Brown & Company PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading entities was recently nominated as Most Innovative Diversified Conglomerate, Sri Lanka 2024 by the esteemed Global Economics Awards, a prestigious platform which identifies business enterprises that contribute towards their economies in a significant way.

Browns IT’s in-house Digital Transformation Solutions arm (DTS), has been instrumental in introducing ground-breaking digital innovations across a diverse range of key industry sectors such as automotive, power generation agriculture, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Transforming business processes with a portfolio of innovative digital solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and customer experience, Brown & Company, once renowned for its leading role in mechanisation is now in the process of pioneering industry-based digitalisation across the nation.

Some of Browns IT’s latest solutions include, the Smart Force Sales Automation tool which takes over manual, repetitive tasks, enabling sales teams to focus on building customer relationships and sourcing new business opportunities. Alongside that, the Company recently introduced Sri Lanka’s first paperless warranty app, Browns eCare, replacing a traditional model with a seamless mobile and web interface allowing customers to easily check e-warranty details, locate service agents, access product information and more. Meanwhile, Browns IT’s AI-powered Docit solution simplifies document handling by automating the identification and reading of documents. In terms of service management, Zyra, a customer care interface with inbuilt AI-driven models captures vehicle details in order to provide enhanced service while improving overall efficiency.

The versatile Proyetco platform augments worksite management through its web and mobile applications, while incorporating facial recognition for improved productivity and accessibility. In the agriculture sector, the SMART GoviSaviya mobile application supports field assistants by enabling the collection of real-time farming data thereby leading to better decision-making and support in the field.

Building on its commitment to leveraging IoT technology, Brown & Company offers advanced solutions for industrial monitoring and maintenance. The IGen G500 Generator Monitoring IoT Solution, integrated with the Smartsys platform, allows for remote tracking of essential data required for timely generator maintenance while ensuring operational reliability. Similarly, the Company’s Chiller IoT Solution uses sophisticated IoT technology to monitor key parameters such as pH, EC and salinity, optimise efficiency, reduce energy consumption and enhance the reliability of operations.

Expanding its suite of solutions, Browns IT offers Load IT, Smart Flow, Smart Assist, Smart Count, MMT and Boiler, Poultry Farm and Fuel Monitoring IoT Solutions, further enhancing operational effectiveness across various sectors through its digital and technology innovations.

Speaking on the accolade Prasanna Ganegoda, Head of IT – Brown & Company PLC said, “Brown & Company is at the forefront of innovation, continually pushing boundaries to integrate cutting-edge digital solutions across diverse industries.

By Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka’s electricity unit cost remains high compared to regional counterparts, currently standing at 13 US cents per unit, said Eng. Pubudu Niroshan, the Director General of the Power Sector Reform Task Force under the Ministry of Energy.

Speaking on the government’s plan, he stated the goal is to bring this figure down to 8 US cents within the next five years, ensuring Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the region.

“Our aim is to reduce generation costs progressively, focusing on renewable energy sources and implementing reforms. Immediate price reductions are impractical without addressing the root causes. A stable reduction in electricity costs requires investments in low-cost power plants, Niroshan explained.

Highlighting the importance of renewable energy, Niroshan stressed that delays in commissioning solar and wind power projects and the absence of LNG-based generation have hindered progress.

“For decades, we discussed coal power plants but failed to implement them when required. Even with tenders for LNG facilities, significant delays were encountered. Competitive pricing and efficient tender processes for renewable projects are key moving forward, he added.

He also said that the government has already embarked on an ambitious plan to add 2,000 MW of solar power to rooftops at a rate of 400 MW annually. Additionally, wind power generation opportunities in the Mannar to Pooneryn belt are being fast-tracked to boost the national grid’s capacity.

While transitioning to solar and wind energy, Niroshan noted that managing day-to-day demand remains critical. “Thermal plants like Kelanitissa and Kerawalapitiya will rely on LNG for the next three years, and we aim to achieve 1,500 MW of production from LNG plants during this period, he revealed.

However, balancing generation costs poses challenges, he said, particularly during the dry season when hydropower output is limited. The estimated generation cost for the first six months of 2025 stands at Rs. 268 billion, while revenue is projected to reach only Rs. 229 billion, leaving a deficit of Rs. 39 billion.

“Despite public perception of profitability, the reported Rs. 140-150 billion ‘profit’ this year was used to settle outstanding debts amounting to Rs. 118 billion. Thus, only Rs. 41 billion remained, and this will be utilized to offset expenses for the first half of next year, Niroshan clarified.

Eng. Niroshan stressed the need for structural reforms in the electricity sector, including the unbundling of generation, transmission, and distribution into separate entities, all fully owned by the government. He explained that the reform plan involves establishing three to four generation companies, two transmission companies, and four distribution companies, overseen by an independent system-operating company.

“This is not privatization but a step towards efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. A restructured power sector will ensure affordable and reliable electricity for the next 30-40 years, he added.

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) is delighted to announce the winners of the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards in Sri Lanka. The awards celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of secondary school learners in Sri Lanka in the November 2023 and June 2024 Cambridge examination series.

Over 162 students in Sri Lanka will receive awards for exceptional performance in Cambridge IGCSE™, O Level and International AS & A Level examinations, including 3 students who achieved the highest marks in the world and 75 students who attained the highest marks in Sri Lanka in a single subject.

The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards programme celebrates the success of students taking examinations awarded by Cambridge International Education in over 40 countries around the world. Cambridge qualifications prepare and equip learners with the skills they need to thrive at university and beyond. The world’s best higher education institutions recognise Cambridge qualifications and value the critical thinking skills, independent research abilities and deep subject knowledge that Cambridge learners bring to university.

Vinay Sharma, Sr VP, Cambridge International Education (CIE) South Asia, said: “Cambridge learners are at the heart of everything we do. Every element of a Cambridge education – the curriculum, teaching and learning, resources and assessment – is carefully designed to help learners reach their potential and thrive in life.”

Dominic Hudson, British Council Exams Director, Sri Lanka, said: “Congratulations to students receiving Cambridge high achiever awards! They have shown great commitment and successfully applied knowledge and skills to achieve the highest results. UK qualifications are recognised worldwide and lead to greater opportunities. Parents and guardians will be proud of their child’s progress and can now celebrate after all the hard work.”

The awards also celebrate the achievements of those learners who have been recognised for ‘High Achievement’, based on outstanding performance in subjects which are not yet so widely taken in Sri Lanka, and learners who have achieved the total highest cumulative marks across a number of subjects. The winning students out-performed thousands of candidates worldwide who sat Cambridge examinations.