Business
Seylan Bank redefines FinTech collaboration as exclusive processor on Helakuru
Representing its continued efforts to enable efficient partnerships and collaborations within the FinTech ecosystem of Sri Lanka, Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, recently partnered with Bhasha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd in an effort to become the direct-debit payment processor for the Helakuru Superapp.
This development means that any Helakuru user who uses the app to make payments towards utilities, services or merchants, will do so via Seylan Bank’s use of LankaPay’s JustPay service. As JustPay enables users to withdraw funds from any bank. any bank account for these transactions, Helakuru users have a world of convenience at their fingertips.
Seylan Bank has understood that mobile banking applications have inherent limitations where account access is provided only to Account holders of the relevant bank. However, identifying the need to enrich the eco system by further developing the FinTech platform, Seylan Bank identified the need and enabled the customers to add bank accounts from any bank to carry out their transactions on Helakuru, all of which will be processed by Seylan Bank.
“Seylan Bank constantly looks at wholistically understanding the needs of all customers and thereby enabling products and services that will empower them with better access to financial and banking facilities. This partnership re-defines how we look at collaborations because we are not limiting our facilities to Seylan customers only. It is yet another step towards using relevant technology to offer better services to our people,” stated Chaminda Senewiratne, Head of Digital Banking, Seylan Bank.
“We are elated to have one of Sri Lanka’s leading banking institutions join hands with us in our journey to empower the lives of masses with simplified digital services. Seylan Bank is the ideal partner for us as their efforts to push towards the digitalisation of our society has been more than apparent in recent times. I am confident that this is only the start of a fruitful and longstanding partnership within the digital payment ecosystem in the country,” said Dhanika Perera, CEO, Bhasha Lanka Pvt Ltd.
In addition to its efforts towards driving a complete digital lifestyle among Sri Lanka’s citizens, this partnership allows for Seylan Bank to reach and enrich a large segment of customers within and outside the Banks’ ecosystem, ultimately leading to a more digitally inclusive nation.
Helakuru Superapp currently has over 4 million active users which is the largest active user base for a home-grown mobile app, translating to an even larger customer base that is now empowered with the ability to make payments via the app. As Seylan Bank looks forward to a cashless future, efforts such as this stand as a testament to the importance of collaborations with the many FinTechs present in Sri Lanka. The partnership between Helakuru and Seylan Bank will certainly add to the platform which offers multiple digital services, leading to a more digitally empowered citizenry.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
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.
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.
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
Rains add to misery in quake-hit Myanmar as death toll rises to 3,471
Zimbabwe to scrap tariffs on US goods as it faces 18% Trump levy
-
Business16 hours agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features2 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business3 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business4 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business3 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports5 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features2 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports4 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka