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Driving innovation for business resilience and faster economic recovery: Microsoft

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Hasitha Abeywardena · Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives

 

As Sri Lanka continues to deal with the recent surge of COVID-19 infections, 74% of organizations in Asia Pacific say that innovation is now a ‘must’ for them to respond quickly to market challenges and opportunities, and ensure business resilience.

Leveraging their ability to innovate, leaders proved to be more resilient and able to recover faster. Almost half of them believe that they will recover from the pandemic in six months or less. In fact, 50% more leaders, as compared with the rest of the organizations surveyed, expect an increase in their revenue, and one in three of them expect to increase their market share despite the crisis.

These findings were released by Microsoft in its latest study with IDC Asia Pacific, which surveyed 3,312 business decision-makers and 3,495 workers across 15 markets in Asia Pacific within a six-month period, before and since COVID-19. Titled “Culture of Innovation: Foundation for business resilience and economic recovery in Asia Pacific”, it uncovered how organizations can successfully fuel business resilience and performance through innovation.

The study also introduced the culture of innovation framework, which spans the dimensions of people, process, data, and technology, to assess organizations’ approach to innovation. It also provides guidance to help organizations progress to the mature stage and respond to challenges and recover faster, to improve their performance.

The culture of innovation maturity framework captures organizations’ approach to innovation. Through the research, organizations’ performance was mapped against four dimensions (people, processes, data, and technology), with organizations grouped in four stages – traditionalist (stage 1), novice (stage 2), adaptor (stage 3), and leaders (stage 4). Leaders comprise of organizations that are the most mature in building a culture of innovation.

The study found that in the span of six months, organizations in Asia Pacific have matured in the culture of innovation by 11%, an indication that they have increased their ability to innovate. Since COVID-19, the study also found a drop in leaders (68% to 36%) and other organizations (74% to 54%) that find innovation to be hard.

The faster pace of digitization is also key to building stronger organizations. The study found that 87% of leaders will speed up digitization by launching initiatives including digital products, payments, and e-commerce, as compared to 67% of other organizations, in response to the new reality.

Amidst the pandemic, ride-hailing company PickMe experienced a surge in business and app users which led to server downtime and extended passenger wait times. By tapping into Microsoft Azure, the company gained real-time intelligence across its operations allowing them to maximize driver benefits, minimize passenger wait times, and improve the PickMe experience for customers.

The Colombo Tea e-Auction platform developed by CICRA Solutions also leverages Microsoft Azure. The platform was built to safeguard a 150-year-old industry and protect the livelihoods of almost two million people. The platform was recently selected as Sri Lanka’s Best National Digital Solution for the World Summit Awards 2020 under Business and Commerce (Innovative Services) category.

Following the recent surge in positive COVID-19 infections in Sri Lanka, Arimac Digital and ZILLIONe developed contact-tracing apps for organizations to improve business resilience and economic recovery. Both apps leverage Microsoft Azure.

Azure is the cloud platform that underpins all of Microsoft’s cloud services, including Microsoft Teams. Before COVID-19, insurance company AIA Sri Lanka deployed Microsoft Teams to enable seamless engagement and operational efficiency. The company experienced little to no disruption during the pandemic because they had the systems in place to ensure business continuity and workplace preparedness. Microsoft Teams is also helping the governing body of the Maldives conduct virtual online parliamentary sessions thanks to Tech One Sanje as the country battles the COVID-19 outbreak.

These companies followed a process Microsoft calls tech intensity, where tools and technologies are utilized to invent unique digital solutions that would solve complex business and market issues. This would not only empower the business to be more agile in facing new market challenges but also move faster than their competitors.



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ROK Navy ship’s visit to Colombo underscores bilateral maritime diplomacy

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The arrival of ROKS Kang Gam Chan was graced by guests, including Ambassador Miyon Lee of the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd.) K.P. Aruna Jayasekara, and senior commanders from Sri Lanka’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Marking a significant milestone in maritime diplomacy, the Republic of Korea Navy’s 44th Escort Task Group (ETG), led by the warship ROKS Kang Gam Chan, made a ceremonial port call at Colombo Port on April 22, 2025. The visit underscored the strengthening of naval ties and regional cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka.

At the heart of the visit was a strong message of strategic collaboration and regional security. Captain Kwon Yong Gu, Commanding Officer of ROKS Kang Gam Chan and Commander of the 44th ETG, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended by Sri Lanka. In his address, Captain Kwon highlighted the mission of the ETG and its vital role in enhancing maritime stability.

“This visit is not only a symbol of our enduring friendship with Sri Lanka, but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to regional peace and stability,” said Captain Kwon.

“The 44th ETG plays a pivotal role in promoting maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation across critical waterways, a mission that resonates with the broader goals of the international community,” he stated.

The port call was the second by a Republic of Korea Navy ship in Sri Lanka in less than two years, reflecting the growing importance of naval cooperation between the two countries. The ETG, deployed regularly to high-risk zones including the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman, conducts operations that combat piracy and safeguard global shipping routes.

Korean Ambassador Miyon Lee also emphasised the diplomatic dimension of the visit, noting that such exchanges serve as meaningful platforms to deepen bilateral relations. “This is not just a naval visit—it is a testament to the close ties Korea shares with Sri Lanka, both strategically and culturally,” she said.

In a celebration of cultural diplomacy, the Korean Embassy and the 44th ETG jointly hosted a K-culture event aboard the ship. Sri Lankan naval officers and local guests were treated to Korean delicacies, a Taekwondo demonstration, and a K-pop performance, showcasing Korea’s rich cultural heritage and fostering mutual understanding.

As ROKS Kang Gam Chan continues its mission in the Indian Ocean region, its port call in Colombo stands as a reminder of the increasing importance of cooperative maritime partnerships in securing global peace and prosperity.

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Lolc Holdings celebrates four Mba 2025 victories

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Demonstrating the strength of talent, perseverance, and a thriving sports culture across its diverse subsidiaries, LOLC Holdings PLC delivered an exceptional performance at the 41st Mercantile Badminton Association (MBA) Novices Badminton Championship 2025. Held at the MBA Indoor Courts in Colombo from 22nd to 30th of March 2025, the championship attracted over 400 players from 52 distinguished corporates across Sri Lanka, making it one of the most competitive inter-organizational sporting events of the year.

Among the standout achievements was the Women’s Doubles Championship in the Open Category, won by Chamali Botheju of LOLC Finance and Keshini Devindi from Browns IT. The Veteran Mixed Doubles title was claimed by Sanjeewa Kularathna and Gayani Neranjala Senarathne, both representing LOLC Finance. In the Masters Over-50 Men’s Doubles category, Suresh Perera from LOLC Factors and Jayakodi Arachchige Palitha from Browns Plantations earned the position of runners-up. Adding to the accolades, Gayani Neranjala Senarathne also secured third place in the Veteran Women’s Singles, further reinforcing the depth of talent within the team.

The Group’s support for sporting excellence is strategic. By encouraging a culture that balances performance with personal passion, LOLC Holdings endorses its commitment to holistic employee well-being. The presence of a competitive yet collaborative sports culture within the Group allows employees to thrive, build camaraderie, and develop leadership and resilience in a unique setting.

To honour the victorious team, Group Managing Director, Mr. Kapila Jayawardena, together with the Group Chief Human Resource Officer, Mr. Pradeep Uluwaduge, met with all the winners along with the team’s captain, Shashika Perera encouraging sports and wellness across its Group companies.

Speaking on the significance of the achievement, Mr. Pradeep Uluwaduge stated, “This victory represents more than trophies for us, it reflects the spirit of unity, resilience, and potential that exists within our people. At LOLC, we are committed to building a workplace where personal passions are encouraged, and hidden talents are brought to light. By supporting our team members to compete on national platforms like this, we ensure that every individual has the chance to thrive, not just professionally, but personally too.”

LOLC Holdings remains steadfast in its vision of empowering its workforce through strategic investments in people-centric initiatives, especially those that promote wellness, teamwork, and personal growth. With such momentum, the Group looks forward to nurturing even more champions in the years to come, both on and off the field.

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Strategic meeting strengthens Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia trade and entrepreneurship ties

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Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Mohammed Munzir, Corporate Relationship Manager at Aljabr Finance Company, met at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and entrepreneurship development between the two nations.

The discussions centered on advancing Sri Lankan entrepreneurship, addressing key challenges, and exploring new business opportunities. A major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish the Sri Lankan Business Forum in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, support startups, and create employment opportunities for the Sri Lankan community in the region. This collaboration marks a significant step in deepening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

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