Business
Dr. Cornelius Boersch confident in Sri Lanka as haven for Global Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors
Dr. Cornelius ‘Conny’ Boersch is the most active Tech-Investor in Europe; and the largest Venture Capitalist in Latin America.
Keen to promote the replication of proven, successful models and business ideas for implementation in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka continues to have an untapped market, with very little risk for investors, given the potential of the market.
Dr Cornelius Boersch – European Business Angel of the Year (2009) and a Certified Super Angel by the European Investment Fund (EIF), during his first visit to Sri Lanka this year partook in a private event held on October 13, 2021 at Hatch Works in Colombo. The event which welcomed a limited number of guests, was broadcasted via Facebook Live for local and global audiences.
Conducted in partnership with Hatch Works, Lion ventures, and The Council for Startups, the event featured a conversation-style knowledge sharing session with Dr. Boersch, led by Founder, Veracity AI – Jeevan Gnanam, and was later joined by Co-Founder, Hatch Works – Nathan Sivaganathan and Managing GP, BOV Capital Ltd – Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, and was concluded with a Q&A session.
Speaking at the event, Dr Boersch noted “There is no shortage of knowledge, talent or passion in Sri Lanka. However, the biggest challenge I see here is the conservative mindset and the belief that the Sri Lankan market works differently compared to the rest of the world. When I started the largest food delivery company in Europe many people said that this model could not be applied to countries such as India and even Saudi Arabia, but we see that the food delivery companies are the most successful businesses in today’s market.
The world has become so similar that ideas that work in London and Berlin can also work in Colombo. Sri Lanka has one great advantage (although you may see this as negative), you are five years behind. This means you don’t have to make the same mistakes that others have, you can instead replicate models that have been tried and tested and developed to be successful. There are business models that can be applied to any market, and entrepreneurship doesn’t mean you have to create something new. I see the potential in Sri Lanka.”
General Partner, Lion Ventures – Love Yadav, the key personality behind the partnership with Dr. Cornelius Boersch, noted “As early stage investors we look for new opportunities and it is apparent that Sri Lanka is ideal where untapped potential is concerned. After successfully deploying capital for the first round of funding, Lion Ventures is closing in on its second round of funding wherein 60% of its capital will go towards venture build up ideas and the remaining 40% towards promising local startups that are easily scalable and globally transportable. I would like to thank the Board of investments and its Chairman Mr Sanjaya Mohottala who has played an integral role in the success of this trip”.
Dr Boersch spoke passionately about the need for replicating models proven for success in other markets, but adapting them to Sri Lanka’s market. Whilst his focus remains on developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sri Lanka, he also delved into the concept of changing the local mindset, and for serial entrepreneurs to take on the role of investors to help newer entrants. His three-day business tour of Sri Lanka included discussions with the Founders of promising startups, The Council of Startups, Port City commission; as well as private meetings with top business houses and a courtesy visit with the Minister of Youth & Sports and Development Coordination & Supervision – Namal Rajapaksa, where the future of Sri Lanka’s strategic digital revolution was discussed in depth. Acting in partnership with Lion Ventures – a private investment vehicle formed to make long term investments through a venture build up structure focussed on digital transformation and clean technology models Dr Boersch aims to fast-track his strategic goal of further developing Sri Lanka’s local market and its entrepreneurial prowess, as he is set to revolutionise Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Investment Director, Mountain Partners – Jorge Perez Garcia concluded: “Sri Lanka is at the inflection point of digital disruption as the Sri Lankan Startup ecosystem is ready to bloom. During this short but insightful visit to its capital, Colombo, we have been inspired by the talent of founders and managers alike, as well as by the new measures that the government will put in place in the coming months to support entrepreneurship. We are clear this is a pivotal moment for the country; we have seen it many times in other countries around the World and we see the same starting in Sri Lanka. Together with our local partner, Lion Ventures, we are starting a journey to capture opportunities in the digital space through our Company Builder and Early Stage Fund. With them, we plan to nurture and boost the local talent, bring successful disruptive business models to the country and back some of the most promising local teams. We want to invite every family office, investor, manager and entrepreneur to join us in this exciting journey that will boost the country’s long-term economic growth and open the door to a brighter future for new generations to come.
As the founder of Mountain Partners AG and Conny & Co. AG, Dr Boersch has been an entrepreneur since 1990 and the founder of ACG AG, a leading company in the RFID market. He was also the Founder/ Chairman of Rocket Internet, a multi billion dollar global company. His global portfolio also includes space logistics and drone technology. (News release)
Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC’s Senior Listed Rated Unsecured Redeemable Debenture issue of up to Rs. 5 billion was oversubscribed following its opening reflecting strong investor interest.
The debentures, with a par value of Rs. 100 each, will be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The three-year debentures offer an interest rate of 12.75% interest payable annually, while the five-year debentures offer 13.50% interest payable annually.
The issue has been assigned a BBB+ (Stable) rating by Lanka Rating Agency.
The debenture issue was managed by the Investment Banking Unit of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, with SSP Corporate Services (Private) Limited serving as the Registrar to the Issue.
The Bank said the strong investor response demonstrates continued confidence in Pan Asia Bank and its approach to creating long-term value for its stakeholders.
Pan Asia Bank, which positions itself as ‘The Truly Sri Lankan Bank’, continues to strengthen its role in supporting the financial requirements of individuals and businesses while contributing to the development of Sri Lanka’s economy.
Business
SLIIT International and Liverpool John Moores University inaugurate dedicated international learning facility
The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), United Kingdom, recently inaugurated SLIIT International in Collaboration with LJMU, a dedicated international learning facility located at No. 17, Dickmans Road, Colombo 04, marking a significant milestone in a partnership spanning more than a decade and reinforcing their commitment to providing Sri Lankan students with access to internationally recognised UK higher education qualifications.
The Grand Opening Ceremony was attended by Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside senior representatives from SLIIT, Liverpool John Moores University, the British Council, academia, industry and other stakeholders, marking the next chapter of the longstanding SLIIT–LJMU collaboration. The new facility is particularly significant as Sri Lanka’s first academic facility dedicated exclusively to the delivery of LJMU degree programmes, reflecting the strength, maturity and long-term commitment of the partnership.
Over the past decade, the SLIIT–LJMU partnership has established a growing network of more than 1,500 alumni, while providing Sri Lankan students with opportunities to gain internationally recognised UK qualifications locally. The new dedicated facility has been designed to provide a world-class learning environment exclusively for LJMU programmes, supporting future programme expansion, strengthening the student experience and creating opportunities for deeper academic collaboration, innovation, research and student engagement.
Commenting on the milestone, Prof. Lalith Gamage – Vice-Chancellor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SLIIT, stated, “The launch of SLIIT International in Collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University represents an important new chapter in our longstanding partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. Our vision is to provide Sri Lankan students with a world-class education and student experience right here in Sri Lanka, while equipping them with the global outlook, critical thinking, professional capabilities and career readiness required to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. This dedicated facility strengthens the student experience while providing a strong foundation for the continued growth of our collaboration with LJMU.”
Prof. Timothy Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Society and Culture, Liverpool John Moores University, said, “The opening of Sri Lanka’s first facility dedicated exclusively to LJMU degree programmes represents a significant milestone for the University and our partnership with SLIIT. It reflects the strength of our collaboration and our shared commitment to delivering a high-quality LJMU educational experience in Sri Lanka. The new facility also creates exciting opportunities for deeper academic collaboration, innovation, research and student engagement as we look towards the next phase of our partnership.”
A key highlight of the Grand Opening Ceremony was the panel discussion titled “Beyond Borders: The Role of British Higher Education in Developing Globally Competitive Graduates.” The discussion examined the growth of international educational opportunities in Sri Lanka, the future expansion of UK degree programmes, maintaining the quality and integrity of UK qualifications, developing future-ready graduates with global competencies, and the role of international higher education in strengthening graduate employability. The panel brought together Prof. Lalith Gamage; Prof. Timothy Nichol; Mr. Sajeewa Meepage, Representative of the British Council; and Dr. Harsha Cabral, Board Member of SLIIT.
The panelists further emphasized on emerging trends in areas including law, business, psychology and artificial intelligence, as well as the contribution of UK higher education to Sri Lanka through internationally recognised qualifications that uphold global academic standards.
The discussion explored the history and future of the SLIIT–LJMU partnership, the strategic significance of the new SLIIT International facility, academic quality, graduate employability and the long-term growth of LJMU programmes in Sri Lanka.
The ceremony also featured a special address by Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, followed by an address by Mrs. Clare Sears, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka. The evening also included the ceremonial exchange of the partnership document between SLIIT International and Liverpool John Moores University, symbolising the continued commitment of both institutions to strengthening their collaboration and expanding international educational opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Dijital Team has signed a two-year partnership with Winsys City University, strengthening the skills and capabilities of its team members to support Managed Service Providers and IT service providers while elevating tech talent to immediate industry-readiness. With a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed recently, the partnership was formally launched on 9 September 2026 at Dijital Team’s office premises, Colombo.
Combining Dijital Teams’ international employer network and understanding of the capability requirements of MSPs and IT service providers across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom with Winsys City University’s training heritage of 21 years, the joint programmes create legitimate classroom-to-international-career pathways, offering structured learning and certification avenues that support deeper capability across cloud, cybersecurity, automation, AI and emerging technologies.
Tharindu Rathnayake, bowlers secure Asian Games Bronze for Sri Lanka
G7 to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel after Trump export ban threat
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Uva, North-western, Southern and North-central provinces and in Mannar district.
All set for Colombo rally against govt.’s tax policies
Yoshitha R money laundering trial postponed
Lankan troops test mettle in Russian war games
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