Business
Xeptagon opens first climate finance technology office at the Business Centre at Port City Colombo
Xeptagon, a climate finance technology company delivering next-generation carbon market and sustainability systems, has officially inaugurated its new office at the Business Centre at Port City Colombo. This milestone marks Xeptagon as the first operational office at the Business Centre at Port City Colombo and the first IT services firm in the climate finance domain to establish a presence in the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone.
XEPTAGON’S ROLE IN GLOBAL CLIMATE FINANCE
Xeptagon focuses exclusively on climate finance infrastructure – building national carbon registries, climate transparency systems, carbon exchanges, CBAM-compliant supply chain solutions, and corporate carbon neutrality platforms. Its systems are already deployed with governments across Asia and Africa, supporting Article 6 compliance and Paris Agreement reporting. The company’s track-record includes major projects for intergovernmental organisations, as well as partnerships with development agencies and global corporates. This reputation has positioned Xeptagon as a reliable partner for governments and businesses navigating the low-carbon transition.
International Recognition and Partnerships
Xeptagon’s global presence is reinforced by a series of high-impact partnerships and recognitions:
Governments & Intergovernmental Organisations
Recently delivered Article 6-aligned national carbon registries and transparency systems for multiple countries across Asia and Africa, supporting their Paris Agreement compliance and access to climate finance.
Hedera Foundation
Integrated the Hedera blockchain into Xeptagon’s platforms in the past year, enhancing data immutability and transparency in carbon credit markets. Hedera’s Governing Council includes global leaders such as LG, Google, Boeing, IBM, and Standard Bank, ensuring enterprise-grade governance and long-term credibility for the technology Xeptagon deploys.
Schneider Electric MOU
Working closely with Schneider Electric on advanced emission estimation tools, with joint pilots planned to showcase blockchain-secured carbon transactions that combine energy data with finance.
Accenture FinTech Innovation Lab
Being selected for the 2025 Asia-Pacific cohort is a key milestone, as the programme connects Xeptagon with the region’s top banks and investors. This not only validates its technology but also plays an important role in fundraising and scaling globally.
Carbon Exchange in Korea
Partner company for a new carbon exchange initiative in Korea, seed-funded by SK Securities, the second-largest securities firm in Korea. This partnership underlines Xeptagon’s entry into one of Asia’s most dynamic carbon markets.
Cyberport Incubation (Hong Kong)
Awarded incubation and launched multiple Green FinTech PoCs under Cyberport, a hub that already hosts multiple unicorns and global tech leaders. This strengthens Xeptagon’s credibility in Asia’s fintech ecosystem.
DPI Innovation Challenge
Named a top-10 global finalist in 2025 for an open-source registry module integrating SDG co-benefits, supported by JICA and mentored by development partners. This project extends climate accounting beyond carbon to holistic impact.
Market Access Partnerships
Established in 2025 with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Import Promotion Desk (IPD), which operates under the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). These collaborations support Xeptagon’s entry into Japanese and European markets with expert validation and client matchmaking.
Planned Pilot at Hong Kong FinTech Week (Nov 2025)
Preparing to conduct a live carbon credit transaction with Schneider Electric and Tessellation Group, demonstrating practical blockchain-enabled transparency in global carbon trading.
Port City Colombo – The Gateway to International Markets
Port City Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with world-class infrastructure, a progressive regulatory framework, and a strategic vision to foster a thriving commercial ecosystem that promotes enhancing the ease of doing business in South Asia. The Business Centre at Port City Colombo is a premier IT and business park that empowers businesses to operate, exchange knowledge, and drive advancements in their respective fields. The development encompasses nine low-rise office buildings, with a dedicated IT hub and a commercial hub. Xeptagon’s early entry demonstrates confidence in Port City Colombo’s investment potential, whilst positioning Colombo as a future hub for digital finance and sustainable innovation.
‘We are pleased to celebrate the opening of Xeptagon’s new office at the Business Centre at Port City Colombo,’ said Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. ‘With Xeptagon being the first of our partners to begin commercial operations within the Colombo Port City Economic Zone, we believe that this milestone would further reinforce investor confidence, whilst promoting the diversification of the Sri Lankan economy.
Looking Forward
“Being the first IT services firm to open an office at Port City Colombo is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Dr. Sapumal Ahangama, Co-Founder of Xeptagon. “We see this as a base to scale climate finance solutions to global markets” added Palinda Attanayake, CEO of Xeptagon.
From its new office, Xeptagon plans to expand its delivery capacity, strengthen R&D, and drive innovation at the intersection of climate and finance. With a proven track record of working with intergovernmental organisations, governments, and leading corporates, Xeptagon is poised to transform Port City Colombo into a springboard for international climate technology leadership.
Business
Mattala Wildlife Unit to boost revenue, tourism and investor confidence
The launch of a dedicated wildlife unit at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is expected to deliver significant economic benefits by improving aviation safety, strengthening eco-tourism and enhancing Sri Lanka’s investment appeal, Wildlife Conservation Department Director General Ranjan Marasinghe said.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Marasinghe said the initiative links conservation directly with national development and revenue generation.
“This is more than an administrative step—it is a forward-looking initiative that aligns conservation, aviation safety and national development in a single strategic effort,” he said.
He noted that wildlife management at airports is globally recognised as essential for reducing bird strikes and wildlife-related disruptions, which can lead to costly repairs, delays and operational losses.
By proactively managing such risks, the Mattala Wildlife Unit is expected to lower potential costs for airlines and airport operators while improving efficiency and confidence among carriers considering future operations.
Marasinghe said the airport’s proximity to premier tourism destinations such as Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park, together with marine tourism opportunities including Blue Whale watching, gives Mattala a strong commercial advantage.
“This convergence of aviation and wildlife tourism creates an extraordinary opportunity,” he said, adding that the airport has the potential to become a major gateway for high-value eco-tourism.
Industry observers note that wildlife tourists generally spend more on guided safaris, hotels, transport and local experiences, generating stronger foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities for surrounding communities.
Marasinghe said integrating environmental standards into airport operations would also improve Sri Lanka’s global image at a time when investors and international travellers increasingly value sustainability.
“By integrating environmental considerations into airport operations, we position Sri Lanka more favourably on the global stage, demonstrating that we are a nation committed to sustainability, responsibility and innovation,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Mattala model would be replicated at other international airports, creating long-term savings, stronger environmental governance and wider economic returns.
The Director General said the Department of Wildlife Conservation remains committed to supporting the national economy through new and meaningful avenues while protecting Sri Lanka’s natural assets.
“Conservation must also contribute to development,” he said, stressing that protecting biodiversity and generating growth can go hand in hand.
By Ifham Nizam
Business
Aitken Spence Elevators and CINEC usher in a new era for Sri Lanka’s elevator industry
Aitken Spence Elevators, in collaboration with CINEC Campus, recently held the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the latest batch of trainees of the Elevator Serviceman Course at the Elevator Training Centre (ETC). The graduates were awarded their NVQ Level 3 certifications, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey within Sri Lanka’s vertical transportation industry.
The certification programme was developed in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Ministry of Vocational Training & Skills Development, ensuring trainees received industry-recognised qualifications, alongside strong practical competencies. The ceremony was attended by directors of both Aitken Spence and CINEC Campus, as well as staff members, lecturers, and invited guests of the graduating students
Anuka Prashan Pieris was recognised as the Most Outstanding Student of the batch in appreciation of his exceptional performance and commitment throughout the programme. The Elevator Training Centre plays a vital role in addressing the growing demand for skilled elevator service technicians through structured training and hands-on learning. The facility features Sri Lanka’s first Elevator Training Tower, offering trainees practical exposure aligned with both local and international standards.
All graduates of the current batch have already commenced their careers as technicians and supervisors at Aitken Spence Elevators. Their seamless transition into the workforce reflects the programme’s strong emphasis on developing job-ready professionals capable of contributing effectively from day one.
Business
Sterling Steels wins Merit Award at SLIA Annual Product Awards 2026
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA– Sterling Steels (Pvt) Ltd, a premier manufacturer of high-quality globally renowned steel roofing & cladding, announced it has been honored with a prestigious Merit Award at the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) Annual Product Awards 2026. The national recognition was awarded in the highly competitive Zinc-Aluminium Coated Profile Steel Sheet category, underscoring the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and superior quality in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
The award was presented during a grand ceremony held at the esteemed Nelum Pokuna Theatre, a key event in the nation’s architectural and construction calendar. The SLIA Annual Product Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for quality and design excellence, with products rigorously evaluated by a panel of distinguished architects and industry experts. Receiving this Merit Award positions Sterling Steels among the top-tier suppliers of building materials in the country.
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