Category: Daily Financial Times

Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday declared open a new Indoor Training Complex at the National High Performance Center, marking the completion of another key facility at the country’s Elite Training Centre of Cricket.

The state-of-the-art, seven-wicket indoor facility has been built to international standards and comprises two wickets dedicated to Spin bowling, two wickets for Fast bowling, and three general-purpose wickets.

Designed to facilitate uninterrupted training under varying climatic conditions, the facility will serve players representing the National Men’s and Women’s Teams, ‘A’ Teams, and Emerging Teams, as well as the Under-19, Under-17, and Under-15 national squads.

The complex was formally declared open by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, at the invitation of Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva.

The office bearers and members of the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket were also present at the ceremony, alongside national men’s and women’s cricketers.

The addition of the indoor training facility represents another significant milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka Cricket’s Elite Training Center, further reinforcing its status as a world-class high-performance facility dedicated to producing elite athletes.

Housed at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, the National High Performance Centre also features an international-standard ground, Outdoor Practice Facilities, a gymnasium, a state-of-the-art eight-lane swimming pool, the Brain Centre for advanced match analysis, and a comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit, among several other essential support structures.

The opening of the facility comes at a crucial juncture, as Sri Lanka prepares for a demanding international calendar in 2026. This includes tours by Pakistan and England in January, followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

IQ Global, a leading Sri Lankan-based Digital, Tech, and Business Design solutions provider, and global data-driven marketing powerhouse Fonia, have announced a landmark partnership to introduce Fonia Digital-a cutting-edge AI-powered advertising tool-to the Sri Lankan market, effective (date here).

This strategic alliance is set to fundamentally change how Sri Lankan brands connect with their consumers, delivering unprecedented accuracy and efficiency in mobile marketing and bringing a truly global tool to the island for the first time.

This partnership marks the first time such an advanced global advertising technology is being introduced for the exclusive benefit of Sri Lankan brands. Fonia Digital empowers local enterprises to transcend traditional targeting limitations and reach a more accurate, in-the-moment audience, ensuring marketing budgets are spent effectively and driving a new era of high-ROI advertising.

Since 2014, Innovation Quotient (IQ Global), a brand transformation powerhouse, has bridged the gap between human insight, bold creativity, and technical capability with human-centric solutions. With this partnership, the company takes a major step toward pioneering AI-driven display advertising in Sri Lanka, setting a new benchmark for data-led marketing precision. By introducing AI-driven display technology to the Sri Lankan market for the first time, IQ Global is not just offering a new solution, but ushering in a new era of data-led marketing precision.

IQ Global Chief Commercial Officer Shafras Faleel said: ‘Our mission at IQ Global has always been to drive inclusive digital transformation by introducing world-class tools to the local ecosystem. Partnering with Fonia allows us to offer a revolutionary AI platform that goes beyond generic targeting empowering Sri Lankan brands to achieve measurable ROI and engage customers at the perfect moment. This is a game-changer for the Sri Lankan advertising industry.’

Fonia Group, through its digital marketing arm Fonia Digital, specialises in executing AI-powered advertising campaigns based on Big Data insights from millions of users worldwide. The platform integrates online and offline behavioral data with advanced AI algorithms to deliver real-time, multi-DSP (Demand-Side Platform) bidding that maximises precision and cost efficiency.

Fonia Group Co-CEO Avi Magdid said: ‘The ability to accurately predict consumer intent and deliver personalised advertisements in real-time is the future of marketing. We are excited to partner with IQ Global, who share our vision for digital innovation, to bring the power of Fonia Digital’s AI and Big Data insights to brands in Sri Lanka. This partnership is about enabling hyper-precision targeting and efficiency in a market eager for modern, data-driven solutions.’

Fonia Digital also guarantees brand safety through strict verification controls, ensuring that every message is delivered in trusted, high-impact environments across mobile web and in-app platforms.

Together, IQ Global and Fonia are setting a new standard for smart, data-driven marketing in Sri Lanka, empowering local brands to reach the right audience, at the right time, with precision and confidence and world-class ROI.

Cabinet Spokesperson and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday issued a strong appeal to the media and the public to act responsibly and avoid spreading confusion over recent weather events, including the Cyclone Ditwah, warning that misinformation risks undermining the country’s recovery efforts at a critical moment.

Clarifying speculation surrounding the sequence of weather disturbances, he said public discourse had wrongly conflated multiple, unrelated atmospheric systems.

‘Although attention was drawn to atmospheric disturbances on 23 and 24 November, this report states that the possibility of a low-pressure area forming was mentioned only on 25 November,’ Dr. Jayatissa said, stressing that timelines and technical facts must be respected.

He explained that Sri Lanka experienced disturbed weather conditions between 13 and 18 November, which evolved only into a low-pressure area before dissipating without escalating further. Subsequently, a separate system, Cyclone Senya, developed around the 26 and 27 November and affected Malaysia, Indonesia and islands including Sumatra.

Cyclone Ditwah, he stressed, formed only after the 24 November and was an entirely different weather event.

‘Mixing these three systems together, using voice clips from different occasions and statements from meteorologists to create a misleading picture is unacceptable,’ Dr. Jayatissa said.

He warned that such actions, whether deliberate or not, inflict damage on a country already struggling to recover from disaster.

The Cabinet Spokesman said distorted narratives erode public confidence not only in the Department of Meteorology and the professional expertise of its officials, but also in the broader State mechanism engaged in relief, reconstruction and coordination with international partners.

He cautioned that misinformation creates distrust at a time when the international community is extending support to help Sri Lanka rebuild. ‘These wrong narratives harm the country that is struggling to recover from a disaster,’ he said, appealing to refrain such actions.

Dr. Jayatissa noted that over the past two to three weeks, authorities have consistently provided explanations based on verified data and facts.

He said that those who believe otherwise are free to seek legal redress. ‘If you want to take this to Court, then tackle this issue in Court, those who edited news, spread false reports, and misled the public can all be brought before the judiciary,’ he said.

The Minister also revealed that several media institutions have already been formally informed about shortcomings in reporting. He reminded media organisations of their responsibilities, noting that they operate using public frequencies and rely on public trust. ‘If there was any shortcoming in your reporting, do not carry it forward, act responsibly for the sake of the country,’ he urged.

Dr. Jayatissa further expressed concern over attempts by some commentators to draw parallels between recent weather events and the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, suggesting this was fuelling unnecessary suspicion and fear. ‘That is why they keep referring to the 25 November,’ he said, reiterating that the Government has already presented the necessary data to clarify all outstanding questions.

‘The Government’s message is clear – accurate reporting grounded in verified information is essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that national recovery efforts are not derailed by misinformation,’ he stressed.

The anticipated tourism rebound is edging into its final, decisive stretch of 2025 with arrivals now firmly above 2.2 million as of first half of the month, but the arithmetic of the final weeks suggests the industry will need an exceptional December to meaningfully exceed its lower-end ambitions.

According to the latest figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country welcomed 93,031 visitors in the first two weeks of December, a 4.2% increase from the 89,317 recorded over the same period last year.

This early-month momentum lifted the arrivals during the first two weeks to 2,196,624, leaving Sri Lanka just over 218,000 short of the authority’s revised ‘Lower Scenario’ projection of 2.415 million visitors for the full year.

The December trajectory so far has been uneven, but upward. Arrivals accelerated from 43,976 in the first week to 49,055 in the second, pushing the daily average for the first half of the month to 6,645.

However, the month’s official target of 344,309 arrivals implies a far steeper climb ahead, with 251,278 visitors still required in the remaining 17 days of December. This means the country would need to attract close to 14,800 tourists a day, more than double the pace achieved so far, to hit that mark.

By comparison, December 2018, widely regarded as the industry’s benchmark year, welcomed 253,169 arrivals for the entire month, making the 2025 target around 36% more ambitious than the pre-crisis peak. This gap underscores the tension between momentum and actual numbers.

If December simply sustains its current average, total arrivals for the year would land closer to 2.31 million, comfortably above pre-pandemic levels, but below even the most cautious of the authority’s scenarios. Hitting the ‘Conservative Scenario’ of 2.676 million, let alone the ‘Optimistic Scenario’ of 3 million, would require an unprecedented late-month surge that recent trends do not yet support.

The composition of arrivals continues to reflect a rebalancing of source markets. India dominated the first 14 days of December with 21,156 visitors, accounting for 23% of arrivals, followed by Russia at 11% (10,023), the UK at 8% (7,313), Germany at 7% (6,860) and China at 6% (5,402). The breadth of this mix, extending to Australia, Poland, the US, France and Israel, has helped smooth volatility even as long-haul demand recovers unevenly.

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, India remains the cornerstone of the surge in arrivals, sending 495,952 travellers, nearly a quarter of total arrivals; followed by Russia with 168,616 travellers, Germany with 138,119 tourists and China with 127,073 visitors.

Financially, during the first 11 months of 2025, tourism generated over $ 2.9 billion, a modest 3.7% increase year-on-year (YoY). Although this suggests improving yields and spending, revenues remain 34.2% below the $ 3.9 billion earned during the same period in 2018, the year Sri Lanka posted its record annual tourism income of $ 4.38 billion.

In effect, arrivals have rebounded faster than receipts, pointing to ongoing pressure on pricing, length of stay or per-capita spending. Taken together, the data paint a picture of an industry that has regained its footing but is still climbing back to its former altitude.

December’s performance will determine whether Sri Lanka closes 2025 merely stronger than last year or decisively closer to its long-term potential. The odds of hitting the most ambitious targets may be narrowing, but surpassing pre-crisis volumes now looks less a question of if than of when.

Siyapatha Finance PLC has opened the doors of its 60th branch in the bustling city of Warakapola, improving accessibility for reliable financial solutions to the local community while strengthening the Company’s islandwide branch network.

The opening of the latest branch was attended by Siyapatha Finance PLC Managing Director Ananda Seneviratne, Chief Executive Officer (Designate) Mathisha Hewavitharana, and senior management along with Warakapola Divisional Secretary Rangana Sanjeewa, Grama Niladhari A.V.K Harischandra, representatives of the Government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.

Nestled in the heart of the Kegalle District along the Colombo-Kandy A1 highway, Warakapola is not only surrounded by lush greenery, scenic hills and soothing climate, but is also home to landmark natural attractions such as Algama Ella, Dunumala Ella and Theli Ella.

Deeply rooted in rich history and traditions stemming from the rule of the Kingdom of Kandy, Warakapola presents itself as a transit hub reflecting both urban development and multiculturalism to locals and visitors alike.

‘We are excited to choose Warakapola as our 60th location to extend our services. This is a region that embodies many promising factors for growth-from heritage and culture to economic progression and developing infrastructure. What’s significant is how well these factors merge for the betterment of its people. Our commitment remains to offer trusted financial solutions with the best interests of this community at heart, bearing witness to their journeys along the way,’ shared Siyapatha Finance PLC Managing Director Ananda Seneviratne.

With an economic landscape dominated by a diverse service sector and closely followed by the trade industry, the city of Warakapola is renowned for its busy markets and lively streets. The livelihoods of a smaller portion revolves around traditional practices such as agriculture, giving prominence to coconut, rubber and tea plantations and paddy cultivation.

Today, recognised as a central location in the district with more access to healthcare, education and trade as well as ample modern amenities to offer, Warakapola receives mounting interest in the real estate and hospitality industries and those seeking a tranquil small-town lifestyle.

The Warakapola branch offers a complete product portfolio ranging from leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to its bill payment facility ‘Smart Pay’ facilitating small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and ambitious youth in the pursuit of goals and growth opportunities.

Considering the havoc created by Ditwah Cyclone in the country and the number of people who have been affected, the senior management of Siyapatha Finance PLC decided to conduct the opening ceremony low-key and the money had been allocated for donating Dry rations and food items to the people who were affected by floods in the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat Division. The relevant consignment was handed over to the Divisional Secretary Rangana Sanjeewa for distribution by Ananda Seneviratna, Managing Director of Siyapatha Finance PLC and the senior management.

Australia have locked in their playing XI for the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.

Skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon return to the XI for the crucial third Test at Adelaide Oval, with all-rounder Michael Neser and pacer Brendan Doggett the players to make way.

It means experienced opener Usman Khawaja remains on the outer as he plots a way back into the XI following a back concern, while back-up batter Josh Inglis retains his place in the side and will bat at No.7.

Cummins said Khawaja was disappointed not to regain his place in the Australian side despite the 2-0 series advantage but credited the way he handled the news.

‘He’s a real team man. He’ll do whatever the team needs,’ Cummins said of Khawaja in Adelaide on Tuesday.

‘And it’s not only Uzzie, you’ve got Beau Webster, who’s missed out on these three Tests. Neser is coming off a five-fa and Doggy (Doggett) played in the first two Tests and is doing really well.

‘So there’s a disappointed group of players.

‘But they’ve all been fantastic around the group. We need a squad to win an Ashes series and they’ve all been brilliant.’

For Cummins the match will mark his first Test appearance since he featured against the West Indies in the middle of the year, with the right-armer revealing he was ready to return and won’t be restricted by the amount of overs he can bowl.

‘Yeah, I am good to go,’ Cummins said.

‘I’ve been bowling at 100% for a while now. If I played in Brisbane I would have probably been on limited overs, but this week, it’s just go and play like any other Test match.’

Cummins is wary of an improved performance in the crucial ICC World Test Championship contest and wants his side to remain ruthless in their approach.

‘I don’t think it’s anything different to those first couple of Tests,’ Cummins said.

‘You’ve got a couple of players who can win it at any moment, you’ve just got to have plan A, plan B like you do to most teams.

‘But they’ve got some obviously really strong players, and you just can’t give them a little opening.’

Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

One positive outcome of the cyclone Ditwah has been the overwhelming support extended to the country by its neighbours as well as the international community as a whole. For close to two weeks, nationals of several countries worked hand in hand with Sri Lankan rescue and relief workers to assist those affected by the cyclone, saving lives, providing urgently needed supplies and providing medical help. It is indeed heartening to see the prompt manner in which most countries came to Sri Lanka’s assistance when it was in dire need of such help.

During the 2004 December tsunami too, there was prompt international assistance helping the country to overcome probingly its worst natural disaster. Similarly Cyclone Ditwah has also shown that maintaining friendly relations with all countries is crucial.

India being the closest neighbour was the first to come to Sri Lanka’s assistance providing much needed help for the rescue and recovery work. India’s assistance included over 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid reaching the country under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s multi-dimensional humanitarian support to Sri Lanka continues across land, sea, and air, providing timely rescue, relief, and medical assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic too, India was the first to provide Sri Lanka much needed assistance as well as during the 2022 economic crisis.

Other nations such as the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, the USA, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Germany, Switzerland to name a few rushed to Sri Lanka’s help. Many others pledged financial assistance to help those impacted by the disaster.

Japan dispatched a 31-member team under the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) initiative that engaged in providing medical-assistance to disaster affected people. The medical team comprising doctors, medical experts, relief personnel and rescue specialists provided urgent medical care to communities affected by the recent flooding through the fully equipped mobile field hospital established by them at the Chilaw Police grounds.

The United Nations also allocated $4.5 million (Rs. 1.38 billion) from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah. The UN also launched its Humanitarian Priorities Plan to support Sri with the UN, along with local and international partners, seeking to mobilise $35 million in the next four months to provide immediate life-saving assistance. All this goodwill underscores the importance of maintaining good relations with our international partners . Sri Lanka has for decades maintained a non-aligned foreign policy and the National People’s Power (NPP) too has stuck to the same policies. Given the changing global dynamics, it’s easy for countries to be swayed from one bloc to another but Sri Lanka has largely managed to maintain cordial relations with all countries. The Government needs to acknowledge that the support extended to Sri Lanka is not because it is now in power but a result of decades of work by successive Sri Lankan governments in ensuring the country remains as neutral as possible. It hasn’t always been easy but through ups and downs the country has managed to retain good relations with all countries.

Cyclone Ditwah has been a big learning experience for the Government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in many fronts since including on how to handle diplomatic relations. He and his Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath have put in many hours of hard work. Many challenges lie ahead in this area. The Government needs to build on the existing relations with its foreign partners and ensure that the country remains a trustworthy and reliable international friend.

The secondary Bond market yesterday initially saw yields edge up; however renewed buying interest kicked in at the elevated levels and saw yields drop back down sparking a recovery. Interest was mostly concentrated on the 2028-2029 tenors which caused the rest of the yield curve to adjust downwards accordingly. Activity and transaction volumes were observed increasing as well.

The improved demand conditions and market sentiment was supported by the news that the World Bank confirms $ 120 million in emergency support to Sri Lanka and news that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) confirmed a $ 200 million loan to continue the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program – Stage 2.

In terms of the secondary Bond market trade summary, 15.02.28 and 01.05.28 maturities were seen trading at the rates of 8.99% and 9.05%. The 15.12.28 maturity traded down the range of 9.15%-9.12%. The 15.06.29 and 15.09.29 maturity were seen trading at the rates of 9.40% and down the range of 9.49%-9.45% respectively. The 01.10.32 maturity traded within the range of 10.28%-10.25%. The 01.11.33 maturity traded at the rate of 10.40%. The 15.06.35 maturity traded within the range of 10.66%-10.65%.

This comes ahead of today’s scheduled weekly Treasury Bill auction. The auction will have on offer a total amount of Rs. 48 billion. The auction will comprise of Rs. 10 billion in 91-day Bills, Rs. 25 billion in 182-day Bills, and Rs. 13 billion in 364-day Bills. This marks the seventh consecutive auction where the offered amount is considerably below the maturing volume, which is estimated at around Rs. 131 billion.

For context, at the previous weekly Treasury Bill auction held last Wednesday (10 December) the weighted average yields remained unchanged. Accordingly, the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day tenors were recorded at 7.51%, 7.91% and 8.03%, respectively. This marks the 21st consecutive week in which Treasury Bill yields have remained broadly anchored at prevailing levels. The auction was fully subscribed, with the entire Rs. 48 billion on offer successfully raised. Notably, this represents the first full subscription in six consecutive auctions. Total bids received amounted to 2.19 times the accepted amount, reflecting healthy investor demand.

The total secondary market Treasury Bond/Bill transacted volume for 15 December was Rs. 7.40 billion.

In money markets, the net liquidity surplus increased to Rs. 74.21 billion. An amount of Rs. 91.88 billion was deposited at Central Bank’s SDFR (Standing Deposit Facility Rate) of 7.25%, while an amount of Rs. 17.67 billion was withdrawn from its SLFR (Standard Lending Facility Rate) of 8.25%.

The weighted average rates on call money and repo were registered at 7.97% and 8.02% respectively.

Forex market

In the Forex market, the USD/LKR rate on spot contracts closed the day at Rs. 309.50/309.60 as against Rs. 309.25/309.35 the previous day.

The total USD/LKR traded volume for 15 December was $ 56.58 million.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday confirmed that the Government will convene a special sitting of Parliament on 18 and 19 December to present and secure approval for a Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate for 2026, aimed at urgently financing disaster management, infrastructure development, and the rebuilding of damaged homes.

Responding to questions posed at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, he confirmed that the Parliamentary session has been called in view of the scale of destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah and the need for immediate fiscal intervention.

‘We plan to table the Supplementary Estimate on 18 December and complete debate and approval by the following day to enable rapid deployment of funds,’ he said.

The Cabinet Spokesman noted that the Government has already begun utilising Rs. 72.2 billion previously allocated for disaster management for this year, noting that immediate relief operations are already underway even as preparations are made for a significantly larger funding package.

‘The proposed Rs. 500 billion allocation is intended to substantially expand the Government’s capacity to respond to ongoing humanitarian needs while accelerating reconstruction and longer-term recovery efforts,’ he added.

Dr. Jayatissa explained that Parliament had originally been adjourned from 5 December till 6 January 2026, but the severity of the current situation necessitated an early recall.

He said the decision to convene a special sitting reflects the urgency of ensuring swift relief, rehabilitation and redevelopment in affected areas, particularly where infrastructure damage and housing losses have disrupted livelihoods.

By fast-tracking Parliamentary approval within a two-day window, the Government aims to avoid delays in disbursement and signal its commitment to stabilising communities and restoring economic activity in the wake of the disaster.

He also said that nearly Rs. 16 billion has been disbursed so far to the people who were affected by the disaster under the immediate relief program of distributing Rs. 25,000.

‘On average we have distributed this allowance to 50% of the people affected, while in some districts it has extended it to over 60%. This includes Ratnapura 68.39%, Gampaha 73.4%, Matale 65.28%, Ampara 70.05% and Kurunegala 61.4%,’ he said, acknowledging that there are some districts that hadn’t reached 50% as well.

Dr. Jayatissa said this is why the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for a fresh meeting with all the District Secretariats.

‘We hope to complete disbursement of the initial Rs. 25,000 allowance within a week,’ he said.

The Body Shop marked its 10th anniversary in Sri Lanka by opening its new boutique at One Galle Face (OGF) Mall. The UK-based personal care brand has entered the city’s premier shopping destination, becoming a key feature in the mall’s line-up of global brands.

This new outlet marks the brand’s sixth physical presence in the country, a significant milestone that highlights The Body Shop’s strong and continuous commitment to future growth.

The grand opening saw attendance from foreign officials of The Body Shop South Asia and Quest Retail, alongside many customers.

Speaking at the official opening of The Body Shop outlet at OGF Mall, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick commented on the store’s opening as a reflection of growing UK-Sri Lanka business ties.

The Body Shop Sri Lanka Director Kosala Rohana Wickramanayake highlighted the significance of the new launch. He called the immersive shopping experience a celebration of the brand’s decade-long presence, marking a ‘new chapter of authentic, purposeful beauty’ for Sri Lankan consumers. He emphasised that customers are now able to preview the festive season’s new collections while still having full access to the brand’s iconic classics.

The Body Shop Sri Lanka Marketing and Training Manager Thilini Lelwala explained the ethical roots of the brand. She stated that The Body Shop is a UK-based global cosmetics and skincare brand, founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick is famous for having a long history of activism and campaigning for social and environmental causes.

She said The Body Shop’s purpose is much bigger than just selling products. The brand is committed to sustainability and the pioneering use of Community Fair Trade practices and initiatives like ‘Return, Repeat, and Recycle’ program.

Explaining about the community program, she added that they source original, handpicked ingredients directly from farmers, ensuring a fair price that recognises and adds value to their contribution. This partnership helps farmers develop their rural areas and address community needs. The brand is involved in many CSR activities globally and aims to expand these efforts in Sri Lanka as well.

Lelwala also highlighted the brand’s commitment to sustainability through its innovative ‘Return, Recycle, Repeat’ program. She explained that customers can bring back their empty plastic tubs and bottles to The Body Shop outlets. These empties are then collected and processed by the brand through a dedicated recycling or repurposing stream. The program’s core aim is to reduce packaging waste, keep plastic in circulation, and prevent empties from going to landfills. This approach reinforces the brand’s dedication to protecting the environment and managing waste responsibly.

The Body Shop’s products are renowned for being vegan and 100% vegetarian across the entire range. Lelwala confirmed that the brand promotes cruelty-free beauty, with formulas made from more than 90% natural-origin ingredients, while focusing on traceable sources and environmentally responsible packaging. Lelwala noted that this commitment is the main reason the brand maintains its strong, loyal customer base.

Lelwala confirmed that The Body Shop offers a wide selection of Body, Skin, and Wellness products across key categories, including Skincare, Bath and Body, Fragrance, Makeup, Haircare, and Men’s care. She noted that in recent years, the brand has become a popular destination for natural, ethically produced gifts featuring sustainable packaging. The company is actively looking forward to continued expansion in the market.

This year, The Body Shop is positioning itself as the ultimate Gifting destination for the upcoming holiday season. They have introduced a special preview of three unique scents for their 2025 festive ranges: Caramel Cuddle, Cranberry Crush, and Sugarplum Passion. Each of these festive ‘flavours’ includes its own dedicated line of products, such as Bath and Shower Gel, Body Butter, Body Yoghurt, Hand Balm, and Body Mist.

To offer a personal touch in gifting, the brand added a new option by featuring Create-Your-Own boxes. This allows customers to build thoughtful gift sets, perfectly tailored to the recipient.

The new outlet invites customers to explore their new range of festive drops and the brand’s signature hero products.