Business
Heritance Hotels & Resorts tops LMD’s list of customer excellence survey

Leading hospitality brand Heritance Hotels and Resorts, part of the premier hospitality company Aitken Spence Hotels topped LMD’s list of Customer Excellence Survey in the category of Nationwide Hotels 2021, further reiterating its commitment to excellence in service.
The hotel brand, under which iconic hotels and resorts are listed – such as Heritance Kandalama in Dambulla, Heritance Tea Factory in Kandapola, Heritance Ayurveda in Beruwala, Heritance Negombo and Heritance Ahungalla in Sri Lanka, as well as Heritance Aarah in the Maldives – has been, over the year, recognized globally for their hospitality from the heart.
As a Sri Lankan company with a global vision, the brand lives its tagline of ‘where tradition is alive’, taking the vibrant Sri Lankan locality to the world, among which is its renowned hospitality of the island nation and the brilliant smiles of service.
Pioneers in inspiring experiential travel, the Heritance Hotels & Resorts brand has paved the way in taking Sri Lanka to the world through the hospitality sector; with special emphasis on curating products and services that are directly meant to continually provide guests with a superior and unforgettable experience.
The Customer Excellence Survey by LMD was conducted as an online survey to better understand the satisfaction levels of customers in the local context and to recognize the most popular service providers in Sri Lanka. The survey comes at an opportune time when customer expectations and priorities are changing with COVID-19 and related trends. The survey therefore is a nod to businesses that have evolved with the times to cater to changing demands while achieving excellence.
Heritance Negombo
“We are elated by this recognition” said Stasshani Jayawardena, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotels Management and Director Aitken Spence PLC. “This further reaffirms that we are heading in the right direction; taking into account the changing patterns and trends of the world, while forging ahead with the customer excellence that we have come to be known for.”
She further stated that despite the challenges of the recent past, the Company has been fortunate to be backed by a strong and loyal workforce who are constantly looking to exceed expectations. “We are in the business of people. We cannot provide service excellence if not for our genuinely passionate teams in each of the hotels, who work tirelessly to ensure our guest expectations are surpassed in every way.” She also noted that the recognition also serves as an encouragement to continue the good work.
“We are proud to end the year on a high note with a recognition such as this,” Jayawardena reiterated. “With all the exceptional activities we have in store, we are only looking at surpassing our best to elevate customer excellence in the new year.”
Business
Market liquidity tightens as govt borrowing siphons funds from banking system

The total outstanding market liquidity surplus or excess funds available in Sri Lanka’s banking system for lending and transactions declined by Rs. 36.65 billion in a week, according to the Central Bank’s latest economic indicators report.
An economic researcher analysing the data noted: “Treasury bill and bond auctions likely drained liquidity. If this tightening persists, short-term interest rates could rise, raising borrowing costs and potentially slowing economic growth. The situation warrants close monitoring, especially as the manufacturing sector is already facing a slowdown whether due to seasonal or structural factors.”
The report also highlighted the following developments in Sri Lanka’s economy:
Fiscal improvements: The deficit has narrowed but remains elevated.
Sectoral trends: The stock market rallied, and the services sector showed slower expansion (tourism, retail and IT driving resilience).
Total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 1,301.9 bn during the three months ending March 2025 compared to Rs. 1,197.5 bn in the corresponding period of 2024.
During the three months ending March 2025, the overall budget deficit decreased to Rs. 234.5 bn compared to Rs. 281.3 bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024
The rupee value of T-Bills and T-Bonds held by foreign investors decreased by 2 per cent in comparison to the previous week.
“The April 2025 industrial slowdown points to weaker output, likely due to seasonal factors such as holidays or subdued demand. However, this was partially offset by an expansion in the Services PMI, offering some relief. The broader economic outlook for Sri Lanka remains uncertain, as these mixed signals unfold as Sri Lanka would receive a tariff letter from the US in the coming weeks. With market liquidity already tightening due to government borrowings from the banking system, policymakers face mounting challenges in balancing growth and stability,” the economic researcher noted.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Business
AIA Sri Lanka ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign

AIA Sri Lanka’s ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign, in partnership with animal welfare groups, inspired 500+ adoptions of stray pets. The initiative highlighted adoption, responsible ownership, and compassion, tackling Sri Lanka’s stray animal crisis. AIA thanks all supporters for their life-changing impact.
The campaign served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness like adopting a stray can make a big impact. It also provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and the importance of compassion toward all creatures.
Business
Calton wins National Industry Brand Excellence award

Calton Sweet House Pvt. Ltd., a key part of Calton Group, was honored as the Best National Industry Brand in the Medium-Scale Food and Beverage Sector at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Industrial Development Board. Deshamanya Mahesh De Silva, Director of Finance and IT at Calton Group, accepted the award.
Established in 1991, Calton Sweet House has over 30 years of excellence, specializing in cakes, snacks, and frozen bakery items, with 20+ outlets across Negombo, Katunayake, and Colombo, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The company holds ISO, HACCP, and GMP certifications, ensuring top-quality standards.
Starting as a small store in 1983, Calton Group now employs 300+ staff and operates multiple businesses, including Calton Hyper Market and Calton Catering, while partnering with global brands like Unilever and Upfield. The group remains committed to serving customers with high-quality, safely packaged food products.
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