Category: Daily Financial Times

JADE Restaurant, a subsidiary of LAUGFS Holdings Ltd., has announced the opening of its third outlet in Negombo, marking a significant milestone in its journey of culinary excellence. The brand, well known for its exceptional cuisine and welcoming ambience, now extends its footprint beyond its existing locations at Jubilee Post and Maharagama.

Located at 95, St. Joseph’s Street, Negombo, the new JADE Restaurant offers a spacious and modern dining experience that can accommodate 92 guests, including an inviting outdoor seating area. Adding to its charm, the restaurant features a fully equipped karaoke room for up to eight people and a private dining area that seats 10, ideal for family gatherings and intimate celebrations.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by LAUGFS Holdings Ltd., Group Executive Director Dhanusha Muthukumarana, Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ravi Edirisinghe, Director – Group Chief People Officer Dr. Dinuka Pattikiriarachchi, and Director – Group Finance Sanjaya Samararatne, together with other distinguished members of the LAUGFS Group senior leadership and the senior management and operations team of LAUGFS Supermarkets and Restaurants.

Director/Chief Executive Officer – Retail Cluster Niroshan De Silva said that the opening of the Negombo outlet reinforces JADE’s commitment to offering customers exceptional dining experiences and highlighted the importance of consistent service excellence to ensure customer loyalty. He further appreciated the team’s dedication and collaborative effort in making the launch a success.

The Negombo outlet offers Dine-in, Delivery, and Takeaway options, along with a BYOB facility. Customers can also conveniently place orders through PickMe and Uber Eats, or by calling 031 212 1321.

With this new addition, JADE continues to strengthen its presence in Sri Lanka’s restaurant landscape, offering an elevated dining experience that blends comfort, taste, and entertainment.

Ambassador (Retd.) Ravinatha Aryasinha, former Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, has been appointed Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS).

As a career member of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, he previously served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States; Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva; and Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. He holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Peradeniya; a MA in International Relations from the University of Colombo; was a Hurst Fellow in International Relations at the School of International Service (SIS), American University, Washington DC, USA; and is currently a PhD candidate in International Relations at the University of Colombo.

The RCSS is an independent, non-profit, policy research centre co-founded in 1992 by Prof. Shelton Kodikara – its first Executive Director, to focus on a broad range of conventional and non-conventional sources of conflict and conditions of peace.

Headquartered in Colombo, the RCSS Board of Management includes scholars from South Asia, a Research Committee which also draws on international experts, and a wide network of alumni from its residential workshops and its annual awardees.

‘The RCSS has a proud history of convening serious scholarship with real-world policy relevance,’ said Ambassador Aryasinha. ‘My priority is to strengthen our research programme, deepen regional and international partnerships, and to expand opportunities for emerging scholars.’

Ambassador Aryasinha began his career as a pioneer TV Correspondent at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini (TV) Corporation and has also served as National Information Officer at the UN Office in Sri Lanka. Following retirement, until recently he was the Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI). He also serves on the Board of Management of the Gamani Corea Foundation, and is on the visiting faculty of the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), the National Defence College (NDC), and is a Distinguished Mentor at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA).

Evolution Auto has launched Sri Lanka’s first ever Multi Brand Electric Vehicle (EV) After Sales Complex in Peliyagoda, adjoining the iconic Porsche showroom. This opening marked a major milestone in the country’s transition towards sustainable mobility and set a new benchmark for electric vehicle after sales care in Sri Lanka.

The newly opened complex was established to deliver reliable, high quality service for a range of leading EV brands, including Avatar, IM, Xpeng, Riddara, King Long, and KYC EVs. Customers were offered a comprehensive range of services, such as EV inspections, general repairs, wheel alignment, servicing, high voltage battery repairs, collision repairs, and vehicle detailing-all under one roof.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Evolution Auto opened its after sales facility ahead of its vehicle sales showroom. This strategic move ensured that all customers would receive uninterrupted after sales support from the moment new vehicles entered the market, reflecting the company’s forward thinking approach and dedication to service excellence.

Evolution Auto CEO Virann De Zoysa said: ‘At Evolution Auto, exceptional service is at the heart of everything we do. Every car deserves care, and every customer deserves peace of mind. This after sales complex reflected our promise to support every customer and every vehicle with dedication. We ensured that our workshop was fully operational before our own sales showroom, so our customers could experience our vehicles to the fullest with uninterrupted after sales support-ensuring a smooth, safe, and satisfying EV journey.

Evolution Auto Director Dhiren Kundanmal shared: ‘The inauguration of our multi brand workshop marked a significant milestone for Evolution Auto. This was more than just a facility; it stood as a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high quality aftercare for Sri Lankan EV owners, owners who, until now, had navigated the uncertainties of electric vehicle ownership. We intended this workshop to stand as a beacon of strength and confidence for anyone considering the transition to an EV in Sri Lanka.’

The opening ceremony was attended by key industry representatives, automotive enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates, who commended Evolution Auto for taking a proactive step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s EV infrastructure.

With this milestone, Evolution Auto reaffirmed its vision to drive trust and power the future of mobility, supporting the nation’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation.

In a continued effort to promote financial literacy, inclusion, and digital banking, People’s Bank recently took part in the FinLit Expo 2025 – Financial Literacy and Inclusion Fair, organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka – Anuradhapura Regional Office under the theme, ‘Empowering Lives Through Financial Literacy and Inclusion.’

At the event, People’s Bank hosted an engaging interactive stall, connecting with students, Government employees, and members of the public. Visitors gained practical insights into smart money management while exploring the Bank’s innovative digital banking solutions, highlighting how technology can simplify and enhance everyday financial transactions.

Through initiatives like this, People’s Bank continues to empower communities, fostering greater financial awareness and inclusion across the country.

GP Certified has announced the launch of GP Labs, Sri Lanka’s first and only dedicated plastic testing facility, designed to bring scientific precision and international quality standards to the country’s growing plastic recycling and polymer manufacturing sectors.

With plastic waste and sustainability becoming global concerns, Sri Lanka’s recycling sector has often faced the challenge of the lack of scientific validation for recycled plastic. GP Labs directly addresses this gap by offering comprehensive testing for both recycled and virgin plastics, enabling recyclers, manufacturers, and FMCG brands to ensure their products meet the highest standards in quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Located close to Colombo, GP Labs offers an extensive range of plastic testing services across general, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. This includes tests such as tensile strength (ASTM D638), melt flow rate (ISO 1133), ash content, colour analysis, and oxidation induction time. The lab is fully equipped to evaluate common plastic types like PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, and PS in various forms including pellets, flakes, and finished goods.

In addition to plastics testing, GP Labs also provides environmental monitoring services, including indoor air quality and water testing for production facilities which is an important feature for manufacturers committed to safe, compliant, and sustainable operations.

The lab offers several flexible service models: GP Test Assay: A full-spectrum test package for recycled plastics; Individual Testing: Customised testing based on material type or need and

Environmental Monitoring: Testing for air, water, and emissions in industrial environments

Custom Services: Tailored solutions for R and D and new polymer innovation.

With rapid turnaround times, instant digital reporting, and cost-effective packages, GP Labs aims to elevate the standard of plastic processing in Sri Lanka while supporting industry growth and compliance with international benchmarks.

GP Certified Chief Technical Officer Yugantha Perera said: ‘GP Labs is a major step forward for Sri Lanka’s recycling and manufacturing industries. It not only promotes quality but also builds the credibility of recycled plastics for local and global markets.’

GP Labs is now open to recyclers, manufacturers, and exporters looking to validate, improve, and scale their plastic products responsibly.

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, has announced its entry into the electric mobility sector through the introduction of TAILG Electric Motorbikes in Sri Lanka.

Singer’s ongoing expansion into sustainable product categories and its goal of increasing access to affordable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions are reflected in this collaboration with TAILG, one of the world’s largest electric two-wheeler manufacturers.

Singer PLC Group Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardene said: ‘At Singer, we believe that future mobility must be useful, affordable, and environmentally friendly. An important step in fostering sustainable innovation in Sri Lanka’s transportation sector is our partnership with TAILG.’

TAILG Marketing Director for Asia Lin Peng said: ‘We are proud to partner with Singer Sri Lanka, a brand that shares our vision for a sustainable and cleaner world. Combining Singer’s local strength with TAILG’s global expertise in electric mobility, this partnership goes beyond business-it’s a shared commitment to a greener future for generations to come.’

Established in 2004, TAILG has developed into a global manufacturer with exports to over 90 countries. The company’s electric two-wheelers are recognised for their range, performance, and design standards. The partnership combines Singer’s national retail and service infrastructure with TAILG’s technological expertise to deliver electric vehicles that meet international performance benchmarks and are supported locally through a reliable after-sales network.

The new TAILG model line-up introduced in Sri Lanka comprises the F71, F55, and F72, designed to meet the practical and performance requirements of local users. With a 1500W motor and a 72V 38Ah battery, the TAILG F71 can travel up to 100 kilometres at a maximum speed of 55 km/h. With a 2000W motor and a comparable 72V 38Ah battery, the F55 can travel 100 kilometres at a maximum speed of 65 km/h. With a 96V 52Ah battery and a 3000W motor, the flagship F72 can travel 200 kilometres at a top speed of 60 km/h. All models come equipped with 12-inch tires, front and rear disc brakes, and advanced battery management systems and come in red, grey, green, and white.

Aligned with its global tagline, ‘Long Range Electric Vehicles,’ TAILG focuses on maximising energy efficiency and minimising maintenance requirements. The electric motorbikes provide zero-emission mobility and significantly lower running costs compared to fuel-powered vehicles, making them suitable for urban commuters, delivery riders, and other daily users.

In celebration of the launch, Singer is providing an introductory customer package that includes attractive financing options two free services and more. Making the TAILG electric bike ownership more accessible and cost-effective for Sri Lankan consumers.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) announced that it is actively assessing the impact of recent heavy rains on crops across the country, even as the 2025/26 paddy cultivation season begins with fields reported largely unaffected.

Although land preparation for the new paddy season has commenced, officials confirm that paddy cultivation lands are safe and no damage has been recorded so far. However, the Board is keeping a close watch on other crops covered under free insurance, including maize, onion, potato, soya and chilli, which may have been affected by the recent downpours.

AAIB Chairman Pemasiri Jasingharachchi said district officials are currently gathering detailed information from farmers to estimate the full extent of crop damage and are preparing relevant programs to provide relief.

‘As per the Government policy, compensation for damage to paddy fields is paid at Rs. 100,000 per hectare, up to a maximum of five acres. For other insured crops such as maize, onion, potato, chilli and soya, free crop damage compensation is provided up to 2.5 acres,’ he noted.

He stated that additional compensation is also available to farmers holding insurance coverage from the AAIB for affected crops.

Authorities continue to urge farmers to report any damage promptly to ensure timely assistance and support for affected communities

The second round of political consultations between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of the Netherlands took place in The Hague, on Wednesday.

The Dutch delegation was led by the Director of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Dominique Kuhling, while the Sri Lankan delegation was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Europe and North America Division Director-General Sugeeshwara Gunaratna.

The meeting was held in a spirit of the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, and shared values. Whilst reaffirming the commitment to the bilateral relationship, both delegations reviewed the full spectrum of the ongoing cooperation and emphasised the need for a renewed focus, amongst others, on maritime and cultural cooperation, as both countries look ahead to celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Both sides discussed ways and means of marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in a fitting manner.

The two delegations welcomed the ongoing cultural collaboration as a cornerstone of the relationship. The Sri Lanka side appreciated the commitment of the Netherlands to addressing historical legacies through the respectful return of items of cultural heritage. The ongoing Dutch-Sri Lanka collaboration between the National Archives of the Netherlands and the National Archives of Sri Lanka to conserve, restore, and digitise the archives currently deposited at the Sri Lanka Archives, was welcomed by both sides.

The two sides reviewed the current level of trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two countries and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation emphasising the need to explore greater collaboration between the relevant trade chambers. The Sri Lankan side noted that currently, the Netherlands is among the top 10 source markets for tourism and outlined the attractions Sri Lanka offers as a tourist destination, as well as the opportunities available for investment in tourism infrastructure.

Discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration in areas such as port development and maritime safety, highlighting the long-term technical and commercial partnerships that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has maintained with Dutch institutions.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and cooperation at multilateral institutions, as well as possible support for each other’s candidacies within the United Nations system. Further, both sides underscored their commitment to maintaining regional stability and maritime security through, amongst others, initiatives such as BIMSTEC and IORA.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, including periodical consultations. Both sides agreed to convene the next meeting at a mutually convenient time to assess progress and further strengthen the partnership.

The Sri Lanka delegation comprised Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands Rekha Gunasekera, the National Archives of Sri Lanka Director-General Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe, Sri Lanka Embassy in The Hague First Secretary Sashiprabha Wijeratne, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Director Kaumadie Wijesinghe.

The Netherlands delegation consisted of the Policy Coordinator for Cultural Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, two Sri Lanka Desk Officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and a Consular Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Hilton Colombo is once again raising the steins as it hosts Oktoberfest for the 32nd consecutive year, inviting guests to gather in the spirit of Bavarian tradition.

Taking place from 6 to 15 November 2025 at the hotel’s Sports Centre Arena, the festival promises nights filled with authentic German flavours, flowing brews, and vibrant entertainment.

Since its debut more than three decades ago, Oktoberfest at Hilton Colombo has grown into a highlight of the city’s social calendar, drawing both locals and international visitors eager to experience its festive atmosphere. This year, guests can savour a hearty Bavarian buffet paired with flowing brews and the lively beats of the Oompah Band from Germany. Adding to the excitement are traditional Bavarian games and activities, including the ever-popular brew drinking competition, Bavarian whip cracking, and brass music, ensuring every evening is filled with laughter and festive cheer.

‘Oktoberfest at Hilton Colombo is more than a festival, it’s a tradition that brings people together year after year to celebrate good food, great music, and meaningful connections. We are proud to keep this tradition alive for 32 years, and we look forward to welcoming our community back this November to share in the joy of Bavarian culture, surrounded by Hilton hospitality,’ said Hilton Sri Lanka Area General Manager Manesh Fernando.

The celebration runs nightly from 7:00 p.m. to midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Friday and Saturday). Tickets are priced at Rs. 7,588 nett per person (Sunday to Thursday), Rs. 8,388 nett per person (Friday and Saturday), and Rs. 10,888 nett per person (VIP). Guests can unlock exclusive deals with Sampath Bank credit cards, and enjoy a 15% discount on Oktoberfest tickets from Sunday to Tuesday and a 10% discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays (terms and conditions apply).

Sri Lanka’s immediate tourism neighbour, Kerala, is setting a new benchmark in inclusive tourism by placing women at the heart of its tourism development strategy. Through its Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission) and the newly launched Gender-Inclusive Tourism Policy, the State has emerged as a national model for gender-responsive and women-friendly tourism.

The initiative, which began under the ‘Women-Friendly Tourism Project’ in 2022, has now expanded across the State, drawing the participation of more than 17,000 women as entrepreneurs, guides, homestay owners, and tour operators. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said, ‘Tourism must empower local communities, especially women. Kerala’s goal is to make every destination safe, inclusive, and economically beneficial for women, empowering them across the tourism value chain.’

The Maravanthuruthu STREET Project is designed to develop small, sustainable tourism hubs in rural areas, built around local culture, heritage, cuisine, and everyday life that tourists might call the ‘real Kerala experience’. For host women, these are mostly home cooked meals, homestays and include their usual day-to-day tasks such as coir rope making and coconut palm leaf weaving. There is a system for issuing tickets and distributing income so that the scheme is self-sustainable.

Kerala, Responsible Tourism Mission’s gender inclusive approach ensures women are not only beneficiaries but active partners in tourism. Training programs, micro-enterprise grant support, and skill-building workshops are enabling women to start small ventures, from souvenir shops and food stalls to nature guides and homestay operators.

Under the new tourism policy, 10,000 women-led ventures and 30,000 jobs are expected to be created over the next few years. The Mission is also working with UN Women India to train women leaders and strengthen community-based tourism networks. Safety remains central to Kerala’s vision. The State has completed gender and safety audits in a number of tourist locations, identifying infrastructure and behavioural improvements needed to make travel safer for host women and women travellers. Five destinations are now set to receive a ‘Women-Friendly’ certification tag, marking them as secure and welcoming for women travellers. Meanwhile, the tourism department has begun branding special curated for solo women travellers and groups, combining cultural, wellness, and adventure experiences supported by verified women-friendly facilities.

Kerala’s gender responsive tourism model has drawn expertise from countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, United Kingdom, Nepal, Romania and Italy, and also its own best practice examples from other regions of India. The State hosted the Global Women’s Conference on Gender-Inclusive and Responsible Tourism in 2024 supported by UN Women, leading to the Kerala Declaration on Women Friendly Tourism. The declaration underlines Kerala’s commitment to integrating gender equality in all aspects of tourism, from policy to practice. This year, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission took another step forward by developing a Cultural Tourism Policy, which would further assist women in tourism.

UN Women has lauded the initiative as a pioneering example of how tourism can be a tool for women’s empowerment and inclusive growth. Despite progress, officials acknowledge that challenges remain. Extending gender audits to all destinations, building safer infrastructure in rural areas, and ensuring the long-term viability of women-led enterprises will require sustained investment and monitoring. Social attitudes, too, are evolving. In some communities, women’s participation in tourism-related work faces gender-based cultural barriers – a challenge the Responsible Tourism Mission addresses through awareness programmes and community dialogue.

Kerala’s gender-inclusive tourism model is increasingly seen as a blueprint for other Indian states and tourism destinations such as Sri Lanka. By aligning tourism development with social equity, the State is proving that tourism can be both economically beneficial and socially transformative to overcome gender barriers.

Responsible Tourism Mission CEO Rupesh Kumar said, ‘When women are empowered, tourism becomes more sustainable. Kerala wants to show the world that responsible tourism is not just focused on nature and natural environment, it’s about people, equality, and shared growth.’ Charmarie Maelge, attending from Sri Lanka, said, ‘What is most encouraging is the commitment and will of the Government. Kerala has established tourism societies and women’s groups across the State, creating a strong network. Members are provided with the required financial and technical assistance. There are dedicated staff at the Responsible Tourism Mission and, most importantly, allocated funds from the Government and a long-term approach. There is a strong emphasis on developing women’s entrepreneurship in Kerala. Sri Lanka also needs to prioritise promoting women’s participation as employees in the formal tourism sector to help bridge the existing skills gap and meet industry growth demands. Achieving this would require similar strategies aimed at transforming social gender norms and workplace gender stereotypes.’

The familiarisation visit organised for the international delegates was centred on Onam celebrations in September this year and covered Cochin, Vembanad, Kumarakom, Maravanthuruthu, Perumbalam, Thrissur and Trivandrum.

Tourism Clubs are formed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Kerala Tourism paving the way for new tourism trends and creating interest in travel among the youth.