Business

The Saints to Go Marching this 28th and 29th April at the SSC

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/21

Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Operating Officer, Group Business Operations, Dialog Axiata PLC handing over the sponsorship cheque to Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, Rector St. Joseph’s College and Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, Rector, St. Peter’s College. Photographed (L-R) : Sadesh Jayawardane, Captain, St. Joseph’s College, Rev. Fr. Priyan Tissera, Prefect of Games, St. Joseph’s College, Terrence Fernando, Co -Chairman, Joint Organizing Committee, St. Joseph’s College, College, Michael Elias, Co -Chairman, Joint Organizing Committee, St. Peter’s College, Rev. Fr. Milan Bernard, Sports Coordinator, St. Peter’s College, Nimuthu Gunawardana, Captain, St. Peters College.

89th Battle of Saints powered by Dialog

One of the most competitive big matches played in Sri Lanka, the 89th edition of the ‘Battle of the Saints’, powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, played between premier Catholic boys’ schools, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and St. Peter’s College, Colombo for the Rev. Father Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy, will be battled in its full glory at the SSC on the 28th and 29th April 2023.

Due to the unprecedented times in the last two years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic the matches were played behind closed doors for the safety of players, however with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions the Joint Match Organising Committee of the ‘Battle of the Saints” under the guidance of the Rector/Principal of the two respective schools have decided to play the 89th edition in full attendance of students, old boys and well wishers.

Dialog Axiata PLC has made arrangements to broadcast the matches live on Dialog Television channel number 70, and via live stream on Thepapare.com and the Dialog ViU app.

The ‘Battle of the Saints’, which is renowned for its exciting and competitive brand of cricket is the only annual two-day cricket encounter that strategically limits the first innings to 60 overs each to create greater interest and result orientation. In the 2023 encounter the lads from Darley Road will be led by wicket keeper batsman and Sri Lanka U19 player Sadeesh Jayawardena, while the boys from Bambalapitiya will be under the captaincy of batting allrounder, Nimuthu Gunawardana.

“The Joe-Pete is one of the most anticipated annual encounters in Sri Lanka’s schools’ cricket calendar and I’m pleased that 89th edition of our beloved encounter will be played in its past glory,” Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, the Rector of the hosting school, St. Peter’s College, Colombo, said. “I take this opportunity to thank our long-term partner Dialog Axiata for being with us during good and challenging times.”

Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, said, The Battle of the Saints between St. Peter’s and St. Joseph’s has a long and rich history of tradition as two of the leading Catholic schools in Sri Lanka.”

I am sure both teams will play exciting cricket to bring excitement for both young and old Peterites and Josephians. I wish both the schools and their respective captains the very best to deliver two days of exhilarating cricket.

St. Joseph’s College leads the series tally with 12 wins, their last win coming under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008, while St. Peter’s College were the winners of the 2016 encounter under Vinu Mohotty, bringing their tally to 10 wins, which ensured the Rev. Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy was kept securely in the trophy cabinet at Bambalapitiya.

The highly anticipated Josephian-Peterite limited overs match played for the ‘Fr. Peter A. Pillai Memorial Trophy’ which was the first one day encounter among schools commencing in 1975, has always attracted the highest number of spectators for a school’s 50 over cricket match is scheduled to be played on the 30th of April 2023 at the SSC Grounds, Colombo. The Josephian’s lead the one-day encounter 24-21 with 2 matches ending with no result and one game with a tie . In last year’s encounter the boys from Bambalapitiya edged out the Josephians in a closely contested game.

The two schools have produced many National Caps. Current Sri Lanka test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Chaminda Vaas, Dunith Wellage, Thisara Perera, Ashley De Silva,

Michael Van Dort, Roshen Silva, Priyamal Perera and Sadeera Samarawickrama are the J sephians who represented Sri Lanka while the Peterites are Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Vinodhan John, Amal Silva, Russel Arnold, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Malinda Warnapura, Angelo Perera and Janith Liyanage.

This year Janatha Steel has strengthen the JoePete as the Platinum Sponsor for 2023 edition. JoePete 2023 edition has also attracted many other sponsors Keells Krest, Elephant house, CBL, Maggie, Daraz, HNB, Uber and Singer Sri Lanka for its vibrant brand of schools cricket. currently Josephinas are the Under 19 Inter School Division One Tier A 2 Day Joint Champions.

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the Sri Lanka National Volleyball, Netball and Esports teams. The Company also has a close association with the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, Schools Rugby, Premier Football and Paralympic sports by powering the Army Para Games, National Para Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games.

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Business

Samagi Spice Exports to launch Ceylon Cinnamon based beverage range

Published

7 hours ago

2026/10/16

Priyan

The SPICEUP range of Cinnamon based beverages being launched by Samagi

Samagi Spice Exports (Pvt) Ltd is set to introduce SPICEUP, a new Sri Lankan beverage brand, at its grand launch on Saturday 17 October 2026 at the University of Ruhuna, Matara.

With a history dating back to 1969, Samagi Spice is taking a new step in its business journey by expanding beyond traditional spice exports into value added consumer products.

Through SPICEUP, the company aims to connect Sri Lanka’s internationally recognized cinnamon heritage with contemporary beverage innovation, creating a distinctive identity in the country’s beverage market.

The SPICEUP range will feature a variety of products, including Original, Cream Soda, Power, GO, Cool, Burn, Memo+ and Zingy. Designed to offer consumers a range of refreshment experiences, the products will be available in two packaging formats: cans and plastic bottles, catering to different consumer preferences and occasions.

At the heart of the initiative is the potential of true Ceylon cinnamon as a value-added ingredient in the beverage industry. Rather than limiting cinnamon to its traditional uses, SPICEUP seeks to explore new opportunities for bringing this iconic Sri Lankan spice into everyday consumer experiences.

The initiative also highlights the broader potential of transforming the country’s agricultural resources into innovative products with commercial value.

The launch ceremony will be attended by legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest, alongside representatives from the Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), Cinnamon Research Academy and other industry stakeholders.

A major highlight of the occasion will be the official unveiling of the SPICEUP product range, followed by the launch of the brand’s official website. The event will also feature the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Samagi Spice Exports and the University of Ruhuna, marking an important step towards strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.

The proposed collaboration will provide a platform for future research, product innovation and value addition involving true Ceylon cinnamon. By bringing together business expertise and university-based knowledge, the initiative aims to support the development of innovative, value-added products and contribute to Sri Lanka’s potential in international markets.

With its roots in the country’s spice industry and its ambitions in the beverage sector, SPICEUP is poised to begin a new chapter in Samagi Spice’s journey—one that seeks to bring the distinctive identity of Ceylon cinnamon to a new generation of consumers.

Business

Indian business leader urges SL entrepreneurs to tap into India’s rapidly expanding consumer market

Published

23 hours ago

2026/10/16

Thilina Walpola

T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL)

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Speaking at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026, T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), emphasised that local enterprises can unlock substantial economic benefits by strategically aligning with India’s booming consumer base.

Addressing business leaders and policymakers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, Krishnakumar highlighted that geographical proximity and rich cultural ties provide a natural foundation for deeper commercial collaboration.

He noted that instead of viewing bilateral trade narrowly, regional partnerships should act as conduits to build robust, scalable enterprises capable of plugging into wide-reaching regional value chains.

“For Sri Lankan exporters dealing in traditional staples as well as value-added goods, accessing India’s rising middle class presents a phenomenal growth window,” he said.

Drawing insights from Reliance Consumer Products’ rapid expansion – which scaled efficiently to thousands of employees and multi-billion-dollar metrics – Krishnakumar stressed that modern corporate success relies on disciplined execution, localised consumer understanding, and smart technology integration.

Furthermore, he underscored that while rapid growth is critical, businesses must consistently anchor their models in affordability and consumer trust.

Concluding his address at the summit, the RCPL chief noted that pairing regional trade integration with resilient business practices and predictable regulatory frameworks will be vital as Sri Lanka transitions firmly toward accelerated economic development.

Addressing the Summit during a subsequent fireside chat, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored that a core concern currently being targeted by the government is developing a critical mass of local entrepreneurs equipped to engage with international enterprise counterparts.

Business

SriLankan Airlines wins prestigious SATA 2026 Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline

Published

23 hours ago

2026/10/16

Thilina Walpola

SriLankan Airlines has once again been honoured with the prestigious Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, reaffirming its continued recognition in the regional travel and tourism industry. The airline, which has received this award in previous years, was the only international airline to be recognised in this category at this year’s event. The 10th anniversary edition of the awards ceremony was held earlier this month at Hotel Barcelo Nasandhura in Male, Maldives.

Recognised as one of the key events on the Maldivian tourism and travel industry calendar, SATA celebrated its 10th anniversary on a grand scale, bringing together prominent industry stakeholders, including Government Ministers, distinguished dignitaries, diplomats and senior representatives from leading airlines and their respective head offices.

Commenting on the achievement, Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial, SriLankan Airlines, stated, “We are honoured to receive this recognition at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. Being named the Leading International Airline in the Visitors’ Choice Awards once again is a meaningful acknowledgement of our commitment to serving our passengers and strengthening our presence in the region. This award inspires us to continue enhancing the travel experience we offer and to build stronger connections with the markets and communities we serve.”

Complementing its commitment to service excellence, SriLankan Airlines offers an extensive flight network with convenient connections to destinations across the globe. In South Asia, the airline operates nearly 130 flights each week to 15 destinations across India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh. With schedules thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of travellers, SriLankan Airlines provides seamless connectivity for those visiting Colombo for business or leisure, as well as passengers travelling onwards to destinations worldwide.