HNB Finance PLC recently organized the ‘Yalu Daskam’ Art Workshop at President’s College, Homagama, as part of its sustainability initiatives to support holistic child development.

A release said that the event, funded by the HNB Finance Yalu Children’s Savings Account, engaged Grade 4 students in exploring artistic skills under the guidance of Dayawansa Kumasaru, former Advisor for the Arts at the Ministry of Education. Parents also participated in creating a collaborative environment.

Each student received a prize, a certificate, and a Yalu Children’s Savings Account with an initial deposit, promoting both creativity and financial literacy. Udara Gunasinghe, Head of Marketing at HNB Finance, emphasized the program’s role in nurturing young talents and announced plans to expand it island-wide. The initiative reflects HNB Finance’s commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s younger generation through education and creativity, said the release.

Ceylinco Life, Sri Lanka’s leading life insurer, is set to expand its eco-friendly operations with a new purpose-built Green Branch in Ambalantota, Hambantota District. The foundation stone for the two-storey, 3,250 sq. ft building was recently laid at Ward No. 02, Tangalle Road, in the presence of Chairman R. Renganathan, CEO Thushara Ranasinghe, and senior management.

The building will be constructed using eco-friendly precast concrete technology developed by the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD) and adhere to strict environmental standards under the National Green Reporting System. It will feature a 20-kW solar power system with a 5-kW battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and zero electricity costs.

The branch will also include rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems to support sustainable water use, and its design will optimise natural light and ventilation. Energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning will further reduce environmental impact.

Besides promoting sustainability, the construction method will offer 10-15% cost savings and reduce completion time by 20%, the company said. Ceylinco Life operates 256 branches island-wide and has been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Brand of the Year in 2022 and 2023, underscoring its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

CEAT Kelani Holdings, Sri Lanka’s leading tyre manufacturer, has kicked off 2025 with the opening of its 10th premium Shop-in-Shop (SIS) outlet, marking a significant milestone in its retail expansion strategy. The company unveiled three new SIS outlets in December and January, located in Colombo 7, Miriswatte on the Colombo-Kandy Road, and Batticaloa, offering vehicle owners an exclusive and premium purchasing experience.

The new outlets—Serendib Tyre and Battery City in Batticaloa, Ajith Tyre Service in Miriswatte, and Universal Tyres in Colombo 7—provide a wide range of CEAT tyres, attractive discounts, and expert tyre care services. Customers can also access additional services such as wheel balancing, alignment, nitrogen and air pumps, alloy wheels, and automobile batteries.

The SIS concept, part of CEAT’s distribution channel expansion strategy, involves creating dedicated spaces within multi-brand dealer premises to showcase CEAT products. The company enhances these spaces with branded interiors, illuminated signage, and innovative display racks, boosting brand visibility and partner revenue.

These premium outlets focus on passenger cars and SUVs, featuring high-performance radial tyres engineered in Germany. CEAT’s retail expansion includes flagship Customer Invested Dealer Operated (CIDO) outlets in Etul Kotte, Madampe, and Mirihana, alongside SIS outlets in key locations like Borella, Pamankada, Malabe, and Kurunegala.

CEAT Kelani Holdings, which manufactures half of Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre requirements, has invested over Rs 8.5 billion in the past decade. The company exports 20% of its production to 16 countries, contributing significantly to foreign exchange conservation. With its Italian origins and German technology, CEAT continues to lead Sri Lanka’s tyre sector through innovation, quality improvements, and customer-centric retail experiences.