Business
Hemas launches special AYATI song and Ideation Zone on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Hemas Outreach Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Hemas Group marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3rd of December, with the release of a special song by Bhathiya and Santhush (BNS) dedicated to children with disabilities as well as the launch of an ‘Ideation Zone’ at the AYATI National Centre for Children with Disabilities in Ragama. Hemas, a truly Sri Lankan company that believes in championing an inclusive world where no child is left behind, joined the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Kelaniya in 2016 to set up the AYATI Trust Sri Lanka, together with MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Roshan Wijerama Foundation, Rotary District 3220, and built the centre with support from the Sri Lanka Army.
The dynamic musical duo BNS developed the AYATI song, to support the Centre’s campaign to eradicate the stigma related to disability, especially Down Syndrome. The lyrics of the song are based on the reality faced by children with disabilities and impresses on people that they too need to be loved, given equal opportunities to attend schools together with other children. Such inclusivity enables them to socialize with others, become independent and integrate into society as productive citizens in the country.
“At Hemas, we strive to enrich the lives of the communities of our nation and we work through the Hemas Outreach Foundation to create a more inclusive world. All children must be given the opportunity to unleash their full potential and it is vital that each of us play our part to empower children with disabilities and their families to lead a dignified life,” Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Group CEO Hemas Holdings PLC said, commenting on the initiative, further adding, “As a part of our commitment to make healthful living happen across the nation we launched the ‘Piyawara’ program in 2002. This program was initiated focusing on early childhood development in Sri Lanka to enrich the lives of children from underprivileged communities since we believe no child should be left behind. Earlier this year we launched ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ (Treat All Alike) a social movement aimed towards empowering children and families with Down Syndrome, creating a platform to recognize their rights and promote inclusivity in today’s society.”
Prof. Nilanthi de Silva – Vice Chancellor of University of Kelaniya and Chairperson of AYATI Trust Sri Lanka and Dr. L. Ranaweera – Director of Colombo North Teaching Hospital- Ragama together with a child from the Ayati Center ceremoniously cutting the ribbon.
With over 20% of children in Sri Lanka estimated to have some form of a disability, the AYATI Trust works towards creating an inclusive society to prevent those with disabilities from being subjected to prejudice and lack of access to specialized services.
Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and Chairperson of AYATI Trust Sri Lanka spoke about the importance of the work done by the Centre. “This year’s theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic combined with myths and lack of awareness and understanding about disabilities has led to the worsening of social isolation experienced by countless numbers of children. Though many children with disabilities have their innate talents, they are not given opportunities to shine in the same way as other children. At the AYATI Centre, we work towards bridging this gap.
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.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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