Business Blue Lanka Tours launches employee mental health and wellness programme Published 21 mins agoon 2026/07/5 Participants of the event Blue Lanka Tours recently launched a mental health and wellness initiative aimed at promoting employee wellbeing and fostering a healthier…
Business Blue Lanka Tours launches employee mental health and wellness programme
Published 21 mins agoon 2026/07/5
Participants of the event Blue Lanka Tours recently launched a mental health and wellness initiative aimed at promoting employee wellbeing and fostering a healthier workplace culture. The programme, titled Compass, was held at the ITC Ratnadeepa in Colombo, bringing together employees for a series of sessions focused on mental health awareness, healthy living and personal development. Addressing the event, Blue Lanka Tours Founder and Managing Director Dinesh N. Perera said the company’s responsibility extended beyond serving international visitors to ensuring the wellbeing of its employees. “When we say we are a responsible company, it also means we are a responsible employer who recognises workplace pressures, personal responsibilities and the demands of modern life,” he said. Wellness Facilitator and Mindset Coach Tanuja Perera Raymond conducted a session on building confidence, emotional balance and workplace performance through practical daily habits. Counselling Psychologist and Mind Leap Counselling Services Founder Dulari Ranasinghe discussed strategies for managing stress, overcoming emotional challenges and developing healthier personal relationships. Fitness and Nutrition Coach Shane Ramenaden led the final session, highlighting the relationship between physical health and workplace productivity through posture improvement, mindful decompression, nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.
Business ICAO Asia-Pacific Director joins NGAP aviation awareness programme in Kandalama
Published 21 mins agoon 2026/07/5
A winner of the art competition receiving her certificate The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) conducted the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Sri Lanka Programme at D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya, Kandalama, recently bringing together around 400 school students to promote awareness of aviation-related careers. The programme, organised through the CAASL Civil Aviation Promotion Unit under the leadership of Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer Captain Daminda Rambukwella, aimed to inspire students to explore opportunities in the aviation sector. ICAO Asia and Pacific Regional Director Tao Ma attended the event as chief guest, reaffirming the International Civil Aviation Organization’s support for initiatives that encourage youth participation in aviation and contribute to the sustainable growth of the global industry. Students from D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya and several schools in the Galewela Education Zone participated in the programme, which featured interactive sessions, presentations by aviation professionals, and educational activities designed to enhance knowledge of the sector. The programme commenced with a model aircraft flying display, which drew significant interest from students while demonstrating basic principles of flight and aircraft operations. An aviation-themed art competition was also held, with ICAO officials and CAASL representatives reviewing student artwork and commending their creativity and enthusiasm. Speaking at the event, Tao Ma praised Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote aviation awareness among youth, noting the importance of developing the next generation of aviation professionals. Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Captain Daminda Rambukwella highlighted the role of the NGAP initiative in building a future-ready aviation workforce and encouraged students to consider careers in the expanding sector.
Business AIA’s first ‘Dansala on a Train’ takes the spirit of local hospitality onboard
Published 21 mins agoon 2026/07/5
In a heartfelt, first-of-its-kind initiative, AIA Insurance Lanka brought the true spirit of Vesak to life through compassion, community, and care.The concept of a ‘dansala’ is deeply rooted in Sri Lankan tradition and is a special part of the Vesak season. It reflects generosity, hospitality and the spirit of sharing by bringing people together while caring for the well-being of others. Inspired by this timeless tradition, AIA reimagined the dansala in a bold and pioneering way, by taking it onboard a train. Through its very first ‘Dansal Dumriya,’ AIA transformed an ordinary journey into an extraordinary experience. Hundreds of commuters boarded the early morning train from Colombo to Matara, some returning home for Vesak and others travelling to attend the National Vesak Festival in Matara. Many, including children, had begun their journey at dawn, without breakfast and were facing hours of travel ahead. It was along this route that AIA stepped in to serve a healthy, hygienic breakfast to every passenger, free of charge. The team moved through each carriage, serving generous portions of ‘kadala’ and ‘manioc’-traditional local foods valued for their nutrition and wholesomeness. More than just a meal, this thoughtful gesture highlighted the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast, reinforcing habits that support physical wellbeing. Beyond the food, the train itself became a vibrant Vesak themed space, beautifully decorated to reflect the serenity and joy of the season. This immersive setting uplifted the journey, creating moments of connection and togetherness among passengers. Families and friends shared their meals, smiles and conversations, turning a routine commute into a memorable celebration of wellbeing and community. Sustainability remained at the heart of the initiative. All portions were served in ‘kanda’ leaves, with no polythene or plastic used. Team members also took care to collect and dispose of waste responsibly, ensuring the train remained clean throughout the journey. From the serving method to the decorations, recyclable and biodegradable materials were thoughtfully used to reflect AIA’s commitment to environmental wellbeing. The most important part of the dansala was that it was enjoyed by all Sri Lankas, irrespective of their race, age or gender. Though this it typically a Bhuddist festival, the Dansal Dumriya was a community engagement that brought all people across all walks of life together. Over 1,500 commuters experienced and enjoyed the ‘AIA Dansal Dumriya’ this Vesak, making it an initiative that delivered both meaningful impact and lasting memories. Through this unique project, AIA brought its brand promise of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives to life, transforming an everyday train journey into a moving expression of care and collective wellbeing.