a proven example of how major infrastructure projects can transform nearby property markets. Based on the data, LPW forecasts that land for sale in Ingiriya will become the next major beneficiary of improved accessibility. As the endpoint of the first phase of the expressway, Ingiriya is expected to attract increasing demand from homebuyers seeking more affordable alternatives to Colombo, developers looking for emerging residential markets, and investors seeking long-term capital appreciation.

Beyond Ingiriya, LPW also expects increased market activity across Kuruwita, Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, and areas further along the route such as Balangoda, Belihuloya, Bandarawela, Ella and Badulla as future phases of the expressway improve regional connectivity. Historical data also highlights the attractiveness of land as a long-term investment. While the average 12-month fixed deposit rate across six leading Sri Lankan commercial banks currently stands at approximately 9.04% per annum, the long-term appreciation of 598.59% in Ingiriya and 151.24% in Padukka between 2017 and 2025, compared with the 9.04% FD rate, demonstrates the wealth creation potential of strategic land investments in high-growth corridors. Although fixed deposits provide stable and predictable returns, land in emerging locations has the potential to deliver significant capital appreciation over extended investment horizons.

Commenting on the market outlook, Chamara Thewarapperuma, Head of Research & Analytics at LankaPropertyWeb, said the company’s prediction is based on established market trends rather than short-term speculation.

“Our Land Price Index has consistently identified Ingiriya and Padukka among Sri Lanka’s strongest-performing land markets over the past several years. The approval of the Ruwanpura Expressway is expected to further strengthen these locations by improving accessibility and increasing investor confidence. Kahathuduwa has already demonstrated how expressway connectivity can transform a local property market, and Ingiriya is well positioned to follow a similar growth trajectory. As infrastructure development progresses, we also expect increasing buyer interest to extend towards Kuruwita, Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, and surrounding areas,” said Thewarapperuma.

Tharindu Jayarathne, Chief Operating Officer of LankaPropertyWeb, noted that the project represents more than a transport improvement—it has the potential to reshape how buyers and investors view the region.

“Accessibility is one of the most important factors influencing real estate demand. When travel becomes faster and more convenient, locations that were once considered distant become increasingly attractive for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Based on the impact of previous expressway projects in Sri Lanka, we believe the Ruwanpura Expressway could unlock significant opportunities for property owners, developers, and investors along this corridor,” said Jayarathne.

The company emphasises that this outlook is based on historical market data, previous infrastructure-led development patterns, and the expected impact of improved regional connectivity. While actual market performance will depend on the successful implementation of the project and broader economic conditions, LPW trusts the Ruwanpura Expressway represents one of the most significant opportunities for long-term real estate growth outside Colombo.

LPW’s latest Land Price Index can be viewed at https://www.lankapropertyweb.com/land-prices/

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In addition, the Company also clinched the Gold Award for Excellence in Performance Management, emerging as the overall winner in this category across all industries. Together, these prestigious recognitions underscore Union Assurance’s leadership in the insurance sector and its standing among Sri Lanka’s leading businesses.

Organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the National Business Excellence Awards are among the country’s most prestigious corporate recognition platforms. The awards evaluate organisations against a rigorous business excellence framework encompassing leadership, strategy, governance, performance management, operational effectiveness, people development, and stakeholder value creation, providing a comprehensive assessment of sustainable organisational excellence.

The dual recognition reflects Union Assurance’s continued commitment to building a future-ready organisation that delivers sustainable value to customers, employees, shareholders, and the wider community. Through a combination of strategic foresight, customer-centric innovation, operational excellence, strong governance, and a high-performance culture, the Company continues to set benchmarks within Sri Lanka’s Life Insurance industry while contributing to the advancement of business excellence at a national level.

Commenting on the achievement, Senath Jayatilake, Director and Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance, said, “Being recognised as the Gold Award Winner in the Insurance Sector is a significant milestone that reflects the trust our customers place in us and the commitment of our people to delivering meaningful protection. It reaffirms our position within Sri Lanka’s Life Insurance industry and our ability to consistently meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

Winning the Gold Award for Excellence in Performance Management further highlights the foundations that drive our success, including strong leadership, clear strategic direction, disciplined execution, and a people-centric culture. This recognition extends beyond business results and reflects the strength, resilience, and future-readiness of our organisation. Together, these awards reinforce our commitment to creating lasting value for all stakeholders while continuing to deliver on our purpose of protecting what matters most to all Sri Lankans.”

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OxfordAQA, a partnership between Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford, and AQA, the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels, has announced the launch of its new International GCSE Digital and Information Technology (DIT) qualification. This modern qualification builds on the foundations of traditional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s digital world.

Developed in consultation with Sri Lankan international schools, OxfordAQA qualifications are meticulously aligned with UK standards – with International GCSE DIT combining academic rigor with a practical, project-based approach to learning. By focusing on developing technical and creative digital skills in real-world contexts, the qualification equips students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to support progression to further study and the workplace.

This unique approach enables students to demonstrate their learning through both examinations and extended practical projects. Working across contemporary contexts such as data, digital content, business and social impact, students develop the confidence, capability and problem-solving skills valued in higher education and the workplace.

OxfordAQA’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, Panchalika Kulatunga, said: “We’ve seen growing demand from schools across Sri Lanka for qualifications that reflect how digital skills are used in the real world. This new DIT qualification gives students the opportunity to build practical capability, while also providing teachers with a more flexible and manageable approach to delivery.”

Managing Director, Andrew Coombe, added: “We are committed to providing qualifications that meet the evolving needs of international schools while maintaining the high standards associated with UK education. Our new Digital and Information Technology qualification is a valuable addition to our portfolio, helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing digital world.”

As the fastest-growing international exam board, OxfordAQA now supports more schools in more countries than ever before. Its student-focused approach ensures assessments test subject ability alone, using clear language and culturally relevant content to give every learner the best opportunity to succeed. OxfordAQA is also part of the Oxford International Programme, a holistic approach to education for students aged 2–19 that fosters a culture of wellbeing and a love of learning and equips learners with the skills and attitudes students need for future personal, academic and career success.

“We’re proud to work with schools around the world to help every student build strong foundations for whatever they choose to do next,” added Andrew Coombe.

For more information about the new qualifications visit: www.oxfordaqa.com/newqualifications

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