Business
Seylan Bank takes the lead to promote LANKA QR beyond Western Province
Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, organized the ‘Seylan Pay QR Carnival’ in Kurunegala to promote the LANKAQR programme introduced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to strengthen digital transactions in Sri Lanka. The special programme, focusing on encouraging local merchants and SMEs to join the national QR transaction system, took place at the Vehera Sports Ground in Kurunegala recently. Officials from the Central bank of Sri Lanka, the Lanka QR Committee and partner banks were present at the event.
Organised as the 14th leg of the LankaQR national rollout campaign, the Seylan Pay QR Carnival set a firm footprint with the highest number of merchants at the event. Seylan Bank alone on boarded over 100 merchants for the SeylanPay payment solutions from the Kurunegala area. Over a thousand customers walked in during the event which benefitted many merchants accepting LankaQR, to process transactions on the day and generate great traction in the district since then.
As the key feature of the event, Seylan Bank educated their customers on the use of the Bank’s QR payment system, the SeylanPay Mobile App, and assisted customers in making payments to merchants. Over 50 stalls selling clothes and accessories, gift items, food, sweets, electronics and electrical equipment, plants, beauty care, cosmetic items and automobile parts were set up for the benefit of consumers, with attractive added discounts for customers using QR payment systems to purchase items, thereby encouraging and familiarizing the use of it among them. This marked a record high number of merchants participating among many LankaQR nationwide rollout campaigns that were organised to date. A Seylan Bank Mobile ATM was deployed at the premises, ensuring that customers had easy access to carry out cash withdrawals if required and check their account balances at any given time. In addition, a special fun zone was set up for children at the event premises, whilst a musical evening entertained the adults present at the Seylan Pay QR Carnival.
“Seylan Bank’s commitment to develop the banking and finance network together with the industry led to us hosting the 14th leg of the Lanka QR national rollout campaign. We also realize the potential this system brings to the SME sector in the country, in terms of transaction efficiency and savings. As a bank that has continued to support SMEs in the country in a wide spectrum, the alliance with Lanka QR helps in developing the entire transaction ecosystem of the country,” commented Chaminda Senewiratne, Head of Digital Banking Channels, Seylan Bank.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka introduced the LANKAQR service in October 2020 with the aim of moving towards a cash-less society while increasing financial inclusion in Sri Lanka, and was supported in this endeavour by Banks, licensed financial institutions and Lanka Clear (Pvt.) Ltd. It has already stood out as an attractive option with notable benefits for small and medium enterprises.
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.
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.
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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