Business
Chinese cultural diplomacy initiative seen as having ‘geopolitical undertones’
In a quiet but strategic cultural initiative, the City Alliance for Maritime Silk Road Heritage Conservation and World Heritage Nomination (CAMSR), a Chinese-led initiative with broad geopolitical undertones, is anchoring its South Asian focus on the historic port city of Galle this May.
An official delegation from CAMSR, a coalition of 34 Chinese cities and one from Indonesia, will arrive in Sri Lanka to host a promotional forum under the theme “Floral Whisper Along the Silk Road: Maritime Silk Road Cultural Journey.” Scheduled to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 19, the half-day event brings together Sri Lankan and Chinese tourism and heritage officials in a bid to deepen ties under the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework.
“This is more than just cultural diplomacy. It’s a calculated move to position Chinese heritage leadership as a lever for regional soft power, noted a Colombo-based geopolitical analyst familiar with China–Sri Lanka relations.
According to the invitation extended by CAMSR’s global fellow partner Li Pei Feng—who also curates the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum in Melaka—the event will feature keynote speeches from both the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the visiting Chinese delegation, alongside promotional videos, traditional dance performances and a ‘heritage salon forum’.
The core proposition? Heritage protection with an economic twist. CAMSR officials are expected to showcase tourism-driven conservation models, subtly steering host countries toward aligning their historic maritime infrastructure with China’s own world heritage nomination agenda.
For Galle, a city whose colonial ramparts have long attracted both scholars and tourists, the visit could signal fresh capital inflows. But observers also caution that cultural heritage may be increasingly tied to the strategic language of commerce.
“China is exporting a new model of heritage tourism—one that’s packaged with investment, development, and cross-border city alliances. The benefits are real, but so are the dependencies, said a tourism economist at a leading state university.
CAMSR’s headquarters sit within the Guangzhou Municipal Government, with coordination managed by its Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau—hinting at the level of institutional support behind the initiative. Among its member cities are economic giants like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Hong Kong.
Critics argue that the alliance, while publicly framed as a cultural endeavor, operates as a soft-power extension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with maritime cities from Southeast Asia to Africa subtly drawn into Beijing’s orbit.
“Inserting Galle into this alliance may appear benign, but it is a geopolitical chess move. Each cultural handshake masks deeper currents of trade route security and regional influence, said a senior official from Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry.
Sri Lanka’s growing debt exposure to Chinese infrastructure loans—most notably the Hambantota Port lease—has led to increased scrutiny over any new agreements or alignments. Yet Galle’s appeal lies in its touristic charm, not industrial output.
For local businesses, however, the CAMSR initiative presents both opportunity and dilemma.
“Galle’s tourism industry needs a post-pandemic boost. If China wants to channel tour groups and investments here, we need to be smart about regulation, ownership, and long-term control, said an heritage hotel operator in the city.
The CAMSR event could set the stage for future collaboration on conservation efforts, tourism projects, and perhaps more joint ventures. But as with any foreign-funded initiative in a fragile economy, the devil will be in the details.
By Ifham Nizam
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
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
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
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.”
-
News6 days agoRs 13 bn NDB fraud: Int’l forensic audit ordered
-
News4 days agoLanka faces crisis of conscience over fate of animals: Call for compassion, law reform, and ethical responsibility
-
Opinion7 days agoShutting roof top solar panels – a crime
-
News3 days agoWhistleblowers ask Treasury Chief to resign over theft of USD 2.5 mn
-
News3 days agoNo cyber hack: Fintech expert exposes shocking legacy flaws that led to $2.5 million theft
-
News7 days agoChurch calls for Deputy Defence Minister’s removal, establishment of Independent Prosecutor’s Office
-
News4 days agoUSD 2 mn bribe: CID ordered to arrest Shasheendra R, warrant issued against ex-SriLankan CEO’s wife
-
Features7 days agoThe Digital Pulse: How AI is redefining health care in Sri Lanka?
