Business
SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise strengthens collaboration with MBSL to deliver cutting-edge connectivity solutions
Committed to supporting customers’ evolving connectivity needs, SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise signed a bilateral agreement with the Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC (MBSL), recently solidifying a new era of collaboration between the two organizations.
The agreement was signed by Janaka Abeysinghe, CEO of SLT and Dammika Hapuhinna, CEO of MBSL at the MBSL Board Room, Colombo 03, in the presence of Lakmal Jayasinghe, Chief Business Officer – Enterprise Business of SLT-MOBITEL, and Thishan Gonagala, Asst. General Manager- IT of MBSL alongside officials representing SLT-MOBITEL and MBSL
MBLS is a leading financial services provider in Sri Lanka with a rich history in the country and is recognized as a pioneer in trade finance and investment banking. The institution is one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering financial institutions, with an illustrious history spanning over 41 years.
Based on the agreement, SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise will provide a range of cutting-edge connectivity solutions to the MBLS, comprising data networking services and enterprise business internet services, including equipment, infrastructure, and voice solutions.
SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise will provide high-speed Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) connectivity for MBSL’s central hub, including secure IPVPN connections extending island wide, reliable internet leased lines to empower MBSL, and efficient point-to-point links enhancing connectivity across the organization.
Janaka Abeysinghe, CEO of SLT, stated, “SLT-MOBITEL enterprise is pleased to reinforce our partnership with the MBSL. The collaboration will provide Enterprise capabilities and connectivity solutions that empower banking innovation. With MBSL’s insights into the banking & finance sector’s needs, and SLT-MOBITEL’S technical expertise, and nationwide infrastructure, we look forward to leveraging synergies that accelerate digital transformation in banking for superior customer experiences.
Dammika Hapuhinna – CEO of MBSL, added,” Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance is excited to enhance our partnership with SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise, uniting shared expertise and paving the way for cutting-edge connectivity solutions in the banking & finance sector. Together, we can build a future where seamless communication and financial solutions empower customers to reach new heights.”
The collaboration marks the continuation of a longstanding relationship between SLT-MOBITEL and MBSL since 2014, when MBSL became a valued customer of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. With the recent agreement, both organizations reaffirm their dedication to serving Sri Lanka and its businesses by leveraging the power of innovative communication solutions.
Both SLT-MOBITEL and MBSL believe that the enhanced collaboration will open up new opportunities and avenues for business expansion in the future. MBSL is recognized among the prominent corporate customers of SLT-MOBITEL. Establishing the new agreement is a testament to the continued trust in SLT-MOBITEL’s capabilities and service excellence.
Business
Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook
Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.
The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.
The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.
The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.
Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.
Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.
The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.
Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Business
Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund
The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.
Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.
As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.
This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.
This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.
Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Business
NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana
NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.
The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.
The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.
Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.
-
Features5 days agoPrison riots and politics: NPP’s biggest challenge and Sri Lanka’s biggest opportunity
-
Editorial6 days agoWhat’s the world coming to?
-
Foreign News7 days agoTensions erupt in Indian state after 11-year-old raped and murdered
-
Features2 days agoDirty Money
-
Editorial5 days agoMuch ado about crime: Fish or cut bait
-
Features5 days agoMore on Saudi Arabia: ARAMCO and beyond
-
Latest News3 days agoOil prices hit 1-month high as US-Iran attacks dim Strait of Hormuz outlook
-
Features4 days agoDeepening Democracy – Constitutions and Constitutionalism
