Prepare for a theatrical experience that brings people together and celebrates life. The Peterite Arts Foundation, in proud association with World Vision Lanka, announces the showing of an amateur production arranged with Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd. Every Brilliant Thing, the acclaimed solo play by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe. Directed by Theruni Indrapala, the play’s lead is played by former Peterite Mario de Soyza. This uplifting, interactive production will run at Kamatha Studio, BMICH, Colombo, from 05 to 08 November 2026.

Every Brilliant Thing tells a deeply moving yet joyful story. At seven, the narrator begins listing everything worth living for, from ‘ice cream’ and ‘things with stripes’ to ‘rollercoasters’, hoping to help his mother through depression. Over time, the list grows to more than a million entries and becomes a lifelong source of comfort for the narrator.

What began as a short monologue in 2006 has grown into a global phenomenon, performed in more than 80 countries across five continents. Its hopeful message has reached audiences in extraordinary settings, including aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier. The play has also been translated into 44 languages, including Arabic and Greek, with a special Chinese adaptation titled Every Brilliant Little Thing.

The play’s need for emotional intelligence, openness and a strong connection with the audience attracted a distinguished line-up of performers. Following a successful West End run featuring Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver, the play made its Broadway debut at the Hudson Theatre, where it ran from 21 February to 9 August 2026. Tony Award winner Daniel Radcliffe opened the Broadway production, receiving critical acclaim and a Tony nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Play. Law & Order: SVU icon Mariska Hargitay then made her official Broadway debut in the role, followed by Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross, who closed the run.

JXG (Janashakthi Group) celebrated the graduation of Spartans I, the inaugural cohort of its JXG Management Trainee Programme, at a ceremony held recently at Hilton Colombo Residences.

The ceremony marked the completion of an 18-month development journey for the Management Trainees, who have now transitioned into their new professional roles with career placements across JXG and its subsidiaries, including First Capital, Janashakthi Life, and Janashakthi Finance. The programme was designed to give young talent broad exposure across JXG, building business understanding, experience, and relationships while preparing them to take on greater responsibilities.

Reflecting on the journey, the ceremony explored the theme ‘Beginning to Becoming’, highlighting the experiences, growth, and transformation of the Spartans I cohort. The graduates also shared reflections from their 18 months within the Group, followed by an “Honouring Excellence” segment recognising their achievements throughout the programme.

Delivering the keynote, Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director / Group CEO of JXG (Janashakthi Group), emphasised that graduation marks not an end, but the beginning of a larger professional journey. He encouraged the graduates to turn exposure into business understanding, take ownership, keep learning, build strong relationships, innovate, and continue developing themselves and others as they grow within the organisation.

“Spartans was created to give young talent the opportunity to learn, grow, and build meaningful careers within JXG. Over the past 18 months, our first cohort has gained valuable experience across the Group and grown into confident young professionals. Their journey reflects our purpose of ‘Breaking Barriers, Forging Futures’ in action. As they take the next steps in their careers, we look forward to seeing them build on this experience and contribute meaningfully to JXG,” said Wasanthi Stephen, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, JXG (Janashakthi Group).

The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka, the national industry body, successfully completed conducting a new 3-month ‘Certificate Course in Public Relations and Corporate Communications’ in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Press Institute. All members of the inaugural batch passed the course, with a majority gaining Merit and Distinction grades. The Graduation Ceremony was held on the 17th of September.

The course largely drew young working adults who wanted to learn more about this professional field or wanted to broaden their skills in the field. In a feedback survey, they expressed their satisfaction about the course as follows: 84% indicated that the course met or exceeded expectations and were satisfied or very satisfied. 100% indicated that the course was relevant to them and 74% said they would recommend the course to others.

The course was curated by PRASL president Nimal Gunewardena, who has significant experience in teaching and putting together such courses for SLIM, SLFI and others. SLPI CEO Kumar Lopez recalled a similar course on Advertising & Communications done with SLPI over 10 years ago with Nimal’s involvement. The Course was coordinated by PRASL Directors Sheranga Rajasuriya and Nevindee Amarasinghe and SLPI’s Dineshika Udyangi. PRASL and SLPI are planning to repeat the course in 2027.

This course reflects the new strategic direction PRASL has set itself, to reposition PR as ‘The Vital Strategic Communications Discipline that Drives Initiatives and Protects Reputation’. Hence, the course drew on senior industry professionals to teach a wide range of topics with case studies and practical experience. Interactive sessions included Issues & Crisis Management, Campaign Development, Execution & Evaluation, Digital PR and Content Development, Corporate Communications, Social Responsibility & Ethics, Event & Account Management, Internal Communications, Media, Target Audiences and Media Relations and more.

An end-of-course examination tested the participants’ thinking and presentation skills where they had to answer questions on all 20 topics covered, and do a written paper on a campaign to drive a passion project, and present advocacy campaigns on trending topics such as mitigating plastic pollution and road accidents, and against deforestation and sexual harassment.

As the next level up, PRASL is planning masterclasses with foreign and local trainers, customized training for corporates, and a higher level Diploma programme.

Those who wish to join PRASL as Professional, Associate or Graduate Members, gain professional recognition and contribute to the Association’s initiatives and projects may learn more from their website www.prasl.lk and Facebook page or write to membership@prasl.lk