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This October, Cinnamon Grand Colombo brings the spirit of Scandinavia to the city as part of the grand 50th anniversary celebration of its signature London Grill. Leading the experience is Chef Carola Magnusson, renowned Swedish chef and Founder and CEO of Carolas Eko, who has curated an authentic Swedish menu along with the beloved tradition of freshly baked cinnamon buns.

Well known in Sweden for her commitment to wholesome, sustainable cooking and her flair for combining tradition with innovation, Chef Carola brings her philosophy to Colombo in two exciting culinary experiences.

From 2-5 October at London Grill, she will present a refined à la carte menu featuring dishes that reflect the soul of Swedish cuisine. Among the highlights are the classic Swedish Skagen on sourdough crostini, her refreshing Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, the comforting Moose Meatballs with lingonberries and

potato-celeriac purée, and the delicately balanced Salt Cured Seabass Fillet with white wine sauce and trout roe. Each dish is a tribute to the purity and elegance of Nordic gastronomy.

The celebration continues on 4 October, when Cinnamon Grand’s Tea Lounge marks International Cinnamon Bun Day with a live Swedish Cinnamon Bun action station, personally inspired by Chef Carola’s recipes. Guests can savour warm, cardamom-spiced buns fresh from the oven, alongside the hotel’s indulgent special high tea buffet, a charming nod to Sweden’s sweetest tradition.

Together, these experiences not only highlight Chef Carola’s culinary artistry but also honour the London Grill’s remarkable five-decade legacy as Colombo’s most enduring fine dining destination.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Job Fair and Career Expo concluded at One Galle Face in Colombo, drawing strong participation from students, graduates, and young professionals eager to enter the hospitality and tourism industry.

Now in its third year, the fair connected aspiring youth with leading employers, offering on-site interviews, career guidance sessions, and workshops. With youth unemployment still a challenge in the country, the event provided a practical platform to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Labour Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha said that he was encouraged by the collaboration and opportunities created through the fair. ‘I am happy to be here. When everyone is working towards the same objective, it becomes a success. We saw it here today. Many are not aware as to how to find new job opportunities, and where they are. As the Government, we are working to elevate the sector, and many programs have been launched. But the opportunities are not yet well known among the public. University students and others are often unaware of them. This is a great solution to that issue, and a great event.’

The Job Fair formed part of Sri Lanka’s ambitious program to mark World Tourism Day 2025, celebrated under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) global theme of ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ This year’s Expo stands as one of the most wide-ranging series of tourism events the country has seen in recent years, extending from provincial competitions to international level conferences. The initiative is a joint effort by the Tourism Ministry, the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO). They were joined by the Alumni Association of Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management (AATEHM) and the Sustainable Tourism Unit of the University of Colombo.

HIRIKETIYA’S beloved Smoke and Bitters has once again put Sri Lanka on the global map, being named No. 67 on the recently announced World’s 50 Best Bars extended list 2025.

Climbing an impressive 19 places from last year, the bar remains the only Sri Lankan-owned bar ever to feature-and one of just two from South Asia-cementing its place among the world’s most influential drinking destinations alongside icons like Attaboy (New York), The SG Club (Tokyo), Wax On (Berlin), A Bar with Shapes for a Name (London) and Eximia (São Paulo).

The story of Smoke and Bitters is one of grit, heart, and perseverance. Co-founders Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru (Lalla) Perera, best friends who began their journeys clearing glasses, waiting tables, and running events, opened the bar just five years ago with one goal: to create a distinctly Sri Lankan cocktail and dining experience. With no shortcuts or gimmicks, their rise is built on a commitment to craft, authentic hospitality, and real relationships.

This announcement follows Smoke and Bitters’ meteoric rise in the region-from debuting at No. 42 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2022 to climbing to No. 14 this year, earning the title of Best Bar in Sri Lanka for four consecutive years. Don and Lalla are also behind the newly launched Raa, an arrack and toddy-focused bar in Hiriketiya, which remarkably debuted on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars extended list at No. 84 in its very first year.

What makes the achievement even more powerful is the team behind it-nearly 50 strong, made up of bartenders and cooks recruited from nearby villages. Affectionately called the ‘village bartenders,’ many of them had never left the district until Don and Lalla mentored, trained, and put them out there.

Today, bartenders like Sameera and Amila represent Sri Lanka on international stages, travelling for guest shifts in Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, India, Kazakhstan and beyond.

Smoke and Bitters’ reach extends well past its palm-fringed home in Pehembiya. The bar has built an impressive global network through its ‘Sunset Shifts’ guest series, hosting acclaimed names such as Native, Sago House, Cantina OK!, EKAA, Kotuwa, Lair, Jigger and Pony, Masque, Elephant Room, Hideaway Goa, Bombay Canteen, Bees Knees, Soka, House on Sathorn, Nico de Soto and Pankaj Balachandran. In turn, Don, Lalla, and their team have represented Sri Lanka abroad with high-profile bar takeovers at Honky Tonks (Hong Kong), ZLB23 (Bengaluru), Pantja (Jakarta), Hope and Sesame (Guangzhou), Sugarhall (Singapore), Bees Knees (Tokyo), Danico (Paris), and Moebius (Milan). These exchanges have positioned Smoke and Bitters as a true ambassador of Sri Lankan food and drink culture.

At its core, however, the bar remains true to its origins: a low-key beachside venue serving locally inspired, artisanal cocktails and smoked dishes under the glow of Hiriketiya’s sunsets. For Don and Lalla, success has always meant elevating their team and their community. Their recent ‘Smoke and Bitters Loves Local’ series has placed Sri Lankan bartenders on the same platform as international stars, challenging the perception of bartending as a low-prestige profession and championing fair recognition for the craft locally.

The World’s 50 Best Bars, first published in 2009, is the most respected global ranking of drinking destinations, voted on by a gender-balanced Academy of 700 bartenders, consultants, writers and cocktail experts worldwide, and independently adjudicated by Deloitte. This year’s annual awards ceremony takes place in Hong Kong this October, where Don and Lalla will join their peers from around the world.

Over the last three decades in Sri Lanka, at almost every presidential election, the voters have been entertained by the pledge to abolish Executive Presidency by the prominent candidates in the fray only to go back on the promise once gaining power. Judging by the recent statements and insinuations of the prominent NPP political leaders, it appears that voters experienced the same scenario again exactly a year ago by a political force who vociferously pledged to the electorate that they were different from the rest.

Last month, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at a Cabinet press briefing stated the Government was not prepared to move on abolishing the Executive Presidency at this particular stage as the administration has to focus on reviving the economy and laying the groundwork for equitable growth. Meanwhile, NPP National List MP Dr. Najith Indika had remarked that in the future all executive presidents in Sri Lanka would be elected from the NPP.

The most memorable promise to do away with Executive Presidency was made by Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga at the 1994 Presidential Election. NPP Hambantota District MP Nihal Galappaththi, who was a candidate at that poll, abandoned his bid in the middle of the race and urged his supporters to back Chandrika after the first female president of the island had given him a written undertaking to bring an end to the presidential system prior to 15 July 1995. The same guarantee was made by Mahinda Rajapaksa at the 2005 Presidential Election, but instead of eliminating, he made the coveted post further dominant via the 18th Amendment, which enabled the master politician to gain full control over the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

The approach of the JVP/NPP, like every other political party, towards Executive Presidency has been driven by political opportunism. None of them would have anticipated a JVP/NPP member to ever attain the powerful position. Despite having stood against the presidency, there were instances when the former Marxists gained benefits from the unprecedented presidential powers. In 2004, the JVP, which was then led by Somawansa Amarasinghe, urged President Chandrika to make use of her powers to dissolve the Wickremesinghe-led UNP administration as it suited its political power agenda at that time.

The preference or opposition towards presidency by a political party depends on whether they are in Government or Opposition. When in power, no political party would advocate for its abolition. On the other hand, while in Opposition, the same individuals perceive Executive Presidency as the biggest bane which affects the progress of the country.

With prominent underworld criminal leaders getting arrested and various Opposition politicians getting jailed, masses could view the NPP Government in positive light. The administration is also doing its utmost to gain foothold into the votes of minorities who have been historically averse to the JVP. The Opposition seems to be in disarray with no unity and cohesion. Ideologues in the NPP may be under the impression that they would not encounter any meaningful political threat to their dominance from the Opposition in the foreseeable future.

The abolition of Executive Presidency has always been used as a platform by politicians in the Opposition to capture power by appealing to NGOs and liberal-minded voters who have long argued for return to the parliamentary-based system like in India and the UK.

Instead of politically motivated agendas, a thorough and objective discussion needs to take place among the society and intelligentsia as to whether the almost five-decade-old system needs a complete overhaul or just minor adjustments.

This October, Hilton Colombo Residences sets the stage for a vibrant culinary adventure with ‘A Voyage of Thai Flavours,’ a two-week celebration of Thailand’s rich gastronomy at FLOW from 2 to 16 October 2025. In collaboration with DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort, the festival will bring to life an authentic Thai buffet designed by the talented chefs Natkon (Moo) and Amonrat (Orr), offering guests an unforgettable journey through Thailand’s most cherished flavours and traditions.

Each evening, FLOW transforms into a showcase of Thailand’s finest flavours, bringing together traditional recipes and regional specialties. Guests will discover a colourful array of dishes prepared with fragrant herbs, fresh produce, and bold spices, with highlights such as tum khao pod, gai yang hat yai, gaeng kiew wan gai, khao pad sapparot goong, and the much-loved khao niew mamuang.

Guests can look forward to more than just the buffet, with live cooking stations bringing the sizzle of Thai kitchens to life, street food favourites served fresh with authentic flair, and an endless pour of house-crafted cocktails and mocktails. Together, these elements create a festive dining experience that captures the vibrancy and charm of Thailand’s culinary spirit.

The buffet will be available nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., priced at Rs. 7,800 nett per person. Exclusive 20% savings will be offered for NTB Amex and Mastercard Credit Cardholders.

Hilton Colombo Residences General Manager Karim Schadlou said, ‘We are delighted to host ‘A Voyage of Thai Flavours’ at Hilton Colombo Residences. This event is a celebration of Thailand’s rich culinary traditions, and we are honoured to welcome two exceptionally talented chefs from DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort. Their creativity and dedication to authentic Thai cuisine will ensure a truly memorable experience for all our guests.’

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, forming the vast majority of the business sector. Yet many entrepreneurs struggle to access digital tools that truly work for them, especially when most global platforms are built primarily for English speakers. Dialog AI-the country’s first trilingual generative AI platform-is stepping in to bridge this gap, available free for all Dialog customers with no data charges.

What sets Dialog AI apart is its localisation for Sri Lankan users. Unlike global large language models (LLMs), it is built to reflect local context and culture. Its responses in Sinhala and Tamil are sharper, clearer, and more relevant than those of other AI tools, and it even supports informal blends like Singlish and Tanglish. This means entrepreneurs can interact with AI in the way they naturally speak-whether drafting a marketing pitch in Sinhala, clarifying a supplier contract in Tamil, or mixing languages casually in conversation.

Dialog said for SMEs, this flexibility brings tangible advantages across nearly every aspect of their operations. Whether it’s drafting professional client responses or translating supplier agreements, service providers and shop owners alike can ensure clear, accurate communication in the language they are most comfortable using. Retailers benefit from the ability to produce bilingual flyers and engaging social media posts, while restaurants can create seasonal menus and promotions that align with local festivals and customer preferences. Marketing content such as campaign slogans and captions can be developed within minutes, allowing businesses to reach wider audiences without relying on external agencies. On the operational side, business owners can generate ready-to-use invoice formats, cash flow templates, and structured business plans, or quickly distil lengthy Government circulars into actionable insights. Even complex documentation, such as tender submissions for exporters, can be drafted with multilingual precision, saving both time and money while reducing the dependency on specialised consultants.

Dialog said for entrepreneurs who may not have access to costly professional services, Dialog AI becomes a trusted and practical support system, offering guidance that is both accessible and dependable. Its true impact lies not only in its capabilities, but in the communities it serves. Many business owners may not have studied in English, yet their innovation, resilience, and drive remain undiminished. By delivering advanced AI functionality in Sinhala, Tamil, and hybrid language forms, Dialog AI empowers Sri Lankans to fully participate in the digital economy-helping SMEs grow smarter, communicate more effectively, and compete with greater confidence on both local and global stages.

The recent flash floods in Uttarakhand, India where over 100 people went missing, are just one among thousands of climate-related disasters in recent years. For banks, the impact is direct washed-out assets, loan defaults, and rising credit risk. This is not tomorrow’s threat; climate risk is already reshaping financial stability today. In the end, banks become the ultimate receivers of climate shocks, bearing the financial fallout of environmental catastrophes. Banking risk management is entering a new era. Traditional frameworks built around credit, market, liquidity, and operational risk are no longer sufficient to address the growing complexities of a changing world.

Among the most disruptive forces is climate risk, which is rapidly emerging as a critical, system-wide challenge. I strongly believe despite increasing global awareness, many financial institutions have yet to fully grasp the gravity of climate risk and its potential to fundamentally reshape the financial landscape. The implications spanning credit risk, operational resilience, regulatory exposure, and reputational damage are often underestimated or overlooked. As climate related disruptions intensify, institutions that delay integration of climate risk into their governance and strategy may face systemic vulnerabilities, eroding stakeholder trust and losing access to global capital markets What makes it distinct is not just its severity or frequency, but its ability to reshape the entire risk landscape demanding a fundamental transformation in how banks assess, manage, and govern risk.

With my three decades of experience in banking and research across various subjects, including risk management, this article aims to provide an overview of how climate risk is poised to redefine banking risk management, potentially overtaking traditional risk areas in both significance and impact. To start with, as Mark Carney, then Governor of the Bank of England, famously said in 2015, ‘Climate risk is not just environmental it’s financial.’ This statement marked a turning point in how global financial institutions began to view climate change not merely as an environmental concern, but as a systemic risk to financial stability and long-term economic resilience.

Climate risk demonstrate in two main forms:

Physical risk: Damage caused by extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and rising sea levels.

Transition risk: Arising from regulatory, technological, and market changes as economies shift toward a low-carbon future.

For banks, these risks can severely impact:

Deterioration of asset quality

Due to physical damages (floods, droughts) or loss of value in carbon-intensive assets.

Creditworthiness of borrowers

Borrowers in vulnerable sectors (e.g., agriculture, fossil fuels, real estate) may face default due to policy or physical risks.

Operational continuity

Disruptions to branches, data centres, or supply chains due to extreme weather events.

Reputation and investor confidence

Increased scrutiny from regulators, investors, and the public; failure to act may erode trust and share value.

Constraints in finding new funding avenues and losing global listing opportunities: Institutional investors’ growing focus on the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) means banks face increasing scrutiny over their climate risk management

Green bond pitfalls: Misreading the market and stalling capital flows

Negative impact on international trade operations: Climate risk disrupts international trade by damaging infrastructure and complicating compliance with evolving regulations, increasing risks for banks involved in trade finance.

Growing exposure to stranded assets and valuations

Long-term assets becoming unviable due to new climate regulations or market shifts.

Impact on financials: High impact to Expected Credit Loss (ECL), Impairment and Overlays. Adjustments in provisioning due to higher risk exposures, including scenario-based overlays. High probability to increase Probability of Default (PD)

Risk of losing Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR-De-risking)

Global banks may terminate relationships with banks that fail to meet climate risk or ESG standards.

Regulatory and compliance pressure

Increasing demands from central banks, supervisors, and standard setters (e.g., ISSB, NGFS, TCFD).

Capital adequacy and risk weight adjustments

Capital buffers may be required for exposures to high-risk sectors under evolving prudential rules.

Rising insurance costs or reduced coverage

Physical risks make it harder and costlier to insure certain collateral or operational assets.

Litigation and legal risk

Legal action from shareholders, customers, NGOs or communities for financing environmentally harmful projects.

nMisalignment with ESG and sustainable finance markets

Difficulty accessing green bonds, sustainable finance facilities, or being included in ESG investment indices.

Increased cost of capital

Investors may demand a premium or avoid banks not aligned with climate goals

Financial institutions often face challenges in identifying viable climate mitigation and adaptation projects

This can result in delays in deploying green bond proceeds, leading to opportunity costs from idle funds.

Displacement or financial exclusion of MSMEs unprepared for climate transition

Small businesses lacking adaptive capacity may face exclusion from credit, higher risk of failure, and informalisation impacting financial inclusion and national economic resilience

Talent attraction and retention challenges

Younger workforce and stakeholders prefer working with and supporting climate-responsible institutions.

Traditional risk frameworks are not designed to handle this level of complexity. Climate risk is therefore poised to surpass traditional banking risks in significance. It is not merely an additional category, it is a risk amplifier that simultaneously magnifies credit, market, operational, and liquidity risks.

Climate risk is unique in critical ways:

1. It is systemic: It doesn’t just affect individual borrowers but entire sectors and geographies simultaneously

2. It spans multiple risk types simultaneously:

Climate risk impacts credit risk, market risk, operational risk, liquidity risk, and legal risk all at once, making it multifaceted and complex to manage.

3. It is forward-looking and uncertain: Unlike credit or market risk, climate risk doesn’t follow historical patterns.

4. It is deeply linked to reputation and stakeholder trust: Investors and the public increasingly scrutinise banks’ climate positions.

5. It is intensifying: With every delay in climate action, the risk compounds potentially creating sudden and nonlinear impacts

6. It can amplify social and economic inequalities:

Climate risk disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and businesses (e.g., MSMEs), potentially triggering broader socio-economic instability.

Key emerging changes in banking risk policy

Climate risk intergration in enterprise risk management ERM:

Financial institutes are adding climate risk as a core component across credit, market and operational risk frameworks.

Policy updates across risk lifecycle:

Credit underwriting, collateral valuation, and loan pricing now incorporate climate risk factors and ESG premium

Capital and stress testing:

Regulators require climate scenario stress tests to inform capital adequacy and resilience planning.

Loan pricing is adapting to ESG risk premiums, and CBSL should consider reflecting climate and sustainability factors in its policy rate decisions.

Portfolio-level climate risk analysis – Banks should conduct a comprehensive assessment of their asset books and categorise exposures according to the GHG Protocol to identify carbon-intensive assets and align with climate risk management standards.

Climate-linked lending and portfolio shift

Banks set targets to cut high-emission exposures and boost green financing, adjusting risk limits accordingly.

Skill upgrades for valuators:

Government and valuation bodies must enhance valuators’ expertise to accurately factor climate risks into asset valuations.

Collateral valuation models are to be enhanced to incorporate future climate scenarios, accounting for potential devaluation from physical and transition risks.

Rebalancing climate finance: Banks should focus on reducing the acceleration of mitigation finance growth to create more balance, while increasing equity and concessional finance for climate adaptation projects.

If we further analyse the importance, integrating climate risk into the CAMELS framework enhances traditional bank risk management by embedding environmental vulnerabilities into core supervisory metrics. Each component of CAMELS Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Quality, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity can be directly influenced by climate-related physical and transition risks. Capital Adequacy must now account for potential losses from climate-exposed loans and stress scenarios. Asset Quality is impacted by the declining value of assets tied to carbon-intensive sectors or those vulnerable to natural disasters. Management Quality reflects how well a bank integrates climate risk into governance, policies, and enterprise risk management (ERM). Earnings can be affected by increased costs from climate compliance or reduced profitability from high-risk portfolios, while climate-related disruptions may challenge Liquidity through sudden funding pressures. Lastly, Sensitivity includes volatility from climate policy shifts, carbon pricing, and investor sentiment toward ESG performance. Embedding climate risks into CAMELS ensures a more resilient and forward-looking banking sector aligned with sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Climate risk is not just an emerging issue, it is a transformational force. As regulatory expectations tighten and environmental realities escalate, banks must shift from reactive compliance to proactive adaptation. Climate risk may not replace traditional risks immediately, but it is already reshaping how credit, market, and operational risks are understood and managed. This demands a change in thinking: policies, skills, and decision-making must evolve. Banks that make climate awareness a core part of their business will be the ones that remain strong in a climate-challenged world. If we fail to act now, climate risk will grow beyond the banking sector and become a national economic issue.

(The writer, holding a PhD, MBA, FIB, FCPM, MCIM, PgBFA, Dip.SF, is a senior banking professional with over 30 years of leadership experience in local and international banks. His expertise spans Retail, MSME, Corporate Banking, Risk Management, and Sustainable Finance, with a strong advocacy for green finance. He served as Vice President of the Association of Banking Sector Risk Professionals, Sri Lanka, where he played a key role in leading industry initiatives. He can be contacted via: a.gishan@yahoo.com.)

Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort officially kicked off the festive season with its annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, a joyous tradition that brought together in-house guests, media friends, the leadership team, and associates. Adding to the vibrancy, the event was graced by guests representing an impressive 31 nationalities, creating a true spirit of unity and celebration.

The ceremony was inaugurated by General Manager Mano Gunasekera, who warmly welcomed guests to join in the mixing of rich ingredients that will soon transform into decadent Christmas cakes. The highlight of the event was the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Ramesh Kularatnam and his brigade, who crafted a magnificent display featuring a jolly Santa Claus on his sleigh, capturing the magic of the season.

As the air filled with the aroma of spices, nuts, and spirits, the atmosphere was further elevated with enchanting Christmas carols performed by a live saxophonist, spreading festive cheer throughout the resort. Guests immersed themselves in the merriment, marking the official start of the holiday season at Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort.

‘Christmas is a time of togetherness, joy, and celebration. This event truly reflects the warmth and inclusivity of the season, and we are delighted to share it with our guests, colleagues, and community,’ said Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort General Manager Mano Gunasekera.

The resort now looks forward to a brilliant Christmas season, filled with festive offerings, culinary delights, and memorable experiences for all who visit.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, Shangri-La Colombo unveils an extraordinary creation that bridges tradition and innovation.

Until 6 October 2025, the hotel presents the Chocolate, Strawberry Rose, Pistachio Mooncake – a contemporary mooncake crafted by world-renowned Japanese ptissier Chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi.

Mooncakes, the hallmark delicacy of the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolise reunion and harmony beneath the glow of the full moon. While new to many in Sri Lanka, these pastries are one of Asia’s most cherished festive traditions.

Reimagined through Chef Tsujiguchi’s artistry, the Chocolate, Strawberry Rose, Pistachio Mooncake blends the floral sweetness of rose, the brightness of strawberry, the richness of chocolate, and the nutty elegance of pistachio. Encased in a modern mooncake skin made with cultured gourmet butter, it offers a refined melt-in-the-mouth texture that lingers gently on the palate.

Chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi is a third-generation successor of a traditional Japanese confectionery family, and at 23 became the youngest-ever winner of Japan’s most prestigious national patisserie competition. Today, he is celebrated globally as a Michelin-starred ptissier and chocolatier, founder of 13 brands including Mont Saint Clair and Le Chocolat de H, and a six-time consecutive gold medallist at the Salon du Chocolat Paris. His creative journey was also captured in the acclaimed documentary Le Chocolat de H, officially selected for the 2019 Seattle Film Festival, which highlighted his innovative approach of blending Japanese ingredients such as matcha, yuzu, and wasabi into modern chocolate artistry.

More than a festive gift, this special edition is also a dessert to savour – whether enjoyed at home, shared with loved ones, or paired with an elegant evening.

Christell Life together with Aditya Resort, unveiled ‘Wellness by the Sea,’ a pioneering beachfront medical wellness experience that seamlessly integrates modern aesthetic medicine with time-honoured Ayurvedic therapies.

This launch marks a defining moment in the country’s wellness industry, positioning Sri Lanka as a rising global hub for holistic medical wellness tourism.

Aditya Resort, the host of this collaboration, is celebrated as one of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive boutique properties. With only 14 luxuriously appointed suites and villas, each featuring uninterrupted ocean views and private plunge pools, the resort is designed to offer complete privacy and seclusion. Known for its bespoke service and philosophy of ‘luxury without limits’ Aditya blends Sri Lankan artistry with contemporary elegance, providing the perfect sanctuary for Christell Life’s medical wellness concept. Its tranquil beachfront location in Galle, combined with personalised hospitality, creates an inspiring backdrop for guests seeking both rejuvenation and luxury.

The exclusive launch event welcomed distinguished guests to an immersive evening of culture, nature, and wellbeing. Guests experienced Christell Life’s signature offerings, beginning with Mineral Tissue Analysis-a cutting-edge diagnostic that provides personalised insights into nutritional status and overall health. This was followed by authentic Ayurvedic therapies designed for balance, detoxification, and deep relaxation.

As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, guests enjoyed a curated wellness cuisine menu served by the beach, complemented by live music, interactive games, and a vibrant wellness bar that created a restorative yet celebratory atmosphere.

Aditya Resort Director Hussain Akbarally said: ‘Aditya has always stood for exclusivity, authenticity, and the highest standards of hospitality. With Aditya Resort and Christell Life, we extend that philosophy into wellness. By combining the resort’s intimate luxury with Christell’s medical expertise, we are creating a destination that both restores and heals, setting Sri Lanka firmly on the global wellness map.’

At the heart of this new wellness resort is the fusion of modern science and traditional healing. The medical wellness offerings include: Whole Body Photobiomodulation (PBM): A state-of-the-art light therapy that uses red and near-infrared wavelengths to stimulate cellular repair, enhance energy production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery; Mineral Tissue Analysis (MTA): A non-invasive diagnostic tool that evaluates essential mineral and heavy metal levels in the body, enabling practitioners to design tailored nutrition and wellness programs; Halo Therapy (Salt Therapy): A natural, drug-free therapy that involves inhaling microscopic salt particles in a controlled environment. This is proven to support respiratory health, boost immunity, and improve skin conditions; Oxygen Therapy: Enhances oxygen absorption at the cellular level, supporting energy, circulation, and recovery; and Plant-Based Nutrient Therapy: Customised intravenous infusions rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that restore balance, strengthen immunity, and optimise vitality.

Christell Life CEO Dr. Shanika said: ‘This is a 360-degree wellness journey. Our vision is to position Sri Lanka as a global medical wellness destination and to dispel the myth that the country is only an Ayurveda destination. By bringing cutting-edge technology together with traditional practices, we are introducing international standards of care while celebrating our own heritage.’

With over 30 years of excellence in the field and a team of 16+ internationally trained medical and wellness consultants, Christell Life continues to set benchmarks in medical wellness. Together with Aditya Resort’s award-winning reputation for boutique luxury hospitality, the partnership offers guests a unique experience where science, tradition, and lifestyle converge by the sea.