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Cinnamon Grand Colombo kicks off the festive season with a grand Christmas cake mixing ceremony

The holiday spirit was officially ignited at Cinnamon Grand Colombo with a delightful and heartwarming Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, held on the 18th of October. This time-honored tradition, marking the beginning of the festive season, brought together guests and staff for a memorable evening of celebration, unity, and joy said a press release.
The release also said the grand lobby of Cinnamon Grand was transformed into a scene of festive enchantment, adorned with elegant decor. The sound of bagpipes echoed through the air, accompanied by swirling white smoke that added a magical touch to the event’s ambiance. The picturesque setting welcomed guests with a sense of wonder, perfectly capturing the essence of the holiday season.
Mr. Mikael Svensson, Chief Executive Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, graced the occasion and joined in the festivities, making the event even more special. His presence underscored the importance of this cherished tradition, as the gathering reflected the values of togetherness and community, which are at the heart of the festive season.
At the heart of the celebration was the ritual of cake mixing, where participants enthusiastically gathered to combine an assortment of ingredients — from dried fruits to nuts and warming spices. This shared experience symbolized unity and togetherness, as attendees came together to prepare the rich, flavorful mixture that will soon become Cinnamon Grand’s signature Christmas cake.
The ceremony was more than just an indulgence in holiday flavors; it was a celebration of friendship, love, and the spirit of giving. As the delightful aromas filled the air, laughter and camaraderie spread throughout the venue. The occasion culminated in a celebratory toast, where guests raised their glasses in a gesture of good cheer, welcoming the upcoming festive season with open hearts.
The hotel’s culinary team complemented the event with an exquisite array of cold canapes and refreshing drinks, ensuring that every guest enjoyed a taste of the season while savoring the joy and warmth of the moment.
Commenting on the event, Mr. Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President – Cinnamon Colombo Hotels & General Manager – Cinnamon Grand Colombo said, “We are delighted to host our annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, as it serves as a perfect way to bring people together in the true spirit of Christmas. This tradition is not only about preparing for the festive season but also about celebrating unity, joy, and the bonds that connect us all.”
Cinnamon Grand Colombo continues to honor this beloved tradition, creating cherished memories and celebrating the spirit of Christmas with its guests. As the festive season unfolds, the hotel looks forward to welcoming more guests to partake in the joy and togetherness that define the holidays.
Life style
Hilton Colombo presents A Middle Eastern Flair

Hilton Colombo invited guests on a gastronomic journey through the heart of the Middle East with an exclusive culinary festival from March 1 to 31, 2025. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Chamlie Waidyaratne and his team, the festival showcased an array of authentic regional flavors, promising an unforgettable dining experience said a press release.
The grand opening of the festival was held recently and the event commenced with a religious choral performance by the Muslim Choral Ensemble of Sri Lanka, setting the tone for the evening. The grand opening of the festival was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including . Andrés Marcelo González Garrido – Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Sri Lanka, . Badli Hisham Adam – High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, H.E. Levan S. Dzhagaryan – Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, H.E Semih Lütfü Turgut – Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, diplomats of the High Commission of Canada, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo.
During the event, uests can indulge in this exceptional dining experience at Rs. 9,388 per person from Sunday to Thursday, while the weekend rate (Friday and Saturday) is Rs. 9,888 per person.
Life style
Iftar at ITC Ratnadipa

A memorable iftar enhanced by exceptional culinary offerings in Colombo says a press release.The release said as twilight descends, experience a traditional Ramadan at ITC Ratnadipa, featuring a selection of iftar offerings that harmonize tradition with sophistication.
Share a memorable iftar this Ramadan with family, friends or colleagues here in the jewel in Colombo’s skyline from the 1st March onwards.
The release said break your fast by tucking into mezze, mixed grills, authentic dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine complemented by traditional beverages at the Indian Ocean Pavilion. This dining experience elevates traditional recipes while preserving its authentic roots, executed by culinary wizards at the all-day-dining (buffet) restaurant located on Level 3. The iftar buffet is priced at Rs. 6,300 ++ per person and happens daily from 6.15 pm – 9.00 pm onwards.
Gather at the Peshawri for a flavour packed iftar, with dishes from the North-West frontier. Served in a warm, welcoming space that captures the spirit of togetherness, Peshawri features a combination of breads and meats together with vegetarian options for your whole family. The atmosphere is serene while you enjoy your meal priced at Rs. 7,000++ per person.
The hotel will also offer a take-away service of mouthwatering biriyanis during the month of Ramadan. Relish in authentic tastes from timeless recipes, all in the comfort of your home, with orders placed 04 hours in advance. The Biryani sawans serve 06 adults comfortably and is priced at Rs. 13,400++ (Chicken biryani) and Rs. 22,323++ (Mutton biriyani).
ITC Ratnadipa also invites you to host iftar gatherings at the beautiful Sangam Ballroom with a minimum guest count of up to 100 people. A beautiful occasion, one that everyone is welcome as you dig into feast of Arabic and international favourites. Celebrate the traditions of the holy month with a curated menu at Sangam priced at Rs. 8,186++ per person applicable for all Corporate iftars. Prayer facilities will be provided.
Life style
Master English communication with sabrina

Sabrina Zavahir, the Founder of Verbalize Speaker-Hub, is a trailblazer in enhancing communication skills, both for corporate employees and job seekers, through her innovative approach in setting up a communication hub
To empower young professionals and career seekers to enhance their soft skills to succeed in today’s competitive job market Verbalize speaker- Hub was launched to empower young professionals .
Considering this vacuum in the corporate sector Verbalize Speaker Hub, was founded in view of taking into account on how Communication in Effective English is one of the most important levers of management that an organization can implement for the formation of teams and achieving valuable performance.
Drawing from her extensive media exposure, lecturing experience, Journalism and corporate work background, she created a customised programme aimed at advancing both written and spoken communication. This initiative is designed to help individuals sharpen their language skills, enabling them to thrive in professional environments or secure job opportunities. By tailoring her programme to meet specific needs, Sabrina ensures that participants receive targeted guidance, enhancing their ability to express ideas transparently and effectively. Her unique combination of expertise in media, education, and business gives her an edge in delivering high-quality training that addresses real-world communication challenges. This programme continues to empower individuals, making Sabrina Zavahir a key figure in fostering better communication for career success.
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