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.

The World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) has awarded the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) the 12th World Cup 2025 on the back of having conducted a very successful World Masters’ Series only 5 months ago.

This event will be worked off under the following 4 categories:
– Men’s Open
– Women’s Open
– Under 22 Boys
– Under 22 Girls

Teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, UAE, Singapore, USA and hosts Sri Lanka will be seen in action.

The tournament will be held from the 27th of September to the 05th of October 2025 and games will be conducted at Austasia Sports Complex and the newly built at U Pro Arena, in Thalawathugoda.

Approximately 1000 players, officials & supporters are expected in the country for this prestigious event with an appreciable media coverage made possible in all major nations involved. Apart from being a major sporting event, it will also serve as a popular sports tourism opportunity for the host country at a time the tourism sector in the island nation is witnessing an upward trend in arrivals.

Over the last year there has been much activity relating to International Indoor Cricket in Sri Lanka. The England Asia Cup was followed by the Masters World Series, with the upgraded U Pro, Colombo & Austasia, Thalawathugoda facility producing exciting action on a daily basis.

The inaugural edition of the World Cup was held in 1995, in Birmingham, England with Bristol also hosting one in that country. Australia has witnessed 03 events in Melbourne & Brisbane, with the former being the venue for the last event in 2022.

Wellington was the host city when the Indoor Cricket World Cup was held twice in New Zealand. Johannesburg & Gauteng were the cities involved when South Africa acted as the host country on two occasions.

Dubai was also a venue once. Colombo is the host city for the 02nd occasion after a lapse of 21 years, bringing Sri Lanka into the limelight of Indoor Cricket World Cup action, this year.

Australia has won all world titles in both divisions up to now. In the Men’s category, New Zealand have been runners up on 08 instances, South Africa twice & Sri Lanka once. In the Women’s category, South Africa have been Runners Up 07 times while New Zealand have done so 03 times.