Business
Dialog Axiata’s Genie Fintech platform recertified for PCI DSS
L-R – Chathuranga Gunatillake – Senior Information Security Engineer, Nalinda Herath – Lead Security Engineer, Dileepa Lathsara – CEO – TechCERT, Gimali Soysa – Chief Manager- FinTech, Sonali Nonis- Unit Manager- Quality Systems, Geeth Sameera- Specialist- Information Security, Ashitha Kandambige-Specialist- DS & VAS Services, Dialog Axiata PLC
Genie platform offered by Dialog Axiata PLC, was re-certified the coveted Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Version 3.2.1 for the 4th consecutive year from Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) SISA Information Security together with TechCERT, the local consultant and the technical service provider.
PCI DSS ensures the security of cardholder data for credit/debit cards from major card schemes by preventing frauds and data breaches. This is achieved by enforcing leading security controls over the storage, transmission, and processing of cardholder data.
Commenting on this milestone achieved, Renuka Fernando, Chief Digital Services Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC stated, “At Genie, security is placed at top-priority and over the years, we have endeavoured to provide our customers with greater convenience through innovative digital solutions whilst also ensuring that steps are taken to uphold and maintain their privacy and security. On this Genie will remain committed to providing a secure and convenient transaction platform to enable and enhance Sri Lanka’s digital payment landscape”
PCI DSS is the global data security standard adopted by the payment card brands for all entities that process, store or transmit cardholder data and/or sensitive authentication data. Administered by the PCI Security Standard Council, it has 12 essential security compliance requirements which fall into six categories. These categories are; build and maintain a secure network, protect cardholder data, maintain a vulnerability management programme, implement strong access control measures, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain an information security policy. This set of standards have been developed over time in an ever-evolving security landscape and are intended to provide merchants, financial institutions and customers peace of mind.
Genie is Sri Lanka’s first and only PCI-DSS certified mobile payment application and allows users to add their Visa/Mastercard, Current/Savings Account or eZ Cash account as payment options to the app to make remote payments, in-app payments, over-the-counter payments (OTC via QR Code) at 12,000+ merchant points, and conduct online payments more safely and conveniently.
As COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation and further enforced the need for tighter cyber-security, Genie met these emerging needs head-on. Most recently, Genie enhanced their e-payment security model with the adoption of tokenization technology (replacing sensitive information with a random string of unique characters called “tokens”) and 3D Secure (a simple 3-step verification process) to combat cyber fraud. Additionally, Genie was instrumental in creating avenues of cashless payment transactions in the country, abiding by national social distancing efforts during the pandemic, through partnerships with Eat Me Global and Meatdeal.lk to deliver essential items to customers. Pay by Genie further extended its seamless service to the education sector and healthcare sector to secure academic payments and doctor bookings digitally.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
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.
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