Brewing the Perfect Cup: Local Baristas Shine at Second-Annual LCA Barista Championship

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-06-2024 |

The LCA Barista Championship, hosted by the Lanka Coffee Association (LCA) in partnership with Jetwing Hotels and the Australian Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF), provided an opportunity for local baristas to showcase their coffee brewing skills. Regional competitions were held in Dambulla, Galle and Colombo in May, and the winners of the regional rounds held at the Sri Lanka Coffee Festival on 06th June 2024 at Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle.

The Sri Lankan specialty coffee sector has been growing over the past decade. To recognize the comeback of the industry, in 2022 MDF and LCA brought together representatives from the local coffee sector for the first-ever Sri Lanka Coffee Festival. Following its success, in 2023 the LCA together with MDF and Jetwing Hotels hosted the second Sri Lanka Coffee Festival, along with the first LCA Barista Championship. The LCA will once again host the festival this year in partnership with MDF and Jetwing Hotels.

In the lead-up to the festival, three regional rounds of the LCA Barista Championship were held across Sri Lanka. The first round at Jetwing Lake, Dambulla, on 17th May, had 17 registered participants competitively showcasing their coffee brewing skills. The champion was Ruksha Tharushi, representing Buono Café, Kandy. Ishani Hettiarchchi, also from Buono Cafe, and Kavithra Nirmal Fernando from Jetwing Lake came in as first and second runners-up, respectively. The second regional event was held at Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle, on 22nd May with 27 participants. Johann Paiva from Lost Planet emerged winner, with Asitha Fernando from Samba and Primali Perera from Wild & the Sage as first and second runners-up. The final regional championship took place at Jetwing Colombo 07 on 27th May with 21 participants. Sgeno Millan from Seed Café won the round, while Suraj Nipunasiri from Butter Boutique and Thareen De Silva came in as the first runner-up and second runner-up. The finals will take place at the Sri Lanka Coffee Festival.

Chairperson of the Lanka Coffee Association Kushan Samararatne stated that, “The LCA was established with the intention of bringing together a variety of stakeholders in the coffee industry to fulfil the single goal of developing the specialty coffee sector in Sri Lanka, and we are thrilled to announce the quality of our coffee to the world. The LCA Barista Championship has been a great success in this regard in both providing an opportunity for the baristas in the country to showcase their talents while promoting Sri Lankan coffee.”

The winning barista will receive a cash prize as well as the opportunity to receive a coveted international certification (‘Barista Skills') by the internationally recognised Specialty Coffee Association. This certification will upgrade the theoretical and practical knowledge of the winning barista to compete in international barista competitions and become a brand ambassador for Sri Lankan specialty coffee.

During a press conference for the event, Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels Dmitri Cooray added, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Lanka Coffee Association and MDF for the second year on this project to revive the coffee culture in Sri Lanka. There is tremendous potential in our country for exceptional coffee, from cultivating top-quality beans to mastering the art of roasting, all contributing to the creation of a truly world-class cup. I am confident we will be able to position our coffee globally while providing an opportunity for the young talent in Sri-Lanka”.

The global specialty coffee sector is expected to grow to USD80 billion by 2025. Investments in specialty coffee in Sri Lanka stand to benefit from this positive trend. Events like the LCA Barista Championship give local baristas a platform to showcase their skills and the opportunity to take Sri Lankan coffee to the next level. This year’s coffee
festival will continue to celebrate the increased interest in the coffee industry and the unique qualities of Sri Lankan coffee.

As longstanding supporter of Sri Lankan specialty coffee, Australia’s MDF’s current investments include partnerships in coffee production, processing and marketing. Country Director of MDF Sri Lanka Maryam Piracha mentioned that, “MDF's efforts in the specialty coffee industry are making significant progress, drawing in fresh investments, creating new linkages and establishing connections with global markets. The LCA Barista Championship presents an excellent opportunity to enhance the sector's potential and elevate Sri Lankan coffee on the international stage. We are thrilled to witness the impressive skills and dedication of Sri Lankan baristas, who are crucial to driving this momentum forward!"

Dr B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) opens UG & PG admissions for academic session 2024-25 to international students

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 05-06-2024 |
Dr B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and inclusive education in humanities and social sciences. It offers a wide range of UG & PG programs across various disciplines with a strong focus on interdisciplinary. The university provides a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment for students to thrive and develop their full potential.

AUD is pleased to announce UG & PG admissions open for the academic session 2024-25 to international students.

Prospective international students can submit their applications at https://audfsradmission.samarth.edu.in/ . The Last date for submitting an online application for UG & PG is 15th June 2024.

For any query regarding admissions, the interested students can approach the university at dydeania@aud.ac.in and for more information students can visit at the university website (https://aud.delhi.gov.in/admission/Foreign-Student).

Sri Lanka Tourism Hosts Travel Agents for Buddhist Pilgrim Tours and Buddhist Influencers for Vesak

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 05-06-2024 |
In a bid to boost pilgrim tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism invited prominent outbound travel agents and ten leading Buddhist media influencers from India to participate in an exclusive B2B networking session and immersive cultural experience during the Vesak celebrations. The event commenced on the 22nd of May 2024 at the Hotel Ramada Colombo, aiming to strengthen ties between local and international travel agents and to showcase the spiritual and cultural richness of Sri Lanka.
The delegation's visit kicks off with a comprehensive networking session designed to foster collaboration and enhance the network between Sri Lankan travel agencies and their counterparts. This initiative is a strategic move to promote pilgrim tours, highlighting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for Buddhist travelers.
On May 23rd, the delegation participated at the revered lighting ceremony at the iconic Gangaramaya Temple. This event was a cornerstone of the Vesak celebration, offering a profound insight into Sri Lanka's spiritual heritage and cultural traditions. The lighting ceremony is a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting event that symbolizes enlightenment and peace, providing the guests with a firsthand experience of the island's vibrant Vesak festivities.
Following the Vesak celebration, the delegation embarked on a Familiarization Tour starting from May 24th . This tour covered the significant Buddhist temples across the country, allowing the guests to explore and appreciate the historical and spiritual significance of these sacred sites. Key stops on the tour included the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and the Dambulla Cave Temple.
The primary objective of this program is to showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and spiritual ambiance, thereby encouraging an increase in pilgrim tour arrivals. By providing an immersive experience of the Vesak celebration and the country's revered Buddhist sites, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to highlight the unique offerings that make the island a must-visit destination for Buddhist pilgrims.
Sri Lanka Tourism believes that this initiative will not only enhance the visibility of Sri Lanka's cultural and spiritual treasures but also foster stronger business relationships and collaborative opportunities between travel agents from both countries. The collaboration is expected to result in a significant boost in tourist arrivals, contributing to the growth and development of the country's tourism sector.
Sri Lanka stands ready to welcome international visitors, showcasing its timeless traditions and unparalleled hospitality. This initiative marks a significant step towards positioning Sri Lanka as a leading destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism.

Historic achievements at the Asia Enduro Series held in Sri Lanka

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 16-05-2024 |
By Claude Gunasekera

Picture : Oman Ambassador in Sri Lanka Ahmed Ali Said Alrashidi met and wished the Omani Bikers in Colombo.

Mountain Bikers have made historic achievements at the Asia Enduro Series held in Sri Lanka during May 11 & 12. The event has not only brought pride to Sri Lanka but also set a new benchmark for future competitors with their eyes set on the remaining rounds to be held in Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, and Nepal in the coming months. The event featured riders from nine countries, including Japan, China, Oman, Nepal, UAE, Indonesia, Singapore, Canada and host country Sri Lanka.

Al Waal Mountain Bike Team of The Sultanate of Oman participated with 11 riders led by the team president Hamed Al-Wadahi. It is the first time that the team arrived in Sri Lanka and they were sponsored by ‘Adventures Box’, a touristic HUB for adventure sports and a professional cycling store in Oman said Bassam Al-Dhamri, founder of adventure box who is also a member in the cycling team.

He said the team arrived on May 08 and is scheduled to leave on May 16. The team have stayed in a city hotel in Colombo and neer by the race trail. Captain Mansoor said the whole team was impressed with the great hospitality and kindness of people in Sri Lanka while they have enjoyed the beauty of the amazing country, good weather, exciting culture and delicious food.
All Omanis expressed their desire to visit Sri Lanka again soon on a personal visit to explore and experience more areas visiting around Sri Lanka said Bassam Al-Dhamri.

He further told that Al Waal Mountain Bike Team (AWMBT) was formed in 2016, with a team of over 50 members and over the last 7 years. “The team has made great effort to participate in building multiple trails in Oman in collaboration with Oman Trail Builders and other sports teams and individuals. The team is continuously working to develop and train the members to ensure enthusiastic participation in all events in Oman and some international competitions” Bassam concluded.

SHYAM G LIMBU, Founder of Asia Enduro in a message noted that “ a massive thank you to each and every one of you for making this year’s Asia Enduro Series an incredible success! After what felt like a long hiatus, diving back into this exhilarating event was nothing short of amazing. We’re already gearing up for an even more spectacular and grander event next year. With a lineup of new locations, trails, and experiences, get ready for an adventure like never before! A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the organizers of the series.

Your dedication and hard work made the magic happen. But let’s not forget, an event isn’t complete without the incredible participants, volunteers, well-wishers, and sponsors. Your enthusiasm, support, and energy are what truly bring this series to life. A huge shoutout to all the riders across Asia who made this year’s series an unforgettable journey. As we wrap up this year’s adventures, keep the wheels spinning, stay safe on those trails, and keep the passion alive. We can’t wait to see you all again for another incredible chapter of the Asia Enduro Series. Thank you, everyone! Ride on…” the message ended.

Where There's a Will, There is ASPIRE

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 09-05-2024 |

The saying "Where there is a will, there is a way" speaks volumes about the power of determination. In Dinusha Madhushani's case, a 33-year-old mother and marginalized resource-collector, her journey epitomizes this struggle. Despite numerous hurdles and enduring a challenging life at home, Dinusha remained steadfast in her pursuit of a better life for herself and her family, especially her 14-year-old daughter, Shaini. With unwavering determination, she asserted, "Children are worth more than anything else," underscoring her commitment. It was this steadfast resolve that distinguished her from others facing similar adversities.
For individuals like Dinusha, the ASPIRE program offered by World Vision Lanka and funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation served as a lifeline, providing the opportunity to rewrite their realities and pursue a path toward positive change.
Finding her way with ASPIRE

ASPIRE, a collaboration between World Vision Lanka and The Coca-Cola Foundation, aims to address Sri Lanka's waste mismanagement issues by empowering individuals to actively contribute to the recycling ecosystem. When the designated operator of the Nagoda Resource Bank, which integrates a comprehensive waste management and resource recovery process, withdrew, Reverend Fr. Linton Fernando, the Parish Priest of Nagoda, introduced Dinusha to the ASPIRE initiative. Through this initiative, Dinusha’s life took a significant turn when she took over the management of the Resource Bank, located near approximately 3,000 households. Amidst difficulties, ASPIRE had offered hope.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "I began my chapter as a material collector five years ago. With my husband's experience in material collection, I wanted to support our family income by joining him in this venture. He taught me the ins and outs of the business.” Dinusha has now become an integral part of ASPIRE, independently managing the Nagoda Resource Bank, paving a path towards stability amidst adversity.
Re-writing realities
Managing the Nagoda Resource Bank poses a challenge for Dinusha as she grapples with waste mixing caused by residents' haphazard rubbish disposal nearby. Despite her proactive measures, such as raising awareness through various community platforms and involving the Parish Priest, altering community behaviors remains an uphill battle.
Recalling the bank's inception, Dinusha vividly remembers traversing neighborhoods to register members and collect recyclables. In the initial months, she enrolled 32 new members and gathered 81 kg of PET bottles, earning 10,333 rupees through the resource bank. However, amidst professional challenges, Dinusha also faces a deeply personal struggle as her daughter, Shaini, initially finds it difficult to understand their involvement in waste collection. Over time, Shaini's perspective shifts, recognizing the sacrifices her parents make for her future. This transformation strengthens their bond as Shaini begins actively assisting her mother, demonstrating their resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Despite numerous challenges, this determined mother is tirelessly reshaping her reality. Her successful takeover of the resource bank empowered her to expand material collection activities across Nagoda, Welisara, and Kandana. Despite hurdles like relying on a single collecting cart owned by her husband, Dinusha remains steadfast in improving her family's financial situation. With the support of the ASPIRE project, her family's income surged to 55,000 rupees, marking significant progress in breaking the cycle of poverty. Participating in an ASPIRE program in Wattala further proved pivotal, enlightening her on the importance of financial planning. Prior to this, Dinusha admitted to a lack of foresight regarding saving, despite owning a bank passbook. However, the program instilled in her a newfound determination to secure her family's future, prompting her to embrace growth opportunities presented by the ASPIRE team.
Now, Dinusha focuses on solidifying her financial footing, recently equipped with a safety gear package and a vehicle, to enhance collection efforts. With unwavering dedication, she embodies a new success story in the making, supported wholeheartedly by the ASPIRE team.
A call to action remains
ASPIRE's transformative impact is vividly illustrated through Dinusha's journey, urging others to take action. Funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, ASPIRE uplifts and empowers over 60 resource collectors like her, providing tools for sustainable practices. This partnership stands as a testament to creating long-term solutions for PET plastic collectors, offering training, education, and equipment.
Dinusha's journey serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of initiatives like ASPIRE, but it's just one story among many waiting to be rewritten. While organizations like World Vision Lanka take the lead, there's a pressing need for greater support from both the public and private sectors. By joining forces, opportunities for individuals like Dinusha to break free from the cycle of poverty can be created, and charting a course towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
Together, the public and private sectors must collaborate to turn the tide and rewrite countless stories of resilience, determination, and hope.

779 prisoners pardoned for Sinhala & Tamil New Year

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 14-04-2024 |
779 inmates who are serving sentences in prisons in Sri Lanka have been pardoned on (13), in view of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

768 male prisoners and 11 female prisoners who are eligible for special state amnesty were released.

The Prisons Department stated that the eligible prisoners from prisons around the country were released today as part of this special amnesty program.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the Prisons Department has also allowed relatives to visit the inmates of prisoners today (14). It was noted that the relatives have brought food, sweets and sanitary items to prisoners today, under the existing rules and proper hygienic protocols.

Nuwara Eliya holiday season begins

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |

A record number of local and foreign tourists are expected to visit Nuwara Eliya during the season that began on April 1.

The month-long festivals at Nuwara Eliya including floral exhibitions, street dramas, musical shows, horse races and carnivals are among the programmes and events to be held in Nuwara Eliya during the month with the assistance of the Nuwara Eliya Mayor’s office, the District Divisional Secretariat (DS), health authorities and Police.

Nuwara Eliya District Hoteliers’ Association member and leading hotelier Nilantha Sahabandu said so far over 80 percent of hotel rooms, guest houses, rest houses and villas in the district have been booked by visitors from various parts of the country.

Sahabandu said unlike in the past few years, 75 percent of hoteliers in the district have rented out their hotel rooms during this year’s festive season. This has also benefitted the many who work in the tourism industry such as tour guides and sight-seeing operators.

Sahabandu said in addition, small-scale businessmen who sell fire crackers, fruits and flowers can also look forward to a good income during this period. The Nuwara Eliya DS thanked the Police for their assistance in maintaining law and order during the season.