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The Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management celebrates World Tourism Day 2025, empowering youth for sustainable tourism

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The Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) celebrated Tourism Day 2025 with a vibrant event designed to inspire the next generation of tourism leaders. Organized by students from the Advanced Diploma of Travel & Tourism Management, the event aligned with the United Nations World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, highlighting the crucial role of youth in building an equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism industry.

The day brought together industry experts, university students, and high schoolers for a dynamic program of insightful discussions, cultural showcases, and collaborative activities. A key highlight was a panel discussion on the role of youth in sustainable tourism.

Distinguished panelists included D.K.R. Dharmapala (Chief Executive Officer, Lanka Sportreizen), Sanchitha Uduwavidana (Director of Human Resources, City of Dreams Sri Lanka), Menik Paranawithane (Manager – Marketing Communications & B2C, DTH Travel), Shaleen Shanthikumar (Director/General Manager, The Serendipity Collection & The Serendipity Experiences), and Thushni De Silva (Travel Specialist and Co-founder of the Women in Travel Collective). The discussion explored how young people can champion sustainable practices, sports tourism, wellness travel, and innovative entrepreneurship to shape the industry’s future. Panelists emphasized that youth have the power to drive positive change by embracing creativity, technology, and responsible practices. The session concluded with a call to action for participants to harness their passion and fresh perspectives to build a tourism industry that protects the planet, preserves culture, and fosters meaningful global connections.

Adding to the day’s learning experience, Jude Malindra, Tourism Consultant and Co-founder of Mindful Retreats Sri Lanka, delivered an engaging session on wellness tourism. He highlighted that wellness travel should uplift not only individuals but also entire communities. Sharing strategies on co-creating experiences with local populations, revenue-sharing models, and authentic Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine practices, he emphasized, “True wellness empowers and uplifts entire communities by honoring indigenous medicine—not exploiting them.”

Beyond discussions, the event celebrated Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Guests enjoyed traditional performances, while an inter-university quiz challenged participants’ knowledge of tourism trends and sustainability. CAHM’s culinary and hospitality students also showcased their talents by preparing and serving a variety of authentic Sri Lankan delicacies, offering attendees a true taste of the island’s culture.

Tourism Day 2025 at CAHM sent a clear message that young minds are central to transforming the future of tourism. By embracing sustainable practices, innovation, and a strong sense of community, the next generation is well-positioned to lead the industry toward resilience, inclusivity, and long-term success.



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Aitken Spence Elevators and CINEC usher in a new era for Sri Lanka’s elevator industry

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Aitken Spence Elevators, in collaboration with CINEC Campus, recently held the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the latest batch of trainees of the Elevator Serviceman Course at the Elevator Training Centre (ETC). The graduates were awarded their NVQ Level 3 certifications, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey within Sri Lanka’s vertical transportation industry.

The certification programme was developed in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Ministry of Vocational Training & Skills Development, ensuring trainees received industry-recognised qualifications, alongside strong practical competencies. The ceremony was attended by directors of both Aitken Spence and CINEC Campus, as well as staff members, lecturers, and invited guests of the graduating students

Anuka Prashan Pieris was recognised as the Most Outstanding Student of the batch in appreciation of his exceptional performance and commitment throughout the programme. The Elevator Training Centre plays a vital role in addressing the growing demand for skilled elevator service technicians through structured training and hands-on learning. The facility features Sri Lanka’s first Elevator Training Tower, offering trainees practical exposure aligned with both local and international standards.

All graduates of the current batch have already commenced their careers as technicians and supervisors at Aitken Spence Elevators. Their seamless transition into the workforce reflects the programme’s strong emphasis on developing job-ready professionals capable of contributing effectively from day one.

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Sterling Steels wins Merit Award at SLIA Annual Product Awards 2026

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA– Sterling Steels (Pvt) Ltd, a premier manufacturer of high-quality globally renowned steel roofing & cladding, announced it has been honored with a prestigious Merit Award at the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) Annual Product Awards 2026. The national recognition was awarded in the highly competitive Zinc-Aluminium Coated Profile Steel Sheet category, underscoring the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and superior quality in the Sri Lankan construction industry.

The award was presented during a grand ceremony held at the esteemed Nelum Pokuna Theatre, a key event in the nation’s architectural and construction calendar. The SLIA Annual Product Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for quality and design excellence, with products rigorously evaluated by a panel of distinguished architects and industry experts. Receiving this Merit Award positions Sterling Steels among the top-tier suppliers of building materials in the country.

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ComBank secures Global Finance Asia-Pacific regional award for Circular Economy Commitment

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Global Finance Circular Economy award

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been named the Asia Pacific regional winner of the Circular Economy Commitment award at the sixth annual Sustainable Finance Awards presented by Global Finance, securing a significant third-party endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to sustainable and responsible banking.

The award recognises leadership in advancing financing initiatives that promote the reuse and regeneration of materials and resources, thereby supporting production models that are environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient. Among the other regional recipients of the Circular Economy Commitment award this year are Scotiabank for North America and VUB for Central and Eastern Europe.

Kapila Hettihamu, Chief Risk Officer at Commercial Bank, accepted the award on behalf of the Bank at the presentation ceremony held recently at Landing 42 in London.

Global Finance announced the winners of its Sustainable Finance Awards programme for 2025, honouring global, regional and local leadership in funding initiatives designed to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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