Category: Daily Financial Times

Organised by the Italian Embassy in Colombo in collaboration with leading hotels and restaurants, the tenth edition of the Worldwide Week of Italian Cuisine begins in Colombo on 15 November 2025.

Highlighting Italy’s rich gastronomy and global food culture, the culinary week will feature a collective of four 5-star hotels and five renowned Italian restaurants, showcasing artisan-crafted menus reflective of the authentic tastes and regional specialties that define Italian cuisine.

Participating venues and chefs include:

The Kingsbury: Chef Paolo Collavini, an Italian native with over 30 years of global culinary experience, serving signature Italian creations.

Amari Colombo (Prego): Chef Michele Bravo, Corporate Chef at ONYX Hospitality Group, presenting sustainable, innovative dishes.

Cinnamon Life (Bistro de Marée): Chef Alessandro Dentone, regional representative for Liguria of Mare in Italy, showcasing Italian excellence.

ITC Ratnadeepa: Chef Antonio Savino, a master of authentic Roman cuisine with over 20 years of experience, leads Le Voilà Banqueting in Rome, crafting innovative dining experiences for clients from Gucci to the G20.

Lago Italian Bistro owned by the Rocchi family prepares to showcase a piece of Italy’s Lake Como.

AQUA Forte, AQUA Pazza, AQUA Pizza: Chef Roberto Vicario, co-founder and Executive Chef of AQUA Family, delivering fine dining and serving Neapolitan pizzas.

Dolce Italia Restaurant: Chef Manuela Prugnoli, presenting a signature collection of Italian dishes for the weekend.

Ahead of the week, the webinar ‘Alla Scoperta dell’Arte della Pasticceria Italiana’, organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), will be held on 13 November offering a deep dive into Italian pastry techniques.

The Worldwide Week of Italian Cuisine, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeks to celebrate Italian gastronomy, sustainability and the cultural identity behind Italy’s food traditions. Guests will experience regional specialities, masterclasses, and a focus on the relationship between Italian food, agriculture, and sustainable living.

The National Olympic Council of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) successfully hosted a seminar on ‘Strengthening Good Governance in Sri Lanka Sports Organisations’ at Olympic House in Colombo recently with Prof. Geoffrey Dickson of La Teobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

The event brought together leaders of national sports federations, as well as officials from the Sports and Education Ministries to discuss integrity, accountability, and governance reform in Sri Lankan sport.

NOC Sri Lanka Education Committee Treasurer and Chairperson Prithiviraj Perera highlighted the urgency of rebuilding governance structures to restore international confidence and funding. He urged closer collaboration among federations and State agencies to strengthen transparency and efficiency.

Delivering the keynote, Prof. Dickson stressed that successful reform goes beyond regulation it requires a cultural transformation within sporting organisations. He drew lessons from Australia’s Sports Commission showing the independence, accountability, board renewal, and transparency, commending Sri Lanka’s National Sports Association Regulations as a progressive step forward. He ended as saying governance reform provides the rules but culture gives those rules in life giving the organisational culture ultimately determines the success of governance frameworks.

This initiative reinforces NOCSL’s ongoing commitment to promoting good governance, integrity, and ethical leadership across Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape.

Manchester City celebrated Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management with a statement 3-0 win over Liverpool to close to within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Erling Haaland shrugged off missing an early penalty on Sunday to head in his 99th Premier League goal before Nico Gonzalez’s deflected effort and a wonder strike from Jeremy Doku confirmed City’s status as Arsenal’s major title rivals.

Liverpool have now lost four of their last five league games to leave the defending champions down in eighth, eight points off the top.

Arsenal’s 10-game winning run came to an end in a 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday and Guardiola’s men took full advantage in the battle of the two sides that have dominated English football’s Premier League over the past decade.

Even if decisions went against Arne Slot’s men, this was another display of how far they have fallen since cruising to a 2-0 win at the Etihad in February.

The Reds showed signs of a revival in beating Aston Villa and Real Madrid in the past eight days, but had no answer to the slickness of a rejuvenated City, who have won 11 of their last 14 games in all competitions.

Blue Orbit by Citrus, located within the iconic Lotus Tower, warmly invites guests to ‘Enter the Orbit,’ a refined culinary escape designed to engage the senses and create lasting memories. Celebrated as one of Colombo’s premier fine dining destinations, Blue Orbit is renowned for its seamless blend of sophistication and culinary artistry. Upholding its reputation for excellence, the restaurant offers an unforgettable experience where breathtaking panoramic views, impeccable service, and a meticulously curated menu featuring over 300 delicacies, spanning Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Western cuisines come together in perfect harmony to delight every palate.

The essence of Blue Orbit’s dining experience lies in its ability to elevate every moment. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of understated elegance, complemented by the restaurant’s gentle 360-degree rotation, which provides stunning panoramic views of the city and the ocean beyond. This serene setting, paired with warm and attentive hospitality, ensures that each visit feels intimate and exceptional.

At the heart of this experience is a menu that is truly exceptional, meticulously crafted to reflect a sophisticated balance of flavours, textures, and seasonal freshness. Every dish is designed to delight, showcasing culinary artistry that is both innovative and comforting. The cuisine reflects Blue Orbit’s commitment to quality, drawing from the finest ingredients and executed with precision, ensuring that guests enjoy a meal that is as memorable as the setting.

Blue Orbit’s ‘Enter the Orbit’ experience is more than dining; it is an invitation to pause, savour, and connect. Whether for an intimate evening, a special celebration, or an important business occasion, the restaurant’s blend of luxury and warmth creates a welcoming sanctuary where guests can truly unwind and indulge.

We warmly invite you to discover a dining experience beyond the ordinary, where exceptional cuisine is thoughtfully paired with genuine, heartfelt service, only at Blue Orbit, Lotus Tower.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s valiant half-century proved in vain as Pakistan pulled off an exciting 6-run win against Sri Lanka in the first ODO to go one-up in the three-match series at Rawalpindi yesterday.

Sri Lanka dominated the run-rate for almost 95% of the run-chase, but losing wickets in clusters came back to haunt them as they ended up on 293-9 in reply to Pakistan’s score of 299-5. Hasaranga tried his best scoring 59 off 52 balls (7 fours) but unfortunately for him, there was no support from the other end.

Most of the Sri Lankan batsmen got starts but never went on to make a substantial score till Hasaranga arrived at the crease. Sri Lanka began the run chase well with openers Pathum Nissanka (29) and debutant Kamil Mishara (38) posting 85 off 70 balls. But Haris Rauf’s initial spell brought Pakistan back into the contest. Rauf took the key wickets of Mishara, Kusal Mendis (0) and Nissanka within the space of five balls and after that Pakistan kept putting on the pressure and getting wickets.

Pakistan was in deep strife after losing their top four batsmen for 95 cheaply inside 25 overs. They could have been 95-5 had Sri Lanka not wasted their reviews earlier. Hussain Talat was out lbw to Wanindu Hasaranga in the 24th over before he had scored, but the lack of reviews helped him forge an innings-reviving partnership with his captain Salman Agha for the fifth wicket. The duo stitched a 138-run stand off 121 balls and did well to make up for the slow run rate during the first half of their innings.

On this surface Sri Lanka missed an extra seamer given the amount of help early on, but they were forced to use the medium pace of Janith Liyanage who went for 29 off his last 3 overs. That and the non-effectiveness of spin combined with excellent running between the wickets helped Pakistan recover from a tricky position. Player of the Match Agha moved on to a sublime century – 105* off 87 balls (9 fours), his second in ODIs and Mohammad Nawaz’s late burst, a lively 36* off 23 balls (5 fours, 1 six) saw Pakistan recover from 119 in 30 overs to surge to 299 scoring 180 in the final 20 overs giving them a healthier total than seemed likely earlier.

One thing Sri Lanka may regret was burning their reviews inside the first 11 overs.

The second ODI will take place tomorrow at the same venue.

Union Assurance has announced its outstanding performance at the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) National Sales Awards (NSA) 2025, securing five prestigious awards across both the Agency and Partnership Distribution channels.

Representing Union Assurance at this year’s awards were Jeewan Wijekoon, Udan Silva, Hassan Deenon, and Achala Wanninayake from the Agency channel, along with Damitha Wickramatunga from the Partnership Distribution channel. Their exceptional achievements exemplify the dedication and professionalism that define Union Assurance’s approach to customer engagement and sales excellence.

Organised by the SLIM, the NSA is one of the country’s premier platforms for recognising top-performing sales professionals. The 2025 edition, held under the theme ‘Ambassadors of Sales: The Force Behind the Figures,’ celebrates the strategic role of sales professionals in driving business success. With over 1,200 entries, this year’s event marks a record-breaking milestone in participation, further solidifying its reputation as a prestigious and inclusive industry benchmark.

Union Assurance Chief Executive Officer Senath Jayatilake said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our team’s success at the SLIM NSA 2025. These wins are a reflection of the passion, resilience, and customer-centric mindset that drives our people every day. At Union Assurance, we believe in empowering our teams to go beyond targets to create meaningful impact and build lasting relationships with our customers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to nurturing talent and delivering excellence across every touchpoint.’

Union Assurance extends its congratulations to the award winners and expresses gratitude to every team member whose dedication made this achievement possible. As the company continues to innovate and lead, these accolades serve as an inspiration to reach even greater heights in the journey ahead.

The Sri Lanka-Korea Business Council (SLKBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 30th Annual General Meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee gracing the event as Chief Guest.

Ambassador Lee highlighted South Korea’s robust economic outlook under President Lee Jae-myung’s administration, which has embarked on a new five-year economic development plan. She noted that the successful hosting of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting emphasised Korea’s role in supporting global economic dialogue and easing geopolitical tensions.

Reflecting on the global economic environment, the Ambassador shared that despite lingering uncertainties, international growth forecasts continue to improve. She emphasised Korea’s strong fundamentals-low unemployment, stable inflation, and resilient consumer and business sentiment-driving expected GDP growth recovery in 2026. Korea’s leadership in advanced manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, shipbuilding, defence, and cultural industries was underscored as key contributors to sustained growth.

The Ambassador also noted the potential to deepen economic cooperation with Sri Lanka, calling on Sri Lankan authorities and the business community to enhance the trade and investment climate through improved customs processes and regulatory efficiency. She cited growing opportunities in automobiles, cosmetics, food products tied to K-culture, port development, mineral resources, digital and AI-driven sectors.

Spear International Ltd., Shamil Mendis was elected President of the Council for 2025/2026. Mendis reaffirmed the Council’s mission to advance trade, investment, tourism, and business collaboration between Sri Lanka and Korea.

He highlighted key initiatives undertaken during the year; including a session on ‘Korea’s current economy, business environment and opportunities for joint collaborations,’ a networking evening involving the members, government officials and representatives from the Embassy, and a collaborative event with the Council for start-ups on navigating the Korean market and opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses. The Council also hosted a highly acclaimed session on ‘Sri Lanka’s Future Forecast Scenarios and Challenges’ featuring leading Sri Lankan Economists, as well as a discussion on ‘Sri Lanka’s Export Prospect? Challenges. Opportunities. Reforms’ led by an industry expert to explore strategies for expanding Sri Lanka’s global export footprint, particularly in sectors with untapped potential. Furthermore, a visit to Port City Colombo was arranged to explore investment avenues for Korean enterprises.

Mendis expressed appreciation to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Korea, KOTRA, KOIMA, KBA, and the Council’s membership for their continuous support. He reiterated the Council’s commitment to serving as a gateway for meaningful partnership with Korea as Sri Lanka enters a phase of economic reform and renewed global engagement.

The Committee appointed for 2025/2026 includes:

President: Shamil Mendis – Spear International Ltd., Senior Vice President: Patali Karunarathne – Centrum Marine Consultancy Ltd., Vice President: Andre Fernando – MAC Holdings Ltd., Immediate Past President: Asitha Martis – Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd.

Committee Members: Representatives from Abans PLC, A. Baur and Company, BOV Capital Ltd., Isuru Engineering Ltd., JGK Holdings Ltd.

Advisory Committee: Priyantha Mendis – Past President, Honorary Members: Prof. Lakshman Watawala, Mahen Kariyawasan and John Shiran Dissanayake.

SPAR Supermarkets marked a significant milestone this year – seven successful years since beginning operations in the country. As part of the global SPAR family, the brand has achieved tremendous local success with 11 outlets across the Western and Southern Provinces, becoming a trusted household name for quality, freshness, and service.

In honour of its seventh anniversary, SPAR Supermarkets launched a special birthday campaign, rewarding loyal shoppers through purchases of selected items and a minimum basket value. From thousands of entries, 22 lucky winners were chosen through a transparent raffle draw, each receiving the trip of a lifetime to Malaysia. The all-expenses-paid holiday package included air tickets, accommodation, and sightseeing, creating unforgettable memories for the winners.

Renowned for its outstanding service standards, high-quality ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, and diverse selection of local and international products, SPAR Sri Lanka continues to redefine the supermarket experience. By elevating everyday shopping into something more meaningful, SPAR has raised the benchmark for what customers expect from modern retail.

The campaign was warmly received by customers, reflecting SPAR’s ongoing commitment to adding value to every shopper’s experience. As SPAR Sri Lanka looks ahead, the brand remains dedicated to enhancing the way customers shop – with innovation, value, and service excellence at every turn. Each visit to SPAR is designed to deliver convenience, quality, and a truly rewarding shopping experience.

EV Company Automobile Technologies brought a wave of innovation and excitement to the heart of Colombo with an exclusive outdoor test drive event featuring the luxury electric vehicle brand GAC, held at the Nelum Pokuna premises recently.

The event served as a unique platform for automobile enthusiasts, prospective buyers, and influencers to experience the future of mobility first-hand. Attendees were given the opportunity to test drive GAC’s Aion EVs, gaining an up-close understanding of their dynamic performance, intelligent technology, and sleek, modern design.

Through this experience, visitors witnessed how GAC combines sustainability with luxury, showcasing vehicles that are not only environmentally conscious but also engineered for exceptional safety and driving pleasure. From advanced driver-assistance systems to intelligent connectivity features, the Aion EV line-up embodies the brand’s commitment to creating smarter, cleaner, and more connected journeys.

The GAC Aion range comes in three variations, with Aion V, Aion Y and Aion ES, starting at just Rs. 14.5 million. The Aion range also comes with an eight-year or 160,000Km bumper-to-bumper warranty on the vehicle and an eight-year or 200,000Km warranty on the battery.

The test drive event also marked another milestone in GAC’s growing presence in Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape. With the recent opening of its flagship showroom at the CCC Mall, GAC now offers customers the opportunity to explore its range of electric vehicles in a premium, immersive setting; which in itself is a testament to Automobile Technologies’ dedication to bringing world-class mobility solutions to Sri Lankan drivers.

As Sri Lanka continues its shift toward sustainable transport, Automobile Technologies remains at the forefront of this transformation, putting innovation, green technology, and the electrification of mobility at the forefront, with GAC as a key partner in driving the nation toward a smarter and more sustainable future.

CBL Foods International Ltd., a subsidiary of CBL Group, has been recognised with the Global Performance Excellence Award (GPEA) 2025 – Best in Class, presented by the Asia Pacific Quality Organisation (APQO) at its 30th International Conference held in Beijing, China.

The company was also honoured with the APQO International Best Practice – Silver Award at the same forum.

CBL Foods International Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Kamal Geeganage said, ‘Quality has always been our number one priority at CBL Group. It is the foundation of our reputation and trust. We never compromise on quality because every product that leaves our facilities carries the pride of our people and the promise of our purpose. As a company with humble Sri Lankan roots and a growing international footprint, we are proud to set benchmarks for the confectionery industry-proving that a Sri Lankan business can achieve and sustain world-class standards.’

The Global Performance Excellence Awards, organised by APQO, are the only formal international recognition for business excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. The awards promote the adoption of world-class quality and performance management practices and recognise organisations that demonstrate exceptional results in leadership, strategy, customer engagement, workforce development, and operational performance.

To qualify for this prestigious recognition, nominees must first be recipients of their respective National Quality Awards, a distinction CBL Foods International earned by winning the Sri Lanka National Quality Award 2023 in the Large-Scale Manufacturing category.

‘At CBL, quality is not part of us-it is us. It defines how we think, create, and operate across the Group. It shapes the trust we build, the value we create, and the impact we deliver to every life we touch. Our commitment to quality is inseparable from our purpose, because creating enriching moments of happiness begins with doing things the right way, every time. That is what has built our legacy, and it is what will define our future,’ said, CBL Group – Group Managing Director Shea Wickramasingha.

Looking ahead, CBL Foods International aims to further strengthen its leadership through digital transformation, sustainable manufacturing practices, and global market expansion. Guided by the CBL Group’s purpose of ‘Creating Enriching Moments of Happiness,’ the company remains committed to driving excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement-setting new standards for Sri Lanka’s food manufacturing sector on the global stage.