Business
HSBC Ceylon Literary & Art Festival collaborates with Dilmah Ceylon Tea to launch Youth Future Writers Program
The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Art Festival in collaboration with Dilmah Ceylon Tea opened its inaugural edition in Kandy announcing the launch of the Future Writers Program. Dedicated to nurturing the creative talents of young individuals, this competition underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering youth development and grooming the creative thinking, enhancing its focus on empowering the next generation.
Incorporating platforms such as these serves to underscore the cultural fabric of a society, thereby augmenting the intrinsic value of a nation. Such initiatives foster a sense of purpose among the younger generation, instilling pride and potentially mitigating the phenomenon of brain drain. The platform further establishes an ecosystem that actively engages and fosters creative entrepreneurial endeavors and projects, thereby cultivating a vibrant and dynamic creative culture.
Commenting on the launch of the program, Ajai Vir Singh, Founder and Creator, Ceylon Literary Festival stated: “We are thrilled to introduce our Future Writers Program as an extension of Ceylon Literary Festival. This initiative is not just about discovering talent; it’s about nurturing and fostering a literary legacy that transcends generations. This is the beginning of an investment in the future of creativity, innovation, and cultural enrichment for Sri Lanka. We encourage all students to submit their stories and be part of the program which not only awards the winner but all participants as well.”
The youth and next generation being the mirror of the nation require these vital opportunities to equip them to divulge into creative fields beyond the ordinary. The introduction of the Future Writers Program supports and amplifies this with its core effort to cultivate and showcase the creative endeavors of youth. By encouraging participation from individuals aged 15 to 29, the competition aims to provide a platform for emerging writers to explore their literary prowess.
Participants are invited to submit short stories on themes such as “Murder at the Festival” or “The Girl at the Workshop,” incorporating the cultural significance of tea into their narratives. Submissions are accepted until April 8, 2024, and will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges led by renowned author Ashok Ferrey.
Further highlighting the partnership for the program, Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman, Dilmah Ceylon Tea stated: “Dilmah is proud to play a crucial role in fostering the development of youth within the creative industry. This is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of imaginative storytelling, where passion for writing merges with the captivating essence of tea. Being a part of these initiatives can unleash your creative potential, help craft narratives that not only enthrall and engage but also highlight one’s talent for weaving ordinary elements into extraordinary tales.”
The winning entry will be awarded a cash prize of 100,000 and will have the unique opportunity for mentorship with a celebrated author. Additionally, the winning story will be featured on the Ceylon Literary & Art Festival platforms, offering widespread recognition and exposure. Shortlisted participants will also benefit from attending a Writer’s Workshop conducted by an esteemed author panel.
This competition further reinforces the festival’s dedication to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for youth to engage with and contribute to the cultural landscape of Sri Lanka. Applications can be submitted by 8th April 2024 to www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com.
In a significant move for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, NKAR, a stalwart in the industry for over 45 years, has announced a partnership with Holiday Max, Australia’s largest tour operator. Based in Perth, Holiday Max has ventured into Sri Lanka for the first time, marking a promising expansion for both entities.
This collaboration aligns with NKAR’s strategic vision to enhance the country’s appeal to international travelers. Nilmin Nanayakkara, Chairman and Managing Director of NKAR says, “Our policy has always been to promote Sri Lanka to new markets by attracting new operators, rather than competing through price undercutting or making unrealistic promises.” This statement encapsulates NKAR’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth by focusing on quality over cost.
By prioritsing service excellence and maintaining high health and safety standards, NKAR aims to elevate the overall travel experience for visitors. This approach not only positions Sri Lanka as a premium destination but also attracts reputable operators like Holiday Max, who are drawn to the island’s unique experiences and NKAR’s dedication to quality service.
The partnership represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings to Australian travelers, potentially opening new avenues for tourism growth. As NKAR continues to innovate and adapt, this collaboration is set to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing as a sought-after travel destination, steering the industry away from aggressive price competition towards sustainable growth through authentic experiences.
By focusing on attracting new operators and markets, NKAR is paving the way for a revitalised tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, one that values quality, safety, and the unique charm of the island. NKAR is recognised as one of the top five destination management companies in Sri Lanka. The company recently won 3 major awards at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
LOLC Finance secured five Gold Awards and one Merit Award at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2025, including the prestigious Overall Excellence in Digital Payments Gold Award for the sixth consecutive year.
The company dominated both bank and NBFI categories, winning Best Digital Strategy Gold Award, proving its superiority over traditional banks in digital finance.
Awards won were as follows.
Gold Awards:
Best Digital Payment Strategy (Banks & NBFI)
Best Mobile Application for Retail Payments via JustPay (Banks & NBFI)
Excellence in Customer Convenience (NBFI)
Financial Inclusivity (NBFI)
Overall Excellence in Digital Payments (NBFI)
Merit Award: Most Popular Digital Payment Product (iPay)
CEO Krishan Thilakaratne emphasized digitalization as core to LOLC Finance’s operations, enabling seamless, 24/7 financial access through platforms like LOLC Real Time and iPay.
Chairman Conrad Dias highlighted the audited, performance-based recognition and iPay’s mission to solve real-world financial challenges with cutting-edge tech.
iPay & JustPay innovations were Recognized for leading digital payment adoption with 1M+ downloads, 1.8M monthly transactions, and 65% JustPay market share, featuring biometric security and AI fraud detection.
Financial Inclusivity was recognized for Bridging gaps via multi-lingual services, cashless processes, and rural outreach programs.
Customer Convenience was recognized for real-time solutions (SLIPS, CEFTS) eliminating branch visits for payments and transfers.
Tree House International, located in Dehiwala, has been recognised as the Most Evidence-Based Special Needs School of the Year at BWIO Awards. The only international school in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to children with special needs, 75% of its students relocate from abroad for its high-quality, result-driven education.
Last semester, 100% of students transitioned to mainstream or vocational training.
The school is led by Dr. Anton James, a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with over 20 years of global experience.
His evidence-based approach earned the highest honour from the British Psychological Society, and he was elected a Chartered Scientist. Co-directed by Chrystal Honsaker, an expert with 15 years of international special needs experience, the school also offers an accredited British curriculum alternative to GCSEs.
We aspire to build a nation where all citizens coexist in peace and resilience for the future generation -PM
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