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District 82 Toastmasters International concluded its flagship annual conference, Ovation 2026, on 16th and 17th May at Shangri-La Colombo. Themed “Tides of Transformation,” the two-day event brought together communicators, leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and change-makers from across Sri Lanka and the wider region, marking what many attendees described as one of the most energising gatherings the district has seen in recent years.
Recognised as one of the highest-performing Toastmasters districts globally, District 82 represents Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the British Indian Ocean Territory. Ovation 2026, chaired by DTM Mario de Silva, served as the district’s premier platform for celebrating excellence in communication, personal growth, and leadership. The conference was powered by Home Lands, with support from a strong lineup of corporate partners including Janatha Steels, Nestlé, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, A J Medichem International, New Anthoney’s Farms, Jayes Investment, and Zorro Tapes.
The conference opened with a keynote from K R Ravindran, Past President of Rotary International, who spoke on character-driven leadership and the importance of integrity in today’s world. The programme continued with impactful sessions from Rasini Bandara on resilience and mental strength, and Michelle de Silva on authenticity and purposeful leadership. A panel discussion titled “The Human Touch in a Digital Age,” featuring Sanali Kaushalya, Mevan Peiris, and Sanjaya Elvitigala, moderated by DTM Gayathri Liyanage, explored what it means to lead with empathy in an increasingly technology-driven world.
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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.
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