Category: Daily Financial Times

United Motors, the exclusive distributor for Mitsubishi Motors in Sri Lanka for over four decades, has announced the arrival of the versatile 2025 Mitsubishi range. The lineup, which includes 4 Mid-Range SUVs, the formidable Triton double cab, and the efficient Attrage sedan, was officially unveiled at a special event at Hyde Park Corner, marking a significant milestone for the company.

The 2025 models feature a modern, aerodynamic design and advanced, fuel-efficient engines across the range. The showcase spotlights the robust Mitsubishi family, with a special highlight on the dynamic all-new Outlander Sport.

Spotlight on new arrival: All-new Outlander Sport

Blending aggressive style with versatile performance, the Outlander Sport is designed for the urban explorer. It features a bold new design language, an advanced infotainment system with smartphone integration, and a suite of Mitsubishi’s latest safety technologies, making every journey both connected and secure.

‘The arrival of this new 2025 range energises our commitment to delivering not just vehicles, but confidence and unforgettable experiences,’ said United Motors Group CEO/Executive Director Chanaka Yatawara. ‘We support every Mitsubishi with our best-in-class after-sales service across eight locations nationwide, ensuring peace of mind for every owner.’

The 2025 lineup presents a comprehensive portfolio for every need. Which features the versatile mid-range SUVs, including the Expander, Expander Cross, and Eclipse Cross, alongside the high-end range of the Outlander and Montero Sport. The range is complemented by the Triton double cab, renowned for its robust suspension and comfortable, well-appointed interior, and the stylish Attrage sedan. Each model is renowned for its outstanding performance, reliability, and exceptional value.

We invite customers and enthusiasts to visit any United Motors showroom to experience the 2025 Mitsubishi lineup first-hand.

For those seeking a vehicle that combines modern design, fuel efficiency and reliability, the 2025 Mitsubishi range is unmissable. Think SUV. Think Mitsubishi.

With a record number of wins at the 9th South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts strengthened its reputation as a destination expert shaping hospitality experience across Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The prestigious regional awards, held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo on Saturday, recognised excellence across Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, where Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts claimed eight distinguished titles, including multiple Gold and Silver awards.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts’ wins at SATA 2025:

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives – Gold, Surf Resort

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives – Gold, Beach Resort

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana – Gold, Eco-Friendly Hotel/Resort

Cinnamon Wild Yala – Gold, Wildlife Tented Lodge/Resort

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo – Gold, Wedding Destination Hotel

Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection – Silver, Designer Resort/Hotel

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy – Silver, Riverfront Hotel/Resort

Kamal Munasinghe, Cinnamon Grand Colombo – General Manager of the Year

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, home to the world renowned Pasta Point surf break, was named Surf Resort of the Year for the seventh time and third consecutive year. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives celebrated its first ever Gold award as Beach Resort of the Year, recognised for its pristine lagoon, white sand beaches, and luxury villas.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Area General Manager – Maldives Sanjeeva Perera said: ‘These awards highlight both legacy and progress. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives continues to set the benchmark for surf tourism, while Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives’ first Gold award reflects the island’s natural beauty and our team’s ability to create meaningful guest experiences.’

Kamal Munasinghe, who received the General Manager of the Year award during his tenure as Area Vice President – Colombo Sector and General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, has since been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, where he is set to lead operations across the chain. Reflecting on the brand’s performance, he said: ‘These honours recognise the dedication and expertise of our teams across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. At Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, we curate experiences that connect travellers with culture, nature, and community. As a destination expert, our commitment is to create journeys that are both authentic and inspiring.’

SATA 2025 presented 53 Gold and 113 Silver awards overall, with the Maldives named Adventure Destination of the Year and Bhutan named Heritage Destination of the Year. With its strong performance, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts continues to define its role as destination experts, setting new benchmarks in sustainable and experiential hospitality.

Hayleys Leisure continues to elevate Sri Lanka’s presence in the regional hospitality scene, clinching three coveted accolades at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, South Asia’s premier recognition platform for excellence in tourism and hospitality.

Taking centre stage, The Kingsbury, Colombo was crowned Gold Winner – Leading F and B Hotel, a remarkable achievement that cements its reputation as South Asia’s culinary powerhouse. With an impressive portfolio of nine restaurants and bars, the hotel has continuously set benchmarks in fine dining, innovation, and service excellence – redefining Colombo’s luxury dining landscape.

Further adding to the accolades, Amaya Lake, Dambulla was honoured with the Gold Award for Leading Family Resort, a recognition that highlights its growing popularity as a premier family destination in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. With its tranquil lakeside setting, heritage-inspired experiences, and warm hospitality, the resort continues to deliver unforgettable getaways for families seeking authenticity and connection.

Adding to this success, Amaya Resorts and Spas received the Silver Award for Leading Resort Brand in South Asia, affirming its strength in offering culturally immersive, wellness-driven stays across its boutique collection. Together, these accolades reflect Amaya’s emergence as one of South Asia’s most preferred family hospitality brands.

Hayleys Leisure Managing Director Rohan Karr said: ‘These recognitions are a celebration of the exceptional work by our teams across all properties. From leading South Asia’s F and B innovation at The Kingsbury, to delivering memorable family experiences at Amaya Lake, and offering distinctive resort stays through Amaya Resorts and Spas-we remain focused on setting new industry benchmarks while showcasing the best of Sri Lankan hospitality.’

LB Finance PLC has appointed Ravi Tissera to its Board as an Executive Director.

Tissera is an inclusive finance, impact investing and green finance and MSME Sector specialist.

He was the founder CEO of LOLC Microcredit Ltd. in 2008, which was later merged with and acquired by LOLC Finance PLC in 2018. He continued as Executive Deputy Chairman/CEO of the merged entity until February 2020.

Tissera played a vital role in expanding microfinance entities outside Sri Lanka for the LOLC group, to Myanmar, Cambodia, Pakistan and Zambia.

After holding many senior positions within the LOLC Group, Tissera resigned in February 2020 to take up office as CEO at Early Dawn Microfinance Myanmar Ltd. As the CEO of Early Dawn Microfinance, he was able to uplift the Company up to Myanmar’s top four microfinance institutions.

During his term, it was also the first MFI in Myanmar to complete long -term debt restructuring. Tissera has strong competencies in Corporate Finance and lead the first USD syndicate debt finance to the Non-Bank Financial Institutions sector in Sri Lanka.

He is professionally qualified as a marketer and has received executive education training at HBS. He is also a panellist and resource person in the inclusive finance, impact investing and green finance space. Tissera has served as an Alternate Director of Seylan Bank PLC.

Prior to his appointment as the Chief Transformation Officer of L B Finance in March 2025, Tissera served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of HNB Finance PLC during the period April 2024 to March 2025.

He counts for over 15 years’ experience as a CEO in the Non-Bank Financial Institutions sector, both in Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

One of the greatest concerns consumers have about choosing an electric vehicle is range anxiety from running out of charge, especially in a deserted area. Carmart provided a solution to this with the Leapmotor C10 REEV (Range Extender EV) – an electric SUV that doesn’t need to be plugged in and charged.

The C10 SUV can be used like a normal EV around town yet has the flexibility of being able to travel up to 1150km, thanks to its built-in generator that recharges the battery while on the move.

Leapmotor is supported in Sri Lanka by Carmart, the exclusive Peugeot importer and authorised repairer for over 75 years, and backed globally by Stellantis, Europe’s second-largest carmaker; and home to 15 brands including Peugeot and Maserati – whose engineers fine-tuned the C10’s suspension to give it a premium feeling drive.

Consumers can experience Leapmotor models alongside their Peugeot counterparts at the newly renovated Stellantis Brand House concept showroom on Union Place, Colombo 2 – the first of its kind in the South Asian region.

The C10 blends sleek design with everyday practicality. A spacious interior offers family-friendly comfort, advanced infotainment, and refined styling. Safety remains paramount, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating covering adults, children, and pedestrians, supported by cutting-edge driver-assistance systems. Ownership peace of mind comes with an 8-year battery warranty and a 4-year/120,000 km vehicle warranty, with an extended warranty also available.

Carmart CEO Yasendra Amarasinghe gives Managing Director Senaka Amarasinghe an inside look at newly unveiled Leapmotor C10 and its innovations

‘We are at a defining era for EVs in Sri Lanka,’ said Carmart CEO Yasendra Amerasinghe. ‘Trust – of both the brand and the local distributor – is what truly matters. With Stellantis and Carmart behind it, customers can choose Leapmotor with confidence.’ The Leapmotor C10 is now available for viewing and test drives at Carmart, 424 Union Place, Colombo 2, with a limited-time introductory launch offer starting from just Rs. 17.4 million for the full EV, and Rs. 20.95 million for the REEV. Deliveries commence in October for those lucky enough to be on the pre-sales list.

For motorists seeking flexibility, quality, safety, great value, and the assurance of a trusted global-local partnership, the Leapmotor C10 represents the future of premium electric mobility.

Sri Lanka scored a major breakthrough in digital education yesterday with the announcement of a landmark partnership with Google, which will provide free access to advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for students across the country.

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne revealed the news at the inaugural National AI Expo and Conference 2025, calling it ‘a monumental achievement for the country and AI capacity building development.’

‘After months of collaboration between our Ministry and Google, I am excited to announce the news that I received just this morning. Google has agreed to provide their student offer with Gemini, with advanced features and other benefits, for Sri Lankan students free-of-cost,’ he told a packed audience of industry leaders, academics, students and policymakers.

He described the partnership as a ‘game changer’ that would democratise access to cutting-edge AI resources. ‘Across our nation, every student will soon have free access to powerful world-class AI tools, platforms and learning resources. This will level the playing field and put our students on par with anyone, anywhere in the world,’ he stressed.

The Deputy Minister insisted that the initiative goes beyond mere adoption of AI, aiming instead to nurture mastery among the next generation. ‘We don’t just need to use AI. We want every single one of you to master it,’ he said.

But he also urged caution, underscoring the ethical responsibility that comes with such access. ‘With access to such powerful tools comes great responsibility. Use them to build, to innovate, and to solve the greatest challenges of our time. But always use them wisely, ethically, and for the benefit of all Sri Lankans and the world,’ he emphasised.

Eng. Weeraratne believes the initiative is expected to accelerate the Government’s broader vision of creating a smarter, more prosperous and inclusive digital economy. ‘We must work together with passion and purpose to build a smarter, more prosperous and a more compassionate Sri Lanka,’ he said.