News

SLIM, Derana & Astra unite to elevate Sri Lanka’s Home Baking industry

Published

2 years ago

2024/07/7

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) announced its strategic partnership with Derana and Astra for the “Astra Derana Home Baker 2024” initiative. This island-wide endeavour aims to empower Domestic Baking Entrepreneurs by providing them with invaluable knowledge and resources in Brand Management, Brand Building, Marketing, Promotions, and Digital Marketing.

The partnership between SLIM, Derana, and Astra signifies a collective commitment to support and uplift Home-Based Bakers across Sri Lanka. Through a series of Consultations and Public Sessions, participants will gain insights into crucial aspects of Business Development and Marketing Strategies.

Commenting on this collaborative initiative, Gayan Perera, President of SLIM, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our partnership with Derana and Astra underscores our dedication to fostering Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment. By equipping Home Baking Entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge, we aim to create a conducive environment for their growth and success.”

The First Public Session, held on 12th May 2024 at the Kasun Reception Hall in Dickwella, featured Thisara Meegahawatte, an esteemed Intrapreneur and Brand Strategist, as the Resource Person. Attendees received valuable insights into Brand Management, Brand Building, and Digital Marketing, setting the stage for future sessions across the island.

SLIM is conducting Individual Consultations through the “Market Development Expert Committee” and Public Sessions through “Gamata Marketing”. The aim is to provide tailored guidance and comprehensive support to Home Baking Entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the competitive Market Landscape.

Dr. Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke, Vice President of Events and Sustainability at SLIM, highlighted the significance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive Economic Growth. “The ‘Astra Derana Home Baker 2024’ initiative represents a pivotal step towards empowering Small-Scale Entrepreneurs, particularly Women, in Sri Lanka. Through Strategic Partnerships and collaborative efforts, we aim to create opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.”

The “Astra Derana Home Baker 2024” initiative aligns with the broader vision of creating an inclusive ecosystem for Small-Scale Enterprises to thrive. By equipping Home Baking Entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge; SLIM, Derana, and Astra are committed to driving Economic Growth and empowerment across Sri Lanka.

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News

Colombo District Waste Management subcommittee convenes at Parliament

Published

2 hours ago

2026/07/23

Priyan

The Colombo District Waste Management Subcommittee, operating under the Colombo District Coordinating Committee, convened at Parliament on 22 July with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.The meeting reviewed the current measures being implemented to address issues relating to the disposal of municipal solid waste in the Western Province, following up on matters discussed at previous meetings. Particular attention was also given to future plans for improving solid waste management. In addition, discussions focused on promoting the proper use of compost bins among the public.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to develop an effective mechanism to ensure the proper implementation of existing waste management policies. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of raising public awareness of citizens’ responsibility to dispose of waste appropriately.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara; Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Colombo District Development Committee Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi; Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara; Chief Secretary of the Western Province Pradeep Pushpakumara; officials of the Colombo District Secretariat, the Waste Management Authority (WMA), the Urban Development Authority (UDA), the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), and the Colombo Municipal Council.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Government to coordinate Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya Sri Dalada Maha Perahera

Published

3 hours ago

2026/07/23

Priyan

A preliminary planning meeting for the Sri Dalada Maha Perahera 2026 of the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya was held this morning (23) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The meeting focused on preparations for this year’s Esala Festival, during which the 126th Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya Sri Dalada Maha Perahera will take place. The annual procession is scheduled to commence at 8.00 p.m. on 12 September 2026.

Discussions centred on ensuring that the Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya Perahera is organised with due grandeur and dignity through the full coordination of the Government. Attention was also given to the necessary preparatory arrangements, institutional support and logistical requirements for the successful conduct of the event.

The meeting further reviewed the contributions of the various State institutions involved in the organisation of the Perahera, as well as the financial and logistical support to be provided by both public and private sector sponsors.

Among those present were the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya and Deputy Registrar of the Sri Kalyani Samasri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Venerable Dr Aluthnuwara Anuruddha Nayaka Thera, Buddhist Affairs Coordinator of the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Divisional Secretariat, Venerable Urugamuwe Dhammadassi Thera, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Harsha Vithanaarachchi, Mayor of Kotte Arosha Athapaththu, Chairman of the Maharagama Municipal Council Saman Samarakoon, Divisional Secretary of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Kasun Epa Senevirathne, together with representatives of State institutions, sponsoring organisations and senior officials of the security forces.

News

Navy seize Indian fishing trawler, nine fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters

Published

8 hours ago

2026/07/23

Priyan

The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing trawler and apprehended nine Indian fishermen whilst engaged in illegal fishing having crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in Sri Lankan waters North of Talaimannar on Wednesday (22 July 2026). evening.

Over 50 Indian fishing trawlers had trespassed into the Sri Lankan waters South of Iranativu engaging in illegal fishing. During the operation, one Indian fishing trawler was seized, while nine Indian fishermen on board were taken into custody

The apprehended fishermen and the seized trawler were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for onward legal proceedings.