For the first time in Sri Lanka, HUTCH 2X unveils an innovative 2-in-1 package that integrates Home Broadband and Mobile Data into a single, convenient plan. This groundbreaking solution sets a new standard by eliminating the need for a separate home broadband connection and an investment for a router to achieve affordable internet.

With HUTCH 2X, subscribers can effortlessly use their smartphones as a broadband solution, providing Wi-Fi through a hotspot at home and mobile data on the go. This approach not only simplifies connectivity but also offers generous data allowances, making it the ideal choice for seamless, reliable internet access both at home or away.

HUTCH 2X combines exceptional value together with high-quality data experience. Plans start at just Rs. 1,099/- for 50GB and range to   Rs. 4,999/- for an unlimited internet plan inclusive of all taxes.

Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer at HUTCH, commented, “Only 50% of homes in Sri Lanka still have Wifi due to limited reach of conventional home broadband solutions and start-up costs.  There are also individuals who require wifi on the go to connect multiple devices, for work, study or their lifestyle, but have to incur standard mobile data rates to hotspot through their phones. Hutch 2X plans are to overcome these challenges and unlock the next phase of broadband adoption to homes in line with our vision for digital inclusivity, and enable simple connectivity to individuals with more demanding needs with just one very affordable plan for both home and mobile data wifi needs.”

As a leading mobile network provider, HUTCH continues to innovate with HUTCH 2X, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a seamless and cost-effective solutions to empower homes and individuals to for a further thriving Sri Lanka.

Clogard, one of the nation’s most trusted oral care brands from Hemas Consumer Brands have partnered with the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), on its continuous mission to educate school children about good oral hygiene to build a cavity-free nation.  This programme has been conducted for over 10 years and it is a testament to Clogard’s unwavering commitment to providing children across Sri Lanka with access to good oral care, to ensure that they all have an opportunity to maintain a healthy smile.

The programme consists of a robust curriculum on good oral hygiene practices, directory conducted by MOH doctors. The educational outreach is vital for instilling lifelong healthy habits in children. Additionally, the programme also offers free dental screenings for all primary school children. Those requiring further investigation are promptly referred to the MOH for additional care, ensuring that no child is left out.

Identifying oral health issues is the very cornerstone of Clogard’s programme. By spotting potential problems early, children are more likely to enjoy better oral health in the long term. This initiative is crucial for the prevention of serious dental issues later in life, promoting overall well-being. This year, Clogard has expanded its efforts in the Northern region of the country, with objective of reaching over 5000 children. This expansion is also attributed to Clogard’s commitment to making a positive impact on the oral health of children nationwide.

Clogard’s longstanding reputation and credibility in the oral hygiene sector is solidified by partnerships with organisations like the MOH. Both institutions have been working together to ensure that every child in the country receives access to the knowledge and resources necessary to maintain good oral health.

Clogard’s continuous efforts in empowering Sri Lankans with oral care truly reflect its dedication to creating a cavity-free nation. Through education programmes, free screenings and early intervention, the company is empowering the next generation with the tools needed to ensure a healthy future.

During the TM Forum Digital Transformation World (DTW) 2024 summit convened in Copenhagen, Denmark, Huawei and China Mobile were awarded the "People and Planet" Excellence Award in recognition of their outstanding innovation and implementation of a Zero Carbon Ocean 5G Coverage and Ocean Care. The awarded project demonstrates how Huawei and China Mobile have deeply integrated 5G, AI, IoT and other technologies with the marine industry, driving the high-quality development of the ocean economy and contributing to the marine ecosystem protection.

The award of the "People and the Planet" Innovation Excellence Practice Project at the TM Forum is a recognition of Huawei and China Mobile's innovation and contribution in the field of marine communications technologies. China is a large maritime nation, with over 32,000 kilometers of coastline, among the world’s top. Its abundant marine resources hold immense potential for local economic advancement. However, The complex and changeable marine environment, high-risk operations and the severe challenges of environmental protection have always been a difficult problem restricting the development of marine economy.

Confronting these challenges, Huawei teamed up with China Mobile and its Jiangsu Provincial Branch, have actively explored the application of mobile communication technology in the marine domain, providing innovative solutions to the digital transformation for the maritime industry.

Through the pioneering solution of "Land/Sea/Windmill Site + Resources Sharing + Intelligent Platform", the joint team successfully constructed offshore 5G base stations, overcoming the obstacles of site selection, power supply, and backhaul in the offshore scenarios. By leveraging renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and AI-based power storage optimization solution, the joint team achieved Zero Carbon 5G coverage across the maritime expanse. Furthermore, they have actively explored collaboration with satellite companies, creating an integrated "Space-Sky-Sea" network to provide 100% wireless coverage in coastal waters. This innovative initiative not only furnishes basic communication, social entertainment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for offshore workers, tourists, and fishermen, but also supports the deployment of a series of B2B innovative applications such as marine IoT, smart waterways, and intelligent patrols, while also constructing a marine emergency communication lifeline.

The successful implementation of this project has not only enhanced the coverage and service capabilities of China's marine communication network, but also driven the digital and intelligent transformation and upgrading of the marine industry. Through cooperation with local research institutes and universities, and thanks to the Huawei's 5G network, China Mobile has also applied artificial intelligence technology to wetland and marine pollution analysis, making positive contributions to the protection of the coastal ecosystem.

Photo caption: TM Forum Presents Excellence Award

The Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers' recent decision to grant permits for importing passenger transport vehicles under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) marks a significant step forward for the tourism sector. In light of this, Associated Motorways (Private) Limited, is offering the 2024 NISSAN Urvan NV350 16-seater wide body high roof micro bus, catering specifically to the 16-30 seater mini-coach category. The 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350, selected as the top choice for Sri Lanka  and the preferred choice for Sri Lanka Tourism. The vehicle meets the government's seating capacity standards and crieteria required for permit and includes a Manufacturer's Warranty from Nissan Motor Corp.

The 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350 boasts ample legroom and headroom, making every journey comfortable for passengers. Its adaptable configuration allows for seamless integration of luggage space, ensuring both passenger comfort and convenience. Equipped with airbags, ABS, and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), the 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350 prioritizes passenger safety, providing peace of mind on every trip.

Featuring a class leading 2.5L diesel engine, the vehicle is designed to improve performance and and comfort for drivers and passangers alike. The 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350 not only boasts impressive power but remarkable fuel efficiency as well. The vehicle is also extremely environmentally friendly with reduced CO2 emmisions and low noise and vibrations. The engine's low maintenance requirements further contribute to its cost-effectiveness.

Designed and built to endure and withstand Sri Lankan road conditions, the 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350 has proven its reliability time and again. With many vehicles in the tourism industry clocking over 400,000 kilometers, the 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350’s coupled with unparalleled aftersales care makes it the preferred automobile partner fof Sri Lanka Toursim.

AMW offers the 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350 at a highly competitive price range of Rs. 14.7 million upwards, which is gives it an edge over competitor prices. The vehicle offers versatility to suit diverse transportation needs, making it a preferred choice for businesses in the tourism sector. The introduction of the 2024 Nissan Urvan NV350 under the Tourism Industry Permit Scheme underscores a commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and providing reliable, comfortable, and safe transport solutions for visitors and locals alike.

Sri Lanka Government promoting local assembly with private sector investment

 Sri Lanka's automobile assembly is experiencing significant growth and development with the involvement of world-renowned brands including Hyundai, Proton, BAIC, DFSK, Wuling, Mahindra, TATA, Bajaj, TVS, JMC and Lanka Ashok Leyland emphasizing the favourable environment for investment. The approval to assemble a wide range of vehicles including SUVs, Cars, Two-Wheelers, Double-cabs, Trucks and Buses has paved the way for a diversified automobile assembly industry in the country catering to various consumer needs. Nwow electric bikes, KD Rize, Dyno and Senaro are also involved in the local assembly of motorcycles. More than four assemblers including JAC and FOTON will be starting assembly in Sri Lanka and by the end of the year more than 30 assemblers will be in operation in the local automobile assembly industry.

These world-renowned assemblers must provide a domestic value addition of more than twenty percent by using locally manufactured automobile components. Many of the local component manufacturers have gone through an extensive product development and product approval process to maintain the global original equipment (OE) standards maintained by the international brands. With an increase in both component manufacturing and assembly, the industry is poised for a period of further expansion.

Following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) launched in 2021, there are over fifteen automobile and motorcycle assembly plants currently operating in Sri Lanka. Four more assembly plants are due to begin operations within the next three months and another eleven have been registered by the Ministry of Industries. A Special Cabinet appointed Committee oversees the SOP and its governance.

Chairman of the Sector Advisory Committee for Automobile for the Ministry of Industries, Dimantha Jayawardena said, “Sri Lankan automotive component manufacturers went through one of the toughest business cycles from 2020. The Sri Lanka government is promoting automobile component manufacturing as a trust sector for growth and has a plan to grow exports from USD 200 million to USD 1 billion.

The temporary suspension on motor vehicle imports has increased the market for locally assembled vehicles. The planned establishment of an R&D and testing facility by the Industrial Development Board (IDB) indicates a commitment to innovation and quality assurance within the industry, to further enhance Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global automotive market. The Automobile Industry Council (AIC) initiated by the government is also laying out the curriculum for the required technical and vocational education for automobile assembly.”  

The Ministry of Industries is sponsoring fifty percent of the cost of the IATF certification for local automotive component manufacturers which is a mandatory requirement when manufacturing components for international brands. Sri Lankan companies with the IATF certification will have greater acceptance and trust from global brands for automobile assembly.

Jayawardena further stated that, “The consistent and collaborative policy of the government is greatly appreciated by the automotive assembly industry. Global brands are also keen to invest in Sri Lanka because the country lies astride major supply chains linking trade between the east and west. More and more Sri Lankan consumers are also showing a preference for locally assembled vehicles. This is a great boost to the industry as it further creates engineering and technical-related jobs. The Ministry of Industries Sector Advisory Committee is looking into supporting all the prospective assemblers and component manufacturers to increase jobs up to 45,000 in the sector and to make Sri Lanka a global automobile manufacturing hub by 2037, in keeping with the 20-year master plan for the automobile assembly industry.”

Image Caption :

1. Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries
2. Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Industries
3. Dimantha Jayawardena, Chairman of the Sector Advisory Committee for Automobile for the Ministry of Industries

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