Business

Twinery, Innovations by MAS recognised as one of region’s most influential innovators

Published

5 years ago

2021/01/15

By Steve A. Morrell

MAS Holdings Chairman, Mahesh Amalean said recently that it was a proud moment for his company when their Twinery product won the Clarivate award for excellence.

He said so addressing the media on a virtual meeting platform. “Technology and innovation that developed the product which was the ultimate result of team work and distinct attention to detail. MAS holdings Twinery was one of 28 products that achieved this distinction and the first to be awarded worldwide acclaim in the apparel sector,” he said.

“Distinction achieved was also that the product was a national achievement, with the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ tag adding prestige to the country of origin,” he said.

Elaborating on the prestige of the award, Sales Director,- IP Group- South Asia & South East Asia, Rajat Kumar Sikka. addressing the media said, the IP group’s tradition spanned over 150 years. Within this time span it lent recognition to products originated from other countries as well. Innovative ideas emerging from such origins were evaluated for innovation and originality. He confirmed that the Twinery product from MAS holdings was outstanding in its quality and texture, and the Clarivate award identified the MAS product to be outstanding and a leading product of the brand. Intellectual Property Rights for the MAS product was an indelible stamp of excellence recognized for the Clarivate award; that too its competing texture was recognised to ensure the brand was the result of research to maximise its value”.

Chief Innovation Officer, MAS holdings, Ranil Vitarana, commenting on intellectual property rights said the advantage of such identification was that the product could not be duplicated by another manufacturer for another 10- 20 years. He also said the advantage was that the product achieved such exclusivity coupled with its brand prestige, was that the manufacturer could charge an extra shelf price during its rights period”.

“Smaller companies are within the vortex of violating such property rights, and tend to renegade on such strictures. To prevent such action the property rights were protected legally. Additionally, prices for such products were not subject to controls that could be enforced during the period enforced”.

Expanding on the product, Twinery, was an innovation that came into being since 2014, to help women manage and support physical changes through the company’s FEMTECH pillar. That being to support women during physical changes that become unavoidable during the period of menopause. To help them cope with these changes the silky fabric made of a mixture of yarn and light weight material accents coolness against the skin absorbing heat to ensure comfort during the transitional period experienced by women during this time.

The team of innovators at MAS, included a group of some 45 persons who were also a number of women who were part of their team. Additionally, a group of about 5 young persons were also part of the team, the difference was that they did not have any academic qualifications.

Responding to a query from the media, Mahesh Amalean, confirmed that success of the product was the advantage of team work. “Product innovation was continuous and did not bear an ultimate end. Progress is a factor that does not register an end. Given the excellence of the product, MAS products are recognized on retail shelves and are an inevitable product sought after by customers”, he said.

Also present at the press conference were, Director Corporate Affairs, MAS Holdings, Rajitha Jayasuriya, and CEO MAS Holdings, Suren Fernando.

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Business

SL’s economic outlook for 2026 being shaped by M-E conflict

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/11

Thilina Walpola

The top table at the ADB media briefing

Sri Lanka’s economic growth is expected to moderate to 4.0% in 2026 and climb to 4.2% in 2027, following two consecutive years of strong 5.0% growth.

This forecast is based on an early stabilization scenario for the Middle East conflict, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2026, Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) flagship economic publication. Sri Lanka’s recovery held firm in 2025 despite the late-year disruption of Cyclone Ditwah. Private consumption surged amid low inflation and easing interest rates, while remittances hit a record high, as did the primary budget surplus. The current account posted a third consecutive surplus, and official reserves climbed to their strongest level in years.

The outlook for 2026 is increasingly shaped by the conflict in the Middle East, even as post-Ditwah reconstruction spending provides some support for growth. Private consumption will remain the main growth driver, though higher inflation will temper household spending power, and private investment is expected to recover only gradually amid heightened uncertainty.

Higher energy costs, potentially weaker remittance inflows, and disruptions to trade and tourism will weigh on household incomes and external buffers and drag on economic growth. Inflation is projected to accelerate sharply to 5.2% in 2026, driven largely by the Middle East conflict.

“Sri Lanka has come a long way since the recent economic crisis, and its economic performance over the last two years is a major achievement,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin. “However, the risks ahead are real and significant. This is not the moment to ease up on reforms. Fiscal discipline must be maintained and resilience must be strengthened against the external shocks that will keep testing this economy. At the same time, scaling up and executing public investment will be essential to sustaining the recovery.”

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.(ADB)

Business

Hameedia unveils “Threads of Culture”

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/11

Thilina Walpola

This Avurudu season, Hameedia introduces its latest campaign, “Threads of Culture,” celebrating the traditions that connect generations while embracing a more conscious and forward-thinking approach to fashion.

Rooted in the spirit of Sinhala and Hindu New Year, the campaign highlights the importance of preserving culture while evolving with modern values. This year, Hameedia places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable fashion, encouraging customers to move away from fast and imitation fashion towards quality, authenticity, and responsible choices.

As part of this shift, Hameedia presents a refreshed festive collection crafted using lightweight cotton and linen fabrics, designed specifically for Sri Lanka’s climate. The collection focuses on breathability, comfort, and timeless style, offering customers clothing that is both practical and refined for the season.

Commenting on the campaign, Fouzul Hameed, Managing Director of Hameedia, stated, “Avurudu is a time of renewal, reflection, and meaningful connection. With ‘Threads of Culture,’ we wanted to go beyond celebration and inspire a shift in mindset, encouraging Sri Lankans to choose authenticity over imitation, quality over quantity, and responsibility over convenience. As a homegrown brand, we take pride in upholding craftsmanship and ethical practices, and we believe fashion should not only look good but also do good.”

Marking a key milestone in its expansion, Hameedia is also set to open its newest outlet in Galle, further strengthening its presence across the island and making its signature craftsmanship more accessible to customers in the southern region.

Business

Colombo Shopping Festival 2026 declared open for 5 days of Avurudu Shopping

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/11

Thilina Walpola

The much-anticipated 41st Edition of the Colombo Shopping Festival (CSF) – Avurudu Fair was ceremonially declared open at the BMICH Exhibition Centre, marking the beginning of five exciting days of festive shopping in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The ceremonial opening commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp on 8th April 2026, in the presence of guests, industry leaders, and invitees. Organized by Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions, the event continues to reinforce its position as one of Sri Lanka’s premier consumer exhibitions.

Running from 8th to 12th April 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, the Colombo Shopping Festival brings together over 200+ Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the island, offering a vibrant marketplace that supports local businesses while delivering exceptional value to shoppers.

This year’s Avurudu Fair promises an unmatched retail experience, featuring a wide range of products including fashion, lifestyle, homeware, beauty, and more. Visitors can shop top brands such as Boss, EL Holdings, Vantage, Miniso, Governor Shirts, Edge Casual, Avirate, Cetaphil, Phoenix, Rite Shu and many more top brands, alongside a diverse selection of Indian stalls offering exclusive collections at massive discounts.

The festival creates the perfect opportunity for families and shoppers to prepare for the New Year with unbeatable deals, festive offers, and a lively atmosphere filled with seasonal excitement.

With its strong legacy and continued commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs, the Colombo Shopping Festival stands as a key highlight in Sri Lanka’s event calendar—bringing together commerce, culture, and celebration under one roof.