The stage is set in Trincomalee as the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) prepares to launch Trincomalee Naval Exercise – 2025 (TRINEX – 25), a dynamic naval exercise unfolding from 22 to 27 Jul 25 along the island’s eastern coast.
Aimed at boosting interoperability and combat readiness, TRINEX – 25 will bring together SLN and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in a joint operation of maritime strength and precision. The exercise is crafted to ensure SLN ships are prepared to meet operational challenges in the dedicated maritime environment and reach the expected standards of shipborne operations when participating in future local/ international fleet exercises.
Adding muscle to the exercise, SLN fleet units, the Special Boat Squadron (SBS), SLN Marines, and SLAF air assets will take part in this high-tempo exercise, making Trincomalee the epicenter of Sri Lanka’s maritime action this July.
A press conference was held featuring Alpha Blondy himself, alongside key stakeholders and partners. The head table included Mr. Alpha Blondy (Artist), Mr. Vinod Melpitiya (Director, EarGear Productions), Mr. Kamal Munasinghe (Vice President, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts), and Mr. Buddhi Wickramanayake (Chief Operating Officer, MBC Network Pvt Ltd).
Ticket Information – The official ticket launch for the concert took place on May 20, 2025, at The Atrium, Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This event saw the participation of main organizers, event partners, and renowned Sri Lankan artists, including Wayo, Jaya Sri brothers (Rohitha Jayalath, Rohan Jayalath), and Umara Sinhawansa, along with representatives from leading media platforms.
Tickets are now officially available to the public via Mytickets.lk. Big Blast Events and EarGear Productions warmly invite all reggae lovers across Sri Lanka to be part of this historic concert and experience the unforgettable energy of Alpha Blondy live on stage.
A Special Mosque Tour for Media Personnel was held at Kollupitiya Jumma Mosque on Monday July 14
The Program held under the theme “Welcome to our Mosque” was organized by the Centre for Islamic Studies Harmony Center in association with Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum and supported by Diakonia.
The event saw a large and representative gathering of the members of print, electronic and social media participate in the event. Besides a guided Tour of the Mosque by Muneer Mulaffer, Deputy Minister of National Integration in Sinhala, Mohamed Munzeer in Tamil and Shifan Refai in English, the Mosque Tour involved lengthy Q & A Sessions, a Poster Walkthrough of Islamic Teachings and Muslim Cultural Contribution, a Free Literature Corner to clear misconceptions of the Islamic faith, a Calligraphy Corner where visitor’s Names were inscribed on golden board in beautiful Arabic, a Henna corner for the Ladies and the serving of Traditional Muslim Foods.
The Program received a very positive response from the participants and it is hoped to have more programs of this nature.
The RIT Ales Memorial Challenge Cup Rugby Match, organized for the fifth time between Zahira and D.S. Senanayake Colleges, will be held at the Zahira College Grounds next (19).
The main competition on that day will begin at 4.15 pm and the junior competitions will be held at 1.00 pm.
This Challenge Trophy, which was initiated in 2018, is based on the recognition of one of the greatest educators of recent times who has done outstanding work for the advancement of the Sri Lankan education sector and the exceptional service he has rendered to D.S. Senanayake College.The event is held in tribute to the late Ralph Ignatius Thomas Ales, affectionately known as ‘Alles Sir’.
The proposal made by the Principal of Zahira College, Mr. Rizvi Marikkar, to donate the entire proceeds from this year’s competition to a child suffering from leukemia at D.S. Senanayake College.D.S. Senanayake was highly praised by the Principal of D.S. Senanayake College, Mr. Sampath Weragoda. These facts were revealed during a media conference held in this regard at the Gafoor Hall of Zahira College on the 15th.
What began as a rugby match has since been nurtured through tradition, unity, and meaningful values of brotherhood between the two schools.
The tournament organizers have announced that they are inviting rugby fans, school students, parents, and alumni to come and watch these matches.
The Sri Lanka – France Business Council (SLFBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 21st Annual General Meeting on 8th July, with His Excellency Rémi Lambert, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the patron of the Council, in attendance as the Chief Guest.
Andre Fernando, Chairman of MAC Group, was re-elected as President of the Council. He will be supported by Jonathan Suppiah of Inter Air Sea and Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, as Senior Vice President, and Shaameel Mohideen of Spillburg Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, as Vice President. The Council’s Committee Members for the year include representatives from Puritas (Pvt) Ltd, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC, Mack Air (Pvt) Ltd, Noyon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and CEVA Logistics.
In his address, Mr. Fernando highlighted tourism and investment as two strategic avenues through which the Council is working to deepen engagement between the two nations. He shared that discussions are ongoing to bring a well-known French sports personality to Sri Lanka to assist with tourism promotion, supported by exposure across French media platforms. On the investment front, he noted that the Council is in talks to attract France-based investors operating in India to explore opportunities for expansion into Sri Lanka. These initiatives are part of the groundwork laid over the past year, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in the medium to long term.
Ambassador Rémi Lambert’s address focused on his diplomatic vision, with the three key pillars of economic collaboration, maritime, logistics & aviation and tourism guiding France–Sri Lanka cooperation.
He highlighted ongoing support provided through the Regional Maritime Training Centre, which trains Sri Lankan coastguards, customs, and officials on matters of maritime safety and security – with the aim of developing Sri Lanka as a logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.
For information on obtaining membership of the SLFBC, please contact 011 5588840 or [email protected]
Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka, the most prestigious culinary competition in the world is scheduled to take place this year on July 27 at the William Angliss Institute, Malabe, culminating in a prestigious Awards Ceremony at Cinnamon Life Colombo. Sri Lanka’s most promising culinary professionals will compete for the honour of representing the Bocuse d’Or national selection.
Winners will take part at Bocuse D’Or Asia 2026 and the prestigious World finals in Leyon, France in 2027. “Our chefs are ready to take the world stage f culinary art and highlight the Sri Lanka’s entity on the plate. This competition will give them the platform to express their identity through skill and technique” said Rohan Fernandopulle, President Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka (COO Galle Face Hotel) speaking at a media conference held at Hilton Residences, Colombo last evening.
France Ambassador to Sri Lanka Remi Lambert attended as Guest of Honour. Chef Alan Palmer Event Coordinator said “a distinguished pannel of international and local culinary experts will preside over the competition bringing global insight and rigorous standards to the local kitchen. French Ambassador Remi Martin, Buddhika Hewasam, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism, Bernard Stephan Managing Director Nestle, Suren Athukorala, Head of International Food Services Dilmah, Asst. Brand Manager Unilever Food Services also gave their input at the event.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHHA) and CDC Events & Travels are proud partners of this event. Dilnah, Unilever, Nestle, Prima, Pyramid Wilmar, Singer, Maliban, East West, Asriel, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Thema Collection, Connaisance De Ceylan, Srilankan Airlines, Mulawarra Exports, Tea Trails, William Agliss, SLIT are amongst the main sponsors for the Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka event.
Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, paid an official visit to Air Force Headquarters and called on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, on 09 July 2025 at Air Force Headquarters, Sri Jayewardenepura.
Upon his arrival, the Navy Chief was warmly received by the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura, Air Commodore Buddika Piyasiri and was accorded a Guard of Honour presented by the SLAF Colour Wing.
During the meeting, Vice Admiral Banagoda and Air Marshal Edirisinghe engaged in discussions of mutual interest, including the strengthening of inter-service cooperation. Key topics included the planning and conduct of joint training exercises aimed at enhancing maritime security, interoperability and regional stability.
To mark the occasion, official plaques were exchanged between the two commanders, symbolizing the continued friendship and professional ties between the two services. The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and members of the Air Force Board of Management.
In spirited celebration of cross-cultural friendship and shared appreciation for tea, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan has launched a special event in Tokyo to promote Ceylon tea in its iced form—an initiative timed to coincide with Japan’s sweltering summer.
The two-day event, taking place in Chiyoda, aims to introduce the distinct character of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tea to Japanese audiences, with a refreshing twist tailored to local seasonal tastes.
Organised with support from the Sri Lanka Tea Board and in partnership with the Japan Tea Association, the promotion seeks to bridge cultural ties through one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished exports.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Japan, Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, described the event as a meaningful gesture of goodwill and connection between the two nations.
“We hope that this offering of Ceylon iced tea will not only bring a moment of refreshment to our Japanese friends during the heat of summer but also serve as a warm reminder of the longstanding friendship between our countries,” he said.
Visitors to the event, including tea enthusiasts and members of the local community, were given the opportunity to sample a variety of iced tea infusions made using premium Ceylon leaves. The vibrant aromas and bold flavours received praise from attendees, many of whom noted the compatibility of Sri Lankan tea with Japan’s evolving beverage culture.
Beyond its role as a sensory delight, the initiative also serves a diplomatic purpose—using the universal appeal of tea as a platform for cultural connection.
As Japan’s interest in global tea traditions continues to grow, events such as this help to embed Ceylon tea into the country’s wider tea-loving community, while reinforcing people-to-people ties between the two island nations.
Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, paid an official visit to Air Force Headquarters and called on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, on 04th July 2025 at Air Force Headquarters, Sri Jayewardenepura. Upon his arrival, the Army Chief was received by the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura, Air Commodore Buddika Piyasiri and was honoured with a Guard of Honour presented by the SLAF Colour Wing. During the visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo engaged in discussions of mutual interest with the SLAF Commander. To commemorate the occasion, official plaques were exchanged between the two commanders. The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and members of the Air Force Board of Management.
In line with its commitment to impactful travel and lifestyle-led hospitality, on 27th June 2025, Bentota Ceysands introduced a bespoke Wellness Workshop in collaboration with Adhitya Ayurveda, marking a meaningful step in the resort’s brand evolution as a wellbeing-driven coastal sanctuary. Curated during World Wellbeing Week, the two-day activation welcomed a handpicked selection of Sri Lanka’s leading wellness advocates, digital storytellers, and lifestyle media.
Set between the Indian Ocean and the tranquil Bentota River, the experience reflected NH Bentota Ceysands Resort’s unique positioning as a dual-waterfront resort deeply connected to its natural environment.The partnership with Adhitya Ayurveda reflects Ceysands Resort’s broader brand narrative of shaping holistic experiences that go beyond the conventional leisure stay—inviting guests to pause, reconnect, and realign with balance.
Dr. Nathaliya presented an insightful talk deconstructing misconceptions around Ayurveda, focusing on its relevance in modern-day living. The session concluded with a live demonstration of an Ayurvedic ritual treatment, introducing guests to the sensory layers of traditional wellness. Conducting an engaging session on “What Is Your Body Telling You?” Dr. Kasun Gunawardhana explored pulse reading as a diagnostic tool for body-mind balance. Four participants received live assessments, demonstrating the intuitive power of Ayurvedic observation. Later Dr. Kasun and Dr. Nathaliya, along with Adhitya’s senior therapists, performed therapeutic demonstrations outdoors—offering attendees a closer look at healing techniques in action.
Interactive Ice-Breaker Session by Dr. Nimeera Weerarathne, known for his expertise in mobility and art therapy for wellness and emotional balance, led a group session designed to spark interaction and self-reflection through mindfulness techniques. Dr. Deemanthe Weerasuriya, a specialist in Rapid Transformational Therapy, conducted a deep-dive into subconscious reprogramming for performance and emotional clarity on Rewiring the Subconscious Mind for Peak Performance. The session ended with a panel discussion featuring all four experts—Dr. Deemanthe, Dr. Nimeera, Dr. Kasun, and Dr. Nathaliya.
The Sunrise Yoga & Sound Healing with Dr. Nimeera ,a certified yoga therapist, blended sunrise mobility and sound therapy for a grounding start to the day. In the Mind Reboot & Meditation session, Dr. Deemanthe Weerasuriya concluded the programme with a guided subconscious meditation focused on energising morning routines and inner clarity.
The highlight of the workshop was the specially curated culinary journey, developed in collaboration with Adhitya Ayurveda, which showcased a modern, flavour-rich interpretation of traditional Sri Lankan and wellness cuisine. Designed to challenge the notion that healthy food is bland or restrictive, the menu brought together nutrient-dense ingredients, Ayurvedic principles, and contemporary culinary techniques.
Among the notable selections were Cucumber & Green Tea Sushi paired with healing accompaniments, and Seared Paneer with Shallots & Ambarella Chutney on rye—demonstrating how familiar textures can be reworked with digestive balance in mind. The Curry Leaves Kurakkan Muffin with Caramelised Papaya & Coriander offered a savoury twist on ancient grains, while Coconut-Crumbed Thai Fish Rolls and Egg & Oat Crepes with Chard and Roasted Eggplant highlighted anti-inflammatory and high-fibre components in bold, flavourful formats.Guests concluded the tasting experience with elegant “tea sweets” such as Lychee & Sweet Tamarind Preserve with Wali Thalapa, Mango & Strawberry Kurakkan Cake, and Coconut Semolina Cake with Saffron Creamy Nuts—each delicately balanced to support digestion, energise, and delight. The entire menu was a statement of the brand’s approach to mindful indulgence, proving that wellness cuisine can be as creative, vibrant, and indulgent as any gourmet offering.
