Business
What inspired INSEE Cement to establish i2i collaboration space
INSEE Cement’s Director – Productions and Solutions Portfolio Dr. Moussa Baalbaki recently gave an interview to the media on harnessing the potential of Sri Lanka’s construction industry to trailblaze the path to zero carbon emissions by 2050. The following are some excerpts from it.
Q. What inspired INSEE Cement to establish the i2i collaboration space and what makes it unique in the industry?
The inspiration behind the INSEE i2i (Innovation to Industry) collaboration space was our commitment to elevate the national construction industry through open innovation and collaboration. We recognized the need for a dedicated space where various internal and external stakeholders could come together to develop new products and solutions. What makes the i2i collaboration space unique is that it is the only facility of its kind in Asia, promoting cooperation among engineers, researchers, students, innovators, architects, academics, professional bodies, industry experts, and even competitors. This initiative is timely, addressing the rapid changes in the construction industry, which increasingly favours performance-based and sustainable designs.
Q. How has the i2i collaboration space contributed to the expansion of INSEE Cement’s products & solutions portfolio over the past few years?
The i2i collaboration space has played a pivotal role in expanding our products & solutions portfolio. Through i2i, we have introduced several innovative building materials under the SANSTHA brand. Over the past few years, we have successfully launched Superior Blended Cements, INSEE SANSTHA Mortar, INSEE SANSTHA Paint, and INSEE SANSTHA PVC products. These products are a direct result of the collaborative efforts and innovation fostered at the i2i collaboration space, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.
Q. Can you describe some of the key partnerships and collaborations that have been formed through the i2i centre?
The i2i collaboration space has facilitated numerous partnerships and collaborations. We have engaged with various industry stakeholders, including Siam City Cement’s business partners, local and international NGOs, government bodies, and academic institutions. These collaborations have been instrumental in promoting innovation and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s construction industry. For example, we have worked closely with universities to support PhD research on topics like sustainable concrete design and construction and demolition waste management.
Q. What role does i2i play in supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050?
The i2i collaboration space is integral to our efforts to support Sri Lanka’s green development agenda. Through this initiative, we are developing sustainable and efficient products, such as Superior Blended Cements, which reduce carbon emissions b per ton of cementitious material produced. INSEE Cement is also the first company in Sri Lanka to receive Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its comprehensive cement product portfolio. These EPDs provide standardized and third-party verified information about the environmental performance of our products throughout their lifecycle, aligning with our commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
How has the i2i collaboration space influenced industry practices and standards in Sri Lanka?
The i2i collaboration space has significantly influenced industry practices and standards in Sri Lanka by promoting higher quality and performance standards. Our state-of-the-art testing facilities and knowledge-sharing initiatives have elevated the local building materials industry to international best standards. The i2i collaboration space has also played a key role in advocating for sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices, which has been recognized through awards such as the Green Industry Awards for low carbon and climate-resilient production.
Q. Can you elaborate on the research and development activities conducted at the i2i collaboration space?
The i2i collaboration space is equipped with modern equipment providing more than 40 different types of test modules for the construction industry. These include advanced testing methods for assessing the durability, chemistry, rheology, and strength of concrete. Key functional areas include the Durability Space, Chemistry and Rheology Space, Aggregate Space, and Strength and Wet Space. These areas allow us to conduct comprehensive research and development activities, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Q. How does the i2i collaboration space engage with and benefit various industry stakeholders, including young engineers and academics?
As a market leader, INSEE Cement is committed to engaging and benefiting a wide range of industry stakeholders through the i2i collaboration space. We organize hybrid knowledge-sharing sessions that facilitate open discussion and promote new products and solutions. The centre also functions as an information library, offering mentoring and coaching on advanced concrete technology by INSEE experts. We invest in academic research, supporting PhD students working on innovative construction industry topics. The facility is accessible to university students, young engineers, and architects, providing them with a learning space to foster innovation in the construction industry.
Q. How do you see the i2i collaboration space evolving to meet the changing needs of the construction industry in Sri Lanka?
The i2i collaboration space will continue to evolve by embracing new technologies and methodologies to meet the changing needs of the construction industry. We aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, driving the development of advanced sustainable constructions. By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and creating an inclusive and inspiring environment, we are committed to building the future leaders of the industry. INSEE Cement will continue to lead by example, promoting sustainable development and contributing to the nation’s growth.
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm.
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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