Business
Italian embassy in Colombo launches ‘Dolce Vita in Serendib’
Gaining inspiration from Italians who visited the exotic island of ‘Seyllan’ from centuries ago described as ‘Adam’s Garden’ where platters of nature’s rich bounties were a plenty, the Italian Embassy in Colombo launched the coffee table book ‘Dolce Vita in Serendib’ traveling through a gastronomic journey of authentic Italian cuisine in Sri Lanka. The book holds a repository of epicurean treasures with over sixty Italian recipes beautifully interwoven with tales and accounts of Italy’s culinary history.
Eight restaurants in Sri Lanka have contributed recipes of their signature Italian dishes while both the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador’s well-loved recipes have also been added into book. The featured restaurants – Aqua Forte, Capital Bar & Grill at the Shangri-La, Dolce Italia, Echo at the Cinnamon Grand, Lago Italian Bistro, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Park Street Trattoria and Tintagel – handpicked as serving the most authentic Italian fare.
Complementing the flavours within the pages are an array of narratives chronicling legend, history, anecdotes and tales that have surround Italy’s romance with food. Quirky, factual, historic and fun, the articles start off with an introduction to fashionable food and feisty flavours, travelling through time with wine, cheese, pasta, ham, olive oil, coffee, gelato and pizza, go through the history of etiquette, slow cooking, the Mediterranean diet and kitchen culture, while also adding a reality check with the conservation of food.
Speaking at the launch event of the book, Ambassador for Italy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Rita Mannella who penned the book together with renowned writer Savithri Rodrigo, said, “The idea of publishing a recipe book showcasing Italian cuisine came to my mind almost immediately on my arrival. I wanted everyone to try preparing, eating and enjoying Italian food in their own home, with authentic Italian recipes. As an Italian, it is universally well known that we love our traditional food. I’ve also seen the deep appreciation and love for Italian cuisine among our Sri Lankan friends and this is no surprise as Italian food is truly universal.”
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Kimarli Fernando mentioned that she was delighted to see the diversity of cuisine and cultures in Sri Lanka being showcased. “The Italian Embassy in Colombo’s tribute to the country’s expansive culinary offerings, with particular reference to Italian flavours is truly exciting. The multi-cuisine flavours Sri Lanka offers is truly unique and one of the country’s USPs which I believe we need to build on. It is exciting to see this book showcase the authenticity of flavours that Sri Lanka offers – whether it’s in five star restaurants or stand-alone boutique restaurants. This is a good start to placing Sri Lanka as a cuisine destination.”
Dolce Vita in Serendib is a book of art styled with Italian recipes, a true feast to the eye and a banquet for the palate. As the Ambassador concludes: “We’ve enjoyed putting this book together and look forward to showcasing more Sri Lankan restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine in our next edition. But right now, simply follow the recipe and feel that dash of joy, love and happiness embrace you as you cook with Italian flair.”
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
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.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic 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.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
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.
-
News6 days agoNamal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation
-
Latest News5 days agoTharanga creates history with Diamond League crown in Brussels
-
News5 days agoDispute which triggered listed company director being detained at BIA resolved
-
Features4 days agoAfter the parade: What a traffic OIC’s walk-out tells us
-
Opinion7 days agoIn Memory of Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda
-
Editorial6 days agoPower vs Equality
-
Editorial4 days agoArrests as theatre
-
Latest News6 days agoSLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
