Life style
‘CAN Market’ puts local entrepreneurs on a high gear
by Zanita Careem
Sri Lanka boasts of a rich history of arts and crafts. Artisans are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s non-form, rural economy. This sector contributes to the national economy by providing employment opportunities, generates rural income and improves the purchasing power of rural people. But with the outbreak of COVID-19 all their hopes were shattered.
The pandemic affected millions of people across the globe. It affected the entrepreneurs in unimaginable ways. For most of them staying afloat amidst this catastrophe seemed an impossible task. Yet the adversity brought inspiration. There were many organizations that came forward to help small smart entrepreneurs, to help them brave this challenging period and prepare them to strategize and improve their business ventures.
One of them is The Creative Isle which launched the CAN (Ceylon Artisan Network) weekend market in collaboration with the Colombo City Centre. The CAN Market was created as a platform to support micro entrepreneurship across the island. It will unfold every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The chief guest at the inauguration of the CAN Market was Sri Lankan Cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Focusing on sustainable and community driven businesses, the market features products of home and lifestyle, fashion accessories, food products, herbal teas, cosmetics, soaps and fragrances.
The Founder of The Creative Isle, Keshani Ann Surawewa , the woman behind the creative programme said, “during the COVID-19 lockdown, most creative entrepreneurs had a down-trend in growth, affecting the business landscape. I wanted to provide local vendors an opportunity to showcase not only their talent but also help them earn a substantial income.”
We spoke to some of the vendors at the event. Saumya Thirimadura from ‘Guru’ said, “we started a small garment factory with our own tailoring. Logistics might not be glamorous, but we focused on our production.” She further said that glass ceilings, patriarchy, gender pay gap, male privileges dot a woman’s path, but nevertheless they took on the mantle to power through them all and succeed against all odds. We produce linen, dresses , shorts. T-shirts, trousers, underwear and soon our clothes picked up the pace and my collection caught the buyer’s attention.”
A manufacturer of exquisite silver jewellery who commenced herjourney by making silver jewellery with Sri Lankan semi-precious stones remarked: “realizing a huge gap in the jewellery market which is huge, I felt there were no unique designs to meet the demand of the consumers and at affordable prices.” Her array of jewellery on sale that weekend included rings, bracelets, necklaces and more. ‘With a large surge of many players in the jewellery market, I try to manufacture some unusual creative pieces with silver and local gem stones. ” She further said with many jewellers at play, there was a very little elbow room to differentiate themselves from the rest. “The local market is cluttered and getting the attention of the potential customer was very difficult.”
Businessman and corporate leader Dilith Jayaweera said that he was very keen in pursuing and recognizing true entrepreneurs and value in innovators. “The CAN Market at the Colombo City Centre was a great project This project, the brainchild of Keshani to uplift the spirit of entrepreneur was indeed a benchmark to help the artisans. With a few potential risks and a sound business idea in hand, an entrepreneur can create a success from a small town and can build up a multi million business, if there is proper guidance and penchant for running such a business.”
The Ceylon Artisan Network CAN Market will drive inspiration, brilliance, and ingenuity among the small businesses. This spirit needs to be recognized by some authority to move forward.
The CAN Market has received immense support from partners such as the Colombo City Centre, the Foundation of Goodness, National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and UNDP, in a bid to further uplift local SMEs and entrepreneurs, most affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative welcomes on board Scope Cinemas as the Cinema Partners & Antyra Solutions as the Social Media Partners.
Dian Gomes, the well known business and sports icon also spoke and recognized the efforts of Keshani to help many more entrepreneurs.
Pix by Dharmasena Welipitiya
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
…….
The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
