The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka hosted a concert of  Japanese traditional music by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra featuring the performers of NYSC on 28th March in honour of the visit of Most. Ven. Ohtani Chohjun Nayaka Hamuduruwo, the 25th Head Priest of Higashi Hongan-ji Grand Temple.

The event featured a Japanese tea ceremony and breathtaking musical performances by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra, showcasing traditional Japanese instruments such as the Koto and Shamisen. 

The evening was further enriched by violin and vibrant dance performances by students from the National Youth Council (NYSC) and Lanka Nippon Biztech Institute (LNBTI).

This cultural celebration further strengthened the deep ties between Japan and Sri Lanka, offering a unique experience of Japanese tradition and heritage.

A new table salt production facility at Elephant Pass was officially declared open yesterday (March 29).

The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development – Sunil Handunnetti.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities, the factory is capable of producing up to 05 Metric Tonnes of table salt per hour.

The facility will manufacture iodine-mixed table salt branded as “Raja Lunu” in 1kg and 400g retail packs, which will be available to consumers at an affordable price from April 01.

The factory is to also generate around 450 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Handunnetti said that they intended to reach excess production levels within 02 – 03 years and export the excess.

He also said that they also intend to start production at the adjoining Kurinchativu saltern which was abandoned during the war.

Sri Lanka’s luxury fragrance industry reached a new milestone with the official launch of Prestige OUD, an exquisite oud-based perfume developed in collaboration with Dominique Ropion, one of France’s most celebrated perfumers.

The fragrance is the latest offering from Pintanna Oud, a venture spearheaded by former Sri Lankan cricketer and ICC Elite Panel umpire Kumar Dharmasena. 

Building on the success of its Legacy and Elite Collections, the brand has crafted Prestige OUD using locally sourced oud from Pintanna Plantations, showcasing Sri Lanka’s potential in high-end perfumery.

A Masterpiece of Scent

Dominique Ropion, known for iconic fragrances like Carnal Flower (Frédéric Malle) and La Vie Est Belle (Lancôme), lent his expertise to create a rich, complex, and long-lasting oud perfume that blends tradition with modern sophistication.

Prestige OUD is now available at Pintanna Oud Boutiques in Nugegoda & Rajagiriya and online: www.pintannaoud.lk

A Vision for Sri Lankan Luxury

“This isn’t just a perfume—it’s an emotion, a legacy,” said Dharmasena at the launch, expressing pride in bringing a world-class Sri Lankan oud fragrance to global connoisseurs.

With its locally sourced ingredients and international craftsmanship, Prestige OUD positions Sri Lanka as a rising player in the global luxury fragrance market.