Colombo Gazette, Colombo (2026)

08/05/2026

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Cambridge University Press & Assessment have officially partnered to make CSE Academy an authorised examination centre for Linguaskill by Cambridge. The collaboration, announced on 30 April, brings the globally recognised English proficiency test to all 12 CSE branches, leveraging the Exchange’s presence across every province in Sri Lanka.

Linguaskill is an English proficiency assessment developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, designed for both academic and professional contexts. It evaluates language ability across the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) scale from B1 to C2. The test typically delivers results within 48 hours, supported by detailed score reports aligned with international standards. It offers both General and Business versions, awarding candidates a globally recognised certificate with lifetime validity.

CSE Academy, the education arm of the Colombo Stock Exchange, was established in 2023 through the consolidation of its various educational initiatives. These include the Advanced Diploma in Financial Management and certificate courses in Financial Markets, Investment, Stock Analysis, and Financial Statement Analysis. Together, these programmes support investor education and help raise financial literacy among corporates, students, and investors. With the launch of Linguaskill, CSE Academy will now offer the programme across all 12 branches, enabling candidates to both prepare for and sit the examination at CSE Academy facilities.

Commenting on the partnership, Zahara Ansary, Country Head of Cambridge University Press & Assessment for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, stated:“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Colombo Stock Exchange as it becomes an authorised examination centre for Linguaskill by Cambridge. This collaboration represents an important step in strengthening access to internationally benchmarked English language assessment in Sri Lanka, particularly within the professional and corporate landscape. With their islandwide branch network, CSE is well positioned to take these qualifications to all parts of the country, helping to elevate skills development standards and support the long-term growth of Sri Lanka’s human capital.”

Speaking at the launch, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of CSE, remarked:“At the CSE, one of our key priorities has been to foster financial literacy across our investor base. Through our collaboration with Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the launch of Linguaskill across our nationwide branch network, we aim to complement this mission by strengthening professional communication skills, enabling individuals to engage more effectively in the capital market.”

08/05/2026

DFCC Bank PLC has been certified as a Full Member of the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) for 2026, marking a significant step in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital capabilities and align more closely with the country’s evolving technology ecosystem.

As Sri Lanka’s apex ICT industry body, FITIS brings together technology providers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to shape the direction of digital development. DFCC Bank’s membership reflects a strategic move to engage more deeply with this ecosystem, as digital capability becomes increasingly central to improving service delivery, simplifying processes, and responding to evolving customer expectations.

For DFCC Bank, digital transformation is not treated as a standalone initiative. Instead, it is being embedded across the organisation—from how customers access services and how transactions are processed, to how decisions are made. The overarching objective is to become more customer-centric and easier to engage with by reducing friction and enhancing responsiveness at every touchpoint.

Through its engagement with FITIS, DFCC Bank gains access to emerging technologies, industry insights, and collaborative platforms that support this transformation. The focus remains on translating these advantages into practical outcomes, including simplified customer journeys, faster turnaround times, and more intuitive user experiences.

The FITIS Digital Chapter plays a pivotal role in advancing digital services, fostering innovation, and supporting skills development across the industry. DFCC Bank’s participation contributes to these efforts while strengthening its internal talent ecosystem, ensuring teams are equipped to operate effectively in an increasingly digital environment.

As digital expectations continue to evolve, success will depend not only on adopting technology but on how effectively it is integrated into organisational culture, processes, and customer experience. Through partnerships such as FITIS, DFCC Bank continues to position itself at the forefront of this transition—focused on delivering banking that is simpler, more responsive, and aligned with the needs of today’s customers.

08/05/2026

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Lebanese Republic, Anura Withanage, presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun, on 06 May 2026.

Upon arrival at the Presidential Palace, Ambassador Withanage was accompanied by officials and received with ceremonial honours, including a Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Lebanon.

During the meeting, Ambassador Withanage conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayake. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The discussions were cordial and constructive, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and people-to-people engagement. President Aoun warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed his openness to continued dialogue, inviting further discussions at any time on matters of mutual interest, including the expansion of economic and trade relations.

Ambassador Withanage expressed his appreciation for the President’s goodwill and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the strong and friendly ties between Sri Lanka and Lebanon.

07/05/2026

Singer Sri Lanka, a trusted name in the country’s consumer electronics and technology solutions space, has announced a strategic partnership with Hikvision, the world’s No. 1 CCTV brand, globally recognised for its reliability, quality, and innovation. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Singer as it continues to expand its offering beyond traditional product categories into advanced, future-ready technology solutions.

The partnership will see Singer Sri Lanka introduce Hikvision’s globally acclaimed range of solutions to the local market, leveraging its strong retail, dealer and system integrators network. Singer will also provide after-sales service and support, ensuring customers benefit from a seamless and dependable experience.

Through this collaboration, a wide portfolio of Hikvision solutions will be introduced to Sri Lanka, including advanced CCTV cameras and recorders, smart access control and video intercom systems, interactive displays and monitors. The offering will also include intelligent solutions featuring advanced analytics and sensing capabilities, enhanced by next-generation AI and data-driven technologies, with capabilities extending to areas such as intelligent traffic management and safe city applications. Select product categories, including cable-free WiFi cameras, will also be introduced to meet the growing demand for flexible and easy-to-deploy solutions.

Commenting on the announcement, Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka PLC, stated, “We are pleased to partner with Hikvision, a globally recognized leader known for its innovative and reliable technology solutions. This move reflects our commitment to continuously evolve our offering and introduce practical, future-ready solutions that cater to the needs of both households and businesses. With Singer’s extensive reach and trusted service network, we are confident in making these world-class technologies accessible across Sri Lanka.”

Yasantha Hennayake – Director / General Country Manager of Hikvision Sri Lanka added, “We are delighted to collaborate with Singer Sri Lanka, a company that shares our focus on innovation, reliability, and customer-centricity. This partnership provides a strong foundation for us to expand our presence in Sri Lanka and deliver high-quality, intelligent solutions through a well-established and trusted distribution network.”

This strategic partnership further strengthens Singer Sri Lanka’s position as a leading provider of innovative and reliable technology solutions, while reinforcing its commitment to bringing globally recognized brands and advanced technologies closer to Sri Lankan consumers.

07/05/2026

As daylight softens and the island begins its quiet transformation into night, Shangri-La introduces Golden Hour—an evocative new cocktail ritual now unveiled at Shangri-La Colombo and Shangri-La Hambantota.

More than a reimagined happy hour, Golden Hour is a sensory experience, where time slows, flavours deepen, and moments are designed to linger. Rooted in Shangri-La’s Asian heritage and inspired by the brand’s iconic golden “S,” this daily ritual captures the fleeting beauty between day and dusk, inviting guests to reconnect—with place, with people, and with the present.

At Shangri-La Colombo, the experience unfolds against the rhythm of the city—where ocean views meet skyline silhouettes, and the energy of Colombo transitions into an elegant evening cadence. Guests can gather across signature venues such as Capital Bar & Grill and Tiki Bar, where curated cocktails and refined bites create a vibrant yet intimate social ritual in the heart of the city.

Further south, at Shangri-La Hambantota, Golden Hour takes on a more serene expression. Set across 145 acres of tropical landscape, where peacocks roam and the Indian Ocean stretches endlessly beyond, the experience is shaped by nature—sunsets over the golf course, golden light filtering through palms, and a slower, more contemplative pace that defines the resort.
At the heart of Golden Hour is a globally curated cocktail collection, crafted by Shangri-La’s Mixology Masters. Each creation tells a story—of culture, craft, and connection—while reflecting the spirit of its destination.

Sri Lanka’s signature serves include:
- Purana Legacy – Shangri-La Colombo
A rich and layered expression featuring Chivas 18, roasted coconut, and pineapple oleo—an indulgent tribute to island flavours, reinterpreted with depth and sophistication.

- Ruby Fizz – Shangri-La Hambantota
A vibrant tropical composition of infused gin, coconut, and ginger-pomegranate spice, lifted with a refreshing effervescence—capturing the warmth and vitality of the southern coast.

Complementing the cocktails is a selection of Golden Bites, thoughtfully curated to enhance each sip, bringing together local ingredients, regional inspiration, and refined culinary craftsmanship.

While Golden Hour is a global Shangri-La experience spanning destinations from Europe to the Middle East, its expression in Sri Lanka is deeply personal—shaped by the island’s contrasts. From the cosmopolitan pulse of Colombo to the untamed beauty of Hambantota, each setting offers a distinct interpretation of this shared ritual.

Golden Hour is not simply about cocktails. It is about transition. A pause. A moment suspended between what has been and what is yet to unfold.
Each evening, as the light turns gold, Shangri-La invites guests to gather, to savour, and to rediscover the art of slowing down—where every sip tells a story, and every setting becomes part of it.

07/05/2026

Binance has introduced "Withdraw Protection," a new security feature that lets users temporarily lock their digital assets against on-chain withdrawals for a user-defined period of one to seven days.

Once activated, no withdrawals can be processed during the lock period, adding an extra layer of control for users who want greater caution over their holdings. Users can also decide whether early unlocking is permitted. If enabled, both an authenticator app and a security key are required, with email confirmation and phone/SMS authentication available as optional verification steps.

For those seeking maximum certainty, a strict lockdown mode disables early unlocking entirely. In both cases, the chosen lock period cannot be overridden by the exchange, ensuring users retain full control over their security settings.

"User protection is important across all digital and financial platforms, and security is most effective when it is both proactive and user-driven," said Jimmy Su, Chief Security Officer at Binance. "Withdraw Protection is designed as a proactive control that gives users more choice over account security, and it reflects the evolution of digital asset services toward stronger user safeguards."

Binance stresses that Withdraw Protection complements, rather than replaces, good cyber hygiene. Users are encouraged to whitelist withdrawal addresses in advance, maintain strong authentication methods, and exercise discretion when discussing their crypto holdings. The feature is part of Binance's broader approach to responsible asset management and building a safer ecosystem for all users.

05/05/2026

District 82 of Toastmasters International is gearing up for Ovation 2026, its flagship annual conference themed Tides of Transformation, scheduled to take place on 16 and 17 May at Shangri-La Colombo. Powered by Home Lands—Sri Lanka’s leading and most trusted property developer—the partnership as Title Sponsor elevates the stature of this prestigious event while reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering communities and fostering personal growth across the country.

Ahead of the conference, District 82 hosted a media briefing on 29 April 2026 at the Emerald Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, offering insights into the organisation’s four-decade journey in Sri Lanka and a preview of what to expect at this year’s event.

Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka became part of this global movement in 1983 with the establishment of the Colombo Toastmasters Club—the first in South Asia. Today, District 82 comprises over 168 clubs and more than 4,000 members across 65 cities, spanning corporate, institutional, and community-based clubs nationwide.

Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka became part of this global movement in 1983 with the establishment of the Colombo Toastmasters Club—the first in South Asia. Today, District 82 comprises over 168 clubs and more than 4,000 members across 65 cities, spanning corporate, institutional, and community-based clubs nationwide.

“What sets Sri Lanka apart is not just participation, but passion. Toastmasters here is not an extracurricular activity—it is a platform for personal transformation, leadership development, and national representation on a global stage,” said DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, District Director of District 82.

This strong reputation is well earned. District 82 was ranked the Number 1 District in the Toastmasters International network for 2024/2025. Sri Lanka has also produced global achievers such as Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, who won the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2014, and DTM Arunasalam Balraj, who served as Toastmasters International President in 2017/2018—milestones that underscore the district’s global impact.

Reflecting on the organisation’s enduring philosophy, DTM Sudash Liyanage, Past Region Advisor for Toastmasters International, noted:“The philosophy is simple but powerful—growth happens through practice, reflection, and community. By creating a safe space to fail, learn, and try again, Toastmasters nurtures individuals who are not only better speakers, but also more confident thinkers and effective communicators in every aspect of life.”

The media briefing also served as the official preview of Ovation 2026. Conference Chair DTM Mario De Silva highlighted a dynamic two-day programme featuring speech contests, keynote addresses, educational workshops, and recognition ceremonies celebrating the district’s top performers.

“Ovation is the culmination of a Toastmasters year. It is the stage where the district’s best speakers compete at the highest level, where leaders are celebrated, and where the collective journey of District 82 is showcased on one platform,” he said.

The session was chaired and compered by TM Prasansa Gunawardana, followed by an interactive Q&A with media representatives and concluding with networking and cocktails. The event was organised by Mark and Comm Ltd, the official PR agency for District 82 Toastmasters and Ovation 2026.

Additional sponsors for Ovation 2026 include Premier Sponsor Janatha Steels; Platinum Sponsors A J Medichem International (Pvt) Ltd and New Anthoney’s Farms (Pvt) Ltd; Gold Sponsors Jayes Investment Ltd, Nestlé Coffeemate, and Zoro Tapes; and Silver Sponsor Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd.

05/05/2026

HUTCH Sri Lanka is leveraging its international pedigree to bring world-class enterprise solutions to help Sri Lankan businesses leapfrog into a new era. As the country advances its digital ambitions, the company—backed by its parent, the global Fortune 500 conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings—sees this as the ideal time to unlock the global digital expertise it possesses.

The CK Hutchison Group, a world leader in telecommunications operating across 11 countries, has spearheaded digital advancements in telecoms across Europe and acted as a catalyst in emerging markets, enabling large-scale digital transformation.

As Sri Lanka accelerates its shift towards digital transformation, HUTCH Sri Lanka has aligned its enterprise offerings through its dedicated business arm. This arm is positioned to cater to the evolving needs of corporates, SMEs, startups, government, and institutional entities.

In a business environment shaped by cost pressures, emerging customer expectations, and the need for operational resilience, there is a growing demand for fast, scalable, and cost-effective digital services. HUTCH Enterprise, empowered by international best practices and expertise, brings together connectivity and digital services under one integrated ecosystem—positioning HUTCH as both a connectivity provider and a technology solutions enabler.

The HUTCH Enterprise ecosystem includes a comprehensive suite of services spanning connectivity options, digital software, and applications that are globally recognised, alongside bespoke solutions tailored to specific business needs. These include mobile-for-business solutions, IoT connectivity, Internet Leased Lines, omnichannel engagement platforms, digital presence services such as domain registration and web development, workplace digitisation tools, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and API services—all offered through a single platform.

Commenting on the initiative, Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer of HUTCH Sri Lanka, stated:“Digital transformation and business empowerment are no longer optional; they are essential for business competitiveness and national economic resilience. Through HUTCH Enterprise, we are simplifying this journey by bringing together connectivity and digital solutions in a way that is accessible, practical, and relevant to Sri Lankan businesses. HUTCH is enabling an enterprise servicing ecosystem where any business can efficiently participate in both the local and global economy, supporting Sri Lanka’s ambition of reaching a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030. Backed by our global parent, CK Hutchison Holdings, we are well positioned to deliver world-class solutions to enterprises locally.”

04/05/2026

Beauty by Rosh, the inclusive, Australian-owned cosmetics brand founded by Rosh Kumarasinghe, has confirmed dual sponsorships at Australian Fashion Week 2026 in May, becoming the official makeup partner for two of the week's most anticipated runway shows: Gary Bigeni and Karla Spetic.

This marks the most partnerships an independent brand South Asian-owned brand has secured at Australian Fashion Week in a single season. Alongside global names including MAC Cosmetics, Makeup Forever, Lancôme, L'Oréal and Mecca Cosmetics, Beauty by Rosh takes its place among the industry's most prominent beauty partners at Australia's premier fashion event.

For the Gary Bigeni show, Rosh Kumarasinghe steps into the role of Makeup Director; the second time she has held the title of director at an international fashion week, following her role as Lead Artist and Makeup Director for the Dahlia Razzook show at London Fashion Week in February 2026.

The Gary Bigeni show, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Sydney, is positioned as a landmark cultural fashion moment. The show reflects Gary's signature pillars of creativity, community, optimism, collaboration and inclusivity.

Rosh will direct a team of 10 makeup artists backstage, creating a skin-forward, natural and fresh base look designed to enhance each model's individual features.

"Gary Bigeni is one of the most wonderful human beings. He has endured so much in life, as I have. The partnership feels deeply personal - two people who have faced adversity and chosen to create beauty, inclusivity and joy through their work. I am so excited to be working with him" said Rosh Kumarasinghe, Founder, Beauty by Rosh

Additionally, Beauty by Rosh will also serve as official makeup partner for Karla Spetic, whose show takes place on Wednesday 13th May to a celebrity and industry guest list. The partnership unites two immigrant women who rebuilt their lives in Australia through resilience and created brands that celebrate the strength of womanhood.

AFW 2026 marks Beauty by Rosh's third international fashion week, following its role as official makeup partner at Colombo Fashion Week (between 2021–2026) and its historic appearance at London Fashion Week — where the brand became the first Australian makeup brand to sponsor designers on the LFW main schedule, and Rosh became the first South Asian beauty entrepreneur to achieve this milestone.

04/05/2026

Janashakthi Limited operating as JXG (Janashakthi Group) marked the debut trading of its 500,000,000 ordinary voting shares (Symbol: JXG.N0000) on The Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on 29th April 2026 by ringing the ceremonial market opening bell on the trading floor of CSE.

The Initial Public Offer (IPO), which took place on 9th April 2026, was made through an offer for subscription for 500,000,000 ordinary voting shares of the par value of LKR 10/- with First Capital Advisory Services (Pvt) Limited, a JXG subsidiary, as their manager to the issue, raising Rs. 5 bn. The IPO was oversubscribed by three times representing a cumulative value of over 15.15 billion rupees.

JXG’s debut on The Main Board forms part of the company’s long-term growth strategy aimed at broadening its earnings base, enhancing scale, and strengthening its presence across complementary financial services verticals. The company will use the IPO proceeds to fund its expansion across the General Insurance, Microfinance, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) sectors, establish a presence in overseas markets, and retire existing interest-bearing debt.

Keynote speaker at the market opening ceremony, Mr. Chandan de Silva, Group Chairman – JXG (Janashakthi Group) said, “The three times oversubscription of the largest IPO in the last fourteen years at a time of significant economic and financial uncertainty, is a strong indication of investor trust and confidence in JXG’s brand, which in turn is based on sound governance, strategy and the ability to execute. As we enter the stock market, we are committed to expanding our impact and contributing meaningfully to the evolution of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape.”

Speaking on the listing, Mr. Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director / Group CEO – JXG (Janashakthi Group) commented, “This milestone reflects not only a successful listing, but also the strength and resilience of our team in navigating a complex market environment. We are grateful for the confidence placed in us by our investors and the public, which strengthens our responsibility as a listed entity. Our focus now is on executing our strategies to scale our businesses responsibly and delivering sustained value to our shareholders and stakeholders alike.”

Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of CSE, speaking at the opening ceremony also remarked: “Janashakthi Limited lists it shares today following a Rs. 5 Bn IPO which was oversubscribed by three times and was the largest IPO we have had for the last 14 years.”

Janashakthi Group, a well-established diversified financial services conglomerate, is the parent company of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, First Capital Holdings PLC, and Janashakthi Finance PLC.

04/05/2026

City of Dreams Sri Lanka dazzled guests with Signature Velvet Dreams, an immersive night of world-class entertainment, glamour, and high-energy performances. Featuring vibrant dance acts, striking choreography, live music, and visually stunning stage productions, the experience transformed the venue into a celebration of luxury and excitement.

From bold costumes to captivating performances and dynamic visual storytelling, every moment reflected the elevated lifestyle and entertainment offering that defines City of Dreams Sri Lanka. As South Asia’s first integrated luxury resort, the destination continues to set new benchmarks for nightlife, hospitality, and unforgettable guest experiences in Colombo.

Colombo Gazette

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