The Event Management Association of Sri Lanka (EMA) represented the nation at EEMAGINE 2026, one of India’s leading annual conventions for the event and entertainment industry, marking another significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence within the regional events community.

The Sri Lankan delegation comprised ofSaliya Weerasekera, President, EMA, Roshan Wijeyaratne, the Inaugural President and Advisory Council Member, and Ms. Suranga Fernando. Their participation provided an opportunity to engage with leading professionals from across the regional event management and entertainment industry, while gaining insights into emerging trends, sharing experiences and strengthening professional networks.

A key highlight of the convention was the special invitation extended to Saliya Weerasekera to take the stage and present awards during the event. The recognition provided a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s event management industry, placing its leadership alongside prominent figures from the regional events community.

SINGER has been recognized as Sri Lanka’s Fastest Growing Brand and the Most Valuable Retail (General) Brand in Brand Finance’s Sri Lanka’s Top 100 Most Valuable Brands 2026.

Singer was ranked overall 14th up by 3 places, among Sri Lanka’s Top 100 Most Valuable Brands, with a brand value of Rs. 13.888 billion and an AAA- brand rating. The recognition reflects the strong growth of the Singer brand and its continued relevance among Sri Lankan consumers.

Commenting on the achievement, Mahesh Wijewardene, Managing Director, Singer Group, said, “We are proud to receive this recognition from Brand Finance. Singer has been a part of Sri Lankan lives for generations, and this achievement reflects the trust our customers continue to place in us. Being recognized both as Sri Lanka’s Fastest Growing Brand and the Most Valuable Retail (General) Brand is particularly significant as we continue to expand into new categories and strengthen our core business. Our focus remains on offering greater choice, better experiences and more value to our customers.”

Over its 149 year history, Singer has grown from a brand best known for sewing machines to one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified consumer businesses. Today, the company operates across home appliances, consumer electronics, smartphones, light automobiles, agriculture, connectivity, renewable energy, manufacturing and financial solutions.

This expansion has been driven by changing customer needs and Singer’s ability to identify new areas where its brand, islandwide reach and service capabilities can add value.

In recent years, Singer has entered several new categories, strategically aligned to complement Singer’s established portfolio while allowing the company to serve a wider range of household and business needs.

At the same time, Singer has continued to strengthen the fundamentals that have built the brand over generations, an extensive retail network, a wide choice of products and leading international brands, islandwide accessibility and dependable after-sales service.

Continuing an initiative to strengthen judicial leadership and well-being, the Sri Lanka Judges’ Institute (SLJI), in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka, conducted its fifth capacity-building workshop, “The Human Side of Justice,” on 01st August 2026 in Kandy, as the fifth program.

The full-day programme brought together 26 Magistrates and District Judges from across the Central Province for transformative learning, reflection and professional renewal.

The initiative addressed a critical modern reality: judicial officers carry responsibilities extending beyond legal interpretation. Judges are required to lead people, manage high-pressure courtroom environments and maintain personal resilience amid heavy caseloads, public scrutiny and complex human situations.

“An Algorithm Can Read a File; a Judge Reads a Life”

The opening session was conducted by CIPM Fellow and HR specialist C. Hewapattini, who explored the relationship between the “Thinking Judge” and the “Human Judge,” highlighting the leadership space where law meets humanity.

Addressing the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into global court systems, Hewapattini noted that while AI can support administration, summarize case records and accelerate legal research, human qualities remain indispensable to justice.

“An algorithm can read a file; a judge reads a life,” Hewapattini observed, emphasizing that judicial virtues such as Empathy, Ethics and Equity cannot be replicated by technology.

Through discussions, simulations and neuro-leadership insights, participants explored SMART Goal-Setting, Emotional Intelligence and Appreciative Inquiry, with particular attention to emotional self-regulation and maintaining courtroom calm. The Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is restored with gold lacquer, illustrated how understanding, dignity and grace can transform lives.

The afternoon session, “Graceful Living: A Professional Development Programme for Judicial Officers,” was facilitated by Sunil Sarath Kumara, HR leader, Life Coach and mindfulness practitioner. He shared practical approaches to managing decision fatigue, emotional exhaustion and “microstress,” including the value of a six-second pause before responding to provocation. He also emphasized balancing commitments to Self, Work and Relationships.