David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPA) has officially started accepting pre-bookings for the all-new BAIC X55 II SUV in Sri Lanka. In a simple ceremony, the first 15 customers placed a deposit to pre-order their new vehicles, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for both DPA and its customers.

DPA recently announced its strategic partnership with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd. (BAIC), promising a new era of innovative, quality products, and unparalleled customer service for Sri Lankan motorists. The Company has now obtained approval to import and distribute this futuristic model with local value addition under the Standard Operating Procedure for the Automobile Manufacturing and Assembling Industry and Automobile Component Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lanka, as introduced by the Ministry of Industries.

DPA will introduce two versions - BAIC X55 II Honour with standard features and BAIC X55 II Luxury with full options.

Commenting at the event, Mr. Rohana Dissanayake, Chairman and Managing Director of the David Pieris Group, stated, "The David Pieris automotive legacy has always disrupted the local industry by introducing innovative vehicles. The introduction of the BAIC X55 II in Sri Lanka is yet another significant milestone. Sri Lankan drivers can now enjoy this sleek SUV loaded with advanced, next-generation features that will transform their driving experience."

The brand new BAIC X55 II, marketed by DPA, is a 5-seater, 1500CC turbo, 7DCT transmission, gasoline vehicle. The 19" alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, auto pop-up door handles, and dual exhausts add to its aesthetics.

Mr. Mahesh Gunathilake, Director of DPA, explained, "The driving experience is truly in a class of its own. Coupled with its intelligent security features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front seat heating and ventilation, driver seat memory, rear seat angle adjustability, and multicolored interior ambient light, it stands out."

Safety features across all BAIC X55 II models include 6 airbags, including driver, passenger, and side airbags with side air curtains. It also has tired driving warning, 360-degree camera, and anti-theft alarm systems.

In line with the requirements of modern drivers, the entertainment features include a 10-inch central control screen and an LCD instrument screen. All models also come with wireless phone connection, WIFI, and wireless charging.

Backed by the David Pieris Group, customers can be assured of unparalleled after-sales service, including the availability of spare parts and technical support. A centrally located fully fledged service facility  will also be located at Hyde Park Corner. Test drives and pre-orders are now being accepted, with initial deliveries set to commence by June 2024.

BAIC has been a pioneering force in China's automotive industry, establishing joint ventures with major international players such as American Motors Corporation, Hyundai Korea, and Mercedes-Benz. BAIC's close affiliation with Mercedes-Benz is highlighted by its 9.98% stake in the Mercedes-Benz Group, making it the largest individual shareholder. The product portfolio of the BAIC Group includes a diverse range of private cars (ARCFOX, BEIJING, and BAIC ORV), independent commercial vehicles (BAIC Foton, BAIC Changhe), and joint venture brands (Beijing Benz, Fujian Benz, Beijing Hyundai Motor, and Foton Daimler).

For inquiries and to place your booking please contact 011 4 700 678.

Wavenet, an industry veteran that has been enabling and empowering proven and agile technology to accelerate the digital transformation of the telecommunication industry, unveiled their groundbreaking innovations at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), one of the largest technology conferences, that held its 2024 expo at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain, from February 26 to 29. The annual expo serves as a stage for the latest innovation from mobile vendors, IT companies, networking and telecom providers, and a space for forging partnerships, among other activities. Themed "Future First," this year's expo saw a footfall of over 101k attendees, with over 2,700 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners from around the world.

Wavenet showcased its Immersive Marketplace, Hypermart, a state-of-the-art dynamic digital ecosystem for digital asset monetisation and introduced its next-gen Dev Studio, a low-code/no-code development portal engineered to streamline the process of building, integrating, and deploying services with just a few clicks. This innovative platform empowers businesses to maximise revenue streams by seamlessly integrating and leveraging advanced analytics to optimise performance.

Furthermore, they introduced leading-edge AI-driven customer service solutions, amplified to enhance telecoms' call centres and automation capabilities with generative AI solutions, ranging from copilot to autopilot technology. Designed to extract business intelligence, Wavenet's AI solutions are tailored to propel and address the unique needs of telecoms, BFSI, healthcare, and beyond.

Commenting on this success,  Wavenet stated, "Wavenet sits at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, helping enterprises optimise, monetise, and secure the digital business of the future. As a globally trusted ISV with a proven suite of solutions, we have powered some of the largest telecommunication companies worldwide for over two decades. Our next frontier focuses on empowering telecoms in their transition from digital to intelligent telco in the era of zero-touch experiences, generative AI, and immersive technology, giving them the edge to influence market dynamics and ignite exponential growth through leading-edge Customer Experiences (CX)."

Today, Wavenet stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation, showcasing pioneering solutions that have captivated attention worldwide. With a clear focus on embracing the future, Wavenet continually seeks to push the boundaries of technological advancement and drive transformative change in the industry. Headquartered in Singapore, with its Tech Hub located in Sri Lanka, Wavenet has strategically located offices in Colombia, Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Romania, and Sri Lanka. Wavenet currently extends its services across 30 countries on 4 continents for over 20 years.

Photo Caption - Wavenet at the at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024

In an unprecedented initiative that marks a significant milestone, eZ Cash, the no. 1 mobile wallet platform in Sri Lanka, has partnered with Wogi, a leading global rewards and incentive provider. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the corporate landscape by enabling businesses to seamlessly use eZ Cash as an e-voucher option for their valued customers.

Businesses can now seamlessly integrate eZ Cash as an e-voucher into their rewards and incentive programs, or offer it as a convenient loyalty points redemption option. This empowers businesses to effortlessly enhance their customer engagement and loyalty strategies.

This partnership introduces an unparalleled proposition for incentive payments targeted at consumers, employees, and channel partners, ushering in a new era of rewarding experiences. Positioned to set a fresh standard in the incentive payments sphere, this innovative solution empowers Sri Lankan businesses with a robust and efficient tool to drive rewards, benefits, and incentives. With a mutual commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, this collaboration promises a transformative journey for businesses seeking to elevate their incentive payment programs in Sri Lanka's dynamic market landscape.

WOGI stands at the forefront as a premier provider of incentive payments and Rewards-as-a-Service (RaaS), offering specialized solutions for consumer loyalty, employee rewards, and channel partner incentive programs. Committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, WOGI delivers state-of-the-art solutions that drive incentive-driven behavior across a wide spectrum of industries.

eZ Cash, provided by Dialog Axiata PLC, pioneers mobile money services in Sri Lanka. This innovative solution is accessible to all Dialog mobile customers, regardless of bank account status. With eZ Cash, conducted through your Dialog mobile phone, you gain the ability to perform diverse financial transactions conveniently and securely, anytime and anywhere. It empowers you with a mobile Cash Account, allowing top-ups and a wide range of cash transactions directly from your device, including withdrawals.

Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Sri Lanka, Mr. Tetsuya Yamada, and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota along with Head of Development Cooperation, High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka, Ms. Linda Ehrich visited the Jaffna leg of UNDPs mobile interactive exhibition space, ‘A Journey of Transformation and Women’s Empowerment’. Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Chief Secretary of the Northern Province along with other Government representatives were also present at the inauguration of the exhibition, which is open to the public from the 13th to 15th March at the Jaffna Cultural Centre.

This is the 4^th stop as a part of the traveling interactive space, which has now been showcased in Kandy, Kurunegala and Colombo last week, in line with International Women’s Day. Born from an initiative sparked during the 16 Days of Activism campaign last year, the exhibition was also attended by local government and civil society representatives in the area. This exhibition has evolved into a dynamic platform for social dialogue and empowerment with the support of the Government of Canada and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, celebrating the resilience of Sri Lankan communities supported through UNDP Sri Lanka's efforts across the years through the support of multiple partners, to address barriers to gender equality and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). This includes featured champion stories from the UNDP led Crisis Response Facility during the socio-economic crisis that brought together private sector and donor partners, including funding from JICA, through which support was provided to enhance food security and rapid medical procurement initiatives.

During the visit to the North, JICA Chief Representative and UNDP Resident Representative also visited other UNDP-led resettlement projects in Palaly and met with beneficiaries of the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) funded backyard poultry initiative in Mullaitivu. UNDP’s Resident Representative also made key visits to the Waste to Energy unit at the Vavuniya General Hospital, the Jaffna Public Library, and the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha to review the efforts and progress of the European Union funded Capacity Development of Local Government (CDLG) project.

JICA has been a longstanding partner of UNDP, especially in the areas of agricultural modernization, climate adaptation and women’s economic empowerment. The field visit aims to further explore common areas of interest and partnership opportunities to serve the people of Sri Lanka.

The Cricket Game By Gamer.LK That Won A National Award In Sri Lanka

Gamer.LK, Sri Lanka's leading Esports and digital entertainment powerhouse, recently announced the launch of its original mobile game, 'Cricket Sixes'. Developed in-house, Cricket Sixes aims to shake up the mobile cricket gaming landscape in South Asia, offering a unique, competitive experience designed for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Cricket Sixes which combines the thrill of cricket with the accessibility of mobile gaming, marks Gamer.LK’s venture into game development. With over 15 years of experience in the Esports industry, Gamer.LK has leveraged its knowledge to create a mobile cricket game that stands out from the competition.

Cricket Sixes boasts a unique gameplay structure, offering a thrilling two-over challenge where players must bat and bowl within a limited timeframe, providing an intense and dynamic gameplay experience. With intuitive swipe, touch, and tap controls, the game ensures a seamless experience for players across all skill levels. For a touch of realism, the game incorporates motion-captured batting animations. The distinctive low-poly aesthetic ensures smooth performance across all mobile devices, prioritizing inclusivity for players regardless of device specifications.

The game’s customisation options allow players to personalise their character with various in-game items such as bats, helmets and other equipment. In addition, Cricket Sixes also offers a unique platform for sponsors and brands, with opportunities to integrate their branding seamlessly within the game's environment through stadium branding and more. The game has already made waves in promotional events, including the Lanka Premier League auction campaign and the National Olympic Day celebration, showcasing its versatility and engagement potential.

The game is designed to be Esports-ready, featuring a dedicated spectator mode for thrilling tournament broadcasts. Gamer.LK has already showcased the title's Esports potential by including it in some of its recent events. The game received prestigious recognition, earning the Bronze award at the National ICT Awards (NBQSA) 2023.

Cricket Sixes is currently available for download only on the Google Play Store from cricketsixesgame.com.

With intuitive swipe, touch, and tap controls, the game ensures a seamless experience for players across all skill levels

Gamer.LK has already showcased the title's Esports potential by including it in some of its recent events

With over 15 years of experience in the Esports industry, Gamer.LK has leveraged its knowledge to create a mobile cricket game that stands out from the competition

Image Caption : Gamer.LK Launches Cricket Sixes - The Ultimate Mobile Cricket Experience Aimed For Esports

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Executive Officer of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director of Axiata Group Berhad, was honoured with the GSMA Chairman's Award at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain. The Chairman’s Award is the GSMA’s most prestigious award and recognises outstanding contribution by individuals and organisations towards the advancement of mobile communications worldwide.

Dr. Wijayasuriya represents the Axiata Group on the Board of the GSMA, which is the Governing Body of the Global Mobile Industry. Axiata stands as one of Asia's largest telecommunications groups, with operations across Asia serving over 170 million subscribers. In his capacity as the CEO of Telecommunications Business, Dr Wijayasuriya oversees Axiata's Digital Telecommunications Operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His portfolio also encompasses the Group's Enterprise and International Businesses, as well as Axiata's multi-country software and digital transformation unit, Axiata Digital Labs (ADL).

Operating companies of the Axiata Group including Dialog, have been consistently at the forefront of advancing the impact and cutting-edge capabilities of mobile communications across Asia. Dr Wijayasuriya alongside Axiata teams from across the Group have been actively involved in numerous strategic initiatives of GSMA in the region and globally. Most recently, Axiata Group has played a lead role in advancing the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative in the region.

Dr. Wijayasuriya functioned as the Group Chief Executive of Dialog from 1997 to 2016 during which period, Dialog rose from the 4th entrant to the mobile sector, to become Sri Lanka's largest telecommunications service provider and one of Asia’s most advanced Quad Play connectivity and Digital Services providers, a position the company has consolidated and grown to greater heights to date including leading positions in Sri Lanka’s Fintech and Digital Health sectors. During his tenure at Dialog, in 2016, the GSMA honoured Dr. Wijayasuriya with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Asian Mobile Industry’ Award - the highest honour at the Asia Mobile Awards. Dr Wijayasuriya is a Past Chair of GSM Asia Pacific, the regional interest group of the Global body. He was also named “Sri Lankan of the Year” by Sri Lanka’s premier Business Journal the LMD in 2008.

SLT-MOBITEL has unveiled the ultimate ‘One Shot ULTRA’ designed to revolutionize users’ communication experience with unparalleled benefits.

With SLT-MOBITEL’s unmatched network performance, One Shot ULTRA brings a significant upgrade to mobile internet in Sri Lanka, providing users with unlimited voice calls to any network and uninterrupted access to data. This ensures SLT-MOBITEL Mobile users experience seamless connectivity, allowing for uninterrupted data usage across any application without any limitations, coupled with added convenience. With One Shot ULTRA, SLT-MOBITEL has introduced a new era of connectivity, reshaping the landscape of the unlimited voice and data spaces.

One Shot ULTRA is currently available in 7-day, 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, and 180-day validity options, starting from just LKR 488 for prepaid connections. Priced at LKR 1,989, the 30-day pack is available for both post and prepaid connections. More product information can be obtained by visiting https://www.mobitel.lk/one-shot-ultra.

Customers can activate One Shot ULTRA through multiple convenient channels: by a single reload on their pre-paid SIM at a retail outlet, leading supermarkets such as Keells, Cargills, Laugfs, and retail outlets islandwide. The plan can also be purchased via the SLT-MOBITEL Self Care App or Online Banking apps, or alternatively by dialling #170# for a hassle-free and seamless process.

For the purchase of One-Shot ULTRA post-paid plans, customers can visit any Mobitel branch islandwide, SLT Teleshops and authorised dealers islandwide.

One Shot ULTRA sets a new benchmark for mobile data in Sri Lanka with true limitless experience, enabling continuous connectivity. The progressive package aligns with SLT-MOBITEL’s vision of empowering digital lifestyles focused on advancing customers’ mobile internet experience.

China Mobile and Huawei's joint cloud phone innovation was awarded the 2023 "Compute-enabled Innovative Application" by China People's Posts and Telecommunications News. The publication of China's Media and Communication Department, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), named Mobile Cloud Phone an outstanding ICT success story, recognizing the two companies’ contributions to 5G service innovation, enhanced user experience, and wider access to computing power.

The result of two years of collaboration, Mobile Cloud Phone offers a groundbreaking take on personal computing. Cloud Phones, instead of doing their processing using the on-board CPU, rely on the processing power of the Cloud, to which they tethered by a low-latency 5G or optical connection. Launched on May 17 2023 to mark the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Mobile Cloud Phone is available by simply downloading the app or accessing the official account of “Mobile Cloud Phone” on WeChat. Users then subscribe to virtual “Cloud Phone” service via HTML5 or an applet and enjoy cloud computing anytime, anywhere.

By leveraging 5G's ultra-broadband connectivity, Mobile Cloud Phone transcends physical device limitations:

• Scaling: Break free from the performance constraints of physical phones.
• Extension and migration: Move apps and files to the cloud and free up space on personal devices.
• Multi-identities: Separate personal and professional uses on a single device.
• Enhanced security: Stay confident that data remains secure on the cloud and won’t leak in the case of device loss.
• Seamless collaboration: Interact with multiple cloud devices on one screen.

Integrating the latest tech on an Arm chip architecture cloud foundation, Huawei technologies optimize the cloud phone experience. The Monbox software architecture doubles cloud phone density per server and reduces end-to-end latency. Super-resolution and AVS3 video streams deliver high definition with low bit rates.

Instruction stream separation and rendering minimize latency and traffic consumption while maintaining image quality.

Mobile Cloud Phone fuels the digital economy with quality computing power. By bringing users differentiated experiences and inclusive services, China Mobile and Huawei reshape the 5G development landscape. The partnership revolutionizes the way we access and consume computing power, creating exciting new possibilities for the future.

InGame Esports, the global brand of the trailblazing Games & Esports organisation in Sri Lanka, Gamer.LK has once again collaborated with Tencent Games to deliver an immersive documentary experience, "LVL 100," celebrating the one-year anniversary of PUBG MOBILE's innovative game mode, World of Wonder.

The documentary, which explores the creative sub-culture within World of Wonder, takes viewers on a journey across three distinct locations, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Gamer.LK successfully managed the video production across these diverse settings, showcasing the agency's commitment to delivering high-quality content across borders.

Notably, Gamer.LK ensured that all footage captured in Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were seamlessly translated before entering the editing phase, emphasizing the agency's dedication to linguistic and cultural accuracy in storytelling.

Reflecting on this important achievement, Raveen Wijayatilake, CEO of Gamer.LK and InGame Esports said, “As a Sri Lankan company, we are pleased to work with a global behemoth like Tencent Games on remarkably exciting projects. By bridging different cultural and regional boundaries, our team was able to bring to life a unique documentary, showcasing our dedication and staying true to our commitment for excellence.”

This collaboration marks the second time PUBG MOBILE has entrusted InGame Esports, Gamer.LK’s global brand with the creation of a documentary. In 2021, the two entities joined forces to produce "PUBG MOBILE Dreamers," a series shedding light on Esports athletes in the Mongolian and Nepali PUBG MOBILE scene. The success of this partnership led to the creation of other innovative projects, including the "Fan Chat" entertainment segment.

The "Fan Chat" segment has become a staple in professional PUBG MOBILE leagues, offering a unique blend of gossip, news, and memes from the gaming community. Hosted simultaneously in Nepal, Pakistan, and Mongolia during the PUBG MOBILE Pro Leagues and PUBG MOBILE Global Championship 2022, "Fan Chat" has become a bridge connecting Esports enthusiasts across the South Asian region.

The growing relationship between Gamer.LK and PUBG MOBILE reflects a synergistic partnership that continues to evolve and thrive over time. Both entities share a commitment to fostering the Esports and gaming ecosystem, evident in the success of past collaborations and the anticipation surrounding "LVL 100."

Gamer.LK’s' ability to seamlessly navigate cultural nuances, coupled with PUBG MOBILE's dedication to pushing the boundaries of Esports storytelling, has resulted in a powerful synergy that elevates the gaming experience for fans worldwide. As the Esports landscape continues to expand, this dynamic collaboration promises even more groundbreaking content and experiences for the gaming community.

Image Caption : Tencent and Gamer.LK Release Their Latest Collaborative Project, LVL 100, a PUBG MOBILE Documentary

A launchpad for local talent to reach PMSL 2024

Gamer.LK, Sri Lanka’s leading Esports and Video Games agency, proudly announces the launch of its PUBG MOBILE IGE Masters tournament, a new and exciting event in the South Asian Esports scene. Organised through its global brand InGame Esports, the event will be held as two distinct tournaments for South Asia and Pakistan, each featuring a prize pool of USD 3,000.

The event is also a crucial stepping stone towards the prestigious 2024 PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL) Qualifier with three coveted slots up for grabs from each tournament, making it especially significant for Sri Lankan PUBG MOBILE teams to compete at an international level. Over 1,000 PUBG MOBILE teams from across South Asia have registered to take part in the IGE Masters tournament.

The PUBG MOBILE IGE Masters: South Asia welcomes teams from across the region, including Nepal, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and beyond. The tournament features country qualifiers for Nepal and Mongolia, while teams from Sri Lanka and other nations battle it out in a South Asia Wild-card qualifier. This stage is crucial for Sri Lankan teams, offering them a unique platform to showcase their skills and battle for a spot in the South Asia finals. The tournament will advance 6 teams each from Nepal and Mongolia, and 4 teams from the Wild-card qualifier to these finals. PUBG MOBILE IGE Masters: Pakistan stands as its own tournament offering Pakistan’s finest PUBG MOBILE teams a chance to make their mark and pursue global recognition.

Raveen Wijayatilake, CEO of Gamer.LK & InGame Esports, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, stating, “We are incredibly excited to launch the PUBG MOBILE IGE Masters tournament series. This series represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create platforms that elevate the gaming experience and provide opportunities for gamers to showcase their talents on a larger stage. The IGE Masters Tournament is a testament to our commitment to the growth and development of Esports in South Asia."

Through its initiatives such as the Community Series and the Contenders Series, InGame Esports continues to champion the growth of Esports talent in the region. The launch of this Masters tournament series marks a new chapter for Gamer.LK and promises a new era for gamers in Sri Lanka to use this platform to springboard themselves onto the international stage.

Event updates, tournament livestreams and more information will be released on the Gamer.LK socials on Facebook @gamerlk and on Instagram @gamer.lk.

Image Caption : Sri Lankan PUBG MOBILE Teams Gear Up for Gamer.LK’s PUBG MOBILE IGE Masters South Asia