Business
John Keells Holdings signs the first ever Technology Transfer Agreement with 4Ever Skin Naturals
John Keells Research (JKR), the Research & Development and Innovation arm of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) signed an agreement with 4Ever Skin Naturals (Pvt) Ltd on 15th March 2022 and entered into its first-ever technology licensing agreement. Krishan Balendra Chairman John Keells Group and Chandani Bandara, Founder and Chairperson of 4ever Skin Naturals (Pvt) Ltd. signed on behalf of the respective companies.
JKR operates with the mandate of creating commercially viable intellectual property for not only John Keells Group but also for Sri Lanka, and Dr. Muditha Senarath-Yapa Head of JKR together with a team of multidisciplinary scientists work on the four areas of composites, energy storage, biomaterials, and mechatronics.
4Ever Skin Naturals (Pvt) Ltd is one of Sri Lanka’s leading herbal-based cosmetic manufacturing companies, which specializes in products ranging from personal care, healthcare, and safe care that are trusted by both local and international markets.
Krishan Balendra, Chairman John Keells Group, speaking at the occasion said “Innovation is one of the Group’s core values, through which we seek to add value to our offering of products and services across all our businesses. We believe that the benefits of Nanotechnology will surpass its current applications and the technology transfer today will pave way for more innovative and sustainable products in the market.”
JKR’s proprietary Silmetic TM technology will be exclusively utilized by 4Ever to develop a range of skin care products with enhanced properties. Silmetic TM is a cosmeceutical and cosmetic additive containing silver nanoparticles developed and trademarked by JKR. The licensed cosmetic product line will be launched under 4Ever’s sub brand, DermaPRO.
Ms. Chandani Bandara, the Founder and Chairperson of 4ever Skin Naturals (Pvt) Ltd. said “Nano silver is different from other nanoparticles, and it has been known for decades for its use in various applications including consumer products. It’s a pleasure to partner with John Keells to develop unique nano silver products at our ultra-modern production plant under optimum hygienic conditions, according to ISO 9001: 2015, cosmetic GMP 22716: 2007, HACCP and Sri Lankan Ayurvedic standards at the BOI Industrial Zone in Pallekele, Kandy”.
Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge area in science that includes the design, characterization, production, and application of materials, devices, and systems where shape and size are controlled at the nano meter scale. The incorporation of nano materials into cosmetic formulations introduces novel advantages to the skin care industry by making the products therapeutic and of a high-quality finish with antiaging, anti-wrinkling, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Silmetic TM is a technology that is sustainable in terms of both material and energy usage since minute amounts of Silmetic TM could offer long lasting effects. It is the goal of John Keells Research to uplift the quality of life through science while contributing towards the advancement of an innovation ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
John Keells Research is the Research & Development and Innovation arm of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed company in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John Keells Group provides employment to over 14,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for the last 16 Years by LMD Magazine. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.
By Ifham Nizam
In a landmark move towards a sustainable energy future, Sri Lanka launched the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo. The five-year initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy, aims to transform the nation into a renewable energy powerhouse through strategic investments in solar, wind and hydropower.
The event, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, brought together key stakeholders, including Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Ministers Eranga Weeraratne and Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor Udayanga Hemapala and CEB chairman Dr. Tilak Siyabalapitiya.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that the initiative is not merely a policy document but a transformative roadmap for Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
“We are not just here to launch this project; we are here to transform our country into an energy powerhouse for the future. The Green Energy Acceleration Plan will expand renewable energy production and provide affordable electricity to all Sri Lankans, she stated.
The plan prioritizes reducing electricity demand, lowering costs and modernizing the energy sector through digital innovations and advanced energy storage technologies. A key aspect of the initiative is reforming energy regulations to promote efficiency and sustainability.
The government has outlined three critical focus areas for the energy sector overhaul:
Affordable & Reliable Renewable Energy – Expanding solar, wind and hydropower while minimizing carbon emissions.
Public Awareness & Digital Transformation – Educating citizens on the importance of renewable energy and modern technologies.
Advanced Energy Conversion Methods – Modernizing the sector with innovative energy solutions aligned with global advancement.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of local and international partnerships to successfully implement the plan. She urged all stakeholders—including policymakers, investors and industry experts—to collaborate in achieving energy security and economic resilience.
With the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030, Sri Lanka takes a decisive step towards energy independence, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and positioning itself as a regional leader in clean energy innovation.
This ambitious initiative marks a turning point in Sri Lanka’s energy landscape, setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable future for all.
President Donald Trump is moving forward with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico into the US, saying that time had run out to reach a deal.
US stock markets sank in response to the measures, which have been threatened since earlier this year and are due to go into effect on Tuesday.
An additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports is also expected to come into force, leaving all three of America’s top three trade partners facing significantly higher trade barriers than just a few weeks ago.
“No room left for Mexico or for Canada,” Trump said at the White House on Monday. “The tariffs, you know, they’re all set. They go into effect tomorrow.”
Trump threatened to impose the tariffs – which is a tax that is added to a product when it enters a country – on Canada, Mexico and China in response to what he says is the unacceptable flow of illegal drugs and undocumented migrants into the US.
He had already imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese exports to the US last month, meaning goods from the country now face a levy of at least 20%.
All three countries have said they will retaliate against the US in response to the tariffs, raising the prospect of a widening trade war.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said the tariffs are “an existential threat to us” with “thousands of jobs in Canada at stake”.
She said Canadian officials have had “constructive conversations” with the Trump administration to try to avert the 25% levies but warned “we are ready with counter tariffs”.
Trump has long maintained that tariffs are a useful tool to correct trade imbalances and protect US manufacturing.
He has largely dismissed concerns that the measures risk economic damage in the US, despite the close ties, especially in North America, where businesses have enjoyed decades of free trade.
“What they’ll have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things, in the United States, in which case they have no tariffs,” he added.
The three major indexes in the US sank after Trump’s comments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down 1.4%, the S&P 500 sank 1.75% and the Nasdaq fell 2.6%.
Officials from Canada and Mexico had been in Washington in recent days, trying to avoid the tariffs.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, appeared to send a message to Trump earlier on Monday when she said at a public event in the city of Colima that “Mexico has to be respected”. “Co-operation and co-ordination, yes, subordination, never.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday, from a summit on Ukraine in London, that Canada was “not an issue” as a source of illegal fentanyl in the US.
Only 1% of fentanyl seized in the US is thought to come from Canada, according to US data.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it has been “surging” its efforts to tackle fentanyl crossing into the US.
Canada has repeatedly said tariffs will harm both economies but added that it will defend itself if they happen.
Last month, it prepared a list of $30bn (£23.6bn) worth of American goods it said it would levy in response to US tariffs. Items on that list included everyday goods like pasta, clothing and perfume.
Canadian Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand met officials in Washington in recent days and said over the weekend there will be a response.
“We are steady at the wheel. We are prepared for any eventuality, but we will at every turn defend our country’s economy,” she told CBC News.
China’s state-run Global Times newspaper said that Beijing had prepared countermeasures, which would probably target US agricultural and food products.
President Trump has also announced a 25% charge on all steel and aluminium imports, which is meant to come into effect on 12 March.
In addition, he has threatened to impose custom “reciprocal” tariffs on individual countries, as well as 25% tariffs on the European Union.
[BBC]
The Italian embassy in Colombo celebrated Italian Design Day and The Days of Italian Fashion in the World by hosting Brenda Bellei Bizzi, the CEO of WHITE Milano, a renowned fashion tradeshow held during Milan Fashion Week. She collaborated with Colombo Fashion Week Summer 2025 in its 22nd edition presenting Sicilian designer Cettina Bucca’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection at CFW. Brenda Bellei Bizzi was appointed Ambassador for Italian Design in Sri Lanka in the 2025 edition of Italian Design Day.
Focusing on contemporary women’s wear design, WHITE became a significant platform for promoting emerging designers and sustainable fashion practices at CFW this year. Brenda’s discussions integrate well with the ethos of circularity in fashion, creating a fashion ecosystem that provides support for designers to enter the global fashion industry. Additionally, her discussions with fashion and design students at the College of Fashion & Design and fashion designers about opportunities at WHITE added momentum to their journey into the world of fashion on the global ramp.
Delighted to bring the unparalleled expertise of Brenda Bellei Bizzi to Sri Lanka, Ambassador for Italy in Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh said, “Fashion and Italy are inextricably linked and having Brenda Bellei Bizzi with us to celebrate Italian Design Day and the launch of The Days of Italian Fashion in the World in Sri Lanka augments that premise. As the ambassador for Sri Lanka in the 2025 edition of the Italian Design Day, Brenda Bellei Bizzi’s collaboration with Colombo Fashion Week allowed us to showcase Italian fashion in this beautiful country.”
Kerala cannabis valued at over Rs. 69 million recovered from vicinity of Vaththirayan beach
Uninterrupted supply of essential food guaranteed for the New Year season
Samarawickrama hits 66* before first ODI is washed out
-
Latest News4 days agoSusantha Chandramali passes away at the age of 61
-
News7 days agoUSD 900,000 paid monthly for three unused SriLankan aircraft– Dy. Finance Minister
-
Features5 days agoDid Rani miss manorani ?
-
Editorial6 days agoDon’t eviscerate precious goose
-
Features7 days ago2025 Budget: Challenges, hopes and concerns
-
Editorial7 days ago
Budget and security
-
News6 days agoSDC conducts workshop on Inclusive Business Accreditation
-
Features5 days agoElectoral reform and abolishing the executive presidency