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There is mention of pandemic struggles and survival stories in literature, contemporary movies and TV shows.   Take for example the post-apocalyptic sitcom -‘The Last Man on Earth,’ which revolves around a deadly virus similar to what we are faced with today.   As the story unfolds, the survival strategies adopted by the characters to cope up with the pandemic convince us that, even in the most challenging circumstances, we can still carry on when individuals step up to take care of each other. Those stories needs to be told for the simple reason that they inspire many others to play their part and storm the turbulence, together. On a different note, the current context triggered by the Covid -19 compels brands to give careful consideration into crafting their communications to best suit the target groups that are focal to their business continuity and offer them hope to rise above the crisis. From a communications point of view, looking at the human-interest stories t...

An extraordinary brand story I discovered while travelling in China’s Shandong Province few years back - the story of Tsingtao beer- a leading brewery export giant in China, founded in 1903 by the Anglo- German Brewery Co Ltd, I thought is worth some space on the BizScribe blog. Tsingtao- an authentic Chinese beer brewed in  once German-controlled coastal region of Qingdao in China’s Shandong Province,  is recognised as the first major brand to offer tourism services in Qingdao region through the establishment of a beer museum. As very aptly suggested in the beer museum’s tagline - ‘ Give us an hour, we’ll give you a century’ this unique location is even preserved by the state as a site of historical interest.  Spread across 6000 square meters, this major tourist hit considered China’s first industrial tourist site, connects its visitors to the origins of the Tsingtao beer. The museum which opened its doors to the world in 2003 is tucked away down Dengzhou Roa...

In light of the ongoing efforts by country’s travel and tourism sector stakeholders to revive the industry, which phased down in the aftermath of the Easter day terror attack, I intend to offer this perspective into tourism promotion.   If there is one innovative way in which Sri Lanka can promote travel differently, I believe, that is by enticing the global traveller to engage with Sri Lanka’s rich living heritage- an inseparable aspect of culture and tourism which hitherto remains somewhat quiescent where tourism promotion is concerned. The narratives that shed light on the living heritage - the inheritors of our intangible culture; their knowledge, practices, skills, rituals and beliefs have a broader scope to lure the traveller who seeks the thrill of human interaction and localized experience during travel.   In 2015, I had the opportunity to represent the Sunday Times at a s eminar on the Ratification and the Implementation of the UNESCO Convention for Safeguardi...

A groundbreaking yoghurt cup recycling project spearheaded by Modern Pack Lanka (Pvt) Ltd in partnership with the Centre for Environmental Initiative and several other public and private entities, has the vision to encourage organized players for different categories of plastic waste. P lastic waste; a mix of different types -CAN NOT be RECYCLED together. A lesser known fact indeed! Although plastic waste is often segregated from biodegradable material, recycling mixed plastics of individual types- Polyethylene Terephthalate ( PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride ( PVC), Low Density Polyethylene  ( LDPE ), Polypropylene  ( PP ) and Polystyrene  ( PS ) is still a challenge. Hence, proper collection and disposal of items of such varied types is a prerequisite in tackling the issue of plastic waste. This insightful piece of information came to light during a one-on one chat BizScribe had with Lahiru Wijerathna- General Manager - Modern Pa...

At the cosy holiday home in Wattala-Villa by the Edge- is where you first meet Leela (her original name is unknown though) .  A grand old lady, born in the USA in 1940s whose prowess has been tested under the most challenging sea conditions including in the Atlantic waters. Having reached the shores of Sri Lanka ‘out of the blue’ in 2014; now spending her days lazing around the beautiful landscape dotted with sunset skies and turquoise blue ocean, with those travel loving and wanting to be adventurous in deep sea.   Leela - a classic USA made fly bridge model wooden boat, custom built o n a lobster boat hull, brought down to Sri Lanka by an ardent marine and flying enthusiast, now offers a unique sailing experience in Sri Lanka. The boat operates its sunset harbour cruise and deep sea fishing cruise at Kelani river mouth in Wattala before it moves to Trincomalee Harbour after April for the east coast season. Leela’s story is as fascinating as its sailing experie...

You are at a networking event and being approached by a stranger.     How do we connect? A simple self-introduction leading to a general conversation during which you get to listen to the STORY he/she chooses to share with you. A story that could essentially reflect on individual’s ideas, opinions, talents, personal philosophy, life’s experiences, accomplishments, trials etc. In doing so, we form our own observations and share with him/ her our own account.   So we connect; and at times may even form life long bonds, given that we feel we are of kindred spirit! In business too, I believe, the rules stay more or less the same. Stories are convincing; remembered and social. A brand tells its ‘signature stories’ so as to strike that deep chord to connect with the consumer- to influence the buyer decision. This is where a feel good type brand story can be skillfully and subtly aligned with the different phases of the buyer journey -at awareness stage, evaluate stage,...