The Colombo Marathon 2026 has achieved a significant milestone for Sri Lankan athletics, with its application validated by World Athletics and the event registered for publication on the World Athletics Global Calendar as a World Rankings Competition.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Colombo Marathon 2026 is scheduled to take place on September 13, 2026, starting at 6.00 a.m. from Baladaksha Mawatha. More than 4,000 local and international participants are expected to compete across four categories: the 42 km Full Marathon, 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Road Race and 5 km Fun Run.
The World Athletics recognition gives the event international competitive status, with performances recorded at the marathon eligible to contribute to the official World Athletics World Rankings, subject to applicable requirements. For Sri Lankan athletes, the event provides an opportunity to compete in a globally recognised ranking competition on home soil, while international runners will have another officially recognised race to compete in.
Preparations for the event are now gathering pace, with technical planning focused on ensuring the race meets the standards required of a World Rankings Competition. Particular attention is being given to the technical management and measurement of the course, with international technical expertise being combined with the knowledge of Sri Lankan officials to ensure the course and race arrangements comply with World Athletics requirements.
More than 100 qualified officials from Sri Lanka Athletics will support the conduct of the race, with preparations also involving the Department of Sports Development, Sri Lanka Athletics and the Institute of Sports Medicine.
Technical preparations cover areas including course measurement, officiating, athlete safety, medical readiness and race-day operations, with organisers working to ensure that the quality of the event’s on-ground delivery matches its international recognition.
Bake Bar Opens in Makola, Bringing Elegance to Every Bite
Bake Bar, a brand under Group Future Life Holdings, has expanded its growing retail network with the opening of its newest outlet in Makola on August 7, 2026.
The new outlet marks another milestone in Bake Bar’s continued expansion across Sri Lanka, bringing its signature range of freshly prepared bakery products closer to customers in Makola and surrounding communities. The outlet offers a variety of bakery products, pastries, cakes, savouries, beverages and sweet treats, combining quality, freshness and convenience in a welcoming setting.
With outlets currently located in Waragoda, Nahena, Ganemulla, Kuppiyawatta, Gampaha, Bopitiya and Makola, alongside stores within selected FLi Super locations including Kadawatha, Hunupitiya, Sooriyagama, Batuwatta, Welipillawa and Nagahamulla, Bake Bar continues to expand its presence as a destination for quality bakery products and everyday indulgence.
The Makola opening forms part of Bake Bar’s broader expansion strategy to make its products accessible to a growing customer base while strengthening its connections with communities across the country. As the brand continues to grow, its focus remains on maintaining product quality, delivering memorable customer experiences and responding to evolving consumer needs.
Commenting on the opening, Group Future Life Holdings Chief Executive Officer Danushka Udugama said each new Bake Bar outlet represents more than an expansion of the brand’s physical presence.
“Every new Bake Bar outlet represents more than an expansion of our footprint. It is an opportunity to bring our products, our standards, and our passion for creating great customer experiences to a new community. Makola is an important location for us, and we are excited to welcome customers to this outlet as we continue building Bake Bar into a brand that people can experience and enjoy wherever they are,” Udugama said.
Speaking about the brand’s continued growth, Group Future Life Holdings Chief Administration and Marketing Officer Kasun Perera said Bake Bar’s expansion is driven by its ambition to make quality bakery products more accessible while delivering an engaging customer experience.
Colombo Marathon 2026 Gains World Athletics Recognition Ahead of September Race
