South Asia’s largest construction equipment exhibition began December 9 in Bangalore, India showcasing a broad range of next-generation machinery and technologies. Equipment and tools demonstrated improved productivity, advanced controls, energy-efficiency, telematics integration, IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance. These innovations support better project outcomes across roads, highways, rail, and metro. Sea ports. Airports, mining and development.

The event stands as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and business engagement. It brings together stakeholders who are shaping India’s transition towards infrastructure that is smarter, greener and aligned with global standards.

“India continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most dynamic growth engines supported by decisive policy direction and a renewed national focus on infrastructure” said Rajiv Memani President Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the inauguration of EXCON 13th edition held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru. Memani further stated that as investment expands across transportation, logistics, urban development and manufacturing, EXCON 2025 becomes a vital platform to showcase how industry and innovation are shaping this momentum.

Speaking at the inauguration R Mukundan President designate CII and Chairman EXCON 2025 noted that ‘’India is on a historic growth trajectory aiming to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision and Infrastructure will be the backbone of this transformation with INR 11.21 lakh crore allocated for Financial Year 2025/26. Projects such as Bharatmala, high-speed rail and Smart Cities under PM Gati Shakti are driving connectivity and urban development.” He said Excon supports this by bringing innovators, policymakers and industry leaders together to introduce automation, IoT, AI-driven machinery and green technologies to improve execution and competitiveness. He added, “Every edition sets benchmarks and will continue to empower stakeholders and drive modernisation.”

“EXCON 2025 stands as a testament to India’s growing engineering excellence and global aspirations. As we embrace new technologies and sustainable practices, the Indian construction industry is poised shape the infrastructure landscape of tomorrow” said Deepak Shetty, President ICEMA and CEO/MD JCB India Ltd.

“The exhibition brings together Industry leaders, policy makers and innovators of South Asia to highlight the crucial role of advanced technologies, manufacturing strength and green practices in shaping the national growth as we move in to a new era of infrastructure” said Chandrajith Banerjee, Director General, CII.

Over one million business visitors are expected during this period. Over 1250 exhibitors display a wide range of construction equipment from across the world with 7 country pavilions from China, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Turkey and the United Kingdome. They showcase a wide spectrum of global construction technologies and equipment solutions. The presence of these pavilions reinforces EXCON’s role as a bridge between global innovation and South India infrastructure goals.

OTR Lanka and Laugfs Corporation (Rubber) Ltd took part as trade partners from Sri Lanka.

Event was sponsored by well reputed brands such as; AJAX, BKT, CATERPILLAR, conmar, JCB, KOBELCO, KOMATSU, MRCRUSHING IT, PUZZOLONA, RMX, SANY, SCHWING Stetter, TATA HITACHI, VENUS, ACE, Apollo, ARX, Bobcat, EMERALD, HAIL STONE. HYUNDAI, MAHAVEER DISTRIBUTORS, Parker, VELVEX, walavoil, wipro and WIRTGEN GROUP.

by Claude Gunasekera

China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd South Asia & Southeast Asia, working in close coordination with the Sri Lanka Army, the Road Development Authority (RDA), local authorities and surrounding communities, has recently completed the emergency clearing of the A5 highway, restoring a vital transportation link that had been severely obstructed by landslides and debris in the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. The work was carried out from 04th December to 10th December over a continuous seven-day period.

The A5 highway, a key route for community connectivity, emergency service access and the transport of essential supplies, became impassable after the cyclone triggered extensive damage across multiple regions. Responding to urgent requests from relevant authorities, China Harbour South Asia & Southeast Asia mobilised its specialised rescue teams, heavy machinery and technical expertise to accelerate the clearance process and support national recovery operations. China Harbour has been working in Sri Lanka since 1998, marking 27 years of partnership with the country. The company noted that it has also actively participated in rescue and relief efforts during major national disasters such as tsunamis, bomb attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its longstanding commitment to Sri Lanka during moments of crisis.

A coordinated ground operation involving rescue personnel, 24 land-clearing machines and 36 trained workers was deployed to the affected areas. Working through unstable terrain and challenging weather conditions, the team removed large volumes of earth, fallen trees, rocks and damaged structures, allowing authorities to safely reopen the highway for public use.

The restoration of the A5 highway forms an important component of the company’s broader relief efforts following Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. These efforts included early rescue deployments, the distribution of emergency supplies and coordinated financial support through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CCCSL), reaffirming China Harbour South Asia & Southeast Asia’s commitment to supporting the country during times of national need.

SLT‑MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, reaffirmed leadership in corporate accountability and transparency, winning top honours at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2025, organised by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka), held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, recently.

The company was feted as the Winner of Best Integrated Report – Telecommunications Sector (State) and further recognized with a Certificate of Compliance, demonstrating commitment to sustainable value creation and world‑class reporting standards.

The achievement showcases SLT‑MOBITEL’s ability to expand from traditional reporting, and deliver a comprehensive, stakeholder‑focused narrative incorporating financial performance with sustainability, governance, and social impact.

In aligning the annual reporting with global best practices, SLT‑MOBITEL has strengthened credibility, reinforced investor confidence, and established how cohesive thinking drives long‑term value.

The award also affirms SLT-MOBITEL’s success in embedding ESG principles and sustainability into every aspect of operations and dedication to building trust, and driving innovation, shaping a more transparent and sustainable future for Sri Lanka. The company aims to leverage innovation and integrated thinking to empower communities, strengthen its business, and contribute to the country’s digital future.

Now in its 11th consecutive year, the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards is a benchmark for corporate reporting excellence in Sri Lanka. The awards recognize organizations that demonstrate best practices in integrated reporting, ensuring that companies communicate a clear, holistic view of their strategy, governance, and performance.