Positioned between the iconic Galle Road and the golden shoreline of Bentota, Table by Nyne – The Beach pairs panoramic Indian Ocean views with a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates creativity, flavour, and freshness.

Located at Anuprit, one of a trifecta of properties that form Nyne Hotels’ premium collection — Nyne LUXE — the restaurant is ideally placed for spontaneous coastal stopovers.

“Most Nyne dining experiences are reserved for in-house guests, but Table by Nyne – The Beach warmly welcomes walk-in visitors,” explains General Manager Rizwan Hareez. “Travellers exploring the coast, beach enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an elevated yet relaxed dining experience can drop in to enjoy fresh seafood, grilled specialities, vibrant seasonal salads, and a carefully crafted selection of plant-forward dishes.”

The restaurant has earned particular praise for its vegan offerings — inventive, flavour-driven dishes that go far beyond token options. From robust vegetable mains to creative small plates and nourishing bowls, the kitchen ensures vegan diners enjoy the same depth, balance, and artistry as any other guest.

Credit for this philosophy lies with Executive Chef Shantha Peiris, who, together with Nyne founder Nayantara ‘Taru’ Fonseka, designed the restaurant’s distinctive menu.

“All our vegan items are made in-house, from cheeses to honey alternatives. We are also deeply committed to working with local farmers, ensuring we always have access to the freshest ingredients while showcasing the fruits and vegetables that define the region,” says Chef Shantha.

For Nayantara Fonseka, the concept is about more than simply dining. “Table by Nyne – The Beach was envisioned as a place where people can pause along the southern coast — perhaps for sundowners overlooking the Indian Ocean, a quiet walk along the beach as the light softens, and then an unhurried dinner that celebrates fresh, thoughtful cooking. It’s about creating moments that feel both relaxed and memorable.”

A distinctive beverage programme complements the cuisine, with signature cocktails, artisanal mocktails, and a carefully considered wine list designed to enhance the beachfront dining experience.

Alliance Development Trust (ADT) successfully launched its coffee table book “Beyond the Scars” at the Sapphire Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo City Centre, bringing together development partners, health professionals, media representatives, and advocates committed to addressing stigma surrounding leprosy in Sri Lanka.

Two members of the self-help groups, delivered deeply moving testimonies that highlighted the human impact behind the fight against leprosy. One member’s husband who is affected by leprosy and who leads the Egodauyana self-help group meetings in Egodauyana, Moratuwa, shared her journey of standing alongside her family and community with strength and compassion. The other member who is directly affected by leprosy and has experienced nerve damage and severe emotional stress, spoke courageously about her personal struggles and path toward recovery and acceptance.

Their powerful stories of resilience, courage, and perseverance left a lasting impression on the audience. By openly sharing both the challenges they continue to face and the hope that sustains them, they helped break stigma and foster deeper understanding among participants. Their testimonies served as a compelling reminder that beyond medical treatment, dignity, community support, and awareness play a vital role in restoring lives and building inclusive communities.

In a meaningful highlight of the evening, the two self-help group members were honored as the Chief Guests, recognizing their courage and lived experiences at the heart of the initiative. The first copies of the Coffee Table Book were ceremonially presented to them by NCEASL CEO, Godfrey Yogaraja, symbolizing a tribute to their resilience and the powerful stories that continue to inspire hope and change.

The publication highlights powerful stories of resilience, dignity, and hope from individuals affected by leprosy, while shedding light on the ongoing social stigma and discrimination faced by many. The book launch aimed to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and promote compassion and early detection as Sri Lanka continues its journey toward eliminating the disease. The Coffee Table Book was made available for purchase at LKR 6,000 for those interested in obtaining a copy.

According to national estimates, nearly 1,300 new cases of leprosy are reported annually in Sri Lanka, with many individuals continuing to face not only physical challenges but also deep social exclusion. Through Beyond the Scars, ADT seeks to humanize these experiences and challenge misconceptions that persist in communities.

Speaking at the event, representatives from ADT emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing both the medical and social dimensions of leprosy.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were also invited to make a pledge to join ADT’s work as Goodwill Ambassadors, encouraging individuals to actively support awareness efforts, advocate for inclusion, and stand alongside communities affected by leprosy. Several attendees expressed interest in contributing to the mission, marking a meaningful step toward strengthening collective action and community engagement.

“Leprosy is not only a health issue but also a social justice issue. Through this publication, we hope to amplify the voices and stories of those who have endured stigma and discrimination, while reminding society that dignity, acceptance, and compassion must be at the center of our response.”

The evening also served as a platform to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of health sector partners, community workers, and advocates who have contributed to raising awareness and improving access to treatment and care across Sri Lanka.

The coffee table book combines storytelling, photography, and lived experiences to create a compelling narrative that calls for greater empathy and action. By documenting these stories, ADT hopes to foster greater understanding and inspire communities to stand against stigma.

The launch concluded with a networking session, where guests engaged in meaningful discussions on strengthening collaboration to support individuals affected by leprosy and to move closer toward the shared vision of a leprosy-free Sri Lanka.

About Alliance Development Trust (ADT)

Alliance Development Trust is a Sri Lankan development organization working to empower vulnerable communities through health, social protection, and inclusive development initiatives. ADT actively supports programs that promote dignity, awareness, and equal opportunities for marginalized groups across the country.

The CSE opened down yesterday and remained in the red throughout midday trading in the manner of other markets in the region, following US President Donald Trump’s threat to annihilate Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Amid those developments both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 274.64 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 49.95 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.37 billion with four crossings.

Those crossings were: JKH four million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 72 million and its shares traded at Rs 18, Commercial Bank 350,000 shares crossed for Rs 66.9 million; its shares traded at Rs 191.50, Hayleys 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 41 million; its shares sold at Rs 205 and Softlogic Life Insurance 287,000 shares crossed for Rs 23 million; its shares sold at Rs 80.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 154 million (8.6 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 122 million (855,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 201 million (491,000 shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 82.4 million (711,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 81 million (537,000 shares traded), Prime Lands Residencies Rs 74.7 million (1.6 million shares traded) and LVE Energy Fund Rs 74.5 million, nine million shares crossed. During the day 96.2 million shares volumes changed hands in 31083 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, led the market while the banking sector also performed well, especially Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank. Energy sector companies, especially Lanka IOC, performed well.

Yesterday,the Central Bank announced the US dollar rate as against the rupee. The rupee was quoted significantly weaker at Rs 312.50/313.50 to the US dollar in the spot market from Rs 311.80/312.00 Friday, dealers said, while bond yields opened comparatively steady.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 308.5000 buying, 315.5000 selling; the British pound was 410.3335 buying, and 421.6369 selling, and the euro was 354.1133 buying, 365.5327 selling.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne