Business
Twinery, Innovations by MAS recognised as one of region’s most influential innovators
By Steve A. Morrell
MAS Holdings Chairman, Mahesh Amalean said recently that it was a proud moment for his company when their Twinery product won the Clarivate award for excellence.
He said so addressing the media on a virtual meeting platform. “Technology and innovation that developed the product which was the ultimate result of team work and distinct attention to detail. MAS holdings Twinery was one of 28 products that achieved this distinction and the first to be awarded worldwide acclaim in the apparel sector,” he said.
“Distinction achieved was also that the product was a national achievement, with the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ tag adding prestige to the country of origin,” he said.
Elaborating on the prestige of the award, Sales Director,- IP Group- South Asia & South East Asia, Rajat Kumar Sikka. addressing the media said, the IP group’s tradition spanned over 150 years. Within this time span it lent recognition to products originated from other countries as well. Innovative ideas emerging from such origins were evaluated for innovation and originality. He confirmed that the Twinery product from MAS holdings was outstanding in its quality and texture, and the Clarivate award identified the MAS product to be outstanding and a leading product of the brand. Intellectual Property Rights for the MAS product was an indelible stamp of excellence recognized for the Clarivate award; that too its competing texture was recognised to ensure the brand was the result of research to maximise its value”.
Chief Innovation Officer, MAS holdings, Ranil Vitarana, commenting on intellectual property rights said the advantage of such identification was that the product could not be duplicated by another manufacturer for another 10- 20 years. He also said the advantage was that the product achieved such exclusivity coupled with its brand prestige, was that the manufacturer could charge an extra shelf price during its rights period”.
“Smaller companies are within the vortex of violating such property rights, and tend to renegade on such strictures. To prevent such action the property rights were protected legally. Additionally, prices for such products were not subject to controls that could be enforced during the period enforced”.
Expanding on the product, Twinery, was an innovation that came into being since 2014, to help women manage and support physical changes through the company’s FEMTECH pillar. That being to support women during physical changes that become unavoidable during the period of menopause. To help them cope with these changes the silky fabric made of a mixture of yarn and light weight material accents coolness against the skin absorbing heat to ensure comfort during the transitional period experienced by women during this time.
The team of innovators at MAS, included a group of some 45 persons who were also a number of women who were part of their team. Additionally, a group of about 5 young persons were also part of the team, the difference was that they did not have any academic qualifications.
Responding to a query from the media, Mahesh Amalean, confirmed that success of the product was the advantage of team work. “Product innovation was continuous and did not bear an ultimate end. Progress is a factor that does not register an end. Given the excellence of the product, MAS products are recognized on retail shelves and are an inevitable product sought after by customers”, he said.
Also present at the press conference were, Director Corporate Affairs, MAS Holdings, Rajitha Jayasuriya, and CEO MAS Holdings, Suren Fernando.
Business
Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Business
Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
Business
GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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