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‘Korea Week 2022’ successfully held at Colombo City Centre

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Envoys of ASEAN countries where Buddhist heritage is prevalent, were present at this special occasion

On 14th of May 2022, Korean Embassy launched “Korea Week 2022” at Colombo City Centre. This year, the Korean Embassy organised Korea Week in consonance with Vesak which is the most significant festival for Buddhists around the world including in Korea and Sri Lanka. Korea Week 2022 comprised of a lantern exhibition displaying Korean lanterns, a Korean meal box giveaway and a zone for handcrafts resonating the spirit of compassion and kindness during this festival. The Buddhist culture and heritage shared by both countries were highlighted with the display of hanji (Korean) lanterns made in Korea especially for this event and also featured creative collaborations of Korean and Sri Lankan traditions.

Delivering welcoming remarks, Korean Ambassador H.E. Santhush Woonjin JEONG emphasised the significance of celebrating Vesak and the importance of cultural cooperation. “Korea Week 2022 is a demonstration of the perfect synergy shared by Korea and Sri Lanka. In harmony with the Vesak festival celebrated worldwide including in Korea and Sri Lanka, this event attempts to show a preview of the Seoul Lantern Festival. During the Seoul Lantern Festival, the streets of Seoul are decorated with multi-coloured, life-sized lanterns which sparkle in the Seoul Skyline. The lanterns showcased today are a symbol of our common historical and cultural experiences which have brought our nations together. In that vein, like two friends who become closer due to complementary characteristics, I hope that Korea week 2022 will bring Korea and Sri Lanka closer together.”

Many dignitaries and friends of Korea participated in the opening ceremony of Korea Week 2022. The only Korean Monk Ven. Gakwon in Sri Lanka attended this event. The Embassy appreciates the attendance of Madam Aban Pestonjee, Chairperson and Founder of Abans Group of Companies and Mr. Rusi Pestonjee Chairman of Colombo City Center and CCC’s continuous support to the Korean Embassy.

Envoys of ASEAN countries, where Buddhist heritage is prevalent, were present at this special occasion.



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Business

SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

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Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London

In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.

The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.

Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.

As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.

Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.

A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.

Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.

During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.

The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.

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Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

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D. M. Nirmal Danansooriya (CEO) receiving the award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.

Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.

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Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

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Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”

With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.

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