Business
Singer continues to focus on the preservation of Ozone Layer
The ozone layer acts as a shield for life on earth, absorbing most of the sun’s ultra violet radiation to protect the human beings from harmful rays. The ozone layer, being an essential aspect for human existence has been a much talked of topic during the recent past while many initiatives have been taken to protect it for future generations. The United Nations General Assembly in 1994 declared 16th September as the International Day for the preservation of ozone layer acceding to the Montreal protocol of 1987 and the Vienna convention for the protection of ozone layer.
Rifa Wadood, Director – Air Resource Management at National Ozone Unit, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment said, ‘’Being an Article 5 country of the Montreal Protocol for substances that deplete the ozone layer, Sri Lanka has successfully phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is committed to phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and phasedown hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants. As a country, we are highly vulnerable to climate change, a global environmental externality. Considering the global warming impact of ozone layer depletion and the use of HFCs, I urge all the stakeholders including corporates to be responsible for their consumption and production, and choose appropriate alternatives that are less harmful to the environment.
The theme of World Ozone Day 2021 is ‘Montreal Protocol: Keeping Us, Our Food and Vaccines Cool’. On this day, let us celebrate our success of working together for humanity. Let us think globally and act locally!’’
SINGER, the country’s premier consumer durables retailer who is renowned for its eco-friendly product line up stepped forward to address this pressing issue with the launch of its trademark R600a refrigerant back in 2012. This innovation saw SINGER becoming the first company in Sri Lanka to adopt R600a technology in the refrigerant manufacturing process, in fact the first to do so in South Asia. Our efforts in early conversion of all our refrigerators to CFC free gases compelled the entire industry to follow-suit making total Sri Lankan Refrigerator Market almost zero ozone impact refrigerators. Since the introduction, SINGER’s R600a refrigerant has a success story of selling more than 1.25 million units, which accounts for a total energy saving of 1.3 Billion kWh. The introduction of R600a refrigerant goes down as one of the significant contributions to the ozone layer protection from a Sri Lankan company. Having identified the potential benefits of R600a gas over CFC gas, SINGER continued to expand its R600a refrigerant range.
SINGER owns a state-of-the-art refrigerator manufacturing facility, REGNIS (Lanka) PLC which utilizes cutting edge technology to manufacture high quality R600a refrigerants. SINGER’s R600a refrigerants are highly renowned for low energy consumption and save a considerable amount of money spent on electricity bill. Most importantly, R600a refrigerants are eco-friendly, making them the ideal solution for environment protection.
Sharing a timely message for the International Ozone Layer preservation Day, Shanil Perera, Director – Marketing, SINGER (Sri Lanka) PLC said, ‘’As we celebrate the World Ozone day, it is high time that we focus our attention to environment protection at all costs. We are witnessing an influx of natural disasters, environment pollution and threat to the ozone layer. It takes a collective effort from all of us to address these concerns. I take pride in saying that 100% of refrigerators marketed by SINGER are with eco-friendly Non-Ozone Impact gases. SINGER, being an environmentally conscious company is taking all possible measures to contribute to the overall environment preservation.”
SINGER in its continuous efforts towards green concepts, is trying to create awareness about the persistent threat of ozone layer depletion and encourage people to act responsibly and help save the planet. SINGER invites the public to think wisely and choose eco-friendly products, which are both beneficial for the environment as well as for the end consumer.
The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.
In a key decision, participants set a clear three-year goal to lower the ratio of cash in circulation to GDP from 4.5% to 3.5%. The strategy will focus on digitizing high-cash sectors like transport, utilities, and SME payments, while expanding digital access through post offices and cooperatives.
For the long-term health of the ecosystem, stakeholders agreed to lobby for the creation of a single, unified regulatory authority dedicated to fintech oversight. This aims to streamline approvals and provide clearer guidance for innovators.
“Our members needed to leave with concrete action points,” said Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka. The summit, designed as a series of closed-door roundtables with regulators including the Central Bank, produced actionable frameworks. “It was about defining KPIs, setting targets, and giving the industry a shared direction,” de Silva explained.
The outcomes signal a concerted shift from discussion to execution, aiming to build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital financial economy for Sri Lanka.
By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️
A new force in Sri Lanka’s food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability. Founded by young entrepreneurs Nadeera Senanayaka, Lakmini Gurusinghe, and Randila Gunasinghe, the group has successfully launched its pilot outlet and is now preparing for a significant nationwide expansion.
The inaugural in Kotte has served as a successful proof of concept. Operating for five months, this modern street-food outlet has garnered a strong customer response, confirming market demand and providing the confidence to fund the group’s ambitious growth strategy.
The inaugural in Kotte
“The positive reception has been overwhelming and has solidified our plans,” said Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe. “Our Kotte outlet is the operational model we will replicate – ensuring consistent quality, disciplined operations, and excellent service across all future locations.”
The group’s expansion strategy is built on three distinct thematic brands:
Kukus Street: Targeting young urban customers, these outlets offer a vibrant, casual dining experience with a menu of Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, snacks, and BBQ, with most meals priced under Rs. 1,500. Services include dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.
Kukus Beach: Planned for coastal areas, beginning in the South, this concept will feature an urban-style beach restaurant and pub designed for relaxed social dining.
Kukus Bioscope: Celebrating Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage, this dedicated restaurant concept will create a nostalgic cultural space inspired by the golden eras of Sinhala cinema, with the first outlet slated for Colombo.
The immediate plan includes transforming the flagship Kotte location into Kukus Pub & Bar, pending regulatory approvals. The long-term vision is to develop 18 outlets nationwide: 10 Kukus Street locations, 5 Kukus Beach venues, and 3 Kukus Bioscope establishments.
“Kukus Group is more than a hospitality brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan flavors and culture,” the founders concluded. “Our mission is to build trusted, recognizable brands that connect deeply with communities and offer lasting cultural value alongside authentic cuisine. We are dynamic and excited to proceed with this strategic expansion,” they said.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Fcode Labs marked its seventh anniversary by hosting its annual Awards Night 2025 at Waters Edge, celebrating team achievements and reinforcing its organizational values.
The event featured keynote addresses from Co-Founders & CEOs Buddhishan Manamperi and Tharindu Malawaraarachchi, who reflected on the company’s annual progress and future strategy. Chief Operating Officer Pamaljith Harshapriya outlined operational priorities for the next phase of growth.
Awards were presented across three key categories. Prabhanu Gunaweera and Dushan Pramod received Customer Excellence awards for partner collaboration. Performance Excellence awards were granted to Munsira Mansoor, Thusara Wanigathunga, Thushan De Silva, Adithya Narasinghe, Avantha Dissanayake, Amanda Janmaweera, Sithika Guruge, and Sandali Gunawardena. The Value-Based Behaviour awards were given to Thilina Hewagama, Udara Sembukuttiarachchi, and Kavindu Dhananjaya for exemplifying company values.
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