Business
Namal to revive Hambantota Convention Center

With the opening of the Southern Expressway extension to Hambantota, Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC) has now become an attraction for conventions, exhibitions and events, which the government would like to pursue immediately.
According to Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Sports & Youth, this property which was built in 2013, has become a significant piece of infrastructure especially with the extension of the Southern Expressway to Hambantota. With this facility the travel time to Hambantota has been reduced to one & a half hours. This enables anyone to travel to work from Colombo to Hambantota or Hambantota to Colombo and get back home within one & a half hours.
Hambantota is the only city in Sri Lanka which has a port, an airport and a convention center all together other than the capital Colombo. This makes Hambantota the second most important commercial region in Sri Lanka. All these 3 major infrastructure facilities are of international standards. Especially the convention center which is on par with any major convention & exhibition center in the world. The Hambantota Center was partly funded by the Korean government and designed with the expertise of the Koreans while it was built by the UDA.
Today the facility which is almost 8 years old, is maintained by the security forces and the UDA. The facility which was underutilized to date is now poised to attract many trade and consumer events. Namal Rajapaksa is inviting trade fair organizers and conference organizers to use this facility to promote the MICE industry in Sri Lanka.
The Managing Director of CDC Events & Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Imran Hassan carried out a site inspection in order to draw a Floor Plan for trade fair organizers to conduct many fairs at the center. CDC Events, one of the main trade fair organizing companies in Sri Lanka, has planned to conduct the first major international trade fair and conference in the facility early next year.
The chairman of CDC Events and veteran businessmen Chandra Wickramasinghe said the event will be called “Hambantota International Trade & Agri-Export Fair 2021 (HITAF)” for which Namal Rajapaksa has pledged his fullest support, said the convener of this project Kris Balthazaar. He also said that the government expected other trade fair organisers in the country to follow. He also added that exhibitors and visitors can drive down from Colombo in a matter of one & a half hours or fly down direct to Mattala. The location has all facilities and activities awaiting them from star class accommodation, world’s best National Parks to sacred religious sites. Namal Rajapaksa who was elected with a record number of preferential votes in the district, added that he will ensure that Hambantota will become the most preferred destination for events of the this nature in the coming years in Sri Lanka.
Business
Dr Asanka Senanayake named most popular dentist at BWIO Awards

Dr. Asanka Senanayake, founder of Shine Dental Care centres—which provide dental services across multiple locations—was recently honoured as the Most Popular Dental Doctor of the Year at the Business World International Awards 2025.
The awards, organised by the US-based Business World International Organisation (BWIO), recognised outstanding business ventures and professionals across various industries. The ceremony was held recently at the Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo.
Business
Another 43 Ceylinco Life sales officers graduate with diplomas in Financial Sales Management

A group of 43 sales officers of Ceylinco Life recently graduated with diplomas in Financial Sales Management, under a programme tailor-made for the life insurance market leader by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).
Covering subjects such as Financial Planning, Communication, Analytical Skills Development, Time Management, Financial Markets, and Taxation among others, the bespoke diploma programme was introduced by Ceylinco Life to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of its sales personnel, and to nurture a highly proficient sales force capable of tapping into premier markets and delivering exceptional services to customers.
The nine-month course programme includes contemporary coursework, examinations and assignments to ensure a well-rounded education for the candidates.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ceylinco Life Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Samitha Hemachandra said the company had from its inception, placed special emphasis on developing and rewarding professionalism among the members of its sales force. “We led the way in equipping our sales professionals with digital tools, pushed them to obtain professional qualifications from leading international bodies relating to life insurance, to qualify for Million Dollar Round Table membership, and to improve their knowledge in finance,” he said. “As a result, they have earned the respect of the community and their peers, and built stable and lucrative careers with Ceylinco Life.”
SLIM President Prof. Jayantha N. Dewasiri said: “Promoting professional competence as a contributor to the economic growth of our country is one of the objectives of SLIM. In furtherance of this, we provide professional education to thousands of Sri Lankans every year, and are happy to support Ceylinco Life’s efforts to advance the careers of its sales officers though professional development. This is an example to other corporate entities.”
Ceylinco Life’s senior directors Messrs. Devaan Cooray and Palitha Jayawardena, Director/Deputy CEO Ranga Abeynayake, SLIM Vice President – Education & Research Dr Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke, CEO Chamil Wickremasinghe other distinguished guests attended the graduation ceremony at the Ceylinco Life Auditorium.
Business
ComBank and Senok unveil special offers on construction machinery and equipment

Companies in the construction sector have been provided an opportunity to acquire new equipment through affordable leasing options created via a collaboration between the Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Senok Trade Combine (Pvt) Ltd., which represents global brands in construction machinery and equipment.
A memorandum of understanding signed by the two organisations provides for a series of special benefits to be provided to customers who purchase JCB and Kobelco branded construction equipment from Senok under a customised leasing package provided by Commercial Bank.
The benefits include special prices and lower interest rates, customised payment plans with attractive and affordable rentals, and the first three services at 50, 250 and 500 hours, free of charge.
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