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Sacked OpenAI boss Sam Altman to join Microsoft

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OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman was fired as chief executive on Friday (pic BBC)

Sam Altman is joining Microsoft, the tech-giant has announced, ending speculation he might return to OpenAI just 48 hours after his chaotic ousting.

Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella wrote on X,  formerly Twitter, that  Altman would be joining Microsoft to lead “a new advanced AI research team”.

Meanwhile, ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear will become OpenAI’s new boss. Writing on X, he called the job a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

But in his post on the platform formerly known as Twitter, he added the way  Altman had been sacked was “handled very badly” and “seriously damaged our trust”.

The board dismissed Sam Altman, 38, on Friday, saying it had lost confidence in him, and named OpenAI’s chief technology officer, Mira Murati, as its interim chief executive.

Altman helped launch the firm, which created the popular ChatGPT bot, in 2015, and was the face of the firm’s rise. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the fast-growing generative artificial intelligence (AI) space, and his sacking sent shockwaves across the industry.

(BBC)



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Yamaha roars back into Sri Lanka with stylish relaunch and ‘Built to Ride ‘campaign

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Associated Motorways (AMW), Yamaha’s exclusive Sri Lankan distributor for over 75 years, celebrated the brand’s grand return after a five-year hiatus due to import restrictions. Marking the occasion, AMW hosted a groundbreaking fashion-themed launch event on 14th June 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, unveiling a new lineup of fuel-efficient motorcycles and scooters, including the standout Yamaha RayZR 125 (71km/l).

Beyond specs, Yamaha’s “Built to Ride” campaign highlights the passion and resilience of Sri Lankan riders, focusing on emotion over mechanics. Andre Bonthuys, AMW’s Group Managing Director, emphasized Yamaha’s commitment to redefining the riding experience. Backed by AMW’s service excellence and global “Kando” philosophy, Yamaha’s return promises to revitalize Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market with performance, innovation, and style.

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Pelwatte Dairy launches landmark pension scheme for Sri Lankan dairy farmers

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In a historic move that redefines rural financial security, Pelwatte Dairy Industries has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.

Pelwatte Dairy, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost homegrown dairy brands, has long been a pillar in the push to replace imported dairy with locally produced milk, saving the nation billions in foreign exchange. Milk powder production is expected to increase by 80% upon completion of the new Kurunegala processing facility, supporting local demand and opening up new export opportunities.

This landmark pension initiative will benefit over 30,000 registered dairy farmers working with Pelwatte. Designed to offer financial stability post-retirement, the scheme ensures these vital contributors to Sri Lanka’s food security can live out their later years with dignity and peace of mind. Additional benefits will support health, education, and safety for the farmers’ families setting a new standard for agricultural welfare in the region.

“This is a defining milestone not just for Pelwatte, but for the entire Sri Lankan dairy sector,” said Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy. “It is our corporate responsibility to safeguard those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”

Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director, added: “We see this as more than a welfare initiative. It’s an investment in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and national economic resilience.”

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CEEDECS wins Best National Industry Brand award

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Managing Director Janaka Mahanama

CEEDECS Lanka Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a leading Sri Lankan construction firm, has been honored with the Best National Industry Brand Award in the Mining and Allied Industry Sector (Medium Scale) at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards, organized by the Industrial Development Board. The award recognizes their eco-friendly brand, Harithaweli Ready Mix, which offers sustainable alternatives to traditional sand-based construction materials.

Founded in 1999 and based in Mahara, Kadawatha, CEEDECS has over 20 years of expertise in construction, consultancy, and design. Harithaweli’s products—including Ready-Mix Plaster, Waterproof Solutions, and Tile Adhesives—are durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, gaining popularity among builders and contractors.

With 21 showrooms nationwide and multiple quality certifications, CEEDECS continues to expand its reach.

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