Events

Russel’s celebrates excellence at annual awards

Russel’s Ltd. held its annual awards ceremony on 31 January 2026 at the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Auditorium, Colombo, recognising excellence, commitment, and outstanding contributions of its employees.

The ceremony was graced by St. Nicholas International School Principal Rev. Fr. Sammit Rangana, who attended as the Chief Guest, and Rev. Fr. Kalinga, who honoured the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Their presence added distinction to the event and reflected the company’s emphasis on values-driven leadership. Senior representatives of Russel’s Ltd. highlighted the importance of employee recognition as a key driver of long-term organisational success and a strong corporate culture.

During the ceremony, several staff members were honoured for exceptional performance and dedication throughout the year. Jeewa Prashanthini was recognised as Employee of the Year, while Sameera Rukshan received the Chef of the Year award. The Best Outstanding Stewardess award was presented to Sithara Kumari, and Jude Krishantha was honoured as Best Outstanding Steward.

The Most Hard-Working Employee awards were jointly presented to Sampath Thisera and Sanjeewa Rukmal, while Duminda Asela received the award for Best Outdoor Catering Manager of the Year.

Adding a vibrant cultural element to the evening, the ceremony featured a special musical segment by renowned Sri Lankan artiste Piyal Perera, leader of the legendary Gypsies Band, together with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Sampath Fernando. The live performance created an engaging blend of corporate recognition and Sri Lanka’s rich musical heritage.

At the invitation of Russel’s Ltd. Co-Founder and Chairman Russel Perera, Sampath Fernando curated the musical experience, drawing inspiration from his signature concert series, “THALA SAMPATH – The Rhythm Soulful Music Event.” Recognising the significance of the occasion, Piyal Perera made a special guest appearance, contributing decades of musical excellence to the celebration. The Annual Awards Ceremony reaffirmed Russel’s Ltd.’s commitment to honouring its people while fostering a workplace culture that values excellence, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.

Source: Daily FT