Business
Browns Heavy Machinery joins hands with Maga Engineering to strengthen Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development
The Heavy Machinery arm of Browns Group recently joined hands with Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd by providing ten units of TATA Hitachi 220LC Excavators to power the development of the Ruwanpura Expressway. The product handover ceremony was graced by the presence of the senior management of both companies, including Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Group Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer, Browns and Piyadasa Madarasinghe, Chief Executive Director, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd.
Powered by Japanese technology, TATA Hitachi epitomises the synergy between two giants in the construction industry—TATA and Hitachi. With its rugged structure, fuel efficient design and remarkable performance, TATA Hitachi is perfect for the operational conditions in Sri Lanka. A testament to the brand’s superior performance, TATA Hitachi has been recognised as a Super Brand in India multiple times.
Construction and physical infrastructure are among the largest sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. Some of the structures under construction in Sri Lanka are the region’s largest and best. In collaboration with the world’s leading brands such as Hitachi, Sakai, Hitachi, Sumitomo, Mahindra, and Okada, Browns Heavy Machinery provides an unmatched range of heavy machinery reputed for trusted technology, advanced functionality, versatility and energy efficiency. Browns Heavy Machinery is well ahead of the competition with its acclaimed 24-hour support service, highly-trained and experienced technical team and its state-of-the-art service facilities. Browns is the Sri Lankan home for many leading global brands as building global brands into local market dominance is a skill Browns has mastered over one-and-a-half-centuries.
The total distance of the Ruwanpura Expressway from Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla is 73.9km and the first phase of the proposed section is 24.3km. The total project has been awarded to Maga Engineering and the estimated cost of the project is Rs.54.7 billion. The first phase of the road is scheduled to be completed within 36 months (by 2024). The Proposed Ruwanpura Expressway from Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla via Ratnapura is connecting the Western Province with Sabaragmauwa. The first phase will be divided into four sections and the design speed of this phase will be 110km/h. Moreover, it will be a four-lane two-way expressway.
Commenting about the partnership, Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Group Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer, Browns stated, “Browns provides a wide array of heavy machinery and tools from renowned brands around the world. We always ensure that our customers receive a fast and reliable aftersales service as we aim to inculcate long-term partnerships. Browns maintains sufficient stocks of machines, spare parts and accessories — despite various challenges in the external environment — to cater to the growing demand.
Sharing his thoughts, G.V.S.K. Kumarasiri, Director – Highways and Bridges, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd said, “Choosing Browns to supply TATA Hitachi 220LC excavators is a wise decision. A clear reflection of the proven performance of TATA Hitachi, the aforementioned machines are very efficient and well facilitate the development of the Ruwanpura Expressway. Moreover, we are delighted with the aftersales service provided by Browns as well.”
Browns is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, which manages a fast-growing and valuable portfolio of brands across several key industry sectors, such as power generation, agriculture and plantation, pharmaceuticals, investments, marine and manufacturing, as well as leisure. (Browns)
Unilever Sri Lanka has unveiled a state-of-the-art rooftop solar power system at its food factory and Distribution Center in Sapugaskanda. This project represents another step towards Unilever’s aim to convert to 100% renewable energy sources across its sites globally.
The project combines 1,672 solar panels from the two facilities to produce a total of 970kW, with an 810Kva inverter to support it. This system is anticipated to generate an outstanding 1.25 million kWh of electricity annually, fulfilling 33% of the facilities’ energy needs. With this most recent installation, Unilever Sri Lanka’s overall solar capacity including that of the Horana factory has increased to 4MW, further supporting the country’s goal of generating 75% of the energy requirement from renewables by 2050.
Speaking on the occasion, Damith Abeyratne, Supply Chain Director, Unilever Sri Lanka said: “At Unilever Sri Lanka, sustainability is a priority. Our recent solar installations in Sapugaskanda are an important step in our efforts to lessen our impact on the environment and support the country’s renewable energy targets. This project serves as a reminder of the private sector’s vital role in contributing to form Sri Lanka’s sustainable future.”
Unilever has an approved science-based target to achieve a 100% reduction in absolute Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, against a 2015 baseline. Achieving net zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2039 is one of Unilever’s long-term ambitions. Focusing on pragmatic steps, sooner rather than later, the company has created a comprehensive Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) that applies globally, guiding its actions to reduce GHG emissions over the next few years.
The Digital Payments Promotion Campaign 2025 under the theme of “Shaping the Future through Digital Transactions” was launched by Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on 9th January 2025, at the Magam Ruhunupura Administrative Complex in Hambantota. The campaign was organized by CBSL with the support of Mr. Bimal Indrajith De Silva, District Secretary of Hambantota, financial institutions and telecommunication service providers. The event was attended by a large number of public officials, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the general public.
In his address, the Governor emphasized the critical role of modern technology and digital payments in driving the economic development of the country and uplifting the quality of life of the citizens. He highlighted the importance of popularising digital payments among all, with the involvement of government institutions, businesses and financial institutions. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bimal Indrajith De Silva highlighted the need to simplify the processes and use of technology by the financial institutions to serve all segments of the society. Mr. J P R Karunaratne, Deputy Governor of CBSL stated that similar island-wide awareness campaigns would increase the financial inclusion in the remote areas of the country enabling all citizens to benefit from digital payments.
At this occasion, banks, finance companies, e-money service providers such as telecommunication companies, and mobile payment application providers, facilitated the registration of digital payment applications and offered guidance to the attendees on conveniently using their mobile phones to purchase goods from the vendors present at the venue using LANKAQR payment method, which is a fast, safe, less expensive and an easy way to make payments for their daily needs.
This awareness campaign is the first in a series of initiatives by CBSL, aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital payments island-wide, aligning with the broader strategy of the Government and CBSL to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth through digitalisation. (CBSL)
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, a leader in non-banking financial services, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon as its new Chairman of the Board, with effect from 31st December 2024, subsequent to receiving approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
A distinguished academic and professional, Prof. Samarakoon brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role, underpinned by an accomplished career spanning academia, industry, and public service. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for People’s Leasing & Finance, as the company continues to build on its reputation for innovation and excellence in the financial services sector.
Prof. Samarakoon also presently serves as a professor at the Department of Commerce and Financial Management of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at the University of Kelaniya. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Special) Degree and a Master’s Degree from the same institution. He has also earned a PhD from the Faculty of Management and Economics at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic, supported by the prestigious Internationalisation Development Scholarship awarded by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports.
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