Ritzbury, the leading chocolate brand in Sri Lanka from CBL Foods International (Pvt) Ltd, has been named the People’s Chocolate Brand of the Year at the SLIM-Kantar People's Awards 2026, marking its second consecutive win at the prestigious awards ceremony held at Monarch Imperial.
Organised annually by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing in partnership with Kantar, the SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards recognise brands based purely on consumer sentiment. The winners are determined through a nationwide quantitative research process, making the awards a true reflection of public opinion across Sri Lanka.
Ritzbury’s continued recognition highlights its strong emotional connection with consumers nationwide. The brand has consistently focused on delivering high-quality chocolate and cocoa-based confectionery products while engaging with communities and supporting youth development initiatives.
Speaking on the achievement, Niluksha Bastiansz said that being recognised as People’s Chocolate Brand of the Year for the second consecutive year is a tremendous honour, especially as it reflects the trust and voice of Sri Lankan consumers. He noted that winning the award in both years since the category’s inception is a testament to the strong bond the brand shares with its customers.
He further added that Ritzbury remains committed to consistently delivering quality, value, and products that bring joy to everyday moments.
Over the years, Ritzbury has built a brand identity that extends beyond confectionery, with strong involvement in grassroots sports and youth development programmes across Sri Lanka. From school-level athletics to national competitions, the brand continues to invest in initiatives that support and empower future generations.
This latest accolade adds to Ritzbury’s growing list of achievements, including the Sri Lanka National Quality Award (SLNQA) 2023 in the Manufacturing – Large Scale category, along with certifications such as SLS 1509:2015, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000:2018, FSSC 22000 Version 6, and BRCGS standards. With this recognition, Ritzbury further strengthens its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted and loved chocolate brands, driven by its promise to deliver joy and value across all consumer segments.
Erasing Borders: Build a Global Career Without Leaving Sri Lanka
I’ve spent years sitting across from Sri Lankan professionals—in training rooms, one-on-one conversations, and even in the quiet corners of Slack threads where people finally say what they’ve been thinking for months. The question comes up again and again: How do I build a meaningful global career without leaving my sunny, tropical island home?
For a long time, the answer wasn’t simple. Staying often felt like settling. Leaving felt like the only path to growth. Ambition seemed to point in just one direction—outward.
But that reality has changed. And this shift is not theoretical.
Today, borderless careers are no longer reserved for a select few with the right passport or timing. They are happening in real time, and Sri Lankan professionals are at the centre of this transformation. Access to international markets, exposure to global standards, and opportunities for accelerated growth are now within reach. Success is increasingly defined by what you deliver—not where you are located. Geography is no longer a ceiling.
Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned for this moment. A strong academic foundation, English fluency, cultural adaptability, and a rapidly evolving digital mindset are powerful advantages. Global teams are actively seeking these strengths. Yet access alone isn’t enough. In international environments, what truly determines success is not just technical ability, but an internal shift—toward ownership, proactivity, and clear communication across time zones and cultures. When that shift happens, growth accelerates in ways that often exceed expectations.
This is the gap Oceans was built to bridge.
With over 500 professionals—most based in Sri Lanka—serving more than 300 clients worldwide, Oceans has created a structured pathway from local talent to global impact. It is not just about placement, but about building a career ecosystem that supports individuals long after they join.
At Oceans, every professional—known as a Diver—begins with SCUBA, a structured onboarding programme that blends AI fluency, active listening, and professional culture with core role-based skills. Complementing this is the recently launched Oceans Academy, reinforcing a commitment to continuous learning as a core organisational value.
WAVE, Oceans’ ongoing upskilling platform, further strengthens this approach. In a single quarter, it engaged over 100 learners through role-based modules, AI training, communication development via Speechcraft, and leadership growth through Captaincy programmes. The philosophy is clear: learning cannot be occasional—it must be embedded into the rhythm of work itself. It is the infrastructure that sustains long-term growth.
In a world where borders matter less and capability matters more, Sri Lankan professionals are no longer defined by location. They are defined by their ability to contribute, adapt, and lead—globally, from right where they are.
Ritzbury clinches People’s Chocolate Brand of the Year for second consecutive year
