Pakistan pace gamble could play into Sri Lanka’s hands
Manamperi, Fernando clinch SLTA YETI Hard Courts titles
Mahinda reach Under 19 Division I Tier A final
Lahiru’s seven-wicket haul guides Christ King to title
Tennis world number one Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals due to virus
SampathCards, in collaboration with Visa, further enhanced the experience of visitors at the 31st edition of Hilton Colombo’s iconic Oktoberfest by bringing exclusive value additions for all its Visa cardholders. This partnership underscores SampathCards’ continued commitment to providing unparalleled benefits to its customers, elevating the experience of Sri Lanka’s Original Oktoberfest celebration.
As the sponsor of this grand event, SampathCards, together with Visa, made this year’s Hilton Colombo’s Oktoberfest more memorable than ever. The partnership with Visa provided an elevated experience for cardholders, who not only enjoyed benefits but also partook in the vibrant festivities that captured the essence of German culture through traditional cuisine, music, and festivities.
In a special offering, Visa Cardholders of SampathCards enjoyed an unparalleled experience through complimentary entrance tickets to Oktoberfest. This gesture, made possible through the deep relationship of the two brands, provided premium privileges that are available to cardholders.
Avanthi Colombage, Visa Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, commented on the partnership, saying “Our relationship with SampathCards thrives on a shared vision of providing world-class experiences and premium benefits to our cardholders. We are excited to be a part of this joyous celebration and to offer all Visa cardholders of SampathCards exclusive access to one of the most anticipated events in our country. Visa believes in being the best way to pay and with this offering, our cardholders can create great memories at Oktoberfest, backed by the Visa promise of convenience, exclusivity and safety.”
The partnership between SampathCards and Visa is more than just about benefits—it is built on a foundation of trust and shared values, with both entities continuously striving to provide cardholders the best experiences. Visa has been a key partner in many of SampathCards’ landmark innovations over the years, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first Visa Platinum Credit Card to the launch of Visa Infinite and Signature Cards. These collaborations have not only helped position SampathCards as a leader in the market but have also consistently provided customers with premium privileges.
JICA initiates new technical cooperation project in Sri Lanka
People’s Bank recognized at LMD Awards Night 2024
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Sampath Bank has partnered with Mastercard to launch dedicated Platinum and World Mastercard credit cards tailored for members of the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka (CPM Sri Lanka). Designed to cater to the evolving financial, travel, and lifestyle needs of these professionals, the co-branded cards offer worldwide acceptance, SampathCards Ultra Rewards Points, contactless Tap & Go payments, flexible installment options, and overseas travel insurance cover up to USD 100,000.
Cardholders enjoy tier-specific benefits aligned with their CPM status:
World Mastercard: Features global airport lounge access, various travel privileges, a waived first-year annual fee, and a waived joining fee.
Platinum Mastercard: Provides international lifestyle and golf privileges, a waived first-year annual fee, and an optional life insurance cover up to LKR 1.5 million (subject to premium conditions).
Both cards grant pre-approved credit limits subject to standard bank evaluations. Representatives from Sampath Bank, Mastercard, and CPM Sri Lanka emphasized that this collaboration combines trusted payment security, global convenience, and tailored value to support the personal and professional journeys of CPM Sri Lanka members.
Continue Reading Business Accor Marks A New Milestone in Sri Lanka with the Arrival of Pullman Colombo Downtown and Pullman Bentota Resort & Spac Published
India/Sri Lanka – November 5, 2026 – Pullman, the Accor brand built around exchange, marked a major milestone in Sri Lanka with an exclusive gathering at Vistas Rooftop Bar, Pullman Colombo Downtown, on November 4, 2026. The evening celebrated the brand’s debut in the country with the introduction of two landmark properties – Pullman Colombo Downtown and Pullman Bentota Resort & Spa. The occasion brought together Ms. Ranju Alex, CEO, Accor South Asia, property owners, leadership teams from both hotels, distinguished dignitaries, including Vijitha Herath, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and prominent members of Sri Lanka’s media fraternity to celebrate this exciting new chapter for Pullman in the country.
The introduction of Pullman strengthens Accor’s presence across two of Sri Lanka’s most compelling business and leisure destinations. Bringing together the energy of Colombo’s commercial landscape and the natural beauty of Bentota’s coastline, the two hotels extend Pullman’s contemporary hospitality to both corporate and leisure travellers.
More than a celebration, the evening offered a platform for meaningful exchange with Sri Lanka’s corporate leadership and key industry stakeholders, reflecting Accor’s commitment to building lasting relationships as it continues to grow in the market. Guests also experienced first-hand Pullman’s approach to contemporary hospitality, where business, leisure and social moments come together.
Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Ranju Alex, CEO, Accor South Asia, said, “Sri Lanka is an important market in Accor’s South Asia growth strategy, and the introduction of Pullman represents a significant step in strengthening our presence in the country. With two properties in Colombo and Bentota, we are bringing the brand’s contemporary hospitality experience to both business and leisure destinations. Our focus is not only on expanding our portfolio but also on building lasting partnerships and contributing to the continued growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.”
Continue Reading Business CISS 2026: Sri Lanka gets its first dedicated international spirits, wine and beer show Published
Sri Lanka will host its first dedicated international exhibition for spirits, wine and beer when the Ceylon International Spirits Show (CISS) 2026 opens at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo, on 21 and 22 December 2026. The show is an initiative of Brand Focus, in association with the Wine & Spirits Club of India (WSCI).
CISS is positioned as a professional gateway for international alcoholic beverage brands seeking to understand and enter the evolving Sri Lankan market, while creating opportunities for trade, hospitality and consumers alike.
The two-day event is expected to bring together importers and distributors, leading retailers and trade buyers, premium hotels and restaurants, mixologists and beverage professionals, manufacturers, collectors, hospitality students and informed consumers.
Participating brands will be able to offer a “liquid-to-lips” experience, allowing visitors to taste and discover products first-hand while exhibitors gather direct insight into consumer preferences and market dynamics. The show will also facilitate business meetings with potential importers, distributors, retailers and hospitality groups, helping brands identify opportunities and long-term partnerships.
A series of panel discussions featuring leading Sri Lankan professionals will add depth to the programme, examining consumer psychology, consumption patterns, emerging trends, tourism, hospitality, cocktails, wine, beer and the country’s changing drinking culture.
Searching for leadership: Can we bring back qualities of our golden years?
SAARC: The regional dream that South Asia never quite built – II
Mendis and Udara steady ship with warm-up fifties
Wins for Dialog Axiata and Green Miracle Grand on Wednesday
Prospect of ‘spaceport’ on Sri Lanka’s east coast
Batting frailties give Sri Lanka food for thought
Copyright © 2020 Upali Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. Solution by LankaCom Privacy Policy
Loading comments…