Business
Daraz Buy1Give1 reaches out to more than 1000 families in vulnerable communities
In response to the crisis in Sri Lanka, Daraz launched a “Buy1Give1” program in May 2022. The aim of Buy1Give1 was to provide some relief to vulnerable communities, while enabling consumers to transform everyday activities like buying groceries into high-impact, meaningful actions. Daraz is committed to creating a world full of giving, and to further strengthen this effort, Daraz partnered with the Foundation of Goodness to identify families in need and distribute goods collected through this initiative.
Commenting on this effort, Mr. Rakhil Fernando, Managing Director of Daraz Sri Lanka, noted: “Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented crisis, and we need to work together to figure out new ways of empowering each other and lifting each other up. The Buy1Give1 model is practiced in other parts of the world, as a means of transforming everyday actions into something meaningful, and that is what we are trying to do in Sri Lanka during this time. We also did not want to put any unnecessary pressure on our consumers and developed a way for them to be part of our initiative while meeting their own daily needs. We are also delighted to partner with the Foundation of Goodness on the distribution, because it enables us to ensure that the items collected goes to families who need them the most.”
On 18th July 2022, Daraz officially handed over 8,800 goods worth USD 10,000 to the Foundation of Goodness. These goods will be added to the Foundation’s “Feed the Hungry” program and “Goodness Boxes”, which have already reached 23,000 families in Sri Lanka. The Foundation of Goodness estimates that at least 1,000 families will be able to benefit from the Daraz Buy1Give1 campaign.
Mr. Kushil Gunasekera, Founder and Chief Trustee of Foundation of Goodness, said: “We are extremely privileged to have Daraz on board to donate items towards the Feed the Hungry program through their Buy1Give1 promotion at a time when it is needed the most. Any gift that is unconditionally granted, especially unasked, is always a superior act of generosity and compassion. We value immensely the kindness shown to alleviate the struggles and hardships encountered and applaud this magnanimous gesture. Daraz has demonstrated their community care by helping 1,000 families access meals and that depth of generosity is the real test of humanity.”
Daraz will continue to initiate new ways of supporting and building the Sri Lanka community through its e-commerce platform.
Daraz Sri Lanka is the largest online shopping marketplace in Sri Lanka and is home to a collection of wide-ranging products featured under groceries (Daraz Mart), consumer electronics, home appliances, fashion, sports goods, pet supplies, and much more. Daraz Sri Lanka is a part of South Asia’s premier online shopping marketplace Daraz, which has an active and growing presence in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. Supported by cutting-edge technology, tailored marketing, data, and service solutions, Daraz Sri Lanka hosts a growing base of 2.5 million users, over 125,000 registered sellers, and at any given time, over 4.5 million products are being advertised and sold on the platform.
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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