Product & Service Launches / Business Expansions
View all(102)FitsAir Launches Direct Ahmedabad-Colombo Flights to Boost Tourism 📈
Sri Lankan private carrier FitsAir has partnered with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Walkers Tours, and City of Dreams Sri Lanka to launch a new direct flight route, targeting the high-growth Gujarat market. • Service Details: Scheduled flights will operate three times a week starting May 15, 2026. The overnight schedule is designed to maximize "full-day" itineraries for travelers. • Strategic Focus: The initiative specifically targets India as a primary source market, with Gujarat identified as a key region for leisure and outbound travel growth. • Tourism Integration: The route supports the City of Dreams Sri Lanka integrated resort, aiming to position Colombo as a regional hub for lifestyle tourism and entertainment. • Economic Offering: Curated travel packages are being launched starting at ₹55,555, bundling return airfare with stays at Cinnamon Life to streamline arrivals. • Connectivity: Beyond direct tourism, the route leverages FitsAir’s international network for onward connections through Colombo, strengthening aviation and commercial links between Western India and Sri Lanka.
📈 SriLankan Airlines to Boost Melbourne Frequency to 10 Weekly Flights
SriLankan Airlines has announced a strategic expansion of its Australian operations, increasing services between Colombo and Melbourne starting 2 August 2026. • Flight Frequency: Weekly services will rise from the current daily schedule to 10 flights per week, adding three new scheduled frequencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. • Strategic Driver: The move addresses surging passenger demand in the Australian market, cited as one of the fastest-growing sources for inbound tourism. • Market Segments: Expansion targets the leisure travel sector and the significant Sri Lankan diaspora (VFR - Visiting Friends and Relatives), strengthening cultural and economic links. • Connectivity: The revised timetable is optimized to enhance onward connections through Colombo, specifically targeting the high-growth transit market to India. • Schedule Details: • Colombo to Melbourne: Departs 14:10, Arrives 04:30 (+1) • Melbourne to Colombo: Departs 06:00, Arrives 12:15 This capacity boost reflects the national carrier’s focus on capturing higher market share in key long-haul routes to support tourism recovery and hub connectivity.
## DFCC Bank Launches Biometric Verification for Pensioners 📈
DFCC Bank PLC, through its Garusaru senior citizen proposition, has partnered with the Department of Pensions to introduce fingerprint-based life certificate verification at 50 selected branches island-wide. • Service Scope: The initiative allows eligible government pensioners to complete mandatory annual life certificate verification using biometric authentication, bypassing the need to visit Divisional Secretariats or Grama Niladhari offices. • Eligibility: Currently available to government pensioners who retired after 2016 and have previously registered their fingerprints with the Department of Pensions. • Economic Impact: By streamlining a recurring administrative process, the move enhances the efficiency of the financial services sector and improves the integrity of national pension records. • Key Benefits: Reduces travel and paperwork hurdles for senior citizens while ensuring more accurate, timely updates to the national pension system. Based on official bank disclosures as of March 2026. ---
Reliance Industries Backs New U.S. Refinery to Curb Trade Deficit 📈
• Project Overview: President Donald Trump announced a new 168,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery in Brownsville, Texas, specifically designed to process American shale oil. The project is backed by India’s Reliance Industries, operator of the world’s largest refining complex. • Economic Impact: The facility aims to offset a US$ 300 billion trade deficit with India. Reliance has signed a binding 20-year offtake agreement to purchase the refinery's products, directly addressing U.S. grievances regarding India's trade surplus. • Strategic Context: • First new U.S. refinery designed for "light, sweet" crude in 50 years. • Groundbreaking scheduled for Q2 2026. • Funded by a "9-figure investment" at a "10-figure valuation." • Market Significance: While analysts question the necessity of new Gulf Coast capacity, the move is seen as a strategic play to lower domestic gasoline prices amid the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict and strengthen energy ties between the U.S. and India. The refinery is positioned as an export hub, likely targeting South American markets for motor fuel and heating oil. • Note: Based on provisional statements from America First Refining; Reliance Industries has not yet issued a formal comment.
### CSE Expands Reach with New Branch in Kegalle 📈
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has officially inaugurated its branch in Kegalle, marking a significant step in decentralizing access to Sri Lanka’s capital markets. With this addition, the CSE now maintains a physical presence across all nine provinces through 11 regional branches. • Strategic Expansion: The branch aims to tap into the Kegalle region’s strong agricultural sector and vibrant SME community, providing local businesses with a platform to raise capital. • Investor Services: The facility provides essential services including CDS account opening, access to stockbroker firms (accommodating up to six brokers), and personalized investment guidance. • National Objectives: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) highlighted a national goal to increase the number of listed companies from 289 to 500 within the next three years. • Financial Inclusion: The move focuses on increasing public participation in the financial services sector and enhancing investor education for new market entrants in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The expansion reflects a commitment to diversifying the investor base and supporting SME growth as a pillar of national economic development. ---
### BYD ATTO 1 Record Shipment Bolsters Sri Lanka’s EV Market 📈
John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto) has announced the arrival of 835 units of the BYD ATTO 1, marking the largest single consignment for this model to date. This influx aims to meet high consumer demand following its November 2025 launch. • Market Dominance: BYD has secured a leading position in the brand-new vehicle segment, accounting for approximately 37% of all brand-new registrations and over 70% of cumulative electric vehicle (EV) registrations in 2025. • Product Specifications: The ATTO 1 is a fully electric hatchback featuring Blade Battery technology, a 300 km range per charge, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. It is positioned as an accessible New Energy Vehicle (NEV) for the mass market. • Economic Impact: The rapid scaling of the automotive and NEV sectors reflects a significant shift in consumer preference toward sustainable transport since the resumption of vehicle imports. • Availability: A portion of the 835 units is available for immediate delivery, addressing the backlog of bookings and growing public inquiries. _Note: Figures based on 2025 registration data and current shipment arrivals._
ComBank and Ideal Motors Partner for Mahindra XUV 3XO Leasing 📈
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon has entered a strategic partnership with Ideal Motors Ltd to offer exclusive leasing packages for the Mahindra XUV 3XO passenger vehicle. • Financing Benefits: • Preferential interest rates and concessions on documentation charges. • Complimentary credit card with the first-year annual fee waived. • Accessible via the Bank’s island-wide branch network. • Vendor Perks (Ideal Motors): • Special vehicle discounts and free registration. • 10% discount on spare parts and first three services labor-free. • Timeline & Impact: • The promotion runs until 28 February 2027. • Designed to enhance mobility solutions and support consumer aspirations in the passenger vehicle segment through flexible, income-linked repayment structures. _Source: Based on official partnership announcement (March 2026)._
CIOB Construction and Sustainable Energy Expo 2026 Set for March 20-22 📈
The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) has announced the 11th edition of the Construction and Sustainable Energy Expo, scheduled for March 20-22 at the BMICH, Colombo. This premier event serves as a critical marketplace for Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. • Event Overview The expo focuses on the full construction value chain, emphasizing industry resilience and investment-led growth. It aims to connect manufacturers, contractors, and engineers with high-quality trade visitors and decision-makers. • Key Sector Focus • Construction & Building Materials: Coverage of the entire value chain including heavy machinery. • Sustainable Energy: Special emphasis on solar, renewable energy, and green construction solutions to align with global sustainability trends. • Specialized Segments: Dedicated focus on tile & sanitaryware, hardware, and smart building technologies. • Strategic Importance As a hub for ICT/BPM integration in smart buildings and a driver for employment in the industrial machinery sector, the expo facilitates networking and technology transfers essential for national development. • Industry Support The event is backed by major stakeholders including St. Anthony’s Ventures (Main Sponsor), Tokyo Cement Group, and Home Lands Skyline (Platinum Sponsors), alongside Alumex PLC and Taian Lanka Steel (Gold Sponsors).
📈 Millennium IT ESP Secures Rs. 2.2 Bn Oracle Project for Sri Lanka Customs
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a major contract for the supply and installation of an Oracle Exadata X11M system and related software to modernize the digital infrastructure of Sri Lanka Customs. • Project Value: Rs. 2,197.96 million (approx. Rs. 2.2 Bn). • Implementation Period: Awarded for a duration of eight years. • Vendor Selection: Awarded to Millennium IT ESP (Private) Limited following a National Competitive Bidding (NCB) process. • Procurement Details: Out of three initial bids, only one bidder met the specific technological requirements. The final approval followed recommendations from the Higher Level Procurement Committee and a proposal by the President as the Minister of Finance. This investment in the ICT/BPM and technology infrastructure sector aims to enhance the data processing capabilities of Customs, a critical revenue-generating body for the national economy. _Note: Based on official Cabinet approval data released March 2026._
DCSL Breweries Lanka Expands Aliya Beer to Global Markets 📈
• DCSL Breweries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched its latest brand, Aliya Beer, into international export markets following a successful local rollout. • The brand is available in both Strong and Lager variants, specifically crafted to cater to global palates while maintaining a distinct Sri Lankan identity and heritage. • This expansion marks a strategic milestone for the company to diversify its export portfolio and build brand awareness for Sri Lankan beverages in key international regions. • The move strengthens DCSL’s position as a diverse brewer, adding a homegrown brand alongside its existing international portfolio which includes Heineken and Tiger, and local brands like Bison. • The initiative aims to promote the "Spirit of Sri Lanka" globally, focusing on the quality of local manufacturing and brewing traditions to cultivate a loyal international consumer base.
📈 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SL Unveils 3-Year Strategic Vision through 2028
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka (MBFW SL) has announced a long-term roadmap to 2028, signaling robust institutional confidence in the island's creative economy and positioning Colombo as a regional hub for design and luxury lifestyle. • Event Calendar & Stability To ensure market visibility and global participation, fixed dates have been set for the next three years: 2026: 6 – 11 October 2027: 5 – 10 October 2028: 3 – 8 October • Strategic Alliances The platform is presented by AOD (Academy of Design) and powered by DIMO, the sole authorized agent for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka. This partnership links the local industry to the global Mercedes-Benz fashion ecosystem, fostering international designer participation and buyer engagement. • Key Corporate Partners Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams: Official Host Venue, integrating fashion into Sri Lanka’s premier integrated resort and tourism landscape. Sampath Bank Private Banking: Official Banking Partner, focusing on creative entrepreneurship and the emerging luxury economy. Wijeya Newspapers: Exclusive Media Partner, providing multi-platform national coverage across print and digital. • Economic Impact The roadmap focuses on high-density growth areas: strengthening retail links for local designers, deepening creative technology collaborations, and driving diversification within the apparel & textiles sector toward high-value branding.
SriLankan Airlines Resumes Daily Flights to Riyadh and Dubai ✈️
The national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, has announced the resumption of regular daily operations to two major Middle Eastern hubs following a temporary suspension due to regional conflict. • Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Daily flights resume tonight, March 9. • Dubai (UAE): Daily services commence tomorrow, March 10. Operational Details: • Colombo–Riyadh: Departs 18:15 (UL265); Returns 22:35 (UL266). • Colombo–Dubai: Departs 12:40 (UL231); Returns 17:00 (UL232). This resumption is a vital step for aviation and labor migration sectors, ensuring the movement of the Sri Lankan workforce and supporting tourism connectivity. The airline noted that while flights have resumed, authorities will continue to monitor regional safety conditions to prioritize passenger and crew wellbeing. 📈