A successful series of high-profile events, led by the visit of legendary French international rugby player and coach Serge BETSEN, concluded last night, marking a significant step in promoting Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism and manufacturing hub while strengthening bilateral relations with France.

Ahead of the formal engagements, Serge BETSEN embarked on a curated tour of Sri Lanka accompanied by a French media team. The group explored key attractions across the island, capturing cinematic footage, cultural experiences, and in-depth interviews aimed at highlighting Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offering to the French market. The coverage, set to air across French media platforms, is expected to boost the country’s international visibility and reinforce its appeal as a premier destination for sustainable and experiential travel.

The three-day visit, held from November 18th to 20th, commenced with elite rugby training sessions in Kandy and Colombo. Serge BETSEN personally mentored young Sri Lankan athletes, sharing principles of resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude that shaped his celebrated career. His involvement strengthened sporting ties and encouraged the exchange of international rugby standards with local players

The visit culminated in a spectacular Wine Evening and Fashion Show, where French haute couture influences met the vibrant innovation of Sri Lankan design. Organized in collaboration with Mod’Art International, the event showcased a fusion of artistic expression, bridging two cultures through elegance, colour, and craftsmanship. Guests were treated to an exclusive selection of French wines sourced directly from renowned vineyards, complementing the evening’s refined aesthetic.
The gala, hosted by Tharindu Ameresekere, featured addresses by several dignitaries, including His Excellency the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, SLFBC President Andre Fernando, and Special Guest Serge BETSEN, who spoke on resilience and the value of cross-cultural partnerships.

The initiative was supported by a strong network of corporate partners. Platinum Sponsors included MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Antiquity – Simply Unusual, Clove Beach Wadduwa, and Legends and Paradise. Gold Sponsors were Dialog, La Maison de Colombo, Mastercard, Michelin by DIMO, See Lanka, and Teejay. Additional support was extended by Esteemed Sponsors including: American Water, Lion Royal, E-FM, Swarnavahini, Shree FM, Emerging Media, and Prishan Pandithage Studios. Cinnamon Grand Colombo served as the Venue Partner for the gala evening.

The initiative’s success—demonstrated both on the rugby field and on the fashion runway—has laid a strong foundation for future collaborations between Sri Lanka and France. By highlighting Sri Lanka’s capacity for sustainable tourism and manufacturing excellence, the events are expected to encourage deeper commercial partnerships and long-term investment, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.

In the heart of Jaffna, the sound of temple bells and chants fill the air as thousands of devotees made their way to the sacred Nallur Kandaswamy Temple for the Kantha Sashti Utsavam. More than a religious celebration, it is a living expression of culture and community, a time when faith, beauty, and tradition come together in harmony. 

This year, Kumarika, one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted hair care brands from Hemas Consumer Brands (HCB), brought a deeper level of meaning to the festivities. Kumarika’s unique on-ground activity under the topic of “Iyarkai Azhagu” (Natural Beauty) went beyond celebration to become a sincere expression of connection, empowerment, and care for the Tamil community of Jaffna.

Excitement was in the air in the Kumarika space at Nallur from the very beginning of the festival. More than 1,000 women came together to participate in events that honoured beauty in its purest form. Free hairstyling with jasmine garlands, customized hair analysis sessions, and culturally inspired gifts like sarees, accessories, umbrellas, and Kumarika gift boxes were all provided; each item was carefully chosen to represent the warmth and culture of the area.

Kumarika’s expert-led hair analysis, which gave attendees a thorough grasp of their hair and scalp condition, was the initiative’s focal point. Using Kumarika’s Complete Hair Care Regime—a scientifically developed blend of shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil infused with 100% natural extracts—qualified hair care specialists performed thorough assessments to identify issues like dryness, damage, or breakage and provided tailored solutions. This regimen ensures healthy, strong, and radiant hair by nourishing it from root to tip, repairing damage, strengthening strands, and protecting it from everyday stresses.

For many attendees, it was a celebration of identity and heritage rather than merely a brand experience. Through the initiative, Kumarika encouraged women to embrace the repair, protection, and nourishment promise, showing that natural beauty can be supported by expert care and scientifically formulated solutions.

The level of engagement was outstanding throughout the day: more than 1,000 hair analyzes, 400 jasmine garland makeovers, and more than 500 hairstyles were completed. Over 300 women purchased the entire Kumarika Hair Care Regime during the activation, and over 150 digital interactions were made, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm and strong connection with the brand.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Hirushi Fernando, Hair Care Category Head, Hemas Consumer Brands, said, “At Kumarika, we believe that true beauty flourishes when nature meets expert care. Our presence at the sacred Nallur Kanthasashti festival through the ‘Iyarkai Azhagu’ initiative was not just a celebration of tradition, it was a powerful expression of our commitment to empowering women through complete hair care. As the expert in the hair repair and protection space, Kumarika continues to champion a root-to-tip routine that strengthens, nourishes, and protects. By guiding women through our scientifically backed hair care regimen, we’re proud to inspire confidence and help them embrace their natural beauty every day.”

Generations of Sri Lankan women have been inspired to embrace their strength and radiance through the power of nature by Kumarika, which has been associated with natural beauty, trust, and empowerment for more than three decades. Its presence in the Kantha Sashti Utsavam this year reinforced the brand’s commitment to heritage, community, and the expert care of Sri Lankan hair.

Kumarika continues to champion a timeless message in a world where artificial solutions are becoming more and more prevalent: “Natural beauty is not just seen, it is felt, nurtured, and lived.”  Through the brand’s expert-backed hair care solutions and the Iyarkai Azhagu initiative, women are empowered to celebrate the strength, health, and glow of their hair—naturally and confidently.

Hayleys Fentons Limited has reported steady progress in the “Roots of Resilience” Mangrove Reforestation Project, launched in partnership with the Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department (CCCRMD) in November 2023.
The initiative aims to restore degraded mangrove habitats along the Bolgoda Lake shoreline and strengthen climate resilience through ecological restoration.
1,000 Rhizophora apiculata propagules were planned for establishment across four identified sites: Kaduruduwa, Kiraladuwa, Moratuwa New Bridge, and the Coastal Conservation Office. To date, 1,300 propagules have successfully survived, exceeding the original target and highlighting the resilience of the restoration effort.
These efforts are part of the company’s Biodiversity Conservation and Preservation Strategy, aimed at enhancing shoreline stability and increasing carbon sequestration potential.
An independent field verification was recently conducted by SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, which included site inspections, random sampling, and plant growth assessments. The review confirmed that the surviving mangroves are currently sequestering approximately 7.6 metric tonnes of CO₂-equivalent, with the potential to reach 11.2 metric tonnes upon full maturity.
In parallel, the project has advanced its community engagement aspect. Multilingual information boards have been installed to communicate the ecological value of mangroves and to promote community responsibility in safeguarding these sensitive ecosystems.
A school outreach programme has also been introduced to promote environmental awareness among youth. To date, three awareness sessions have been held at Panadura Sumangala Boys’ College, Panadura Sumangala Balika Vidyalaya, and Panadura Agamethi Balika Vidyalaya, engaging over 270 students. The programme will continue at the rate of one school per month.
Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, highlighted: “The Roots of Resilience project demonstrates how targeted corporate action can support ecosystem restoration and local communities. By restoring critical mangrove areas, we are contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation in a measurable way.”
Pamudith Gunawardana, Director and Chief Financial Officer and Chair of the ESG Steering Committee at Hayleys Fentons Limited commented: “The Mangrove Restoration Project represents our commitment to integrating sustainability into the core of our operations. The outcomes reaffirm that effective environmental action also strengthens community resilience and supports sustainable livelihoods. This initiative reflects our belief that corporate responsibility must go beyond compliance and translate into action that safeguards the future.”
Nisal Liyanage, Deputy General Manager, Group Compliance and ESG, Hayleys Fentons Limited, stated: “We continue to work closely with the CCCRMD to monitor growth, address challenges, and enhance the project’s long-term impact. Through regular assessments and transparent reporting, we aim to ensure lasting environmental and social value.”
Caption: A visual overview of the ‘Roots of Resilience’ projects led by the Compliance Division at Hayleys Fentons Limited.

The Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS) and Swinburne University of Technology celebrated another successful year of partnership, marking over a decade of academic excellence and opportunity for Sri Lankan students. The 2025 Graduation Ceremony, held on the 31st of October at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), recognised the achievements of over 300 graduates who completed their studies in diverse disciplines under the Swinburne–NCHS pathway.

The event highlighted the continuing success of the collaboration between NCHS and Swinburne, a partnership that has empowered hundreds of Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education and international careers. NCHS, with its campuses in Colombo and Kandy, remains committed to making globally recognised, high-quality education accessible to students across the island.

CELEBRATING GROWTH, VISION, AND GLOBAL CONNECTION
In his address, Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, Chairman of NCHS, expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements and reaffirmed the college’s mission to nurture capable, ethical, and globally minded individuals.

“Graduation is not only a celebration of your individual achievement but also a tribute to the unwavering support of your parents, teachers, and families. As Sri Lanka aspires to become an education hub in the region, you play a vital role in this vision. Equipped with the skills, confidence, and global outlook gained here, you are ready to contribute not only to your own future but also to the progress of our nation.”

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Victor Ramanan, Deputy Chairman and CEO of NCHS, reminded graduates of the importance of holistic growth beyond academics.

“As you prepare for the next stage of your journey, remember that success is not built on academic knowledge alone. The ability to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, adapt to change, and think critically are equally important. These soft skills, together with the capacity to lead with empathy and confidence, will distinguish you in the workplace and in life.”

STRENGTHENING THE AUSTRALIA–SRI LANKA EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
His Excellency Matthew Duckworth, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, highlighted the value of the enduring education partnership between the two nations.

“As a representative of Australia, I am proud to see our education partnership with Sri Lanka go from strength to strength. Sri Lankans continue to excel at Australian universities and colleges, gaining world-class skills that our two countries will need for the future. As you continue your journey, reflect on what you can contribute to your country and how you might shape Sri Lanka’s future as it moves through a critical juncture in its history.”

The ceremony also featured distinguished guests including Dr. Adam Baker, Academic Director, Swinburne University of Technology; Prof. Rangika Halwathura, Senior Professor, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa; and Dr. Alan Robertson, Dean of Studies, NCHS. The event was hosted by Mr. Faizal Bongso, who guided proceedings with poise and warmth.

EMPOWERING FUTURE LEADERS
The 2025 graduation was more than a recognition of academic achievement — it celebrated the shared vision of NCHS and Swinburne to develop future-ready graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing world.

As NCHS continues to expand its programs and partnerships, it remains dedicated to providing Sri Lankan students with pathways to international education and meaningful global engagement. With strong foundations and a spirit of innovation, NCHS graduates continue to make their mark both locally and abroad.

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84 Tours is a destination management company in Sri Lanka, founded by a group of visionary friends born in 1984 with a shared mission to position the island as a premier global travel destination. With a strong focus on delivering curated travel experiences, the company operates primarily through a sophisticated digital platform that enables international travellers to explore and book personalized journeys across Sri Lanka. Complementing its online presence, 84 Tours also maintains a physical offices in Colombo and Beruwala, offering professional airline ticketing services to ensure a seamless and comprehensive travel experience. In addition to leisure tourism, the company has strategically expanded into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector, aiming to elevate Sri Lanka’s profile as a premium destination for global business events and corporate travel. By combining local expertise with global standards, 84 Tours continues to innovate and lead in the tourism industry, delivering exceptional service, authentic experiences, and a deep commitment to showcasing the rich culture, natural beauty, and hospitality of Sri Lanka.

Mimi Nicklin is the internationally bestselling author of Softening the Edge and Empathy at Work, and the founder of Empathy Everywhere—the world’s widest-reaching empathy training and engagement platform. Ranked as the #1 Workplace Wellbeing Leader in Malaysia andamong the Top 12 Female Influencers on LinkedIn, Mimi has shared global stages with icons like Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, and Steven Bartlett. Mimi’s influence spans over 2.5 million people worldwide.

With this partnership, Mimi brings her expertise to Sri Lanka through “Empathy Travels,” a unique program designed to fuse cultural immersion with leadership development, emotional intelligence, and women’s empowerment. Her involvement ensures that the initiative is not only transformative for participants but also economically and socially impactful for local communities.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Colombo during Mimi Nicklin’s official visit to Sri Lanka on 25^th of September 2025, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to position the island nation as a premier destination for transformative leadership experience, leadership summits, and incentive-based travel programs.

Through this collaboration, the 84 Tours and Mimi Nicklin aim to position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for transformative corporate experiences, leadership summits, and incentive-based travel programs that promote emotional intelligence, cross-cultural engagement, and professional development among participants. A key pillar of the initiative shall be the advancement of Women empowerment, with a focus on creating inclusive spaces that foster leadership, personal growth, and economic opportunity for women, both among participants and within the local communities engaged through the program. Scope of Services implementation of a specialized MICE tourism and this program is designed to integrate organizational empathy methodologies within curated business oriented travel experiences that exhibit the cultural, historical and natural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Photo caption: From left: Hazam Aboosali, COO of 84 Tours. Usman Jauffer, CXO of 84 Tours and Founder of Welcome Change. Mafaz Hussain, CEO of 84 Tours and Mimi Nicklin – Empathy Advocate and Founder of Empathy Everywhere.

dsityreshop.com, backed by the strength of DSI Tyres, has been recognised with the Bronze Award for Online Brand of the Year at SLIM Brand Excellence 2025.  This achievement marks a significant milestone in the platform’s journey as Sri Lanka’s leading tyre e-commerce destinations. The recognition also reinforces the brand’s growth in digital commerce, its trusted market presence and unwavering commitment to reinventing how Sri Lankan’s purchase tyres online.

Kavinda Rajapaksha, Managing Director, DSI Tyres expressed his appreciation for the honour, highlighting the collective effort behind this recognition. He said, “We are proud to be recognised at SLIM Brand Excellence 2025 and deeply grateful to our customers for the trust they continue to place in us. This award reflects our commitment to making online tyre purchasing simpler, safer, and more accessible for everyone. We will continue to invest in digital innovation and expand our services so that dsityreshop.com remains the most reliable online destination for tyres in Sri Lanka.”

Over the past year, dsityreshop.com has gone from strength to strength as a category leader by offering a smooth, reliable a transparent digital experience. Its innovations include a convenient ‘Pick Up from Dealer’ service, islandwide delivery, secure payment options and a continuously enhanced user interface. These features have been integral in building trust among customers and driving strong performance in the online marketplace.

The recognition from SLIM Brand Excellence, which is one of Sri Lanka’s most respected award platforms, is a true reflection of the brand’s impact on the industry, and its ability to meet ever evolving customer needs.  It is also a testament to the effectiveness of dsityreshop.com’s digital strategy, customer satisfaction levels and sustained improvements in online retail operations.

With this achievement, dsityreshop.com remains committed to strengthening customer confidence in the purchase of tyres online, and to continuously shape the future of digital commerce in the automotive sector.