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Govt getting bullish about prospects for Hambantota International Port

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The discussion centred around the theme,’ utilizing key infrastructure, particularly in Hambantota and Colombo to spur economic growth

Focuses on its connectivity to Myanmar, East China and Africa

In a recent discussion convened at the Presidential Secretariat, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has articulated his vision for economic development and infrastructure investment, particularly focusing on the master plans for strategic tourism zones in the Eastern Province, the Colombo City and the Western Region and Greater Hambantota, according to the President’s Media Division.

The President has emphasized the economic potential of Hambantota, envisioning it as a pivotal hub for infrastructure development and connectivity. He has highlighted plans to link Hambantota to the Myanmar port, with further extensions anticipated up to Chongqing in eastern China and down to Africa.

President Wickremesinghe has also stressed the importance of leveraging the extensive investments already made in infrastructure in Hambantota, despite previous challenges.

“We have spent a significant amount on infrastructure here, and despite facing crises, it is imperative to capitalize on these investments,” President Wickremesinghe has said.

He has disclosed plans for allocating thousands of acres of land for investment zones, with additional acquisitions sought in the Moneragala area.

Moreover, the President advocated for strategic expansion into new areas, including Avissawella and Eheliyagoda, to alleviate urban congestion and foster new city centres. Plans for a North Colombo port expansion and potential industrial and IT parks were also discussed, aiming to attract investments and spur economic growth.

“We must concentrate our efforts and funds on key infrastructure, particularly in Hambantota and Colombo,” President Wickremesinghe stated.

He expressed confidence in attracting investors for heritage cities like Colombo once land availability is ensured. However, he acknowledged the need for continued investment in Hambantota to propel its development, highlighting it as the next significant hub after Colombo.

The development of Trincomalee as a major investment zone, in collaboration with India, emerged as a priority during the discussion. President Wickremesinghe announced plans for a joint working group to implement development initiatives in Trincomalee, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation in driving economic growth and regional stability.

President Wickremesinghe’s remarks underscored a strategic shift towards targeted infrastructure development, emphasizing the pivotal roles of Hambantota and the Eastern Province in economic growth and positioning it as a key player alongside Colombo in Sri Lanka’s development trajectory, the President’s Media said.



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Sri Lanka Tourism makes a strong impression at CMT 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany

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Sri Lanka Tourism marked its presence at CMT 2026, held in Stuttgart, Germany, one of the largest consumer travel fairs in Europe. The Sri Lanka Stand accommodated representatives from the local tourism industry, providing a valuable platform to connect directly with the German travel community, particularly travellers with long-haul travel intentions.

Sri Lanka’s participation at CMT 2026 enabled direct engagement with consumers and helped stimulate interest in exploring the country’s diverse and year-round travel experiences. This presence addressed a long-standing need for Sri Lanka Tourism to participate in major consumer-focused travel platforms, effectively taking destination promotion directly to the travellers’ doorstep.

A wide range of travel packages, customised itineraries, accommodation options, and experiential offerings were presented to interested German consumers by Sri Lankan DMCs, under the umbrella of Sri Lanka Tourism. The platform also allowed potential travellers to clarify concerns and queries related to planning travel to Sri Lanka through direct, face-to-face interactions with industry professionals.

These direct engagements enabled Sri Lankan industry participants to gain valuable insights into emerging travel interests, changing consumer behaviour, and evolving customer expectations in the German market. The face-to-face discussions with end consumers strengthened the industry’s understanding of demand trends and product requirements.

Strategically, Sri Lanka Tourism’s focus on B2C promotions serves as a catalyst for strengthening B2B platforms, ensuring that final decision-makers—the travellers—are actively engaged alongside trade partners. This alignment enhances the overall effectiveness of trade collaborations. Well-designed consumer promotion activities, including giveaways, contests, experiential engagements, and cultural performances, created emotional connections with visitors, improved destination recall, and reinforced Sri Lanka’s positioning as a compelling long-haul destination. (Sri Lanka Tourism)

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Adora raises the bar for hospital-backed aesthetic care in Wattala

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Dr. Piyumini Gunasekara on advanced non surgical treatments

Hemas Hospitals has strengthened its regional healthcare positioning with the launch of Adora Cosmetic Centre at Hemas Hospital Wattala, introducing a hospital-backed, clinically governed model of aesthetic medicine at a time when South Asia’s cosmetic sector is expanding faster than regulation.

Unlike standalone cosmetic clinics, Adora is fully integrated into the Hemas Hospital ecosystem, embedding aesthetic services within hospital-grade infrastructure, multidisciplinary medical support and internationally aligned clinical governance.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Lakith Peiris, Managing Director of Hemas Hospitals & Labs, said the centre represents a deliberate shift in strategy.

“Adora is not about cosmetic enhancement alone. It is built on protocols, trained clinicians and governance. As healthcare providers scale across the region, safety and medical credibility must remain non-negotiable,” he told The Island Financial Review.

The centre is positioned as a health-class facility, combining advanced aesthetic technologies with evidence-based medical pathways. This approach addresses growing regional concerns over unregulated cosmetic practices, offering patients reassurance through professional oversight and ethical medical standards.

Prabhan Gunawardena, Director General Manager of Hemas Hospital Wattala, said the initiative reflects both clinical responsibility and business foresight.

“The cosmetic industry is evolving rapidly across South Asia. Adora demonstrates how innovation can be scaled responsibly when anchored in medical expertise and hospital governance,” he said.

Detailing the centre’s scope, Dr. Piyumini Gunasekara, Medical Officer – Adora Cosmetic Centre, said treatments are designed to address medical and aesthetic concerns through personalised, evidence-based care.

She told The Island Financial Review:”We offer advanced non-surgical treatments for concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, collagen loss, enlarged pores, rosacea, UV damage, excessive sweating, warts and moles. Every procedure is clinically assessed and delivered within a hospital-backed framework to ensure safe and sustainable outcomes.”

Clinical governance remains central to operations, reinforced by Dr. Malith Atapattu, Director – Medical Services and Quality, who highlighted the importance of protocol-driven care in a sector often challenged by inconsistent standards.

As Sri Lanka positions itself as a regional healthcare and medical tourism destination, hospital-led aesthetic centres such as Adora signal a broader industry shift—where growth is aligned with governance, trust and long-term sustainability.

For Hemas Hospitals, Adora represents a calculated entry into a high-growth segment without compromising medical integrity. For the region, it underscores a clear message: the future of aesthetic care lies in hospital-backed, clinically governed models—not cosmetic shortcuts.

By Ifham Nizam

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John Keells Consumer Foods Sector dominates SLIM National Sales Awards 2025 with landmark wins

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The John Keells Consumer Foods Sector (JKCF) has reinforced its standing as a powerhouse in Sri Lanka’s FMCG industry with an exceptional performance at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2025, securing an impressive total of 27 awards. This remarkable achievement reflects the sector’s unwavering commitment to building high-performing teams, nurturing sales excellence, and driving sustained growth across its diverse business verticals.

Representing the iconic brands of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS), Keells Food Products PLC (KFP), and Colombo Ice Company (CICL), JKCF has long been recognized for its rich legacy of innovation and leadership in beverages, frozen confectionery, and processed foods. Its long-standing focus on people capability and performance culture continues to fuel industry-leading achievements, with the latest recognition at SLIM NSA 2025 marking one of the largest collective wins by a single organization in the event’s history.

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