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What better way to mark World Tourism Day than with another landmark achievement for Amari Colombo?

Amari Colombo has once again been named Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel at the 33rd Annual World Travel Awards, retaining the prestigious title for the second consecutive year.

The award was announced on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held in the Maldives, bringing together leading names from across the region’s travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

The back-to-back recognition places Amari Colombo among Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality brands, following a closely contested category featuring some of the most established names in Colombo’s hospitality landscape.

For Amari Colombo, the achievement is particularly significant as the hotel continues to establish itself as a distinctive upper-upscale business and lifestyle destination in the heart of Colombo, bringing together Thai hospitality and Sri Lankan soul.

Amari Colombo Hotel Manager Indika Jayawardena said: ‘When our name was called out for the second consecutive year, there was an immediate sense of pride and gratitude. Awards such as this are never about one person or one department. They represent the collective effort of every colleague who comes to work each day determined to create meaningful experiences for our guests. To receive this recognition again, particularly alongside some of the most respected names in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry, makes it even more special. It tells us that what we are building at Amari Colombo is resonating not only with our guests, but also with the wider travel and tourism industry.’

Amari Colombo General Manager Monty Ariyaratne said: ‘Winning Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel for the second consecutive year is an incredible honour for everyone at Amari Colombo. It is a recognition of the trust placed in us by our guests, partners and industry colleagues, and of the commitment demonstrated by our entire team. What makes this particularly meaningful is the timing. To celebrate this achievement on World Tourism Day is a wonderful reminder of the role our industry plays in connecting people, cultures and destinations. It also reinforces our responsibility to continue innovating, evolving and delivering experiences that are relevant to today’s traveller.’

‘We are grateful to the World Travel Awards for this recognition and, most importantly, to our colleagues whose passion, teamwork and dedication make achievements such as this possible. We celebrate this moment, but we also see it as motivation to raise the bar even further,’ Ariyaratne added,

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognises and celebrates excellence across key sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Over more than three decades, its annual programme has recognised destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators, tourism organisations and other industry leaders across the world.

The World Travel Awards Grand Tour travels through a series of regional gala ceremonies, with regional winners progressing to compete for honours at the annual Grand Final.

Winning a World Travel Award is widely recognised within the international travel industry as a mark of excellence, providing recognition and global visibility among travellers, industry partners and stakeholders.

For Amari Colombo, the 2026 award adds another milestone to a growing list of achievements since its opening, reinforcing the hotel’s position within Colombo’s evolving hospitality landscape.

As the global tourism community marks World Tourism Day 2026, Amari Colombo celebrates the achievement not simply as an award, but as a reflection of the people behind the brand.

From its oceanfront location on Galle Road to its portfolio of dining, meetings, leisure and accommodation experiences, the hotel continues to embrace its philosophy of ‘Thai hospitality meets Sri Lankan soul’, creating spaces and experiences designed to connect local culture with international hospitality.

The consecutive World Travel Awards recognition provides another reason for the Amari Colombo team to celebrate – and an even greater reason to continue doing what hospitality does best: welcoming people, creating connections and leaving them with something to remember.

INSEE, hosted the INSEE Supplier Excellence Awards 2026 recently at the Grandeeza Hotel, Negombo, under the theme ‘Partnership Beyond Boundaries.’

The event recognised and celebrated the company’s valued suppliers and business partners for their outstanding performance, contributions, and continued partnership with INSEE.

Bringing together suppliers, business partners, and INSEE employees, the event celebrated excellence, collaboration, and shared success. Awards were presented across the large, medium, and small supplier categories, covering production services, general administration services, logistics, transportation, and material handling.

A total of 25 supplier awards and six employee awards were presented. Suppliers received Gold, Silver, and Bronze Performance Excellence Awards, while Special Excellence Awards recognised achievements in innovation, value creation, safety, and sustainability. INSEE employees were also recognised through the Best Supervisor and Best Custodian awards.

INSEE Lanka CEO Eng. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya said: ‘The Supplier Excellence Awards provide an important platform to recognise the partners who support and sustain our operations every day. Strong and trusted supplier relationships are fundamental to the reliability and quality we deliver to our customers and to building a more resilient and responsible construction industry in Sri Lanka. This year’s theme, ‘Partnership Beyond Boundaries,’ reflects the enduring value we create together, not only through products and services, but also through collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence.’

The awards reaffirm INSEE’s commitment to building strong and reliable partnerships that enhance operational excellence and supply-chain resilience. For customers, these partnerships provide confidence that INSEE’s products and services are supported by trusted suppliers committed to quality, reliability, safety, and high operational standards.

Recognising suppliers for innovation, sustainability, and safe practices also reinforces the importance of responsible business across the wider construction ecosystem. Through continued collaboration, under the ‘Partnership Beyond Boundaries’ theme, INSEE aims to deepen its supplier relationships, raise industry standards, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable construction sector.

The Colombo High Court yesterday ordered that the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Daisy Forrest be called for a pre-trial conference on 3 November, 2026.

The Attorney General has alleged that the two accused committed an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by depositing nearly Rs. 57 million, allegedly acquired through unlawful means, into three bank accounts.

Rajapaksa appeared in court when the case was taken up. Forrest, the second accused, was absent. President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for her, submitted a medical report to court. The judge said Forrest’s presence in court on the next date was essential.

Appearing for the Attorney General, State Counsel Oswald Perera told court the prosecution intended to amend the indictment, and that the amendment would be made at the pre-trial conference.

Rajapaksa has pleaded not guilty. The investigation into the case began in 2016. On 16 July, the court had fixed 31 August for the pre-trial conference.

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed at a six-month low amid subdues activity, ending below 21,000 points for the first time since 23 March, 2026.

The ASPI ended down 0.44% or 93.56 points at 20,943.79 and the active S and P SL20 fell 0.34% or 20 points to 5,920.72.

Activity was subdued with less than 32.2 million stocks traded and turnover falling to Rs. 596 million. Foreign investors turned net buyers, posting a net inflow of Rs. 7.9 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse continued its downward trajectory with heightened selling sentiment weighing on market performance.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were CARS, DIAL, COMB, CINS and SEMB. Turnover remained below the Rs. 1 billion mark, recording its lowest level of the year, with HNW activity remaining thin as investors took a backseat.

Retail participation was also low, although retail investors accounted for the majority of turnover. Selling pressure was heightened by margin calls towards the September month-end, contributing to the continued weakness in the market.

The diversified financials sector led the daily turnover with a share of 22%, followed by the capital goods, and materials sectors collectively contributing 38%.

Sri Lanka’s javelin star Rumesh Pathirage has continued his near-unbeaten streak this year by clinching Gold at the Asian Games, as India’s Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav grabbed Silver and Bronze.

Pathirage topped the podium with 88.55 metres in his final throw yesterday, while Singh, who won Bronze at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, upgraded to Silver with a personal best of 85.72 metres and Yadav took Bronze with 84.35 metres.

Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem could only muster 80.29 metres to finish fourth.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera earlier this month, Pathirage said he was eyeing Nadeem’s Asian record of 92.97 metres set at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

World number one Pathirage got off to a shaky start with a dismal 73.53 metres – the only throw he’s had below 80 metres this season – before returning to form in the second round.

He then launched a massive 88.33 metres in his fourth throw to eclipse the Indian duo and all but secure his Gold medal. A no-throw in his fifth attempt was bettered with 88.55 metres in his sixth to claim the continental crown.

The victory capped off an unprecedented season for Pathirage, who entered the Asian Games having won all but one of the competitions he’s contested this year.

Yesterday’s win was the final addition to his trophy cabinet with golds from the Commonwealth Games, the Diamond League final, and the inaugural Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

Pathirage, 23, became the only thrower this season and fourth in history to breach the 92-metre mark in a year – a rare feat in javelin.

He catapulted to the top ranks when he threw a mammoth 92.62 metres at the Rome Diamond League in June, which became a new national record that still stands as the world lead this year. He then launched 92.07 metres to claim Gold at the Zurich Diamond League in August.

Sterling Automobiles Lanka recently opened a dedicated Sterling Aftercare Collision Repair and Body Shop facility in Rathmalana, bringing professional collision repair closer to customers across the Western Province. The new centre directly delivers on Sterling’s core commitment to make expert repairs accessible by pairing trained technicians and modern repair technology with complete body repair, painting, and refinishing services under one roof.

Operating under the established service benchmarks of the Sterling Aftercare network, the centre ensures that proximity does not come at the expense of technical precision. The purpose-built facility was specifically designed to handle full structural accident repairs, cosmetic body fixes, quick-turnaround repair solutions, and comprehensive vehicle painting and refinishing for all makes and models, including Japanese and European vehicles.

Sterling Automobiles Lanka CFO Nalin Warnakula said: ‘The main goal of opening this dedicated facility is to provide our customers with professional, high-quality collision repair. It’s stressful enough to have an accident without having to look for dependable service across town. We restore vehicles with meticulous attention to structural safety, durability, and factory-grade finish by placing skilled technicians, cutting-edge repair technology, and full painting and finishing capabilities directly in Rathmalana.’

Following an accident, motorists often find unclear turnaround times, fragmented repair channels, and questionable safety standards. The entire recovery process is streamlined into a smooth, documented workflow at the Rathmalana site. This includes structured vehicle reception, systematic damage assessment, precision body repair, specialised painting, strict multi-point quality checks, and verified handover.

The expansion strengthens Sterling Automobiles’ position as a comprehensive aftercare provider, helping motorists at every stage of vehicle ownership, from advanced diagnostics and collision restoration to routine maintenance and mechanical services. The company, which was established in 2007, backs the new location with a network of more than five service centres and a workforce of more than 400, serving an active customer base of over 100,000. Sterling Aftercare centres are located in Nugegoda, Kadawatha, Minuwangoda, Galle and Rathmalana.

Individual car owners, corporate fleet managers, insurance assessors, and automotive trade partners who need consistent repair standards and documented turnaround times are all directly served by the Rathmalana operation.

Sri Lanka’s emerging luxury boutique hospitality sector has received a significant international endorsement, with W15 Hanthana Estate and W15 Ambuluwawa of the W15 Collection receiving recognition at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2026.

The recognition was presented at the 33rd annual World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held at Crossroads Maldives on Sunday.

The event brought together senior figures from the international travel and tourism industry to celebrate excellence across the region.

Receiving the awards on behalf of W15 was W15 Collection Chairman Hardy Jamaldeen, marking a significant moment for the brand and its ambition to establish Sri Lankan boutique hospitality as a globally recognised proposition.

W15 Hanthana emerged winner in a competitive category with other nominees being Amangalla, Neem Boutique Hotel, The Fortress Resort and Spa, The Postcard Galle, and Uga Chena Huts.

W15 Ambuluwawa won the Leading Boutique Hotel award as against other nominees Aarunya Nature Resort, Camellia Hills, Galle Fort Hotel, Harding Boutique Hotel Ahangama, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Mosvold Villa, Owl and the Pussycat Hotel, Sri Sharavi Beach Villas and Spa, The Cavern, The Fort Bazaar, and The Wallawwa.

For Jamaldeen, the recognition represents more than an accolade for two individual properties.

‘This recognition is a tremendous honour for W15 Collection and, most importantly, for the people behind these properties. Hanthana and Ambuluwawa are very different experiences, but both are rooted in what makes Sri Lanka extraordinary – our landscapes, heritage, culture, and genuine hospitality,’ he said.

He added that the recognition reinforces W15’s philosophy of creating smaller, highly individualised properties rather than conventional hotel products, with each destination designed around its own sense of place.

W15 Hanthana Estate – Heritage and highland luxury

Set amongst the tea country of Kandy, W15 Hanthana Estate is a restored tea estate bungalow that combines colonial-era character with contemporary luxury.

The property sits within the Hanthana landscape, surrounded by forests, tea valleys, and mountain views, while remaining approximately 15 minutes from Kandy city. Its accommodation includes the original Stable Suite, Bungalow Suites, and Executive Suites, complemented by curated experiences ranging from guided mountain walks and birdwatching to tea-estate excursions and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

Hanthana has previously represented W15 on the international boutique-hotel stage, having been nominated for the 2025 Asia’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel category at the World Travel Awards.

The property was also among the nominees for Sri Lanka’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2026, reflecting its growing international profile.

W15 Ambuluwawa – A distinctive new destination

W15 Ambuluwawa offers a markedly different proposition, positioned near the iconic Ambuluwawa Tower in Gampola and built around the dramatic landscape of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

The property forms part of W15’s broader strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in locations that possess a strong geographical and cultural identity. W15 Ambuluwawa combines accommodation and dining with access to one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable hill-country attractions.

W15 Ambuluwawa was also nominated for Sri Lanka’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 at the World Travel Awards.

Recognition from one of travel’s best-known awards

Established more than three decades ago, the World Travel Awards describes its purpose as recognising, rewarding, and celebrating excellence across the global travel and tourism industry. The 2026 Indian Ocean program included leading international hotel groups, resorts, destinations, airlines, and tourism organisations.

The scale of the program places W15’s recognition alongside some of the world’s most established luxury hospitality brands and destinations, providing valuable international visibility for both the properties and Sri Lanka as a destination.

For W15 Collection, the achievement also comes as the brand continues to expand its portfolio across Sri Lanka – from the southern coastline and Colombo to the Central Highlands – with a focus on creating individual properties that reflect their surroundings rather than applying a standardised hotel model.

Building a Sri Lankan luxury hospitality brand

Jamaldeen said the achievement would encourage W15 to continue investing in distinctive Sri Lankan hospitality.

‘Our objective has always been to build a Sri Lankan hospitality brand that can stand confidently alongside international names while remaining deeply connected to the character of the island. These awards give our team enormous pride and reinforce our belief that Sri Lanka has the talent, locations, and stories to create truly world-class boutique hospitality,’ he said.

The dual recognition of W15 Hanthana Estate and W15 Ambuluwawa therefore represents not only an achievement for two individual properties, but another step in the development of W15 Collection as a Sri Lankan luxury hospitality brand with an increasingly international profile.

W15 Collection currently spans a portfolio of boutique hospitality experiences across Sri Lanka, encompassing coastal, hill-country, and urban destinations.

Blink International has acquired Wrist Lab as part of a long-term strategy to elevate the watch retail experience in Sri Lanka. The acquisition brings together Wrist Lab’s established presence in the wristwatch market with Blink’s scale, expertise and market presence, creating a stronger platform to unlock new opportunities for growth, expand the offering and deliver a more comprehensive retail experience to consumers.

Founded in 2019 under Orbit Worldwide Ltd., Wrist Lab was created to fill the market vacuum for a one-stop retail experience. Instead of searching multiple single-brand sites, Sri Lankan consumers gain effortless access to leading global watch brands, fulfilling the founders’ vision of ultimate choice under one roof.

Following the acquisition, Wrist Lab will be developed as Blink’s dedicated consumer-facing retail platform, with the ambition of evolving it into a stronger and more comprehensive multi-brand watch destination in Sri Lanka. This will include an expanded international brand portfolio, an enhanced retail experience and a stronger service proposition, giving consumers greater choice and a more compelling overall experience.

The move will also allow Blink to sharpen its focus as the official brand principal for Casio, G-Shock and Edifice in Sri Lanka, with greater emphasis on building and managing these brands, while further strengthening its authorised retail network, distribution and after-sales support. By establishing specialised focus areas, both entities are positioned to scale independently while complementing each other.

Blink International Director Mohamed Mansoor said: ‘This is a strategic step toward building a scalable multi-brand retail platform in Sri Lanka. Blink will focus on brand building, distribution, and after-sales capabilities, while Wrist Lab evolves into the one-stop go to destination for authentic timepieces. This clear division maximises value for both brand partners and consumers.’

Blink founded in 2014 under Avarna Ventures operates an extensive distribution network spanning over 155 authorised doors across Sri Lanka, backed by robust after-sales infrastructure and access to genuine parts. Integrating this operational backbone with Wrist Lab’s retail footprint establishes a clear alignment between distribution and modern watch retail.

The result is a clearer alignment between distribution and retail, with Wrist Lab positioned to develop as a dedicated multi-brand retail platform while Blink continues to strengthen its role as a specialist watch distribution partner in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to strengthen social protection, safe migration pathways and long-term economic security for migrant workers, with Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra calling for protection across the entire migration cycle.

Opening the ILO STREAM introductory training on ‘Protecting Those Who Move: Advancing Social Protection in the South Asia-Gulf Migration Corridor’ in Colombo yesterday, Hemachandra said migration should be a pathway to opportunity rather than vulnerability.

He stressed that worker protection must begin before departure and continue through recruitment, overseas employment, access to social security, return and reintegration.

‘Protecting those who move means ensuring that opportunities abroad translate into greater security for migrant workers and their families at home,’ Hemachandra said.

The program brought together representatives of countries of origin and destination to strengthen cooperation on the protection and social security of migrant workers, particularly along the South Asia-Gulf migration corridor.

Hemachandra outlined several measures undertaken over the past two years, including increasing death compensation for eligible registered migrant workers to Rs. 2 million.

He also said work was progressing on a contributory pension scheme for migrant workers, while preparations were underway for a new Foreign Employment Bill aimed at strengthening the policy and regulatory framework governing overseas employment.

The Government is also preparing a mechanism to enable Sri Lankans living overseas to exercise their voting rights, he said.

Digitalisation is emerging as another component of the Government’s effort to improve services for migrant workers. Hemachandra highlighted LankaKonect, developed in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), which enables Sri Lankan migrant workers to submit complaints, track cases and access Government support remotely.

He said Sri Lanka’s foreign employment strategy must also move beyond simply increasing the number of workers leaving the country for overseas employment.

The policy focus, he stressed, should include skills development, better employment opportunities, safe and regular migration, stronger worker protection and long-term economic security for workers and their families.

Hemachandra also called for closer cooperation between migrant-sending and destination countries, particularly on social security arrangements, recruitment regulation, family protection and the reintegration of returning workers.

With migrant workers making a significant contribution to household incomes and the national economy, he said their rights, dignity and security must remain at the centre of Sri Lanka’s foreign employment policy.

Hemachandra acknowledged the continued support of the ILO, its Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the STREAM Program team and development partners in strengthening social protection and security mechanisms for migrant workers.

The STREAM initiative seeks to bring origin and destination countries together to address gaps in social protection for workers moving across borders, an issue of particular importance to Sri Lanka given the scale of its overseas employment sector.