Pepsi Street Kala returned for its second edition on 4 July 2026 at Excel World, Colombo, transforming the venue into a lively celebration of Sri Lankan creativity, culture and community. The full-day event brought together art, music and food experiences, attracting thousands of visitors for a colourful showcase of local talent and cultural expression.
Organised by Pepsi®, the public art initiative continued the brand’s commitment to connecting with Sri Lankan audiences through shared passions and experiences. Beyond being a global beverage brand, Pepsi® has positioned itself as a supporter of local identity, creativity and community engagement.
“At Pepsi®, we’ve always believed in celebrating the passions that bring people together, and Pepsi Street Kala is a reflection of that spirit. With its second edition, Pepsi Street Kala continues to evolve as a vibrant platform that champions local creativity, fosters community connections, and celebrates the bold, vibrant spirit of Sri Lanka,” said Anshuman Mishra, West & Sri Lanka Franchise Lead and Associate Director, PepsiCo.
A key highlight of the festival was the Art Exhibition held in collaboration with the Academy of Design (AOD), which provided emerging Sri Lankan artists with a platform to showcase their Pepsi-inspired creations. The initiative connected a globally recognised brand with Sri Lanka’s evolving contemporary art scene while giving young artists greater visibility.
Adding to the creative atmosphere, an interactive art wall invited visitors to contribute their own artwork by adding personal touches to a shared canvas that developed throughout the day, making audiences active participants in the experience.
The festival’s main stage featured performances from some of Sri Lanka’s popular musical acts, including Knights, Wasthi, Nilan Hettiarachchi, Raveen Tharuka, Dinesh, Kaizer and Hana Shafa, bringing together diverse sounds and performances that reflected the country’s vibrant music culture.
Visitors also enjoyed a variety of entertainment activities, interactive games and local food experiences, with a dedicated mocktail bar offering refreshing Pepsi®-based creations. The combination of art, music, food and community activities created an inclusive experience designed to connect with younger audiences.
“What began as a city-wide open-air art gallery has grown into a wider celebration of Sri Lankan creativity, bringing together emerging artists, live music, great food, and interactive experiences for everyone to enjoy,” said Amit Joshi, Country Head, Varun Beverages (VBL).
Through Pepsi Street Kala 2.0, Pepsi® further strengthened its connection with Sri Lankan communities by celebrating local talent and creating a platform where culture, creativity and shared experiences came together.
Professor Senaka Wijesinghe Launches New Leadership Book Inspired by the Legacy of Che Guevara
Corporate strategist, academic and leadership author Professor Senaka Wijesinghe has launched his latest publication, “Che Guevara: Leadership Lessons from Che”, offering a contemporary management perspective on the leadership qualities of one of history’s most recognised figures.
The book was officially unveiled at a ceremony held in Negombo on 1 July, attended by business leaders, academics, professionals and invited guests. Moving beyond political discussions surrounding Che Guevara, the publication focuses on the leadership traits that enabled him to inspire others, operate under challenging circumstances and remain committed to a strong vision.
Professor Wijesinghe explores qualities such as resilience, discipline, courage, adaptability and purpose-driven leadership, highlighting their relevance to modern business leaders, entrepreneurs, managers and professionals facing increasingly complex organisational environments.
The publication encourages readers to examine leadership through historical examples while applying practical lessons to areas such as organisational development, strategic decision-making and personal growth. It emphasises the importance of integrity, conviction, emotional strength and the ability to unite teams around a shared purpose as key elements of effective leadership.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Wijesinghe noted that true leadership is not defined by authority or position, but by the ability to influence, inspire and create meaningful impact. He highlighted that successful organisations require leaders who can make difficult decisions, adapt to changing circumstances and remain focused on long-term goals despite uncertainty.
Guests at the launch described the book as a timely contribution to leadership literature, particularly as organisations increasingly focus on purpose-driven leadership, innovation and resilience. They highlighted the publication’s balanced approach in examining universal leadership principles beyond political and historical contexts.
“Che Guevara: Leadership Lessons from Che” is expected to appeal to corporate executives, entrepreneurs, academics, university students and leadership professionals seeking insights into transformational leadership practices.
The latest publication further strengthens Professor Senaka Wijesinghe’s contribution to leadership development, organisational excellence and executive education, expanding his body of work aimed at advancing leadership thinking in Sri Lanka and internationally.
Pepsi Street Kala 2.0 Celebrates Sri Lankan Art, Music and Food Through a Vibrant Cultural Experience
