Business
Brandix Manusathkara University Scholarship Programme aimed at encouraging high performers of A/L examinations
Against the backdrop of higher education becoming more challenging for Sri Lankan communities as the nation faces an economic downturn, leading Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer Brandix Apparel Ltd. has stepped up to address this national need with the launch of a timely scholarship initiative.
Titled ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’, Brandix has launched this programme with the intention of providing high performers of Advanced Level Examinations with the opportunity to pursue their higher education and strengthen their personal and professional development.
During the first phase of the programme’s implementation, scholarships will be extended to students from schools within ‘Model Villages’, who have been selected to State Universities as a result of excelling at their Advanced Level examinations. Model Villages is a concept developed by Brandix that aims to support the wellbeing of communities within a 10km radius of the company’s facilities.It is expected that the Scholarship Programme will immensely contribute toward bolstering the future workforce of Sri Lanka as they ready themselves to face future challenges and compete in the dynamic job market of tomorrow.
So far, 18 students have been awarded scholarships under this programme. These students have since completed Orientation and English pre-academic programmes. Their lectures have now commenced in virtual and physical modes at eight universities across the country including University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya, University of Moratuwa, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, University of Peradeniya and the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
The first recipient of the Brandix Manusathkara Scholarship was K. Akshika in 2021, who was presented with a scholarship to support her as she received her tertiary education at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Technology. Akshika was ranked 2nd in the island and 1st in the Batticaloa District in the Bio Systems Technology stream at the 2019 G.C.E Advanced Level (A/L) examinations.
“In living our purpose every day, Brandix is committed to providing inspired solutions to all our stakeholders. This has helped us build a framework that allows us to make an impact beyond the business, and across our communities and planet. With our social sustainability efforts anchored to the pillars of Provide, Educate and Engage, the ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’ is the next milestone in supporting aspiring youth of Sri Lanka to ensure the continuity of their education despite challenges they may face,” said Malika Samaraweera, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Brandix Apparel.
Malika further added, “A significant portion of students in Sri Lanka qualifying for State universities have always faced varying obstacles as they pursue their higher education, which in turn impacts their employability and career progression. Given the current economic conditions, we’ve identified that such obstacles are more frequent. We hope that the ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’ will offer peace of mind to top performers, which comes from knowing they can continue their higher education unimpeded.”
As one of Sri Lanka’s most responsible corporate entities, facilitating continuous education and the pursuit of individual aspirations is an important element of Brandix’s CSR and HR strategies, which are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 04 of Quality Education.
The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.
In a key decision, participants set a clear three-year goal to lower the ratio of cash in circulation to GDP from 4.5% to 3.5%. The strategy will focus on digitizing high-cash sectors like transport, utilities, and SME payments, while expanding digital access through post offices and cooperatives.
For the long-term health of the ecosystem, stakeholders agreed to lobby for the creation of a single, unified regulatory authority dedicated to fintech oversight. This aims to streamline approvals and provide clearer guidance for innovators.
“Our members needed to leave with concrete action points,” said Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka. The summit, designed as a series of closed-door roundtables with regulators including the Central Bank, produced actionable frameworks. “It was about defining KPIs, setting targets, and giving the industry a shared direction,” de Silva explained.
The outcomes signal a concerted shift from discussion to execution, aiming to build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital financial economy for Sri Lanka.
By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️
A new force in Sri Lanka’s food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability. Founded by young entrepreneurs Nadeera Senanayaka, Lakmini Gurusinghe, and Randila Gunasinghe, the group has successfully launched its pilot outlet and is now preparing for a significant nationwide expansion.
The inaugural in Kotte has served as a successful proof of concept. Operating for five months, this modern street-food outlet has garnered a strong customer response, confirming market demand and providing the confidence to fund the group’s ambitious growth strategy.
The inaugural in Kotte
“The positive reception has been overwhelming and has solidified our plans,” said Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe. “Our Kotte outlet is the operational model we will replicate – ensuring consistent quality, disciplined operations, and excellent service across all future locations.”
The group’s expansion strategy is built on three distinct thematic brands:
Kukus Street: Targeting young urban customers, these outlets offer a vibrant, casual dining experience with a menu of Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, snacks, and BBQ, with most meals priced under Rs. 1,500. Services include dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.
Kukus Beach: Planned for coastal areas, beginning in the South, this concept will feature an urban-style beach restaurant and pub designed for relaxed social dining.
Kukus Bioscope: Celebrating Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage, this dedicated restaurant concept will create a nostalgic cultural space inspired by the golden eras of Sinhala cinema, with the first outlet slated for Colombo.
The immediate plan includes transforming the flagship Kotte location into Kukus Pub & Bar, pending regulatory approvals. The long-term vision is to develop 18 outlets nationwide: 10 Kukus Street locations, 5 Kukus Beach venues, and 3 Kukus Bioscope establishments.
“Kukus Group is more than a hospitality brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan flavors and culture,” the founders concluded. “Our mission is to build trusted, recognizable brands that connect deeply with communities and offer lasting cultural value alongside authentic cuisine. We are dynamic and excited to proceed with this strategic expansion,” they said.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Fcode Labs marked its seventh anniversary by hosting its annual Awards Night 2025 at Waters Edge, celebrating team achievements and reinforcing its organizational values.
The event featured keynote addresses from Co-Founders & CEOs Buddhishan Manamperi and Tharindu Malawaraarachchi, who reflected on the company’s annual progress and future strategy. Chief Operating Officer Pamaljith Harshapriya outlined operational priorities for the next phase of growth.
Awards were presented across three key categories. Prabhanu Gunaweera and Dushan Pramod received Customer Excellence awards for partner collaboration. Performance Excellence awards were granted to Munsira Mansoor, Thusara Wanigathunga, Thushan De Silva, Adithya Narasinghe, Avantha Dissanayake, Amanda Janmaweera, Sithika Guruge, and Sandali Gunawardena. The Value-Based Behaviour awards were given to Thilina Hewagama, Udara Sembukuttiarachchi, and Kavindu Dhananjaya for exemplifying company values.
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