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Grand Opening of Havelock City Mall Redefines the Sri Lankan Retail and Entertainment Experience in Colombo…

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The highly anticipated Havelock City Mall had its grand opening on 19th October 2023 amidst much celebration.The mall launch was well attended by the media and several dignatories. The Havelock City Mall is an international standard shopping location that promises to deliver an unparalleled retail and entertainment experience, creating an ideal leisure destination for the local community right in the heart of Colombo.Mr.Pravir Samarasinghe, Group CEO/Director of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC addressed the guests at the opening ceremony of the mall.

Spanning over 200,000 square feet, Havelock City Mall is a retail paradise, housing six premier anchor tenants that include ODEL, Cargills Food Hall, Scope Cinemas, Food Studio, Cool Planet, and Abans. Moreover, there are 132 other retail outlets, offering an unparalleled selection of fashion and accessories, entertainment options, tantalizing food and beverages, convenient services, electronics, homeware, and gifts and novelties.

For food enthusiasts, the options at Havelock City Mall are nothing short of a culinary odyssey with outlets on every level. Embark on a journey through a vibrant food court, where global cuisines and local favourites intermingle, expertly crafted by an array of over 30 specialty restaurants, quick-service gems, cosy cafes, and sports bars.

Havelock City Mall will also unveil its astonishing entertainment line-up. For the young and young-at-heart, the Wet & Wild Adventure Zone promises thrills and spills, while the Jungle Zone beckons with its climbing wall and for those seeking aquatic adventures, the Ocean Zone offers an array of water play activities that are sure to make a splash. Gaming fans will be thrilled with the gaming arcade that offers Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality games for the whole family.

Opening early next year is the highly anticipated Havelock City Mall’s 1,000-seat, six-screen multiplex, along with the first and only premium, large format IMAX cinema in Sri Lanka.

“We are delighted to welcome everyone to the Havelock City Mall. Our mall has unique features that make us special, with its superior development concept, perfect size, central location, and meticulously curated collection of international and local brands. We look forward to providing a diverse and exciting retail environment, entertainment options and dining experiences for all our shoppers. Havelock City Mall is poised to become the ultimate modern lifestyle suburban mall, catering to the entire family – a happy place for all.” stated Pravir Samarasinghe, Group CEO/Director of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC.

The strategic central location puts Havelock City Mall at the epicentre of convenience with unparalleled accessibility to residents of Colombo 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as those in Dehiwela, Mount Lavinia, Nugegoda, Maharagama, Kottawa, Homagama, Kirulapone, Narahenpita, Rajagiriya, Nawala, Kotte, and beyond.

Nestled at the gateway of Havelock City, the premier integrated mixed-use project in Sri Lanka, Havelock City Mall is developed by Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC the owner, manager, and developer of the iconic World Trade Centre in Colombo’s business district.

By NELUM BUDDHADASA

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka  Hosts Its First International Event

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Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka Hosts Its First International Event
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) will be hosting its first international art event, presenting a specially curated selection of artworks by Sri Lankan artists in London this October. Happening alongside London’s Frieze Week (11–15 October 2023), one of the most important events in the art world calendar, this event will feature a selection of video works from the MMCA Sri Lanka’s current exhibition titled ‘The Foreigners’ and will be followed by a panel discussion.
The event will be held on 12 October at, and in partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery London—a globally recognised museum which hosts the annual Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize.
The screenings from ‘The Foreigners’ will include works by Dinelka Liyanage, Hania Luthufi, Imaad Majeed, Nina Mangalanayagam, and Sumudi Suraweera. It will be followed by a conversation between Sharmini Pereira, Chief Curator and Sandev Handy, Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka and artists Nina Mangalanayagam and Reginald S. Aloysius, led by the UK-based curator, writer, and researcher Hammad Nasar.
‘The Foreigners’ will close at the MMCA Sri Lanka on 22 October. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (except on Poya days and public holidays) on the ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 3, and the entrance to the museum and all its public programmes are free. Information about the museum and its exhibitions and public programmes can be found via its website www.mmca-srilanka.org, or on Facebook at facebook.com/mmcasrilanka and Instagram at instagram.com/mmcasrilanka/

Australia to further ties trade relations with Sri Lanka: Under Sri Lanka – Australia Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA)

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Today (11th) at the Trade Ministry, the renewed TIFA agreement was witnessed by Hon. Nalin Fernando, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security of Sri Lanka, and Hon. Tim Watts, Assistant Foreign Minister of Australia and ceremoniously signed by Mr. A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Food Security, and H.E. Mr. Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka,
(TIFA) which was signed on 02nd November 2017, has played a crucial role over the years to enhance the bilateral trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and Australia which marked 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. While reaffirming the commitment to further exploring economic and trade opportunities, both parties signed the TIFA agreement for another five-year period with effect from 11 October 2023 after the Minister of Trade Mr. Nalin Fernando granted the approval from the Cabinet yesterday.
The TIFA action plan includes government-to-government collaborations in multiple sectors such as facilitating the quarantine process for agricultural exports, investment promotion programs, market access for SME exports, attracting high-end tourists, and partnerships for greater use of digital technology.
Both countries anticipate that the TIFA agreement will set a firm foundation to reach new heights in bilateral trade relations in terms of continuing productive dialogues for new business opportunities, proactive engagements with business communities in both countries while encouraging and facilitating trade and investment, transferring moderntechnology and by resolving trade and investment related issues to create a conducive business environment.
The signing ceremony was represented by Secretary to the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Food Security- Mr. A.M.P.M.B Athapaththu, Actg. Director General of Commerce- Dr. Lakmini Mendis, and the officials from the Department of Commerce which is the focal point for the TIFA, and senior officials from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security. Australia was represented by Hon. Tim Watts, Assistant Foreign Minister of Australia, H.E. Mr. Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from the Australian High Commission in Colombo.

SLAF SIGNS THE MEMORANDUM UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH SRI LANKAN AIRLINES

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Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lankan Airlines at the Air Force Headquarters today (04 October 2023). The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and the Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Ashok Pathirage.
The objective of this agreement is to strengthen the collaboration between the Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lankan Airlines, particularly in the fields of aviation training, education and other areas of mutual interest.
The event was attended by several distinguished individuals, including the Deputy Chief of Staff of the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Ranjith Senanayake, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Richard Nuttall, as well as the General Manager of Sri Lankan Aviation College at Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Primal De Silva,. Additionally, members of the Air Force Board of Management and invitees from Sri Lankan Airlines were also present at the ceremony.

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All liquor stores are closed today.
Today 3rd  due to the World Temperance Day, Commissioner General of Excise has ordered the closure of all the excise licensed premises to sell liquor by retail around the country.

The Gratiaen Trust in Association with JK Foundation & British Council Celebrates Children’s DayWith Inspiring Storytelling Workshops

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The Gratiaen Trust, in association with the John Keells Foundation, and the support of the British Council, continues its objective of fostering creativity and literary excellence in Sri Lanka with an exciting series of storytelling workshops in celebration of Children’s Day. Workshops targeting young storytellers feature prominently on the Gratiaen Trust’s annual calendar. The Trust has expanded the scope of these workshops in 2023 to include events for teachers of English Literature and ‘A’ level students in Galle, a workshop for teenagers, and a Masterclass for authors of children’s literature in Colombo. The resource person at these workshops will be renowned British author and storyteller, Sita Brahmachari. Furthermore, in October, the Trust will also be hosting its second session of the Gratiaen Trust Young Writers Club.
Neloufer de Mel, Chairperson of the Gratiaen Trust, stated, “Our mission at the Gratiaen Trust is to unlock the imaginative potential of young writers and artists. We are delighted to have someone like Sita Brahmachari, a renowned UK-based author of children’s literature, to facilitate our Children’s Day programme. Through these workshops, we hope to encourage our future storytellers to be a part of what has now become an exciting Sri Lankan literary scene which is also winning international recognition. It is this focus on a younger generation of creative writers that also propelled us to launch the Gratiaen Young Writers Club earlier this year. We received a very enthusiastic response to the Club, and we look forward to hosting the second session on October 7th at which Gratiaen Prize-winning author Yudhanjaya Wijeratne will also participate.”
Orlando Edwards, British Council Sri Lanka Country Director said,“We are delighted to be supporting The Gratiaen Trust with a series of literary events on 23/24, as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of UK-Sri Lanka diplomatic ties. Following a successful visit in June by multiple award-winning British writer, Monique Roffey, we are looking forward to welcoming one of the most interesting and important voices in children’s books and a winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, British author, Sita Brahmachari, in October, for another series of literature workshops and events to celebrate children’s day .” John Keells Foundation – the CSR entity of the John Keells Group – has been the primary sponsor of the Gratiaen Trust since October 2019, providing unwavering support to help the Trust expand its mandate to include masterclasses, festivals, outreach programmes and workshops. .
Children’s Storytelling Workshop Details include : Writing Into Childhood- a Masterclass for authors of Children’s literature. Date: October 15th at the Lakmahal Community Library, Colombo. Writing Treasure Hunt is a workshop targeting young writers between 12 and 16 years old. Date: 14th October at the British Council Library, Colombo. In their Voice – Teaching Narrative Writing is a workshop for teachers of English literature (‘O’ and ‘A’ levels) based in schools in the Galle District. In this engaging workshop, Sita will share with teachers techniques that will help their students find their creative voice. This event is for teachers nominated by the Dept. of Education, Southern Province. Finding Your Voice is a practical workshop for A-level English Language and Literature students in Galle. The event is for students nominated from within the Galle District.
The Gratiaen Trust is a non-profit organisation promoting and encouraging contemporary creative writing in Sri Lanka. Established in 1992, the Trust annually awards the prestigious Gratiaen Prize for outstanding works of literature in English by Sri Lankan authors.
To learn more about the literary workshops and to register for them, please visit the Gratiaen Trust website https://www.gratiaen.com.

By Nelum Buddhadasa

ICTA’s Crucial Role in Fostering Startup Success during GEW Sri Lanka 2022

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The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation, as it was recognized as a finalist at the prestigious GEN Compass Awards 2023. This acknowledgement, bestowed by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), underscores ICTA’s pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology-driven growth in Sri Lanka.
The GEN Compass Awards are a global celebration of excellence in various aspects of entrepreneurship, including policymaking, investor support programs, and research. This recognition reflects ICTA’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in the country.
ICTA’s dedication to the Sri Lankan startup ecosystem was particularly evident during the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) held in Sri Lanka in 2022. In collaboration with numerous organizations across Sri Lanka, ICTA played a leading role in spearheading GEW activities aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and nurturing startup ecosystems. The collective effort organized diverse activities under the GEW banner, including educational talks and hands-on workshops tailored to high school students, startup founders, potential investors, and SMEs. These initiatives not only supported existing innovators across the nation but also eliminated barriers to entry, thus opening doors to entrepreneurship for aspiring individuals.
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a dedicated celebration of visionary entrepreneurs who dare to dream big and bring their startup ideas to life. It touches the lives of diverse individuals from all backgrounds and age groups, providing a platform through local, national, and global events. During one week each November, collaborators from around the world come together to organize events and competitions that both honor and empower local entrepreneurs. Notably, ICTA has been placed as the host for three years running, showcasing its unwavering commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in Sri Lanka. For GEW 2022, working alongside its partners, ICTA curated a series of activities under the theme ‘Celebrating Diversity in Entrepreneurship.’ These activities included engaging dialogues with experienced entrepreneurs and sector experts, providing invaluable insights into breaking barriers to entrepreneurship.
What set GEW Sri Lanka 2022 apart is its reach beyond the confines of urban centers like Colombo. Participating organizations organized events across the island, covering an array of topics falling under four main themes: ecosystems, education, inclusion, and policy. For instance, ICTA collaborated with the Inland Revenue Department to host a tax awareness session for startup founders and MSMEs, followed by a hands-on workshop on ‘How to start and register a company in Sri Lanka’ conducted by the Department of Registrar of Companies and Trade Disruptions Moreover, the Uva Startup Hub, located in Badulla, organized a hybrid TED talk featuring local startups and entrepreneurs, fostering a space for sharing experiences and mutual learning. Dialog Ideamart and the UNDP held events centered on social entrepreneurship throughout the island, with the UNDP HackaDev program, promoting technopreneurship for social change. This initiative saw the participation of over 150 students from various universities. Microsoft played its part by featuring successful tech entrepreneurs in its ecosystem, while the Computer Society of Sri Lanka organized a virtual summit to showcase the potential of Sri Lanka’s ICT sector to investors.
In retrospect, GEW Sri Lanka 2022 stands as an extraordinary triumph, a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment to championing startups and advancing entrepreneurship across our vibrant island. The numbers alone speak volumes: in 2022, our collaborative efforts resulted in a staggering 111 activities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, drawing in more than 3,000 participants from twelve distinct regions, reflecting the event’s far-reaching influence and resonance. Moreover, we proudly engaged with more than 60 esteemed ecosystem partners from 11 countries whose pivotal roles catapulted GEW 2022 into a resounding and historic achievement. These events not only celebrated entrepreneurship but also left an indelible mark on our ecosystem, fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration. From inspiring young minds to connecting seasoned entrepreneurs, the activities held during the week empowered a diverse spectrum of individuals, including students, budding entrepreneurs, and established MSMEs. The key takeaways from this monumental event are the lessons learned, experiences shared, and best practices exchanged, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to bolstering entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
As GEW 2023 approaches this November, we are thrilled to invite you to stay tuned for yet another dynamic celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, with ICTA leading the way. As we reflect on this remarkable success, we also look ahead with great enthusiasm to future editions of GEW, where we aim to build on this transformative legacy, continuing to pave the way for a more vibrant and supportive Sri Lankan startup ecosystem.

Young Bridgetine gymnasts showcase their talents at gym for life challenge 2023

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The inaugural “Gym for Life Challenge” gymnastics championship, which was organized by The National Gymnastic Association of Sri Lanka was a captivating display of athleticism and artistry. The tournament which was held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on the11th and 12th of September, showcased the talents and skills of over 2500 young gymnasts from all across the country.

The two days of competition saw the youngsters take center stage as they displayed their talents, skills and creativity to compete in an array of gymnastic disciplines such as aerobic, acrobatic, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics under three main categories; Men’s , Women’s and Mixed . A Bridgetine team consisting of  Yeheni Rodrigo, Rachel Sithumya, Jiah Jayawardena, Shanaya Beruwalage, Aheli Rodrigo, Sayumli Abynaiyake, Eliza De Zilva, Anika Fonseka, Kelisha Fernando, Maria Hirundhi, Anukya Liyanawathe, Jenara Armstrong, Sanuthi Rajapakse, Niranya Hitheshi, Vinudi Perera, Anya Fernando, Taarya Lihinikaduwa, Kenulya Jayarathne, Mariata Padipperuma, Nesandi Senaya, Mikela Sriniwas, Elisha Mangamuni, Rasali Rodrigo, Thaluni Wimalasekera, took part in the Women’s category, which had 28 teams competing for the trophy. With a stellar

performance, the Bridgetine team was adjudged as the top 4 in the preliminary round allowing them to secure a seat at the finals, where their impressive performance bagged them the second runner up trophy. With less than a year of collegiate gymnastics behind them, the achievement of the young Bridgetines is commendable.

The school’s achievement in the sport of gymnastics is a testament to the hard work, determination, effort and commitment that has been poured into the sport by head coach Mr. Indika Thushara, Collegiate team coach Sachin Sulakshana, the Collegiate School Principal Rev. Sr Sujani Fernando, the teacher in charge Mrs. Hemanthi De Zilwa as well as the amazing gymnasts.

Dialog Enterprise & Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan Join Hands for the 7th Annual Par 3 Golf Classic in 2023

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The Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan (RCCM), in its continued partnership with Dialog Enterprise, announced the 7th edition of the Dialog Enterprise Rotary Metro Par 3 Golf Classic, scheduled for October 14, 2023, at a press conference held at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. This longstanding collaboration reaffirms Dialog’s commitment to aiding underprivileged children in Sri Lanka and the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) will once again host the prestigious event, offering a day of intense golfing competition.
Dialog Enterprise Rotary Metro Par 3 Golf Classic is a unique sporting spectacle in the RCGC calendar, where the entire course is transformed into a challenging par 54 course that is both a unique and fun experience for its golfers. Each hole presents a different length and a Par 3 challenge, offering players a mix of fun and competitiveness. The primary objective of the Dialog Enterprise – Rotary Metro Par 3 Golf Classic is to raise funds for various community development initiatives overseen by the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan. These projects cover healthcare, education, and support for underprivileged communities.
Kishani Gunasekera, President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan, shared her thoughts on the partnership, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to RCGC for once again hosting the Par 3 Golf Classic for the seventh consecutive year and our title sponsor Dialog Enterprise, our platinum sponsor WIDAC and gold sponsor Asia Securities for their unwavering commitment
involved with the sport such as the needy communities making a livelihood through golf, the golf clubs, sportsmen, sportswomen and child golfers patronising the game. As the title sponsor, we would also like to thank the Royal Colombo Golf Club for hosting this much looked forward event, which is patronised by most of our top clientele and the other sponsors for stepping up during a period of economic recovery.”

WIDAC, the platinum sponsor of the Par 3 Golf Classic 2023 Golf Tournament organised by RCCM is a premier interior design and fitout company, incorporated in 1988 and celebrating its 35th year. WIDAC represents global brands such as Steelcase Office Furniture, Llumar Window Films, Milliken Carpets, Unitile Raised Floors, Durlum Ceiling Systems and Modtec Monitor Arms. They have completed multiple significant interior projects in Sri Lanka, from financial institutions to global IT firms, multinationals, telecoms and foreign missions.
Rohitha Silva, Captain, of Royal Colombo Golf Club, speaking at the event said, “The general committee of the RCGC are proud to partner the Par 3 Golf Classic 2023 Golf Tournament of Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan together with Dialog Axiata PLC. The said tournament is to take place on the 14th of October 2023 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. We will partner with all the charity events whilst giving the membership a delightful day of golf and entertainment. In addition to all the other charities, we join hands to carry out RCGC’s special annual school-book program, meant for the children of the underprivileged staff of RCGC. Said projects are considered CSR projects aimed at aiding the community at large.”
The event’s Platinum sponsor is WIDAC and the Gold sponsor is Asia Securities. Other valued partners include Webex, Spillburg, Silvermill and Villa Victoria. The Dialog Enterprise Rotary Metro Par 3 Golf Classic 2023, which will take place on October 14th, 2023 promises to be an unforgettable day of exceptional golf while contributing to charitable causes in partnership with the RCGC.
By Nelum Buddhadasa

Richmond College Wins Thrilling Encounter Against Mahinda College UK Alumni

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A historic cricket match that has been a symbol of unity and sportsmanship among Sri Lankan cricket enthusiasts in the United Kingdom reached a significant milestone this weekend. The Annual Cricket Encounter between Richmond College and Mahinda Vidyalaya Alumni UK celebrated its 31st anniversary with a gripping showdown at the Amersham Cricket Club, Buckingham, England, on Saturday, September 9th.

In a match that kept spectators at the edge of their seats, the Richmond College Alumni team emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious ER Wijesuriya Challenge Cup. The Mahinda College Alumni team, batting first, showcased their prowess with a score of 135 runs at the end of 30 overs. However, it was the Richmond College team that stole the show with a remarkable reply, scoring 136 runs in the final over, securing a thrilling win.

The outstanding performance of Vikum Kaludora from Mahinda Vidyalaya, who took 3 wickets for just 6 runs, earned him the title of the Best Bowler of the match. Inshan Hadgie, who contributed significantly with 45 runs and also took 2 crucial wickets, was not only the Best Batsman but also the Man of the Match. His stellar performance earned him the coveted ER de Silva Challenge Trophy.
What makes this match even more special is its eligibility criteria – players must either be alumni of Richmond College or sons of alumni. This year, the event witnessed the participation of cricketing legend Champaka Ramanayake, a former fast bowler and bowling coach of the Sri Lankan team, alongside his son Sandesh Ramanayake, a popular school cricketer, both representing Richmond College UK OBA team.

This cricketing extravaganza, reminiscent of the historic Richmond vs. Mahinda encounters in Galle, Sri Lanka, which has spanned 118 years, found its way to the picturesque Chiltern Hills, nestled beside Shardeloes Lake in England. The Amersham Cricket Club served as the perfect backdrop for this friendly match, with a large number of Sri Lankans coming together to celebrate their shared love for cricket.

The Annual Cricket Encounter between Richmond College and Mahinda Vidyalaya UK Alumni has not only become a sporting tradition but also a platform for fostering camaraderie and preserving the rich heritage of Sri Lankan cricket. As the 31st anniversary edition came to a close, it left behind memories of spirited competition, outstanding performances, and the enduring bond of cricket.

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