Business
Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics and Koko collaborate
Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics (LHD) recently partnered with the region’s largest ‘Buy Now – Pay Later’ (BNPL) App, Koko. LHD is the first laboratory service to partner up with Koko whereby LHD clients are offered the convenience of making payments in three interest-free instalments.
Koko, launched in 2020 is a venture by Sri Lanka’s largest e-commerce company Daraz. The service quickly gained popularity post-COVID-19 due to the convenience it offered to users to pay in 3 equal instalments within 60 days at 0% interest. Koko’s focus on catering to both credit and debit cardholders has resulted in outstanding growth within a short span of time, with the App counting over 500,000 users and 2000+ merchants across the island at present.
“LHD focuses on cutting-edge technological advancements and gears its innovations to keep abreast with international medical laboratory standards. We believe that every Sri Lankan deserves to be treated through insights gathered from an accurate medical laboratory report. LHD’s partnership with Koko signifies the commitment to make quality healthcare affordable to all Sri Lankans.” said Dr. Geethani Galagoda, Head of Laboratories of LHD.
Dr. Galagoda further stated that the unprecedented economic challenges have compelled the majority of citizens to prioritise their spending. She further highlighted the salience of prioritising healthcare spending over other forms of expenses, as negligence in primary screening laboratory tests can exacerbate to greater health complications that will demand a greater amount of spending which will severely compromise the quality of living.
Being a groundbreaker in Sri Lanka’s fintech industry, Koko aims to bring financial freedom and convenience to its customers, whilst enabling growth for brands, retailers and businesses. Koko’s intent to serve the 18 million debit cardholder base and beyond in Sri Lanka has proven to be fruitful, allowing the App to penetrate deep into the Sri Lankan population.
“Koko is, first and foremost, committed to bettering the lives of all Sri Lankans, whether
it be financial freedom or in this instance, affordable access to lifesaving services. Our partnership
with LHD is a testament to that mission. We are excited to collaborate with a pioneer in medical laboratory services and offer our users the convenience of easy instalment plans for important diagnostic services with just a simple sign-up for access to instant credit limits and interest free instalments, even with a debit card.” – Naheed Zainudeen, Head of Commercial – Daraz Financial Services.
Being a trailblazer in medical laboratory services, LHD stands tall as the only College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited lab chain with an extensive presence across the country counting over 50 fully owned laboratory outlets and 9 minilabs, coupled with the globally accredited, state-of-the-art, reference laboratory complex at Narahenpita. Through this extensive presence, LHD has enabled all citizens of Sri Lanka to benefit from top notch diagnostic services at affordable prices.
A fully owned subsidiary of Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC, LHD is the first Sri Lankan laboratory to consistently be accredited with CAP for over 6 years since 2017 to date, a solid proof for the unmatched high standards achieved by LHD spearheading the benchmark for achieving quality at an affordable price in the healthcare industry and now ensuring that innovation and technology supports its customers wherever needed.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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