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Dr. Sunethra Nugawela earns international kudos for her work in Office Management field in Sri Lanka

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Dr. Sunethra Jayaratne Nugawela receives the ‘International Office Manager 2024’ award at the event conducted by the Office Management Group in the United Kingdom.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Dr. Sunethra Jayaratne Nugawela clinched the “International Office Manager 2024” Award, at the Hotel Grand Connaught in London on June 20/2024. The ceremony was conducted by the Office Management Group in the United Kingdom.

Adding special pride to the momentous occasion for Sri Lanka, she was the only representation from the Asian Pacific Region to have received the accolade.

The award is also a recognition of efforts, hard work and success as a professional within this key area of any business, contribution to the country, region and to the world at large and the discipline of life balance.

She has created history for Sri Lanka on several occasions, internationally and this prestigious award would be another remarkable achievement.

Dr. Nugawela serves as the Executive Secretary at SDB bank and the Chairperson of the Academy for Administrative Professionals.

She told The Island that Office Management is the backbone of any business, and the profession offers high prospects for career success and professional development for young aspirants. She emphasized that they could realize their full earnings potential by dint of smart work as an effective office administrator.

“Enter the world of Office Management and explore the many opportunities which are available in the job market. It will bring you not only a full-time job with a decent salary but also other opportunities such as being able to work as a mentor or resource person to earn a substantial supplementary income in the long-term. Furthermore, the happiness and job satisfaction you get from the Office Management profession is tremendous because you will be playing a key role in the success of the organization you work for,” she said.

When asked about her academy for Office Managers. She said, “The Academy for Administrative Professionals (AAP) in Sri Lanka is a registered Educational Institution launched in April 2005 under an Academic Advisory Board and Board of Directors comprising eminent personnel in the sphere of education. The key purpose of AAP is to help Administrative Professionals to enhance their skills and become more effective contributors to their employers and also to improve youth employability.”

If any individuals are keen to pick a course; AAP is located in Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08. Phone number: 94777681781, Email chairpersonaap@gmail.com



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Business

From import to export – Finch Foods expands international retail presence to Australia

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Finch Foods booth exhibiting at Foodex Japan in Tokyo

Finch Foods – pioneering Sri Lankan FMCG brand – is furthering its international expansion with the launch of its retail presence in Australia. The move marks yet another turning point for the homegrown company, following four international market launches under the Finch Foods brand within the space of just three years, a company news release said on Wednesday.

This milestone entry includes a dedicated e-commerce site, a listing on Amazon AU, and ongoing discussions with major supermarket chains, specialty stores, and distributors. Australian consumers can now access Finch Foods’ extensive portfolio of high-quality signature spices and seasonings, coconut products, gluten-free flours, ayurvedic and herbal products, and natural food colourings that showcase the rich variety and distinctiveness of Sri Lankan ingredients, it said.

“Australia has always been a key market for Finch Foods – one with immense potential to enter, develop, and scale,” says Fawaz Fassi, Founder & Managing Director of Finch Foods. “This expansion reflects the growing global demand for authentic Sri Lankan heritage ingredients, and we are excited to bring our unique offerings to Australian consumers.”

Founded in 2015 as a 100 per cent import-driven company, Finch Foods entered the food industry by becoming the exclusive agent for renowned international brands such as Bragg Live Foods (USA), The Berry Company (UK), Kewpie (Japan/Malaysia), Cornish (UK), Pokka (Singapore), and Nando’s Grocery; bringing superior flavours and ingredients from around the world to Sri Lankan consumers.

However, the global pandemic followed by local economic instability severely tested this business model, and in just a few years since inception, it was time for the company to rethink its operations. In 2022 Finch Foods set its sights outwards by looking inwards; having discovered that there was a wealth of incredible spices, herbs, and ingredients to be found right here in Sri Lanka – robust and nuanced flavours that would surely intrigue culinary tastebuds from around the world.

“As a pioneer in culinary innovation, our vision is to harness the rich and diverse culinary tradition of Sri Lanka while also bridging the growing disconnect between food and its heritage,” Fassi adds. “At Finch Foods, we recognized the need to add unique value to our products—offering new and exciting options for consumers while distinguishing ourselves from more traditional exporters in the market.”

In 2023, Finch Foods celebrated the opening of its first independent store in Havelock City Mall, Colombo, and expanded its international footprint; establishing a retail presence in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, and Canada, becoming a key supplier to Japan, and securing a partnership with global retail giant Lulu Group in the UAE. This shift to exports has allowed the company to adapt to different market requirements, leveraging its wide product range to remain flexible in catering to diverse consumer needs.

“As Finch Foods continues to expand its distribution network and strengthen its presence in Australia, the company is also poised to to focus on accelerating its global expansion, breaking into new markets, while also further diversifying its product portfolio,” the release concluded.

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The Residencies Kotte by ICC nears completion ahead of schedule

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The Residencies Kotte by ICC is making remarkable progress, moving ahead of schedule towards completion (December 2025). With ICC’s proven track record of on-time delivery and availability running low, this is a rare opportunity to invest in a home that blends modern luxury with a thriving community, said a release.

It said: Now in its final phase, key milestones are being completed at an accelerated pace. From the striking façade to the finishing touches within each apartment, every element is meticulously crafted to meet ICC’s highest standards.

As The Residencies Kotte nears completion, demand has surged. With all two-bedroom apartments already sold out, only a limited number of three-bedroom units remain available. This overwhelming response is a testament to the unmatched value, world-class amenities, and most importantly, the prime location. Nestled in the heart of Kotte, this development offers unparalleled convenience—situated in a highly sought-after neighbourhood that seamlessly blends urban connectivity with the tranquillity of a well-established residential area.

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Business

Dearo Investment partners with Ceylinco General Insurance to enhance customer benefits

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Officials of Dearo Investment and Ceylinco General Insurance exchanging the MoU

Dearo Investment Pvt. Ltd. has signed an MoU with Ceylinco General Insurance to provide an insurance scheme for its customers. Under this agreement, every customer who transacts with Dearo from anywhere in the country will receive insurance coverage. The MoU was officially signed on 26 Feb, 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organisations. Dearo Investment was represented by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Prasanna Sanjeewa and Chief Operating Officer Niranjan Warnasooriya, while Ceylinco General Insurance was represented by General Manager S. Thilakesh, Assistant General Manager V.K. Gunathilaka, Area Sales Manager N.G.C. Gunarathna, and Senior Marketing Executive Keshara Hasun. Dearo Investment has flourished as a trusted name in the financial sector with its highly experienced Board of Directors, including Prabash Gunaratne, Upul Edirisuriya, Tharindu Dhananjaya Samarawickrama, Niranjan Warnasooriya, and Thilini Kalhari Ekanayake.

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