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Lanka Accelerator launched in Sri Lanka

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Lanka Accelerator Founding Partner Chanithi Gunasekera and Kaleidoscope (Pvt) Ltd Chairman Santosh Menon

Kaleidoscope (Pvt) Ltd. announced the launch of Lanka Accelerator brand in Sri Lanka today. Lanka Accelerator is powered by India Accelerator (iA) which was adjudged the Best Accelerator in India by Start Up India. Lanka Accelerator’s agreement with India Accelerator is to help support its design, development and success.

India Accelerator is part of GAN (Global Accelerator Network). The GAN is a ‘By-Invite’ network of over 80 of the most highly respected accelerators on six continents and more than 100 cities around the world. To date, the network has helped some 3,200 companies receive over $4.8B USD in funding and create 21,000 jobs globally.

Santosh Menon, Chairman Kaleidoscope (Pvt) Ltd. and Founding Partner of Lanka Accelerator said “I am truly delighted to announce the launch of Lanka Accelerator in Sri Lanka. There is no better time than this to launch such an enterprise. There is a crying need to unleash the entrepreneurial spark among the young and Lanka Accelerator aims to do just that”. He further added, “This is an unprecedented opportunity for corporate Sri Lanka to seek solutions to any problems that might enhance their efficiency and productivity- with the competence and expertise of India accelerator in offer. We will combine to offer unique customized solutions to the challenges Sri Lankan corporates face. The combination of high-quality Sri Lankan tech expertise combined with the best start-up solutions from India will add tremendous value to local businesses”.

Chanithi Gunasekera, Founding Partner of Lanka Accelerator said “There are many young people who have great business ideas, but give up because they can’t see the way forward in terms of technology support, legal advice, marketing inputs, financial planning or due to lack of investment. We would like to bring the entire ecosystem to Sri Lanka to give confidence to future unicorns that anything is possible”.

India Accelerator was adjudged the best accelerator in India- which in the last 5 years have redefined elements of the startup eco system in India.

Ashish Bhatia, Founder and CEO of India Accelerator said “We are excited to power Lanka Accelerator with our expertise and competencies. The aim is to open all the services that sit within the India Accelerator Multiverse. Start-ups can have a powerful positive impact on the society at large. From creating jobs, to providing purpose, to creating wealth, to improving GDP. Sri Lanka’s start-up ecosystem is in its nascency and there is a lot of upsides for everyone involved. Lanka Accelerator, powered by India Accelerator will offer incubation, mentorship, tech and educational support through our labs, and access to a cohort system to accelerate ideas from infancy to full development. We will also bring iAngels, our network of over 1500 global investors to support Sri Lankan Startups through investments”.

iA Verticals includes, Direct to Customer, Deep Tech, Pulse- Health Tech, Hypersonic- Web3 & Blockchain, Cipher – Cyber Security, iAgri – AgriTech, B2B SaaS, Sports, Media & Entertainment, Social Labs – Impact. It has achieved a 25X Growth in 4 years empowering 140+ Startups with a USD 350Mn valuation of IA Portfolio Companies and has created 3500+ Direct / Indirect Jobs. iA multiverse includes, iAngels- Angel Network, iA Labs- Education Services, iA CEP- Campus Engagement Programme, iA CAP – Corporate Accelerator Programme and iAspire- Female Founder’s Programme.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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