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Republic Day celebrations at India House

The 76 Republic Day Celebrations, were held at India House, followed by a grand reception The formalities of brief speeches were followed by mingling with invited guests. There were many men in smart uniforms and dark lounge suits with women bringing glitz and glamour to the venue, many of them in saree. Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey in his speech said this day is not just about reflection but also about honoring values and principles that have shaped India at the world’s largest democracy and the fifth largest economy. Celebrations were also marked with military parades and cultural performances. (Zanita)
Pix by Dharmasena Wellipitiya
Life style
Hilton Colombo presents A Middle Eastern Flair

Hilton Colombo invited guests on a gastronomic journey through the heart of the Middle East with an exclusive culinary festival from March 1 to 31, 2025. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Chamlie Waidyaratne and his team, the festival showcased an array of authentic regional flavors, promising an unforgettable dining experience said a press release.
The grand opening of the festival was held recently and the event commenced with a religious choral performance by the Muslim Choral Ensemble of Sri Lanka, setting the tone for the evening. The grand opening of the festival was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including . Andrés Marcelo González Garrido – Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Sri Lanka, . Badli Hisham Adam – High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, H.E. Levan S. Dzhagaryan – Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, H.E Semih Lütfü Turgut – Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, diplomats of the High Commission of Canada, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo.
During the event, uests can indulge in this exceptional dining experience at Rs. 9,388 per person from Sunday to Thursday, while the weekend rate (Friday and Saturday) is Rs. 9,888 per person.
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Iftar at ITC Ratnadipa

A memorable iftar enhanced by exceptional culinary offerings in Colombo says a press release.The release said as twilight descends, experience a traditional Ramadan at ITC Ratnadipa, featuring a selection of iftar offerings that harmonize tradition with sophistication.
Share a memorable iftar this Ramadan with family, friends or colleagues here in the jewel in Colombo’s skyline from the 1st March onwards.
The release said break your fast by tucking into mezze, mixed grills, authentic dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine complemented by traditional beverages at the Indian Ocean Pavilion. This dining experience elevates traditional recipes while preserving its authentic roots, executed by culinary wizards at the all-day-dining (buffet) restaurant located on Level 3. The iftar buffet is priced at Rs. 6,300 ++ per person and happens daily from 6.15 pm – 9.00 pm onwards.
Gather at the Peshawri for a flavour packed iftar, with dishes from the North-West frontier. Served in a warm, welcoming space that captures the spirit of togetherness, Peshawri features a combination of breads and meats together with vegetarian options for your whole family. The atmosphere is serene while you enjoy your meal priced at Rs. 7,000++ per person.
The hotel will also offer a take-away service of mouthwatering biriyanis during the month of Ramadan. Relish in authentic tastes from timeless recipes, all in the comfort of your home, with orders placed 04 hours in advance. The Biryani sawans serve 06 adults comfortably and is priced at Rs. 13,400++ (Chicken biryani) and Rs. 22,323++ (Mutton biriyani).
ITC Ratnadipa also invites you to host iftar gatherings at the beautiful Sangam Ballroom with a minimum guest count of up to 100 people. A beautiful occasion, one that everyone is welcome as you dig into feast of Arabic and international favourites. Celebrate the traditions of the holy month with a curated menu at Sangam priced at Rs. 8,186++ per person applicable for all Corporate iftars. Prayer facilities will be provided.
Life style
Master English communication with sabrina

Sabrina Zavahir, the Founder of Verbalize Speaker-Hub, is a trailblazer in enhancing communication skills, both for corporate employees and job seekers, through her innovative approach in setting up a communication hub
To empower young professionals and career seekers to enhance their soft skills to succeed in today’s competitive job market Verbalize speaker- Hub was launched to empower young professionals .
Considering this vacuum in the corporate sector Verbalize Speaker Hub, was founded in view of taking into account on how Communication in Effective English is one of the most important levers of management that an organization can implement for the formation of teams and achieving valuable performance.
Drawing from her extensive media exposure, lecturing experience, Journalism and corporate work background, she created a customised programme aimed at advancing both written and spoken communication. This initiative is designed to help individuals sharpen their language skills, enabling them to thrive in professional environments or secure job opportunities. By tailoring her programme to meet specific needs, Sabrina ensures that participants receive targeted guidance, enhancing their ability to express ideas transparently and effectively. Her unique combination of expertise in media, education, and business gives her an edge in delivering high-quality training that addresses real-world communication challenges. This programme continues to empower individuals, making Sabrina Zavahir a key figure in fostering better communication for career success.
dence. These improve vate team performance and customer satisfaction, which are essential components of today’s business accomplishment.
To strengthen the Verbalize Speaker-Hub business concept, Sabrina Zavahir, partnered with CAREER 141 for strategic corporate talent fulfillment and collaborated with BIMT Colombo Campus as the premier corporate education resource center. This powerful alliance enhances the project reach and impact, providing tailored communication training solutions for both corporate professionals and job seekers, while aligning with leading organizations to foster career development and communication excellence across industries.
The event sponsor was AICPA AND CIMA Sri Lanka while the digital partner was Digital – Timez . The launch was , attended by industry professionals, young leaders, and corporate partners, where Verbalize Speaker Hub (Pvt) Ltd, showcased the company’s vision and commitment to shaping the future of the workforce.
Sabrina Zavahir is a seasoned media personality with over 15 years of experience and counting, currently serving as a News Presenter and Broadcaster at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. She has 12 years of corporate experience as being a HR professional in a leading conglomerate and at a telecom company, managing VIP clients. Sabrina is an IELTS Speech Evaluator and Trainer, a registered Speech and Drama instructor at Trinity College of London, and holds a Master’s degree from Canterbury Christ Church University (UK) together with a TESOL qualification. She is also pursuing a certification to be a Life and Business Coach.
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