Business
People’s Bank and UGC tie-up to provide laptop loans to undergraduates
People’s Bank has entered into a partnership with University Grant Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka to provide loan facilities to undergraduates of all universities in the country with easy repayment plans. This special loan scheme has been introduced to fulfill a promise given by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his election manifesto “Saubagye Dekma” to empower all university undergraduates with the latest technology.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announcing the partnership was exchanged by Sujeewa Rajapakse – chairman of People’s Bank and Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge – chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) at the People’s Bank Head Office on July 29. Ranjith Kodituwakku – Chief Executive Officer / General Manager of People’s Bank, Dr. Priyantha Premakumara – Secretary of UGC, Ubayakula Ranaweera – Head of Finance/Accountant of UGC together with K.B. Rajapakse – Senior Deputy General Manager-Retail Banking, G.P. Renuka Jayasinghe – Deputy General Manager-Process Management, Quality Assurance and Retail Banking and Lionel Galagedara – Deputy General Manager-Channel Management, all from People’s Bank, were present on the occasion.
With this historical partnership, all Sri Lankan undergraduates will benefit through a concessionary loan scheme to purchase laptop computers which suit their respective education areas. The loan facilities will be granted to purchase laptops with specifications that are pre-approved by the University Grants Commission at a more concessionary interest rate with easy repayment plans. The undergraduates are privileged to pay only the interest portion during the university course period while repayment of the loan capital will commence after they have graduated from their respective university.
Expressing his opinion on the partnership, Sujeewa Rajapakse – Chairman of People’s Bank stated, “We are pleased to introduce this special loan scheme for undergraduates of all universities in the country. We are confident that these laptops will assist them to carry out their studies while providing them access to global knowledge which will allow them to be always updated in their respective field.”
Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge – Chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) stated, “Today, we marked another milestone in our university system in the country, I hope this strong bond with the largest bank with such a widespread branch network in the country will provide all the undergraduates with a great opportunity to complete their degrees while creating financial discipline in their life.”
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.
The sun will be directly overhead Colombo, Awissawella, Talawakelle, Dimbula, Galakumbura and Dambagalla at about 12:12 noon today [07]
Heavy rainfall of above 100 mm is likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva and North-central provinces and in Ampara district
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