Garuthara Sangarathnayen Awasarai, Venerable Theros, Honorable Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Prof G L Pieris, our guest speaker for the evening, Mr Basil Rajapaksa, Mr Ajith Nivard Cabral, Dr Seetha Arambepola, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Members of Parliament and distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we warmly welcome you.
We are blessed by the presence of Ven Elle Gunawansa Thero, Ven Diyapattugama Revatha
Thero, Ven Dr Kirinde Assaji Thero, Most Ven Siri Samanthabhadra Maha Thero, and Venerable Dhammanatha Thero.
Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple has always been present at the Business Today Award Ceremony from its inception. The Thero is our guiding light, and has been our strength at all times. Always concerned about us, his advice is greatly appreciated. We will definitely miss Podi Hamuduruwo tonight, we wish him a speedy recovery and may the blessings of the noble triple gem be with Podi Hamuduruwo.
The pre-entertainment videos that were played from America’s Got Talent, each have an inspirational story-Cody Lee has autism, Tyler Butler Figueroa, is a cancer survivor, V Unbeatable, came all the way from the slums of Mumbai, The Ndlovu Youth Chair, hailing from a challenging area in South Africa, believes that if you can dream it you can do; Benico Byrant used to sing on the streets, whenever his parents used to allow him to do so, Emanne Beasha, the ten year old opera singer was born in Jordon and, the Youth Choir Detroit, all represent the resilient spirit and determination, and are all examples of champions in the making.
China is a great friend to Sri Lanka, as at now, China is facing an immense challenge, we wish to say that our thoughts are with China and its people, and we hope that the country will soon emerge from this challenging time. We are honored to have Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as our Chief Guest once again.
We congratulate the Prime Minister on the recent victory and wish him the best as he goes in for another election. In fact, in 2005, on the day Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa received his Presidential nominations, he was the Chief Guest at the Business Today Awards and addressed the private sector. We are sure he can remember this day and many other award ceremonies thereafter as well. We thank you for being here with us today.
We are also happy that Prof GL Pieris is here with us today, Prof G L Pieris was, in fact, the first Chief Guest at the Business Today TOP corporate awards in 1997. We are sure that being here today brings back many memories. We thank Prof GL Pieris for accepting our invitation. Mr Basil Rapaksa, thank you for being here with us today, we are proud to have had you as our chief guest at our previous award ceremonies.
It is a great honor to have you with us today. It is very much apparent to everyone that the entire country benefited during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s term. The economy was moving and the country was developing. The 30-year long conflict that had devastated the very fabric of our society, was ended, thereby providing peace and security to Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burghers alike. We are able to travel to any part of the country freely. While the conflict was fought from one side, economic development continued on the other.
We are able to live in a peaceful and stable We are able to live in a peaceful and stable country because of the strength and direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who did not waver in making the decisions, though challenging at that time. He ensured that no one interfered in the sovereignty of the country. No one could exert pressure. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, always ensured that the best was done for the country. To quote President Mahinda Rajapaksa from his speech given at the Parliament on May 19, 2009 following the victory over terrorism, quote, “I value my motherland first, second and third.
This should be so to you and to the entire nation. It is only our beloved motherland that we should all cherish and value.” Unquote.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa was aptly supported by then Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Minister and Advisor to the President, Basil Rajapaksa. We have mentioned this even before, the Prime Minister’s opponents used to say, they had not known the capabilities of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s brothers; President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mr Basil Rajapaksa. He was also supported by Mr Lalith Weeratunga, Dr P B Jayasundera, Mr Gamini Senarath, and Mr Ajith Nivard Cabraal who ensured that the economy was strong and that the enabling environment allowed all to make use of the opportunities available and prosper. As mentioned by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his speech in 2005 at our awards ceremony, ‘the private sector is the engine of growth. He and his Government ensured that all grew during the period of 2006-2015.
We hope with the election of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and with a formation of new Government, the country will resume its journey to prosperity.
Moving on to our hotels, Arugambay, today has become a buzz word and a must visit destination in Sri Lanka. Arugambay was at number eight in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia, even before the country was named number one. It is the first time that a Sri Lankan destination has been named on the list. Yet, not so long ago this coastal town in the southeast of the country was considered seasonal and famed only for surfing.
BT Options continuously promoted Arugambay and Whisky Point, showcasing that it is a destination for the entire year, thus Arugambay has been elevated to a global destination through our efforts. It is the first tourist spot to be ever mentioned as a must visit destination.
Looking back over the year, our hotels in Arugambay and Whisky Point continue to attract tourists who appreciate experiences. They are young travelers and many are young families as well. Tourism today is all about experiences.
Surfing is gaining popularity around the world, and even in Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the meeting on tourism emphasized that surfing is one of the key areas for Sri Lanka.
We congratulate the Prime Minister on the recent victory and wish him the best as he goes in for another election. In 2005, on the day, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa received his Presidential nominations, he was the Chief Guest at the BT Awards and addressed the private sector.
Arugambay and Weligama have some of the best surfing destinations in the world. Sri Lanka Tourism should have international surfing tournaments every year, which will establish Sri Lanka as a serious surfing destination. There are lesser-known surfing destinations that have become qualifying venues because they have gained greater exposure by hosting international tournaments.
We invite you to invest in Arugambay and Whisky Point, and also in surfing tourism. Paper Moon Kudils in Whisky Point, in partnership with P Partheepan and, Arugambay Roccos in partnership with A M Naleem as well as ArugamBay PodBay, in partnership with Don Jayasuriya, these properties are all BT Options’ creations.
We will be venturing into the southern coast of Sri Lanka very soon. To Weligama; the name of the new property is ‘Weligama Wadiya’. The property is being developed together with the community. The name Wadiya is significant as it reflects the culture and lifestyle of coastal Sri Lanka. Mr Don Jayasuriya entrusted his property in Weligama to us as well and this project too is a collaboration with him. We thank Mr Don Jayasuriya for his confidence in us.
With all our properties we draw inspiration from Mr Shanth Fernando of Paradise Road and Mr Chandra Wickramasinghe of Culture Club Fame, and Theme Resorts. Umandawa Monastery in Melsiripura is concept of Ven Siri Samanthabhadra Thero. Umandawa is a unique retreat that exudes tranquility, serenity and peace. A place where one could learn the art of living through Buddhist philosophy, those who arrive at Umandawa ease into a journey of mindfulness, wellness and happiness. Umandawa is built in harmony with nature and reminiscent of ancient Sri Lankan Kingdoms. BT Options has been entrusted with promoting the property and our appreciation to Ven Siri Samanthabhadra Thero for entrusting us with this responsibility.
The policy direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa after 2005, saw several imported goods such as Ulundu and other crops, being grown in Sri Lanka, thus providing opportunities for Sri Lankan farmers. It was the same in other areas of the economic sphere, where Sri Lanka businesses that had the capacity and capability to create and produce on an international level were encouraged. It was on this same policy direction that President Mahinda Rajapaksa with great difficulty, was able to bring the entire production and printing of the SriLankan Airlines’ Serendib magazine to Sri Lanka in 2010.
This was a result of the struggle that BT Options had fought for over 20 years. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was confident that a Sri Lankan company could fulfill this task. Employment was generated and the revenue remained within the country. The entire cost of production and printing was borne by BT Options. We provided 15,350 copies free of charge to the Airline and also paid them a monthly fee of USD 16,667. No cost was incurred on SriLankan Airlines.
Prior to BT Options, during the history of Air Lanka and SriLankan Airlines the production and printing of Serendib was done overseas with the Airline bearing all costs. We made the magazine a truly Sri Lankan publication providing opportunities for Sri Lankan clients to advertise in the magazine. The magazine was made international by increasing its frequency to monthly as it was published once in two months before. We introduced Sinhala and Tamil articles to the magazine for the very first time in the history of the Airline. The editorial content focused on Sri Lanka, thus promoting the heritage, culture, lifestyle and nature/wildlife of the country. We always highlighted the positive aspects of the country.
In 2016, with the call for proposal SriLankan Airlines attempted to award the production and printing of the magazine to a foreign company. The then Government intervened and ensured that the production and printing remained in Sri Lanka.
For the first time in the history of the Airline, the magazine has not been published for four consecutive months since December 2019. This has been a crucial period for Sri Lanka, with the change in political leadership, as well as it being the high season for tourist arrivals, with a much needed boost required. Revenue has been lost for the Airline, and Sri Lankan advertisers have lost the opportunity to promote their products and brands.
The production and printing of the magazine was brought to Sri Lanka with great difficulty.
It was proven that an international level publication can be produced in Sri Lanka. BT Options provided the opportunity for Sri Lankan advertisers to promote their Sri Lankan brands and products to an international audience. It was Sri Lanka that benefited by BT Options publishing Serendib. During the period of ten years, BT Options never delayed the magazine even once. The magazine was delivered on time, and the magazine was onboard on the first of every month. Furthermore, there was no complaints or dissatisfaction on quality from SriLankan Airlines, advertisers and passengers or decision makers of the country for the duration of the period that BT Options produced the magazine.
The printing of Serendib was done by Aitken Spence Printers, who have a portfolio of printing work done for overseas clientele as well.
We also wish to express our appreciation to our other printers Karunaratne & Sons and Sharp Graphics.
BT Options is the publisher of Explore Sri Lanka, Business Today, Target, and Domus Sri Lanka. We have been publishing Explore Sri Lanka for over 33 years and our name is renowned for its quality and standard. Explore Sri Lanka is the only magazine in the world to have been published continuously for over three decades promoting a country. Furthermore, Domus Sri Lanka is an international publication. Domus Italy invited BT Options to publish Domus in Sri Lanka and have been appreciative that we have maintained the quality to international standards.
BT Options was approached by Ukraine Airlines for their inflight magazine, Panorama, on numerous occasions. However, the contract between SriLankan Airlines and BT Options restricted us in submitting our proposal for the magazine.
We all realize the vacuum created in all spheres especially in the economy and defence by the absence of the Rajapaksas. The only growth that we saw in the country during that time is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (Pohottuwa).
We are also proud to say, that the Rt Hon Lord Naseby requested BT Options to print and publish his book in Sri Lanka. His decision was based on our publications. Even though we were hesitant, Lord Naseby insisted because he believes we are the best in Sri Lanka.
We strongly believe that the production and printing of Serendib should remain in the country, because it is a Sri Lankan company that can understand the culture, heritage and values of the country. Advertising in Serendib should be more than 95 percent of Sri Lankan brands and products.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government emphasizes that Sri Lankan businesses have to be given priority. We wish to extend our gratitude to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr Basil Rajapaksa, Mr Milinda Moragoda, Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Ven Kirinde Assaji Thero, Mr Lalith Weeratunga, Mr. Sunimal Fernando, Dr P B Jayasundera, Mr Gamini Senarath, Mr Udaya Gammanpila, Dr Nalaka Godahewa, and Mr Dilith Jayaweera for their unwavering support.
When we look at the political landscape in Sri Lanka, we have seen the emergence of a new party that has won over the population and has enabled the victory of a first time President. The architect of the Sri Lanka Podujana Permuna is none other than Mr Basil Rajapaksa. He always worked from behind the scenes. From 2005 onwards he ensured the victory of the UPFA and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He accepted the defeat of 2015 and from that point onwards, took on the responsibility and made the plan to ensure victory. Even though many, some conveyed through us, as well, asked him not to return to the country, he came and faced all challenges, thereby ensuring that his name was cleared and protected. He is well-known for his astute leadership and political mind. He is a hard-worker, never accepting that anything is impossible.
Business Today has seen and experienced first hand his special aptitude and ability towards his work. Mr Basil Rajapaksa knows no day, night nor holiday, he works tirelessly to achieve each task and he makes others work with the same vigor. If you ask him any facts or figures, his ability to reply immediately is indeed inspiring. He made a plan and ensured its success. He said before hand how the country would turn. It is indeed an impressive story of how a new party succeeded and became victorious. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna under the direction of Mr Basil Rajapaksa ensured the victory of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Many big names in the political sphere in Sri Lanka attempted such political changes before but they failed.
This is a lesson not only for the political sector but also for corporates. If he was a CEO of a company, his organization would definitely conquer the world. We are proud to have been a part of his team from the beginning.
We all realize the vacuum created in all spheres especially in the economy and defence by the absence of the Rajapaksas. The only growth businesses have to be given priority. We wish to extend our gratitude to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr Basil Rajapaksa, Mr Milinda Moragoda, Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Ven Kirinde Assaji Thero, Mr Lalith Weeratunga, Mr. Sunimal Fernando, Dr P B Jayasundera, Mr Gamini Senarath, Mr Udaya Gammanpila, Dr Nalaka Godahewa, and Mr Dilith Jayaweera for their unwavering support.
When we look at the political landscape in Sri Lanka, we have seen the emergence of a new party that has won over the population and has enabled the victory of a first time President. The architect of the Sri Lanka Podujana Permuna is none other than Mr Basil Rajapaksa. He always worked from behind the scenes. From 2005 onwards he ensured the victory of the UPFA and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He accepted the defeat of 2015 and from that point onwards, took on the responsibility and made the plan to ensure victory. Even though many, some conveyed through us, as well, asked him not to return to the country, he came and faced all challenges, thereby ensuring that his name was cleared and protected. He is well-known for his astute leadership and political mind. He is a hard-worker, never accepting that anything is impossible.
Business Today has seen and experienced first hand his special aptitude and ability towards his work. Mr Basil Rajapaksa knows no day, night nor holiday, he works tirelessly to achieve each task and he makes others work with the same vigor. If you ask him any facts or figures, his ability to reply immediately is indeed inspiring.
He made a plan and ensured its success. He said before hand how the country would turn. It is indeed an impressive story of how a new party succeeded and became victorious. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna under the direction of Mr Basil Rajapaksa ensured the victory of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Many big names in the political sphere in Sri Lanka attempted such political changes before but they failed.
This is a lesson not only for the political sector but also for corporates. If he was a CEO of a company, his organization would definitely conquer the world. We are proud to have been a part of his team from the beginning. We all realize the vacuum created in all spheres especially in the economy and defence by the absence of the Rajapaksas. The only growth Target magazine, which was first published in February 2007, was a result of our trip to Trincomalee. In Muttur, we could hear the shells firing as the conflict was ongoing, but at the same time, the country was also experiencing economic development, where new roads had enabled ease of travel. It was at this moment we decided to start the magazine on our own initiative to highlight the positive development in the country. We stopped publishing the magazine in January 2015 and once again resumed in January 2020 on our own initiative. We wanted to show the work done by the Government.
The new Government has already done its part by lowering taxation and providing incentives for the private sector, thus corporates in Sri Lanka should now start moving in order to create greater momentum in the economy.
The Business Today TOP corporate award ceremony has been held annually even during difficult times, on our own initiative without any sponsorships. The new Government has already done its part by lowering taxation and providing incentives for the private sector, thus corporates in Sri Lanka should now start moving in order to create greater momentum in the economy.
All our relationships have been built on loyalty and trust and not those formed recently. We have formed relationships for over 30 years. It is for this reason that many support us. We respect everyone. This is evident from the distinguished gathering here today and we would like to show our appreciation to those who have supported us.
Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, we thank you for your unwavering support and guidance throughout the years. Ven Diyapattugama Revatha Thero we appreciate your continuous support since the 1990s. which has been one of the reasons of the success of the company. Even during the challenging times as today.
Our appreciation to Venerable Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, you have stood by us through difficult times, taking the initiative to support us. We are touched by your concern. We also thank Ven Kirinde Assaji Thero for his continuous support to us. Our appreciation to former President Madam Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for their support and recognizing our potential.
We thank Mr Milinda Moragoda for this concern. He has supported us through difficult times since the 1990s. We wish to thank Mr Harry Jaywardena for his continuous support from the time of our inception. He has always shown his concern towards us. Our appreciation to Mr Manilal Fernando, for his support over the years. We wish to thank Mr Thusitha Wijayasena for his concern and support. We wish to thank Mr Mohan Peiris, Mr Niththi Murugesu, Mr Anil Tittawala, Mr Sudath Perera and Mr Premnath Dolawatte for their advice and guidance.
We thank our advertisers, especially Mr Anselm Perera of Mlesna, who has been advertising with us since 1987, and also Mr Shanth Fernando who has been advertising with us since the 1990s. We thank all our advertisers. We thank Ruwan Ferdinandez and Thusitha Halloluwa for their support throughout the years. We thank Mr Charles De Silva for giving his property to us and for his continuous support.
Our appreciation to Mr A S Kaleel for being with us during difficult times and for his generosity.
We thank Mr Dinesh Weerakkody, Mr Keith Bernard and Mr Shiron Gooneratne, the trio who were part of the Business Today TOP corporate awards at its inception. Although they are no longer a part of the process due to their commitments in public listed companies, we acknowledge their contribution from the inception of the awards, and we continue to seek their advice, guidance and assistance. We also thank Mr Suren Rajakarier of KPMG Sri Lanka, for his continuous participation in the process.
We thank Mr and Mrs Jayaratne from Sterling Flowers for their support. At the Hilton Colombo, we feel at home. We wish to thank, Manesh Fernando, Arosha Perera, Gigi De Silva, Kosala Walakuluge and the banquets and food and beverages teams as well as all the staff at the Hilton Colombo for their continuous support.
We congratulate the Business Today TOP 30 2018-2019 for their excellent performance.
The concept and design of the event and the song selection were by Glenda Parthipan.
The songs played this evening were sung by veteran artiste Mohideen Baig and Ishak Baig.
We thank everyone for being present here. today and making this event a success.
