Business
Sysco LABS Fosters the Next Generation of Future-Ready Sri Lankan Tech Talent
‘Project Summit’ Program’s first batch of budding engineers completes their training
Sysco LABS Sri Lanka’s ‘Project Summit’ program recently celebrated the completion of training of its first batch of engineers. ‘Project Summit’ was launched in May this year to inspire and develop a new generation of future-ready engineers who can excel in the world of innovation and emerging tech. Batch 1 comprised undergraduates and graduates who were all mentored by senior talent at Sysco LABS to increase their technical knowledge and explore new technologies.
The 6-month program acts as a platform that facilitates accelerated growth for recruits straight from university, enabling them to execute new tech concepts classified under ‘4th industrial revolution tech’ (4IR). During the training, participants received exposure and mentorship on 4IR concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality and the Internet of Things. They were also familiarized with business domain knowledge, project management, best industry practices and processes to develop the right skills.
During their training, participants focused on 4IR technologies, including AI, augmented reality and blockchain, that could transform the food services sector. Some unique solutions included AI-based warehouse waste management solutions, food freshness analyzers, demand forecasting systems, chatbots, blockchain-based loyalty reward systems and interactive browsing on E-commerce platforms using augmented reality. To complete the program, participants had to not just submit new concepts, but instead, they had to work with different technologies to create minimum viable products of their ideas – leading them to explore both the theoretical and practical application aspects of their proposed solutions.
Commenting on Project Summit, Nishantha Hettiarachchi, Director – Enterprise and Architecture at Sysco LABS, said: “Project Summit fosters a new generation of engineers ready to meet the demands of a tech-driven world. It is built to showcase Sri Lanka’s ingenuity and how prepared we are as a nation to disrupt the future. Project Summit was designed to be a launch pad for fresh graduates to execute the new technologies they studied about in universities, in a real-world, working environment”.
“The brilliant young minds in the first batch have made great progress and we look forward to continuing this initiative to fast-track young engineers by equipping them with the skills and experience required to excel in the tech industry. While helping to encourage a culture of learning, innovation and progress within the company, I also believe that by completing this program, our new associates are ready to deliver on our organization’s purpose of connecting the world to share food and care for another.”
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.
Business
Ceylon Energy unveils Apollo Investment Platform at Energize 2026
To open sustainable energy projects to all investors
Ceylon Energy hosted Energize 2026, a global forum featuring experts from Hubbell, CTC Global, and Aclara Technologies, to discuss advanced transmission, smart grids, and digital energy infrastructure. The event’s centerpiece was the launch of Apollo Energy (Delaware USA) – a new investment platform that connects individual, corporate, and institutional investors with curated, high-yield renewable energy and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka and the region. Founder Madu Fernando emphasized the platform aligns with the company’s vision of “Lighting People’s Lives” by democratizing access to sustainable energy investments, unlocking new funding, and fostering innovation. The initiative complements Ceylon Energy’s broader mission to drive industry collaboration, technology adoption, and a resilient energy ecosystem
The workshop featured resource personnel representing Ceylon Energy’s strategic global alliances, including Hubbell Power Systems, CTC Global, and Aclara Technologies. The experts shared their knowledge on advanced transmission and distribution technologies, smart grid solutions, digital infrastructure, and innovations that are shaping energy systems across the world. The event attracted a diverse audience comprising engineers, utility professionals, investors, financial institutions, business leaders, and other stakeholders from across the energy sector. A key highlight of Energize 2026 was the insightful panel discussion titled “Shaping the Future of Energy,” which brought together renowned global industry experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges in building resilient and technology-driven energy systems.
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