Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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The new IGP takes office today.

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Priyantha Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law) has assumed duties as the 37th Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka a short while ago at Police Headquarters, Colombo 02.

While addressing the gathering, the newly appointed IGP said he is familiar with the concept of the Eight Worldly Winds and emphasized his commitment to upholding the honor and dignity of the police in the course of his duties.

IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya expressed his dedication to making the vision of the police a reality and stated that he expects all police officers to perform at a high standard in pursuit of this mission.

He also noted that his sole intention is to establish a disciplined police force, which he holds in the highest regard, and added that he would like to express his gratitude to all those who appointed him to the position of IGP.

WiLAT Sri Lanka Launches “WiLAT WALK 25” to Celebrate National Logistics Day and Industry Resilience

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Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Sri Lanka, the Women’s Forum of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), is proud to announce the launch of WiLAT WALK 25’, a landmark community walk celebrating the resilience, innovation, and collective strength of professionals in the logistics and supply chain industry. The event will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Viharamahadevi Park – Green Path, Colombo, beginning at 7:15 AM.

WiLAT Sri Lanka, one of the five pioneering chapters of WiLAT Global, was established on 21st March 2013 to empower and support women in the logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors. Since the global launch of WiLAT in June 2013, the network has spanned over 40 countries, with a shared mission of promoting gender equity, professional development, and industry advocacy. This year’s walk marks a significant milestone in commemorating National Logistics Day. It will shine a spotlight on the immense contributions of logisticians, both women and men, who have helped sustain business continuity and agility through challenging times.

“WiLAT WALK 25’ is more than a walk it is a celebration of unity, progress, and purpose,” said the project chair of the  WiLAT WALK 25’, Nisansala Liyanapthirana, “It brings together professionals, students, and supporters to honor the ongoing achievements of the logistics and supply chain sector and to reaffirm our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation.”

The walk is designed not only to highlight the evolving role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields but also to serve as a platform for industry-wide engagement, advocacy, and awareness. Participants will be treated to a morning of inspiration, networking, and celebration. Included with the LKR 2,000 registration fee are a specially designed T-shirt and cap, snacks, an e-certificate, and a memorable take-home gift. Participants can also look forward to fun activities such as Zumba, games, and more, making it an engaging experience for all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you’re a seasoned logistics professional, an aspiring student, or an advocate for inclusive growth in supply chain management, WiLAT WALK 25’ offers a meaningful way to connect and contribute to a growing movement that values advocacy, empowerment, and community.

For more information, registration contact them via email at [email protected], or follow them on @WiLATSriLankafor updates.

“Mr. Tilak Gunewardena, Director / GCFO of MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, elected as President of the Sri Lanka–USA Business Council for 2025/26.”

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It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as the newly elected President of the Sri Lanka–USA Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. I accept this responsibility with deep gratitude and genuine enthusiasm.
Let me begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to our members for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I would also like to express sincere appreciation to our Immediate Past President for his outstanding leadership over the past two years. Under his guidance, the Council has made significant progress tackling key trade challenges, hosting impactful dialogues, and strengthening our partnerships with the U.S. Embassy, USAID, and other key institutions.
We are especially grateful for the unwavering support of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and the broader U.S. government, whose assistance during Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges has been both timely and transformative. Your partnership has been invaluable, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration in the years ahead.
As I step into this role, I do so with great respect for the legacy that has been built and a strong commitment to advancing it. The relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States is one of enduring friendship, shared opportunity, and mutual benefit. I am excited to help deepen this partnership in meaningful and strategic ways.
Looking ahead, one issue that demands our immediate attention is the proposed introduction of new tariffs on Sri Lankan exports to the United States. These measures, part of a broader global trade recalibration, are expected to take effect on August 1st, pending the outcome of ongoing discussions.
While this presents a challenge, it also highlights the importance of proactive dialogue and strategic engagement. Sri Lanka is navigating a period of significant economic transformation, following the IMF’s bailout package in 2023 and a series of bold reforms. Our progress is steady, and our resilience is strong.
Encouragingly, negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are ongoing and showing promising signs. We remain hopeful for a resolution that supports Sri Lanka’s recovery, protects key industries, and reinforces the spirit of partnership that defines our bilateral relationship.
To guide our efforts in the coming year, I will focus broadly on three strategic pillars that align with our mission and the evolving global landscape:

  1. Facilitating Trade & Expanding Market Access
    We will empower our members to access the U.S. market more effectively by creating targeted platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, trade facilitation, compliance, and business matchmaking.
  2. Fostering Innovation in Emerging Sectors
    We aim to engage with high-potential industries such as IT and the digital economy, maritime, health technology, education, and renewable energy.
  3. Strengthening Institutional Partnerships
    We will deepen our collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, DFC, EDB, BOI, and other relevant bodies to support policy advocacy and implement impactful joint initiatives.
    Throughout all our initiatives, we remain committed to capacity-building and member empowerment. I believe this Council can serve not only as a bridge between businesses but also as a catalyst for deeper bilateral cooperation between our two nations.
    I look forward to working closely with each of you, our members, institutional partners, and the Secretariat team of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to elevate the Council to new heights.
    I also wish to acknowledge the dedicated team at the Ceylon Chamber Secretariat for continued support.
    I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the generous sponsors who made this evening and our ongoing activities possible.

Before I conclude, I would also like to take a moment to recognize Her Excellency Ambassador Julie J. Chung. As this may be the final AGM she attends during her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, we offer our deepest appreciation for her unwavering support, her commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, and her genuine engagement with the Sri Lankan business community. On behalf of the Council, we wish her continued success and fulfillment in all her future endeavors.

Pulsar N160 dominates sports motorcycle segment in Sri Lanka

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The Bajaj Pulsar N160, marketed and distributed by David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited, is now dominating Sri Lankan roads with two models the Pulsar N160 Premium and Pulsar N160 Normal available at all DPMC showrooms and over 220 dealers islandwide.

This motorcycle offers best-in-class performance and breakthrough features, backed by the assurance of DPMC’s unmatched after-sales service across the country, cementing its position as the premium choice in Sri Lanka’s motorcycle landscape.

Commenting on the Pulsar N160, Mr. Lakmal de Silva, Chief Officer – Vehicle Sales, David Pieris Motor Company (Lanka) Limited, said: “We are proud that Pulsar has earned the trust of young motorcycle riders in Sri Lanka, making it the No. 1 sports bike in the country. As a company that understands the lifestyle aspirations of our customers, we remain committed to bringing best-in-class Pulsar models such as the N160  to the local market. We are also committed to continuously improving the technology and features, just as we have done over the past 20 years.

The Pulsar N160 is a game-changer in its class, featuring a technologically refined engine that delivers exhilarating acceleration and everyday rideability. With ‘torque on demand’, it offers 85% of peak power over a broader rev range  more than any other motorcycle in its category. Riders will enjoy smooth, responsive performance whether navigating city streets or cruising on the open road.

Adding to rider safety and convenience, the Pulsar N160 introduces Dual Channel ABS — for the first time in the 160cc segment in Sri Lanka. This system intelligently modulates brake pressure to prevent wheel lock, ensuring confident braking on all surfaces. Wider front and rear disc brakes deliver sharp, responsive stopping power.

For night riding, the bi-functional LED projector headlamp, flanked by signature naked-wolf LED DRLs, offers outstanding illumination with a precise beam that cuts through the dark with clarity and style.

Aesthetically, the N160 stands out with a bold dual-tone design that fades from dark at the front to light at the rear, highlighting its sleek, aerodynamic lines. The bike is available in four striking colour options: Pearl Metallic White, Racing Red, Polar Sky Blue, and Brooklyn Black, offering riders a chance to match their machine to their personality.

The sporty underbelly exhaust, positioned at the motorcycle’s centre of gravity, enhances balance and agility. It is also equipped with best-in-class telescopic and USD front forks, ensuring superior suspension and control, making every ride comfortable and confident.

Engineered to thrill and built to lead, Pulsar continues to define the spirit of performance biking. With over 500,000 units sold locally, Pulsar’s explosive growth in Sri Lanka reflects its unmatched performance, bold design, and cutting-edge tech

Caption –(01) –  Pulsar N160 White,(02) –  Pulsar N160 Red,(03) –  Pulsar N160 Blue,(04)-  Pulsar N160 Black

Ways of Knowing: New Exhibition Opening at the Geoffrey Bawa Space

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Opening at the Bawa Space gallery on Horton Place in early August, Ways of Knowing uses Geoffrey Bawa’s garden, Lunuganga, to explore different forms of knowledge and the ways we learn, store, and share information. Looking across seven installations—including virtual reality, film, textiles, oral traditions, maps, seeds, and the human body—the exhibition explores at how intelligence and understanding are gained through different mediums.  Designed as a multi-sensory experience, Ways of Knowing emphasises forms of perception in addition to sight, and reflects on the many ways we come to understand the world around us.

The exhibition features objects from the Geoffrey Bawa Collection, along with works by three guest artists: award-winning filmmaker, architect, and academic, Clara Kraft Isono; renowned artist, writer, and textile designer, Barbara Sansoni; and acclaimed Sri Lankan filmmaker and actor, Ruvin de Silva. Speaking to Newsasia, Clara reflected that the shooting at Lunuganga began in January 2025 with only a team of  5 to 6 people working on the innovative project,from the UK. She stated that it was a only a matter of weeks before the exhibition was put together from the 3D scans of the property.

Ways of Knowing asks the visitor to consider the knowledge gathered or gained through the varied mediums of each installation. Isono’s virtual reality installation, Garden as a Cloud,  uses a three-dimensional scan of Lunuganga to present an immersive walk-through of the garden, encouraging the viewer to question how we capture something that is constantly changing. The Geoffrey Bawa Trust is grateful to the British Council for their support in helping to exhibit Isono’s work.

“I am delighted to see the fruition of the creative collaboration between the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, Sri Lanka and Kraft Isono Films, UK, in producing an immersive virtual reality experience and exhibition of Geoffrey Bawa’s iconic garden ‘Lunuganga’ in Bentota, for a wider audience to appreciate and learn about the cultural and natural heritage of this site,” says Orlando Edwards, British Council Country Director for Sri Lanka.

Sansoni’s Araliya and Skyreddha’ shows how the artist uses the geometric language of a loom to describe how she sees the landscape, encouraging the visitor to question how we view our own surroundings.  In his film about Lunuganga’s gardeners, de Silva examines the role of memory and the enduring relationship between humans and land.

“We have always been proud of our support for innovative arts and culture projects through our grants. This is a great example of a successful UK-Sri Lanka partnership demonstrating excellence in the arts. I hope the exhibition reaches many people, including students, in the coming months,” adds Edwards.

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust aims to make Ways of Knowing accessible to a broad and diverse audience. The Bawa Space offers step-free access to the exhibition space, as well as wheelchair accessible facilities. There is a designated quiet space upon request, an outdoor sensory area, and a room for craft and coloring. The exhibition will also feature an audio guide and tactile elements to enhance the sensory experience of the installations.  

Ways of Knowing will be on view at The Bawa Space from 2 August 2025–28 February 2026. Located on Horton Place in Colombo 07, the Bawa Space includes a gallery space and design store, as well as the archives, reference library, and staff offices.  Geoffrey Bawa left the entirety of his estate to The Geoffrey Bawa and Lunuganga Trusts upon his passing. The Trusts have sole responsibility for the architect’s Collection, and regularly host exhibitions and programming for design and architecture enthusiasts and students. Ways of Knowing is supported by the British Council, as well as Kohler India, Initiating Partner for the Geoffrey Bawa Trust’s Exhibition Programme.

BY NELUM BUDDHADASA

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From Projects to People: Hayleys Fentons recognised as a Great Place to Work
Hayleys Fentons Limited has achieved a proud milestone, being recognised for the first time as one of Sri Lanka’s Best Workplaces by Great Place To Work. This recognition underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a people-first culture, one that is anchored in trust, collaboration, and continuous learning.
As Sri Lanka’s No.1 Solar EPC and MEP contractor, Hayleys Fentons brings over a century of engineering excellence. The company also proudly holds the distinction of managing the largest engineering workforce in the country, with one in every five new recruits being an engineer, which is a testament to its scale, capabilities, and industry leadership.
“At Hayleys Fentons, we believe our people are the cornerstone of our enduring success,” said Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director, Hayleys Fentons Limited. “Being certified as a Great Place to Work is a reflection of the passion, unity, and resilience of Sri Lanka’s largest engineering team. We have built a culture of respect and purpose, where every individual is empowered and inspired to grow together.”
The company’s people-centric strategy is deeply embedded in its organisational blueprint, known as SPIDER, with ‘D’ representing Developing Talent. As a service-oriented business, Hayleys Fentons places its employees at the heart of everything it does, offering diverse opportunities to grow, nourish, reskill, and upskill in a rapidly evolving engineering landscape.
“In an engineering environment, gathering authentic employee feedback can be challenging due to the technical nature of roles and project-based workflows,” noted Lalani Weeraarachchi, General Manager – Human Resources, Hayleys Fentons Limited. “However, with strong leadership support and a consistent focus on employee engagement, we were able to uncover valuable insights that will help us elevate the workplace experience further, positioning us as an employer of choice in a highly competitive sector.”
To learn more about Hayleys Fentons, please visit www.hayleysfentons.com or contact 0112 102 102.

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Hasitha Premathilake – Managing Director, Hayleys Fentons Limited And Lalani Weeraarachchi- General Manager, Human Resources, Hayleys Fentons Limited

City of Dreams Sri Lanka debuts South Asia’s first integrated luxury resort

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Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment in luxury tourism, will open its doors today, marking the official launch of South Asia’s first fully integrated resort.

The project is expected to elevate Colombo’s standing as a regional destination for leisure, entertainment and high-end retail.

Backed by John Keells Holdings (JKH), the US $ 1.2 billion project will see Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan at its opening.

“We look forward to the operationalisation of all elements, including a top-tier international standard casino, the ultra-luxury Nuwa hotel and the premium lifestyle focussed shopping mall, which marks the realisation of South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort,” JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra said in a statement issued with the group’s latest interim results this week.

At the heart of the development is a 180,000 square foot casino, fitted out by Hong Kong-listed Melco Resorts and Entertainment, which has invested approximately US $ 125 million into the facility. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Melco has been granted a 20-year licence by the Sri Lankan government to operate the casino, housed within the integrated resort and leased from JKH’s Waterfront Properties.

The resort’s 113-key hotel, occupying the top five floors of the property, will be managed under Melco’s ultra-high-end Nuwa brand, which also operates in Macau and the Philippines.

Positioned as a transformative development, JKH expects the City of Dreams to be a major catalyst for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival, job creation and foreign exchange inflows.

“The group is confident that the culmination and convergence of all elements in the operationalising of City of Dreams Sri Lanka will unlock its full potential as a transformative development in South Asia,” Balendra noted.

Kerala cannabis valued over Rs. 23 million seized in Kadeikadu, Jaffna

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A search operation conducted by the Navy near the Aliyaveli lagoon of Kadeikadu, Jaffna on 04 Aug 25 resulted in the seizure of about 102kg and 350g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis.

During this search operation conducted by the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command, 02 suspicious sacks were recovered from the Aliyaveli lagoon, leading to the seizure of about 102kg and 350g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis.

Meanwhile, the gross street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to exceed Rs. 23 million.The seized stock of Kerala cannabis was handed over to the Maradankerni Police for onward legal action.

Peter Kuruvita Joins Hands with Home Lands as Brand Ambassador

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Home Lands, Sri Lanka’s number one and most trusted real estate brand, is proud to welcome internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruvita as an official brand ambassador.

Home Lands is a truly Sri Lankan real estate brand that has reached the global stage. Known for trust, innovation, and excellence, it leads the industry with a clear vision and strong values. Partnering with Peter Kuruvita, who has carried Sri Lankan culture and cuisine to the global stage through his culinary artistry and storytelling, reflects Home Lands’ commitment to sharing Sri Lankan identity with the world.

Nalin Herath, Chairman of Home Lands Group, stated:

“Peter Kuruvita is more than a culinary icon—he is a storyteller, a bridge between cultures, and a true ambassador of Sri Lankan heritage. His global journey and deep connection to Sri Lanka make him an ideal representative of what we stand for at Home Lands. We are honoured to welcome him to the Home Lands family.”

Speaking on the partnership, Peter Kuruvita shared:

“True success comes from staying rooted in your heritage while striving for excellence. Home Lands has done exactly that, bringing Sri Lankan identity to life through the spaces they create. I’m proud to tie up with a brand that builds more than homes; they shape meaningful, rich lifestyles.”

This collaboration will highlight how Sri Lanka’s number one real estate brand and a global cultural ambassador can work together to champion Sri Lankan values on both national and international platforms.

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Home Lands, Sri Lanka’s number one and most trusted real estate brand, proudly announces internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruvita as its official brand ambassador, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand.

1.94 million rupees returned to victims from cases filed against foreign employment fraudsters…

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2620 foreign employment complaints for 2025…

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment states that during the 7 months from January to July this year, cases were filed against individuals and unlicensed employment agencies who engaged in fraudulent foreign employment practices and actions were taken to recover over Rs. 1.94 billion from the victims.

These cases have been filed following special raids carried out on the instructions of the Bureau’s Deputy General Manager, Attorney-at-Law, Mrs. Nelum Samarasekera, and complaints received by the Bureau.

Accordingly, the number of cases filed in court against foreign employment fraudsters in the last 7 months is 567, and the Bureau has received 2620 various complaints during that period. Furthermore, the number of raids carried out by the Special Investigation Division of the Bureau during this period is 05, including one licensed foreign employment agency that engaged in illegal activities. During this period, 36 fraudsters have been arrested. Among them, 07 people from licensed employment agencies are also included.

Meanwhile, the Bureau has succeeded in recovering over Rs. 18.25 million from victims of foreign employment during the year 2024, and the Bureau has received 4658 complaints related to foreign employment last year.

The Bureau informs the public to refrain from paying money to such fraudsters without first consulting the Bureau, as fraudsters are allegedly offering jobs in Israel, South Korea, Japan, Romania and the Middle East.

Furthermore, the Bureau requests that if there are individuals who have fraudulently obtained such money in the past, please report the information about such individuals to the Bureau’s telephone number 1989.