Business

The Winghead Shark

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/03/29

You’ve probably heard of Wilpattu National Park – home to the Sri Lankan leopard, one of our most elusive apex predators. But just offshore, in the coastal waters around Bathalangunduwa Island, lurks another equally fascinating and arguably more unusual predator. It doesn’t roam the jungle or leave paw prints in the sand. It glides silently through the shallow coastal seas, equipped with 360-degree vision and a head that looks like it belongs in a science fiction film.

Meet the winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii) — a truly unique member of the hammerhead family. With a wing-like head that spans nearly half its body length, it has the widest head-to-body ratio of any shark in the world. If the shape wasn’t wild enough, its head placement gives it an almost full panoramic visual field, with eyes placed so far apart they can nearly see behind themselves. This gives the winghead a massive binocular overlap — about 48 degrees, the highest known among sharks.

It’s like having rear-view mirrors built into your skull — and as if that wasn’t impressive enough, the winghead is incredibly agile, able to make tight turns and manoeuvres like a tuk-tuk dodging traffic.

But here’s what makes this shark even more extraordinary: it’s extremely rare. Winghead sharks are only confirmed to be present in the waters of northern Australia/southern Indonesia. And now, thanks to ongoing research by Blue Resources Trust (BRT), with support from several donors including the Tokyo Cement Group, Sri Lanka has joined that list.

BRT’s field team have recorded several winghead sharks (often multiple individuals within a single day) caught by small outboard fibre-reinforced plastic (OFRP) boats using ray gillnets. What’s more concerning is that most of these individuals were small — juveniles — suggesting that this region could be a nursery or breeding ground for the species.

Despite their advanced vision and agility, winghead sharks are proving to be highly vulnerable to the fisheries operating in the region. Like many sharks, they are not typically targeted — but they are often caught as by-catch, especially in gillnet fisheries. And because they grow slowly and have few pups, their populations can decline rapidly even with modest fishing pressure.

Sri Lanka’s northern marine waters — including those around Bathalangunduwa — are officially recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA). But without national management or regulations, these designations lack on-the-ground protection. Currently, there is no active management in place to prevent the accidental capture of rare species like the winghead.

That’s why this discovery matters. It’s not just about a cool-looking shark — it’s about Sri Lanka playing a critical role in the conservation of a species most people have never even heard of, despite them forming part of our national biodiversity. BRT is now working to better understand the scale of the issue: How many wingheads are being caught? Is Bathalangunduwa a critical breeding area? And what steps must be taken to protect this species before it’s too late?

So while the leopard prowls Wilpattu’s forests, let’s not forget to look seaward — to the quiet waters around Bathalangunduwa — where another rare predator, one of the strangest sharks in the world, may be fished to extinction unnoticed.

To explore the Bathalangunduwa ISRA maps and learn more, visit: https://sharkrayareas.org/portfolio-item/baththalangunduwa-isra/

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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”