Business
Smartphone industry is evolving at a breakneck speed: Yiran An, senior product manager, vivo Imaging Centre
Please note that this is a continuation of an interview published on Friday where Yiran An,senior product manager, vivo Imaging Centre talked about imaging capabilities, to mark the World Photography Day which fell on August 19.
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Q. Why do we sometimes get blurry images when capturing images?
It is very important to determine the right exposure at that right time! New age content creators, photographers, and creative minds confront a severe difficulty when shooting outside in low light, which results in poor, blurry photographs. However, as a camera-centric brand, we recognised this problem and built a one-stop solution in vivo’s premium series with futuristic camera smartphones equipped with improvements such as Gimbal Stabilization, OIS, EIS and much more. These technologies not only stabilise and sharpen images, but they also eliminate background noise, resulting in clearer faces and improved focus.
Technically speaking, vivo’s innovative software-hardware mechanism create synergy to increase shutter speed to capture clearer selfies and high-quality pictures and videos at any point of time. vivo’s V Series massively interests country’s youth, who incline towards mobile photography whereas X Series stands for professional imaging experience ensuring high-quality images utilized by professionals. We have combined the traditional OIS optical stabilization and EIS software stabilization based on the hardware stabilization to enhance the stabilization angle, smoothness, and stability of the video shooting to achieve an enhanced stabilization effect and experience. In addition, we further have also developed diversified creative shooting functions in X80 series such as 360° Horizontal Image Stabilization to make the phone have the functions of a professional sports camera. These advancements are successfully bridging the gap for a powerful photography device that suits the spirit of our age.
Q. Competition calls for innovation. How does vivo encounter this challenge?
Most of the people I meet still get amazed and curious that such a small device can capture outstanding photos using its multi-camera setup offered by various industry players. Well, it is correct, smartphone camera capabilities are proving to be a game changer. Smartphone manufacturers are complacent that inclusion of multiple camera setup has ensured more powerful cameras and this trend will continue. We have always pushed boundaries in terms of technology ever since its inception and vivo has been a pioneer in providing the latest technology, trendy design, and powerful smartphones to users.
Q. Integration of right software into the photography hardware must be critical for incredible results. How does vivo achieve this?
The smartphone industry is evolving at a break-neck speed. To survive and thrive in this digital era, the brands are getting acquainted with the changing mobile development trends. Today, the smartphone is the key to digital media success. It critically transforms business models and have grown to serve as our primary computing devices. As a leading imaging technology brand, we aim to provide new age digital technologies to build advanced software-hardware mechanism that creates synergy to capture clearer images and high-quality videos anytime, anywhere. For instance, ZEISS T*Coating deeply explores many coating processes to empower the night shooting experience with underlying technologies. We continuously optimize lens material to ensure superior imaging quality, our High-Transmittance Glass Lens, the material of which is frequently used in professional DSLR cameras, in X70 series. This optical material boasts the highest Abbe number (dispersion coefficient) in the phone sector. Additionally, Self-engineered technologies help optimize dynamic range, overall image quality and low-light capture capabilities of time-lapse shooting to easily deliver pro effects in vivo smartphones. Hence, these technologies put forth the idea of powerful hardware work together for a better software output.
Q. Are any of vivo smartphones equipped with a telephoto camera?
Yes! I can confidently say that we are dedicated to meet consumers’ growing demands for enhanced camera around the world. Observing that advanced camera has become a core part of consumers’ requirement we delivered X70 with the 60X Hyper Zoom, also known as the Periscope Camera, allows photographers to capture subjects from a great distance via the zooming algorithm. This feature helps turn faraway objects into strikingly vivid images while maintaining the quality of the image.
Q. When one buys a new smartphone, what should he or she know about its digital zooming capabilities?
With multiple lenses, advanced software and extensive zooms, the smartphone cameras on the very latest are beginning to seem even more advanced than actual cameras. While it is true that camera phones are witnessing active innovation, it is important to remember that many industry players are trying to squeeze performance features into flat devices. Users first need to decide how and when to zoom, sharp focal length with no loss in quality, artificially enlarged images, quality of lens, digital zoom algorithms, cropping and processing software should be considered when finding a dedicated camera smartphone.
Q. Where is vivo placed in AI technology sphere?
Equipped with AI capabilities, vivo smartphones can now capture spectacular images. Most industry players including vivo leverage computational photography techniques to boost the quality of images, and the arrival of AI has pushed the capabilities of computational photography to another level. From image recognition to imaging processing technologies vivo’s AI powered smartphones offer the foundation for a plethora of smart photography features and AI-powered image enhancing algorithms.
Q. What do you think will be the advancing digital technologies which will have immense potential in the near future?
When discussing the progress and transformation of smartphone camera technology, it is impossible not to include vivo the global technology company! We have set numerous milestones ranging from pop-up cameras and dual selfies to night cameras, AI portraits and OIS front camera. vivo has revolutionised the smartphone market by providing users with various cutting-edge technologies and we believe that in the future with fast paced technology, vivo will continue to develop in categories such as night photography, portraits, sports mode, videography, and other mobile photography features. vivo will continue to seek changing industry trends to pursue innovation based on users’ insights and strengthen technical capabilities for improving the overall standard of mobile photography.
Q. Finally, can you say with great honesty that vivo is a best camera phone one can buy right now?
As mobile photography is one of the vivo strategic tracks and we are investing resources to pioneer camera innovations. I can say that vivo today offers leading smartphones with futuristic innovation. We have strengthened our engagement with the consumers community with profound interests in photography and futuristic smartphone technologies. Keeping up with the Benfen concept of bringing the greatest technology and optimum user experience. Our global partnership with leader in optics, ZEISS to innovate imaging system for smartphones is a testament to that. It is rare to find a global smartphone technology company creating a series of advancements by bringing perfect fusion of camera technology at par with international technology and local needs. Our product offerings will provide highly improved concepts and features in the future to keep up with consumers’ desires, trust, and provide them with limitless opportunities to unfold the potential and allow customers to enjoy remarkable smartphone experiences.
Business
Shark and Ray Karawala
When we buy shark dry fish (Mora Karawala), do we really know what species we are consuming? What if endangered sharks are hiding in our meal? Most consumers are unaware.
In Sri Lanka, dried fish is more than food; it is a flavour, a tradition and a way of life. Affordable, long-lasting, and rich in taste, it has become a staple across the island, mainly in rural communities, the dry zone, and hill country. While most fish are eaten fresh, about 14% of the catch is preserved through age-old methods, such as salting, sun drying, smoking and fermentation. Whether served as a main dish (Karawala) or as a flavourful condiment (Umbalakada), dried fish has secured a special place on Sri Lankan plates.
Today, nearly two-thirds of the demand for dry fish is met locally, with dried sharks being the most common and popular in markets. And many people believe that milk sharks are particularly nutritious for lactating mothers.
Typically, part of the excess fish supply in peak seasons, fish arrive late from multiday fishing boats, fish from the bottom of nets, fish that are susceptible to quick spoilage or have low market appeal, are used to produce dry fish rather than letting this resource go to waste. In many coastal villages, drying fish is carried out at the fishing “waadi” (fishing villages/houses) level, often led by women as a means of earning supplementary income.
- Salting (not an elasmobranch
- Cutting rays into pieces prior to salting
But this comes with a cost. Sharks and Rays are slow-growing, late maturing and producing only a few young cannot keep up with rising demand. Sharks and Rays are captured by large-scale artisanal fisheries and often retained as bycatch. Mainly exploited for their meat and other derivatives, including gill plates, fins, and skins. Overfishing has pushed their populations into serious decline.
In Sri Lanka, over 60–70% of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List, with many others listed as Data Deficient — meaning their true status may be even worse. Only a handful of species might be considered less at risk, but even those assessments are uncertain.
Once dried, it becomes nearly impossible to identify which species are being sold. Drying removes distinguishing features, making it impossible to verify the species or ensure sustainability. Labelling is virtually non-existent, and consumers have no reliable way to tell which species they are purchasing.
This means endangered sharks are likely ending up on plates across the country — without anyone realising it. Given the high proportion of threatened species and the lack of transparency, the safest and most responsible choice is to avoid all shark-based dried fish entirely.
By choosing alternative dried fish products made from more sustainable species, we can protect Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity and ensure that our cultural traditions remain part of a future where sharks still swim in our oceans.
About the Author:
Apsara Rupasinghe, a zoologist with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Zoology, is pursuing MPhil research on shark and ray genetics at BRT-FiPo, with a background in conservation genetics and population genetics. Her work involves combining genetics and conservation to improve species identification and protect endangered elasmobranch species. Apsara pays special attention to the dry fish industry in Sri Lanka as part of her research.
by Apsara Rupasinghe
(Researcher, Fisheries and Policy Programme, Blue Resources Trust)
Business
SPAR Sri Lanka opens first Kandy outlet, redefining modern retail in hill capital
SPAR Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 12th outlet—its first in the historic city of Kandy and only the second outside the Western Province. Established in 2018 as a joint venture between SPAR South Africa Group and Ceylon Biscuits Limited, SPAR Sri Lanka combines global expertise with strong local roots.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of SPAR Sri Lanka highlighted the cultural and commercial significance of Kandy, noting that the brand’s aim is “not just to open a store, but to serve the community in a meaningful and relevant way.”
The Kandy outlet offers over 6,200 products, with nearly 3,900 locally sourced, supporting farmers, producers, and SMEs, while the remaining range includes imported SPAR international brands. Innovative features such as a dedicated pet care section, TOPs liquor store, pharmacy, and banking facilities create a one-stop lifestyle destination.
SPAR Sri Lanka is also fostering youth employment and professional development, providing structured training programs to equip staff with globally recognised retail skills. The store has created over 50 jobs in the region and supports local suppliers in meeting international standards, opening doors for broader market access.
With its SPAR2U online platform and SPAR Rewards app, customers can enjoy convenience and value, while the company’s ecosystem approach supports retailers, suppliers, and communities alike. The brand’s next expansion is scheduled in Kurunegala, underscoring SPAR Sri Lanka’s vision of reshaping retail while uplifting local economies.
Text and Pic By S.K Samaranayake
Business
Sri Lanka Insurance Life Honoured at Great Managers Awards, Becoming First SOE to Achieve this Recognition
Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life) was recognised at the prestigious ‘Great Managers Awards 2025’, held on 26th March 2026 at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, marking a significant milestone as the first State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) to receive this recognition.
Organised by CLA Coaching in collaboration with the Colombo Leadership Academy, the awards recognise organisations and individuals who demonstrate excellence in leadership and managerial effectiveness, benchmarked against global best practices through a rigorous evaluation process.
Sri Lanka Insurance Life was recognised under the category of ‘Companies with Great Managers’, reflecting its commitment to nurturing leadership talent and building a culture that supports sustainable performance and people development.
Several SLIC Life team members were also honoured across multiple categories, highlighting the depth of leadership within the organisation. Duminda Pieris, Assistant General Manager/Zonal Head, was recognised for Driving Results and Execution Excellence, while Chaminda Athauda, Deputy General Manager – Life, received recognition for Aligning Organisational Vision. Jagath Welgama, Deputy General Manager – National Sales, and Manjula Darmaprema Branch Manager – Pilimathalawa were acknowledged for Building Team Effectiveness and Collaboration. Amali Gomez, Manager – Corporate & Marketing Communications, was recognised for Integrality and Holistic Approach. Ruchira Edirisinghe, Brand Manager, and Uththara Kapugamage, Manager – Employee Engagement, were both recognised as Great Millennial Managers.
Commenting on the achievement, Nalin Subasinghe Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance Life stated: “We are truly humbled and honoured to be recognised at the Great Managers Awards 2025, especially as the first State-Owned Enterprise to receive this accolade. This achievement is a testament to the strength, dedication, and professionalism of our team, who continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership across all levels of the organisation. We take great pride in this collective success.” He further added, “We also commend this initiative for its role in encouraging organisations to nurture and develop future leaders. Platforms such as these are vital in shaping strong leadership cultures that drive sustainable business success and industry-wide progress.”
This recognition underscores Sri Lanka Insurance Life’s ongoing commitment to developing its people, strengthening leadership capabilities, and fostering a high-performance culture that contributes to long-term organisational success.
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