Living Magazine

Living Magazine The journal was launched in September 2005.

A glossy monthly round-up of leisure and entertainment in Sri Lanka and travel destinations across the globe including airline schedules, hotel and restaurant reviews, cricket and other sports, the arts-and-culture buzz about town, décor/architecture, fashion, glitz and glamour and diverse aspects of city life.

JETWING WINS 19 TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDSJetwing Hotels announced that 19 of its properties received the 2025 Tripadviso...
11/07/2025

JETWING WINS 19 TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Jetwing Hotels announced that 19 of its properties received the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards – the highest number earned by any hotel group in Sri Lanka this year.

This recognition places Jetwing Hotels among the top 10 percent of listings worldwide, based on reviews from guests over the past 12 months.

The awarded properties include Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Colombo Seven, Jetwing Jaffna, Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Saman Villas, Jetwing Sea, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Jetwing Surf and Safari, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing Yala and Jetwing Warwick Gardens.

Mermaid Hotel and Club also earned the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award, placing it in the top one percent of global listings.

With over 50 years in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has built a reputation for warm Sri Lankan hospitality and unique guest experiences. As a family owned business, it continues to lead in sustainable tourism through efforts in environmental conservation, community development and energy efficiency.

Jetwing’s diverse hotel portfolio ranges from luxury retreats to essential stays, each reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

10/07/2025

WELLNESS AND WISDOM
This week on Living Gets Real, Samaakhya Gajanayake explores the power of movement, mindset and meaningful coaching.

SAILING IN STYLE WITH SAAKYABrowns Hotels & Resorts recently unveiled its luxury yacht Saakya, marking a new chapter in ...
10/07/2025

SAILING IN STYLE WITH SAAKYA

Browns Hotels & Resorts recently unveiled its luxury yacht Saakya, marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s coastal experiences.

Operated by Occidental Eden Beruwala from Port City Colombo, the private vessel introduces an elegant way to explore the island’s pristine coastline.

Accommodating up to 15 guests, the yacht provides an intimate setting for private celebrations, romantic getaways or peaceful retreats with flexible itineraries tailored to meet guest preferences.

“The introduction of Saakya embodies our vision of offering premium bespoke experiences that reveal the beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastline through seamless luxury, refined service and elevated comfort,” says Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts.

Culinary experiences are also part of the journey whereby personalised menus are paired with fine wines and premium champagnes.

Maintained to international standards, the yacht features advanced navigation and security systems. With half and full day charter options, Saakya is a graceful extension of Browns Hotels & Resorts’ signature hospitality at sea.

YOUTH AWARD FOR ANUDIReigning Miss World Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara was among the top honourees at the Youth Top 40 Awar...
09/07/2025

YOUTH AWARD FOR ANUDI

Reigning Miss World Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara was among the top honourees at the Youth Top 40 Awards 2025, organised by New Generation Sri Lanka and presented by SOORYA.

The awards ceremony took place at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, celebrating young achievers from across the island.

A graduate of the University of Kelaniya with a degree in international relations and international affairs, and an alumna of Anuradhapura Central College, Anudi represented Sri Lanka at the 72nd Miss World pageant held in Hyderabad not long ago.

In addition to her work in modelling and pageantry, Gunasekara is a committed social activist. She founded Saheli Sri Lanka, a nonprofit organisation focussed on addressing period poverty across the island.

Anudi won two awards on the night, including the SOORYA Provincial Winner for the North-Central Province.

Director of Sun Match Company Gowri Rajan, which manufactures SOORYA products, praised the awardees as being a reflection of Sri Lanka’s promising future.

Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder of New Generation Sri Lanka, said the awards celebrate young Sri Lankans who embody national pride and global ambition, and noted that Gunasekara’s journey can inspire youth to dream big and shape their own futures.

SRI LANKA JOINS ISLAND ELITESri Lanka has earned a coveted spot on the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 ...
09/07/2025

SRI LANKA JOINS ISLAND ELITE

Sri Lanka has earned a coveted spot on the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 list of Best Islands, placing it seventh in a lineup voted by readers.

The recognition is a testament to Sri Lanka’s growing popularity among regional and international travellers, and its appeal as a stand out island destination. The annual list celebrates the region’s most loved getaways, combining iconic favourites and rising stars.

Bali took the top spot once again, followed by Koh Samui, Phu Quoc, Palawan and Phuket. Sri Lanka’s inclusion puts it in great company, joining some of the most loved island escapes in the Asia-Pacific.

With readers selecting destinations that inspire return visits and lasting memories, the 2025 rankings showcase the diversity and richness of travel across the Asia-Pacific region – and Sri Lanka’s island charm continues to shine on the global stage.

TABLE TalkHwachaeSERVES: 6 | PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutesINGREDIENTS 1 cup ice cubes 3 cups cubed watermelon ½ cup blue...
08/07/2025

TABLE Talk

Hwachae
SERVES: 6 | PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 cup ice cubes
3 cups cubed watermelon
½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
3 cups fruit of your choice (refer preparation)
1 cup jelly
1½ cups Sprite
1¾ cups strawberry milk
¼ cup condensed milk
¼ cup popping boba (optional)
½ cup vanilla ice cream (optional)

PREPARATION
Place all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Try a selection of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, mangoes, banana, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew and kiwi.

08/07/2025

PASSION IN MOTION, WITH LIVING GETS REAL
Tune into this week’s episode as Samaakhya Gajanayake shares how passion and purpose power her approach to fitness and life

BBC HAILS TUK-TUK STARTUPA recent BBC Travel feature highlighted how a homegrown Sri Lankan start-up TukTuk Rental is re...
08/07/2025

BBC HAILS TUK-TUK STARTUP

A recent BBC Travel feature highlighted how a homegrown Sri Lankan start-up TukTuk Rental is reshaping the island’s tourism landscape and creating new income streams for local families.

The company allows international travellers to hire and legally drive tuk-tuks across Sri Lanka, offering a slower and more immersive alternative to traditional tourism.

Since its launch in 2016, the Katunayake based social enterprise has worked with over 750 local tuk-tuk drivers, helping them to collectively earn around Rs. 300 million.

Founded by Australian Thomas Cornish and his partners, TukTuk Rental grew despite major setbacks including the Easter Sunday attacks and COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourists are offered driving lessons and local licenses, and the vehicles come with insurance and support services. Travellers from countries such as Canada and the UK have praised the experience for offering them a deeper connection to the country.

As the BBC notes, the company’s success lies in its ability to blend adventure, community benefits and authentic cultural exchanges.

CITY OF DREAMS RAISES THE LIFESTYLE BARJohn Keells Holdings (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco) will officia...
08/07/2025

CITY OF DREAMS RAISES THE LIFESTYLE BAR

John Keells Holdings (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco) will officially open the City of Dreams integrated resort on 2 August. This marks the completion of the project’s final phase, and will feature a world-class casino, the luxurious Nüwa hotel and a premium shopping mall.

Valued at over US$ 1.2 billion, City of Dreams is South Asia’s first fully integrated resort and Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment in luxury lifestyle. It combines upscale hospitality, premium retail, immersive entertainment, and advanced meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) facilities.

The resort includes 800 rooms and suites, with the 687 room Cinnamon Life hotel already operational and the 113 room ultra-luxury Nüwa hotel launching alongside the casino.
To be operated by Melco, the casino and entertainment zone is to meet international luxury gaming standards, while signature dining experiences and cultural showcases will enhance the destination’s appeal.

Chairperson and CEO of JKH Krishan Balendra described the development as a landmark for Sri Lanka’s tourism and economy, boosting foreign exchange inflows and employment.

Meanwhile, Chairman and CEO of Melco Lawrence Ho expressed confidence that the resort will stimulate tourism growth and position Colombo as a premier regional destination.


John Keells Holdings PLC
Cinnamon Life

HONOURING A LEGACY IN FINANCETo mark its 65th anniversary, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri L...
06/07/2025

HONOURING A LEGACY IN FINANCE

To mark its 65th anniversary, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) rang the ceremonial bell at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on 16 June.

The bell ringing ceremony, which traditionally signals the start of trading, celebrated CA Sri Lanka’s enduring contribution to financial governance, and its commitment to transparency, innovation and trust.

Established by an act of parliament in 1959, the institute has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s accounting profession for over six decades.

CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu led the proceedings, joined by Vice President Tishan Subasinghe, CEO Lakmali Priyangika, past presidents, council members, and senior representatives from both the institute and CSE.

Kuruppu said the event reflects CA Sri Lanka’s ongoing promise to support professionals and champion positive change in an evolving financial and corporate landscape.

Meanwhile, the CSE’s then chairman Dilshan Wirasekara commended the institute’s impact on the capital market and its presence in corporate leadership across the country.


Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka

REAL ESTATE AWARD FOR PRIME LANDSPrime Lands Residencies was recently awarded Developer of the Year – Sri Lanka at the 2...
05/07/2025

REAL ESTATE AWARD FOR PRIME LANDS

Prime Lands Residencies was recently awarded Developer of the Year – Sri Lanka at the 2025 Real Estate Asia Awards, held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

This recognition places the company among Asia’s leading real estate developers, and reflects its focus on quality, innovation and sustainability over the past 30 years.

The awards ceremony brought together leading developers and real estate leaders from across Asia to honour outstanding contributions to the industry.

Prime Lands Residencies’ recognition demonstrates its role in shaping modern residential living in Sri Lanka through projects that blend design, technology and long-term value.

Chairman Brahmanage Premalal says the award celebrates both the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence and Sri Lanka’s growing presence in the regional property landscape.

Over the years, Prime Lands has gained a reputation for delivering lifestyle driven developments from luxury apartments to thoughtfully designed urban communities.

The Real Estate Asia Awards, now in its fifth year, recognises outstanding real estate initiatives across the continent.

Entries were judged on criteria such as innovation, environmental responsibility and social impact, with projects completed between 2024 and 2025 – and those scheduled through to 2027 – eligible for consideration.

JACQUELINE GOES GLOBALWith awards and applause pouring in, Jacqueline Fernandez is proving she’s a force to be reckoned ...
04/07/2025

JACQUELINE GOES GLOBAL

With awards and applause pouring in, Jacqueline Fernandez is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

She was recently honoured with the Italian Audiovisual Industry Ambassador Excellence Award at the Italian Global Series Festival. The festival – a fresh revival of the beloved Roma Fiction Festival, which ran for 10 years until 2016 – is a celebration of storytelling, writing, acting and global creativity.

At the festival, Fernandez shared the stage with Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh, both receiving accolades. She later took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the award, saying how meaningful it was to be recognised for connecting people across cultures through cinema.

On screen, Fernandez recently starred in Housefull 5, directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiawala. The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan, is part of the first five instalment franchise in Indian cinema.

Jacqueline’s roles in multiple Housefull films have contributed greatly to the franchise’s popularity.

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