Business

UTE launches ‘Grow Your Own Food’ home gardening project for employees

Published

4 years ago

2022/10/28

Continuing in its mission to be the best engineering services provider in all the markets they serve, United Tractor and Equipment (Pvt) Limited (UTE), recognizes from its 75-year history that being the best means looking after their people. Continuing its mission UTE inaugurated its ‘Grow Your Own Food’ cultivation initiative on the 13th of September 2022. The project is designed with the aim of facilitating employee welfare and gearing them with skills that are required to overcome any possible food shortage in the future. In consideration of the ongoing economic situation in the country, this would further help UTE employees with sustainable means of food production. The launch of ‘Grow Your Own Food’ was graced by the Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka Ms. Julie Chung as Chief Guest, along with representatives of The American Embassy and The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM).

The initial stages of the project commenced in June 2022 with the overwhelming support of all UTE employees at the UTE Head Office in Wattala, where a large area was assigned for cultivation.

The collected harvest from the project will be distributed amongst the 325+ employees on a quota basis according to their needs, allowing them to benefit directly from the fruits of their own labor. In order to ensure the success of the ‘Grow Your Own Food initiative’, UTE has enlisted the support of Agriculture Officers in developing the project and has plans to expand the project throughout its facilities island-wide.

Accordingly, the ‘Grow Your Own Food’ initiative constitutes UTE’s latest move to meaningfully contribute to employee welfare by ensuring that its employees remain self-sufficient during this present time of need, by encouraging all staff employed throughout the company to engage in home gardening to meet their food needs. Not only will this initiative provide employees with much-needed ease of access to food, but it will also deepen their family engagement and happiness, enabling them to enrich both their professional and personal lives. As part of this initiative, UTE launched a children’s art campaign under the theme ‘Home Garden,’ where children of UTE employees painted their own home gardens. Using the collection of art submissions, UTE created an art wall which was also unveiled by Ambassador Chung at the launch event.

Addressing the gathering at the launch, Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka Ms. Julie Chung commended the project, “Through these home gardens that you are developing, you are not only planting seeds; you are planting seeds of hope, seeds of victory. And I hope more companies follow your lead. You are setting that example for others to follow so that others can also offer solutions that provide relief. Thank you all for your dedication, for your service, and for the love for your country.”

Commenting on UTE’s initiative, Prasan Fernando, Chairman of United Tractor and Equipment (Pvt) Limited said, “As a longstanding presence in Sri Lanka’s business landscape, over the years UTE has made its mission to contribute to the communities we serve in. We are very pleased and proud to launch the ‘Grow Your Own Food’ initiative at this moment in time, given the uncertainty of possible food shortages around the world and the uncertainty we as Sri Lankans are facing. UTE has continued to place the utmost importance on contributing towards sustaining the wellbeing of our employees and our communities, and with this latest initiative to encourage home gardening we aim to enhance their standards of living to meet the challenges of today.”

Representing over 75 years of engineering excellence, UTE has continuously delivered high-quality engineering solutions across a wide range of disciplines in Sri Lanka and around the world. The UTE Parts Store/PCC (Parts.Cat.Com) is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable website to find and order over 1.4 million genuine CAT® parts online. As the sole authorized Caterpillar dealer in Sri Lanka, UTE also offers retail distribution of CAT® Lubricants. Orders can be placed 24/7 with the mobile-friendly interface and the parts will be shipped to any location in the island or can be picked up from any of UTE’s branches. The company is home to the Island’s most experienced and largest team of Customer Support personnel and Caterpillar-trained technicians in the industry. Serving customers throughout the island, the company has branches in Panchikawatta, Matara, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, and Kilinochchi adding to its strength.

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Business

Financial literacy central to country’s development – CBSL Governor

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe: ‘Financial literacy vital’.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rate is approximately 58 percent. Such literacy is absolutely necessary for the inclusion of people in the country’s financial system which in turn is central to overall economic development, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.

‘One needs to have knowledge and skills of a financial nature to figure in financial inclusiveness. While 86 percent of Sri Lanka’s population has access to the country’s financial system, 82 percent of the public has at least a savings account in the country’s banking system, Dr Weerasinghe said.

The Governor made these comments recently at the inauguration of Financial Literacy Month 2026 at the Central Bank’s Centre for Banking Studies, Rajagiriya.

Dr. Weerasinghe added: ‘Suitable, affordable and quality financial instruments are needed to enhance financial literacy in the country.

‘Financial information has to be accurate, risk-free and accountable, thus creating confidentiality in the financial system, which would enable the sector to reach greater heights’.

Meanwhile CBSL sources said: ‘The Literacy Month opened with the two-day ‘FinLit Expo Colombo’. The expo gives the public the opportunity to engage with institutions, better understand financial services, gain practical insights into managing their finances and learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud and scams.

‘The CBSL is leading the program in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. It forms part of the Financial Literacy Roadmap for Sri Lanka, which is implemented under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), the national framework for widening access to and use of formal financial services.

‘The Colombo event will be followed by six regional ‘FinLit Expos’ aimed at direct engagement with local communities. Partner institutions will also run awareness activities. Together, the events are intended to provide financial education to communities and encourage people to apply financial knowledge in everyday life.

‘A public awareness campaign on television, radio, newspapers and social media will extend the program’s reach. The program also includes digital financial literacy activities and the promotion of QR codes and other online payment methods.

‘The public and stakeholder institutions are encouraged to take part in the month’s activities under the theme, “Towards a Financially Literate Sri Lanka”.

Business

HUTCH strikes five awards as the only telco honoured at SLIM DIGIS 2.6

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

HUTCH Sri Lanka strengthened its position as a leader in digital engagement by securing five accolades at SLIM Digis 2.6, emerging as one of the most recognized brands at this year’s digital excellence awards. The achievement was further highlighted by HUTCH being the only telecom operator to be recognized at the event.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), SLIM Digis is Sri Lanka’s premier platform celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the digital marketing industry. The recognition highlights HUTCH’s growing strength in digital-first, agile, and creative marketing, and its ability to respond to everyday moments, engage audiences, and deliver impactful digital campaigns.

The Gold Award for Best Use of Agile and Moment Marketing, a Silver for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign, and a Bronze for Best Performance Marketing were all awarded for “Keeping Sri Lanka Connected Through Ditwah,” HUTCH’s response to the cyclone that struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, recognised for the speed and relevance with which HUTCH kept customers better connected and informed.

HUTCH Roaming also earned two further Bronze awards for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Creative Content. Bringing together AI-led storytelling, the campaign was designed around distinct customer clusters, each characterized by unique travel behaviours, needs, and perceptions, delivering relevant content for different audiences within a single overarching campaign.

“These wins are a strong reflection of how HUTCH approaches marketing today, staying close to the moments that matter to our customers and responding with speed, relevance, and creativity. Being the only telco recognised at SLIM DIGIS 2.6, and across five categories, is proof that agility and thoughtful storytelling can go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the collective efforts with our strategic partners, whose collaboration, expertise, and shared commitment brought great campaigns to life,” said Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer, HUTCH Sri Lanka.

Business

Fairway Colombo named Official Accommodation Partner of Manhunt International 2026

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

(L-R): Gamunu Cooray, Ms. Tharushi Kulathunga, Avinga Wanigasekara, Arjuna Senanayake, and Jagath De Almeda at the signing ceremony held at Fairway Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s Smart Luxury Business Hotel to Host Delegates and Contestants from Over 40 Countries as the Island Nation Hosts Its First-Ever Global Pageant of This Scale

Fairway Colombo, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, has been appointed as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious male pageants, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.

The event marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka, as the country prepares to host a global pageant of this scale for the very first time. More than 40 contestants representing countries from across the world will arrive in Colombo, bringing together diverse cultures, international media attention, and a global audience — further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and hospitality.

As the official accommodation partner, Fairway Colombo will welcome and host international delegates and contestants throughout their stay in Colombo, delivering the exceptional hospitality experience and personalized service that the hotel is recognized for.

A Landmark Partnership for Sri Lankan Tourism

“We are truly honored to be selected as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026. This partnership is a proud moment not only for Fairway Colombo but also for Sri Lanka as a whole. Hosting an event of this global stature provides us with an opportunity to showcase our commitment to smart luxury, innovation, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to an international audience. We look forward to creating a memorable and seamless experience for all delegates and guests,” said Avinga Wanigasekara, General Manager of Fairway Colombo.

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s historic Fort district, Fairway Colombo is recognized as a Smart Luxury Business Hotel, combining modern comfort, advanced technology, and exceptional service. As part of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the property represents the group’s vision of delivering innovative, world-class experiences across the hospitality and leisure sectors.