TONIK, a new hospitality venture under Sri Lanka’s Acorn Group, has unveiled its vision to place culture, storytelling and design at the heart of island exploration, positioning itself as the next Sri Lankan hospitality brand to achieve global recognition.

Built on the Acorn Group’s decades of expertise across aviation, travel, logistics and leisure in multiple Asian markets, TONIK aims to elevate Sri Lanka’s tourism by translating the “soul” of destinations into curated experiences. The brand’s philosophy, “Every Stay Is a Story”, treats villas and boutique hotels as “living narratives” shaped by architecture, memory, craft and community.

The venture addresses a key market gap: while Sri Lanka features exceptional independent villas, many struggle with visibility and global reach. TONIK seeks to resolve this by amplifying each property’s unique value proposition – transforming distinctiveness into revenue -generating potential for owners.

“TONIK’s philosophy aligns with the evolution of our industry- where authenticity and meaningful experiences are no longer optional but essential,” said Harith Perera, Partner at Acorn Group. “Sri Lanka’s narrative deserves platforms that elevate its voice globally.”

For property owners, TONIK offers access to Acorn’s intelligence networks across the Maldives, Middle East, Europe and Asia, including insight into High-Net-Worth travel patterns.

CEO Sundararajah Kokularajah said: “By nurturing properties as living narratives, we aim to shape a new chapter for tourism – authentic, future-ready and deeply Sri Lankan.”

By Sanath Nanayakkare

SDB bank relocated its Warakapola Branch to a new location with a modern, fresh look and ample parking, further strengthening its commitment to delivering an enhanced, customer-centric banking experience. The newly refurbished branch, located at No. 221/E, Colombo Road, Warakapola, will officially open its doors to customers.

The relocation reflects SDB bank’s ongoing efforts to adapt its branch network to today’s banking requirements, ensuring clients enjoy a refreshed, welcoming, and efficient service. The upgraded branch features contemporary design and improved facilities, providing greater convenience and a seamless banking experience for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the Warakapola area.

As part of its continuous transformation journey, SDB bank has prioritised innovation and service excellence in reimagining the Warakapola Branch. The new premises have been thoughtfully designed to meet evolving customer needs while fostering stronger engagement with the local community and business sector.

Kapila Ariyaratne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of SDB bank, stated, “The relocation of our Warakapola Branch reflects SDB bank’s dedication to providing our customers a modern and enhanced banking experience with convenience and personalised service. This modern space is designed to meet evolving needs while reinforcing our strong ties with the local community. We remain committed to delivering innovative and customer-focused financial solutions that support regional and national growth.”

The enhanced branch environment is expected to serve both existing customers and new clients in the region, reinforcing SDB bank’s growing island wide presence. Through this relocation, the Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable growth, service excellence, and meaningful community engagement.

SDB bank invites its valued customers and the Warakapola community to visit the new branch and experience the enhanced facilities firsthand.

A future-ready bank, dedicated to offering customer-centric and comprehensive support tailored to each individual’s needs, SDB bank is a licensed specialized bank regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, with a listing on the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange and a Fitch Rating of BB +(lka).

Through the network of 94 branches island-wide, the bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services to its Retail, SME, Co-operative, and Business Banking clients across the country. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are deeply ingrained in SDB bank’s ethos, with a steadfast focus on uplifting local communities and businesses through sustainable practices. The bank is particularly committed to promoting women’s empowerment, sustainable development of SMEs, and digital inclusion, aiming to propel Sri Lanka to new heights.

Ceremonial opening of SDB bank Warakapola Branch

From left to right,

Binesh Aravinda – Head of Branch Banking – SDB bank,.A.D.Walisinghe – Chairman Kegalle Sanasa District Union, Kapila Ariyaratne – Executive Director/ Cheif Executive Officer – SDB bank, Chitral De Silva – Cheif Business Officer – SDB bank

Education is the process of teaching or learning, especially in a school or college, or the knowledge that you get from this (Ref. Cambridge). The general objective would be the overall benefit of the human civilization. Sri Lankans first learned the word school from the Portuguese who called it an ‘Escola’. Most Sri Lankans have beautiful memories of their school days.

A non Muslim may remember leaving school early on Fridays pretending to be a Muslim (in the early 1980s Education officials took a policy decision to allow Muslim students to leave early on Fridays to attend prayers). Another would cherish sporting, scouting or outdoor activity memories. China in an effort to develop healthy schools recently issued new guidelines on allowing children to spend more time outdoors. As per the new policies, children are expected to spend more time on artistic hobbies & handicrafts etc. This is seen as the first step in implementing the ‘health first’ education philosophy with the objective of promoting all round physical & psychological development. Efforts will be made to enhance aesthetic education by fully offering arts courses & improving regular art exhibition & performance mechanisms accessible to all students. Labor education will be reinforced through programs aimed at cultivating sound work habits & helping students’ labor skills & achievements. Mental health education will be deepened by strengthening professional teams & advancing the development of a nationwide monitoring & early warning system. Proposed Chinese measures to prevent/ control myopia especially during early childhood stages are notable (Ref. Chinese education ministry).

The far sighted Chinese

‘Myopia’ is a condition where one cannot clearly see things that are far away (Ref. Cambridge). Judging China’s path (especially since 1949), far sightedness can be identified as one of their key strengths. However, many may have a different view of the far seeing ability of Sri Lankans. Chinese officials are expecting the ‘health first’ philosophy to be widely embraced & extended to all schools by 2030. Though Sri Lankans on many occasions have discussed education reforms, a return on investment analysis since 1948 may indicate that Sri Lankans have more space to learn especially on the implementing processes. Though some try to portray India as a force against China, China has supported to provide vocational training to nearly 1000 Indian youth through the ‘Lu Ban’ workshops donated since 2017. Since 2016 China has donated ‘Lu Ban’ workshops to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partners in Asia, Africa & Europe helping to train more than 10,000 youth & 1000 teachers.

‘Lu Ban’ the Carpenter

Lu Ban (507–440 BC) is revered as the patron god of builders, craftsmen, & contractors in the Chinese civilization. The legendary carpenter, engineer, & inventor (AKA ‘father of carpentry’) is believed to be the inventor of the saw, chisel, plane & the ‘Lu Ban’ stool (the folding stool made without nails). These inventions which significantly advanced ancient wood construction are now mechanized with the development of technology. With the 15th five year plan (2026 – 2030) China is expected to invest more on vocational education expecting its workforce to be specialized & technologically proficient. China & India are good global case studies but Sri Lankans may also study the efforts of Anagarika Dharmapala (son of the legendary carpenter Don Carolis Hewavitharana) & Rev. Brother Hermenegild Joeseph founder of the Diyagala Boys Town, Ragama to promote vocational education.

Views expressed are personal/ Photo source www

By Prof. Samitha Hettige