Business
Sri Lanka Tourism hosts a FAM tour for Filipino tour operators in order to enhance bilateral and business connections
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in collaboration with Sri Lanka Embassy in Manila recently hosted a familiarization tour for nine Filipino Tour Operators from March 29th to April 6th, 2023. The goal of the tour was to increase awareness of Sri Lanka as a new travel destination and to establish connections between Sri Lankan travel agents and Philippine travel agents. The familiarization tour included visits to various tourist destinations such as Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Galle, Bentota, and Colombo, showcasing the diverse offerings of Sri Lanka including luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, wildlife, ancient heritage sites, and world-renowned cuisine.
One of the main highlights of the tour was a visit to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site. The participants also visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa, (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), and were entertained by the Udarata Cultural Show in the evening. Additionally, a B2B session was conducted between Sri Lankan travel agents and Philippine tour agents with the aim to establish Sri Lanka’s presence in the Philippines as a preferred travel destination and to establish partnerships and linkages.
This initiative by the SLTPB and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines is a significant step in promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and expanding its market reach. The familiarization tour provided the Filipino Tour Operators with a firsthand experience of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings and an opportunity to establish business partnerships with Sri Lankan travel agents. The Travel Trade B2B secession was held on 04th April at Cinnamon Lakeside by participation of 60 Sri Lankan trade partners, creating economic opportunities for both countries. The Philippine travel agents also received Souvenirs from the SLTPB officials to mark their visit, and seemed to be equally delighted with their gifts and the warm hospitality which they have received during their stay in Sri Lanka. Given the proper accessibility and recognition, Philippines can become a crucial market for Sri Lanka bringing in more tourist arrivals from the Philippines in the long run.
Business
Lassana.com opens latest outlet at Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Lassana.com, Sri Lanka’s leading floral and gifting brand, officially unveiled its newest flower shop at Cinnamon Grand Colombo recently. The move strengthens the brand’s presence in Colombo’s hospitality and lifestyle sector, offering customers convenient access to premium floral gifting and floral wedding experiences.
The new shop was ceremonially declared open by the Chief Guest Sanath Manatunge – CEO of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, together with the Guest of Honour, Lassana.com Brand Ambassador and former Miss Sri Lanka World Anudi Gunasekera. Dr. Lasantha Malavige – Chairman & Managing Director, Piet De Jong – Head of Flower Division, both of Lassana Group of Companies, Nazoomi Azhar – General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Yoosuf Sirajudeen – Manager-Luxury Weddings at Lassana Flora Weddings, together with a large gathering of distinguished guests and well-wishers were also present at the occasion.
The new Lassana.com outlet has been designed to offer a carefully-curated selection of fresh flowers, floral arrangements and gifting solutions, providing hotel guests, corporate clients, residents, and visitors with convenient access to high-quality floral gifting in the heart of the city. Located in the lobby of one of Colombo’s most iconic hospitality destinations, the new flower shop combines elegance, convenience, and the trusted quality that customers have come to associate with the Lassana.com brand. The outlet will also serve as a showcase for the company’s floral artistry and wedding expertise.
Business
Asiri Central Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Centre records 200 successful transplants
Kidney transplantation at Asiri Health’s Asiri Central Hospital is setting a strong benchmark in advanced renal care in Sri Lanka, offering patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure access to highly specialised, safe and comprehensive transplant treatment locally. With more than 200 successful kidney transplant surgeries completed and a success rate exceeding 98%, the hospital’s Kidney Transplant Centre has earned the confidence of both patients and the fraternity through consistently strong clinical outcomes, experienced specialist care and advanced transplant infrastructure.
A key strength of the programme lies in its dedicated transplant unit, developed specifically to support complex renal transplant procedures within a highly controlled environment aligned with international standards of safety, infection prevention and post-operative care. Supported by modern technology and advanced clinical protocols, the centre has become a trusted referral destination for patients requiring specialised kidney transplant treatment. Medical experts at the hospital also stress the importance of early intervention and specialist consultation, particularly for patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions that may lead to kidney failure.
Recognised for its multidisciplinary approach and carefully coordinated treatment pathways, the programme brings together consultant nephrologists, transplant surgeons, vascular surgeons, specialised nursing teams and clinical support staff who work collaboratively throughout every stage of the patient journey. From pre-transplant evaluations and donor matching to surgery, recovery and long-term follow-up care, the focus remains on delivering personalised treatment with the highest standards of patient safety and clinical oversight.
Commenting further, Dr. Manjula Karunaratne, Advisor to Chairman & Medical Consultant, Asiri Health, stated: “Our Kidney Transplant Centre has been built on a foundation of clinical expertise and patient-centred care.
Business
Mastercard announces leadership changes to accelerate growth across five key markets in South Asia
Mastercard has announced significant leadership appointments aimed at strengthening South Asia operations, by creating a more integrated model for Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.The growing synergies within these countries, especially with regard to the focus on tourism and cross-border trade and payments innovation, makes this integration crucial in scaling the operations and underscores the company’s commitment to unlocking shared growth opportunities across these markets.
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