Business

Room to Read and Colombo Stock Exchange ring the bell on behalf of education

Published

3 years ago

2024/02/3

On behalf of the ‘International Day of Education’ which was celebrated on the 24th of January, Room to Read Sri Lanka partnered with the Colombo Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell for trading. Room to Read marks this occasion as it approaches a significant milestone of transforming the lives of 40 million children across the globe through quality education in 2024.

Room to Read is a global nonprofit organization which creates a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. It achieves this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading through its Literacy Program, and by supporting girls in secondary education with life skills and financial literacy via its Girls’ Education Program, as they build skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. It collaborates with governments and other partner organizations to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale.

Addressing the gathering, CSE’s Chairman, Dilshan Wirasekara mentioned that “We at CSE, believe that an increase in the level of financial literacy can contribute to the improvement of rationality in investment decision making which will ultimately contribute to the overall development of the economy. The Colombo Stock Exchange Education Academy was formed in this context, to institutionalize financial education in Sri Lanka.”

He went on to say, “We are proud to be one of the key institutions that drive financial education in Sri Lanka. Established in March 2023, CSE Education Academy has undertaken numerous successful initiatives in recent years and aims to continue advancing financial awareness among the general public with special attention to youth so that we may cultivate the minds of tomorrow’s investors.”

Keynote speaker Shevanthi Jayasuriya, Country Director of Room to Read Sri Lanka emphasized on how this year, Room to Read Sri Lanka will focus largely on scale up and system integration with the support of the Ministry of Education, beyond conducting their regular programs in under-resourced communities. Recently, Room to Read Sri Lanka renewed its MOU with the government, to continue their work together with the national and provincial ministries of education, to help children receive quality education.

As of last year, Room to Read has been at the forefront of modifying the existing primary grade curriculum with its Literacy Program, also known as the Reading Development Program in Sri Lanka, introducing the Early Grade Reading Assessment for grades 1, 2, and 3. This initiative aims to enhance literacy skills among young students and create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

In her speech, Shevanthi also proudly announced the establishment of the National Consortium on Children’s Books in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka. This initiative brings together government and private sector leaders to set national standards for children’s books, ensuring a higher quality of reading materials for primary grade children across the country, while fostering the growth of the local publishing industry by providing essential training for young writers and illustrators.

Room to Read Sri Lanka is excited to expand its scope to the pre-school curriculum which started in 2023. This new venture involves comprehensive training programs for teachers, focusing on instilling a habit of reading in children even before they embark on their formal education.

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Business

Samagi Spice Exports to launch Ceylon Cinnamon based beverage range

Published

4 hours 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

20 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

20 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.