Business
Sri Lankan cuisine – a vision for the future at Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka 2022
Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka and Dilmah have collaborated since the inception of the prestigious, global challenge in Sri Lanka, to inspire Sri Lankans with culinary ambition while exploring the potential for Sri Lankan cuisine in the 21st Century. With two young Sri Lankan Chefs winning Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka 2022 and going on to represent Sri Lanka in the Asian finals, our island’s human and culinary potential were evident in abundance in the passion and commitment of each of the contestants. Also on display was the potential for modern, sustainable Sri Lankan cuisine in the hands of young women and men with culinary aspirations.Eightee teams – each comprising a chef and apprentice – produced aromas, flavours and textures inspired by Sri Lanka in a live cooking session of five hours and 35 minutes. They competed in the Sri Lanka national contest for an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka in the Asian semi final, eventually leading to Lyon, France and the final of Bocuse d’Or. Gold medallist Chef Madushanka De Silva and Commis Siyathma Perera from Waters Edge are the winners who will progress to representing Sri Lanka at Bocuse d’Or Asia.
The challenge which took place at the William Angliss Institute on April 27, 2022 was followed by an awarding ceremony held at Waters Edge, with French Ambassador Eric Lavertu, attending as Chief Guest. Also present were European Union Ambassador Denis Chaibi and Australian High Commissioner David Holly and their spouses.
The winners will now take forth the flavours of Sri Lanka at the Bocuse d’Or Asia Finals, in order to progress to the grand finals in Lyon, France. Speaking at the event, Dilmah CEO, Dilhan C. Fernando explained the significance of Bocuse d’Or for Sri Lanka,
“Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka is not simply the world’s most prestigious culinary competition; it is unlocking the value of Sri Lankan ingredients – adding value to our exports – unlocking the potential in the young women and men who have experienced this challenge and who are ready to face the culinary world.”
President of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka, Rohan Fernandopulle added,
“As we face the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka, we are conscious of how it has impacted the hospitality industry and the livelihood of the people who are in the trade. In such times, we must collaborate to maintain and uplift employee morale in efforts to sustain the industry… Participating in such global events will allow chefs to learn, develop new skills and techniques, network both locally and internationally, and most importantly, provide purpose to be resilient in these trying times.”
The distinguished panel of Judges included the ‘Godfather’ of Singapore’s Culinary Fraternity – Chef Otto Weibel as Chief Judge, Chef Roberto Beltramini from Italy and Belgian Chef Michael Saelen. Addressing his experience as first-time judge for Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka, was Official Worldchefs Judge since 2006, Robert Beltramini, who said,
“I was very happy to see that all the Chefs had put a lot of energy into what we have seen today. It’s been an amazing journey for me through all the spices and flavours… It’s very important to show the spirit of Bocuse d’Or and you showed it today.”
Chef M.M.A.Manathunga and Commis Dilhan Saraiffodeen from Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya won Silver medals, while Chef Ethige Mihishan Rashminga Silva and Commis Induwara Pathiranage from Hilton Colombo Residences were chosen Bronze medallists. A special awards for Best Tea Inspired Dish was awarded to Chef A.C.Madhawa and Commis P.P.Thennakoon from Cinnamon Grand Hotel, whose Dilmah Berry Sensation Ceylon Tea infused beetroot in chicken leg ragout won the judges’ acclaim. Dilhan Saraiffodeen from Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya secured the award for ‘Best Commis’.
Dilmah was the main sponsor of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka with other sponsors So Sri Lanka, Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association, William Angliss, Unilever Food Solutions, Sabatino Tartufi, Nestle Professional, Maxies, CDC Events, Round Island, East-West Food (PVT) Ltd, Sri Lankan Airlines, Meadow Land, Singer, Red FM, SRK Portraits Photography Directors LK and Pulse.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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