Bank of Ceylon (BOC) successfully hosted a thought leadership session titled “Future of Finance” on June 11 at its head office. The event brought together industry leaders and finance professionals to explore the shifting landscape of finance driven by digital transformation, evolving customer expectations, and regulatory changes.

The session was attended by the BOC chairman Kavinda de Zoysa (FCMA CGMA), Andrew Harding (FCMA, CGMA), Chief Executive – Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, Ms. Irene Teng – Executive Vice President Global Markets AICPA & CIMA Venkkat Ramanan (FCMA, CGMA) – Vice President, APAC AICPA & CIMA and Tharindu Wijewardana (ACMA UK, CGMA) – Country Head, AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka, BOC’s Corporate and Executive Management, BOC staff along with representatives from CIMA.

The keynote address delivered by Harding provided valuable insights on how the finance profession is being redefined in the digital age and the critical role of agility and innovation in financial leadership. A compelling panel discussion followed, featuring Harding and Kavinda de Zoysa who shared their views on the future of the finance function. The discussion, moderated by Nilantha Meneripitiyage, Chief Risk Officer of BOC, delved into key themes including the integration of advanced technologies, shifting regulatory frameworks, and the growing need for customer-centric financial solutions. The conversation was further enriched, offering perspectives on talent transformation, data- driven decision-making, and the increasing importance of sustainability in finance.

The 30th edition of the National Bartenders Competition, Sri Lanka’s premier bartending event, has reached its most exciting phase. With all six regional rounds now completed, the competition has selected 40 outstanding semi-finalists who gathered at Marino Beach Colombo on June 3rd for a thrilling semifinal showdown, an unforgettable evening of showmanship, precision, and artistry.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), and powered for the third consecutive year by International Distillers Ltd (IDL), the competition continues to uplift and celebrate the evolving spirit of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.

From the Cultural Triangle to Colombo, the regional rounds showcased exceptional flair and technique across both the Classic and Flair categories. At the semifinals, the bar was raised even higher. After a gripping display of creativity, confidence, and professional finesse, five finalists from each category were selected to advance to the Grand Finale, scheduled for June 18th at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, one of Sri Lanka’s leading boutique luxury resorts located on the unspoiled pristine beaches of Kalkudah, recently carried out a beach cleanup to address plastic pollution along the island’s scenic eastern coastline.

Held under the resort’s sustainability arm, Sun Siyam Cares, the initiative brought together staff, guests, and local community members to collect and responsibly dispose of plastic waste washed ashore, reaffirming the resort’s commitment to environmental protection and community-driven action.

The cleanup effort, which took place along the shores of the iconic Pasikudah Bay, focused on removing plastic bottles, wrappers, discarded fishing gear, and other marine debris that threaten the region’s biodiversity and tourism appeal. All waste collected was sorted for recycling and composting in alignment with the resort’s zero-waste management principles. The event also served as an educational moment, raising awareness among participants and the wider public about the dangers of marine plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable living.

This latest activity is part of Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s broader sustainability agenda, which has gained international recognition. The resort was recently named a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of hotels globally for exceptional service, guest experience, and sustainable practices. Furthermore, the property holds a prestigious Travelife Gold Certification for meeting comprehensive environmental and social responsibility criteria, from energy conservation to wildlife protection.

Sustainability is deeply integrated into every aspect of the resort’s operations. Sun Siyam Pasikudah boasts an on-site organic farm producing more than 38 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, significantly reducing its reliance on imported goods. It operates solar-powered installations and water-saving systems, uses energy-efficient lighting throughout the premises, and has eliminated single-use plastics entirely.

In addition to environmental stewardship, the resort supports local livelihoods, with more than 90 percent of its staff recruited from surrounding communities, and has incorporated local artisanship and culture into its guest experience.

Since its grand reopening in late 2023, Sun Siyam Pasikudah has played a vital role in revitalizing tourism in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. Its efforts have contributed to a significant uptick in regional visitor numbers, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a premier travel destination while fostering long-term economic benefits for the local community.

Through initiatives like the beach cleanup, the resort continues to set the standard for how the hospitality sector can lead with purpose, ensuring that tourism development is both inclusive and environmentally responsible.