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500 Sri Lankan students pursuing MBBS at Kursk State Medical University in Russia

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Rector Prof. Victor Lazarenko, Prof. Mohamad Chahine, Ms. Natalia Kulshenco (at the centre), Dr. Lasantha Amarakoon (4th on left) with KSMU graduates

by Sanath Nanayakkare

About 500 Sri Lankan students interested in establishing themselves as medical doctors are currently pursuing their MBBS medical degree programme at Kursk State Medical University in Russia, The Island learnt recently.

“This six-year degree programme recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) is also recognized by the relevant authorities across the world. Therefore, on successful completion of the programme, it gives Sri Lankan graduates the opportunity of starting their post-graduate studies for preferred specializations, or practice medicine in a country of their personal choice”, Dr.Lasantha Amarakoon – Chairman of REC Campus said.

He made these comments at a get-together and Alumni of Kursk State Medical University Russia held on 29th of April at REC Campus in Nugegoda. The momentous occasion was participated by the Rector of Kursk State Medical University in Russia, Prof.Viktor Anatolyevich Lazarenko and Dr.Mohamad Chahine – Director IMI of Kursk State Medical University (KSMU) and honorary consul of Sri Lanka in Kursk region Russia.

Ms.Natalia Kulshenko – Senior Officer of Russian Center in Colombo and a group of Sri Lankan doctors belonging to Kursk State Medical University’s Alumni Association were notable dignitaries at the event.

Dr.Mohamad Chahine said, “The University has an alumni of more than 1,000 Sri Lankan graduates from the past years and we came to Sri Lanka to commemorate their student life in Russia and have a discussion on comfortable and safe conditions for employment of doctors in Kursk Region,”

The event also saw the offering of the Award of Excellence to REC Campus by KSMU for the service it has rendered to the field of education in Sri Lanka.

“We have been collaborating with REC Campus for more than 20 years and they are our official representative in Sri Lanka. Once a student comes to REC Campus, he or she doesn’t have to worry about anything because the Campus handles the documentation process, conducts free language and pre-medicine classes, assists in the visa process and conducts the pre-departure programme to guide students about the process in the airport. REC Campus takes the responsibility of its students until up to the completion of their degree programmes. The most important factor is that they guide the students after the completion of their MBBS degree to move on to post-graduate studies in their preferred area, or begin their career as doctors,” Dr.Mohamad Chahine said.

When asked how encouraging are the numbers of Sri Lankan students enrolling KSMU over the years, he said,” We are happy to say that there are hundreds of Sri Lankan students joining KSMU every year. Due to the recognition of this degree and the excellent services given by REC campus, KSMU has become the university with the largest Sri Lankan student population in Russia.”

Talking about the university he said,” KSMU is specialized in the healthcare education; we offer programmes such as Medical, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical among many others. We are proud of our international reputation in teaching and scientific research. There is a unique atmosphere on campus which gives students the opportunity to broaden their horizons within a safe and exciting environment. By the time a student graduates, he or she will leave this university with not only a world-class qualification, but also with friends that they would like to network with for lifetime.”

“Interestingly, there are plenty of Sri Lankan graduates who prefer to continue their post-graduate studies or find employment in Russia. Currently, some of the Sri Lankan graduates work in hospitals in Russia and some of them have joined the academic panel of KSMU as well. Overall, Russia is a great destination for international students to study, work and obtain permanent residency status quite easily,” he noted.

Prof.Viktor Anatolyevich Lazarenko and Dr.Mohamad Chahine met with Sri Lankan authorities at the Ministry of Health during their stay where they discussed further development of the health sector in Sri Lanka.

“Russia has been collaborating with Sri Lanka for many years helping to enhance its education, trade and the economy. The discussions we had with the Sri Lankan Minister of Health would help further strengthen the bond between the two countries,” they said.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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