Product & Service Launches / Business Expansions
View all(133)Oniverse Invests €30M in Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector 📈
Global fashion giant Oniverse (formerly Calzedonia Group) has reaffirmed its commitment to Sri Lanka, announcing a fresh EUR 30 million investment for a new specialized bra capsule manufacturing plant. • Core Investment & Growth Investment: EUR 30 million dedicated to high-tech production and safety standards. Longevity: Omega Line enters its 28th year of operations in Sri Lanka. Focus: Strengthening the intimate apparel sector, specifically technically demanding products like bras. • Sector Strengths Specialization: Sri Lanka is positioned as a "premium and medium-premium" hub due to high professionalism and consistency rather than low cost. Leadership: High praise for local management depth and technical know-how in apparel & textiles. Compliance: The country remains competitive in meeting rigorous European standards for sustainability and traceability. • Key Challenges & Outlook Logistics: Identified as a major constraint with lengthened lead times to Europe compared to pre-COVID levels. Operating Environment: Group President Dr. Sandro Veronesi emphasized the need for predictable fiscal policies and regulatory stability to secure long-term investment. Labor: Manpower remains a global challenge affecting capacity and stability. _Source: Based on interview data from February 16, 2026._
📈 Access Engineering Invests US$ 6.9 Mn in Medical Infrastructure
Access Engineering PLC has launched a cyclotron-based radiopharmaceutical production facility, marking a strategic diversification into the healthcare infrastructure sector. • Investment Details: Total investment of nearly US$ 6.9 million under a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model. Access Engineering holds a 60% stake in the project via Access Medical Tracers Ltd. • Core Purpose: The facility will produce short-lived radioactive isotopes for PET scans and cancer diagnostics. Local production is critical for timely hospital availability due to the short half-life of these isotopes. • Sector Diversification: Move signals a shift beyond core engineering & construction into high-tech medical manufacturing. • Financial Performance: • Group revenue grew 38% YoY to Rs. 36 Bn (9 months ending Dec 2025). • After-tax profits rose 15% to Rs. 4 Bn. • Revenue breakdown: Automobile (Rs. 17 Bn), Civil Engineering (Rs. 13 Bn), and Construction Materials (Rs. 5.7 Bn). • Share price closed at Rs. 72.50 with net assets per share at Rs. 37.61. The facility is scheduled for commissioning today (Feb 16, 2026).
📈 Colombo Dockyard Finalizes Major Export Contract for Advanced French Vessels
Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) has confirmed that its historic contract with French firm Orange Marine is now officially effective. This marks a major milestone for Sri Lanka’s shipbuilding industry, securing the construction of two ultra-modern Cable Laying and Repair Vessels. • Project Timeline & Progress The contract, originally signed in November 2025, is now in the active phase following the fulfillment of all financial and legal conditions. The design phase is underway in collaboration with VARD (Norway), and the formal construction (keel laying) for the first vessel is scheduled for April 2026. • Economic Impact & Export Earnings This is the largest shipbuilding contract in the company’s history. It is expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s national export earnings and secure vital foreign currency. The project reinforces the island’s reputation as a high-tech maritime hub capable of catering to the elite European market. • Vessel Specifications The 100-meter vessels are designed for high-efficiency subsea operations: - Eco-friendly design: Optimized hull forms and diesel-electric propulsion to reduce carbon footprints. - Capacity: Equipped with three cable tanks for fiber optic and power cables, plus accommodation for 76 personnel. - Global Standards: Built to Bureau Veritas (BV) CleanShip standards and French Flag Authority regulations. • Strategic Context These vessels will replace aging units in the Orange Marine fleet, which manages 12% of the world’s cableship capacity. The successful delivery of the Sophie Germain in 2023 paved the way for this repeat order, solidifying Sri Lanka’s position in global digital infrastructure maintenance.
📈 Macktiles Australia Launches in Victoria
Macktiles, backed by Macksons Holdings, has officially launched Macktiles Australia in Victoria. This marks a strategic shift from basic exports to a permanent, specification-led presence in a high-demand global market. • Production & Market Power The company currently operates as Sri Lanka’s largest turnkey tile manufacturer with a daily capacity of 44,000 square metres. It commands a dominant 40% share of the domestic market and reached a milestone of 50 local showrooms in 2025. • Strategic Global Footprint The Australian expansion is part of a deliberate internationalization strategy, moving beyond a "one-off export" model. Existing markets include the US, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Kenya, the Maldives, and Indonesia. • Technical Edge & Inputs Manufacturing utilizes advanced Italian technology (SACMI & Systems) and design influences from Spain and Italy. The ceramics and porcelain range is optimized for Australian standards, focusing on high-spec durability and functional design for residential and commercial sectors. • Economic Impact By leveraging high-quality local raw materials and value-added manufacturing, the move strengthens Sri Lanka’s non-traditional exports. The expansion aims to position Sri Lankan tiles as an iconic global brand, similar to tea and apparel.
Lankem & Axalta Expand Industrial Coating Partnership in Sri Lanka 📈
Lankem Ceylon PLC, the authorized partner for global leader Axalta Coating Systems, has announced a strategic expansion of their collaboration to introduce advanced industrial coating technologies to the local market. • Sector Focus: The partnership will provide high-performance liquid, marine, and powder coating solutions for critical sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, heavy equipment, rail, and steel structures. • Innovation: A key feature includes coatings that can be applied directly onto adherent rust. This stabilizes corrosion without extensive blast cleaning, significantly reducing downtime for industrial facilities. • Economic Context: Designed for Sri Lanka’s high-humidity and coastal environments, these technologies aim to extend asset lifecycles and reduce maintenance costs for infrastructure owners. • Partnership Strength: This follows the successful launch of automotive refinish products. Axalta brings 150 years of expertise to support Lankem’s goal of cost-effective, sustainable development in the ICT/BPM and industrial landscapes.
Postal Fleet Modernization Drives 2026 Logistics Efficiency 📈
The Department of Posts has officially expanded its national transport network with a new fleet of delivery vehicles, marking a significant step in the modernization of Sri Lanka’s postal and logistics infrastructure. • Overall Investment & Fleet: A total of Rs. 849 million has been allocated for the modernization project. The newly added fleet includes 10 lorries and 20 crew cabs, valued at over Rs. 590 million, funded under the 2025 Budget. • Sector Focus & Service Expansion: The expansion specifically targets the e-commerce and courier services sectors. The new vehicles will support islandwide distribution for Cash on Delivery (COD) and SL Post Courier services, ensuring efficient delivery from the Central Mail Exchange. • Technology & Infrastructure Upgrades: • Distribution of specialized bicycle carriers for postmen. • Launch of a new Operations Control and Response Unit. • Provision of laptops, tablets, and desktop computers to enhance office efficiency. • Installation of solar panels at the Postal Headquarters and regional complexes (Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa) to reduce operational costs. • Economic Performance: Despite operational challenges, the department generated Rs. 13.45 billion in revenue last year. To support this growth, 2,800 staff members are being recruited and regularized to strengthen the transport and delivery network.
## 📈 Keells Relaunches Nexus with All-New Loyalty App
Keells has officially transitioned into a new era of tech-enabled retail with the relaunch of its Keells Nexus loyalty platform, debuting a state-of-the-art mobile app on 13 February 2026. This initiative marks a significant upgrade to one of Sri Lanka’s oldest loyalty programs. Key Highlights: • Scale & Reach: The program currently serves over 2 million registered members, reinforcing its position as a dominant force in the domestic retail and FMCG sectors. • Tech Integration: Developed in partnership with global mobile experts Apadmi, and supported by Salesforce and Cyntexa, the app focuses on real-time point tracking, QR-based checkouts, and personalized rewards. • Efficiency & Innovation: This follows previous ICT investments by Keells, including self-checkout counters and advanced inventory systems, aimed at improving national retail efficiency. Strategic Impact: • User Experience: Consolidates deals, partner offers, and account visibility into a single interface for greater transparency. • Digital Transformation: Reflects a broader trend in the Sri Lankan service sector toward mobile-first customer engagement and data-driven loyalty. • Legacy: Building on a 25-year history, the move aims to modernize the connection between the John Keells Holdings ecosystem and the Sri Lankan consumer base.
Elevate Sri Lanka: Global Branding Workshop to Upscale Local Creative Economy 📈
The Faculty of Brands (TFOB) has announced "Elevate Sri Lanka," a high-impact workshop series featuring international brand strategist Teodora Migdalovici scheduled for March 2026. • Strategic Focus: The initiative aims to enhance Sri Lanka's branding, marketing, and creative effectiveness by connecting local talent with global benchmarks. This focuses on increasing the strategic capacity of professionals to perform at an international level. • Expert Profile: Teodora Migdalovici, founder of the Creative MBA and a Cannes Lions-awarded strategist, has advised global giants including Google, Coca-Cola, and Unilever. Her role involves translating creative excellence into applied business strategy. • Economic Impact: The program is designed to uplift the brand-building ecosystem, helping Sri Lankan brand leaders and business owners compete globally. By improving professional services and creative exports, the initiative supports the long-term sustainability of local brands. • Program Details: The two-week session in March will offer a limited number of specialized workshops for agency custodians and brand leaders to gain actionable, global perspectives tailored to local market realities.
📈 Mild Earth Launches 'Wild Mist Water' to Globalize Sri Lankan Spices
Mild Earth has officially unveiled Wild Mist Water, a luxury wellness beverage aimed at positioning Sri Lanka’s botanical heritage alongside its world-renowned tea exports. • Product Innovation: The beverage consists of curated spice blends—including coriander seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and lemongrass—designed to be brewed as a hot infusion. • Strategic Positioning: Positioned in the luxury wellness category, the brand targets the "intentional gifting" and conscious lifestyle markets, emphasizing minimalism and heritage. • Production & Quality: Produced in a globally certified, export-grade facility in Sri Lanka, focusing on quality-first sourcing to meet international standards. • Market Reach: • Local: Retailed via premium e-commerce (Mildearth.com) and selected upmarket boutique hotels and wellness concept stores. • Global: Discussions are currently underway for export expansion into Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore. • Economic Impact: The venture represents a modern reinterpretation of the spices sector, aiming to drive value-added exports and strengthen Sri Lanka’s footprint in the global wellness industry.
📈 Marriott Announces Record Expansion: Ultra-Luxury Ritz-Carlton for Sri Lanka
Marriott International has reported a third consecutive year of record-breaking development in the Asia Pacific (APEC) region for 2025, significantly boosting its tourism & hospitality pipeline with a historic ultra-luxury signing in Sri Lanka. • Major Sri Lanka Milestone Marriott has signed an agreement for Pottuvil, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, expected to debut in 2032. Located on the pristine eastern coast, this ultra-luxury property will feature 73 expansive villas with private plunge pools, focusing on nature-based and immersive travel experiences. • APEC Regional Performance (2025) Signings: 187 organic deals representing 28,000+ rooms—a 32% YoY increase. Pipeline: Ended the year with 400+ hotels and 86,000+ rooms under development. Openings: 109 new properties opened in 2025, reaching a milestone of 730 total open hotels across 22 countries. • Sector & Strategy Highlights Luxury Segment: Accounted for 19% of all 2025 room signings, driven by high demand for wellness and purpose-driven travel. Conversion Growth: Conversions made up 35% of signed deals, emphasizing speed-to-market for existing assets. Emerging Markets: Growth was led by India (99 deals), followed by Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan. • Economic Impact The entry of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand—reserved for only a handful of locations globally—signals high investor confidence in Sri Lanka's long-term tourism recovery and its potential as a top-tier global luxury destination.
📈 GovPay Marks One Year of Digital Governance Success
GovPay celebrates its first anniversary as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, streamlining public service delivery and enhancing transparency across the state sector. • Overall Impact: Facilitated over Rs. 2.7 billion in digital transactions within its first 12 months. • Network Expansion: Successfully onboarded 252 government agencies, making thousands of essential services accessible online. • Strategic Collaboration: Driven by the Ministry of Digital Economy, ICTA, and LankaPay, the platform focuses on financial inclusion and public sector efficiency. • National Context: This milestone supports Sri Lanka's broader ICT/BPM goals by reducing bureaucratic friction and fostering a digitally empowered economy. _Summary based on official first-anniversary performance data._ ---
Headline: ‘Salam Ramadan 2026’ Opens Vendor Opportunities for Major City Activation 📈
The Western Provincial Council and Colombo Municipal Council have announced the return of Salam Ramadan 2026, scheduled for 27 February to 1 March at Green Path, Colombo. The initiative aims to boost city-wide economic vibrancy and cultural inclusivity during the Holy Month. • Event Overview: The 2026 edition follows a successful 2025 pilot that drew 15,000+ visitors over three days. The festival will run from 5:00 PM to midnight, transforming the cultural corridor into a vibrant marketplace boulevard. • Key Business Opportunities: The Organising Committee is inviting corporates, SMEs, hospitality brands, and F&B operators to secure space. Capacity: Over 50 curated stalls for food, retail, and handicrafts. Sectors: Apparel & textiles (traditional attire), food & beverage, lifestyle products, and heritage displays. Strategic Benefit: Direct engagement with tens of thousands of visitors and alignment with CSR/ESG objectives. • Economic & Cultural Impact: The event showcases the diverse heritage of Sri Lanka’s Moors, Malays, Memons, and Dawoodi Bohras. Beyond the main site, businesses across the Western Province are encouraged to illuminate premises to foster a city-wide festive economy. • Management: A multi-stakeholder Task Force, supported by law enforcement and provincial authorities, ensures high standards for safety and vendor organization. _