Business

Documentary on 72 years of Sri Lankan history

Published

5 years ago

2021/11/17

In a brand new initiative, under the working title ‘Project 72’, Roar Media and author Sarah Kabir are set to take a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s past since gaining Independence in 1948, entertainingly and educationally covering some of the most defining years in the nation’s history.

A first-of-its-kind documentary, Project 72 will portray Sri Lanka’s journey since Independence in a way it has never been seen before; From brilliant political manoeuvring to battles won and lost, ethnic tensions and moments of kindness — all through the eyes of witnesses, the voices of experts, and the memories of citizens who lived through these events.

Speaking on the project, Sarah Kabir stated: “Sri Lanka’s post-Independence history has largely been overlooked in the education curricula. From mainstream sources, we either hear one-sided accounts of events or nothing at all. As the saying goes, ‘If we close our eyes to the past, we remain blind to the present.’ Roar Media and I have embarked on this exciting new project hoping to spark debate and discussion amongst Sri Lankans, create awareness, and convey a pluralist history.”

The documentary hopes to provide in-depth coverage of key events from Sri Lanka’s past that have impacted the present, both negatively and positively, in an entertaining and educational manner. Focused on raising awareness and highlighting the struggles and the wins the country has gone through, Project 72 aims to be a comprehensive resource of the key milestones in Sri Lankan history, by focusing on a string of intersecting events and key debates and issues of the time.

The documentary will combine footage, images, animation, infographics, eye-witness accounts, and as many as 50 interviews from experts, and people who have spent their life researching and understanding these events and issues, as well as political leaders and key decision-makers at the time, and those who were eye-witnesses to many of these events, to provide a balanced and comprehensive perspective of Sri Lanka’s journey since Independence.

Coupled with a dynamic narration style and stunning visual representation, Project 72’s unadulterated narratives are set to match some of the top documentaries that are being streamed on platforms like Netflix.

Roar Media Editor-in-Chief Roel Raymond, speaking on the upcoming documentary, stated: “This is an ambitious and challenging — but deeply satisfying project we’ve embarked on, with Sarah Kabir, that seeks not just to confront our own—often inadequate—knowledge of Sri Lanka’s post-colonial history, but also creatively present our findings to a diverse and large audience, so that we are all able to function as an informed citizenry, with the ability to perform our civic duties.

“Creating impactful, authentic content is at the heart of what Roar does, and this project resonates with these goals, making for a seamless partnership—most certainly the first of many more to come.”

The documentary will be made available on its own comprehensive website in English, Sinhala and Tamil, along with a range of supporting materials, such as timelines, articles and more, so that all relevant information presented in the documentary is available for viewing at a glance. It will also host links to other related material, media, and content so that it will serve as a larger repository for information that gives historical context to the subject matter in the documentary.

Project 72 is, in many ways, a groundbreaking genre of filmmaking in Sri Lanka, as it bridges the gap between education, entertainment, and insight, to tell Sri Lanka’s story as it has never been told before.

Stay tuned to Roar Media’s social channels to watch the project unfold.

All News Advertisement

Business

Samagi Spice Exports to launch Ceylon Cinnamon based beverage range

Published

31 mins ago

2026/10/16

Priyan

The SPICEUP range of Cinnamon based beverages being launched by Samagi

Samagi Spice Exports (Pvt) Ltd is set to introduce SPICEUP, a new Sri Lankan beverage brand, at its grand launch on Saturday 17 October 2026 at the University of Ruhuna, Matara.

With a history dating back to 1969, Samagi Spice is taking a new step in its business journey by expanding beyond traditional spice exports into value added consumer products.

Through SPICEUP, the company aims to connect Sri Lanka’s internationally recognized cinnamon heritage with contemporary beverage innovation, creating a distinctive identity in the country’s beverage market.

The SPICEUP range will feature a variety of products, including Original, Cream Soda, Power, GO, Cool, Burn, Memo+ and Zingy. Designed to offer consumers a range of refreshment experiences, the products will be available in two packaging formats: cans and plastic bottles, catering to different consumer preferences and occasions.

At the heart of the initiative is the potential of true Ceylon cinnamon as a value-added ingredient in the beverage industry. Rather than limiting cinnamon to its traditional uses, SPICEUP seeks to explore new opportunities for bringing this iconic Sri Lankan spice into everyday consumer experiences.

The initiative also highlights the broader potential of transforming the country’s agricultural resources into innovative products with commercial value.

The launch ceremony will be attended by legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest, alongside representatives from the Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), Cinnamon Research Academy and other industry stakeholders.

A major highlight of the occasion will be the official unveiling of the SPICEUP product range, followed by the launch of the brand’s official website. The event will also feature the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Samagi Spice Exports and the University of Ruhuna, marking an important step towards strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.

The proposed collaboration will provide a platform for future research, product innovation and value addition involving true Ceylon cinnamon. By bringing together business expertise and university-based knowledge, the initiative aims to support the development of innovative, value-added products and contribute to Sri Lanka’s potential in international markets.

With its roots in the country’s spice industry and its ambitions in the beverage sector, SPICEUP is poised to begin a new chapter in Samagi Spice’s journey—one that seeks to bring the distinctive identity of Ceylon cinnamon to a new generation of consumers.

Business

Indian business leader urges SL entrepreneurs to tap into India’s rapidly expanding consumer market

Published

16 hours ago

2026/10/16

Thilina Walpola

T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL)

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Speaking at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026, T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), emphasised that local enterprises can unlock substantial economic benefits by strategically aligning with India’s booming consumer base.

Addressing business leaders and policymakers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, Krishnakumar highlighted that geographical proximity and rich cultural ties provide a natural foundation for deeper commercial collaboration.

He noted that instead of viewing bilateral trade narrowly, regional partnerships should act as conduits to build robust, scalable enterprises capable of plugging into wide-reaching regional value chains.

“For Sri Lankan exporters dealing in traditional staples as well as value-added goods, accessing India’s rising middle class presents a phenomenal growth window,” he said.

Drawing insights from Reliance Consumer Products’ rapid expansion – which scaled efficiently to thousands of employees and multi-billion-dollar metrics – Krishnakumar stressed that modern corporate success relies on disciplined execution, localised consumer understanding, and smart technology integration.

Furthermore, he underscored that while rapid growth is critical, businesses must consistently anchor their models in affordability and consumer trust.

Concluding his address at the summit, the RCPL chief noted that pairing regional trade integration with resilient business practices and predictable regulatory frameworks will be vital as Sri Lanka transitions firmly toward accelerated economic development.

Addressing the Summit during a subsequent fireside chat, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored that a core concern currently being targeted by the government is developing a critical mass of local entrepreneurs equipped to engage with international enterprise counterparts.

Business

SriLankan Airlines wins prestigious SATA 2026 Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline

Published

16 hours ago

2026/10/16

Thilina Walpola

SriLankan Airlines has once again been honoured with the prestigious Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, reaffirming its continued recognition in the regional travel and tourism industry. The airline, which has received this award in previous years, was the only international airline to be recognised in this category at this year’s event. The 10th anniversary edition of the awards ceremony was held earlier this month at Hotel Barcelo Nasandhura in Male, Maldives.

Recognised as one of the key events on the Maldivian tourism and travel industry calendar, SATA celebrated its 10th anniversary on a grand scale, bringing together prominent industry stakeholders, including Government Ministers, distinguished dignitaries, diplomats and senior representatives from leading airlines and their respective head offices.

Commenting on the achievement, Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial, SriLankan Airlines, stated, “We are honoured to receive this recognition at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. Being named the Leading International Airline in the Visitors’ Choice Awards once again is a meaningful acknowledgement of our commitment to serving our passengers and strengthening our presence in the region. This award inspires us to continue enhancing the travel experience we offer and to build stronger connections with the markets and communities we serve.”

Complementing its commitment to service excellence, SriLankan Airlines offers an extensive flight network with convenient connections to destinations across the globe. In South Asia, the airline operates nearly 130 flights each week to 15 destinations across India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh. With schedules thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of travellers, SriLankan Airlines provides seamless connectivity for those visiting Colombo for business or leisure, as well as passengers travelling onwards to destinations worldwide.