The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka. She assumed office in Colombo today.

“I am honored to be appointed Country Director of ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission,” Ms. Cowlin said. “For many years, ADB has been a trusted partner of Sri Lanka, supporting the country through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. As Sri Lanka continues on its path to recovery, ADB remains firmly committed to assisting the nation in rebuilding and strengthening its resilience, including addressing the impacts and damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the Government, development partners, and communities to promote sustainable growth and create new opportunities.”

Ms. Cowlin has over 26 years of professional experience, including 13 years with ADB. Her expertise spans investment project operations, policy engagement, and knowledge work across the fields of energy, climate, the environment, air quality, public health, and the energy–food–water nexus. Most recently, she served as Country Director of ADB’s Mongolia Resident Mission, where she led strategy and operations since 2023.

Prior to joining ADB, Ms. Cowlin was a manager at the United States (US) National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where she led US–India and South Asia regional energy cooperation efforts. A national of the US, Ms. Cowlin holds a master’s degree in environmental health sciences and a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.

Atlas Axillia, together with the generous contributions of its employees, donated exercise books and learning equipment worth Rs. 7 million to support children affected by recent disasters and those from underprivileged backgrounds in the Badulla District. The donated materials were distributed with the facilitation of the Chief Secretariat Office of Uva Provincial Council, supporting over 1,800 schoolchildren at the start of the new academic term. The donation was carried out under Atlas Sipsavi, Atlas’s flagship initiative guided by its commitment to ensuring no child is left behind.

Commenting on the initiative, Indrajith Binduhewa, Director of Sales and Operations Atlas Axillia Co. (Pvt) Ltd, stated, “We are deeply grateful to our employees, whose willingness to come together with genuine care and compassion made this initiative possible. Their support, combined with the company’s contribution, speaks to the values we stand for as an organisation. More than a donation, this is our way of standing beside children and families, offering them /hope and continuity through education during an incredibly difficult time.”

The donation of equipment took place under the guidance of Ms. Anusha Gokula Fernando, the Chief Secretary of Uva Province. She further noted that the timely distribution of equipment played a crucial role in enabling affected children to return to school with essential learning materials.

As Sri Lanka’s leading learning brand, Atlas continues to uphold a promise built over generations to stand by children, safeguard their right to learn, and ensure that no child is left behind, today and in the future.

Autodoc 360 (Pvt) Ltd, a leading name in premium automotive service and repair, has officially shifted operations to No. 378/2/C, Koswatta Road, Kalapaluwawa, Rajagiriya, a new, larger, and more advanced facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey in Sri Lanka.

The relocation reflects Autodoc 360’s steady expansion and rising demand among owners of luxury and performance vehicles. The new premises have been purpose-designed to accommodate advanced diagnostic bays, precision repair zones, and a significantly enhanced parts inventory—ensuring faster turnaround times and superior service quality for customers.

According to the management, relocation was driven by the need to support high-end European vehicles, especially BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which require specialised infrastructure, tooling, and technical expertise. The new workshop allows the team to operate with manufacturer-grade accuracy while maintaining international workshop standards.

A key strength of Autodoc 360 lies in its technical backbone. The workshop is staffed by technicians from authorised dealership backgrounds, each with 10 to 15+ years of hands-on experience with luxury vehicles. The facility is equipped with German OEM-grade tools and diagnostic systems that meet European workshop standards, ensuring precise fault detection and manufacturer-accurate repairs rather than generic trial-and-error solutions. On the customer-facing side, Head Service Advisor Ranil Alwis brings several years of experience at authorised BMW workshops and deep expertise in German and European automotive technology, particularly BMW and Mercedes-Benz standards. His ability to accurately assess issues, coordinate manufacturer-aligned repair processes, and communicate technical matters clearly and reassuringly makes him an integral part of Autodoc 360’s service delivery.

Beyond infrastructure, Autodoc 360 differentiates itself through its specialised focus on BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, offering end-to-end maintenance and repair under one roof. Services include complete maintenance and mechanical repairs, brake and suspension systems, steering repairs, breakdown assistance, and full air-conditioning overhauls—all executed using approved procedures and genuine or globally recognised replacement parts.

A major highlight is the company’s extensive parts inventory, covering multiple premium brands with long-term warranties. Customers have access to internationally trusted names such as Brembo, Bilstein, as well as genuine BMW and Mercedes-Benz spares. In addition, Autodoc 360 proudly represents Düsseldorf, a globally recognised automotive parts brand known for its wide product range, consistent quality, and strong international presence.

The company is led by a diverse and experienced leadership team, combining local market understanding with international exposure. The Sri Lankan partners include Jehan Amaratunga and Hasith Senarathne, while the Indian partners are Jaitegh Singh Chandhok and Anuj Singh Chandhok. Together, the directors bring a shared vision of delivering authorised-workshop level quality with greater transparency, flexibility, and value.

With its relocation to a state-of-the-art facility and a strong emphasis on precision, authenticity, and warranty-backed parts, Autodoc 360 Pvt Ltd continues to set new benchmarks in luxury automotive care, positioning itself as a trusted destination for discerning BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners across Sri Lanka.