Colombo Gazette

Set across 145 acres along the untamed southern coastline of Hambantota, Shangri-La Hambantota celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, commemorating a decade shaped by nature, culture, community, and meaningful human connection.

Since welcoming its first guests in June 2016, the resort has grown beyond a traditional destination into a gateway to a slower, more immersive side of Sri Lanka. From peacocks greeting the dawn to artisan traditions thriving nearby, and from golf courses framed by coconut groves to lakeside serenity, the resort has become a place where families return time and again to reconnect—with each other and with the destination.

Celebrating under the theme “A Decade, With Heart,” the milestone reflects not just the resort’s evolution, but also the people and stories that have defined its journey.

“At its core, this anniversary is about people,” said General Manager Refhan Razeen. “The colleagues who built this resort, the communities and artisans who shape its spirit, and the guests who return year after year. Hambantota has always had a soul unlike anywhere else, and we are proud to share that with the world.”

Over the years, the resort has built a reputation for experiences deeply rooted in its surroundings. These range from its championship golf course—the only resort course of its kind in Sri Lanka—to cultural immersions, wildlife encounters, wellness retreats, destination weddings, and locally inspired cuisine. Rather than offering a conventional stay, the resort focuses on fostering meaningful connections to place.

This philosophy continues to guide its anniversary celebrations, which extend beyond the property itself. A series of initiatives will focus on community engagement, sustainability, and employee recognition.

For local communities, the resort will host an eye care camp, continue its annual Vesak dansala serving over 2,000 villagers, and support Sarana, a home for elderly visually impaired individuals. Environmental efforts include planting 100 mangroves within and around the property, reinforcing its commitment to preserving the region’s coastal ecosystems. Meanwhile, over 95 long-serving team members will be honoured during a special “Month of Joy,” recognising their contributions since the resort’s opening.

Throughout the year, guests can expect curated experiences inspired by the wider Ruhunu region—celebrating local artisans, sharing stories of long-serving colleagues, and offering destination-led activities that highlight the richness of southern Sri Lanka.

Nature remains at the heart of the resort’s identity. Home to diverse wildlife—including migratory birds, butterflies, and peacocks—the property continues to coexist with its natural surroundings. Sustainability and environmental stewardship underpin many of its initiatives, alongside efforts to support local livelihoods.

Over the past decade, the resort has also emerged as a leading destination for weddings, golf tourism, wellness escapes, and multi-generational travel—playing a quiet but significant role in placing Hambantota on the global travel map.

As Shangri-La Hambantota looks to the future, its focus remains on deepening these connections—creating experiences that are more intentional, authentic, and reflective of the destination and its people.

Because while much has changed over the past ten years, the heart of Hambantota remains the same—and that, perhaps, is the story worth celebrating.

DFCC Bank PLC has introduced a series of new features on DFCC ONE, strengthening its digital banking experience and giving customers greater freedom, accessibility and confidence in managing their financial lives across mobile and desktop platforms.

At the centre of the latest enhancements is the launch of DFCC ONE Online, an all-new online banking platform designed to offer customers a consistent and familiar banking experience across devices. Customers can log in using their existing DFCC ONE credentials and access an intuitive interface that mirrors the simplicity of the App, enabling a smoother digital banking journey whether they are banking on mobile or desktop.

The latest enhancements further strengthen DFCC ONE as a comprehensive digital banking solution, enabling customers to manage everyday banking needs more efficiently through a single platform. The new features include traffic fine payments, digital transaction enablement for sole proprietorships, enhanced person-to-person fund transfers and LankaQR-enabled payments.

Customers can now settle traffic fines directly through the DFCC ONE App, allowing them to complete payments anytime and from anywhere without the need for physical visits. The feature is designed to simplify traffic fine settlement and reduce the time customers spend on manual processes.

DFCC Bank has also enabled sole proprietors to transact digitally, allowing small business owners to onboard and link their business accounts to the DFCC ONE App. This gives users a unified view of both personal and business accounts, while enabling them to manage transactions such as QR payments, person-to-person transfers, bill payments, card payments and external fund transfers through one platform.

The enhanced person-to-person fund transfer feature allows customers to make instant transfers using QR codes. Customers can share their unique QR code and complete fund transfers of up to LKR 5,000 quickly and securely, supporting greater convenience for everyday transactions.

DFCC ONE users can also make payments at LankaQR-enabled merchants through the App. The Scan & Pay functionality supports fast and secure merchant payments, while encouraging wider use of digital payment channels.

Both the DFCC ONE App and the newly launched DFCC ONE Online operate in all three languages, improving accessibility for customers across Sri Lanka. Customers can also open savings accounts and fixed deposits through both platforms, while the DFCC ONE App further enables card settlements and bill payments using DFCC Bank Credit Cards.

Deepa Edirisooriya, Vice President / Chief Digital Officer of DFCC Bank PLC, said, “Customer expectations around banking are changing quickly, and digital platforms must make everyday financial tasks easier, faster and more accessible. The latest DFCC ONE enhancements are focused on practical convenience, whether customers are settling payments, managing business accounts or moving between mobile and desktop banking. Our aim is to keep improving the digital banking experience in ways that are meaningful, inclusive and useful to customers in their daily lives.”

The new features support DFCC Bank’s broader digital banking strategy, which focuses on improving accessibility, convenience and adoption across customer segments. By continuously introducing new features and enhancing its already wide spectrum of offerings, DFCC Bank continues to strengthen DFCC ONE as a central platform for personal and business banking.

DFCC Bank, Sri Lanka’s development finance pioneer, continues to invest in digital banking solutions that support changing customer needs while improving the ease, confidence and efficiency with which individuals and businesses manage their financial transactions.

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Sampath Bank PLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late last month to jointly promote financial literacy, broaden awareness of capital market opportunities, and support businesses in accessing sustainable growth avenues. By leveraging Sampath Bank’s extensive relationship network together with the CSE’s expertise and product offerings, the collaboration seeks to encourage greater adoption of awareness creation on the financial services ecosystem and best practices among businesses.

The MoU also provides for joint initiatives aimed at facilitating efficient capital formation for businesses, including SMEs, through advisory support and readiness assessments. The collaboration is aligned with national efforts to enable businesses to scale sustainably while reflecting a strong synergy between the banking and capital market sectors.

ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Asia-Pacific hospitality management company, has unveiled its growth strategy as it marks its 60th anniversary, setting a revenue target of THB 10.33 billion for 2026, reflecting a 14% year-on-year increase.

As part of its long-term expansion roadmap, the Group plans to grow its portfolio to more than 75 properties by 2030, supported by an investment of THB 5.5 billion over the next three years. The investment will primarily focus on enhancing and upgrading existing properties while strengthening its regional footprint.

From its beginnings managing a single hotel in Thailand, ONYX Hospitality Group has evolved into a regional player with a diverse portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, luxury residences, dining, and spa offerings. Its multi-brand portfolio includes Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, each positioned to cater to distinct market segments and evolving traveller needs. Currently, ONYX manages 49 properties across Asia Pacific.

Chief Executive Officer Yuthachai Charanachitta noted that the Group’s growth has been driven by a strong Thai foundation combined with a global outlook and a focused regional strategy. He emphasized that the 60th anniversary represents not just a milestone, but the beginning of a new phase of expansion, with continued focus on strengthening brands, expanding market presence, and delivering long-term value to partners and customers.

Looking ahead, ONYX is set to launch several new projects in 2026, including Shama Sukhumvit 101 Bangkok, Shama Medini, and Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen, reinforcing its presence in key gateway cities. The Group is also progressing a strong pipeline of developments such as Shama Rayong, EQ Phuket, Shama Hub Ladprao Bangkok, Shama North Pattaya, and Amari Resort & Villas, Samui, alongside a major transformation of Amari Phuket.

In parallel, ONYX continues to drive value through asset management and investment strategies, with key properties including Amari Bangkok, OZO Samui, and OZO Phuket expected to contribute to a targeted portfolio valuation exceeding THB 4 billion.

As part of its anniversary strategy, the Group has introduced its “ONYX Universe” framework, a long-term strategic model designed to strengthen talent development, technology, sustainability, brand positioning, marketing efficiency, customer engagement, and asset performance.

The Group has also refined the positioning of its core brands:

Amari has been repositioned within the upper-upscale segment, combining Thai hospitality with local character.
OZO has evolved into an upper-midscale lifestyle brand focused on seamless, comfortable stays.
Shama continues to focus on serviced apartment living with an emphasis on community and lifestyle experiences.
Oriental Residence has been elevated as a refined luxury offering centred on privacy and personalised service.
This strategic brand evolution is aimed at strengthening differentiation and aligning more closely with current market demand.

Building on its 60-year legacy, ONYX Hospitality Group remains focused on sustainable growth through regional expansion, brand development, and operational excellence, as it works toward its vision of becoming the best medium-sized hospitality management company in Asia Pacific.

DFCC Bank PLC has been recognised among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Mom-Inclusive Workplaces at the Mom Leaders Conference 2026, organised by Parenthood Global, highlighting the Bank’s continued focus on creating a workplace where working mothers are supported to grow, lead and succeed.

The recognition reflects DFCC Bank’s efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture that enables women to balance professional growth with family responsibilities. It also strengthens the Bank’s positioning as an employer that places people, wellbeing and equal opportunity at the centre of its organisational culture.

As workplaces continue to evolve, support for working parents has become an important measure of inclusive employment. For DFCC Bank, this recognition is linked to the broader environment it continues to build, where employees are encouraged to contribute meaningfully while being supported through different stages of life and career.

Paduma Subasinghe, Chief Human Resources Officer of DFCC Bank, said, “An inclusive workplace is built through consistent action, not only through policy. Supporting working mothers is part of how we create a stronger organisation, because when people are given the space to grow professionally while managing their responsibilities at home, they are able to contribute with greater confidence and purpose. This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the culture we are working to strengthen across the Bank.”

DFCC Bank also celebrated several of its employees who were recognised as inspiring mom leaders at the conference for their dedication, resilience and contribution. They were Nipuni Heiyanthuduwa, Nivirthika Joseph, Venushka Bandaranayake, Sinthuja Sivarajah, Nishadhi Jayasekara, Malindi Dharmawardana, Thilinika Hettiarachchi, Inoka Mutthusamy, Sherine Priyona and Nilushika Chathurangani.

Their recognition reflects the role played by women across DFCC Bank in contributing to the organisation while continuing to manage the demands of family life. It also reinforces the importance of workplaces that recognise talent, commitment and leadership beyond conventional measures of performance.

DFCC Bank’s people strategy continues to focus on building a culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best. This includes strengthening workplace practices that support inclusion, wellbeing, professional development and equal opportunity.

As Sri Lanka’s development finance pioneer, DFCC Bank continues to build on its institutional legacy by investing not only in customers and communities, but also in its people. The Bank’s recognition among the country’s Top 10 Mom-Inclusive Workplaces marks another step in its journey to create a modern, inclusive and future-ready workplace.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has introduced PayPal-linked withdrawal functionality, allowing eligible customers to transfer their global digital earnings directly into their bank accounts through ComBank Digital.

The integration with PayPal enables freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and exporters in Sri Lanka to securely and instantly move funds from their PayPal balances into local Commercial Bank accounts via a fully regulated banking channel.

The service operates through a secure, self-service email-based syncing mechanism within ComBank Digital. Existing PayPal users can link their accounts by matching registered email addresses and dates of birth, enabling fast authentication and seamless transfers. Once linked, users can view available PayPal balances and complete withdrawals digitally in about two minutes without visiting a branch.

Managing Director and CEO Sanath Manatunge said the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s connection to the global digital economy. He noted that the service addresses long-standing challenges faced by freelancers and digital professionals in bringing foreign earnings into the country through secure and regulated channels, while also supporting foreign currency inflows and financial transparency.

Commercial Bank continues to lead in digital banking innovation, having introduced solutions such as the Q Plus Payment App, Tap-to-Pay acceptance, and Google Pay services. The bank also records the highest CEFT transaction volumes in the country and recently received the Excellence in Digital Payments award at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2026.

With a strong focus on supporting Sri Lanka’s growing freelance economy, the bank has also introduced dedicated Freelancer Accounts tailored to digital professionals.

Operating over 270 branches across the island and maintaining an international presence in Bangladesh, the Maldives, Myanmar, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, Commercial Bank remains one of Sri Lanka’s largest private sector lenders and a leader in digital financial services.

365 Future Energy, an Australia-based sustainable energy solutions company, is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of its CEO, Mr. Isuru Yapa, together with internationally recognized energy technology entrepreneur Mr. Ludovico Finotto, to Sri Lanka on 1st June 2026.

The purpose of this strategic visit is to explore sustainable energy solutions, evaluate emerging opportunities within Sri Lanka’s energy sector, and identify potential investment and technology partnerships that can contribute to the country’s future energy transformation.

365 Future Energy is focused on delivering innovative and environmentally responsible energy solutions, supporting the global transition toward renewable and sustainable power infrastructure. Through this visit, the company aims to better understand Sri Lanka’s growing energy demands and assess opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and next-generation sustainable energy developments.

Joining the delegation is Mr. Ludovico Finotto, Founder and CEO of QiOn Technologies and a globally recognized innovator in the energy, automotive, and high-performance electronics sectors. With over 18 years of international experience, Mr. Finotto has played a leading role in advanced developments related to electric mobility, energy storage, charging infrastructure, hydrogen technologies, marine electrification, and smart energy systems.

Mr. Finotto is the founder and executive leader behind several globally operating companies including QiOn Technologies, XCpower, Qinnosys, Supercool Mobility Centers, and Link EV Electric Vehicles. His work has contributed to projects across motorsport, marine, mining and renewable energy sectors internationally. QiOn Technologies was recognized in 2025 as a “Top Innovative Charging Solution USA” provider and in 2026 as the “Battery Storage and Charging Software European Company of the Year.”

365 Future Energy believes Sri Lanka holds strong potential for future-focused sustainable infrastructure projects and clean energy investments. The company’s leadership team will engage with local stakeholders, businesses, and industry representatives during the visit to discuss opportunities for innovation, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainable growth.

Speaking about the visit, CEO Mr. Isuru Yapa stated, “We see significant potential in Sri Lanka’s future energy landscape. This visit is an important step in understanding how advanced international technologies and strategic partnerships can contribute toward sustainable energy development in the country.”

The visit is expected to open discussions surrounding renewable energy infrastructure, electric mobility solutions, battery energy storage systems (BESS), EV charging networks, and future smart-grid technologies.

The hotel secures four prestigious accolades, reaffirming its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality destinations.

Hilton Colombo has been recognized on the global stage at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving four distinguished accolades that celebrate the hotel’s excellence in hospitality, culinary experiences, and guest service.

The hotel was named Leading Culinary Hotel in Asia, Best Guest Service in Sri Lanka, Best Luxury Hotel in Sri Lanka, and Most Unique Guest Experience in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone for Hilton Colombo, and further strengthening its reputation as one of the country’s most celebrated hospitality destinations.

Recognized globally as one of the hospitality industry’s most respected award platforms, the Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards honor outstanding establishments that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences. Based entirely on guest feedback, the awards reflect Hilton Colombo’s continued commitment to world-class hospitality and meaningful service.

Commenting on the achievement, Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo, said, “To be recognized across multiple categories on a global platform is incredibly meaningful, particularly because the recognition is driven by guest experiences. These awards are a proud reflection of the passion, consistency, and dedication demonstrated by our team every day. We remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality while continuing to elevate Colombo’s position on the global travel and culinary landscape.”

From award-winning dining concepts and curated culinary showcases to memorable stays and personalized experiences, Hilton Colombo continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the heart of Colombo. The recognition also highlights the dedication and passion of the hotel’s team members, whose commitment to excellence remains at the core of every guest journey.

For reservations or more information, guests may contact +94 11 2492 492 or email [email protected].

SLS certification is important because it assures mothers that Khomba Baby Soap has been certified as safe and gentle on a baby’s skin. Natural, mild protection and herbal trust have been the hallmarks of Khomba Baby care range, helping establish it as one of the most trusted and loved herbal baby care brands in Sri Lanka. By incorporating high-quality standards and processes, firmly certified under SLS, new parents can rest assured that their baby is in the safest natural nurturing care of Khomba Baby, as explained by Ms. Chulodhara Samarasinghe – Deputy Chairperson/Managing Director of Swadeshi.

SLS 547 is the Sri Lanka Standard Specification for Baby Soap, which sets mandatory quality, safety and performance requirements for soaps intended for infants. The SLS 547 standard includes requirements for ensuring baby soaps are safe, non-irritating, high quality, mild and suitable for infant skin. The standard is mandatory for both importation and local manufacturing, verified under the SLSI import inspection scheme.

This SLS certification is critical in giving consumers confidence in a product’s consistent quality as the SLS institution maintains stringent standards and ongoing checks of certified products in the market. In addition to our SLS 547 certification, Khomba Baby soap products have been internationally dermatologically tested and certified as safe for babies’ skin. As a brand, Khomba Baby ensures compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard, thereby providing the best and safest quality herbal products in the country.

We at Swadeshi have been making gentle herbal soaps since 1941 and have followed high quality standards and have now introduced the Khomba Baby brand with nature's best herbal ingredients such as Coconut milk, Rathmal, Venivel and Avocado to add value to our consumers. According to SLSI and NMRA the evaluation panel ensures that the certificate is valid.

The Khomba Baby Soap combines some of the best of nature’s bounty in the form of Kohomba (Margosa), Coconut milk, Aloe vera, Venivel, Avocado and Rathmal, which have been used for generations for cleansing, moisturising and ensuring soft & gentle skin, and it is safe for a baby’s delicate skin. Swadeshi Khomba Baby soap is dermatologically tested and safety assured for babies’ skin.

Khomba Baby Soap protects a baby’s skin from irritations and provides essential nourishment to the skin. It is the only baby soap in the local market with the best mix of herbs, and has been improved with new soothing fragrances that are mild on the skin. Khomba Baby personal care range will keep a baby’s skin clean, healthy, soft, mild and moisturised, which is essential for the comfort of the baby, the company said.

The main ingredient, Khomba, has been a time-tested herbal ingredient that has been used by Sri Lankan mothers for centuries, and Swadeshi, the herbal personal care specialist for over 85 years, has carefully selected these herbs to give you the best mix of herbs with the highest quality standards. These mixes of herbs have been used for generations to bathe babies, wash off germs naturally, and the use of herbal ingredients on skin is always safe and gentle.

The Khomba Baby Range, comprising Baby Soap, Baby Cologne, Baby Cream, Baby Powder, Baby Shampoo, Baby Oil, Kids Cologne and Baby Gift Pack, is a combination of time-tested herbal ingredients that makes it a comprehensive herbal baby care range in the local market. “Swadeshi’s products cater to a growing market segment that is looking for nature-friendly products for good health, hygiene, safety and mildness on skin.

As the country’s leading herbal personal care products company, we would like consumers to learn more about the functional benefits of the herbal ingredients used by Swadeshi in all its products. We use only the best of Sri Lankan herbs, and all ingredients are extensively researched and the products fully tested to ensure quality. All our products are 100% Vegetarian, Not tested on animals and Cruelty free. Swadeshi products, including Swadeshi Khomba, Rani Sandalwood and Swadeshi Khomba Baby, are accredited by the Vegetarian Society, UK. This stands as a testament to the company’s forward-thinking practices, as well as its desire to help consumers make ethical and eco-friendly choices. The company has always considered the health and environmental impact of its products, and continues to prioritize it. Swadeshi, a truly Sri Lankan company has claimed many industry firsts over the past 85 years.

All Swadeshi products are registered under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. All fragrances used in Swadeshi products are certified by the globally accepted International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and produced under ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd., a member of the DSI Samson Group, opened its new TVS showroom in Malabe on 23rd May, launching its official dealership with TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. The partnership represents a strategic expansion for Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd. into the two-wheeler automotive sector while reinforcing its long-standing reputation within the DSI Samson Group for reliability and trust.

The showroom, dedicated exclusively to TVS two-wheelers, offers customers a comprehensive retail experience for motorcycles and scooters. It features the complete range of TVS two-wheelers available in the country, including the newly introduced TVS Ronin, TVS Apache RTR series, TVS Raider, TVS Ntorq 125, TVS Jupiter, TVS Sport, and TVS XL100.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd., and DSI Samson Group, including Mr. Thusitha Rajapaksha, Managing Director of D. Samson and Sons (Pvt) Ltd.; Mr. Pradeep Samarathunga, General Manager of D. Samson and Sons (Pvt) Ltd.; Mr. Asanka Rajapaksha, Managing Director of Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd.; Mr. Geethal Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.; and Mr. Malaka Vehalla, Assistant General Manager – Sales of TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Mr. Asanka Rajapaksha, Managing Director of Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd, remarked, “The showroom marks an important step in expanding our footprint in the two-wheeler segment. With a 47-year legacy, Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd. has built a strong foundation of trust and reliability. Through our collaboration with TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., we aim to offer customers a modern retail experience backed by trusted service standards and this long-standing legacy. The partnership enables us to bring globally trusted TVS models closer to customers while ensuring a seamless and customer-focused experience.”

Mr. Geethal Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, said, “TVS continues to strengthen its presence across Sri Lanka through collaborations that bring our full product range closer to customers. The opening of the Malabe showroom with Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd. reflects our shared focus on delivering accessibility and a superior ownership experience for every customer. The partnership reinforces our commitment to building a strong, customer-centric dealership network across the island.”

The opening of the showroom strengthens the partnership between Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd. and TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., enhancing access to world-class two-wheelers and customer service solutions for motorcycle enthusiasts. Backed by the trusted heritage of the DSI Samson Group and the innovation of TVS, this showroom is poised to deliver a modern, convenient, and customer-focused experience for riders in Malabe.