Living Magazine

14/12/2025

Gamini makes marathon history

Long-distance runner Gamini Sugathadasa made history as the first Sri Lankan to win a medal in the 55 to 59 age category at a World Championship marathon event.

Competing in the 2025 Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships, conducted within the New York City Marathon – one of the world’s premier annual athletic events – Gamini finished third among 2,358 runners in his age group.

He completed the full 42.2 km course in a remarkable two hours, 42 minutes and 14 seconds; and his performance stands out not only for the podium finish, but also as a testament to endurance, discipline and athletic excellence.

The marathon included over 50,000 participants from around the world, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the event. Sugathadasa’s podium finish represents a historic milestone for Sri Lankan athletics and demonstrates the country’s growing presence in international long-distance running.

Originally from Sri Lanka and now based in Las Vegas, Gamini balances his work in hospitality with a passion for distance running, having completed all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

14/12/2025

LIVING’S FAMOUS NINE OF THE SEASON!

Flip through our December-February issue as we explore their seasonal spirit.

View: https://online.fliphtml5.com/pgkmm/dimt/

Featuring Tanuja Perera Raymond, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Prathibha Liyanaarachchi, Nikin Matharaarachchi, Nadeeka Perera, Rehan Amaratunga, Nilmi Guruge, Dilupa Pathirana and Radiesha Daluwatte.

13/12/2025

As the holiday season comes into focus, Living embraces the most wonderful time of year – one filled with celebration, connection and reflection. This special edition captures the magic of the season through a glamorous lineup of Sri Lankan stars who embody talent and the true spirit of togetherness.

Read here: https://livingmagazine.lk/festive-cheer-2025/

11/12/2025

LIVING’S FAMOUS NINE OF THE SEASON!

This holiday, we bring together nine remarkable individuals to share their traditions, memories and festive cheer.

Await our December-February issue as we explore their seasonal spirit.

Featuring Tanuja Perera Raymond, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Prathibha Liyanaarachchi, Nikin Matharaarachchi, Nadeeka Perera, Rehan Amaratunga, Nilmi Guruge, Dilupa Pathirana and Radiesha Daluwatte-Leanage.

10/12/2025

Sri Lanka’s Clean Win

Sri Lanka has secured a place among the Top 10 Cleanest Countries in Asia for 2025, achieving an updated environmental performance index (EPI) score of 38.80.

The island nation ranks 10th in the region, ahead of larger Asian countries such as India, China and Indonesia. The EPI evaluates countries based on environmental health, ecosystem vitality, pollution control and sustainability policies.

Sri Lanka’s ranking reflects ongoing national efforts in biodiversity conservation, air and water pollution control, and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism. These initiatives have contributed to improvements in water quality, reduced particulate pollution and better public health outcomes – including declines in respiratory and waterborne illnesses.

The top 10 cleanest countries in Asia are led by Japan (58.20), followed by the UAE (53.10), Singapore (51.60), South Korea (48.30), Brunei (47.80), Taiwan (46.50), Bhutan (44.90), Thailand (41.70) and Malaysia (39.90).

These nations too have made notable strides through renewable energy adoption, strict emissions standards, waste management improvements and sustainable development policies.

Sri Lanka’s inclusion among these advanced economies is particularly noteworthy; it reflects the island’s commitment to balancing environmental protection and sustainability with economic and tourism development.

09/12/2025

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas At Hotels Around Asia

Read here: https://livingmagazine.lk/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-at-hotels-around-asia/

A Tropical Beach Christmas on Koh Samui Banyan Tree Samui, an all-pool-villa beachfront resort in Koh Samui, has unveiled a series of gourmet feasts and dazzling celebrations to celebrate the upcoming festive season at each of its three restaurants over Christmas. The tropical island festivities beg...

09/12/2025

Dream Star to Asian stage

Falan Andrea, winner of season nine of Derana Dream Star, represented Sri Lanka at the 30th Asian Television Awards 2025 in Jakarta recently. The prestigious awards ceremony – held on 28 and 29 November – recognised excellence in television and drama across Asia.

Andrea took to the stage with one of her original songs, marking an important milestone in the popular singer’s musical career. Sharing her music on the world stage fulfilled a long held dream and reflected Falan’s growing presence in the regional entertainment scene.

In a social media post, Andrea expressed excitement about participating in what she described as an “incredible celebration of Asian talent and creativity.”

The Asian Television Awards gathered prominent artistes, producers and creators from across the continent, showcasing the best and most popular works in the television and drama industry.
Through her performance, Falan introduced Sri Lankan artistry to audiences and peers across Asia, helping raise the country’s profile in the region’s vibrant entertainment landscape.

08/12/2025

KANDALAMA HONOURED FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Heritance Kandalama won silver in the Climate Adaptation and Resilience category at the 2025 International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Global Responsible Tourism Awards, becoming the only Sri Lankan hotel recognised at this year’s event.

The awards honour businesses and destinations that demonstrate innovative, measurable and scalable solutions to sustainability challenges. Winners are selected from regional gold awardees across Africa, Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

ICRT Founder and Chair of the judging panel Emeritus Prof. Harold Goodwin noted that responsible tourism requires organisations to clearly demonstrate the impact of their actions, commending all winners for their evidence based contributions to better places for communities and visitors.

Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings Chairperson Stasshani Jayawardena described the win as an important milestone in the group’s sustainability journey.

Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Kandalama is celebrated for its harmony with the surrounding landscape in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The resort’s recognition reflects its longstanding environmental commitments including a holistic sustainability model, management of over 80 hectares of conservation forest, protection of more than 170 bird species and continuous ISO 14001 certification since 1996.

It is also a Travelife Gold property accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, reinforcing its status as a leader in responsible hospitality.

07/12/2025

Twin wins for Anantara

Both Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort achieved Platinum Certification under the Green Growth 2050 Global Standard – the highest tier of recognition for sustainability in hospitality.

The certification is awarded to properties scoring 90 percent or higher from among more than 400 indicators assessing environmental stewardship, socioeconomic impact and cultural preservation.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort was re-certified with a compliance score of 91.64 percent, reflecting initiatives such as energy efficiency improvements, water conservation, and adherence to the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.

The resort has implemented a digital food waste monitoring system, integrated electric vehicles for internal transport, strengthened waste management processes and preserved its on-site mangrove ecosystem.

It also complies with ISO 14001 (2015) Environmental Management Standards.

Anantara Kalutara Resort advanced from Gold to Platinum, guided by a comprehensive sustainability management plan. The property earned ISO 22000, and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) food safety certifications.

It also strengthened its use of local and seasonal produce, eliminated single use plastics and upgraded its wastewater systems.

It energy efficiency measures include heat pumps, LED lighting and motion sensors, while initiatives such as beekeeping, organic gardening and a wildlife pond are designed to support sustainability and local engagement.

Both resorts align with Minor Hotels’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, and demonstrate leadership in responsible luxury, sustainable innovation and community stewardship.

05/12/2025

Lonely Planet crowns Jaffna

Jaffna has been named one of the 25 Best Destinations to Visit in 2026 by leading travel guide Lonely Planet.

The recognition comes from the publisher’s Best in Travel 2026 edition, released on 21 October; it ranks Jaffna second on the list of top destinations – and highlights the city for its vibrant culture, unique cuisine and island adventures.

According to Lonely Planet, family run homestays have been instrumental in reviving Jaffna as a cultural travel destination since the civil war ended in 2009.

Visitors can explore the restored Jaffna Public Library, the pentagonal shaped Jaffna Fort built by the Portuguese in 1619 and two bunkers converted into museums at the Fox Jaffna resort.

An hour long ferry from Jaffna leads to tiny Delft Island, where coral fenced houses and homestays offer an ideal setting for cycling and sampling home cooked meals. The guide also highlights Nainativu, which is home to the Hindu Naga Pooshani Amman Kovil, and the Buddhist Nagadeepa Temple.

Lonely Planet notes that Jaffna is accessible by cycle, tuk-tuk, bus, ferry or train from Colombo, as well as direct flights from Chennai.

The city’s warm hospitality, rich history and vibrant local culture make it a ‘must visit’ destination in 2026, it adds.

04/12/2025

Bernadine Jayasinghe joined us on Living Gets Real — here’s a look at the episode. Catch the full show if you missed out.

Click here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AVWydYVzk/

03/12/2025

SriLankan bags multiple awards

SriLankan Airlines was recently recognised for excellence in both digital innovation and onboard service.

Sri Lanka’s national airline won the silver award for Best Sales Growth Strategy at the 2025 Asia eCommerce Awards in Singapore, placing it among the region’s top performers in digital commerce.

The award acknowledges strategic innovation, driven by initiatives that boost direct bookings and enhance international brand visibility.

Key contributors include Google’s Power Pair (which combines targeted search with AI), a mobile responsive booking engine, an AI powered chatbot, and automation tools that improve conversion and engagement.

The airline’s booking platform now features over 60 localised pages in more than 10 languages, offers a wide range of international and local payment options and enables passengers to manage bookings easily.

Onboard, SriLankan Airlines reaffirmed its culinary excellence by winning the 2026 APEX Best in Food and Beverage award for Central and Southern Asia, and retaining its Four Star Major Airline status.

The accolade recognises SriLankan Airlines’ distinctive onboard dining experience, which blends bold flavours with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The menu features dishes tailored to each route, made with locally sourced ingredients – it offers passengers a taste of the island’s culinary heritage.