Business
Boost for SL’s renewable energy integration and power infrastructure innovation
by Ifham Nizam
Speaking to The Island Financial Review at MR Customer Day in Colombo, Shri Suppiah, chairman, OLEX Projects, outlined the company’s strategic vision for Sri Lanka’s evolving power sector.
He reaffirmed OLEX’s commitment to aligning with the Results Delivery Framework of the Ministry of Energy, focusing on renewable energy integration and digitalization of power systems.
“As Sri Lanka moves towards a smarter, greener and more resilient energy sector, OLEX remains committed to driving innovation in power infrastructure, said Suppiah. “Our collaboration with Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR) is not just about bringing world-class technology but about ensuring a stable, efficient and future-proof energy system for the country.”
He said “Rivi Bala Punarudaya” Solar Energy Program aims to integrate 2,000 MW of solar power into the national grid within the next five years.
Suppiah highlighted the challenges of grid stability and voltage regulation that arise with large-scale renewable energy integration.
“OLEX, with the advanced technologies of MR Germany, is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to solar energy, he stated. “We are providing cutting-edge transformer solutions that guarantee grid efficiency and power quality, even as renewable energy penetration increases.”
Suppiah also emphasized the shift from reactive to predictive transformer maintenance through AI-driven monitoring. With renewable energy sources like solar and wind causing fluctuating loads and voltage variations, real-time monitoring and automation have become essential for grid reliability.
“Traditionally, transformer failures led to unexpected outages and costly repairs, he explained.”With AI-powered monitoring solutions, we can predict failures before they occur, ensuring a more stable and efficient power system.”
OLEX, in collaboration with MR, is deploying advanced digital grid modernization tools to enhance transformer performance, optimize load management and improve overall energy security.
Rebecca Dewes, Sales Engineer at MR, echoed Suppiah’s sentiments, emphasizing MR’s long-standing commitment to Sri Lanka’s power sector.
“As the global leader in On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC) technology, MR is dedicated to empowering Sri Lanka’s energy sector with reliable, innovative, and high-performance solutions, said Dewes.”Our collaboration with OLEX strengthens our ability to deliver world-class transformer technology tailored to Sri Lanka’s unique power demands.”
With 97% of Sri Lanka’s electricity flowing through MR’s OLTC technology, Dewes reiterated that MR is a trusted partner in ensuring power grid efficiency, stability, and reliability.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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