Business
ComBank takes empowering knowledge to entrepreneurs of Marawila & Wennappuwa

Nearly 100 micro and small business owners in the Marawila and Wennappuwa areas recently benefitted from a sustainable entrepreneurship development programme conducted for them by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon in collaboration with several other key institutions, a news release from the bank said..
Organised under Commercial Bank’s ‘Dirishakthi Sustainable Entrepreneurship Development initiatives, the seminar cum workshop provided the knowledge required to improve their technical and financial literacy and other entrepreneurship skills as well as information on relevant topics including business registration procedures and the banking products and services available to them to grow their businesses.
Resource persons for the programme represented the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, key departments of the Divisional Secretariat of Wennappuwa and Commercial Bank’s own Development Credit Department and Agriculture and Micro Finance Unit (AMFU), as well senior officers of the Bank.
The Bank said the principal objectives of the programme were to enhance financial and entrepreneurship skills, increase access to finance, empower decision making and to contribute to community development.
Among the speakers at the event were Commercial Bank’s Regional Manager – Colombo North Mr Anura Tennakoon, the Central Bank’s Regional Manager – Anuradhapura Mr Aruna Wijesiri, the Assistant Director – Small Enterprises Development of the Wennappuwa Divisional Secretariat Mrs Chamila Sudarshi, and several representatives of Commercial Bank.
The programme was organised by the Bank’s Agriculture and Microfinance Unit of Marawila with the participation of the Bank’s branches in Wennappuwa, Nattandiya and Marawila.
Programmes of this nature are supported by Commercial Bank’s 19 AMFUs which play a key role in helping the Bank to identify specific needs of entrepreneurs who require assistance to develop either their agriculture activities or micro businesses. These units are dedicated to promoting agriculture lending and micro finance.
Commercial Bank’s AMFUs are located in Ratnapura, Narammala, Nawalapitiya, Marawila, Anuradhapura, Kilinochchi, Bandarawela, Wellawaya, Hingurakgoda, Galewela, Achchuveli, Vavuniya, Chenkalady, Deniyaya, Tissamaharama, Udugama, Pottuvil, Elpitiya, and Akkaraipattu.
Business
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka Appoints Sarah Nasry as Director & Chief Financial Officer

MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) announced the appointment of Sarah Nasry as Director & Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
In her new role, Sarah will lead both the Finance and Human Resources functions at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and people agenda. She holds a distinguished track record across multiple business disciplines, including Supply Chain, ICT, Administration, Corporate Communications, and CSR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her most recent position as General Manager – Finance & Business Partnering at Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer.
Recognised for her strengths in business partnering, financial planning, and strategic decision-making, Sarah is also widely respected for nurturing inclusive, people-centric cultures that foster growth and high performance.
Thayalan Bartlett, Executive Chairman of MLG, commented, “Sarah’s appointment follows an extensive search for the right person to lead our finance division through the next phase of our journey. Her wide-ranging experience and strong leadership credentials give me every confidence that she will continue to strengthen the financial integrity and compliance standards we are known for, and the Board looks forward to working closely alongside her in this journey.”
Sarah also marks a significant milestone for the company, becoming the first female member of MLG’s Board of Directors. She will additionally serve on the MLG Executive Committee (ExCo), reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said, “I am honoured and excited to join MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka and help steer the company into its next chapter. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at MLG to drive financial strength, champion a people-first culture, and build on the company’s strong legacy of creativity and performance.”
Business
Sun Siyam Pasikudah Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Best of the Best Winner for 2025

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a boutique luxury resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, is thrilled to announce its recent win at the Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of resorts worldwide. This accolade reflects the resort’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
Reopened in November 2023 after an extensive transformation, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers 34 spacious one- and two-bedroom garden and beach pavilions, each featuring bold monochromatic interiors accented with golden tones. The redesign, led by Studio Sixty7, emphasizes a blend of contemporary elegance and local craftsmanship. The resort collaborated with local artisans, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich talent and cultural heritage.
‘‘We are thrilled to being recognized on par with some of the world’s best resorts. Under just two years since our reopening, this achievement couldn’t be possible with the tremendous effort and support of our world-class team and our guests that keep coming for the unique experiences we offer. We are proud to contribute to Sri Lanka, a destination that is on every traveler’s go-to list,’ said its General Manager, Arshed Refai who has been with Sun Siyam Resorts for over a decade.
Business
OTTO Bathware earns SLS certification for sanitaryware safety and quality

OTTO Bathware has received Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). This certification confirms that OTTO’s sanitaryware meets the highest national standards for safety, durability, and performance. With over 30 years of experience, OTTO Bathware operates under the ADI Group (Art Decoration International Pvt. Ltd.- www.ottobathware.com) and runs a modern 435,000square feet manufacturing facility in Bandaragama. The company has grown to become; South-Asia’s largest decorative ceramic manufacturer/ exporter, Sri Lanka’s second-largest sanitaryware producer, supplying to over 500 retailers island-wide.
“We’re proud to offer sanitaryware that meets national safety and quality standards. We encourage all Sri Lankans to look beyond the price tag and choose products that are certified, tested, and built to last.” said its Chairman, S. H. B. Karunarathne.
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