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Monash–UCL partnership strengthens Australia–Sri Lanka education investment ties

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Dignitaries at the alumni reunion

Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, highlighted the economic and strategic significance of education as a driver of bilateral relations between Australia and Sri Lanka, highlighting the Monash–UCL partnership as a model of transnational collaboration that continues to power Sri Lanka’s human capital development.

Speaking at the 10th Anniversary and Alumni Reunion of Monash College and the University College of Lanka (UCL) on Wednesday at the City of Dreams in Colombo, Duckworth described the decade-long alliance as “a real achievement worth recognising and celebrating,” noting that it has enabled hundreds of Sri Lankan students to access globally recognised Australian degrees without leaving home.

“Education is one of the most powerful and enduring links between Australia and Sri Lanka, he said, adding that “this partnership is helping to build the skills and capabilities that will define Sri Lanka’s future economy.”

He revealed that more than 2,500 Sri Lankans have graduated from Monash University, with the majority living and working in Sri Lanka across vital sectors such as business, health, technology, and education. “Every graduate who applies their expertise here strengthens the nation’s workforce and inspires others to do the same, Duckworth said.

Pointing to the broader economic dimension, the High Commissioner said Australia’s education sector remains a cornerstone of bilateral engagement, contributing not only to trade and investment but also to Sri Lanka’s long-term development goals. He also lauded the high academic standards of UCL students, who “consistently achieve first-year results that rival and surpass those of their peers in Australia.”

Monash College CEO and Monash University Vice President Fabian Marrone said education partnerships like Monash–UCL represent “a blueprint for sustainable skills development in the Indo-Pacific.”

“Monash is Australia’s largest university — and truly the university of the Indo-Pacific, Marrone said. “This partnership with UCL reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to world-class education and driving positive economic and social outcomes in Sri Lanka.”

UCL Director Steven Enderby emphasised that Sri Lanka’s next phase of growth depends on harnessing its educated diaspora and alumni networks.

“If we are truly going to build a nation, we need our best and brightest to reinvest their knowledge and experience here, Enderby said. “The Monash–UCL partnership has proven that transnational education can be more than an academic exercise — it’s an economic strategy.”

Australia’s education relationship with Sri Lanka extends back to the Colombo Plan of the 1950s, under which thousands of Sri Lankans studied in Australian institutions and returned to contribute locally. Today, more than 20,000 Sri Lankan students are enrolled annually in Australian universities, making education one of the most dynamic elements of the bilateral economic relationship.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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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.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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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.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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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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