Business
nVentures partners with DigiEcon Global Investment Summit to bring five leading international Venture Capital firms to Sri Lanka

nVentures Pte Ltd has partnered with the inaugural DigiEcon Global Investment Summit in 2024, organized by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Technology. This initiative is part of the country’s far-reaching DigiEcon Sri Lanka 2030 economic strategy.
A Venture Capital (VC) fund licensed under the Monetary Authority of Singapore, with a startup portfolio representing Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Singapore and the UK, nVentures has helped secure the attendance of five leading global VCs to participate, and explore the local startup sector, at this Summit that will be held on June 25.
A premier conference that serves as a gateway to explore Sri Lanka’s dynamic digital investment ecosystem, the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024 expects to bring together 80 plus investors, including major international players, and over 50 technology companies. At the heart of the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit is the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of worldwide delegates, wherein participants will have the chance to expand their networks, explore new partnerships, and interact with thought leaders, all in an environment geared for collaboration.
“Sri Lanka’s digital economy is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Our groundbreaking DigiEcon 2030 strategy, a comprehensive 7-year plan developed in collaboration with industry leaders and the World Bank, sets an ambitious target of growing our digital sector to $15 billion by 2030. As a key initiative within this strategy, we are proud to present the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s dynamic tech ecosystem, connect with influential stakeholders, and uncover the immense potential for growth in our digital landscape.” – Hon. Kanaka Herath, State Minister of Technology
The VCs that will attend the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit are Quest Ventures, Accelerating Asia, Tenity, Striders Corporation and Orvel. In addition, the following high powered executives from Quest Ventures, Accelerating Asia and Tenity will lend their valuable and wide-ranging experience to the Summit, by taking part as guest speakers.
James Tan is Managing Partner at Quest Ventures, which focuses on an overarching ‘digital economy’ strategy across Asia, and is a top venture capital firm in artificial intelligence, e-commerce and marketplaces, entertainment, finance, food, insurance, logistics, media, property, sports, and the Islamic digital economy. Quest’s portfolio companies include industry leaders such as 99.co, Carousell, Carro, Glife, Hepmil, Oddle, Shopback, VulcanPost, Xfers, and Yummy Corporation.
Business
SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.
The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.
Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.
As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.
Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.
A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.
Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.
During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.
The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.
Business
Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.
Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.
Business
Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.
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