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DFCC Bank’s “Samata English” programme furthers commitment to sustainability through education

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In steadfast commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s youth with essential English language and soft skills, DFCC Bank completed its Samata English Programme for the 5th year running. The programme reached a remarkably successful conclusion, with students receiving their certificates at special Awards Ceremonies conducted by the respective DFCC Bank Branches, through which 81 students were honoured for their dedication and hard work for the batch of 2022. DFCC Samata English is undertaken with the support of Gateway Educational Services Pvt Ltd, an education services partner, who conducts the study programme.

The DFCC Samata English Programme has been a ray of hope for rural youth aged 18-25 who have completed the GCE Advanced Level Examination. It has effectively bridged the gap between education and employment, equipping these aspiring professionals with the linguistic and soft skills needed to excel in the competitive job market. The Bank also provides individuals who successfully completed the programme with internship and work opportunities, while in upcoming editions, a placement programme will also be introduced.

DFCC Bank’s unwavering commitment to Developing Resilient Communities has found expression through this initiative, aligning seamlessly with one of its core sustainability pillars –Education– one of the “6 Es” of the Bank’s long-term sustainability vision, which takes centre stage through this initiative. Furthermore, DFCC Samata English also happily aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, leveraging partnerships for sustainable development through its collaboration with Gateway Educational Services.

Over the past five years, the programme has directly impacted the lives of approximately 800 young individuals across the Island, including in regions such as Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle, Ampara, Rathnapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Badulla, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya and Hambantota. The programme’s top performers were provided internship opportunities at the Bank.

The programme’s significance goes beyond just language skills, explained Nilmini Gunaratne – Vice President- Head of Marketing and Sustainability at DFCC Bank, “Developing English language skills in young people helps to unlock a world of opportunity for them. Fluency in English enhances their employability and provides access to a limitless realm of information and global perspectives through the Internet. Learning these skills can help our youth engage as global citizens, broaden their horizons, and take advantage of opportunities at home and abroad.”

Samata English exemplifies DFCC Bank’s dedication to sustainable development, empowering the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to navigate a dynamic and competitive world, contributing to a brighter and more prosperous future for Sri Lanka.

The 3-month Spoken English course covers essential aspects like communication skills, grammar, listening, reading, and writing. It includes activity-based learning for practical experiences. Additionally, a one-month Soft Skills segment covers teamwork, time management, presentation skills, and interview preparation. Through DFCC Samata English, DFCC Bank supports breaking language barriers and creating employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth through education, contributing to the nation’s future beyond finance.



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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