Business
Brand Sri Lanka reports robust health as per latest brand report

Sri Lanka Tourism has driven a host of initiatives in recent months, to increase brand recognition and recall for the ‘Sri Lanka’ brand across multiple platforms. The work undertaken in strengthening the Sri Lanka brand is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and re-establish Sri Lanka as the destination of choice for travelers this winter season and beyond.
However, to cement Sri Lanka’s brand standing in top source markets post-COVID, the local tourism industry will need to develop and launch innovative campaigns and packages, that attract high value tourists to the country.
To support this endeavor, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Australian Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF), invited stakeholders in the tourism industry to a webinar on ‘Business and Consumer Insights for Tourism Reopening in Sri Lanka’.
The event shared findings and analysis from SLTDA-MDF’s latest report, ‘Sri Lanka’s Competitive Brand Standing and Consumer Travel Perceptions to Drive Smart, Sustainable Tourism Recovery’ to support the industry to make informed decisions as Sri Lanka competes in the highly-competitive post-COVID tourism marketplace.
Developed by Twenty31 Consulting Inc., global leaders in tourism data, the report was informed by over 10,000 online surveys and interviews of travel consumers across 10 key outbound travel markets for Sri Lanka – China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States.
Prominent panel, represented by Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority; Hiran Cooray, Jetwing Symphony PLC; Oliver Martin, Partner, twenty 31 Consulting Inc; and Katherine Droga, Founder, Droga & Co spearheaded the discussion.
The discussion focused on how the Sri Lanka destination brand is perceived in the shrunken and competitive post-pandemic travel market, based on consumers’ path to purchase – familiarity, impression, interest, and recommendation. In other words, how familiar consumers are with the brand, current consumer perceptions, interest and intent around travel to Sri Lanka, potential to recommend Sri Lanka as a holiday experience, and demographics of Sri Lanka’s ideal travel consumer.
Overall, the report revealed that the ranking shows a positive trajectory for Sri Lanka, with scope to boost Sri Lanka’s brand perception.
The key findings from the report revealed, that about 70% of high value consumers select a destination solely based on the perception of the brand, and that 44% of travel consumers have a positive impression of Sri Lanka’s travel experience, a key insight for Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy post-COVID.
Across all ten source markets, Sri Lanka’s ideal travel consumers were characterized as immersive and learner travelers with high education and incomes, interested in authentic cultural experiences, enriching knowledge and learning about other cultures and history.
Further, it was found that the emerging post-COVID travel consumers are willing to pay for a higher quality tourism experience and that price slashing is not needed to stimulate travel to Sri Lanka. An overwhelming majority of travel consumers were also willing to pay more for a responsible and sustainable tourism experience.
With a multitude of authentic experiences, cultural offerings and with sustainability at the core of the tourism strategy, Sri Lanka is well-placed to attract these tourists.
Business
Yamaha roars back into Sri Lanka with stylish relaunch and ‘Built to Ride ‘campaign

Associated Motorways (AMW), Yamaha’s exclusive Sri Lankan distributor for over 75 years, celebrated the brand’s grand return after a five-year hiatus due to import restrictions. Marking the occasion, AMW hosted a groundbreaking fashion-themed launch event on 14th June 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, unveiling a new lineup of fuel-efficient motorcycles and scooters, including the standout Yamaha RayZR 125 (71km/l).
Beyond specs, Yamaha’s “Built to Ride” campaign highlights the passion and resilience of Sri Lankan riders, focusing on emotion over mechanics. Andre Bonthuys, AMW’s Group Managing Director, emphasized Yamaha’s commitment to redefining the riding experience. Backed by AMW’s service excellence and global “Kando” philosophy, Yamaha’s return promises to revitalize Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market with performance, innovation, and style.
Business
Pelwatte Dairy launches landmark pension scheme for Sri Lankan dairy farmers

In a historic move that redefines rural financial security, Pelwatte Dairy Industries has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.
Pelwatte Dairy, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost homegrown dairy brands, has long been a pillar in the push to replace imported dairy with locally produced milk, saving the nation billions in foreign exchange. Milk powder production is expected to increase by 80% upon completion of the new Kurunegala processing facility, supporting local demand and opening up new export opportunities.
This landmark pension initiative will benefit over 30,000 registered dairy farmers working with Pelwatte. Designed to offer financial stability post-retirement, the scheme ensures these vital contributors to Sri Lanka’s food security can live out their later years with dignity and peace of mind. Additional benefits will support health, education, and safety for the farmers’ families setting a new standard for agricultural welfare in the region.
“This is a defining milestone not just for Pelwatte, but for the entire Sri Lankan dairy sector,” said Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy. “It is our corporate responsibility to safeguard those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director, added: “We see this as more than a welfare initiative. It’s an investment in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and national economic resilience.”
Business
CEEDECS wins Best National Industry Brand award

CEEDECS Lanka Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a leading Sri Lankan construction firm, has been honored with the Best National Industry Brand Award in the Mining and Allied Industry Sector (Medium Scale) at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards, organized by the Industrial Development Board. The award recognizes their eco-friendly brand, Harithaweli Ready Mix, which offers sustainable alternatives to traditional sand-based construction materials.
Founded in 1999 and based in Mahara, Kadawatha, CEEDECS has over 20 years of expertise in construction, consultancy, and design. Harithaweli’s products—including Ready-Mix Plaster, Waterproof Solutions, and Tile Adhesives—are durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, gaining popularity among builders and contractors.
With 21 showrooms nationwide and multiple quality certifications, CEEDECS continues to expand its reach.
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