Business

Seven decades of sartorial excellence: The legacy of Linton Master Tailors in Kandy

Published

1 month ago

2026/03/8

In the 1950s, Linton Wimalasena Udagagedara served as the tailoring instructor at the rehabilitation unit of the Bogambara Prison. Known affectionately by all as “Linton Master,” he laid the foundation for a legacy that would eventually redefine men’s fashion in the hill capital.

In 1958, Linton Master ventured into private business by renting a small shop in Trincomalee Street, Kandy, under the name “Linton Master Tailors.”

Supported by a handful of employees and the unwavering strength of his wife, Srima Alwala, the business began its humble journey. In those early days, Linton Master would travel from Kandy to Pettah, Colombo, walking miles to handpick high-quality fabrics at affordable prices. Though the initial years were a struggle, he never compromised on quality.

Due to his commitment to superior craftsmanship and impeccable finishing, “Linton Master’s Shop” in Trincomalee Street soon became a household name across the Kandy region. By the 1970s, the thriving business moved to Yatinuwara Veediya. As the enterprise grew, Linton Master eventually purchased the rented building and the adjacent premises. In the 1990s, the brand reached its zenith, becoming a hallmark of excellence.

Following the passing of Linton Master in 2009, the business transitioned into a new era. Today, it stands proud at the same familiar location in Yatinuwara Veediya, rebranded as “Linton & Sons Master Tailors.” His legacy is carried forward by his children; while one son manages a printing press and a daughter runs a bridal wear brand under the Linton name, his son Nidarshana Udagagedara has significantly expanded the core tailoring business.

Today, Kandy is home to three main institutions bearing the prestigious Linton brand. Linton & Sons Master Tailors, now employing around 20 skilled professionals, is a nationally recognized name. Known for their international standards, it is said that anyone who gets a full suit tailored at Linton & Sons invariably returns for their second.

The business that once started with fabric handpicked from Pettah now utilizes world-renowned international brands. Linton & Sons is currently the only tailor shop in Kandy that creates garments using prestigious fabrics such as Raymonds, Pacific Gold, Medici, and Macone.

Current Chairman Nidarshana Udagagedara notes that they serve a loyal customer base, with complete groom’s suit packages ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 90,000. With a highly experienced team, they now offer an exclusive one-day service, allowing customers to have bespoke designs created to their exact specifications in record time.

Spanning seven decades, the Linton lineage, which has brought fame to Kandy, has now successfully expanded from the second generation to the third, ensuring that the master’s stitch continues to define elegance for years to come.

By S.K. Samaranayake

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Business

Sri Lanka secures IMF staff-level deal for USD 700 million tranche

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to secure the next tranche of funding under its ongoing bailout programme, marking a key step in the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The agreement, announced this week, will enable Sri Lanka to access approximately USD 700 million, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. The funds form part of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme agreed following the 2022 economic crisis.

The latest development covers the combined fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s reform programme, indicating that the country has made sufficient progress to move forward, while highlighting the need to sustain reform efforts.

Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of stabilisation in recent months, supported by improved revenue collection, easing inflation, and a gradual buildup of foreign reserves. However, the recovery remains vulnerable to both domestic and external pressures.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Israeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Initially CSE trading was somewhat volatile despite the ceasefire in West Asia but it experienced further volatility after Israel attacked Lebanon yesterday.

However, the IMF delegation which is now in Sri Lanka to release two tranches of its relief package created some positive sentiments for the market, analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went down by 73.06 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 10.57 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.96 billion with six crossings. Those crossings were: JKH 5.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 807.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.70, CIC Holdings two million shares crossed for Rs 54 million; its shares traded at Rs 32, Access Engineering 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 74, Central Finance 116,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 27.5 million ; its shares sold at Rs 237, LMF 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.8 million; its shares fetched Rs 91.10 and Kelani Cables 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 21 million and its shares traded at Rs 105.

In the retail market seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Dialog Rs237 million (7.5 million shares traded), LMF Rs 203 million (22 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 199.7 million (1.1 million shares traded), HBA Foods Rs 163 million (18.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 117 million (9.6 million shares traded) and Acme Printers Rs 107 million (15.6 million shares traded). During the day 133.3 million share volumes changed hands in 23666 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, like JKH, performed well, while food sector counters, especially LMF and HBA Foods, performed well. Other sectors too performed somewhat well during the day.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted a Rs 315.42/48 to the US dollar in the spot market from 315.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were quoted higher.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Business

HNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Highlights from the new brand reveal as HNB Assurance transforms into HNB Life

Marking 25 years of trust, growth, and service excellence, HNB Assurance PLC has unveiled its new corporate identity, transitioning to HNB Life PLC a strategic evolution that reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and commitment to empowering lives with protection and the freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them.

This milestone signifies more than a change in name or visual identity. It represents a deliberate transformation shaped by strong performance over the past few years, during which the company has achieved remarkable growth, strengthened its market position and enhanced its customer-centric capabilities.

The newly introduced logo, inspired by the form of a wing, symbolises HNB Life’s role as a proactive enabler. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting individuals in navigating life’s journey with confidence, empowering them to pursue their aspirations and live life on their own terms.

The official unveiling took place at a launch event attended by key stakeholders, strategic business partners, well-wishers and employees.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman, Stuart Chapman highlighted the significance of this transformation, stating, “As we mark 25 years of progress, the transition to HNB Life reflects our strategic intent to evolve with the changing needs of our customers and the broader market. This new identity embodies our purpose, to enable and empower individuals to achieve what they truly aspire to in life, with confidence and security. As a company we are extremely excited on what the future holds for as, as we build on an incredible foundation laid over the past two and a half decades.”

The new Vision of the Company is “To be the leader in empowering lives with protection and freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them”.