Economy

Anudi makes history for Sri Lanka in Miss World Multimedia Challenge

Published

1 year ago

May 30, 2025

Anudi Gunasekara has made history for Sri Lanka by clinching the title of First Runner-Up from Asia in the Miss World Multimedia Challenge, marking a proud and unprecedented achievement for the nation at the 72nd Miss World Festival held in Telangana, India.

Anudi’s outstanding performance placed her among the Top 20 global finalists in the prestigious challenge, and she is the first Sri Lankan contestant ever to reach this milestone in the Multimedia Challenge category.

With this achievement, she also secures a prestigious spot among the Top 8 global winners of the Multimedia Challenge, selected from 108 participants.

Notably, her accomplishment also secures Sri Lanka’s place in the Top 20 of three fast-track events — Talent, Head-to-Head Challenge, and Multimedia — for the first time in Miss World history.

In the Asia and Oceania region, the Top 5 Multimedia finalists featured representatives from New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, reflecting a highly competitive field.

Thailand ultimately claimed the top spot, with warm congratulations extended for their well-deserved win.

The Multimedia Challenge highlights contestants’ influence and ability to drive meaningful narratives through digital platforms. From sharing stories of advocacy and social change to offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into their Miss World journeys, these young women have leveraged social media with creativity, authenticity, and consistency.

Contestants were evaluated on their digital engagement across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and the official Miss World app. Judges reviewed their content, which documented their preparations at home and their experiences during the festival in Telangana.

Economy

CPC Seeks Investors As Natural Gas Confirmed in Mannar Basin

Published

3 days ago

August 13, 2026

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says the process of calling for proposals to select an appropriate investor to extract and utilize the natural gas resources in the Mannar Basin will begin this month.

Managing Director of CPC, Dr. Mayura Neththikumara, said the presence of natural gas in the Mannar Basin has been scientifically confirmed by the Sri Lanka Petroleum Development Authority.

The relevant process will be carried out with the approval of the Procurement Committee, and investors will be given approximately five months to submit their applications.

Economy

Battery storage systems to join national grid in September

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

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Commercial-scale battery energy storage systems being installed at 16 electricity transmission substations across Sri Lanka are expected to be connected to the national grid in early September.

The systems, which were brought into Sri Lanka through the Colombo Port in three stages during May and June, are currently in the final stages of construction.

The project being implemented by WindForce PLC near the Anuradhapura substation is now around 85% complete.

The battery systems will store excess electricity generated by solar power plants during the daytime and release the stored electricity to the national grid at night when required.

Officials said the system would help maintain the stability of the national grid while reducing the need to generate electricity from diesel power plants during nighttime hours.

Each battery energy storage project will have a capacity of 10 MW. The National System Operator Ltd. (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Energy, will be responsible for managing and controlling the systems, while their maintenance will be handled by the respective companies.

Economy

Delft Island to become Sri Lanka’s first zero emission eco‑tourism destination

Published

6 days ago

August 10, 2026

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The Government of Sri Lanka has unveiled plans to transform Delft Island into the country’s first Zero Emission eco‑tourism destination, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental conservation, and the preservation of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

A special site inspection and stakeholder discussion on the proposed development was held under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe recently.

The island, renowned for its Dutch‑era ruins, numerous archaeological landmarks, and iconic wild horses, is seen as possessing exceptional tourism potential.

Deputy Minister Ranasinghe told participants that Delft Island should be experienced not only by international visitors but also by domestic tourists. Despite its extraordinary attractions, he noted, the island has so far made only a limited contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to unlocking Delft’s full potential through sustainable and environmentally responsible development.

Discussions focused on identifying priority infrastructure to position Delft Island as a premier tourism destination, with key areas including water supply, road infrastructure, transportation and accessibility. Strengthening community participation was also highlighted, with plans to enhance the knowledge and hospitality skills of local residents to enable them to benefit directly from tourism development.