DevPro Guarantee Limited (DevPro) and Affno Virtual Market (Pvt) Limited (AVM) recently entered into a partnership to launch a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) digital marketplace platform “Green Tape Agri Exchange’ to uplift smallholder farmers/ producers in the spice value chain by connecting them with end buyers.

Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, managing nearly 80% of the nation’s farmland and producing about 80% of nation’s food production. They are essential to food security, rural employment, and economic stability. However, poverty among smallholder farmers is a persistent rural crisis. Recent studies have highlighted the depth of this issue with approximately 82% of the country’s poor being concentrated in rural areas where agriculture remains the primary livelihood.

Due to inefficient marketing systems – poor market access, inadequate storage facilities and a lack of information on market prices – smallholder farmers often receive less than the optimal market prices which considerably limit their ability to expand operations, improve productivity and achieve scale.

Speaking on the partnership, DevPro’s Executive Director Chamindry Saparamadu said ‘as an organization committed to building a sustainable agriculture sector, we are pleased to collaborate with AVM to explore means to address market barriers through digital innovation. Our ultimate objective is to empower smallholder farmers and strengthen the local economy by creating a transparent and sustainable supply chain’. The CEO/ Managing Director of AVM Suren Kannangara said ‘we are excited to partner with DevPro to digitally transform the agricultural value chain. Green Tape Agri Exchange represents a scalable, data-driven model to digitize fragmented markets, improving price discovery, reducing intermediaries, and creating predictable, quality-driven market access for both farmers and buyers.

Nestlé’s household favourites continued their winning streak at the SLIMKANTAR People’s Awards 2026, taking home two awards this year. NESCAFÉ was voted People’s Hot Beverage Brand of the Year while MAGGI emerged as the joint-winner for People’s Snack Brand of the Year respectively for the fifth consecutive year. Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards is widely considered as one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the country, rewarding brands and personalities that are closest to the hearts of Sri Lankans.

Loved by Sri Lankans for its distinct aroma and rich taste, NESCAFÉ is made with the goodness of 100% pure coffee beans to create great coffee experiences that make life better. Made using Sri Lankan spices and the finest ingredients, the tasty goodness of MAGGI noodles has been a household favourite by Sri Lankans for over 40 years.

Sharing his thoughts, Bernie Stefan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka said “The People’s Awards hold special meaning for us as they are shaped entirely by consumer choice. Being recognised for the fifth consecutive year for NESCAFÉ as Hot Beverage Brand of the Year and MAGGI as Snack Brand of the Year reflects the enduring trust Sri Lankan consumers place in our brands – trust that has been built over generations during our 120‑year journey in Sri Lanka. This recognition belongs to our teams, whose commitment to quality and understanding local tastes continues to earn the confidence of consumers. We are grateful for this continued support and remain focused on serving Sri Lankan households with tasty and nutritious products”.

Guided by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé Lanka has been enriching Sri Lankan lives for 120 years, nourishing generations with tasty, and nutritious products across the country. The company remains committed to supporting healthier families, empowered communities, and a greener planet. Nestlé Lanka manufactures over 90% of its products locally at its state‑of‑the‑art factory in Kurunegala, upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.

JXG, the parent company of the Janashakthi Group, an established financial conglomerate comprising of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, First Capital Holdings PLC and Janashakthi Finance PLC, will open its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on 9th April 2026, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

The IPO proposes to raise LKR 5 billion through the issue of 500 million ordinary voting shares at LKR 10.00 per share, amounting to a 21.74% stake in the listed entity. An independent valuation by Deloitte Sri Lanka places JXG’s per‑share value at LKR 15.92, with the IPO share price offering a 37.18% discount.

Proceeds from the IPO will be strategically allocated to fuel growth. LKR 3.5 billion to expand and diversify its financial services footprint through strategic entry and expansion across the General Insurance, Microfinance, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI), LKR 500 million for regional overseas expansion, and LKR 1 billion to retire debt, optimise the capital structure and enhance financial flexibility.

As JXG becomes a listed entity, it reiterates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance and transparency. The Board already benefits from strong independent oversight, with five Independent Non‑Executive Directors.

First Capital Advisory Services (Pvt) Ltd acts as the Manager and Financial Advisor to the Issue.