Business
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka appoints top aviation professional Lakshika Gunatilake to head LowePublic
The MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG), the largest multidisciplinary brand communications group has appointed Lakshika Gunatilake, as the head of its Public Relations arm – LowePublic. Ms. Gunatilake joins the group after serving at Sri Lankan Airlines for the past 23 years. Her last position prior to taking up the role with MLG being – SriLankan Airline’s Digital Communications and Social Media Manager where she oversaw the deployment and strategizing of Digital Marketing and Social Media Communication and Social PR programs across local and international markets.
Gunatilake brings a wealth of experience having served in a range of dynamic roles in the airline such as, but not limited to, Advertising, Procurement, and Passenger Operations. She has been tasked to oversee the rapid growth and expansion of LowePublic over the next 3 years and bring it on par with all of the group’s other 9 business verticals.
The above appointment at MullenLowe is strategic in nature as the group capitalises on significant shifts in its business to meet the transitionary phase of the industry in which tech is rapidly evolving to influence choice, and build reputation for brands and companies.
Commenting on the appointment, Thayalan Bartlett Executive Chairman of The MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka said, we are delighted to welcome Lakshika at a defining moment of the industry and our own business. We believe that her vast experience dealing with overseas markets in a challenging industry such as aviation will be immensely useful as we sharpen our offering across a wide spectrum of clients. Our focus and thrust as a group has largely been on digital and tech in the last 24 months. With Lakshika on board we look forward to accelerating this transformation for LowePublic.
The MullenLowe Group (MLG) is Sri Lanka’s largest marketing communications group. The company, which until recently was owned by the US-based Interpublic Group (IPG), transitioned to local ownership and is a full member affiliate of MullenLowe Worlwide and part of a network of 95 global offices across 65 markets. MullenLowe Worldwide employs 6400+ people around the world, with the Sri Lanka office staffing 100 employees, and serving clients with diverse business interests in the Sri Lankan market. The Sri Lanka office is well represented across categories covering FMCG, Banking & Finance, Insurance, Leisure, Mobile & Broadband, Fintech, Enterprise Solutions, Milk based foods, Beauty & Personal and Home Care, Carbonated, Energy and Fresh Drinks, Packaged Foods & Biscuits and Sanitary Pads to name a few. This extensive portfolio comes together to dominate 80% of the top 10 and 50% of the top 20 advertised categories in the country. The group is supported by 9 independent strategic business verticals – MullenLowe, LoweLintas, LoweTech, LoweDigital, LoweMedia, LowePublic, LoweActive, LoweGo and Fever. By the sheer representation of diverse industries through these independent verticals, the Group draws on a vast amount of cross category knowledge making it the most influential brand communications group operating in the country.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
Business
Members’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a Members’ Night on March 27, at the Sophia Colombo City Hotel. The event, attended by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, offered a valuable platform for business leaders, embassy officials, and Members to discuss and explore opportunities for deeper Sri Lanka-Russia collaboration, a CCC news release said.
SLRBC President, Mr. Jude Fernando, kicked off the evening with a speech highlighting the importance of strengthening international ties, which was followed by H.E. Dzhagaryan’s address on the need for continued engagement between the two countries. The event featured networking opportunities, allowing Members to connect with key stakeholders and discuss future business ventures, followed by a delightful dinner.
The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including OCEAN 7 Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Bally/Walkers Tours, Fibre cement associations, Ceylon Fresh Teas, SCANWELL Logistics, Regency Teas, Shan Teas, and others, whose contributions were key to its success.
The SLRBC is committed to further facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Russia, continuing to foster stronger business relationships.
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