Kumarika, Sri Lanka’s leading haircare brand from Hemas Consumer Brands, has launched an initiative that brings personalized haircare experiences directly to customers via its mobile salon truck, “Hair Play Studio." The ‘Hair Play’ campaign is designed to allow customers to experience and enjoy the benefits of Kumarika’s latest range of shampoo and conditioner, which has been meticulously crafted to cater to all Sri Lankan hair types.

This exclusive experience provides customers with an opportunity to enjoy a variety of personalized and fun sessions, which are aimed at addressing their haircare needs. The Kumarika Hair Play Studio experience begins with a personalized hair analysis, where a professional analyses a customer’s hair, and recommends the most suitable Kumarika product for their specific hair problem. Thereafter, the customer will experience a hair wash using the recommended shampoo and conditioner, offering them a firsthand feel of the product.

To add a special touch to the Hair Play Studio, customers also had a chance to purchase a personalized 80ml or 180ml bottle of Kumarika shampoo with their name on it. This initiative was greatly appreciated by consumers. Following the hair wash, a highly skilled stylist will create a personalized hair style based on the customer's preferences, ensuring that the style reflects their individuality.

Kumarika’s newest additions to its vast range of products, Damage Repair, Hydrating, Strong Hair, and Healthy & Black shampoo and conditioner variants, are manufactured to address damaged hair, dry or frizzy hair, weak & breaking hair, and dull hair which allows customers to try and play with different styles. This means they no longer have to worry about damage caused from the heat from hair styling tools, various hair treatments, pollution or even the weather. These new products add to the brand’s growing portfolio of Hair Oils, Shampoos, Conditioners and Hair Serum.

With plans to soon bring this thrilling experience to towns across Sri Lanka, including the Western, Southern, and Central provinces, Kumarika kicked off its campaign during the Colombo Shopping Festival at the BMICH. The goal of this initiative is to offer customers in various regions a unique, customized experience that emphasizes individuality and self-expression.

Hirushi Fernando, Category Manager Hair Care from Hemas Consumer Brands said, "We’re excited to offer our customers a unique experience that allows them to embrace their individuality with their hair. Our goal through the ‘Hair Play’ concept, is to give people the confidence to express themselves, knowing they have the support of Kumarika’s natural, carefully crafted products, allowing them to customize their hair styles as they see fit, without any fear. These aren’t just ordinary hair care items; they’re solutions specifically designed for Sri Lankan hair, ensuring protection and nourishment no matter the type. This initiative was a great success and saw a fantastic gathering of consumers and influencers attend the event. "

Kumarika is also inviting customers to participate in its ‘Hair Play’ campaign, which celebrates self-expression through various hairstyles. Enriched with natural ingredients, the brand’s products strengthen and protect hair, allowing users to style with confidence. As part of the campaign, customers are encouraged to join in the fun by creating TikTok videos at the brand’s mobile unit, blending personalization, engagement, and entertainment to build stronger connections, especially with the younger generation.

From their wide range of products to initiatives such as this, which offer personalized shampoo bottles and opportunities to express creativity and individuality, Kumarika continues to solidify its position as a trusted, natural, and personalized haircare solution perfectly suited for Sri Lankan consumers.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued Circular No. 03 of 2024, outlining comprehensive guidelines for the establishment and operation of Mobile Banking Units (MBUs) by Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs). The move aims to standardize mobile banking practices and enhance accessibility to banking services across the country.

Under these new guidelines, MBUs are defined as units providing banking services through vehicles, visiting customer locations, or operating in fixed locations on specific days. They also include temporary outlets at public events, such as exhibitions or carnivals.

The full guidelines are as follows:

Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s premier Life Insurer, continues to enrich community well-being through its flagship CSR programme, Suwamaga. Aligned with its brand purpose of protecting lives and enriching the well-being of all, the Company launched Suwamaga—a nationwide initiative to address the growing prevalence of diabetes in Sri Lanka.  This comprehensive programme is designed holistically to guide individuals toward better health outcomes with a focus on raising awareness about diabetes, promoting healthier lifestyles, supporting early detection and risk management and fostering community engagement.

As part of the programme, the Company unveiled its ‘Suwamaga Mobile Screening Unit’ on 27 November 2024 at Cinnamon Lakeside, with the attendance of the Ministry of Health and the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka. The Suwamaga Mobile Screening Unit is a fully-equipped mobile truck designed to provide free diabetes screening conducted by certified healthcare professionals along with health reports and personalised guidance for participants in managing and mitigating health risks. The Mobile Screening Unit will travel across Sri Lanka, from urban hubs to rural regions, ensuring that access to free testing is available to individuals of all ages, regardless of whether they are Union Assurance customers or not, thereby enhancing public accessibility to healthcare services.

The Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance, Senath Jayatilake, commented on the programme, stating, “Sri Lanka faces a diabetes crisis, with approximately one in ten adults living with the disease and many more undiagnosed or at risk. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial in managing diabetes and preventing severe complications. The Suwamaga programme, alongside the Mobile Screening Unit will provide the opportunity for individuals to check their health profiles and take proactive steps toward an empowered lifestyle. The programme comes at a critical time as the country continues to recover from economic challenges, ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible to all, particularly in underserved areas where access to medical services may be limited”.

“Union Assurance has always been close to the hearts and lives of people as an insurer who goes beyond the traditional practices to deliver our brand purpose of protecting lives and enriching the well-being of all. This is another one of our programmes to ensure that we combat some of the most pressing issues we commonly face, stepping forward as a responsible corporate citizen to provide nationwide support. Our commitment is to reach the multitudes and create awareness of one of the key silent killers prevalent in society today. We look forward to creating a positive impact and have long-term plans to better manage diabetes in Sri Lanka,” the Chief Marketing Officer at Union Assurance, Mahen Gunarathna noted.

Officials from Union Assurance, the Ministry of Health and the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka after unveiling the Suwamaga Truck

Chief Marketing Officer at Union Assurance Mahen Gunarathna, Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance Senath Jayatilake and Vice President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka Dhanya Wijesuriya

Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance Senath Jayatilake

Chief Marketing Officer at Union Assurance Mahen Gunarathna

Vice President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka Dhanya Wijesuriya

Photo Caption : The Suwamaga Truck

Reaffirming its commitment to providing fast and superior network user experience in Sri Lanka, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s fastest 4G mobile network by Ookla®, the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, data, and analysis.

SLT-MOBITEL was recognised by Ookla®of Speedtest Intelligence® data as the Fastest 4G LTE Network in Sri Lanka for the first half of 2024, cementing its position as the undisputed leader in mobile network performance and superior user experience. The achievement highlights the company's dedication to excellence in digital infrastructure in the country, aligning with the growing demand for reliable mobile services and catering to the ever-evolving digital needs of both retail and corporate consumers.

Setting a benchmark in the market, SLT-MOBITEL was previously acknowledged as the fastest mobile network for three consecutive years in 2019, 2020, and 2021 by Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data. Recognizing that consumers deserve a reliable, high-quality mobile broadband experience, SLT-MOBITEL is committed to continually elevating its standards through service optimisation and innovation thereby empowering Sri Lankan citizens to embrace a truly digital lifestyle experience.

SLT-MOBITEL's achievement demonstrates relentless commitment towards continuous investment in telecommunication infrastructure, ensuring the widest coverage and the best experience for customers. As part of its central role in the digital transformation of Sri Lanka, to-date SLT-MOBITEL has fuelled investments of over $ 1 billion in shaping Sri Lanka’s ICT landscape.

SLT-MOBITEL has also made significant strides in 5G technology. The company was the first in South Asia to trial 5G and has established pre-commercial 5G trial sites across key cities in Sri Lanka, paving the way for the future of connectivity in the country.

The company aims to continue to invest in infrastructure and explore cutting-edge technologies, delivering world-class connectivity that empowers Sri Lankans to thrive in the digital age.

Seylan Bank recently upgraded its mobile banking app to include Sinhala and Tamil language options, further enhancing customer ease and satisfaction. With the introduction of trilingual services, the updated app is designed to provide customers with inclusive access to the bank’s online services.

Available on Android and iOS, Seylan Bank’s mobile banking app has been revamped to enhance user experience overall. The same services the bank offers in English are now available in Sri Lanka’s two main local languages. The app’s new language options empower clients and make its services accessible to customers regardless of their language proficiency. Customers can expect to review their portfolios, set up their own security questions, pay bills, and carry out fund transfers effortlessly. The app has been redesigned to simplify financial transcactions for customers. With the new app, users can navigate through multiple portfolios, including savings accounts and credit cards, with an easy-to-read interface.

Furthermore, the app enhances security measures to safeguard customers through biometric security features. Additional security options include three types of One-Time Password (OTP): SMS, email, and Soft Token. The Soft Token application allows users to generate their own OTPs for internet banking transactions. The app’s design provides customers with the opportunity to establish their own account safeguards. Named the “Third Challenge”, customers can now customise their own security questions.

The app also features a customer service component. Designed to enable customers to contact the Bank in the event of challenges or any other concerns.

Speaking on the app’s updates, Chaminda Senewiratne, Head of Digital Banking Channels, explained, “This latest upgrade of the app is an effort to make our customers feel more empowered as they explore online banking options. It was designed to eliminate challenges and help them bank with increased ease and efficiency. The app’s language accessibility, along with our efforts to maintain its simplicity, continues the bank's tradition of elevating customer service and empowering our clients in the process.”

The app’s other functions allow customers to view their fund transfer histories, report lost or stolen cards, and create favourite beneficiaries and billers for future payments. Additional features include the ability to search for the bank’s branches and view existing fixed deposits and loans.

The Seylan Mobile Banking App is available for download on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Image Caption - Seylan Mobile Banking  App now available  in Sinhala & Tamil Languages

At the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2024 (MBBF 2024), Cao Ming, Vice President of Huawei and President of Huawei's Wireless Solution, launched 5G-A^A solutions. Cao said: "Mobile AI is changing our lives. The arising new connections and services pose increasingly higher requirements on networks. Huawei's 5G-A^A 10 solutions build multidimensional ultimate network capabilities through the full-series Advanced Radio, enable full-domain site digitalization through Ambient Site, and achieve L4 network autonomy through the Agent-based digital engineers team. With such excellent performance, these solutions will help operators meet the ever-diversifying demand for services in the Mobile AI era."

Huawei's 5G-A^A solutions will deepen the convergence of 5.5G and AI through 'Networks for AI' and 'AI for Networks'. 'Networks for AI' will enable networks to possess the sufficient capabilities that are required to address differentiated service requirements and improve both network performance and user experiences. 'AI for Networks' will equip networks with L4 autonomy through digital sites and RAN Agents. Operators can use these solutions in a wide range of scenarios to sustain their leading positions.

"Mobile AI is on the horizon. We will continue to work with all industry partners and innovate to promote the integration of 5.5G and AI," concluded Cao.

The 15th Global Mobile Broadband Forum, with a tagline of '5.5G Leads Mobile AI Era', runs from October 30 to 31 in Istanbul, Türkiye. It will be hosted by Huawei with support from our industry partners GSMA and GTI. Together with operators, vertical industry leaders, and ecosystem partners, we will share the industry's latest advancements and explore new opportunities. Industry stakeholders will discuss how to achieve 5.5G business success in the Mobile AI era, and leverage the success of 5G to attain even greater achievements with 5.5G. For more information, please visit MBBF2024 at: https://www.huawei.com/en/events/mbbf2024.

Photo caption: Cao Ming, Vice President of Huawei and President of Huawei's Wireless Solution, launching 5G-A^A 10 solutions

Atlas, the premier learning brand in Sri Lanka that has been a cornerstone in local education for over 65 years, provides significant support to overcome the unique educational challenges of children in this country. The company created Atlas World to provide additional educational knowledge to children, elevating Sri Lankan students into a unique learning environment. It delivers several benefits including expanding educational opportunities for children through specially designed learning methods, creating digital innovations that enable children to study in their own way, and conducting free online classes to provide knowledge to children beyond school education. Atlas World’s newest educational addition is the launch of the Quiz Master mobile app.

The Quiz Master mobile app was launched on 15th August to help create winners out of Grade 5 students preparing for their scholarship examination. Although there are mobile apps that include the general lessons covering the syllabus for children in Sri Lanka, mobile apps that help them methodically prepare for the Grade 5 Scholarship exam are rare. Given such a situation, the Quiz Master mobile app introduced under the Atlas World educational program help these children to successfully prepare for the exam by using AI technology to identify each student’s learning habits. This app also has the unique ability to come up with probable questions for the scholarship exam, while simultaneously making the scholarship revision studies more engaging by choosing the most suitable method for the children. By providing them educational and exam content through audio, visual and kinesthetics, students are systematically taken towards new horizons in their educational journeys. This is an app whose content is available in all three languages (Sinhala, English and Tamil) and your child can practice questions in a language that is convenient for them. A key feature of the app is that parents are able to closely monitor the progress and view the results of their child’s preparation for the exam.

Atlas World educational program aims to provide successful educational solutions for the children of today. This educational mobile app has been introduced after certification by a panel of experts in the field of education, and therefore will be a comprehensive, invaluable guide for students to achieve success in the Grade 5 Scholarship exam. Through this self learning app all students are trained to face probable exam questions by identifying a pattern of questions that are ideally-suited for each of them based on their approach to their studies and their personal preferences. This ensures that each student is able to have a personalized exam revision experience, and therefore they can prepare with the same level of enthusiasm and engagement leading up to the exam.

Atlas World educational program’s Quiz Master mobile app can now be downloaded from the Google Play. Store. Atlas World has successfully fulfilled its responsibility to society by launching this Android-only mobile app that empowers children to learn happily and prepare for their exams, enabling them to overcome their educational challenges from wherever they are. In line with its noble commitment to create equal opportunities in education to all students across the country, Atlas also strives to provide quality education to all, while providing an opportunity for children to learn happily and free them from the pressures of exams.

INSEE Cement is proud to announce the official launch of the INSEE Nawa Niwasa Mobile App, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to transform the construction process and put essential services, materials, and expert guidance directly into the hands of our customers. With this user-friendly app, homeowners, architects, masons, and other stakeholders can now access everything they need for their projects—quickly, efficiently, and confidently—right at their fingertips.

The INSEE Nawa Niwasa App empowers users by connecting them with qualified builders and trusted suppliers of INSEE Cement and premium building materials. The app simplifies project management so that users can tackle their construction challenges with ease, whether they are building a home or overseeing a larger project.

INSEE Cement’s Commercial Director, Safeekhan Siddeeque explained the benefits of the app. “We recognize the many challenges faced by homeowners, builders, and other stakeholders, from sourcing reliable materials to coordinating efficient project management. The INSEE Nawa Niwasa Mobile App is our solution to these challenges, designed to make the building process more accessible, efficient, and seamless for everyone involved. By offering a digital platform that connects homeowners, masons, and suppliers, we are empowering our customers to take control of their projects with confidence.”

The INSEE Nawa Niwasa Mobile App provides a comprehensive solution for homeowners and builders by offering easy access to construction services and expert guidance and streamlining the building process. This includes advanced project management tools like calculations of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and advice on weather conditions needed for concrete placement, helping users manage their projects more effectively.

Through the app, users can purchase INSEE Cement products and premium building materials online with ease and tailored delivery options depending on the specific locations. Responsive customer support is integrated, offering a platform for lodging complaints, requesting technical assistance, and receiving timely responses. Additionally, the app features a rich knowledge base, enabling users to explore industry best practices and improve their construction projects.

The INSEE Nawa Niwasa App is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, providing customers with an unparalleled digital experience that supports their construction needs from start to finish. INSEE Cement is committed to continuously enhancing and updating this platform as customer needs evolve and based on the feedback of users.

The Sri Lanka Automobile Component Manufacturers Association (SLACMA) congratulates the NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on being elected as the new President of Sri Lanka. The association looks forward to NPP’s futuristic industrial policies to uplift the automobile industry. “It is commendable to see automobile assembly and automobile component manufacturing included in the NPP Policy Statement,” said the association’s President Dimantha Jayawardena.

“Manufacturing automobile components has been chosen as a thrust industry,” he said. “The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to promote the local industry with domestic value-addition of locally manufactured components has helped the local manufacturers to enter global supply chains. The SOP makes it mandatory to use local components. To do this, local manufacturers have to go through stringent manufacturing and quality standards of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).”

He also said that currently there are global brands assembling in Sri Lanka. The project  is monitored by the Ministry of Industries with a Cabinet appointed Committee with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka Customs, Import Control Department, Ministry of Transport, Department of Motor Traffic and several other government institutions that monitor compliance.

“Currently Sri Lanka exports USD 200 million worth of auto components, USD 200 million worth of automobile related wire harnesses and other electric items, and USD 400 million worth of rubber components, tires and solid tyres, bringing the total to around USD 800 million in the sector. The Ministry of Industries has a 20-year master-plan. With the increase of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, SLACMA is looking into promoting Sri Lanka as a wire-harness and other electric component manufacturing hub for electric vehicles. With the NPP policy statement clearly defining the development of automobile manufacturing and component manufacturing, SLACMA and its 60-manufactuer members are very positive about the future. SLACMA will continue to work with stakeholders and policymakers to promote the industry and make more export-oriented revenue by entering global supply chains,” he added. “The 10-year plan of the Ministry of Industries, the Export Development Board and the Board of Investment (BOI) is to achieve USD 3 Billion through exports from this sector. We are confident that this can be achieved.”

Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) proudly announces the opening of its state of the art SKD assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant advancement in local vehicle assembly, driving economic development in Sri Lanka while equipping the nation's youth with the skills and knowledge essential for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

The WAA SKD assembly plant is a company operating under the Board of Investment (BOI).

The plant has been designed by global automotive experts and outfitted with premium international machinery.

Its efficient assembly process is based on lean manufacturing principles and a flexible and transparent set up capable of handling the requirements of multiple brands.

Adhering to international safety and quality standards, the facility is poised to become a leading automotive hub in the region.

WAA remains committed to local talent and community development. The company has already hired over 100 direct employees including Automobile Engineering Graduates and Diploma holders of Automobile Technology to work within the plant. There is also already a cadre of 25 employees for roles within HR, Administration and Maintenance. The company has established partnerships with several local service business providers in the area oriented businesses, such as security, logistics and transport, catering, and laundering, creating a broader positive impact on the local area economy.

In addition, we are deeply committed to training and development. We have set up an onsite training institute of international standards to provide vocational training aligned with global industry requirements. This initiative aims to offer significant employment opportunities for young associates both locally and internationally, further enhancing the microeconomic environment of the country.

This project represents a substantial investment in both the automotive industry, and the economic vitality of Sri Lanka.

We are dedicated to enhancing our production capabilities, providing essential employment, and offering education and training opportunities that will contribute to the overall development of the local economy.

The opening of this plant is a key part of Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited’s long-term strategy to expand its presence in Sri Lanka and reinforce its position as a leading automotive assembler and manufacturer. The company remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in all its operations.

Head Table (L-R)

Gerard Fernando - Director - Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited, Sabaratnam Rajendran – Project Director - Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited Reeza Rauf - Sales and Marketing Director - Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited Mikhail Selvanayagam – Director - Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited, Albert Reichl – Production Director - Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited