How to pay SLT bill online is such a popular topic nowadays. Why is that so? Firstly, it’s such a hassle to wait in line at a supermarket to pay any sort of bill. Additionally, with the advancement in mobile internet usage, we can easily pay the SLT Bill online at our own convenience. In effect, if you read the below content, you will understand how this can be accomplished easily. Let me tell you that this is not rocket science. Anyone with a little common sense can do it. In particular, paying the SLT bill is only a great boon to the elderly who are domesticated. If they master this art, they can pay the SLT bill without having to leave the house.

What are the advantages of paying the SLT bill online?

For one, it is convenient, hands down. Additionally, when you make online payments (including pay SLT bill online) through your bank’s payment gateway, you can pay all of your bills from a central location rather than logging into multiple websites. If you have many such payments, this is the best option to master.

• Unlike a decade ago, paying online is very secure.
• When you pay your SLT bill online, it makes managing your money that much easier.
• The best advantage, as per my experience, is that it saves you oodles of valuable productive time.

What happens when you pay a bill online?

Online bill payment is a secure electronic service that allows customers to pay bills without having to write cheques or hand out physical cash. Online bill payment is usually tied to a savings account from which funds are withdrawn electronically for payment of one-time or recurring bills.

Is it safe to pay SLT bills online by phone?

The simpler answer is that phone payments are very safe as long as the user of the phone maintains certain standard security measures. Having said that, if you are making payments to a reputable, legitimate company in Sri Lanka or overseas, this should be easy to find. Here, since you pay SLT bills online, they will not be a threat to you. SLT is a very secure company that has been around for generations. In effect, they also take security measures very seriously.

Simple steps to follow to pay SLT Bill online

Please follow the easy steps highlighted below to pay your SLT bill online. A small reminder: you should have your credit or debit card details ready to complete the online transaction seamlessly and as smoothly as possible.

STEP ONE

As an initial step, please search for www.slt.lk. Once you get here, you will see the below page distinctly separated into Fixed and Mobile with two blue and green buttons. Since you want to pay the SLT bill online, please click on the blue “Fixed” button.

STEP TWO

Once you click on the “Fixed” button, you will be directed to an interface where you have to click the “Pay online” button that appears towards the left of your screen. Here again, I have shared a screenshot below to identify the location easily.

STEP THREE

Once you click on “Pay online“, you will be directed to the below screen. I have shared a screenshot for easy reference. If you are in a mighty hurry to pay your SLT bill online, you have to click on the “Pay Instantly” button. This is the best bet, as if you select the “Pay as a registered user” option, you have to first register and sign up. This is the usual practice. For me, this is too time-consuming and a real hassle. I’d choose the first option that says “Pay Instantly.”

STEP FOUR

Once you click the “Pay Instantly” button, you will see the following interface shown below. Here, you have to fill in the required details and you are good to go. Once you fill in all the details and click the “Pay” button, you will be directed to the SLT, the Bank of Ceylon payment gateway.

STEP FIVE

I have taken a screenshot of how your screen would look once you come to the SLT, the Bank of Ceylon secure payment gateway. Here, you have to fill in your usual credit card details and press the green “Pay Now” button. Congratulations, you have paid your SLT bill online.

Do you want to contact SLT customer care?

Want to know more about how to pay the SLT bill online? Please contact their customer service (24/7) at 1212 or self-service at +94 112 12 12 12 or

Cotton Collection is more than a brand in Sri Lanka; it’s in fact a distinct lifestyle. In essence, through a journey spanning over 30 years, the brand has helped shape and develop the fashion retail landscape of Sri Lanka. In a word, Cotton Collection is a brand with a distinct identity; a carefree, casual clothing brand that has its roots firmly in the Sri Lankan psyche.

Cotton Collection and its founder

When it comes to Cotton Collection, we cannot forget the contribution made by its founder and former Managing Director, Niloufer Esufally Anverally. At a time when Sri Lankan-branded clothing was hard to come by, she is credited with creating this all-Sri Lankan brand. In effect, if you recall, in those pioneering days, clothing shops were not as organized as today and many traded Bangkok clothing. Moreover, it was a time when export rejects with minute flaws were in demand. Thus, this was due to the lack of proper Sri Lankan apparel, which was fashionable and trendy.

Cotton Collection was founded by Anverally in 1991, at a time when fashion retail in Sri Lanka was at a nascent stage.

Cotton collection and Odel

Marking a momentous milestone in Sri Lankan fashion retail, Cotton Collection sold its shares to ODEL Plc, a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings Plc. For one thing, Cotton Collection was a worthy addition to ODEL’s already strong and growing customer base. Without a doubt, ODEL Plc possesses a strong line-up of standalone flagship branded apparel stores. Significantly, this makes Softlogic the foremost choice for fashion and lifestyle retail in the country.

The distinct look customers yearn for

The latest fashion trends from Cotton Collection blend an exciting rush of colour to present a cool yet refreshing look that lends a new meaning to the word “casual”. Splashes of pink, orange, yellow, and a multitude of other vibrant colours dominate the free-flowing designs. Uniquely, each line and hue imparted a casual yet vivacious look. By all means, to add contrast to this lively mix of colours, designs created in subtle tones exhibit a soothing impression.

Indeed, casual tops with delicate crocheting and fun additions presented a world of choice, while pants, skirts, and scarves brought variety. In general, the brand’s clothing is offered mainly in cotton and cool linens, with simple lines and cool colours and designs. For instance, their clothes can be either dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion to enhance their individual style.

The strong workforce of Cotton Collection comprises a home-bred design team that curates free-spirited home-grown collections. Cotton Collection has carved out a niche market share over the years.

More about the brand

Cotton Collection is a Sri Lankan retail fashion brand renowned for quality and a stylish range of fashion. Their fashion stores include everything from women’s and men’s ready-to-wear to kids’ clothing. Also, they stock a cool collection of accessories, shoes, jewellery, and designer wear for the fashionably fashion-conscious ones. In addition, the flagship store is located in Colombo 7 and is famous for its youthful feel, central location, and modest vibe.

In particular, this store carries an amazing array of fashion, making it arguably one of the best fashion retail stores in the city. By all means, their first store at Majestic City is still attracting loyal customers. Notably, the brands’ most loved store at Flower Road and their first suburban outlet in Pelawatte continue to deliver a unique shopping experience.

The essence of Cotton Collection is that of a fun-loving and casual clothing store. Sri Lankan women live passionately, break barriers and are free-spirited, and their clothes complement their carefree lifestyle.

Why is cotton the most popular fabric?

Cotton is renowned as the most popular material in the world. Obviously, cotton is a light, soft natural fabric. In short, the fluffy fibre is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant in a process called ginning. The fibre is then spun into cloth, where it can be woven or knitted. All in all, cotton has many advantages, such as its ability to control moisture, insulate, and provide comfort. Moreover, it is also hypoallergenic, weatherproof and durable fabric. To summarize, cotton is naturally absorbent and doesn’t show perspiration like synthetics do, and it helps keep you dry naturally.

Why gift a Gift Voucher?

A gift voucher gives the receiver the freedom to buy whatever they want from a particular store. Moreover, this freedom allows them to buy what they truly need, and it gives you the satisfaction of having gifted well. Moreover, you can buy Cotton Collection or Odel gift vouchers from Kapruka. Best of all, the vouchers you buy will be delivered to the person you intend to gift them to at any address in Sri Lanka

The COVID-19 pandemic thought gave us many life’s lessons, and one such lesson is not depending on one income source. In that sense, to ride the crest of a post-pandemic, a part-time job is the perfect foil to cushion your expenses. In a similar manner, let’s get back to reality. Of course, we all like an extra income, but finding part-time jobs in Sri Lanka is not easy if you are light-hearted. Having said that, reading this blog post will give you an idea as to how to approach your searches.

Why do part-time jobs in Sri Lanka?

In developed countries like Australia or the USA, there are many part-time jobs available irrespective of one’s gender and age. In that sense, part-time work is embedded in their social fabric. But, in Sri Lanka, it is not the case. Here, part-time jobs are considered ideal for the young, which is really sad. Did you know that there are many middle-aged people looking to find part-time jobs in Sri Lanka as an income source?

However, the employment market does not recognize this fact. Likewise, it is a social and cultural perception that doing a part-time job is reserved only for the young. Furthermore, another reason for this is our strict labor laws, which do not recognize part-time work. For this reason, employers are not really motivated to give prominence to part-timers in a formal setting.

Benefits of doing part time jobs in Sri Lanka

There are many benefits of doing part-time jobs in Sri Lanka as a student. From making some extra money on the side to gaining valuable work experience, here’s why you should consider taking on part-time work.

Earn extra pocket money—What better reason is there to get a part-time job than to earn some extra cash?

Gain transferable skills– A part-time job can help you gain skills that a university or college degree won’t teach you.

Become more confident – If you’re shy and introverted, a part-time job can help you come out of your shell and aid in growing your confidence.

Develop interpersonal skills – As well as confidence, part-time jobs in Sri Lanka, provides you with an opportunity to learn how to interact with different personalities.

Gain independence – Working part-time can help you gain independence as you will be responsible for your own schedule, money and duties.

Manage your time wisely – Going to classes, working a part-time job, and juggling many different tasks can help you improve your time management.

Expand your professional network—No matter where you’re working, a part-time jobs in Sri Lanka gives you the chance to network with other people.

Make new friends – Getting a part-time job can enhance your social life and give you the opportunity to make lifetime friends.

Get work experience: Any work experience adds credibility to your CV, which can help you stand out as a viable candidate when you’re applying for an internship.

Maintain your health—Doing a part-time job helps you stay active and healthy. Furthermore, it is good for your mental psyche.

In this blog, you will find the types of part-time jobs available in the job market and how to approach them:

Jobs with Pick Me or Uber

If you have a scooter or a motorbike you can easily work for these companies as per your schedule. Without a doubt, they are two leading mobility solutions providers in Sri Lanka. Here, even retired persons can work for these companies and earn rewards. However, the more time you put into the job gives you more rewards.

Restaurant and cafe jobs

Sri Lanka has a vibrant cafe scene with many restaurants springing up every month, especially in Colombo. These establishments require part-time staff to fulfil their staffing needs. Here, if you are young and less than 30, you will have many part-time prospects. The key is to call their recruitment managers and ask for part-time work without waiting for their vacancy advertisements to appear in the media. However, for this, you will require communication skills.

 Online Tutoring

Online tutoring has become the rage during this COVID-19 infested period with schools being closed down. From grade one to the advanced level, students attend online classes. Indeed, this is a lucrative market to explore, but you will need to be qualified at least up to the Bachelors level. Did you know that a part-time Advanced Level Math tutor charges around Rs 3000 for a lesson? Also, a part-time biology teacher charges Rs. 1500 per online class. Just imagine how much you can make per month if you have at least 10 students under your wing.

Working in a Saloon

Here again, to work as a beautician or as a hairstylist, one must be trained. If you are trained in these aspects and don’t want the burden of managing a saloon yourself, your best bet is to work part-time for a set shift. However, to search for your perfect opening, you must have communication skills either in Sinhala or English. For one thing,

This is required as you have to convince the saloon owner that you have competent skills to work without supervision. Notably, this trade is wonderful for mothers who have grown children. In fact, they can do housework in the mornings and work part-time at a saloon from the afternoon to late at night.

Call center customer service jobs

There are many part-time call center and customer service jobs going around in Sri Lanka. Uniquely, this industry keeps growing as Sri Lankans have a very service-oriented mindset, which is required for this type of job. However, one must have a good knowledge of English along with communication skills to prosper in these work environments. By all means, the pay is decent, and you have to keep an eye out for openings by searching at Top jobs under the KPO/BPO category. In most instances, you will be required to work US or UK shifts.

 Graphic designing

The advent of digital commerce and the proliferation of websites have necessitated many opportunities for aspiring graphic designers. But to work as a graphic designer, you will be required to have related qualifications. To search for employment in this field, you can browse employment websites like Top Jobs or Job Envoy. Also, you can find job postings on LinkedIn. In particular, if you like to work with international clients, search for openings at Freelancer and Upwork. But to monetize your work, you will have to register beforehand. In general, working as a part-time graphic designer is the perfect foil if you are studying for a bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka.

Working in a spa

Here, I am not implying working in a massage parlour, which has many negative social connotations. Actually, I am referring to a spa. There are many professionally run spas, especially in Colombo, patronized by affluent customers, both local and ex-pat. In fact, there are well-managed spas run by star-class hotels in Sri Lanka. However, to find part-time work, ideally, you should have followed a course in massage and reflexology. If you have the necessary skill sets, then there are sure to be openings for these types of jobs.

Content Writing

The demand for content writers has grown by leaps and bounds during the past few years. By all means, this is partly due to the e-commerce business taking off the roof. For instance, many are working as part-time content writers for digital marketing companies and for companies designing websites. Also, in this space, you will find a niche for bloggers. Additionally, traditional advertising companies and public relations companies in Sri Lanka employ content writers for their work. To enumerate, the key here is to have a knack for writing in English with good grammar skills. Ideally, if you have studied at an international school, you will have some inbuilt skills required to excel in this field.

Most people start working part-time to create solutions in their lives. They have young children, want to get MBAs, and need to care for ageing parents. All too often, some part-time professionals have found strategies that are succeeding. My best advice is to keep an open mind when approaching part-time jobs in Sri Lanka.

No doubt, you will have purchased a teddy bear or two in your lifetime. After all, it could have been a special gift for someone you love or a treat for yourself all the same. Thankfully, now you don’t need to personally visit shops to buy a grand teddy. By all means, you can browse the pages online at kapruka.com, gazing at all the adorable teddy bears and cuddly soft toys that are available. Do you ever wonder how to give a teddy bear in Sri Lanka? Look no further, Kapruka will undertake teddy bears delivery in Sri Lanka. Are you happy now?

Browse and order teddy bears delivery

As you know, Christmas is around the corner, and by now you will have planned the gifts for this year. Without a doubt, it is a wonderful feeling to buy gifts for your loved ones. One thing is for sure, the good old-fashioned favourite gift of a teddy will be making an appearance on many gift lists this year as well! For one thing, teddy bears are an irresistible gift and one of the top gifts during the season. In particular, your choice of a teddy bear is up to you to decide, but you can be rest assured that the teddy bears delivery will be handled by Kapruka.

Big bears make a big impression!

Our wish is the same as yours. After all, what is not to love about getting a special hug from a big, cuddly teddy? Of course, you need to think carefully about just how far you are going to go. Indeed, teddy bears can be pretty huge, and you need to be sure that the teddy will fit in. Have you got a spare chair or bed for him? Perhaps something not quite so huge, that can still give a big hug. Kapruka’s got a big teddy collection for die-hard teddy fans.

Teddy Love at first sight

A child’s first experience with a teddy usually occurs at a very young age. In many cases, this is love at first sight, and we hear many stories of children having had their favourite teddy bear friend since birth. This is the first stage of friendship for a child and a bear. The bear is happy to be squeezed and chewed, to be there when the child needs them, and to be a companion through the night.

A playmate from the start

As a child begins to explore the world around them, gets more confident and starts to play, their teddy best friend can help them navigate new thoughts and feelings. A ready-made playmate who can be thrown around and cuddled. The child and teddy bear’s relationship starts to deepen, and the teddy might be carried around all day, or be the first toy they want to play in the morning.

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Teddy’s comfort through life’s stages

Starting preschool, a first trip to the dentist, or a night away from Mum and Dad, these stages will always seem less daunting with a friend in tow. Children need comfort, and having their favourite toy by their side can make them feel more confident and at ease. A child and their favourite teddy bear have been through a lot together already. So the child knows their cuddly soft toy is a comfort they can trust. We all know trust is important in friendship, and a teddy bear is very loyal and will never let them down.

The familiar face of a Teddy

The thing about a teddy bear is that no matter how old you are, you can never be too old for a cuddle. As a child grows and moves into adulthood, their trusty friend can be by their side, sitting on the bed at university, smiling down from a shelf in their first home, even making a birthday appearance.

At Kapruka, teddy bears delivery is one of the things we love about what we do. Uniquely, we are helping people find their best friend. For instance, these friendships can form at any age, and teddy bears don’t mind if you have more than one teddy in your life. In fact, they are simply there for you, no matter what. In essence, we hope you are looking forward to Christmas. We can’t wait to do teddy bear delivery in Sri Lanka as the Christmas season unfolds in Sri Lanka.

Without a doubt, when one hears the word port city in Sri Lanka, what comes to mind is a place of much debate and controversy. However, thanks to Crate Adventure (Pvt) Ltd, the port city has got a new recreational offering for those looking for adrenaline-pumping action. In this case, we are talking about the new port city ATV track, named ‘Colombo Dunes’ that is currently the talk of the town.

Port city ATV track

The port city ATV track was recently declared opened by Minister of Sports and Youth Minister Namal Rajapaksa. Incidentally, this is the first track to run on sand dunes, featuring best-in-class all-terrain vehicles. Additionally, the Colombo Dunes ATV track consists of three 2-kilometre racetracks running over an area of about 05 acres in Port City. Here, one can unleash their adventurous self on the multiple tracks situated in the heart of Colombo. Uniquely, the adventure is to drive the ATVs through sand dunes and experience a one-of-a-kind beach ride on Sri Lanka’s only artificial beach.

Why will Colombo Dunes be a hit?

We all know there is a dearth of fun adventurous activities in Colombo. As such, recreational adventure sports such as ATV racing will help fill this dearth to a certain extent. Also, such activities will be a contributing factor to the attraction of more tourists to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the port city ATV track is surrounded by star-class hotels. For this reason, the Colombo Dunes adventure could be a much-needed fun activity for the tourists staying at these 5-star hotels in Colombo.

A fun outing for the entire family

Well! Driving through sand dunes is mainly for the young at heart and the youth. Notably, what about the senior members of your family? Here, Create Adventure, the company promoting the Colombo Dunes ATV adventure, is offering a purpose-built trailer. In particular, this special purpose-built trailer will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families and senior citizens to explore Sri Lanka’s first man-made beach. For instance, families could ride on this trailer which is pulled by an ATV manned by an experienced rider. By all means, here, one can enjoy scenic views of the Colombo skyline and the Indian Ocean from Sri Lanka’s first artificial beach.

How do you book a Colombo Dunes ATV ride?

In order to book the port city ATV track, you can visit https://crateadventure.com and log in by registering. Certainly, booking from this site is self-explanatory as you can easily navigate to the ‘Book a Ride’ button and select the Port City Colombo option. Here, you can select the date and time slot you are comfortable with. In detail, the time slots available are from 8.00am to 5.00pm. When you book online, you can pay by credit or debit card. Also, you can visit the port city’s Colombo Dunes site and pay in cash for your adventure.

How to visit the Port City ATV track?

Many Sri Lankans visit Galle Face and Galle Face One, which are popular recreational spots in the city of Colombo. Indeed, the port city ATV track is another welcome addition to this list of landmarks. For this reason, it is very easy to visit this site. Accordingly, you can come to the port city entrance and mention to the security that you want to ride the ATV bikes. Then enter and follow the directions. Especially, there is ample secure parking for your vehicles at the port city ATV site. Also, you can visit the Crate Adventure website, www.crateadventure.com, and check out the Colombo Dunes ATV track on Google maps.

How much does it cost for the port city’s ATV ride?

ATV Ride Tracks A|B|C = Rs 6,900/person

Beach Safari = Rs. 5,900 for 4 people.

Port City ATV track contact information

Email address:

Inquiries about Crate Adventure: info@crateadventure.com

Reservations: reservations@cratadventure.com

Hotlines

+94 71 772 7777

+94 77 700 7177

Website: https://www.crateadventure.com

It’s one of those, done easier than said. Many think it’s a big deal to accept cryptocurrencies for a business. It’s not. In fact, it’s easier to integrate a cryptocurrency gateway to your e-business than integrating a credit card payment gateway. 

The first step is to identify a crypto payment processor. I recommend coinbase-commerce, bitpay and coingate, as I have personally evaluated them (ease of integration, fees and business ratings). Processing fees should be less than 1% or else you are getting ripped off. You don’t need to have a presence in a specific country to get an account. It’s as simple as getting a Gmail account.

The second is to integrate into your site or application. All 3 providers I listed have out of the box plug-ins for popular e-com platforms such as Shopify, woo-commerce and Magento. You could also write your custom integration using the APIs given. Any average developer should be able to get this done in a jiffy. It’s not complicated.

The third step is to decide what to do with the payments once you receive them. The obvious two options are to keep them as crypto or convert them to FIAT of your choice (USD, Euro, etc) as and when you need the cash flow for your business. You don’t necessarily need the same gateway to convert.

Please note that Central Bank has clearly said ‘You are on your own’   https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/en/news/public-awareness-on-risks-in-investing-in-virtual-currencies-in-sri-lanka

The purpose of me writing this quick article is to encourage Sri Lankan businesses to be forward-thinking on technology advancements in the payment space. We don’t want to be left behind when the western economies are quickly adopting crypto.

Also, I hope CBSL will soon provide good regulation for banks to operate in this space + allow crypto mining operations in Sri Lanka.

They say a passport is a window to the world. Sometimes, all you need is a passport, money and a mobile phone to visit another country. Next to the national identity card and the driving license, the most popular identity is a passport. This is one of the reasons why the Department of Immigration and Emigration, popularly called the passport office in Sri Lanka, is a hive of activity on any weekday. Did you know that you have to renew your passport every 10 years? To know more about the passport renewal process in Sri Lanka, please read below.

Who can renew a passport in Sri Lanka?

Any Sri Lankan citizen living in Sri Lanka holding a valid Sri Lankan passport has to get in touch with the Department of Immigration and Emigration, to renew his or her passport.

What is the validity of a Sri Lankan passport?

A Sri Lankan passport is valid for only 10 years and cannot be extended beyond that.

When to apply for a new passport?

Your passport has an expiry date. It is prudent to do the passport renewal a few months before the expiry. This is practical as you cannot apply for a visa if the passport expiry date is very near.

How long will the passport renewal process take?

Provided you handover all documents in the manner requested by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, you can get your new passport same day or within 2 weeks by post (normal service)

How much will the passport renewal cost?

If you are not in a hurry for the new passport you can go for the normal service. This would cost Rs. 3500 and your new passport will arrive by post within 2 weeks. However, if you are in a hurry you can opt for the one day service. This will cost Rs. 15,000.

What are the working hours of the Department of Immigration and Emigration?

For the passport renewal process, the completed application can be handed over under normal service between 8.00 am and 1.30 pm. Urgent basis applications (one day service) between 7.00 am and 1.30 pm. Please note this service is available only on weekdays.

Where can I apply for the renewal of the passport?

You can submit all passport applications to the Passport Division (Level 01 – Normal Service / Level 02 – Urgent Service) of the Department of Immigration & Emigration located at “Suhurupaya”, Battaramulla. If you are out of Colombo, you can hand over the application to the regional offices located in Kandy, Matara, Vavuniya and Kurunegala. Also, if you are overseas you can handover the application to overseas Sri Lankan Missions ( in other words Sri Lankan embassies )

Required documents to be submitted to apply for a new passport (All Countries)

For the passport renewal process, the following documents have to be handed over to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Along with the below documents, it is mandatory to hand over the passport application form (Form K35 A). This form can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Emigration website (http://www.immigration.gov.lk)

1. Current passport with a photocopy of the Bio data page. (Please see below for details*)
2. Photo studio acknowledgement
3. Original Birth Certificate of the applicant with a photocopy.
4. Original National Identity Card of the applicant with a photocopy
5. Marriage certificate with a photocopy where it is necessary (To confirm the name after marriage)
6. Educational Certificate related to the profession and an acceptable document to confirm your service and photocopies thereof.

*If you already have a valid passport it should be submitted along with the application.

Important information pertaining to the passport renewal process.

1. All passport applicants including children should provide digital photographs through an Authorized  photo studio
2. Fingerprints will be collected from all applicants above 16 years at the head office and three regional offices in Sri Lanka.
3. Applicants submitting passport applications through Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions overseas could do so without providing fingerprints and digital photographs.
4. Inclusion of children in parents passports will no longer be allowed and children will be issued separate passports.
5. No Emergency Certificate (EC) shall be issued for applicants below 60 years.

How do I get a digital photograph?

To get a digital photograph you have to visit a photo studio authorised by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. To find out please visit their website and search for authorized studios list. When handing over the passport renewal documents you have to attach a receipt given by the authorized photo studio to certify you have taken a photograph as per their requirements. Usually, a photo studio will charge between Rs 450 – Rs 500 for this service.

Below is a snapshot of how respective photo studio details appear on the Department of Immigration and Emigration website

How to visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

The passport office, also called the Department of Immigration and Emigration is located at “Suhurupaya”, Battaramulla. You can easily visit this place using public transport or by three-wheeler or private car. If you use your vehicle you can find adequate parking.

Noted below are the bus route numbers for easy reference if you are planning to go there by bus:

Kapruka Tip: Don’t hand over your valuable documents to any third party outside the passport office promising you a new passport. This is an organized scam

Since 1979, Fab Cakes have offered its patrons, an endless variety of sweet treats for the delight of young and old alike. Uniquely, one of the key attributes of Fab Cakes is the affordability factor. Without a doubt, Fab Cakes have garnered the trust of urban customers who look for value for money yet are conscious of the quality aspect. True to its vision, Fab is fabulous in its food, delighting customers who are the essence of their business.

The beginning of Fab Cakes

The late 1970s were exciting to be in Colombo. Of course, after the economy, was opened in 1977, people were on the lookout for many types of conveniences. After all, one such convenience was ready to eat food. The Fab outlet down Galle Road (on the seaside bordering Colpetty) perfectly satisfied the requirements of these customers back then. 

The beginning of this outlet can be traced back to 1979 when Ms Chandra Madanayake, the brains behind the Fab Foods concept, opened a confectionary store. This new store named “The fab” was located, in her front garden on Galle Road. In particular, this first Fab outlet offered star-class delicacies at a reasonable value in a more relaxed atmosphere. By all means, the ambience was something new and novel to its many customers. For one thing, back then, such a trendy offering was otherwise generally available in plush hotels.

What is heartening to note is, this very same outlet remains intact to this day. In other words, its attraction has not diminished with all the competition from many such outlets located around Colombo. Even in this day and age, if you visit this outlet during lunch hour, finding a seat is difficult. This is so, as many customers living or working around this outlet patronise to indulge in cakes, sweets or snacks. 

The expansion of Fab Cakes

It is a little over 40 years since the first Fab outlet, was launched. Markedly, during this period, Fab Cakes have expanded its reach with 26 strategically placed outlets in and around Colombo and in popular cities. In particular, as the immediate suburbs boarding the Colombo city limits became residential hot spots, Fab Cakes opened new outlets in these popular cities. For example, such cities include, Negombo, Kalutara, Panadura and more. In fact, this was done to satisfy customers living in these areas, who placed affordability and quality as a top priority.  

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Today, Fab Cakes cater to their customers’ desires, going above and beyond to earn their trust in bringing them the choicest products and services. Uniquely, it is, however, the cake, that brings people to The Fab. For instance, when one casually wants to grab a party order, Fab Cakes are always reliable. To emphasize, besides their famed chocolate cake, they have many varieties of popular cake types to satisfy any sweet tooth.  

The quality policy of Fab Cakes

Fab Foods (Pvt) Ltd, which manufacturers Fab Cakes always strive to be recognized as offering the best quality products to satisfy its discerning customer base.  As a result, the company adheres to benchmarked Food Safety Management Systems. In effect, these systems are is implemented with the support of appropriate documentation and records. Consequently, all identified hazards are controlled through the implementation of hygiene control operations and HACCP plans. At Fab foods, all Fab Cakes and other variety of products are manufactured to ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems.

Fab birthday cakes

A cake is always the prime highlight of a birthday party. As a result, the custom of blowing a candle, making a wish, and cutting a cake is common around the world. Generally speaking, gifting a birthday cake is a universal symbol of love and appreciation. All in all, at Fab Cakes, customers will find delightful birthday cake designs to satisfy little kids, teenagers or even adults

Why do children love their cake? Know why!

Whenever we talk about a birthday party, the first thing the kids have in mind is cake. Hence, every child has a special sweet tooth for cakes! But have you ever thought about why children love cake so much?

• Good looking objects appeals to a kid – A child will usually look at a dish and decide whether they want to have it or not. For this reason, a cake always looks appealing to kids. Uniquely, these days, special attention is given to the presentation and designs of the cake – cakes of various colours, shape, and even their own photos.

• Kids love Sweet Dishes & Chocolates – Children have a special affection for chocolate and sweet things. Accordingly, cakes filled with loads of chocolate, whipped cream and icing is their favourite.

• Blowing up the candles on the cake makes them feel special – Little Kids love cutting the cake and blowing the candles on their birthdays. In effect, they enjoy the attention they get in the process. All in all, add to it the excitement of eating the first bite!

• Kids have a special love for cartoon characters – Cartoon characters hold a special place in the heart of every child. Obviously, they are fascinated by their appearances and superpowers.

So, if you’re planning any birthday party for your kid, you now know all the reasons why they love their cakes. So, make sure you have their preferences in mind when you get their favourite cake for them. 

Fab wedding cake

A perfect wedding is not the same without that fabulously perfect wedding cake. For this reason, Fab cake structures are made, to suit customers’ budgets and tastes. Thus, Fab offers a value-added price range for these special occasions. Accordingly, whether it is a themed occasion or a simple idea, Fab makes any type of wedding cake at an affordable price.

Popular Fab Cakes

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Fab Cakes have grown to become a household name in Sri Lanka. Today, Fab has been transformed into a modern company, utilizing state-of-the-art technology. To this end, they have retained their traditional values and commitment to quality and value for money.

Did you know that after vanilla and saffron, cardamom is acknowledged as the “Queen of Spices” as it is the priciest spice in the world? Likewise, cardamom is a much sought after spice as it contains a gamut of active ingredients. Additionally, it is an ideal foil for cooking and medicinal purposes. Uniquely, cardamom is said to be the oldest known spice in the world with a history dating back to over 4000 years. Cardamom in Sri Lanka is grown in the districts of Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura and a part of Galle.

Why is cardamom in Sri Lanka sought after globally?

Sri Lanka, being a tropical island in the Indian Ocean has garnered a gilt-edged reputation as a premier spice producer and exporter. By the same token, today, high-quality Sri Lankan spices are exported around the world. In like manner, there is a steady demand for Cardamom in Sri Lanka as a high-net-worth export crop. The cardamom industry in Sri Lanka is mainly in the hands of exporters who purchase the product from cultivators. Additionally, in order to maintain quality, these exporters, carefully dry, clean and sort the cardamom, before being packed for export.

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Due to our influence in the global cardamom supply chain, Sri Lanka has been categorized as the Ceylon Cardamom type in the global spice market. Moreover, cardamom in Sri Lanka is exported in varieties of green and light green. In contrast, the green varieties of cardamom have a more sophisticated and mellow flavour. While, each cardamom pod contains about 10-15 tiny black, superbly aromatic seeds and that’s mostly where the magic lies. By all means, Sri Lankan cardamom exporters play an important role in supplying to the global demand by way of green cardamom pods, oil and powder.

Why do chefs like Cardamom in Sri Lanka?

Cardamom in Sri Lanka is widely used, in giving an aroma and taste to rice, chicken, beef curry or tea on a rainy afternoon. When I bite into a cooked cardamom pod in a prepared dish, the avalanche of flavours I encounter comprise, flowers, pepper and citrus. Indeed, their intensity and warmth comfort me wholly. Surely, just a pinch of this spice will transform any dish up a notch.

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When it comes to baking, green cardamom’s strong flavour and warm notes make it the ideal addition. Notably, cardamom is also a popular addition to many beverages and is one of the key spices in Turkish coffee. What’s more, it is also great for smoothies. Why not add a pinch of cardamom to your smoothies for a boost of flavour. In essence, cardamom can also be added to curries, and there are several ways to do that. Thus, the popular option is to shell the seeds, discard the pods, then bruise the seeds by crushing them slightly and sautéeing them in oil. Remember, this can be done with other whole spices, before adding the rest of your ingredients.

Cardamom facts:

• Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world after saffron and vanilla. Having said that, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy it.

• The cardamom plant is a member of the ginger family and grows to about 5m in height, sprouting tiny fruit in the shape of pods.

• Guatemala is the largest producer of cardamom, followed by India.

• Apart from using in cooking, cardamom has been revered for its medicinal properties.

• Cardamom was used in rituals in ancient Egypt and was later used by the Greeks and Romans in oils and perfumes.

• The world production of cardamom accounts for around 36000 tonnes per year. It is cultivated in India, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala.

• The largest importers of cardamom are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the USA, Japan, etc.

• According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 80 per cent of cardamom’s total consumption occurs in the Middle East.

Cardamom in the Arab world

Cardamom trade is hugely influenced by Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. To put it lightly, if Saudi Arabia stops drinking cardamom coffee, the cardamom growers will be out of business. As can be seen, in Arabian countries, cardamom is used as an additive in coffee. In short, the cardamom spice gives the brew a greenish tint and a heady fragrance. In fact, in some variations, it is the cardamom, and not the coffee, that is the dominant flavour

Definitely, a well-prepared pot of Arabian coffee is nearly a universal symbol of hospitality on the Arabian Peninsula. For the most part, during the period between Ramadan and the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah, consumption increases. This is the time millions of Muslims enter the country as pilgrims. Additionally, the demand is especially high one month before Ramadan. This is because, during the holy month, making cardamom coffee is a daily task in every family, in preparation for the breaking of the fast.

Growing Cardamom in Sri Lanka

Cardamom is grown in hilly areas of wet zones of upcountry. However, mid-country are also most preferable for growing this spice. Altogether, well-distributed rainfall between 1500 – 2500mm per annum is essential for growing the crop to acceptable standards.  The crop is mainly grown in shady conditions as shade is an essential factor for cardamom growth. Hence, it is commonly grown under natural forest cover. Cardamom can be propagated both through suckers and seedlings. But suckers are better and commonly used. Meanwhile, suckers are planted 5cm below the ground level. In time, cardamom starts to bear at the 3rd year after planting. The cropping season is September to January. By the time, capsules are picked before they fully ripen and clipped off using scissors. 

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Harvesting is done at 3 to 6-week intervals for around 03 months. Harvested capsules are washed with water to remove dirt. When it comes to drying, it is done in hot air barns known as ‘Green curing’. Here, capsules are spread on shallow wire mesh bottomed trays and placed on shelves in the chamber at 45-50oC. At this instant, the drying process will be over in about 35 – 40 hours in the curing chamber. In the meantime, the trays are racked over and their position interchanged every 10 – 12 hours. The final product is stored away from strong sunlight and in black polythene sacks to preserve the colour.

How can you purchase cardamom in Sri Lanka?

For culinary purposes, cardamom in Sri Lanka can be purchased in supermarkets or online through Kapruka.com. By and large, it is available in the form of pods in packets or you can find them in powdered form. If you have cardamom pods, keep them whole as pods in an airtight container until you are ready to use them. Overall, the flavour of cardamom is very strong, so you will need to use only one or two pods.

What did Sir Francis Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman, mean when he said: “Reading makes a full man”? It refers to the suggestion that by reading, a person is able to fill the mind with knowledge pertaining to a variety of topics. Well! During the period when Bacon lived, there was no internet, and one had to make a conscious attempt to read. In the modern era we live in today, a bookshop is still a sprout of knowledge, and Sarasavi Bookshop offers a bastion of knowledge to a generation of readers.

The early years of Sarasavi Bookshop

The Sarasavi bookshop first commenced business over 70 years ago in the rural township of Padukka and in 1973, found its permanent home in Nugegoda. In reality, the 1970s were a period of import controls and the bookshop established a good reputation catering to schools booklists and stationary. Certainly, I still can remember visiting this Sarasavi Bookshop in the 1970s and 1980s every year to buy books for the new school term. For instance, a large portion of the old Sarasavi’s customers comprised of parents and school children who came there to get school stationery.

Back then, during the year-end holidays, the bookshop was packed to the brim with customers. Indeed, there was no incentive to leisurely browse books and magazines. In fact, the counters were manned by a few salesmen who attended to the needs of customers. For example, during that era, Sarasavi bookshop gained prominence as those living in bordering towns had to come to Nugegoda to shop for anything. In general, it was natural that when it came to books and stationery they visited Sarasavi Bookshop.     

Sarasavi bookshop during the modern era

The 1980s and 1990s and thereafter saw a renaissance of education. Notably, parents saw the immense benefit of education while educating children became their priority. In other words, with the gradual increase in population more and more educated youth were immersed in educational activities. Markedly, these youth and mature readers alike demanded local and imported books to broaden their horizons. As a result, to meet this demand, Sarasavi Bookshop expanded its operations and its bookshop’s network grew in stature and reach. In fact, Sarasavi was awarded the Gurulugomi Award for the Best Bookshop in Colombo and its Suburbs in the year 1997. In essence, today, the network of their bookshops cover major towns in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the latest addition to their network is located at the One Gall Face branch at Shangri La Colombo. This branch mainly caters for aspirational upmarket readers, comprising both local and foreign customers.

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One striking feature of any Sarsavi Bookshops is neatness. Although not matching international standards their bookshops are well presented by Sri Lankan standards. Accordingly, the lighting, space and overall segmentation of books are well organized and there is a pleasant feeling when one visits any Sarasavi Bookshop. Today, Sarasavi Bookshops present a huge collection of Sri Lankan and foreign publications covering multiple disciplines to meet the diverse literary needs of their readership. For this reason, when one visits their bookshops to buy books or stationery, you will see a diverse array of customers ranging from little children, parents to higher academics.

 Sarasavi Publishers

Sarasavi Publishers, the publishing arm of Sarasavi group began operations in the year 2000. During that period, and afterwards, Sinhala and English Sri Lankan writers came to the forefront with many noteworthy works of literature. Incidentally, the publishing unit gave an impetus to these aspiring writers to showcase their talents. At the same time, there was a demand for an ingenious Sri Lankan style of literature. On the whole, the publishing unit produces over 100 titles per year and is much sought after by readers. Over the years, their titles grew in stature and today, one can purchase novels, short stories, translations, fiction and more.

Sarasavi online

The internet boom resulted in readers looking to buy their favourite books online. Obviously, this was the trend globally and Sri Lanka is slowly realizing the benefits of e-commerce. After all, from a global perspective, Amazon is still one of the best-known names in the industry to buy international books. Overall, its website is extremely user-friendly, Amazon ships internationally, and they have an extensive selection of books of all types. Uniquely, this makes it easy to find a particular book in no time. As has been noted, from a Sri Lankan perspective, this is not so, as ordering books from overseas is a tedious process. In brief, the majority of Sinhala titles cannot be found on Amazon.  

To meet this gradual increase in demand from online customers, Sarasavi started an online portal called Sarasavi. lk. Here, you can purchase booth local and imported books. As can be seen, it is very user friendly and has attracted customers from both local and Sri Lankans living overseas. As a result, when you order from their online portal your order will be delivered to any address in Sri Lanka or shipped to an overseas address. Thus, their website has been a boom to thousands of Sri Lankans living overseas as they use this to gift books to their near and dear in Sri Lanka.    

Sarasavi Warehouse, Nugegoda. Tel. 011 2852519

Sarasavi Warehouse is located towards the Nugegoda railway crossing before the Nugegoda post office. Obviously, it is not a warehouse but a place to buy a treasure trove of books unsold at their main bookshop and branches. Further,  it sells second-hand books in very good condition. On the whole, this is a shop that demands careful browsing, but patience will be rewarded. Generally speaking, the main attraction here is the affordable prices you pay for books of value. Although the books are not well organized you can find English and Sinhala books on various topics. By and large, one feature lacking here is a few chairs to sit and read beforehand a purchase is made. However, all said and done, I will give this place a thumbs up as I can find a decent book to my budget at any given time

Sarasavi Bookshop has created a reputation and persona for offering books, magazines and stationery at affordable prices to suit most Sri Lankans. Its network of branches located in strategic towns gives easy access to customers. Additionally, their branch network is a platform for various other publishers in Sri Lanka to offer their books to a diverse set of readers. Uniquely, the Sarasavi name is synonymous with literary awards, and its involvement with Colombo International Book Fair is legendary.