Business
lolc Finance expands to Karapitiya & relocates Kalawana
LOLC Finance PLC, the leading Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) in Sri Lanka, proudly announces the opening of a new branch in Karapitiya and a relocation in Kalawana, further solidifying its presence and commitment to serving customers across the nation. The Karapitiya branch, located at No.566 C, Hirimbura Rd, Karapitiya, Galle, and the Kalawana branch, now situated at 100/A, Mathugama Road, Kalawana, exemplify LOLC Finance’s dedication to delivering accessible financial solutions to urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.
The Karapitiya branch commenced operations with a grand opening ceremony on April 4, 2024, graced by the esteemed presence of Conrad Dias, Chairman of LOLC Finance PLC, Montini Warnakula, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Finance PLC, Prasanna Karadagolla, Head of Channels at LOLC Finance PLC and Nalaka Mohotti, Regional Manager of LOLC Finance PLC. The event garnered enthusiastic participation of the staff, valued customers, and well-wishers from the surrounding neighbourhood.
The relocation of the Kalawana branch to a strategic locale on Mathugama Road was celebrated with an inauguration ceremony on March 25, 2024. Prasanna Karadagolla, Head of Channels at LOLC Finance PLC, and . Nalaka Mohotti, Regional Manager of LOLC Finance PLC, graced the event, joined by staff members and well-wishers.
In light of these developments, Conrad Dias, Chairman of LOLC Finance PLC, expressed his thoughts, stating, “We are delighted to reaffirm the strength of our footprint with the opening of these new locations in Karapitiya and Kalawana. The inauguration of these branches reflects our strategic vision to expand our presence in key locations, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers. These expansions emphasize our promise to reaching out to communities with readiness, and ease of access across Sri Lanka, empowering them with innovative financial solutions tailored to their needs. Over the years, the company has spearheaded ground-breaking initiatives and solutions, propelling the nation towards a prosperous economy while prioritizing financial inclusion and customer-centricity.”
LOLC Finance stands at the forefront, boasting a significant portion of over 25% of the entire customer base within the NBFI sector. Innovations such as the LOLC Real Time online portal and the iPay mobile application have profoundly reshaped the digital banking landscape, introducing new levels of convenience, reliability, and security for LOLC Finance customers. With a resolute pledge to excellence and innovation, expanding to over 212 branches across the country, LOLC Finance is primed to shape the trajectory of finance arena fostering sustainable growth and prosperity nationwide.
Rated (SL) A by Lanka Rating Agency, LOLC Finance PLC is licensed by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, ensuring adherence to stringent regulatory standards and bolstering trust among its stakeholders.
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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