October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) is setting the stage for a transformative decade, establishing a unique narrative for South Asia’s creative industries through an expansive platform that blends design and innovation. 

The 15th edition of SLDF, organized by the Academy of Design (AOD), will be hosted at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams from November 7-10, 2024, with a robust lineup of over 50 events, including fashion shows, thought leadership forums, exhibitions, and public discussions. 

This year’s festival emphasizes the theme of resilience, innovation, and Sri Lanka’s aspirations to establish itself as a leading creative hub within the global economy.

SLDF 2024 places a particular focus on India as its partner nation, inviting a dynamic array of Indian creatives such as eco-conscious fashion designers, graphic artists, influential business leaders, and public figures to participate. 

AOD’s Chairperson, Linda Speldewinde, highlights this collaboration as a powerful step toward fostering a distinctive South Asian creative identity.

 By positioning Sri Lanka as a bridge that connects South Asia’s diverse creative voices, SLDF aims to develop talent and regional cohesion that will meet international standards in creativity and design over the next decade.

 This partnership not only celebrates cultural exchange but also aims to strengthen the South Asian creative ecosystem by merging Sri Lanka’s strengths in ethical production with India’s retail prowess.

SLDF’s vision of a South Asian creative epicenter is reinforced by its mission to promote sustainable design and support creative economies. 

In addition to fostering collaborations in fashion, tourism, and technology, the festival seeks to encourage innovation in diverse fields, establishing design as a vital economic contributor within the region. 

The partnership with India also aligns with expanding South Asia’s apparel value chain, which aims to leverage India’s luxury travel and wedding markets while promoting Sri Lankan hospitality and craftsmanship on a larger scale.

The festival will host notable figures from the subcontinent, offering invaluable insights into the future of sustainable fashion, brand communication, and experiential luxury. 

Among the leading figures is Bandana Tewari, a lifestyle journalist and sustainability advocate renowned for her talks on compassionate fashion and conscious consumption. 

With her extensive experience as Vogue India’s former Editor-at-Large, Tewari will contribute her expertise in ethical fashion practices. 

Another prominent figure, V. Sunil, known for his work on India’s “Incredible !India” campaign and the “Make in India” initiative, has played a vital role in positioning India as a high-end tourist destination.

 His insights are expected to bring invaluable perspectives on brand-building and creative vision.Adding to the lineup is Vandana Mohan, founder of The Wedding Design Company (WDC), who has redefined luxury weddings, creating bespoke celebrations that capture the grandeur of Indian culture.

 Similarly, Deepak Jain, CEO of the amanté brand, will share his experience in growing a leading intimate wear label in South Asia. 

Lastly, Priti Mahajan, a specialist in brand and communication strategies, will offer expertise in destination building and luxury brand development, with her platform, The Lifestyle Project, driving artisan-focused collaborations.

SLDF 2024 aspires to drive a new narrative for Sri Lanka as a gateway to South Asia’s creative economy, establishing the festival as an annual rendezvous for global leaders, upcoming talents, and industry innovators. 

 In a significant achievement at a time of revitalization crucial for economic growth, the Lumbini Tea Factory in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, has achieved the world’s first group ‘regenagri’ certification in recognition of its regenerative agricultural practices, benefiting 1,515 local contract farmers.

This certification, awarded with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizes the commitment of Lumbini Tea Valley to eco-friendly and sustainable tea cultivation.

‘Regenagri’ is an international program focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health and improve the economic resilience of farming communities.

 At a modest event held at the Tea Tent retail outlet in Havelock City Mall, the certification was formally presented by Control Union Inspections Ltd. Sri Lanka’s Managing Director, Roshan Ranawake, to Chaminda Jayawardhana, Managing Director of Lumbini Tea Valley.

Expressing pride in this achievement, Jayawardhana acknowledged the dedication of their contract farmers and the critical support from USAID, which made this milestone possible. He noted that the 1,515 farmers, managing nearly 937.87 hectares of tea plantations, are paid premium rates for the green tea leaves they produce, further incentivizing quality and sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s tea industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for 4% of the country’s GDP and serving as a vital source of foreign exchange. 

However, the sector is challenged by fluctuating tea prices, high production costs, and the impacts of climate change. Through its CATALYZE Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, 

USAID has partnered with Lumbini Tea Valley to promote sustainable agricultural practices and fair trade, which are vital for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.

Justin DiVenanzo, Acting Mission Director for USAID, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing the pressing challenges facing Sri Lankan agriculture. 

He explained that sustainable farming certification offers farmers access to higher-value niche markets, increasing their incomes and motivating other agricultural businesses to adopt similar practices.

The ‘regenagri’ certification raises the bar for sustainability in the tea industry, enhancing soil health and boosting crop productivity while supporting farmers’ livelihoods. It also creates new market opportunities and the potential for premium pricing as consumer demand grows for sustainably sourced products.

This recognition for Lumbini Tea Valley marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka, setting an inspiring example for other tea producers and contributing positively to the agricultural sector’s future.

October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that two more suspects have been apprehended on suspicion of planning attacks within Sri Lanka, allegedly targeting tourist hotspots at the behest of foreign terrorist organizations. The suspects are being detained under a 90-day detention order issued by the Minister of Defense for further questioning.

A confidential report related to the ongoing investigations, including the recent Arugam Bay incident, was presented to Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara by TID officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. The report is part of a special motion concerning the suspected terrorist plot against areas frequented by foreign tourists. Following the submission, the magistrate ordered detectives to provide ongoing updates as the investigation progresses.

Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General, Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa, confirmed that six suspects have been detained in connection with the Arugam Bay incident, including a Maldivian national apprehended on Monday (28). All suspects are currently being held under detention orders for interrogation.

October 30, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other areas of the island during the evening or night.

Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Uva and Eastern provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

By: Staff Writer

October 29, Colombo (LNW): U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has clarified that the United States has not imposed a travel ban on Sri Lanka, and the recent security alert specifically advised Americans to avoid the Arugam Bay area temporarily.

Speaking on Monday 28 , Ambassador Chung emphasized that protecting U.S. citizens abroad is central to her role, noting the U.S. Embassy’s proactive collaboration with the Sri Lankan government in addressing this specific security threat.

Chung explained the Embassy’s “duty to warn” policy, which mandates notifying U.S. citizens, Embassy staff, and local authorities about any credible threats to American nationals.

She reiterated that this approach is a standard U.S. protocol applied worldwide. When a credible threat was identified in Arugam Bay, the U.S. Embassy promptly informed Sri Lankan officials, who responded swiftly, underscoring their dedication to national security and transparency.

The Ambassador further clarified that the U.S. has only advised Americans to avoid Arugam Bay and has not altered the country’s longstanding “Level 2” travel advisory, a status also shared by destinations like the Maldives, France, and Italy.

Emphasizing a continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s tourism and overall stability, Chung reaffirmed the U.S.’s support in helping Sri Lanka maintain a safe and inviting environment for visitors.

The recent security alert around Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, has stirred concerns for the country’s tourism sector and overall stability.

Although the specifics of the threat remain undisclosed, the U.S. Embassy’s prompt advisory urging American citizens to avoid the area highlights the severity of the risk. This alert, while not a full travel ban, still affects perceptions of safety, especially for a destination heavily reliant on tourism.

Arugam Bay is a significant draw for international tourists, especially surfers, and the alert could lead to a temporary dip in visitors—not only to this region but potentially to other tourist areas.

This decrease could disrupt the local economy and tourism industry, which is a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts post-COVID-19 and following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

In response, Sri Lanka’s prompt collaboration with the U.S. Embassy shows a commitment to prioritizing safety, which is vital for rebuilding global confidence in the country as a secure destination.

Swift action by local authorities can help mitigate long-term reputational impacts by demonstrating proactive measures and international cooperation in addressing security threats.

The incident underlines the importance of transparent communication and collaboration with international partners, especially countries that contribute significantly to tourism.

 By maintaining a high level of responsiveness and clear communication, Sri Lanka can sustain its position as a trusted destination, helping to restore stability and reassure travelers.