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ComBank revolutionises Lankan banking with ‘wearable banking’ via Flash Digital Account

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The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has scaled new heights in digital innovation, becoming the first bank in Sri Lanka to take banking to the realm of wearable technology.The Bank’s and the country’s first “wearable banking” product was achieved with the integration of access to, and select features of, the Bank’s ‘Flash’ Digital Account with Apple Watch in collaboration with Digital Payment Services Pvt Ltd.

Flash account holders who own Apple watches linked to iPhones can now check their account balances and check payment requests and bill sharing requests from the smartwatches on their wrists without reaching for their phones, the Bank said.

“We are excited about this latest innovation because it is the first step in a stimulating new journey of infinite possibilities,” Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said. “Smartwatches are no longer a gimmick of the so-called tech nerds. They are playing a growing role in enhancing convenience for a significant customer segment, which we expect to grow substantially in the years ahead. As a leader in digital banking, Commercial Bank is proud to introduce another breakthrough banking solution in the form of wearable banking.”

While the first step of this initiative focuses on enabling account balance view and accepting fund transfer requests, the Bank is already exploring the possibility of enabling additional features such as bill payments and own account transfers that will significantly enhance the functionality of wearable banking, Manatunge added.

Flash users who own Apple watches can install the Flash app to their watches via their iPhones, creating a shortcut to the app on the list of apps accessible via their watches. They can thereafter view their account balances on the watch screen and will receive pop-up notifications on their watches whenever a payment request is received by their Flash accounts.

Adjudged the ‘Digital Banking Initiative of the Year’ in Sri Lanka at the 2021 Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) awards, Commercial Bank’s Flash Digital Banking App is a comprehensive digital banking tool that provides financial services required to manage the lifestyle of a customer across aspects such as daily living and utility expenses, budgeting, saving, financing, eCommerce, environmental awareness, and investments. It enables customers to enjoy a complete suite of financial services and wealth management tools in one seamless application.

In 2020, ComBank Flash was upgraded with revolutionary features never-before-seen in the market. These included ‘Save the Environment’ – a feature which promotes an understanding of the social carbon footprint of consumption by assessing each transaction a user carries out via the app using a carbon footprint calculator that is integrated with the UN-approved Environment Impact Index for financial transactions; and the ‘Advanced Budgeting’ tab which functions as a personal financial management tool that enables tracking of spending with the detailed categorisation of expenses.

The app is equipped with a Quick Response (QR) Payment module that enables users to scan a LANKAQR code of any merchant to make payments directly from their accounts to the merchant for purchases. It is also integrated with the PickMe app QR and enables customers to add any bank account to top up Flash and make payments via the ‘JustPay’ feature. Additionally, the app is equipped with a ‘Flash Finance SPACE’ function that generates Credit Cards, Personal Loans, Home Loans, Leasing, and Education Loan requests.

Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon neutral bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 12 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 268 branches and 940 automated machines in Sri Lanka. Commercial Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 19 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.



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Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook

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The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm's engagement with its growing client base.

Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.

The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.

The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.

Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.

Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.

The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.

Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.

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Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund

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The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.

Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.

As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.

This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.

This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.

Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

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NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana

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Samitha Waidyasekera CEO - NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd

NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.

The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.

The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.

Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.

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