Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Home Blog Page 25

 Opening Ceremony of Pool Vibes Premium

By
admin
-
0
A2IN

RUZAIK FAROOK

The grand opening of Pool Vibes Premium on the 3rd floor of Crystal Palace, Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo 2 on Saturday October 26. This is the second branch from founder Rishad Raheem, following the success of the original Pool Vibes 508 at Galle Road, Wellawatte, which opened in March 2024.

The event featured an exciting exhibition match between two of Sri Lanka’s top billiards players: 19 time national champion Susantha Botheju and Triple Crown champion Thalha Ishrath, captivating an audience of over 50 attendees.
Pool Vibes Premium boasts five professional-grade pool tables, PS5 gaming consoles, and a welcoming atmosphere tailored for both serious players and casual gamers. The venue offers a social space for 8 Ball pool enthusiasts and a growing community for Colombo’s gaming fans.

Rishad Raheem shared his vision, saying, “Pool Vibes is about creating a space where everyone can enjoy top-quality 8 Ball Pool Tables and gaming.” With the launch of this new location, Pool Vibes is set to become Colombo’s premier destination for 8 Ball Pool and entertainment, with more events and tournaments planned for the futu

Raffles Consolidated marks 25 years of excellence with bold plans for future growth

By
admin
-
0

Raffles Consolidated (Pvt) Ltd, a leading name in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on December 1, 2024. To mark this milestone, the company is preparing to usher in a new era of growth as it embarks on the next chapter of its journey.

Since its launch in December 1999 as an outdoor catering company serving an established corporate and upscale clientele, Raffles has evolved into a multi-segment catering leader, catering to three tiers of the industry: cafés, industrial catering, and premium banquets and event catering.

In 2001, Raffles entered the industrial catering segment by winning contracts to operate cafeterias for several leading establishments in Sri Lanka. Starting with a single client serving 350 employees, Raffles now provides nearly 70,000 meals daily across multiple factories, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Industrial catering has since become a core focus of its business model.

In 2016, Raffles expanded its capabilities with the unveiling of Raffles Residence, a premium event space designed for life’s memorable moments. Located in Mirihana, Nugegoda, Raffles Residence epitomizes luxury, featuring two banquet halls with capacities for 100 and 300 guests, catering to all banquet and event needs. Raffles is currently undertaking an interior refurbishment of Raffles Residence to enhance its appeal to evolving consumer demographics. The newly revamped halls will open to guests on December 1, 2024, just in time for the 25th anniversary celebrations.

Reflecting on this 25-year journey, Raffles Founder and Chairman Tony Bohoran stated, “Our journey has been one of rapid growth and resilience despite the numerous challenges we’ve faced, including the pandemic and economic crisis. These challenges tested our resolve, compelling us to adapt swiftly and think innovatively. I am proud to say we’ve succeeded in achieving all that – and more.”

Raffles has consistently prioritized high service standards, achieving industry certifications that underscore its commitment to meeting international standards. This commitment extends to food safety, with a dedicated quality assurance team working around the clock to ensure all operational aspects meet required standards. Additionally, the company has implemented a comprehensive supply chain, ensuring fresh, high-quality food is delivered daily for its industrial operations.

Raffles CEO Upul Gamage shared, “As we mark our 25th anniversary, our growth and success highlight the incredible dedication of our talented staff, management, and directors. Their passion, hard work, and commitment have been the foundation of our resilience, helping us thrive against all odds. As we look to the future, I am confident it will be filled with promise and opportunity.”

Looking ahead, the Raffles management team has outlined bold plans to fast-track growth and elevate its brand standards within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.

KTI Strengthens STEM Learning with PlayShifu Launch – A First in Sri Lanka!

By
admin
-
0

Kiddies & Toys International (Pvt) Ltd (KTI), a pioneer in bringing joy and educational value to families, proudly introduces PlayShifu, a leading educational toy brand, to Sri Lanka. This marks the first time such innovative STEM learning toys are available in the country.

Established in 2002, KTI has established itself as a household name, leading in Baby, Mother Care, Toy, and Stationery segments. As a fully owned subsidiary of LIMRA Holdings Limited, KTI has exclusive partnerships with global brands like Farlin, Lego, Mattel, and Faber-Castell. The addition of PlayShifu to its portfolio underscores KTI’s commitment to offering high quality products that enhance children’s cognitive development and creativity.

PlayShifu is globally recognized for its interactive and educational toys, seamlessly blending technology with traditional play to foster problem solving skills, creativity, and cognitive development in children. With a focus on safety and enjoyment, PlayShifu products perfectly complement KTI’s mission to nurture a bright and healthy future for children. These augmented reality toys enhance mathematical and spelling skills, aligning with modern educational needs that increasingly incorporate screen time into learning methodologies.

Commenting on the launch, Safraz Hussain, Assistant Vice President for International Brands – KTI, remarked, “We are delighted to introduce PlayShifu to Sri Lanka. As a company dedicated to children’s wellbeing and development, PlayShifu’s educational toys resonate deeply with our vision of making learning enjoyable. We want our kids to learn while playing and make learning enjoyable. This launch represents a significant stride in our commitment to providing the best for Sri Lankan families.”

Ajantha Wickramarathne, CEO – KTI, commented, “Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, KTI’s introduction of PlayShifu marks a milestone in delivering groundbreaking toy ranges to the Sri Lankan market. The company’s vision, “To Delight Parents seeing a Happy, Healthy, and Bright future for their Kids,” aligns seamlessly with PlayShifu’s ethos, making it a valuable addition to the KTI family and the first of its kind in Sri Lanka.

PlayShifu products will be available through the toymarket.lk website, Cool Kidz Showroom at Colombo 04 and leading toy stores island wide.

Walkers Tours and Sabaragamuwa University join forces to enhance skills of tourism management students

By
admin
-
0

Walkers Tours, one of Sri Lanka’s leading destination management companies, has taken a bold step in tourism education by launching an Industrial Training Center in partnership with Sabaragamuwa University. The objective of this initiative is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, by preparing the future generations of tourism professionals with essential knowledge and practical skills.

The newly opened Industrial Training Center is designed to function as an incubation hub for tourism management students, by transforming theoretical classrooms into practical experiences. As the tourism industry in Sri Lanka is evolving, Walkers Tours recognized and understood the importance of professionalizing tourism education. The company is deeply committed to equipping future leaders with the skills which will help them excel in their careers.

Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga, Chief Executive Officer, Walkers Tours Limited, shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, “The Industrial Training Center represents our commitment to investing in the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, our objective is to cultivate a generation of knowledgeable, highly skilled tourism professionals. The programme is about empowering our students with the confidence and insights they need to create a meaningful impact on the tourism industry.”

The Sabaragamuwa University has also provided unparalleled support in bringing this initiative to life. Mr. Hiran Dinusha, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator the B.Sc. (Hons.) Tourism Management Degree Programme has been instrumental in driving this public-private sector partnership forward. Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga, Chief Executive Officer, Walkers Tours Limited, has set a high standard in tourism education, in order to nurture future industry leaders and contribute to the professional development of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Through this partnership and the launch of the Industrial Training Center, Walkers Tours and Sabaragamuwa University have laid the foundations for a brighter future in the tourism sector. This initiative ensures that students will be well-prepared to face the challenges posed in the global tourism sphere. It is a significant milestone in tourism education and reflects a shared vision to develop a professionally skilled workforce.

Photo Caption

Students of the Tourism Management Degree Programme along with representatives from Walker’s Tours and Sabaragamuwa University at the opening of the Industrial Training Center.

Hayleys Fentons Limited Triumphs at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2024

By
admin
-
0

Hayleys Fentons Limited has achieved remarkable successat the prestigious CNCI Achiever Awards 2024, winning 05 awards for business and engineering excellence.

The awards, organised by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI), recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of local industrialists in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and service sectors.

Hayleys FentonsLimited secured the Gold Award in the National Level Service Sector – Extra Large Category, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Additionally, the company was honoured with the Top Ten Award by the CNCI, solidifying its position as a leader in the engineering industry.

Fentons Smart Facilities (PVT) Limited won the Gold Award in the National Level Service Sector – Small Category for exceptional repairs and maintenance services.

Nex-Gen Asia (PVT) Limited earned the Silver Award in the National Level Service Sector for the Micro Category and received the Top Five Achiever Award in the Small and Micro Category, recognising its significant impact and achievements in these sectors.

Reflecting on the significance of these achievements, the Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons, Hasith Prematillake, stated, “We are immensely proud to be recognised among the best in the industry. These awards represent our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. We remain dedicated to driving progress and setting new benchmarks in our industry.”

The CNCI Achiever Awards serve a pivotal role in encouraging industrialists to strive for excellence and compete on a global scale. With a rigorous evaluation process that focuses on criteria such as turnover, productivity and contribution toward national impact, the awards highlight the importance of accountability and innovation in the industrial sector.

Image caption:Hayleys Fentonsteam celebrating their victories onstage at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2024

Sri Lanka crowned Hong Kong Sixes 2024 champions

By
admin
-
0

Sri Lanka triumphed over Pakistan by three wickets to secure the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2024 title on Sunday. Chasing a target of 73 runs, Sri Lanka reached their goal with six balls remaining.

Sri Lanka’s captain, Lihuru Madhusanka, opted to bowl first, a decision that proved successful as his bowlers limited Pakistan to a modest total. Despite a valiant effort from Muhammad Akhlaq, who scored 48 runs off just 20 balls, Pakistan struggled to build a substantial score. 

Akhlaq was eventually dismissed by Madhusanka in the final over. The next highest score for Pakistan came from skipper Faheem Ashraf, who made 13 runs off four balls.

Sri Lanka’s bowling was impressive, with Lakshan and Tharindu Rathnayake taking two wickets each. Nimesh Vimukthi and Lihuru Madhusanka also contributed with a wicket apiece.

In the semi-final, Pakistan advanced to the final by defeating Australia, thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s outstanding all-round performance. Australia set a challenging target of 108 runs after scoring 107/1 in their six overs. The opening pair of Sam Heazlett and Jack Wood gave Australia a strong start with a 56-run partnership. However, Faheem managed to break the partnership by dismissing Wood, who scored 36 runs.

Pakistan’s response was led by explosive starts from their openers, including Asif Ali, who scored 32 runs off eight balls. Muhammad Akhlaq continued the momentum, scoring 32 off 10 balls. Faheem Ashraf, alongside Aamer Yamin, built a crucial partnership that guided Pakistan to victory, with Faheem scoring an unbeaten 19 runs and Yamin adding 24 not out.

Despite their earlier success, Pakistan fell short in the final against Sri Lanka, who celebrated their victory in the Hong Kong Super Sixes.

“ Nethinethera “ Media Day Organized by Isipathana College Media Unit: A Celebration of Talent and Excellence

By
admin
-
0

RUZAIK FAROOK

The “ Nethinethera “  Media Day of Isipathana College was held on Tuesday October 29 at the NIIBS Convention Centre Kelaniya. This eagerly awaited event showcased the media and announcing talents of young students from various schools across Sri Lanka, offering a platform for participants to demonstrate their creativity and communication skills. It was held under the patronage of Principal of the College D. P. Udawattage

The event was graced by chief guest Chandana Sooriyabandara, CEO of Stein Studio Sirasa TV, whose presence and motivational address inspired the students to pursue excellence in the field of media.

The Project Chairman of the Media day Musthaq Hussain, was awarded as Isipathana College’s Best Announcer and he also skillfully impressed the audience with his clear and engaging delivery. Additionally, Zaid Zufri was honored as the best emerging announcer of the school, Sahani Zaheerdeen from St. Paul’s Girls School was awarded as the Winner of Quiz Blaster and Ushara Chandeepani from Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya honored as the Media Icon, setting an example for aspiring media personalities with her remarkable achievements.

The media unit of Muslim Ladies’ College Colombo was awarded as the Most Popular Media Unit. The media day reached an exciting climax with Walisingha Harischandra College, Anuradhapura winning the overall Championship title for their outstanding performance at the Sandwani All-Island Trilingual Media Day Competitions. Kingswood College, Kandy earned the Runner-Up position, followed closely by Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo as the Second Runner-Up.

Nethinethera Media Day was an unforgettable celebration of talent, underscoring the importance of media literacy and effective communication skills in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Ruzaik Farook, News Editor at Colombo Times was invited as one of the special guests at this event.Deputy Principal Pradeep Chandrasekara, Teachers in Charge – Mrs. Aresha de Silva and Mrs. Zinha Safwan, Co Chairman’s – Zaid Zufri and Dewmin Ayashan, Students Teachers and parents were also present.

SLTPB Welcomes Global Influencers to Showcase the Island’s Unique Beauty

By
admin
-
0

Destination Sri Lanka Aims to Captivate 7 Million Travel Enthusiasts

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is thrilled to announce an exciting initiative aimed at promoting Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination through a series of influencer-led creative press trips from October 28 to November 8, 2024. This event will feature 30 renowned international travel bloggers and social media influencers from ten countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, India, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Hong Kong. These influencers will create over 1,000 blog stories and social media posts as an immediate outcome of their visit to Sri Lanka.

In an age where social media plays a crucial role in shaping travel decisions, these influencers will share their experiences and highlights of Sri Lanka with a combined audience of over 70 lakhs (7 million) followers across major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to attract the largest number of tourists to Sri Lanka by 2025, positioning the island as a must-visit destination for the upcoming winter season.

Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of SLTPB, stated, “Sri Lanka is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s top travel destinations, and our goal is to leverage the reach and influence of these travel influencers to spread the word about our beautiful island. By showcasing the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse attractions across all nine provinces, we aim to inspire travel enthusiasts around the globe.”

The selected influencers will embark on an unforgettable journey across iconic locations, including Colombo, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Negombo, Galle, Bentota, Haputale, Badulla, Tissamaharama, Ratnapura, and Udawalawa. This collaboration is not just a promotional campaign; it is an opportunity for these influencers to produce live videos, blog posts, and social media content that will showcase the unique offerings of Sri Lanka.

This initiative has been organized in collaboration with provincial tourism ministries, including Uva Tourism, the Northern Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sabaragamuwa Tourism, and the Southern Tourism Board. The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) have also partnered in this effort. Industry partners, including Jetwing Hotels & Resorts, Thema Hotel Collection, Ceylon Hotel Corporation, Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Colombo City Tours by Ebert Silve Holidays, and Colombo Lotus Tower, have offered their full support for this digital media promotion targeting the upcoming season while ensuring comprehensive representation of the island’s tourism potential.

As these influencers prepare to embark on their adventure, the SLTPB invites the general public and local media to engage with their content and experience Sri Lanka through the eyes of these esteemed travel personalities. Join us in celebrating the beauty of Sri Lanka, and look forward to vibrant stories and stunning visuals that will encourage travelers from around the world to visit our enchanting island.

Seven hundred and fifty thousand foreign passports are expected to be received in the near future and a plan is being prepared to end the existing traffic jam – Department of Immigration Support

By
admin
-
0

Clogard Natural Salt, an essential solution for healthy gums and strong teeth

By
admin
-
0

Clogard Natural Salt is revolutionizing the way gums and teeth are cared for by combining the time-honored benefits of salt with the latest in dental science. Gum-related issues are on the rise, with 1 in 5 children suffering from gum problems and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and more are becoming more prevalent. Despite this alarming trend, gum health is often overlooked in consumers daily routines. Specifically designed to promote healthy gums and strong teeth, Clogard Natural Salt harnesses the antibacterial properties of salt to offer an effective and natural solution for daily oral care.

Healthy gums are essential for strong teeth and overall oral hygiene. Without them, our teeth are left vulnerable to infections, decay, and even tooth loss. Periodontal issues can damage the structures that support the teeth. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal fluctuations, and certain illnesses or medications are common causes of these conditions. Symptoms range from red, swollen gums to bad breath and even loose teeth in more advanced cases. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper care, but periodontitis, if left untreated, can lead to severe damage.

Medhavi Jayarathne, Category Manager at Hemas Consumer Brands, stated, “Gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Without proper care, you’re not just risking tooth loss, but also exposing yourself to other systemic health issues. Products like Clogard Natural Salt are essential in protecting gums and promoting long-term oral hygiene.”

Gum health plays a crucial role in keeping teeth strong. Healthy gums act as the foundation that holds teeth in place while preventing harmful bacteria from causing infections. When gum diseases progress, they weaken this support, eventually leading to tooth loss. The importance of maintaining gum health cannot be understated. Salt, long recognized for its antibacterial properties, has been used as a remedy for oral care for centuries. Rinsing the mouth with salt water has been a popular home remedy to promote healthy gums, reduce inflammation, and speed up the healing process for mouth ulcers. The natural power of salt makes it an excellent choice for preventing gum infections and promoting long-term oral health.

Clogard Natural Salt builds on this traditional wisdom by combining the natural benefits of salt with scientific innovation. Its unique formula targets the root causes of gum diseases while strengthening teeth, providing a holistic solution for oral health. By adapting Clogard Natural Salt into their daily routines, consumers can protect gums and ensure teeth stay strong for years to come. Considering the rising concerns about periodontal issues, it is critical to raise awareness about the role of products like Clogard Natural Salt in promoting gum health. Families and individuals alike can benefit from incorporating it into their oral care regimen, preventing the onset of gum diseases and safeguarding their smiles.

Chathumini Karunatilleke, Senior Brand Manager at Hemas Consumer Brands, added, “Salt has long been valued for its antibacterial properties, which are highly effective in maintaining oral health. Clogard Natural Salt leverages this ancient wisdom and combines it with modern dental science, providing a daily solution to support and maintain gum health.”

By placing gum health at the forefront of oral care and highlighting the benefits of salt, Clogard Natural Salt is positioned as an essential tool for maintaining both strong gums and teeth. This product offers families a proven, natural solution for better oral health, making it a vital part of their daily routine.

1...242526...381Page 25 of 381