News
Ruwan Ratnayaka and Beyond Escapes sweep four honours at Asia Awards 2023
Ruwan Ratnayaka, the CEO of Beyond Escapes, secured two prestigious awards at the Asia Awards 2023 – Asia’s Tourism Icon Award and Asia’s Outstanding CEO Award. Beyond Escapes, under his leadership, also clinched two significant accolades: Asia’s Innovative Travel and Tourism Award and Asia’s Outstanding Community-Based Tourism Award, a release said.
It said: This marks the third occasion that Beyond Escapes has been recognized as the most innovative tourism services provider on the international stage. Previous accolades include the 2021 titles from the Travel and Hospitality Awards and Go Global Awards. The consistent recognition is attributed to the company’s innovative strategies, particularly its adept handling of business during the challenging COVID period, focusing on domestic travelers.
Ruwan Ratnayaka, with over 17 years in the industry and an extensive educational background, including a B.Sc. in Tourism Management, MBA in Marketing, and a Professional Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing (CIM), is currently on the verge of completing his Ph.D. He has contributed significantly to the industry as a resource person, university lecturer, and an innovative entrepreneur, creating brands like Beyond Escapes, Leopard Nest, Aktivitar, Glamp Collection, the MICE Team, and Be Sports. His sustainability and community-based tourism initiatives, such as “Go Camping Go Green,” have received international acclaim. One standout initiative is Ruwan’s 17-acre reforestation program in Yala, featuring the Leopard Nest tree house glamping concept.
Winning four titles in a single award ceremony is a remarkable achievement for Beyond Escapes, especially as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary in business in 2023.
Latest News
Singapore Zoo’s first Sri Lankan leopard cubs make their public debut
Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs that were born at the Singapore Zoo on Jan 1 have now made their public debut at the facility.
The two males and one female, born to mother Yala and father Asanka, are the first of their species yo be born at the Singapore Zoo. The last successful birth in Singapore was recorded at the Night Safari three decades ago.
The triplets, which are the pair’s first litter, are among around 80 Sri Lankan leopards in zoos worldwide.
The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
Visitors can now see the triplets at the Wild Africa exhibit, said the Mandai Wildlife Group in a statement on April 16.
The cubs can be found in the exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Yala with her cubs in their nest box, a month after their birth on Jan 1. (Straits Times)
A leopard cub investigating a piece of meat suspended from a tree – one of the several enrichment items in the Wild Africa exhibit designed to keep the cats mentally and physically stimulated. (Straits Times)
Mandai Wildlife Group curator Anand Kumar said it took nearly three years and close collaboration across continents to bring together a compatible pair of Sri Lankan leopards.
(Straits Times)
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-zoos-first-sri-lankan-leopard-cubs-make-their-public-debut?ref=top-stories
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Sri Lanka Navy seize multi day fishing craft suspected of smuggling narcotics
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491
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