Business
Gnanam Education Trust empowering employment and self-reliance
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
In early 2011, Gnanam Education Trust (GET) was established as a non-profit organisation in memory of A.Y.S.Gnanam to provide education to the underprivileged. As its first initiative the Trust established a training Centre in Vavuniya for teaching English, Sinhala and IT Skills for people who face difficulties in spending on education. Many young students in the area have benefited from this exercise.
” Due to high demand among youth as its second initiative GET was established as Professional Skills Development Centre (PSDC) in Jaffna with state of the art classrooms to provide the same services in Jaffna, the Centre Manager Hylin Rajeevan Ratnam told the Island Financial Review .
She said that the GET is now registered under TVEC to provide NVQ Level courses to the students. Apart from that, the next intake of students for the Certificate in English Language would commence in February2022 and this would be followed by a Certificate Course in Sinhala.
“Our aim is to improve the students’ motivation and to help them to find suitable employment for them. Therefore, students of both genders are studying and we have also started a special programme for female self employed students to manage their day to day basic business accounts, ” she said.
In a bid to enhance students’ speaking skills a Toastmaster Speech Craft Training program too would be held. “One of our most sought after courses are the Certificate in Computer Applications (NVQ3level) and Hardware courses for students looking at future ICT sector employment. PSDC Center after studying the future emerging HR trends also conducts Area Tourist Guides programme with the assistance of Sri Lanka Northern Tourist Board.
“In a bid to get youth involved in the agriculture sector and add modern techniques to it, we will soon launch an Agri -Training programme as well.”
“One of the other key areas the trust focuses on is the Teacher Training programme on Activity based Zonal English (ABOE) which is being conducted with the assistance of Jaffna Zonal Education Department.”
“We also pay an incentive for those studying with us. Our Vision is to provide innovative, effective and integrated training for people in skills they need to enjoy the dignity that comes with employment, independence and self-reliance,” Ratnam said.
Administrative Assistant PDSC in Jaffna Vithusha Nilojan Deluxshan said that they have already produced around 100 qualified students and around 60 are currently following courses. There are around 15 volunteer teachers and we also get foreign volunteers from time to time.This institute was mainly initiated by Managing Director, Rhino Roofing Products Ltd Jey Gnanam. Furthermore, PSDC in Jaffna provides other educational services and opportunities as needed by the local society to arm them with the skills needed for securing gainful employment. This includes career guidance from the many stakeholders that have become associated with those that are in the companies started by its late founder.
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.
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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