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Hotel industry pioneer hoping to revive fabled tourist hot spot in Negombo

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Mervyn Fernandopulle

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

In a bid to introduce Heritage Tourism to the Negombo tourism belt, a pioneer in the hotel and aviation industry, Mervyn Ferndopulle, will be reactivating a tourist hot spot in the area which, according to legend, was patronized by kings and colonial rulers of yore.

Fernandopulle who is the chairman of Airwing Tours and Royal Castle Hotel, Negombo, said that after intense studies he found that the ‘Mora Wala’ beach in Negombo was used by Dutch and English people for over three centuries.

“It is said that last King of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, who had travelled all the way from Kandy to enjoy the sea on many occasions, had impressed on the British rulers that he be given accommodation in the ‘Mora Wala’ area and allowed to use the beach and sea before being deported, Fernandopulle told The Island Financial Review.

Fernandopulle, who is a former president of the Small and Medium Tourist Hotels Association, added: “People living in the area know about this venue but sadly it has not been promoted and marketed as a Heritage Tourism site, especially for Dutch and English tourists.

“Since Negombo does not have a site that offers such archeological value and a beach and a sea where people could bathe during the entire year, I decided to promote this venue as a new Heritage Tourist destination.

“I also have one acre plus land and a small bungalow with three rooms overlooking the ‘Mora Wala’ beach and will now invest around Rs. 450 million to build six luxury cabanas along with an open restaurant and take the lead in introducing tourism to the area.

“I am also looking for an international investor for this project and to market this concept globally.

“With this project taking off the community in the area too could benefit and this was another reason for me to invest in the area.

“Tourism is now picking up and I am also planning to build a second hotel adjoining Royal Castle Hotel, Negombo. I am hoping to build 40 rooms with an investment of Rs. 700 million with the aim of offering them to long- stay guests.

“Royal Castle Hotel, Negombo, too is being upgraded and I have taken steps to re-introduce a special 75 cover night club with DJ music and other entertainment.

“We have also reopened the ‘The Happenings’ rooftop restaurant and entertainment area adjoining the region’s first rooftop swimming pool.

“Royal Castle Negombo offers guests, who enjoy partying, an exclusive bar – ‘Spazio Pub’ – with a trendy ambience and perfect mix of fun and music.”



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Gigalingua Lanka opens its doors to new opportunities for Sri Lankan nurses in Germany

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Dignitaries gracing the launch of Gigalingua Lanka.

Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.

In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.

Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.

Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.

The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).

Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”

At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)

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Browns unveils new expansion strategy

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Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Director/CEO Brown & Company PLC addresses the gathering.

In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.

The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.

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Dialog Partners with vivo to Introduce the vivo V50 with 5G in Sri Lanka

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Photographed from left to right: Erash Fernando, General Manager – Operations at Stelacom; Deshan Wijeweera, Head of Device Business – Growth and Operations at Dialog; Yushan Gunathilake, Head of Business – Mobile Telecommunications at Dialog; Chamara Kulawardana; Harris Song, Director at vivo Sri Lanka; Gihan Nanayakkara, Deputy General Manager at vivo Sri Lanka; and Priyantha Jayasinghe, General Manager at Trident Corporation (Pvt) Ltd.

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.

The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.

Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.

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