Business
Airtel enhances its most popular unlimited offering with the launch of Rs. 888 Freedom Plus

Building on its promise to continuously add value for its customers, Airtel Sri Lanka unveiled the latest in its range of prepaid Unlimited Freedom Packs, delivering more value, more freedom and unlimited access to 6 of the most popular social media platforms among Sri Lankan youth.
The newly introduced freedom unlimited pack, priced at just Rs. 888 – offers consumers complete unlimited access to an even larger selection of social media apps, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Messenger and WhatsApp.
The pack also comes with all the perks of Airtel’s popular Freedom packages, including 30GB data (1GB/day), unlimited calls to any network as well as 1,000 Airtel-Airtel SMSs and 50 local SMSs for a validity period of 30 days.
“The Airtel team has been continuously challenging itself to find new and innovative ways of unlocking more value for our customers. The launch of our Rs. 888 Freedom Plus pack, and the major expansion in social media that it enables is another powerful example of our value-driven, customer-centric approach in action.
“With the launch of Airtel Freedom Plus 888, we are now offering by far the best deal in the Sri Lankan prepaid market in terms of pricing and unlimited access to the most popular social media platforms.
We also continue to hold up our promise of a simple and streamlined experience by offering all of these values in a single yet most affordable pack that can easily cover consumer’s monthly mobile needs while continuing their usage habits, instead of managing the complexity of separate purchases for different apps. That is why no other product in the market can match the value of the Airtel Freedom packs,” Airtel Sri Lanka MD/CEO Ashish Chandra said.
Airtel’s rollout of groundbreaking value-focused products follows on the telco’s substantial investments into further enhancing its 4G experience. Through the installation of state-of-the-art infrastructure and continuous efforts in boosting mobile-broadband network, Airtel now offers coverage to more than 90% of Sri Lankan telco users island-wide.
Following the completion of its nationwide 4G rollout to provide island-wide coverage, initiating a series of industry-firsts such as data-rollover facilities and unlimited calls to any network, the telco has received a strong positive response from Sri Lankan mobile users. With unprecedented numbers now signing up for Airtel Freedom packs, the telco now has one of the fastest growing user-bases in Sri Lanka.
Drawing on its extensive global presence and expertise, Airtel has been steadily consolidating its presence in Sri Lanka over recent years, launching a flurry of market-disrupting products, engaging in socially-driven partnerships aimed at empowering Sri Lanka’s youth, and advocating for progressive industry policies to ensure a more vibrant future for the Sri Lankan telco sector.
To activate the Rs.888 package, customers have the option to either directly reload Rs.888, activate through the My Airtel App, recharge via recharge portal / https://recharge.airtel.lk / Airtel Sri Lanka Flagship Store.
About Airtel:
Airtel Sri Lanka commenced commercial operations of services in Sri Lanka in 2009 and was the fastest operator to reach 1 million customers. The Airtel Sri Lanka offering of technology innovation and service excellence has driven rapid adoption rates among the Sri Lankan youth. Today Airtel has established its state-of-the-art 5G-ready 4G network across all parts of Sri Lanka, and is continuously boosting its network capacity to deliver maximum value.
For more information, connect with Airtel on social media, check the MyAirtel App, or visit www.airtel.lk
Business
Exporters warn against ‘backdoor charges’, urge government to uphold transparent trade practices

The Joint Chambers of Commerce urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy. The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling charges (THC) through misleading claims to policymakers.
Calls were made to reinstate THC, citing alleged adverse impacts on the Port of Colombo. However, the Joint Chambers strongly reject this assertion, clarifying that there is no legal or operational void to “reinstate.” Port terminal handling charges are already paid by shipping lines under existing market contracts, and any further charges imposed on exporters or importers would constitute a reversion to pre-2014 cartel-like practices that hurt competitiveness and transparency.
Sean Van Dort, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, condemned the move, stating:
“This is yet another attempt by powerful intermediaries in the shipping and logistics sector to reintroduce anti-competitive fees through the backdoor. Exporters and importers already pay all-inclusive freight based on market terms. There is no free service being provided. What we are seeing is a push to extract surcharges from non-contracting parties, which is against global trade norms and local regulation.”
He added that since the 2014 regulation, introduced with support from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and based on INCOTERMS best practices, the Port of Colombo has seen volume growth and an increase in licensed agents—contrary to claims that the regulations have harmed the sector.
Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), also expressed concern:
“The apparel industry cannot afford renewed cost pressures or uncertainty due to policy shifts driven by narrow interests. Sri Lanka’s export sector is already under strain, and the Government must ensure that any regulatory changes are made with full industry consultation. Fragmented lobbying only undermines our national competitiveness.”
The Joint Chambers warned that unbundling freight charges to reintroduce THC would raise costs for manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately burden consumers through hidden costs. They reiterated that Sri Lanka’s competitiveness hinges on transparent and predictable trade policy.
The Chambers further cautioned that such attempts, often timed around transitions in political leadership or changes in ministerial portfolios, aim to exploit gaps in regulatory oversight. They urged the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, to act with integrity and consult all stakeholders—not just intermediaries with vested interests.
As the country focuses on rebuilding exports and attracting investment, the Joint Chambers reaffirm their commitment to protecting the interests of Sri Lankan businesses, exporters, and consumers alike, and called on the Government to uphold regulatory clarity and market fairness.
Business
LOLC Life Assurance signs strategic MoU with SMIB to strengthen Bancassurance services

LOLC Life Assurance, a fully owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings, has entered into a strategic partnership with the State Mortgage and Investment Bank (SMIB), one of the longest standing banks in Sri Lanka, to offer life endowment insurance solutions through its bancassurance channel.
With ownership of the most extensive bancassurance channel in Sri Lanka’s insurance industry, LOLC Life Assurance aims to provide SMIB customers across Colombo and its suburbs with innovative life endowment insurance solutions that seamlessly integrate with comprehensive protection, ensuring that SMIB customers have seamless access to high-quality life insurance solutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the presence of senior leadership teams from both organizations, marking a significant milestone in the development of LOLC Life Assurance’s Bancassurance channel. This collaboration aligns with LOLC Life Assurance’s commitment to providing tailored life assurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of SMIB’s customers.
Sharing his views on this landmark partnership, Jayantha Kalinga, COO of LOLC Life Assurance, stated, “This partnership with SMIB signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility to comprehensive life insurance solutions through strategic banking collaborations. We are excited to work closely with SMIB to offer tailored protection plans that enrich the lives of their customers with security and financial peace of mind.”
Thushara Asuramanna, CEO/General Manager of SMIB, also shared his thoughts, saying, “At SMIB, our goal is to enhance the value we provide to our customers through integrated financial solutions. Partnering with LOLC Life Assurance enables us to expand our offerings and provide customers with convenient access to trusted life insurance solutions that ensure their long-term financial security.”
Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to make a lasting positive impact on their customers’ financial well-being and life protection. By offering reliable, accessible, and trusted life insurance protection, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of SMIB’s customers in today’s dynamic financial landscape, reinforcing our shared vision for a secure and prosperous future.
Business
SLIIT launches new BA (Hons) in English Studies enabling students to master linguistic and communicative skills

Setting a new benchmark for English language education in Sri Lanka, SLIIT’s Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, has launched a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Studies degree programme.
This comprehensive four-year programme offers students unparalleled opportunities to master linguistic and communicative skills while accessing guaranteed career pathways in high-demand sectors. Unlike traditional English programmes, SLIIT’s degree uniquely combines theoretical excellence with practical industry applications, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. The programme’s distinctive tri-fold approach consisting of Language, Literature, and Communication, incorporated with 120 UGC-approved credits, positions students ahead of competitors in today’s challenging employment market. The programme’s key differentiators include an industry-integrated curriculum that connects academic learning with practical experience along with a research component as well. Students benefit from technology-enhanced learning environments that incorporate cutting-edge media technology integration, developing essential 21st-century communication skills.
The course also provides a captivating journey through diverse literary genres, periods, movements, and communities, featuring British, American, Commonwealth, European, and Sri Lankan contributions. From medieval classics to postmodern innovations, students develop a refined literary perspective. Additionally, the degree maintains a strong professional skills focus through specialized training in journalism, digital media, corporate communication, and strategic marketing, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in the modern communications environment. Programme highlights include an in-depth exploration of English grammar, academic writing, historical development, and diverse linguistic theories such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and discourse stylistics. Students acquire expertise in the use of media technology in language communication.
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