LOFC moves its branch to Wellawatta

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 09-05-2024 |
Lanka ORIX Finance PLC (LOFC) moved its branch in Wellawatta to a new and spacious location at 124 A, Galle Road, Wellawatta recently.

The newly relocated branch was ceremonially declared opened by the Chairman of Lanka ORIX Finance and Group Managing Director/CEO of the LOLC Group Mr. Kapila Jayawardena. Managing Director/CEO of Lanka ORIX Finance, Mr. Brindley de Zylva; CEO of LOLC Factors Ltd and Chief Officer Metropolitan Branch Network, Mr. Graham Lawrence; General Manager/Chief Officer – Branch Network, Mr. Ashan Nissanka AGM – Metro Region, Mr. Isaac Devshankar together with members of the senior management and staff were also present.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Kapila Jayawardena said, “The burgeoning city of Wellawatta has been a strategic location for LOFC. Since establishing this branch in 2009, we have had the privilege of serving customers from various segments and building close relationships with them. Due to the increased demand for our services, we have relocated our branch to this new convenient location which is easily accessible and strategically situated. We are offering ample parking and a modern spacious setting with increased staff strength, all ready to serve our customers swiftly and efficiently. We are proud to note that today, LOFC has well over 134 service points to service its increasing customer base across the country.”

The branch will offer its customers Fixed Deposits & Savings, Leasing & Loans, Islamic Finance, Insurance, Working Capital & Factoring, Hire Purchase among others.

SOZO to Hydrate Royal Rowing Crew

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 05-04-2024 |


COLOMBO, April 2 – SOZO Beverages, a renowned purveyor of premium beverages, proudly announces its collaboration with the Royal College Colombo Rowing Team. This strategic partnership sees SOZO Beverages providing specially developed hydration drinks to reinforce the team's competitive edge.

As the Royal College Rowing Crew readies itself for the upcoming season, this alliance couldn't come at a more opportune moment. With intensive training regimes and challenging competitions looming, optimal hydration becomes paramount for achieving peak performance and swift recovery. SOZO’s' repertoire of naturally enriched electrolyte beverages is meticulously crafted to replenish fluids, rebalance electrolytes, and augment endurance, ensuring that athletes can excel both on and off the water.

"We are elated to join forces with the Royal College Rowing Crew and assist them in realizing their athletic aspirations," remarked Dushyantha De Silva, Managing Director of SOZO Beverages. "At SOZO, our commitment lies in providing athletes with superior beverage solutions to maximize their performance and recuperation. We eagerly anticipate hydrating the Royal College Rowing Crew and contributing to their journey towards triumph."


Banumathi Balasubramaniam

Talawakelle Tea Estates honoured as “Best Corporate Citizen” at BCCSA

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |
Championing Sustainability: Hayleys Plantations company Talawakelle Tea Estates honoured as “Best Corporate Citizen” at BCCSA 2023

• Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC takes home 11 awards
• Haycarb and HJS Condiments each win Best Sustainability Project Awards
• Hayleys Fentons and Singer (Sri Lanka) top Construction and Retail Sectors respectively

Hayleys Group subsidiary Talawakelle Tea Estates (TTE PLC) won the coveted Best Corporate Citizen Award for 2023 - the inaugural win for a plantation company in the awards programme’s 20-year history.

Hayleys Group subsidiaries Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), Hayleys Fentons Limited, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, Haycarb PLC and HJS Condiments Limited were all winners at the ceremony, showcasing the diversified conglomerate’s remarkable commitment to sustainability and responsible business across its portfolio.

Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage expressed his pride in the achievements: “This recognition is more than just an award; it reflects the Group's legacy and commitment as a pioneer in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. We remain steadfast in implementing the Group’s ESG roadmap, the Hayleys Lifecode, across our operations, fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for the Group, its diverse stakeholders, and the nation.

“I extend my appreciation to the dedicated teams at Talawakelle Tea Estates and all Hayleys Group Companies for exemplifying our purpose; to inspire a more inclusive world and a thriving planet.”

Both Hayleys Plantations companies were named among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens for 2023. TTE PLC was additionally honored with the Best Corporate Sustainability Award in Category B, while KVPL was recognized as the second runner-up.

TTE PLC's impressive haul of 11 awards underscores its holistic commitment to excellence, with its comprehensive integration of sustainable practices across operations, decision-making and corporate culture.

All environmental award categories were won by TTE PLC, including the Triple Bottom Line Award for Environmental Sustainability, Corporate Environmental Commitment, Environmental Integration, and Environment Beyond the Business among others, demonstrating the company's multifaceted approach to sustainability.

Haycarb PLC and HJS Condiments Limited were recognised for their groundbreaking Sustainability Projects which underscore the Group’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. Haycarb PLC’s Haritha Angara initiative, launched in 2014 has introduced eco-friendly charcoaling practices, encouraging local suppliers to convert their traditional open pit charcoaling sites to environment-friendly closed pits using technology, training and expertise developed by the Haycarb team.

HJS Condiments was recognised for its innovative approach and significant impact on environmental sustainability for its groundbreaking project, aimed at controlling the Melon-fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) incidence in the Cucurbitaceae Family.

Hayleys Fentons was honoured as the Winner in the Construction Sector, reaffirming its industry leadership in solar energy initiatives. The company has played a pivotal role in advancing the nation's sustainability goals by assisting businesses to achieve their CO₂ reduction targets and empowering society by providing affordable, reliable, and uninterrupted access to clean energy.

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC was recognised as the winner in the Retail Sector, highlighting its dedication to promoting environmentally friendly products, sustainable consumer practices, and its contribution to the economic empowerment of the communities it serves.

Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the awards shine a spotlight on sustainability champions in the national corporate arena, promoting initiatives that deliver social and environmental benefits while pursuing profits. Hayleys is the only Sri Lankan corporate to win the Best Corporate Citizen award on five different occasions; Talawakelle Tea Estates is now the first Hayleys company to secure the top honour.

Image 01: Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive, Mohan Pandithage
Image 02: Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai (eighth from right), TTE PLC Director/CEO Senaka Alawattegama (ninth from right), and the TTE PLC team with their accolades

New Museum Gallery Tackles Vital Energy Shift for Climate Action

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |

Showcases how the world can generate and use energy more sustainably, highlighting technologies and projects from the UK and abroad
The Science Museum in London, UK, recently opened Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery, a major new free gallery which explores how the world can generate and use energy more sustainably to urgently decarbonise to limit dangerous climate change. Through striking displays of contemporary and historic objects from the UK and abroad, interactive digital exhibits, and specially commissioned models, the gallery shows how the past, present and future are shaped by human imagination and innovation and explores how we all have a role to play in deciding our energy future.

The gallery examines this century’s defining challenge through the lens of imagination across three sections. In Future Planet, visitors can explore how scientists use complex computer-based models to understand our planet, and what these tell us about the range of climate futures that might lie ahead. In Future Energy, technologies – and the people behind them – that are reimagining how energy is supplied and used are highlighted alongside historic artefacts which provide a longer view of the transition away from fossil fuels. Our Future looks to a new world that is being dreamt up, with children’s creative ideas of how the world will meet its future energy needs displayed with expert responses to them.

At the centre of the gallery is Only Breath, a moving sculpture that signifies the power of nature to inspire technological change. Radiating outward from the centre are plinths which display vital low-carbon renewable energy technologies for the transition, from nuclear, hydrogen and solar to wind and tidal power, alongside remarkable historic innovations that remind us how major change is possible and that many of the technologies needed to make the low-carbon energy transition already exist. Objects in this section include a 7m long tidal turbine blade made by Scottish renewable energy company Orbital Marine Power and the first electric taxi, the Bersey cab, hailed by Londoners in 1897.

The challenges of electrification, energy storage, and supply and demand are also explored, with visitors invited to play interactive games and use models that show how energy can be generated and distributed. Possible routes to low-carbon transport are featured, as well the decarbonisation of our buildings and construction industries, and visitors can learn about climate modelling and see instruments used to measure climate.

Energy Revolution was designed by award-winning architects, Unknown Works. A key element of sustainable design was the reuse of redundant shelves from the Science Museum’s former object store. The gallery’s carbon footprint has been monitored, and recyclable aluminium was used where possible.

The gallery’s Title Funder is Adani Green Energy, one of South Asia’s largest renewables companies. Sagar Adani, Executive Director, AGEL, said, “The Science Museum has put together the world’s best curated gallery on energy transition. As one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies, we are committed to making progress towards net zero – and there is no greater resource in the fight against climate change than education. Through the sponsorship of the gallery, we aim to inspire young minds, scientists and innovators to imagine a future powered by clean energy and build a carbon-free world. It is an initiative to stimulate their interest, curiosity and awareness, and encourage their active participation in creating clean technologies. The gallery brings together the global community to enable the shift towards energy efficiency, clean energy adoption and carbon emissions reduction.”

Photo Caption- Visitors browsing through the gallery which features a solar mirror

HNB honoured at BCCSA Awards

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 03-04-2024 |
HNB honoured at BCCSA 2023: Ranked among Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens for 14th year

Solidifying their position as one of the nation's leaders in sustainability, good governance and corporate excellence, Sri Lanka's leading private sector bank HNB PLC was once again honored at the prestigious Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2023.

The bank was ranked among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens for fourteen consecutive years, a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence in a highly competitive landscape. Moreover, throughout this period the Bank was recognized for various awards under 11 other categories at the most anticipated event in the corporate calendar.

“We are profoundly honored to have Hatton National Bank (HNB) recognized among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens for 2023. This accolade is a testament not only to our unwavering commitment to service excellence but also to our resilience in facing the challenges of our times.

“At HNB, we believe in going above and beyond to support our customers, providing them with unparalleled service and innovative solutions that meet their evolving needs. Our journey towards sustainability and corporate responsibility is ongoing, and this recognition fuels our drive to continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We pledge to uphold our promise of delivering the best services, fostering a culture of excellence and integrity, and contributing towards a sustainable future for all. To our valued customers, partners, and employees, this achievement belongs to you. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable world,” Damith Pallewatte, Deputy General Manager- Wholesale Banking Group

The Bank’s dedication to sustainability was showcased through a significant Green Pledge undertaken by all of its employees, committing to not only sustainable practices but also a shift in mindset with view to a sustainable future to all. Boasting a Total Green Finance Portfolio 49.5 Bn LKR as of the 30th September 2023, the Bank has also been officially certified Carbon Neutral by the Sri Lanka Climate Fund (SLCF), implemented a Green Procurement Process, and initiated and maintains several projects across their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework.

As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector retail bank, HNB has remained unwavering in its dedication to the nation’s growth. Globally and locally recognized for its excellence, the bank was awarded the esteemed title of “Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen” for 2022 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Other major accolades include being adjudged the “Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka” for the 13th occasion by the Asian Banker, being declared the “Best SME Bank” by Asiamoney Magazine, as well as securing a Top 5 position on Business Today’s Top 40 rankings for 2023.

HNB was ranked among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Most Admired companies in 2022 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka. HNB was also recognized for its service excellence in trade services at the Euromoney Awards, taking home the prestigious titles of Best Market Leader in Trade Finance Services and Best Services Provider in Trade Finance Services, both globally and domestically.

Image 01:

HNB DGM – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte (second from left), with the Award alongside CCC Deputy Vice Chairman, Bingumal Thewarathanthri (left) and CCC Chairman, Duminda Hulangamuwa (third from left).

Rishard Rassool

LifeServ’ Continues to Lead in Healthcare Solutions in Sri Lanka

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 06-03-2024 |
Colombo, Sri Lanka - February 13, 2024 - LifeServ’ (Private) Limited, a pioneering force in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector since its inception in 2001, reaffirms its commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions. With an unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and service excellence, LifeServ’ has emerged as a leading importer and distributor of medical devices and pharmaceuticals in the country.

From its strategic partnerships with internationally renowned manufacturers to its deep-rooted connections with healthcare professionals and patients, LifeServ’ has positioned itself as more than just a provider of products. By understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the market, the company consistently exceeds expectations in quality, productivity, and service delivery.

"Our vision at LifeServ’ has always been to elevate healthcare standards in Sri Lanka by offering cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled support," said Mr Chathula Sumathipala, Director of LifeServ’ (Private) Limited. "Through our strategic alliances and unwavering commitment to excellence, we aim to foster a healthier and more prosperous future for our nation."

LifeServ’ boasts an extensive portfolio that encompasses a wide range of medical and surgical devices, finished pharmaceutical dosage forms, diagnostics equipment, surgical and hospital products, and instruments. By partnering with esteemed global manufacturers such as Abbott Vascular (USA), AND Corporation (Japan), Danyang Kawaza Medical Products Co. Ltd. (China), Lobeck Medicals (Switzerland), AGOG Pharma (India), and Beta Drugs India (AMN Life), LifeServ’ ensures access to the latest advancements in healthcare technology and pharmaceuticals.

"We are honored to collaborate with world-class manufacturers who share our vision of enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes," stated Mr Chaminda Bandara, CEO of LifeServ’ (Private) Limited. "Together with our esteemed partners, we are committed to driving innovation, improving patient care, and contributing to the overall growth and development of the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka."

As the exclusive distributor for renowned brands in Sri Lanka, LifeServ’ remains at the forefront of bringing transformative healthcare solutions to the nation. With a steadfast focus on health regulations, administration, sales, and marketing, the company continues to set benchmarks for excellence and market leadership.

LifeServ’ (Pvt) Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary of Sumathi Holdings (Private) Limited, a well reputed, established and diversified business conglomerate in operation since 1956 in Sri Lanka.
For more information about LifeServ’ (Pvt) Ltd and its comprehensive range of healthcare solutions, please visit www.lifeserv.lk.
-Banumathi Balasubramaniam

Try Galaxy App, Now Available to Samsung Galaxy Users

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 06-03-2024 |
Explore Galaxy AI on Try Galaxy App, Now Available to Samsung Galaxy Users
The era of mobile AI has come, and early adopters are already riding the waves of the latest innovation. To fuel the conversation, Samsung has made significant updates to the Try Galaxy app to offer Live Translate, Chat Assist, Note Assist, Photo Assist and Circle to Search with Google — so that those still on the fence can experience Galaxy AI without changing phones.
Previously tailored to iOS users, the Try Galaxy app is now available on all Android devices including Galaxy1 models for the first time. This means more users can explore the latest features of the Galaxy S24 series and One UI 6.1.
All things considered, it may be high time to give Try Galaxy… a try.
What’s New: Explore Galaxy AI Through Widgets and Tutorials
The updated Try Galaxy app simulates the experience of looking at an actual Galaxy S24 home screen. Once users are in the app, tutorials and interactive content help them navigate the latest interface.The new widget on the second page of the home screen introduces the core AI-powered features of the Galaxy S24 series and its advanced camera tools. Users can tap each item to watch short demonstration videos explaining the features and how they’re applied in daily life. Check marks appear next to the completed items so users can track their progress.
• Live Translate: Communicate without language barriers using the real-time, two-way call translation feature built into the native app. Effortlessly get in touch with a ride-share driver or make a restaurant reservation in a foreign country with voice and text translations of phone calls, supported in 13 languages.
• Note Assist: Take notes as usual, but now receive instant AI-generated summaries to help streamline and organize notes. Turn dense paragraphs into bullet points with headers for easy review. The feature allows for automatic formatting, spell check and translations.
• Chat Assist: Refine the tone of any text message for the occasion, ranging from professional to casual. Send polished meeting agendas to the boss, and chat with international friends in Spanish. The AI built into the Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages2 so that users can communicate better across cultural and language barriers.
• Photo Assist: Get the perfect shot with the help of Generative Edit, an AI tool that allows users to resize, reposition or even remove objects within photos. Tweak the composition of a photo in an instant with Edit Suggestion. Use the Erase Reflection tool to automatically remove unwanted shadows and light reflections.
• Circle to Search with Google: With a circling gesture, search for anything displayed on screen without switching apps. When users spot something they like in a social media post, they can simply long-press the home button and draw a circle around the image to get instant and helpful search results about the coveted item. Depending on the location, generative AI-powered overviews will be provided.
In addition to the AI features, the widget sheds light on the Galaxy S24 series’ advanced camera tools. Through immersive tutorial videos shot from first-person perspective, users can learn how to take clear, bright photos at night from far away using Nightography Zoom, record steady videos of subjects moving at high speed with the Super Steady feature and shoot impressive portraits and selfies in Portrait mode.
Other Updates and Availability
While on the app, users can also check out the new Galaxy Themes or background images beyond Wallpapers, offered on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. As a bonus, three types of Art Wallpapers including graffiti and pop art are available for download.
To learn more about the Galaxy ecosystem, users can swipe through informative cards introducing features such as seamless multi-device connectivity, file-sharing capabilities and body composition data available through Samsung Health. For a quick intro to the latest foldable experience, users can watch introductory videos showcasing the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5
The Try Galaxy app currently supports 20 languages3 encompassing 120 countries and has amassed over 18 million cumulative downloads since its launch in 2022. Download the updated app by simply scanning a QR code or visit trygalaxy.com.
As Sri Lanka's No. 1 smartphone brand, Samsung has been honored with the prestigious title of 'People's Youth Choice Brand of the Year' for four consecutive years by SLIM Sri Lanka's review of the country's most valuable brands. With a vast customer base encompassing all age groups, Samsung's dedication to meeting the needs of the Gen Z and Millennial segments remains unwavering.
-Niluksha Myelvaganam