Business
Unilever Sri Lanka partners with USAID and Vega Innovations to scale-up refillable systems
Unilever Sri Lanka, in partnership with Vega Innovations, and the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID), is scaling up the use of refillable stations. These stations, part of Vega Innovations’ UFill initiative, offer consumers cost-effective ways to refill Unilever products such as laundry liquids and shampoos, while reducing reliance on single-use plastic packaging.
By 2027, the UFill initiative is expected to prevent over 128 metric tons of plastic waste from entering Sri Lankan landfills. Consumers will also benefit from 20-30% lower cost by refilling instead of purchasing new packaging. USAID’s Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity will support these efforts through strategic and technical assistance.
The Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the partnership was signed at Vega Innovations’ headquarters – a significant milestone in efforts to reduce plastic waste across Sri Lanka. This builds on Unilever’s and Vega Innovations’ existing network of refill stations in locations such as the Colombo Fort Railway Station, Seva Vanitha Budget Centre and apartment complexes, with plans to scale up across the country.
This localized initiative also aligns with Unilever’s broader efforts through the CIRCLE Alliance—Catalyzing Inclusive, Resilient, and Circular Local Economies—a global public-private collaboration launched earlier this year by Unilever, USAID, and EY to address plastic waste and drive the development of circular economies. The Alliance is initially focused on India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
“Unilever’s ambition is to end plastic pollution through reduction, circulation and collaboration. As part of our global virgin plastic reduction targets, we are committed to finding innovative ways for consumers to shop and use our products – including refillable and reusable systems.” said Ali Tariq, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka. “The partnership with USAID and Vega Innovations will help us deliver loved brands such as Dove, Lifebuoy, Sunsilk, Sunlight and Vim to Sri Lankan consumers in a more convenient, affordable, and sustainable manner.”
Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, CEO of Vega Innovations, added: “Vega Innovations is proud to lead the charge in reducing plastic waste through innovative solutions like UFill. With USAID’s support, we can continue to expand our network and offer consumers an eco-friendly and convenient way to reduce their plastic footprint.”
Business
Union Assurance becomes first insurer to earn the YouTube Silver Play Button
Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private Life Insurer, has achieved a milestone in its digitalisation journey by being awarded the YouTube Silver Play Button, recognising the Company for surpassing 100,000 subscribers on its official channel. This achievement marks a first in Sri Lanka’s Insurance industry, across both Life and General Insurance, and underscores Union Assurance’s pioneering role in digital engagement.
This accomplishment reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to making Life Insurance accessible, simplified, and engaging for all Sri Lankans. Through innovative content strategies, Union Assurance has successfully transformed complex Insurance concepts into relatable, informative, and inspiring narratives that empower individuals to protect what matters most; health, wealth, family, and future.
Receiving the Silver Play Button is more than a symbolic accolade; it is a testament to the strength and credibility of Union Assurance’s digital presence. In an era where trust and transparency define brand loyalty, this recognition validates the company’s ability to create content that resonates deeply with a growing audience. It enhances the brand’s authority, reinforces its visibility across digital platforms, and further solidifies Union Assurance as a leader in customer engagement.
Celebrating this achievement, Mahen Gunarathna, the Chief Marketing Officer at Union Assurance stated: “This milestone is a testament to the trust and engagement of our audience and reflects our dedication to innovation, transparency, and customer-centric communication.
Business
LOLC Finance Factoring powers business growth
LOLC Finance PLC, the largest non-banking financial institution in Sri Lanka, brings to light the significant role of its Factoring Business Unit in providing indispensable financial solutions to businesses across the country. With a robust network of over 200 branches, LOLC Finance Factoring offers distinctive support to enterprises, ranging from small-scale entrepreneurs to corporate giants.
In light of the recent economic challenges, LOLC Finance Factoring emerged as a lifeline for most businesses, ensuring continuous liquidity to navigate through turbulent times. By facilitating seamless transactions through online platforms and expediting payments, the company played a pivotal role in sustaining essential services, including supermarkets and pharmaceuticals.
Deepamalie Abhaywardane, Head of Factoring at LOLC Finance PLC, emphasized the increasing relevance of factoring in today’s economy. “As economic conditions become more stringent, factoring emerges as the most sought-after financial product for businesses across various sectors. It offers a win-win solution by providing upfront cash up to 85% of the credit sale to suppliers while allowing end-users/buyers better settlement period.”
One of the standout features of LOLC Finance Factoring is its hassle-free application process. Unlike traditional bank loans that require collateral, LOLC Factoring extends credit facilities without such obligations. Furthermore, LOLC Finance Factoring relieves business entities of the burden of receivable management and debt collection. Through nominal service fees, businesses can outsource these tasks, allowing them to focus on core operations while ensuring efficient cash flow management.
For businesses seeking Shariah-compliant factoring solutions, LOLC Al-Falaah’s Wakalah Future-Cash Today offers an efficient and participatory financing model that meets both financial needs and ethical principles. Understanding the diverse challenges faced by businesses, LOLC Finance Factoring deliver tailored solutions that enhance cash flow, reduce credit risk, and support sustainable growth. Working together with LOLC Al-Falaah ensures access to a transparent, well-structured receivable management solution strengthened by the credibility and trust of Sri Lanka’s largest NBFI, LOLC Finance.
The clientele of LOLC Finance Factoring spans into various industries, including manufacturing, trading, transportation, healthcare, textiles, plantations, and other services, all contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s economic growth. By empowering businesses with accessible and convenient working capital solutions, LOLC Finance’s Factoring arm plays a vital role in fostering economic development and prosperity of the country.
In the upcoming quarter, LOLC Finance Factoring remains committed to delivering innovative financial solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses. As Sri Lanka’s economic landscape continues to develop, LOLC Finance Factoring stands ready to support enterprises on their journey towards growth and success.
Business
Round Table Sri Lanka delivers rapid, high-impact relief following Cyclone Ditwah
In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah’s severe flooding across the Western Province, Round Table Sri Lanka (RTSL) has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest and most effective humanitarian responders, deploying urgent relief operations since 28 November 2025.
RTSL’s first major mission launched in Welampitiya, delivering emergency food parcels, ration packs, medication, and bedsheets to families stranded for days by rising floodwaters. As the disaster expanded, RTSL rapidly scaled its operations, navigating submerged roads and inaccessible areas to reach vulnerable communities across multiple districts.
Relief Achievements as of 02 December 2025
• 10,000+ food parcels distributed
• 1,000+ ration packs delivered
• 100 rescues coordinated or assisted
• Dry ration airlifts underway to regions inaccessible by road
• Ongoing fundraising for rations, food parcels, and rescue logistics
Airlift Operations to Cut-Off Regions
In partnership with Yahaguna Padanama and supported logistically by Expolanka, RTSL has begun airlifting dry rations to isolated communities, ensuring uninterrupted support to areas where land access has been completely blocked by floodwaters. Food parcels and ration packs airlifted via the airforce.
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