Aitken Spence Travels marked a significant milestone with the handling of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first call to the ports of Colombo & Galle, on the 14th & 15th of December 2025. This inaugural visit reflects Aitken Spence’s ongoing efforts to introduce world renowned, ultra-luxury cruise brands to Sri Lanka, elevating the country’s profile within the high-end, global cruise travel segment, and establishing Sri Lanka as the ideal, multiport destination for luxury travellers.

Celebrated internationally for its unmatched elegance and refined modern luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a premier experience that merges the exclusivity of a private super yacht with the acclaimed service excellence of The Ritz-Carlton brand. The Collection’s arrival in Sri Lankan waters represents a significant step towards attracting a new demographic in the cruise travel segment, welcoming high-end, discerning travellers to the island.

Aitken Spence Travels is the official shore excursion provider for these idyllic calls to Colombo & Galle. In recent years, the company has placed a strong emphasis on developing the luxury cruise segment, fostering relationships with prestigious brands and showcasing Sri Lanka’s potential as an ideal destination for premium ocean journeys. The upcoming visit by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a remarkable testament to the continued efforts of the company in promoting Sri Lankan tourism.

Commenting on the historic arrival of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to Sri Lanka, Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, stated “We are truly thrilled to welcome The Ritz-Carlton Collection to Sri Lanka on their maiden voyage. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our team in positioning Sri Lanka within the luxury cruise travel segment. It is a significant endorsement of our country as a destination-of-choice, particularly at such a critical moment, bringing high-net-worth travellers to experience the island’s diversity through bespoke, privately curated shore excursions.”

Chairman / Chairperson Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena added “We are delighted that Aitken Spence Travels is leading the way as Sri Lanka’s premier destination management company, taking the first step in a long journey towards expanding the high-end cruise segment. Our commitment lies in creating unique, culturally immersive private tours that ensure guests leave with unforgettable memories of our island paradise.”

The yacht’s arrival is expected to draw considerable international attention, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a unique and compelling destination for luxury exploration. Aitken Spence Travels looks forward to curating exceptional onshore experiences for Ritz-Carlton guests and is positioned to continue attracting world leading cruise brands to Sri Lanka.

Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, part of Bureau Veritas, has been honored with the Great HR Awards – 2025 by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the company’s approach to employee development and workplace culture.

This is the first time Bureau Veritas CPS has received national recognition for its best-in-class people practices, acknowledging years of dedicated work in building an organization where people genuinely matter and can grow both personally and professionally.

Competing in the “Educational, Certification & Advisory Services” sector under the large category, Bureau Veritas stood out among leading industry players by demonstrating exceptional HR practices and a clear commitment to putting employees first in everything the company does. The award followed a thorough evaluation process covering 16 different assessment areas designed to measure how well organizations manage and develop their people.

Several key programs have been central to achieving this recognition. The “Adding Life to Years” Leadership Development Program focuses on building capable leaders at every level of the organization, preparing people to handle challenges and guide their teams effectively. The “HRtogether” Forum creates regular opportunities for honest conversation and problem-solving, where employees and HR work together to address real workplace issues. The “Together We Grow” initiative reflects a simple truth: when employees develop and succeed, the entire organization benefits.

Over the past several years, Bureau Veritas has worked to create a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and supported. The company’s approach rests on three core ideas that guide all HR initiatives. Empowerment means giving people real authority to make decisions and own their work, trusting them to contribute in ways that matter.

The CSE kicked off on a positive note yesterday but in the middle of the trading session it turned negative as institutional and retail investors agonized over the way forward for the economy amid the uncertainties stemming from the recent weather devastation.

Both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 226.83 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 37.51 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.23 billion with six crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Richard Pieris, where 2 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 82.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 41, Colombo Dockyard 300,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 55.3 million; its shares traded at Rs 217.50.

Hemas Holdings 1million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 36.3 million; its shares sold at Rs 36.30, Sunshine Holdings 1 million shares crossed tfor Rs 35.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 35.70, Hayleys 104,000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 193 and LB Finance 130,000 shares crossed for Rs 20 million; its shares sold at Rs 154.

In the retail market companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were; Colombo Dockyard Rs 251 million (1.2 million shares traded), Renuka Agri Foods Rs 207 million (19.3 million shares traded), Swisstec Rs 77.31 million (804,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 65 million (three million shares traded), LB Finance Rs 46 million (298,000 shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 42 million (213,000 shares traded) and LOLC Holdings Rs 42 million (76500 shares traded). During the day 81.3 million shares volumes changed hands in 26877 transactions.

It is said that market showed mixed reactions due to the volatility in the market. Top contributors to the market were manufacture and financial sector counters.

Sarvodaya Development Finance said it had received Central Bank and board approval to list its High-Yield Subordinated Sustainable Bond on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

“The Board of Directors of SDF approved the dual listing of these Sustainable Bonds on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, with the objective of enhancing international visibility, informed sources said.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.00/25 to the US dollar in the spot market, from Rs 309.05/15 Friday, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

Accordingly, a bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 8.95/9.00 percent, up from 8.93/98 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.05.2028 was quoted at 9.00/05 percent, up from 8.97/9.02 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 was quoted at 9.05/15 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2029 was quoted at 9.35/40 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.40/50 percent, down from at 9.40/45 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 9.57/63 percent, up from 9.56/62 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 9.85/95 percent, up from 9.85/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted at 10.25/35 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 10.30/45 percent, down from 10.35/40 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2035 was quoted at 10.65/68 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne