Daily email
FindAllNews.lkbeta
FindAllNews.lkbeta

Wednesday 11 November 2026Wed 11 Nov 2026

Results for “technology”

Neil Marine Sports and Leisure launches Hidea outboard motors in Sri Lanka

November 11·1 source

Neil Marine Sports and Leisure Ltd. has launched Hidea outboard motors in Sri Lanka under an exclusive agency agreement. The launch took place at the Granbell Hotel in Colombo on 26 October. The range includes 2.5HP to 200HP two-stroke and four-stroke petrol, kerosene, and electric engines. The engines target fishermen, leisure boaters, commercial operators, and marine tourism providers. Neil Marine Group CEO Shan Perera said the partnership combines the group's boat-building experience with Hidea’s technology to supply fuel-efficient and dependable engines for Sri Lanka's fisheries and tourism sectors.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Sri Lanka hosts inaugural Colombo Port City investor forum in Chennai

November 10·2 sources

Over 200 business leaders, investors, and policymakers gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai on 4 November for Port City Colombo’s inaugural investor forum in India. Organised by the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai and Port City Colombo, the event explored investment partnerships across real estate, logistics, technology, and financial services. Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera highlighted the zone’s regulatory certainty and investor safeguards for businesses seeking regional expansion. CHEC Port City Colombo Deputy Managing Director Thulci Aluwihare presented the project as Sri Lanka’s only foreign currency-designated Special Economic Zone, featuring 100% foreign ownership and transactions in 16 currencies, including the Indian rupee. Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, noted that strong bilateral ties offer considerable scope to deepen business engagement.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Sri Lanka coach Al Mutairi criticises refereeing and lack of VAR at SAFF Championship

November 10·3 sources

Sri Lanka football head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi criticised referee decisions and the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology after his team drew 2-2 with Bhutan on 8 November 2026 at Dhaka National Stadium. In the 15th SAFF Championship match, goals from Oliver James Gallard and Waseem Razeek put Sri Lanka ahead following Tawa Shering's opener. Bhutan captain Chencho Gyeltshen equalised in the 76th minute, having earlier had a penalty saved by Sri Lanka goalkeeper Sujan Perera. Al Mutairi claimed Gyeltshen’s equaliser was offside, Bhutan’s penalty was unjustified, and Sri Lanka was denied a penalty. He accused organisers of prioritising commercial interests to favour India and Bangladesh, expressing concern ahead of facing host Bangladesh. FT.lk reported that financial constraints likely prevented VAR’s use in the preliminary stage. Sri Lanka must win or draw against Bangladesh on 11 November to reach the semi-finals.

SportsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka seeks German cooperation to expand advanced manufacturing and support SMEs

November 10·1 source

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the government is working to expand cooperation with Germany in advanced manufacturing, trade, and investment. Speaking at an event in Colombo, Abeysinghe noted plans to progressively remove trade barriers by 2029 and shift Sri Lanka’s manufacturing from low labour costs to advanced technology and high value-added production. The ministry is preparing 300 to 400 small and medium-sized enterprises to access global markets with international support in technology, financial management, and market access. Abeysinghe added that the government is focusing on infrastructure, expanding port and airport capacity, and strengthening vocational skills through public-private partnerships.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Chinese autonomous passenger drone completes demonstration flight at Colombo Port City

November 10·1 source

China's EH216-S autonomous passenger-carrying aircraft completed a demonstration flight at Colombo Port City, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo announced. The two-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, developed by Guangzhou-based EHang Holdings, operates autonomously with battery power and without an onboard pilot. The Embassy stated the technology presents potential for Sri Lanka’s tourism, connectivity, and modern urban transport, ahead of an official demonstration scheduled for 11 November 2026. The Sri Lankan government has not yet announced regulations for electric air transport.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Global Business Forum 2026 and Global Brands Awards held at Temple Trees

November 9·2 sources

The Global Business Forum 2026 – Season 3, Sri Lanka Chapter, and the Global Brands Awards ceremony were held on 31 October at Temple Trees in Colombo. Organised by ANYELP GROUP, founded by Zakir Hussain, the event brought together international business leaders, entrepreneurs, and delegates to promote professional networking, innovation, leadership, technology, and sustainable growth. The Global Brands Awards honoured selected entrepreneurs, businesses, and professionals for their leadership, innovation, and industry contributions, while also encouraging emerging young entrepreneurs. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Mohan Munasinghe addressed the gathering on business sustainability and artificial intelligence. Educational strategist Chirag Nanda spoke on technological change and future leadership, while Indian actor Mohammed Ali also attended.

Economy & BusinessEnglishதமிழ்

Passenger drone tests begin at Colombo Port City ahead of 11 November demonstration

November 9·1 source

Passenger drones are being test-flown at Colombo Port City ahead of an official demonstration on 11 November, as Sri Lanka explores introducing electric air transport. The flights form part of a pilot initiative with Guangzhou-based EHang Holdings, an autonomous aviation technology firm specialising in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. A video on social media showed a drone, reportedly capable of carrying two people, flying inside Port City. The initiative also covers tourism and logistics uses. According to the Defence Ministry, the demonstration will show how the technology could improve urban air mobility and provide new travel experiences for tourists. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has held talks with EHang Holdings and authorities, though no regulatory framework, operator, commercial timeline, or cost has been announced.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Four Sri Lankan universities partner with European institutions to launch hydrogen master's project

November 7·1 source

The Green Hydrogen Enabling Technologies (GREEN-HET) project will be formally launched on 10 November 2026 under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Funded by the European Union through its Erasmus+ program, the three-year initiative will develop a joint Master’s degree program in Hydrogen Enabling Technologies across four Sri Lankan universities: Jaffna, Moratuwa, Peradeniya and Ruhuna. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences coordinates the eight-university consortium, which includes the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Germany's OTH Regensburg, and Estonia's Virumaa College of Tallinn University of Technology. The partnership aims to develop curricula, enhance academic staff competencies, upgrade laboratory facilities, and provide Sri Lankan academics with training programs and industrial visits in Europe.

EducationEnglish

Geoffrey Bawa Moonamal Award introduced to promote ecologically empathetic design

November 7·1 source

The Geoffrey Bawa Moonamal Award aims to promote an ecologically empathetic approach to design across policy, buildings, and infrastructure. The initiative seeks hybrid solutions combining modern technology with traditional practices that respect nature, responding to destructive development practices that harm ecosystems, rivers, and hillsides. It draws inspiration from Sri Lanka's architectural heritage, including precolonial complexes and work by Minette de Silva and the late Geoffrey Bawa, which integrated natural lighting, ventilation, courtyards, and rainwater-harvesting ponds.

Environment & WeatherEnglish

Science and Technology Ministry opens first mini incubation centre in Meerigama

November 7·1 source

Science and Technology Minister Professor Chrishantha Abeysena has inaugurated Sri Lanka's first Mini Incubation Centre at the Vidatha Resource Centre within the Meerigama Divisional Secretariat premises. The centre will provide local food production entrepreneurs with modern technological equipment and facilities for hygienic preparation, packaging, and labelling to improve product quality and market access. Under the first phase, 25 Vidatha Resource Centres across all districts will be developed into incubation centres with a Rs. 100.9 million allocation in 2026. The programme is expected to benefit approximately 2,500 micro and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Author Mohamed Razik advocates accessible technology design following brain tumour rehabilitation

November 6·1 source

Sri Lankan author Mohamed Rihazudin Razik is using his experience of illness and rehabilitation to advocate for technology that adapts to human needs rather than requiring users to adapt to systems. Razik was diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 22 and subsequently underwent seven surgeries, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and extended rehabilitation. The resulting difficulties with his balance, concentration, reading, and writing highlighted how ordinary digital tasks can become barriers for people with poor eyesight, unsteady hands, or aging challenges. Razik argues that the problem often stems from poor design, such as small text and confusing instructions, calling for technology to facilitate independent use.

OtherEnglish

CH17 expands to Nepal, launching its first overseas operation under its own brand

November 6·1 source

Sri Lankan customer engagement technology firm CH17 has expanded internationally by establishing Channel17 Systems Ltd. in Nepal. This marks the company’s first overseas market operation under its own brand. The move introduces CH17’s proprietary Software-as-a-Service technology in loyalty management, customer intelligence, and digital engagement to the foreign market. CH17 was founded in 2013 and is led by Founder and CEO Jumar Preena. The Nepal operation was co-founded by Vivek Thakuri. The company specializes in white-label solutions and targeted customer community engagement across the retail, apparel, finance, and insurance sectors.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Sri Lanka hosts inaugural FinTech Festival 2026 to accelerate digital finance

November 5·5 sources

The inaugural Sri Lanka FinTech Festival 2026 was held on November 2–3 at the Shangri-La Colombo, organized by the Sri Lanka FinTech Forum and the Ministry of Digital Economy, with Visa as the main sponsor. The event opened with a “CEOs Night” and featured an expo conference, expert discussions, and the FinTech Awards 2026, bringing together banking, technology, investment, regulatory, and government leaders. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne announced plans to set up a sovereign-backed fund of funds for startups and develop regulations for virtual assets and service providers. Weeraratne added that telecom coverage would expand from 94–95% to over 99% within two to three years with Asian Development Bank support. He also promoted QR-based payments and planned a cybersecurity regulatory authority.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Northern Province launches 2027 exporters forum to raise GDP contribution to 10%

November 5·1 source

The Northern Exporters Forum 2027 was officially launched on 29 October 2026 at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat under the leadership of Governor N. Vethanayahan. Organised by the Management Club of Sri Lanka, the event will take place on 20 and 21 January 2027 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna. Governor Vethanayahan said the forum supports increasing the Northern Province’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product from 4.5 per cent to 10 per cent by expanding production and attracting investment. The initiative aims to connect local sectors, including agriculture, seafood, palmyrah, handicrafts, and information technology, with overseas markets, particularly in India and diaspora networks across the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The two-day event will feature product exhibitions and aims to facilitate between 50 and 75 direct business meetings.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

RS Rock Holdings hosts Sri Lankan delegation and UK business leaders in Dover

October 31·1 source

RS Rock Holdings hosted an investment promotion networking event at the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa on 22 October 2026 to explore bilateral trade and investment opportunities. Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe led the visiting Sri Lankan delegation alongside High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Nimal Senadheera. Officials from Sri Lanka's Board of Investment, Export Development Board, and ministries of trade, industry, entrepreneurship, and defence engaged with UK leaders across healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and finance. David Foley, Chief Executive of the Dover District Chamber of Commerce, facilitated the proceedings, which featured discussions on Sri Lanka's economic priorities and a private networking dinner.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Sri Lanka and Turkey sign memorandum to strengthen agricultural cooperation

October 30·2 sources

Sri Lanka and Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Ankara on 27 October to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector. Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra and Turkish Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Ahmet Bağcı signed the agreement. The agreement establishes a framework for technical collaboration, capacity building, knowledge exchange, research and innovation, and introducing modern farming technology. Both parties discussed increasing agricultural productivity, supporting farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening food security through practical bilateral programs.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe invites Indian businesses to invest in Sri Lanka

October 30·2 sources

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, visited New Delhi from 22 to 23 October 2026 to invite Indian investors and businesses to partner in the country’s next phase of sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026, Abeysinghe thanked India for its support during the 2022 economic crisis. He urged international investors not just to support Sri Lanka's recovery, but to become stakeholders in its growth. Abeysinghe highlighted Sri Lanka's ongoing trade reforms, including the removal of para-tariffs, and invited Indian businesses to participate in the Sri Lanka Expo 2027. He noted ambitions to position the country as a regional hub for trade, technology, and logistics. During the visit, Abeysinghe met representatives from Indian industry bodies, explored startup and innovation partnerships at IIT Delhi, and engaged with diplomatic and media representatives.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

President’s envoy Hanif Yusoof outlines priorities for inclusive economic growth

October 30·1 source

President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Direct Investment and Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof outlined priorities to build an inclusive economy at the Orange Economy Summit 2026 in Colombo on Wednesday. Yusoof stated that economic recovery alone is insufficient, calling for a fairer economy where a person's future depends on talent and hard work rather than background and circumstances. He highlighted that only about one-third of working-age women participate in Sri Lanka’s labour force. He added that rural entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities and small businesses lack sufficient access to finance, technology and markets. Yusoof also stressed that climate resilience is an economic necessity, citing Cyclone Ditwah. He called for strengthening digital connectivity, transparency and investor confidence across tourism, small industries, agriculture, services and technology.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

PickMe operator reports Rs. 2.9 billion revenue in second quarter

October 29·2 sources

Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC, operator of the PickMe platform, posted Rs. 2.9 billion in revenue for the second quarter of FY26/27, a 37% increase year-on-year. Net profit rose 53% year-on-year to Rs. 784 million, driven by higher transaction volumes and operating leverage. The platform facilitated Rs. 28.5 billion in Gross Transaction Value, with Rs. 24.7 billion paid directly to independent drivers and merchants. The board approved an interim dividend of Rs. 2.75 per share, representing a 65% payout ratio. Chairman Ajit Gunewardene said the dividend balanced shareholder returns with ongoing technology investments. Total platform movements increased 37% year-on-year and 18% quarter-on-quarter. Average monthly unique consumers reached 2.1 million, up 38% year-on-year, while average monthly unique driver earners grew 58%.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Convenience Foods appoints Rasith Wickramasingha as Non-Executive Director

October 29·1 source

Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC has appointed Rasith Wickramasingha to its Board as a Non-Executive Director. Wickramasingha is a qualified engineer holding degrees from the Victoria University of Technology in Australia and London South Bank University in the UK. Prior to entering his family venture CBL in 2009, he worked in Australia for large corporates such as G.E and Odonnel Griffin on large-scale electrical, automation, and infrastructure projects. He currently serves as CBL Group Director and Cluster Head, overseeing research and development, production, quality assurance, engineering, and IT.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Digital Economy Deputy Minister outlines plans to shift Sri Lanka to cash-light economy

October 28·1 source

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne stated that financial technology will drive Sri Lanka's transition from a cash-heavy to a cash-light economy. Speaking ahead of the Sri Lanka FinTech Festival 2026, scheduled for 2–3 November at Shangri-La Colombo, he noted that over 99% of retail transactions occur in cash, with about Rs. 1.48 trillion in circulation. Weeraratne said the ministry is reviewing policy frameworks to enable private fintech companies to provide independent payment rails, tap-and-go systems, and card-based solutions, aiming to formalise the industrial and small business sectors.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Japan pledges over Rs. 600 million for Kelani River water quality project

October 27·2 sources

Japan has pledged over Rs. 600 million for a five-year project from 2026 to 2030 to monitor and improve water quality in the Kelani River basin. Japanese representatives handed over the first water testing equipment to Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi on 26 October 2026. It was distributed among the Central Environmental Authority, the University of Moratuwa, and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Implemented through JICA and the Japan Science and Technology Agency under the SATREPS programme, the initiative will establish a monitoring network and data platform to address pollution and support government policymaking. The 145-kilometre river supplies drinking water to Colombo and surrounding areas, but faces heavy pollution from industrial wastewater, untreated sewage, agricultural waste, and mining.

Environment & WeatherEnglish

Analysis calls for Sri Lanka’s public sector to adopt customer-centric reforms

October 27·1 source

A Daily FT analysis highlighted that Sri Lankan citizens face long queues, complex procedures, excessive documentation, and delayed decisions when accessing essential public services. The article argued that the public sector must become customer-centric by designing services around citizens' needs, treating them as rights-holders and democratic stakeholders rather than mere consumers. Achieving this transformation requires shifting mindsets to serve the public, alongside reforms in institutional culture, leadership, operating procedures, technology, and accountability.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Economist Anushka Wijesinha proposes standalone digital agreement to revive India-Sri Lanka ETCA

October 26·1 source

Economist Anushka Wijesinha said Sri Lanka can revive stalled Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement negotiations with India by first concluding a standalone Digital Economy Agreement. Talks have dragged through 14 rounds, while the Sri Lankan government awaits a unilateral review of existing free trade agreements before advancing new pacts. Both the agreement and its predecessor carry inherited political baggage. Wijesinha suggested building on momentum from India’s Unified Payments Interface integration, digital identity collaboration, and rupee trade settlement to secure an early institutional framework. He noted this modular approach follows India's decision to unbundle investment chapters from trade agreements, leading to an expected standalone Bilateral Investment Treaty with Sri Lanka.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Ranil Wickremesinghe urged Sri Lanka to finalise trade agreement with India first

October 26·1 source

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged Sri Lanka to prioritise finalising the suspended Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement with India ahead of free trade pacts with other Asian economies. Speaking at a webinar on Saturday (24), Wickremesinghe highlighted India as a dominant Indian Ocean military power and an emerging third-largest global economy that cannot be ignored. He stated that Sri Lanka and India should draw closer while upholding mutual security commitments established between former leaders J.R. Jayewardene and Rajiv Gandhi. Wickremesinghe added that India and China must manage their relationship, as both nations face competing influences across the Bay of Bengal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Agentic AI integration drives automation while raising workforce and autonomy concerns

October 26·1 source

Agentic artificial intelligence is driving an evolutionary leap beyond traditional Robotic Process Automation by combining large language models with automated task execution, according to an analysis published in the Daily FT. While early automation handled repetitive, rule-based tasks, Agentic AI deploys autonomous digital agents that can understand, reason, plan, manipulate data, and execute tasks across applications to achieve specific operational goals. The technology has reduced software coding times from hours to minutes. However, observers warn of job losses, diminishing analytical skills among children, and potential threats if humans lose control over fully autonomous systems.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers participate in CPHI Worldwide 2026 in Milan

October 26·1 source

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board, alongside Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in Rome and Milan, facilitated an exposure visit for local pharmaceutical manufacturers to the 37th CPHI Worldwide in Milan, Italy, from 6 to 8 October 2026. A five-member delegation from five companies attended the event and dedicated networking sessions to explore global partnerships and expand market presence across pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, cosmeceuticals, and natural products. The participating firms were the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, Siddhalepa Exports Ltd., Lina Manufacturing Ltd., Vetpharma Biotechnology Ltd., and Aithra Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Sri Lankan envoy and Dhaka chamber president discuss bilateral trade and investment

October 26·1 source

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody met Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Taskeen Ahmed on 18 October 2026 to discuss bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation. The discussion covered sectors including pharmaceuticals, information technology, renewable energy, logistics and tourism, alongside direct private-sector engagement. Weerakkody invited the chamber to send a business delegation to Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for 14 to 17 January 2027 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo. In turn, Ahmed invited Sri Lanka to the Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026, scheduled for 5 November 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe announces 18 new industrial zones in New Delhi

October 24·5 sources

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi on 22 October, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe announced plans to establish 18 new industrial zones to attract investment and expand capacity. The proposed projects include 11 zones under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and seven under the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. Abeysinghe invited global investors to partner in Sri Lanka’s shift from economic recovery to sustainable growth, highlighting the island's potential as a regional hub for trade, technology, and research. He identified manufacturing, agricultural value addition, logistics, renewable energy, and technology as key areas for cooperation with India, noting state efforts to digitise public services and simplify investment procedures.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Sri Lankan hospitality companies showcase products at Hotel Asia 2026 in Maldives

October 24·1 source

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce facilitated the participation of Sri Lankan firms at the Hotel Asia 2026 exhibition in the Maldives. Participating businesses represented sectors including food and beverage, hotel supplies, furniture, engineering, wellness, construction materials, and technology. Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the Maldives M. R. Hassen officially opened the Sri Lanka Pavilion alongside Maldivian Deputy Minister Hussain Nihadh and council officials. The council also coordinated delegation meetings with key Maldivian state bodies, including the Economic Development, Trade and Transport Ministry, the Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry, and Maldives Ports Ltd.

Economy & BusinessEnglish