Business
HIP hands over completed HOPE village project
The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) officially handed over the recently completed “Hope Village” to the villagers of Kandagasmankada in Lunugamwehera of the Hambantota district. The flagship community sustainability project which includes 4 centres for community, health, agriculture and sports was inaugurated by the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, with Miao Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group (CMG), China’s largest business enterprise in attendance.
The Hope Village initiated to uplift the well-being of villagers and develop their livelihoods and employability, will benefit approximately 2,170 residents of Kandagasmankada.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Miao Jianmin said that CMG, as one of the largest multinational conglomerates in the world committed to sustainable development, did not attribute their outstanding achievements to business success alone, but also social responsibility, a vital part of the group’s corporate mission.
“The pursuit of the mission to ‘promote social progress through commercial success’ of China Merchants Group continues to enrich its connotation. We will work diligently, steadily, step by step, and solidly to contribute to building a modern society that coexists harmoniously with nature while promoting global sustainable development,” the chairman said.
CMG’s public welfare footprint covers 34 countries on five continents. The Group’s poverty alleviation work in China which began in 2003, spans an engagement of 20 years. The group has extended support to impoverished sections of society through its various poverty alleviation models, such as ‘poverty alleviation and development,’ ‘industry-based poverty alleviation,’ and ‘social poverty alleviation.’ As at the end of 2022, the group has invested nearly $1.7 billion RMB in poverty alleviation funds, over a period of ten years. Multiple industry-based poverty alleviation and public welfare projects have been developed in impoverished areas, helping more than 1 million people overcome poverty. CMG’s extensive experience in this field covers project management, industrial development and social services.
The ‘Hope Village’ concept, a development model village that will benefit marginalised communities, is a collaboration between China Merchants Foundation (CMF) the CSR arm of China Merchants Group, and the Nirmala Foundation, a non-profit organisation and monitored by the Divisional Secretariat of Lunugamwehera. HIPG and CICT teams are the facilitators of the project. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has also been an active partner in this endeavour and has been closely monitoring the progress of this program.
150 school-going children in Kandagasmankada Primary School received a book donation, including a bag each, to mark the opening of the ‘Hope Village.’ The giveaways were funded by the “Sammawayama,” the Social Welfare Foundation of the Galwila Temple. HIPG donated dry ration packs to 100 villagers who were most in need.
Nirmala Foundation Chairman, Indika Abeywardhana; District Secretary, H. P. Sumanasekera; Chief Incumbent of the Kandagasmankada Rajamaha Viharaya, Galapitagala Premarathana Thero; Raymond Mu, CFO HIPG and Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO HIPG were also present at the opening ceremony.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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