Business
Avtra Wins APICTA 2020-21 Award for its Innovative Software Product
Avtra, one of the world’s leading providers in technology solutions for the aviation and tourism sectors, was named winner in the Consumer, Media, Tourism and Retail Category at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards 2020-2021 for its superior quality and application of technology, functionalities and features, market potential, and uniqueness.
This was in recognition of its new-generation Avtra Skaii Passenger Service System, a reservation system that provides an online sign-up application for airlines to instantly create a platform to sell tickets utilising Avtra’s comprehensive admin back-office portal and a variety of distribution channels. Avtra’s Co-Founder and CTO Nasly Yoosuf said, ‘We take great pride in our recognition at the recent APICTA Awards. This is a testament to our innovation mindset, continuous development in technology enabling the industry transform from its conventional processes and the dedication and resilience of our teams.’’
As a specialist IT provider for the airline industry, Avtra offers end to end software solutions for airlines, airports and travel agents. The core strength of Avtra is its diverse and talented team based in Sri Lanka and their unwavering commitment and excellence towards delivering innovative purpose-built IT solutions that can support modern carriers and their needs.
Avtra is actively looking to expand its team in Colombo to achieve its ambitious product roadmap, as well as for several exciting new client implementations. Vacancies are in software development using latest Java, web, mobile and cloud technologies; business intelligence, artificial intelligence and application support. The company attracts the crème la crème from both state and private universities, as well as higher education institutions in Sri Lanka.
“We aim to make aware and uplift our brand among prospects who would love to work with us in developing and supporting some of the most cutting-edge software and solutions that power airlines globally. We foster a win-win culture and a stimulating workplace environment where every individual could champion and progress with an entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative mindset”, Mr Yoosuf said.
Based in Malaysia, APICTA is an association of ICT communities nominated by member economies in the region, who come together in the spirit of collaboration and facilitating technology transfer, forming a cooperative network that promotes technology innovation and creativity, and encourages the development of original ICT solutions including product introduction and business matching opportunities.
Held virtually this time around due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20th APICTA Awards showcased innovative products and solutions from among competing member economies such as Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Avtra today is a result of many years of dedication and hard work. It has been built from scratch, incorporating the latest open technologies, in a multi-tiered modular architecture – allowing for the delivery of portfolio of innovative products for aviation and travel industry.
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
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