Product & Service Launches / Business Expansions
View all(82)📈 Altria & Huawei Partner to Drive Digitalization in Sri Lanka’s Financial Sector
Altria Consulting and Huawei Technologies Lanka have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate data-driven transformation across Sri Lanka’s banking, finance, and insurance sectors. The collaboration addresses growing regulatory and operational pressures to modernize infrastructure, strengthen governance, and eliminate data silos. • Core Focus & Capabilities: The alliance combines Altria’s expertise in enterprise data analytics and financial implementations with Huawei’s global cloud infrastructure. Key priority areas include real-time transaction monitoring, credit risk analytics, regulatory reporting, and customer intelligence. • AI Readiness: The partnership emphasizes building structured and governed data environments as a critical prerequisite for the sector's gradual adoption of advanced analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), mitigating operational and compliance risks. • National Context & Growth: As data management shifts from back-office functions to core strategic assets, the initiative supports the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's mandates for risk governance and institutional resilience. • Global Footprint: The initiative leverages Huawei's extensive global experience, which includes serving over 5,600 financial sector customers across 80+ countries, including 53 of the world's top 100 banks.
🌐 Sri Lanka Revamps Foreign Ministry Website & Mission Platforms for Digital Transformation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism has officially launched its revamped website alongside a newly introduced Common Website Platform for Sri Lanka Missions and Posts abroad. • Digital Transformation: The initiative aligns with the Government's Digital Transformation policy, aiming to improve public service delivery with greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability. It is designed to strengthen digital engagement with citizens, overseas Sri Lankan communities, investors, and tourists. • Phased Rollout: Phase I integrates seven Sri Lanka Missions into the unified platform, including New Delhi, Malé, Bucharest, Brasilia, Wellington, Cairo, and The Hague. The project aims to eventually bring all overseas missions under this standardized platform. • Technical Collaboration: The rollout was spearheaded by the Ministry's Public Diplomacy Division, General Administration Division, and IT Unit, alongside SLCERT, ICTA, and the Ministry of Digital Economy, with technical expertise from Frontwalker Ltd. • Key Focus: The platforms prioritize enhanced security, reliability, accessibility, and user-friendliness to foster secure, citizen-centered digital public service.
📈 David Pieris Automobiles Delivers BAIC X55 Fleet to Chevron Lubricants
• Fleet Delivery: David Pieris Automobiles Ltd. (DPA) delivered a fleet of eight (08) BAIC X55 premium compact SUVs to Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC. • Strategic Partnership: The acquisition was financed through Central Finance Company PLC, highlighting a strategic collaboration between the automotive distributor, corporate client, and financier. • Economic Context: The transaction reflects growing confidence among major multinational brands in Sri Lanka's automotive and corporate mobility sectors, supported by localized after-sales networks and specialized financing structures.
📈 LOLC Life Assurance Expands Regional Footprint with New & Upgraded Branches
• Overall Expansion: LOLC Life Assurance has strategically expanded its physical network across key regional markets in Sri Lanka to enhance accessibility and community-level engagement for its life insurance and financial protection solutions. • New Branch Openings: The company officially inaugurated two new branches in strategically important locations to improve service convenience: Beruwala (No. 207, Galle Road) Mathugama (No. 110/1, Aluthgama Road) • Network Optimization: The Jaffna branch was relocated to an upgraded, modern facility at No. 62/3, Stanley Road. This move aims to support the region's growing economic activity and deliver a superior, more efficient customer experience. • Economic Context: This network growth represents continued investment in local distribution infrastructure, aimed at driving financial inclusion and providing long-term investment solutions across different provinces. (Based on company corporate disclosure).
Emirates Breaks Ground on US$ 5.1 Bn Ultra-Modern Engineering Facility at Dubai South ✈️
Emirates has officially commenced construction on a new US$ 5.1 Bn engineering complex at Dubai South (DWC airport). Set to become the world's largest and most advanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility, the project aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to boost global aviation infrastructure. While based in Dubai, the massive scale of this project highlights critical developments in global aviation & logistics infrastructure, a sector closely watched by Sri Lankan trade and transport stakeholders. • Key Project Figures & Timeline Investment: US$ 5.1 Bn. Footprint: Spans 1.1 million square meters; the largest steel structure in the GCC. Completion: Expected by mid-2030, handled by main contractor China Railway Construction Corporation. • Infrastructure Capabilities Hangar Complex: World's only hangar capable of simultaneously servicing 28 wide-body aircraft, featuring the largest free-span hangar (285m width). Workshops & Storage: Includes the world's largest dedicated landing gear workshop, 77,000 sq. meters of workshop space, and 380,000 sq. meters of logistics capacity. Additional Facilities: Two advanced paint hangars, 50,000 sq. meters of office space, and 15,000 sq. meters of training facilities. • Sustainability Focus The mega-complex is targeting a LEED Platinum rating, incorporating rooftop solar panels and other green initiatives across all facilities.
🛍️ CDF Duty Free Launches at Port City Colombo
China Duty Free Group has introduced a new downtown duty-free mall concept at Port City Colombo, elevating Sri Lanka's tourism and retail sector to international standards comparable to Dubai and Singapore. • Investment & Performance: Backed by an initial investment of US$ 5 Mn, the store has served nearly 120,000 travellers since commencing operations in September 2024. • Current Model: Operating under Sri Lanka Customs, it serves arriving residents/citizens (within 4 days of arrival), departing passengers, and diplomats. The current allowance for arriving passengers stands at US$ 2,000. • Proposed Regulatory Upgrades: A new amendment will allow Sri Lankan citizens duty-free shopping eligibility after every overseas trip, with two visits permitted within the 4-day post-arrival window. • Economic Impact: The downtown model removes airport time pressures, offering direct-from-principal international brands (electronics, fashion, cosmetics) to boost local consumer access and position Sri Lanka as a modern regional shopping hub. _Data based on official company and regulatory updates._
📚 The Book Studio Launches Sri Lanka's First Automated Book Vending Machine
The Book Studio Ltd. has introduced Sri Lanka’s first fully automated book vending machine, marking a novel innovation in the island's publishing and retail landscape. • Key Innovation: The fully automated unit brings instant self-service book purchasing to everyday environments, bridging the gap between modern, busy lifestyles and literacy access. • Strategic Expansion: The initiative targets placement in high-footfall environments islandwide, including schools, universities, banks, corporates, and hospitals, to offer books, stationery, and learning essentials. • Regional Footprint: Alongside this digital initiative, the company announced long-term growth plans to unveil two next-generation flagship lifestyle and literary outlets in the southern and northern regions of Sri Lanka. • Economic Context: This launch represents a push toward technology-enabled convenience and modern retail design, aiming to transform traditional consumer engagement within the country's education and learning retail sectors.
📈 Hayleys’ DPL Injects Rs. 2.3 Bn into High-Value Glove Manufacturing Automation
Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a subsidiary of Hayleys PLC, has officially inaugurated a major capacity expansion project at its Kottawa facility, aimed at moving beyond commodity exports and scaling high value-added manufacturing. • Investment & Infrastructure: A Rs. 2.3 billion injection to establish two advanced Glove Dipping Plants, a high-efficiency Steam Boiler, and a modern Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). • Technological Milestones: Introduces first-of-its-kind robotic integration to Sri Lanka's rubber manufacturing sector. - Electrician’s Glove Dipping Plant: Utilizes industrial track-mounted robots handling payloads up to 300 kg for automated transfers. - Natural Rubber & Blended Glove Dipping Plant: Deploys synchronized multi-robot dipping technology for heightened precision and throughput. • Sustainability Focus: The new ETP is designed to process up to 2,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day within a reduced physical footprint, reinforcing environmental compliance. • Economic Impact: The expansion scales high-value protective solution capacities to meet rising global demand. This strategic shift strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in premium rubber exports, optimizing foreign exchange inflows and supporting national export-led growth.
FPA Sri Lanka Launches Digital Platform for Reproductive Health Sustainability 📈
The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) has introduced a dedicated online donation portal to bolster the sustainability of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services across the island. • Digital Transformation: The new gateway (donation.fpasrilanka.org) enables individuals and organizations to provide direct financial and resource-based support for FPA’s 10 Service Delivery Points nationwide. • Core Mission: Established in 1953, the NGO aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access, education, and advocacy, particularly for underserved communities where reproductive justice remains a critical challenge. • Engagement Categories: The platform facilitates three distinct forms of contribution to support the Health & Social Services sector: Cash / Grants: Direct funding for clinical programs and urgent healthcare needs. Gift in Kind: Provision of essential items, including medical supplies, hygiene kits, and equipment. Gift in Service: Professional volunteering and expertise to enhance operational outreach. • Economic Impact: By shifting toward community-driven funding, the initiative seeks to ensure the long-term viability of essential healthcare services and social advocacy, reducing reliance on traditional donor cycles and fostering national health resilience.
📈 Official Launch of PayPal Services in Sri Lanka
After more than a decade of discussions, the Government has officially launched PayPal services in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone for the country's digital economy and cross-border payments. • Key Highlights & Implementation: Direct Engagement: The breakthrough was achieved through direct engagement between the President’s Office and PayPal India. Banking Partners: Services will roll out initially through Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, and Sampath Bank, with more banks expected to join later. Economic Strategy: Aligns with the Digital Economy Vision 2030, aimed at driving national growth and expanding employment. • Sector & Economic Impact: Support for Exporters: Directly benefits local freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs by providing secure, trusted access to receive international payments. Formalyzing Revenue: While Sri Lanka's ICT/BPM and digital exports currently stand around US$ 1.5 Bn, a large shadow industry exists. PayPal will bring these informal flows into regulated financial systems. Forex & Regulation: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) notes the platform will strengthen regulated foreign exchange inflows, improve transparency, and boost global market integration for knowledge-based sectors like software development and e-commerce. • Future Outlook: The Government is concurrently developing regulatory frameworks for digital currencies and virtual assets to further accelerate the country's digital transformation.
JKCG Auto Partners with BOC and SLIC for Public Sector EV Adoption 📈
John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), the distributor for BYD and DENZA, has launched a strategic campaign (May 4 – July 31, 2026) to accelerate New Energy Vehicle (NEV) adoption among Sri Lanka's government employees. • Strategic Partnership: Collaboration between JKCG Auto, Bank of Ceylon (BOC), and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General (SLIC) to provide a unified framework for automotive, finance, and insurance sectors. • Key Incentives for Public Servants: • Financing: Preferential leasing arrangements facilitated by BOC. • Insurance: Tailored coverage solutions provided by SLIC. • Ownership Support: Introductory pricing, home charging infrastructure, and dedicated aftersales support from JKCG Auto. • Economic Impact: • Targets the public sector, the nation's largest employment group. • Aims to reduce national dependence on fuel imports and improve energy efficiency. • Supports the transition toward green mobility and economic resilience. • Corporate Vision: The initiative focuses on making EVs accessible and practical by leveraging BOC’s financial reach and SLIC’s insurance expertise to build a cleaner transport landscape. _Note: All offerings are subject to standard institutional terms and conditions._
Doc990 Launches Digital Queue System at Galle National Hospital Pharmacy 📈
• Digital Health Ltd. (a subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC) has implemented a digital queue management system at the Galle National Hospital (GNH), specifically targeting the high-volume pharmacy service counters. • The solution aims to modernize public health infrastructure in the Southern Province by allowing patients to track their status via digital screens, directly reducing counter-area congestion. • Key features include real-time backend capabilities for hospital staff to manage patient flow and structured coordination to minimize waiting times at one of the country's busiest medical institutions. • This rollout is part of a broader push for digital healthcare integration and ICT adoption within Sri Lanka's state sector, focusing on service efficiency and improved patient experiences through "connected healthcare." • Based on official statements from Doc990 and GNH administration.