Business
Push to attract tourists to SL as a prime destination

As another result of its worldwide promotional Tour, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau arranged three road shows in Australia post-pandemic. The inaugural event took place in Brisbane featuring the distinguished presence of Ms. Chitranganie Wagiswara, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, Sandith Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Melbourne, and Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), accompanied by officials from Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Consulate, on the 19th March at Brisbane and proved to be a resounding success. Thirty-two Sri Lankan companies participated alongside sixty Australian travel and tour operators and Australian media personnel. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a fruitful exchange of ideas and opportunities.
These road shows serve as vital platforms for development partnerships and enhancing collaborations between Sri Lankan businesses and their Australian counterparts. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in revitalizing the tourism sector in Sri Lanka by stimulating interest and engagement from Australian markets. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s adept organization of these events underscores its commitment to promoting tourism and facilitating meaningful connections within the industry.
On March 21st, Sri Lanka Tourism successfully concluded its second roadshow at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney. The event garnered participation from over 75 Australian travel trade companies and 25 media representatives and influencers. Facilitating, fruitful business discussions between Australian and Sri Lankan participants.
The opening remarks at the second roadshow were delivered by Ms. Chithranganie Wageeswara, the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia. Chalaka Gajabahu provided the keynote on the new global positioning of Sri Lanka. Sandith Samarasingha, the Sri Lankan Consul General in Melbourne, also addressing the attendees. Sakura Wijethunga, the Sri Lankan Airline Manager for Sydney, represented the National carrier in Sri Lanka.
The event featured a vibrant dance performance, adding color and liveliness to the proceedings. The dance troupe brings vibrant elegance to the event. Their graceful moves and lively performances add a special charm to the event. They create an atmosphere filled with energy and beauty, enhancing the overall experience for everyone attending.
Notably, a raffle draw was conducted, offering attendees the chance to win exciting prizes, including six nights and seven days’ tour packages from Sri Lankan travel trade, and three complimentary air tickets from Sri Lankan Airlines. This was one item where the participants joined in enthusiastically.
Overall, the roadshow served as a platform for fostering collaboration and promoting Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination among the Australian travelers.
The conclusion of the series of Roadshows in Australia took place at the Sofitel hotel in Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in SLTPB ‘s efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination in Australia. With the participation of over 50 Australian agents and 35 media representatives, the event was a testament to the growing interest in Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.
The day commenced with productive B2B meetings, facilitating valuable connections between Australian and Sri Lankan businesses. (SLTPB)
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
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