Colombo Gazette

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Cambridge University Press & Assessment have officially partnered to make CSE Academy an authorised examination centre for Linguaskill by Cambridge. The collaboration, announced on 30 April, brings the globally recognised English proficiency test to all 12 CSE branches, leveraging the Exchange’s presence across every province in Sri Lanka.

Linguaskill is an English proficiency assessment developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, designed for both academic and professional contexts. It evaluates language ability across the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) scale from B1 to C2. The test typically delivers results within 48 hours, supported by detailed score reports aligned with international standards. It offers both General and Business versions, awarding candidates a globally recognised certificate with lifetime validity.

CSE Academy, the education arm of the Colombo Stock Exchange, was established in 2023 through the consolidation of its various educational initiatives. These include the Advanced Diploma in Financial Management and certificate courses in Financial Markets, Investment, Stock Analysis, and Financial Statement Analysis. Together, these programmes support investor education and help raise financial literacy among corporates, students, and investors. With the launch of Linguaskill, CSE Academy will now offer the programme across all 12 branches, enabling candidates to both prepare for and sit the examination at CSE Academy facilities.

Commenting on the partnership, Zahara Ansary, Country Head of Cambridge University Press & Assessment for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, stated:“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Colombo Stock Exchange as it becomes an authorised examination centre for Linguaskill by Cambridge. This collaboration represents an important step in strengthening access to internationally benchmarked English language assessment in Sri Lanka, particularly within the professional and corporate landscape. With their islandwide branch network, CSE is well positioned to take these qualifications to all parts of the country, helping to elevate skills development standards and support the long-term growth of Sri Lanka’s human capital.”

Speaking at the launch, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of CSE, remarked:“At the CSE, one of our key priorities has been to foster financial literacy across our investor base. Through our collaboration with Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the launch of Linguaskill across our nationwide branch network, we aim to complement this mission by strengthening professional communication skills, enabling individuals to engage more effectively in the capital market.”

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Lebanese Republic, Anura Withanage, presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun, on 06 May 2026.

Upon arrival at the Presidential Palace, Ambassador Withanage was accompanied by officials and received with ceremonial honours, including a Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Lebanon.

During the meeting, Ambassador Withanage conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayake. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The discussions were cordial and constructive, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and people-to-people engagement. President Aoun warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed his openness to continued dialogue, inviting further discussions at any time on matters of mutual interest, including the expansion of economic and trade relations.

Ambassador Withanage expressed his appreciation for the President’s goodwill and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the strong and friendly ties between Sri Lanka and Lebanon.

As daylight softens and the island begins its quiet transformation into night, Shangri-La introduces Golden Hour—an evocative new cocktail ritual now unveiled at Shangri-La Colombo and Shangri-La Hambantota.

More than a reimagined happy hour, Golden Hour is a sensory experience, where time slows, flavours deepen, and moments are designed to linger. Rooted in Shangri-La’s Asian heritage and inspired by the brand’s iconic golden “S,” this daily ritual captures the fleeting beauty between day and dusk, inviting guests to reconnect—with place, with people, and with the present.

At Shangri-La Colombo, the experience unfolds against the rhythm of the city—where ocean views meet skyline silhouettes, and the energy of Colombo transitions into an elegant evening cadence. Guests can gather across signature venues such as Capital Bar & Grill and Tiki Bar, where curated cocktails and refined bites create a vibrant yet intimate social ritual in the heart of the city.

Further south, at Shangri-La Hambantota, Golden Hour takes on a more serene expression. Set across 145 acres of tropical landscape, where peacocks roam and the Indian Ocean stretches endlessly beyond, the experience is shaped by nature—sunsets over the golf course, golden light filtering through palms, and a slower, more contemplative pace that defines the resort.
At the heart of Golden Hour is a globally curated cocktail collection, crafted by Shangri-La’s Mixology Masters. Each creation tells a story—of culture, craft, and connection—while reflecting the spirit of its destination.

Sri Lanka’s signature serves include:
- Purana Legacy – Shangri-La Colombo
A rich and layered expression featuring Chivas 18, roasted coconut, and pineapple oleo—an indulgent tribute to island flavours, reinterpreted with depth and sophistication.

- Ruby Fizz – Shangri-La Hambantota
A vibrant tropical composition of infused gin, coconut, and ginger-pomegranate spice, lifted with a refreshing effervescence—capturing the warmth and vitality of the southern coast.

Complementing the cocktails is a selection of Golden Bites, thoughtfully curated to enhance each sip, bringing together local ingredients, regional inspiration, and refined culinary craftsmanship.

While Golden Hour is a global Shangri-La experience spanning destinations from Europe to the Middle East, its expression in Sri Lanka is deeply personal—shaped by the island’s contrasts. From the cosmopolitan pulse of Colombo to the untamed beauty of Hambantota, each setting offers a distinct interpretation of this shared ritual.

Golden Hour is not simply about cocktails. It is about transition. A pause. A moment suspended between what has been and what is yet to unfold.
Each evening, as the light turns gold, Shangri-La invites guests to gather, to savour, and to rediscover the art of slowing down—where every sip tells a story, and every setting becomes part of it.

HUTCH Sri Lanka is leveraging its international pedigree to bring world-class enterprise solutions to help Sri Lankan businesses leapfrog into a new era. As the country advances its digital ambitions, the company—backed by its parent, the global Fortune 500 conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings—sees this as the ideal time to unlock the global digital expertise it possesses.

The CK Hutchison Group, a world leader in telecommunications operating across 11 countries, has spearheaded digital advancements in telecoms across Europe and acted as a catalyst in emerging markets, enabling large-scale digital transformation.

As Sri Lanka accelerates its shift towards digital transformation, HUTCH Sri Lanka has aligned its enterprise offerings through its dedicated business arm. This arm is positioned to cater to the evolving needs of corporates, SMEs, startups, government, and institutional entities.

In a business environment shaped by cost pressures, emerging customer expectations, and the need for operational resilience, there is a growing demand for fast, scalable, and cost-effective digital services. HUTCH Enterprise, empowered by international best practices and expertise, brings together connectivity and digital services under one integrated ecosystem—positioning HUTCH as both a connectivity provider and a technology solutions enabler.

The HUTCH Enterprise ecosystem includes a comprehensive suite of services spanning connectivity options, digital software, and applications that are globally recognised, alongside bespoke solutions tailored to specific business needs. These include mobile-for-business solutions, IoT connectivity, Internet Leased Lines, omnichannel engagement platforms, digital presence services such as domain registration and web development, workplace digitisation tools, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and API services—all offered through a single platform.

Commenting on the initiative, Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer of HUTCH Sri Lanka, stated:“Digital transformation and business empowerment are no longer optional; they are essential for business competitiveness and national economic resilience. Through HUTCH Enterprise, we are simplifying this journey by bringing together connectivity and digital solutions in a way that is accessible, practical, and relevant to Sri Lankan businesses. HUTCH is enabling an enterprise servicing ecosystem where any business can efficiently participate in both the local and global economy, supporting Sri Lanka’s ambition of reaching a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030. Backed by our global parent, CK Hutchison Holdings, we are well positioned to deliver world-class solutions to enterprises locally.”

Beauty by Rosh, the inclusive, Australian-owned cosmetics brand founded by Rosh Kumarasinghe, has confirmed dual sponsorships at Australian Fashion Week 2026 in May, becoming the official makeup partner for two of the week's most anticipated runway shows: Gary Bigeni and Karla Spetic.

This marks the most partnerships an independent brand South Asian-owned brand has secured at Australian Fashion Week in a single season. Alongside global names including MAC Cosmetics, Makeup Forever, Lancôme, L'Oréal and Mecca Cosmetics, Beauty by Rosh takes its place among the industry's most prominent beauty partners at Australia's premier fashion event.

For the Gary Bigeni show, Rosh Kumarasinghe steps into the role of Makeup Director; the second time she has held the title of director at an international fashion week, following her role as Lead Artist and Makeup Director for the Dahlia Razzook show at London Fashion Week in February 2026.

The Gary Bigeni show, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Sydney, is positioned as a landmark cultural fashion moment. The show reflects Gary's signature pillars of creativity, community, optimism, collaboration and inclusivity.

Rosh will direct a team of 10 makeup artists backstage, creating a skin-forward, natural and fresh base look designed to enhance each model's individual features.

"Gary Bigeni is one of the most wonderful human beings. He has endured so much in life, as I have. The partnership feels deeply personal - two people who have faced adversity and chosen to create beauty, inclusivity and joy through their work. I am so excited to be working with him" said Rosh Kumarasinghe, Founder, Beauty by Rosh

Additionally, Beauty by Rosh will also serve as official makeup partner for Karla Spetic, whose show takes place on Wednesday 13th May to a celebrity and industry guest list. The partnership unites two immigrant women who rebuilt their lives in Australia through resilience and created brands that celebrate the strength of womanhood.

AFW 2026 marks Beauty by Rosh's third international fashion week, following its role as official makeup partner at Colombo Fashion Week (between 2021–2026) and its historic appearance at London Fashion Week — where the brand became the first Australian makeup brand to sponsor designers on the LFW main schedule, and Rosh became the first South Asian beauty entrepreneur to achieve this milestone.