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Sri Lanka’s Angel Fund Shortlists Five Startups for Investment

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The Angel Fund, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, has shortlisted its five early-stage startups for potential investment; Niftron, Traccular, Medica, Soulboner Clothing, and Ophir. This follows an intense application and selection process, spanning September, October, and November 2020, which initially attracted 80 applications. 

The Angel Fund, launched earlier this year by the Lankan Angel Network (LAN), was established with the support of ecosystem development partner Ford Foundation to catalyze the growth of Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem. Comprising 100 angel investors, including many high-profile entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, who represent more than a dozen sectors with proven competencies in over 20 functional domains, the Angel Fund is also distinct in that it features 20% of its investment from members based out of Canada, Dubai, Hongkong, Qatar, UK, and the USA.

The process was guided by the Fund’s high-profile Investment Committee (IC) consisting of Angel Fund members Dumith Fernando, Chairman of Colombo Stock Exchange/Chairman of Asia Securities, Dumindra Ratnayaka, Chairman/Senior Consultant at Martin & George. The IC also comprises Nathan Sivagananathan, Co-Founder of Hatch Works; Anarkali Moonesinghe, former CEO of CIMB Sri Lanka; Mangala Karunaratne, Founder/CEO of Calcey Technologies; and Imal Kalutotage, Founder/CEO of NCINGA. Joining them as Independent IC Member is Shiluka Goonewardene, Principal – Deal Advisory – KPMG.

Angel Fund IC member Dumith Fernando stated, “The investment approval process for the Angel Fund was quite robust with seasoned experts from varied backgrounds participating in the Investment Committee. We were encouraged by the quality of the shortlisted startups that presented to us. We set a high bar for investment selection this time. And even among those founders who did not gain funding this quarter, we found several who would be investable with some tweaks to their business models and plan.”

The top five shortlisted startups were:

Niftron – A Blockchain-as-a-Service platform that allows for easy and efficient integration of blockchain with products or projects, enhancing ownership, transparency, and security.

Traccular – A cloud-based IoT-enabled visitor management system that provides a scalable solution for companies looking for an efficient check-in and verification process to improve efficiency and security.



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HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings

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Lasitha Wimalaratne – CEO, HNB Assurance

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.

The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.

Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”

“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.

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Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala

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Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.

The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.

Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.

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CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season

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CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.

Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.

This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.

CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.

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