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SriLankan Airlines Zeros in on tourists from MENA at ATM 2023

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Agents from Saudi Arabia with Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer SriLankan Airlines, in the SriLankan Airlines’ stall at ATM 202

SriLankan Airlines joined the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) 2023, Middle East’s leading international travel and tourism event, from 1 – 4 May in Dubai, to boost tourism from the Middle East and North Africa. The ATM has been a mainstay on the SriLankan Airlines’ calendar as the event affords unparalleled opportunities to network with travel trade luminaries and highlight the airline in the Middle East. The region is an important source market for high-net worth tourists and SriLankan promoted its flight services from the Middle East to Sri Lanka and beyond for leisure travel at ATM 2023.

SriLankan Airlines currently operates over 40 weekly flights to the Middle East spanning the key cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; Doha in Qatar; Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; and Kuwait. The airline is now looking to further strengthen its operations in the Middle East with the anticipated new aircraft deliveries to its fleet in the near future. SriLankan’s plans for the Middle East include an increase in the number of weekly flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha and the relaunch of services to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

For Middle Eastern customers seeking the thrill and vibrancy of Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines is arguably the best choice of travel due to the airline’s convenient and direct flight options between multiple cities across the Middle East and the island. SriLankan Airlines further offers quick connections to passengers travelling beyond Colombo to the Maldives, India and the Far East, which are prominently covered in the airline’s network.

This year’s ATM drew travel and tourism professionals as well as media from all corners of the world. SriLankan Airlines is optimistic that its participation at this unique event will help mobilize support from the Middle Eastern travel trade for the airline and Sri Lanka, and entice tourists from the region to make Sri Lanka their next vacation stop.



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IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT

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From left: Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive, Hayleys PLC,Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited; Yoosoof Ihthisham, General Manager of Fentons Information Technology; Adam Paclt, Chief Executive Officer of IceWarp Global and Hayleys Fentons Information Technology (FIT) Team

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.

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Ceylon Energy and HJT China complete key power projects under SESRIP in Sri Lanka

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The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines

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.

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Eventistry Sports launches Sri Lanka’s inaugural franchise padel league

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The league’s launch on June 21– 23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC)

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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