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Sunday, November 15 2026
Sunday, November 15 2026
MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka's Gardiner Group, a hospitality group said it has entered the recreational leisure market by acquiring The Pickle Island, a firm that provides facilities for pickleball.
“Our heritage is in hospitality, but our vision extends well beyond the traditional hotel experience, as we see significant opportunities to invest in Sri Lanka’s evolving leisure and lifestyle landscape," Seshaan Gardiner, Director, Investments and M&A, Gardiner Group, said in a statement.
"The Pickle Island represents one of several strategic investments we intend to make as we expand into new sectors, create meaningful experiences, and build on our long term confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential, both for those who call it home and those who visit."
The Pickle Island was founded by Ronali and Dilshan Michael to give people an active and enjoyable outlet to socialise, connect and engage through sport and has since helped build a growing community around pickleball in Sri Lanka.
The new partnership will support its next phase of growth through wider access, new opportunities, sporting related social events, and community-focused initiatives.
The founders will remain closely involved, helping preserve the identity and ethos on which the business has been built, the statement said.
The acquisition was made with Aravinda de Silva, a former Sri Lanka cricket captain turned investor.
“Sport has the ability to bring people together," de Silva said. "I look forward to supporting The Pickle Island as it continues to grow and create more opportunities for people to participate." (Nov1
| 3 month bill | 9.26% | 1bp ▲ |
| 12-m bill | 9.95% | 2bp - |
| Gold (Ounce) | $4015 | - ▼ |
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