Business
John Keells Properties & DFCC Bank Partner on ‘Freedom Mortgages’
As part of its commitment to bringing ease and flexibility to potential homeowners in Sri Lanka, John Keells Properties has inked a partnership with DFCC Bank, to supplement the property developer’s ground-breaking Freedom Mortgages home finance scheme.
Being the first-of-its-kind in the country, this mortgage plan is offered to potential homeowners looking at investing in John Keells Properties’ upcoming TRI-ZEN residential development, with DFCC Bank now playing a significant role in alleviating customers’ home loan burdens.
The Freedom Mortgage plan promises customers the financial relief of a two-year interest free period on their mortgage, with the customer only having to pay 20% up front. The bank will fund up to 80% of the purchase price and the loan will be offered at exceptional interest rates, a news release on the scheme said.
“We have been innovating in the mortgage space for quite some time now and DFCC Bank was one of our earliest partners in trying to really expand the reach of housing in the centre of the city to more people. With this package we want to put TRI-ZEN and inner city living within the reach of a much broader swathe of the population,” commented Nayana Mawilmada, Sector Head, John Keells Properties.
“John Keells Properties’ Freedom Mortgage home finance scheme is truly unprecedented in the value it offers its TRI-ZEN customers,” added Gillian Edwards, Senior Vice President – Consumer Banking of DFCC Bank on the collaboration. “Through this partnership, we are able to expand the breadth of our service offering so as to provide an even greater opportunity for Sri Lanka’s homeowners to stake claim to an apartment at Colombo’s most anticipated residential community.”
DFCC Bank offers the Freedom Mortgage Loan to any individual securing an apartment at TRI-ZEN. A fixed income earner, professional or a self-employed individual with an income sufficient to meet the monthly loan commitment is eligible to apply for a DFCC Home Loan, the release said.
Applicants could opt for a pre-approved home loan for which credit approval will be provided within three working days. The teams of professionals at every DFCC Bank Branch offer unmatched customer service and the assurance of extended support throughout the transaction.
TRI-ZEN is a joint venture between Indra Traders (Pvt) Ltd and John Keells Holdings PLC. When complete in 2023, the 53-storey development will have a total of 891 one, two, and three-bedroomed ‘smart home’ units, each tastefully designed and equipped with a suite of key amenities. With its enviable address, competitive price tag -starting at Rs 26 million-, and the range of conveniences and facilities afforded exclusively to its resident community, TRI-ZEN is slated to be the most anticipated property and living experience for urbanites looking to set up their dream home.
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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