Product & Service Launches / Business Expansions
View all(109)Sri Lanka Conducts Maiden Flight of Chinese EHang EH216-S Passenger Drone 📈
• Overall Highlights: Sri Lanka launched its first official trial of an electric-powered, pilotless passenger drone (eVTOL) service at Colombo Port City, joining a global race in advanced air mobility. The EH216-S aircraft successfully completed a trial flight carrying Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka and Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku. • Technical & Operational Specifications: • Capacity & Speed: 2-passenger autonomous aircraft operating with 16 electric motors, 16 propellers, and 12 battery packs. • Performance: Operates for up to 25 minutes, covering distances up to 30 km with a maximum take-off weight of 620 kg. • Safety Framework: Features automated safety procedures and dual computer/remote ground control capabilities. • Sector & Commercial Outlook: • Tourism: Planned expansion for scenic aerial transport to major heritage sites including Sigiriya and Pidurangala, as well as island-based attractions. • Urban Mobility: Under consideration for airport-to-city transfers between Katunayake Airport and Colombo city center to reduce transit times. • Implementation Phase: Trial operations are managed under a sandbox framework over a 5-month evaluation period before full commercial service licensing is permitted by the Civil Aviation Authority. _(Note: Summary compiled from official regulatory and maiden flight trial announcements)._
🇱🇰 NCINGA to Build Sri Lanka’s First AI-Powered National Information Platform 📈
Tech provider NCINGA has been contracted by GovTech to design and develop Sri Lanka’s first centralized, AI-enabled national information platform for the Government Information Centre (GIC). The initiative forms part of the Digital Economy Roadmap to modernize public service accessibility. • Key Highlights & Platform Features: - Single Source of Truth: Centralizes public service information to simplify navigation for citizens. - Trilingual Access: Features agentic AI chat/voice bots and an AI-assisted dedicated hotline. - Technical Architecture: Built on cloud-based infrastructure with open APIs, an intelligent AI assistant, and a Content Management System (CMS). - Security Protocols: Integrates proactive AI guardrails to prevent misinformation, vetting outputs against an official context store. • Sector Focus: - Highlights the expansion of Sri Lanka's ICT/BPM and digital infrastructure capabilities, driving public sector digital transformation and citizen engagement.
⚡ Alliance Finance & LeMS Partner to Financing Electric 3-Wheeler Conversions
• Strategic Partnership: Alliance Finance Company PLC (AFC) signed an MoU with Lanka E-Mobility Solutions Ltd. (LeMS) to provide preferential leasing facilities for converting petrol-powered three-wheelers to electric across Sri Lanka. • Business Model & Savings: • LeMS converts conventional engines to electric drivetrains and provides batteries on a 3-to-5-year rental basis to avoid high upfront battery costs. • AFC offers tailored leasing options to finance the conversion costs. • Owners are estimated to save up to Rs. 40,000 per month in operating expenses (fuel and maintenance), depending on daily mileage. • National & Livelihood Impact: • Supports individual livelihoods for three-wheeler operators by significantly lowering daily operating expenses. • Advances Sri Lanka’s transport sector goals by driving sustainable mobility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting urban decarbonisation.
🚗 PickMe Launches 'Platinum' Chauffeur-Driven Premium Mobility
Sri Lanka’s ride-hailing leader PickMe has expanded its digital platform by introducing PickMe Platinum, a premium mobility category bringing high-end SUVs, crossovers, and electric vehicles with professionally trained chauffeurs to its app-based ecosystem. • Market & Sector Focus: • Targets corporate travel, tourism & hospitality, airport transfers, and Sri Lanka’s growing destination-wedding market. • Integrates traditionally offline executive and private chauffeur services into the digital mobility ecosystem. • Business Model & Service Framework: • Operates on PickMe’s asset-light model, partnering with third-party vehicle owners and mobility operators. • Features point-to-point travel and duration-based bookings via PickMe Rentals for multi-stop corporate and event itineraries. • Includes strict standards for vehicle eligibility, chauffeur selection, driver grooming, passenger/luggage assistance, and 24/7 dedicated support. • Economic Impact: • Opens new earning opportunities for premium vehicle and fleet operators, supporting fleet expansion alongside growing EV adoption. • Enhances international tourist and executive travel experience through upfront transparent app-based pricing.
⚡ Uber & Hayleys Mobility Partner to Accelerate EV Adoption in Sri Lanka
Uber Sri Lanka and Hayleys Mobility have • Partnership Overview: Uber Sri Lanka has partnered with Hayleys Mobility to make electric vehicles (EVs) accessible and affordable for ride-hailing drivers, supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to cleaner transport. • Driver Benefits & Incentives: - Access to the Kaiyi eVibe e04 electric car at an exclusive discounted price via the Uber app. - Financing and leasing support provided through Hayleys Mobility’s network of over 20 financial partners to lower upfront costs. - Significant reduction in daily running costs by eliminating petrol/diesel expenses, improving driver earnings. • Infrastructure & Ecosystem Support: - Integrates Hayleys Mobility’s EV portfolio with its StarCharge charging infrastructure ecosystem. - Supported by Hayleys Mobility’s island-wide dealer and after-sales service network backed by Hayleys PLC.
🛍️ Commercial Bank Partners Daraz 11.11 for Festive Shopping Discounts
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with Daraz Sri Lanka for the 10th consecutive year of the Daraz 11.11 flagship mega sale, driving digital payment adoption in Sri Lanka's growing e-commerce sector. Key Offer Highlights: • Discount Structure: Flat 25% discount for Commercial Bank Credit and Debit cardholders during 'Brand Rush Hour' (10–21 November 2026). • Payment Flexibility: 12-month interest-free instalment plans available for eligible credit cardholders. • Merchant Scope: Exclusive deals across 120+ top-tier brands covering electronics, fashion, groceries, and beauty. • Additional Perks: Access to Big Boss Mega Deals, Killer Deals, and Daraz VMAX vouchers for an extra 15% off. Strategic Context: The collaboration aims to enhance consumer value during the festive season while boosting digital transaction adoption across Sri Lanka's financial services and retail ecosystem.
📈 EFC Launches Publication on Collective Bargaining and Agreements
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) has released ‘Collective Bargaining and Agreements in Sri Lanka’ (Volume 1), detailing collective agreements signed between member companies and trade unions from 2022 to 2024. • Overview & Purpose: • Represents EFC’s 97-year effort to foster industrial harmony and structured conflict resolution. • Serves as a reference tool for employers, HR professionals, and practitioners on remuneration and benefits trends across key industries. • Key Highlights & Legal Context: • Part 1: Summarizes legal frameworks and established statutory practices governing collective bargaining. • Part 2: Details collective agreements negotiated successfully during the 2022–2024 period. • Consolidates data on salary increments, employee benefits, and compensation structures across sectors. • Institutional Impact: • EFC is the International Labour Organisation (ILO) constituent in Sri Lanka, covering 21 industries and representing over 800,000 employees. • EFC Director General Yashoravi Bakmiwewa highlighted that the rise in agreements reflects growing adoption of formal dialogue mechanisms to bridge communication gaps.
Cabinet Approves 5-Year Partnership Between University of Jaffna and US University 🤝
• Agreement Overview: The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Jaffna and Southern Illinois University, US. The proposal was submitted by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. • Duration: The partnership will be in effect for five years from the date of signing. • Key Objectives: Aims to achieve academic excellence, expand knowledge sharing, and strengthen Sri Lanka–US bilateral ties. • Scope of Collaboration: • Joint research endeavours, summits, conferences, and academic seminars. • Academic staff exchanges across all sectors for lecturing and discussions. • Direct support for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, research, and internship opportunities. • Digital link-up of university websites to facilitate seamless information exchange. • Economic & Human Capital Impact: Direct expansion of local🤝 Sri Lanka & US Universities Sign 5-Year Academic MoU • Overview: Cabinet approved a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Jaffna and Southern Illinois University (USA) to advance joint academic, research, and bilateral educational relations. • Key Initiatives: • Exchange of academic staff for research, lecturing, and collaborative studies across all sectors. • Opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students involving research, internships, and international exposure. • Joint organization of summits, conferences, and seminars alongside digital information sharing. • Implementation: Proposal was submitted by Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to support higher education standards and knowledge dissemination.
⚡ Sri Lanka to Fast-Track 10MW Waste-to-Energy Project in Ja-Ela
• Project Overview: Sri Lanka is accelerating a 10-megawatt (MW) waste-to-energy plant in Suduwella, Ja-Ela, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. • Key Objectives: Addresses the severe garbage crisis in Gampaha District while supplying renewable energy directly into the national grid. • Regional Impact: Enhances waste management infrastructure across the Western Province and aids local disaster prevention by keeping discarded waste out of drainage systems. • Current Progress: Hydrological, social, environmental, and legal feasibility studies are complete. NPD recommendations and grid connection steps are pending ahead of Cabinet submission.
🛒 Hayleys Retail Partners with Blue Yonder for AI-Driven Supermarket Launch
• Strategic Partnership: Hayleys Retail Holdings Ltd. has selected Blue Yonder to build its upcoming supermarket business from the ground up, utilizing AI and connected supply chain technologies. This marks Blue Yonder’s first retail customer in Sri Lanka. • National Contribution: Parent company Hayleys PLC—Sri Lanka’s top-ranked public listed conglomerate—currently accounts for approximately 5% of Sri Lanka’s export income, spanning 17 business sectors across five continents. • Operational Scope: The expansion into the retail sector will leverage the Group’s strengths in manufacturing, logistics, and services. The phased rollout will deploy: • Merchandise Operations: Establishing a unified data foundation for item, supplier, cost, and pricing management. • Allocation & Replenishment: Applying machine learning forecasting to align inventory with local demand and seasonal peaks. • AI Agents: Autonomous operational monitoring to detect anomalies and recommend actions before issues cascade. • Growth Ambitions: The cloud-native platform is structured to support Hayleys Retail's transition from its initial store openings to a nationwide retail network without requiring re-platforming.
🚁 Passenger Drone Trials Begin at Colombo Port City Ahead of 11 Nov Demo
• Key Highlights: Sri Lanka is exploring electric air transport with pilot test flights of two-passenger autonomous drones underway inside Colombo Port City. An official demonstration is scheduled for 11 November. • Technology & Partnership: The initiative is a pilot project conducted with Guangzhou, China-based EHang Holdings, specializing in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) battery-powered aircraft. • Sector Impact: According to the Defence Ministry, the trial targets improvements in urban air mobility alongside applications in tourism and logistics, offering prospective novel travel experiences for foreign and local tourists. • Regulatory Status: Discussions have been held with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. However, based on preliminary project data, no formal regulatory framework, operator, timeline for commercial rollout, or pilot costs have been officially announced.
📈 People’s Bank Digitalises Central Province Stamp Duty Payments
People’s Bank has extended digital banking facilities to support the Central Provincial Revenue Department in digitalising its stamp duty payment process, modernising public revenue collection. • Strategic Alignment: Launched in line with the Government’s National Digital Economy Strategy 2025–2030 to build efficient, technology-driven public services. • Key Stakeholders: Official inauguration led by Central Province Governor Dr. Harsha Suranga Fernando, alongside Chief Secretary H.G.M.A. Premasinghe, Revenue Commissioner K.G.P.J. Katupulla, and People’s Bank officials. • Economic Impact: Advances provincial service delivery, supporting broader digital banking adoption and public financial efficiency.