Business

Sri Lankan hair extension specialist benefits from export order surge

Published

1 year ago

2025/01/27

Thilina Walpola

Kaveesha Bethmage

Says SL should be part of the billion-dollar industry

By Sanath Nanayakkare

One may often hear panelists at business forums waxing eloquent about domestic value additions to imported raw materials for re-export and earning valuable foreign exchange for the country.

But one would rarely hear about a self-made Sri Lankan woman entrepreneur who is slowly but steadily attracting global attention towards Sri Lanka — for transforming imported human hair supply into stylish hair solutions for women — who face loss of hair and suffer from low esteem.

The Island Financial Review recently had an interview with the presidential award-winning hair extension specialist, Dr. Kaveesha Bethmage who is the owner /CEO of Salon Kaveesha International (Pvt) Ltd in Dematagoda where 30-hair extension artisans are employed.

“No matter which country we are from and what our differences may be, we all have a strong view of hair. Hair is a subject that is very important to women and their self-esteem. We often see our hair as a reflection of our identity because it is both personal and public. The positive or negative view of hair can greatly affect a woman. Hair, its length, texture and colour, all affect how a person looks and how they will be perceived. Lack of hair is not only directly associated with the appearance of a woman, but it also can significantly contribute to a loss of confidence resulting in many other negative personal implications. This is especially important for women with medical conditions that result in receding hairline. Needless to say more, hair is one of the assets for women”, says Kaveesha.

“Salon Kaveesha’s hair extensions are a quick fix for length and volume. Our products make our clients feel more confident as they blend with their own hair. This is always custom work, and my team is well-trained to adapt the extensions to the client’s hair structure, texture, colour and style preferences”, she says.

Delving into the pig picture of the industry she says,” Only a very few people know that the hair extension industry is more or less like the jewellery industry because the raw materials of both industries are valuable and hard to find. However, there is a distinct difference between the two supplies. A woman with the right volume of hair can look stunning without any jewellery. But the other way round is never true. This is why the hair extension industry is a billion-dollar industry in the world.

Sri Lanka can claim a sizable market share in this industry as many foreigners wouldn’t mind travelling to Sri Lanka to get this service and enjoy a short stay here,” “We already have a lot of expats coming to get our products and services. Our newly launched website has paved the way for us to receive an increasing number of orders from the USA, Canada, UK, Italy, Germany, Australia, the Middle East etc. Our AI-driven online platform enables virtual hair extension try-on for potential clients. So, they can see themselves virtually with their preferred hair extensions and place their orders. Usually, the lead time for delivery of an export order is about two weeks, and the prices vary according to the type and style of the chosen extension,” Kaveesha says.

“We have a range of hair extensions for those who can visit Sri Lanka as well as who can’t physically be here, but love to use our products after virtually experiencing it. I am glad that we have seen an increase in the number of online orders since we started exporting in 2020, on a small scale during covid-19 pandemic. The salon was founded in 2003, and our hard work has paid off with our export footprint. I think it’s high time we expanded our business to make it more industrial and globally competitive, and be more visible to the global audiences,” she says.

Kaveesha’s local clientele comprises celebrities, professionals, businesspeople, academics, politicians among other clients.

“Now we want to sell our hair products to the entire world. With this objective in mind, I am planning to establish a new hair products factory including the salon near the Katunayake International Airport to provide easy access to my clients. Then they can have their desired hair extensions within minutes of leaving the arrivals terminal. I know from experience that is how fast they want this critical service.” she says.

According to her, the new eco-friendly facility will cost about Rs. 45 million and it will create at least 60 jobs for industry veterans and novices.

“Our vision is to take Salon Kaveesha to international prominence as a leading provider in the hair and beauty industry. I am confident that the banks I deal with, will support me in financing the new project given the establishment’s proven track record, and my industry experience of more than 20 years.” she says.

Kaveesha points out that one challenge for her business is getting the right equipment and accessories for her trade.

“Hair extensions, hair-to-hair transplants and making innovative hair products from finest human hair is a specialized trade. But we can hardly find the sophisticated tools in Sri Lanka for it. We have to go abroad from time to time to purchase them,” she says.

Buddini Jayanika, manager at Salon Kaveesha said that they have donated many hair wigs to women in marginalized groups who faced hair-loss due to medical conditions and couldn’t afford to buy one. She also mentioned that her CEO believes in giving back to society, and therefore, Salon Kaveesha supports several CSR activities.

The embellishment annually donates hair extensions to cancer patients and underprivileged individuals to boost their confidence and self-esteem. It also provides stationery to students of disabled army soldiers every year to support their education.

Kaveesha’s husband, Lasantha Bethmage is an investor cum director of the establishment.

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Business

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

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

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.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

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.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

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.”