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British Council launches international awards to celebrate UK alumni achievements

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The British Council is pleased to announce the tenth year of its Study UK Alumni Awards programme, celebrating the outstanding achievements of UK alumni around the world. The award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries.

This year’s award categories include science and sustainability, business and innovation, culture and creativity and social action. The call for applications opened on 1 September 2023 and closes on 22 October 2023. All eligible applicants will be put forward for the global Alumni Awards and national Alumni Awards which will be hosted in many countries including Sri Lanka.

The Country Director British Council in Sri Lanka, Orlando Edwards, said: “I am delighted that UK alumni in Sri Lanka will have the opportunity to win the awards in these four exciting categories. Previous awardees have showcased their commitment to applying the knowledge gained from their UK studies to benefit their local communities.

“At the British Council we believe that international education and collaboration are essential in creating a more prosperous world for all and are proud to support these individuals in fulfilling their potential.”

Dr Asha De Vos , UK alumnus, Founder and Executive Director of Oceanswell, while sharing her education journey from University of St Andrews and University of Oxford to becoming a leading marine conservationist in Sri Lanka said: “Being an alumnus from the UK has been an incredible experience. It has allowed me to create collaborations and partnerships with people not only in my field but also beyond.

“We can come together respectfully, build mutual partnerships, and foster understanding that can help us resolve issues from a very local perspective in a way that benefits us globally”.

Global Awards

The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be announced in 2024 and celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and successes. Award winners have the opportunity to raise their international profile, expand their professional networks, and to enhance their careers, through a professional networking visit to the UK.

National Awards

In addition to the global awards, national award ceremony will also be hosted in Sri Lanka. Finalists for the national awards will be announced between December 2023 and March 2024.

For full details on the eligibility criteria and participating countries, please refer to https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/alumni-awards



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ComBank unveils new Corporate Branch at Head Office

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Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO, Sanath Manatunge, Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar, Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking Hasrath Munasinghe, Corporate Branch Chief Manager -Ruvini Samarasinghe and representatives of the Bank’s corporate and senior management at the opening of the new Corporate Branch

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.

The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.

Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.

Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”

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Fits Retail and Abans PLC Unveil Exclusive DeLonghi Premium Coffee Experience

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The iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at Abans showroom

Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.

At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.

Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”

“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.

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Members’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

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Participants at the Members’ Night

The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a Members’ Night on March 27, at the Sophia Colombo City Hotel. The event, attended by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, offered a valuable platform for business leaders, embassy officials, and Members to discuss and explore opportunities for deeper Sri Lanka-Russia collaboration, a CCC news release said.

SLRBC President, Mr. Jude Fernando, kicked off the evening with a speech highlighting the importance of strengthening international ties, which was followed by H.E. Dzhagaryan’s address on the need for continued engagement between the two countries. The event featured networking opportunities, allowing Members to connect with key stakeholders and discuss future business ventures, followed by a delightful dinner.

The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including OCEAN 7 Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Bally/Walkers Tours, Fibre cement associations, Ceylon Fresh Teas, SCANWELL Logistics, Regency Teas, Shan Teas, and others, whose contributions were key to its success.

The SLRBC is committed to further facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Russia, continuing to foster stronger business relationships.

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