Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

A-Networks Ltd., in partnership with Plexus Global Ltd., hosted Aruba Tech Fusion 2.0 at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, Colombo, on 27 August, 2025.

The event, held under the theme of ‘Innovation, insights and impactful networking’, brought together over 100 industry leaders, partners and technology professionals for an evening focused on innovation, knowledge sharing and professional networking.

The evening began with a keynote address by A-Networks Vice President – Sales Ajmeer Haniffa, who presented the company’s strategic vision and outlined initiatives shaping the future of technology. He highlighted A-networks’ position as a leading solutions provider, with expertise in advanced networking, cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.

A-Networks Vice President – Sales Ajmeer Haniffa said, ‘Aruba Tech Fusion 2.0 demonstrated the value of collaboration in advancing technology and industry development. Together with Plexus and Aruba product specialists, we remain committed to providing solutions that help organisations prepare for the future.’

The highlight of the event was a session on Aruba products, a portfolio of secure and intelligent networking solutions that deliver reliable digital experiences for organisations worldwide. The session, conducted by an A-Networks’ cybersecurity specialist, demonstrated how these solutions enable enterprises to manage the demands of a rapidly changing digital environment.

Aruba’s solutions continue to redefine enterprise networking, enabling businesses to build secure, scalable, and high-performance infrastructures.

Aruba Central, the cloud-native platform, delivers AI-powered network management, automation, and security for seamless operations across wired, wireless, and SD-WAN environments. It empowers businesses with real-time analytics and proactive troubleshooting, reducing downtime and optimising network performance.

For advanced security and compliance, Aruba’s Network Access Control (NAC) solutions, including ClearPass provide industry-leading identity-based access control. These solutions enhance visibility, enforce security policies, and enable zero-trust network architectures to protect enterprises from cyber-threats.

Moreover, HPE Aruba networking’s CX 10000 series is revolutionising data centre security and performance. Built on Pensando Distributed Services Architecture, the CX 10000 integrates firewall, telemetry, and deep packet inspection directly into the switch, delivering unprecedented security and network efficiency. This innovation helps enterprises simplify security enforcement while reducing operational complexity and costs.

As a trusted partner of A-networks, Aruba products are integrated into client solutions to support business continuity, strengthen security and establish networks prepared for future requirements.

The evening also included an interactive quiz, with three winners receiving valuable prizes. The program concluded with a networking dinner reception that provided a forum for dialogue and collaboration. Each participant was presented with a token of appreciation, reflecting A-Networks’ commitment to cultivating lasting partnerships.

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG) yesterday issued a further update to its customers and stakeholders on the ongoing proceedings before the Court of Appeal regarding certain consignments of BYD vehicles detained by Sri Lanka Customs and other related developments.

The company’s full statement reads as follows:

While we have sought interim relief from the Courts to obtain the release of our electric vehicles (EV), we continue to engage with the Sri Lanka Customs to clear shipments of the remaining vehicles which continue to be unjustly detained.

In the meanwhile, as reported in the media, Sri Lanka Customs has appointed a Committee of its own accord. It is our understanding that this Committee is expected to consider some technical matters belatedly raised by Sri Lanka Customs. We have consistently maintained, and indicated, our willingness to subject the select vehicle models to testing at an independent, internationally accredited motor laboratory which will help ascertain and clear any concerns regarding the output of the motor capacity of the vehicles. This will ensure accuracy, credibility and consistency, and we have already intimated this suggestion to Sri Lanka Customs, during and outside of Court proceedings. We have, in the spirit of co-operation, provided all the necessary information received by us from the Manufacturer to that Committee, and we intend to continue to do so. We remain mindful of the need for the Committee’s deliberations to be conducted with impartiality and transparency, which we consider essential to maintaining a cooperative and fair engagement, notwithstanding our position that its findings are not binding given our position that independent test verification is the clearest manner to resolve any uncertainty. In any event, the globally accepted norm is to rely on the Manufacturer’s Certificate for vehicle clearance which has not been applied to BYD electric vehicles.

While we continue to engage with the authorities, the resolution of this matter taking longer than expected has resulted in our inability to commit to a confirmed delivery timeline for our electric vehicle (EV) models, at this moment. This has necessitated us to offer alternate options to our valued customers who have placed their trust in JKCG and have been patient, and understanding, having appreciated the extenuating circumstances. We have directly contacted all affected customers and continue to engage with them. Customers who made bookings for EVs prior to 11 September 2025 have been offered three options to: (1) switch to a BYD SEALION 5 with a special discount; (2) receive a refund with interest (if confirmed by 10 October 2025); or (3) retain their original booking until Customs determination or litigation proceedings are completed.

We wish to clarify that customers can still place orders for EVs, subject to the uncertain outcome of delivery based on our engagement with the authorities. Considering the uncertainty of delivery and so as to not burden our customers, we will not require payment advances for Electric Vehicle (EV) bookings at this juncture.

We wish to assure our customers that all importation and deliveries of BYD Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) remain unaffected and will continue as scheduled. We further wish to reiterate and assure our existing valued EV and Plug-in Hybrid customers, that warranties, spare parts, and related services remain fully supported by BYD and JKCG.

As we believe that a fair and level playing field for all vehicle importers is essential to achieving the broader vision of rapid transition to sustainable mobility in the country, JKCG will continue its investments in charging infrastructure, expansion of our showroom network, after-sales service and capacity building. The recently opened showroom in Moratuwa and our new service facility with the new Wattala Service Centre demonstrates our commitment to support the continued growth of the EV footprint in Sri Lanka.

As stated previously, we have extended our full cooperation to all relevant authorities and provided the manufacturer’s specifications and compliance documentation, which are accepted globally, as the authorised distributor for BYD in Sri Lanka. We reiterate our commitment to compliance, and complete transparency with which we have approached this matter from the outset. We wish to thank all our stakeholders and, particularly, our customers for their loyalty, trust and continued understanding and support.

A new chapter in Sri Lanka’s forest restoration journey begins with a landmark partnership between Alliance Finance Company PLC (AFC) and Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Ltd., (PLANT).

Formalised through a recent MoU, this multi-year collaboration integrates sustainability into AFC’s core products, supports the planting of 100,000 trees across PLANT sites, and initiates community programs near restoration areas. The first engagement unfolds at Radella Estate in Nuwara Eliya, managed by Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, where AFC will help establish a forest corridor- part of a 13 km stretch being developed by WNPS PLANT with multiple partners.

This initiative unites finance and conservation in a shared mission to restore native forests, enhance climate resilience, and deliver lasting benefits to local communities. AFC will fund the initial phase and aims to scale efforts over five years, combining ecological recovery with community development, nature education, and inclusive financial strategies to create a replicable model for sustainable restoration.

Radella: From degraded grassland to living forest

Radella Estate, bordered by the Nanu Oya stream and dominated by invasive grasslands, is part of PLANT’s Emerald Trails Initiative, an effort to reconnect fragmented habitats in Sri Lanka’s biodiversity-rich southwest. Restoration will focus on planting native pioneer species to stabilise stream banks, improve microclimates, and boost biodiversity. Crucially, the project models how ecological restoration can align with community stewardship and climate adaptation, aiming to link restored areas with the Great Western mountain reserve, home to many threatened species.

PLANT Chairman Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne said, ‘This partnership shows what can happen when stewardship replaces sponsorship. Alliance Finance is not just funding a project; they are investing in a living, breathing system. Together, we are bringing forests back, empowering families, and giving communities a tangible stake in nature’s future. AFC is leading the way in demonstrating that sustainability efforts are long term oriented, and they were willing to provide longer term funding solutions for our work, once they understood our vision around Emerald Trails.’

New financial model for sustainability

AFC commit to the UN’s Principles for Responsible Banking, brings more than capital to the table. Through this partnership, AFC is helping shape a new model of conservation- one that integrates environmental regeneration with long-term social and economic resilience. This collaboration reflects AFC’s dedication to Triple Bottom Line values: People, Planet, and Profit. It signals a transition from transactional CSR to embedded sustainability, where financial inclusion and ecological accountability go hand in hand.

AFC Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Romani De Silva said, ‘At Alliance Finance, we believe sustainability means uplifting communities while restoring ecosystems. This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to financing regeneration, not just for nature, but for the people who depend on it. Together with PLANT, we are investing in a future that balances prosperity with planetary well-being. Through this initiative, we also aim to empower the next generation by linking tree planting with financial literacy via our Hapannu Savings Scheme – giving children a chance to grow their savings alongside the trees they help protect.’

Community-centred, locally led

At the heart of PLANT’s mission is the belief that restoration must be community-driven. Across 33 locations, PLANT prioritises native biodiversity and science-based methods while empowering those closest to the land. The organisation is building over 25 km of forest corridors and works with local residents, especially women, youth leaders, and smallholder farmers, to lead restoration efforts. Through community nurseries, training, and income-generating opportunities, PLANT transforms degraded areas into thriving ecosystems. By rooting conservation in local hands, PLANT fosters shared ownership and responsibility, ensuring restored landscapes are protected for generations and that ecological revival goes hand in hand with community resilience.

Beyond Radella: Growing vision

The broader vision is to embed restoration into the cultural and economic fabric of the region. Planned efforts include partnerships with local schools for climate education and student-led planting, digital tools for monitoring tree survival, and community engagement for long-term forest stewardship. By aligning conservation with inclusive development and responsible finance, the AFC-PLANT partnership offers a scalable model for climate-smart restoration in Sri Lanka and beyond. As native saplings take root in Radella, they represent more than reforestation; they symbolise a cross-sector, intergenerational commitment to a future where both forests and communities can thrive together.

Sri Lanka completed a 5-0 series sweep of the women’s Under-19 T20 series against touring Australia when they won the fifth and final match by six wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Choosing to bat first Australia managed only 114-6 with the main contributions coming from Emily Powell (33 off 40 balls, 4 fours) and Lucy Finn (35 off 33 balls, 3 fours) who were involved in a 53-run stand for the third wicket. Left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda was the pick of the Lankan bowlers finishing with 3/16.

Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara played a crucial knock of 34* off 35 balls (5 fours) to steer her team home with 15 balls to spare.

Australia also lost the one-off 50-over match against Sri Lanka and will return home empty handed without a single win on the tour.

Scores: Australia Under-19 Women 114-6 (20) (Emily Powell 33, Lucy Finn 35, Chamodi Praboda 3/16)

Sri Lanka Under-19 Women 115-4 (17.3) (Manudi Nanayakkara 34*, Shashini Gimhani 19*, Shiloh Julien 2/20)

We live in a world built for those who can see. From reading street signs to checking our phones, vision shapes almost everything we take for granted. It’s easy to forget how much of life relies on it, until it’s gone. Those who navigate the world without sight do so with a combination of skill, patience, and resilience that most of us rarely recognise.

Tuan Rushdi is not a celebrity. He is not a public figure many would know. He is a representative of a community whose strength often goes unnoticed, someone whose life story offers a window into both the challenges and the possibilities of living and working without sight.

A week into his first job, Tuan lost his eyesight. For most people, such a moment would feel like the end of a dream. For Tuan, it became the start of a mission. Rather than retreating, he leaned into the world, learning to navigate it in new ways, refusing to let his vision define his potential. Today, he works as a consultant for engagement and inclusion at BConnected Pvt Ltd., combining his personal experience, academic training as an Australia Awards scholar, and international exposure to create pathways for blind and low vision professionals in Sri Lanka. This blend of academic knowledge, international exposure, grounded work through the BEmpowered initiative, and lived experience navigating the corporate world positioned him uniquely to speak at a global stage.

In September 2025, Tuan stood at the World Blindness Summit in São Paulo, Brazil. It was the first global meeting on visual impairment held in Latin America, bringing together thousands of participants from 190 countries to discuss advances in inclusion, public policies, accessibility, and new assistive technologies. He presented a model for disability employment built on four pillars: sourcing, training, connecting, and supporting. Drawing on his work with the BEmpowered initiative, which creates real pathways to employment for persons with disabilities, he shared insights into how blind and low vision professionals can be prepared for meaningful corporate careers.

‘Technology is powerful, but it is not enough,’ Tuan said. ‘You can have the best AI tools and screen readers in the world, but if people are not trained to use them in real workplaces, opportunities remain out of reach. Our goal is to make professionals confident, skilled, and ready to work alongside anyone else.’

He also addressed a challenge beyond tools or skills. While many countries have formal strategies and toolkits for inclusion, in Sri Lanka, the bigger hurdle remains societal attitudes. People often underestimate what blind and low vision individuals can do. ‘It is not about disability, it is about ability. When given support and opportunity, blind professionals can lead, innovate, and inspire,’ Tuan said.

Tuan’s own journey reflects this principle. He recalls moments early in his career when colleagues doubted what he could accomplish, and moments when small adjustments and training transformed what seemed impossible into everyday achievement. Each experience became part of his mission to make workplaces more inclusive, practical, and fair.

Standing in São Paulo, addressing a global audience, Tuan was not just sharing a model or an initiative. He was giving a voice to those who rarely get heard, showing that inclusion is not theoretical. It is tangible. It requires training, preparation, and belief in the talent that exists beyond what is visible.

Tuan’s story is a reminder that limitations do not define potential. For workplaces, it is a call to recognise untapped skills and create opportunities for everyone. For society, it is a challenge to rethink assumptions about ability. And for individuals, it is proof that resilience, determination, and the right support can turn a life-altering challenge into a mission that inspires change far beyond oneself.

Global fintech platform, Pine Labs Ltd., has announced its partnership with Bank of Ceylon in Sri Lanka. This banking-fintech partnership will enable the bank to issue and manage prepaid multi-currency travel cards to its customers.

Powered by Pine Labs Ltd.’s Credit+ platform, the card issuance technology for the bank built on modular architecture will offer an integrated issuing stack for the bank for issuance of these cards at scale and adhere to the security requirements. This card is a physical card which is issued under the Mastercard scheme and allows Bank of Ceylon to cater to an overseas traveller’s foreign exchange requirements.

The Credit+ platform offers an API-first software solution for issuers to offer debit cards, credit cards, forex cards, prepaid cards, and manage the life cycle of their customers. The platform takes care of end-to-end issuer processing services including consumer onboarding, card issuance, transaction processing, fraud prevention, and collections.

Pine Labs Ltd., CEO B Amrish Rausaid said: ‘From seamlessly managing chargeback processing to tokenisation safeguards, comprehensive authorisation rules, and more, our card issuance Credit+ technology platform for banks and financial institutions is built to comply with the stringent regulatory requirements across various jurisdictions. We are delighted to partner Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned commercial bank, and power a robust tech-first card issuance experience, for issuance of prepaid multi-currency travel cards to their customers.’

Bank of Ceylon Assistant General Manager (International) Upul Wijayathunga said: ‘Being a Bank who objectively adds values to its customers’ life, Bank of Ceylon introduced the BOC Multi-Currency Travel Card that offers the convenience and safety of carrying multiple currencies in one digital card, allowing the customer to travel overseas freely and transact with confidence at a lower expense than having to bear currency exchange loss. As at date we have successfully issued more than 20,000 cards and we are truly grateful for the services provided by Pine Labs as the Card Management System vendor to manage and control the card operations. Their unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism has significantly contributed to our success. We look forward to continuing this fruitful relationship to enhance the Travel Card issuance globally.’

Credit+ is an API-first, issuing, acquiring and processing technology infrastructure by Pine Labs Ltd., that serves as an open-loop solution for both issuers and acquirers. Its modern technical architecture allows Pine Labs Ltd., to provide a one-stop solution for issuers and acquirers to manage the complete consumer lifecycle, including effortless onboarding, smooth processing, ongoing operations management and engagement. As of 31December 2024, 28 Issuers in 16 countries (including India, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) have used this platform to issue 71 million accounts for Credit, Debit and Prepaid.

Acting as a unified issuing platform, Credit+ platform offers processing for credit, debit, prepaid, forex and loyalty, enabling a 360-degree view of the end consumer which supports different use cases, including domestic and international cards, travel cards, corporate cards, open loop gift cards, general purpose cards, co-branded cards, and EMI plans. Credit+ enables Issuers and their partners to integrate financial services within their digital platforms to create a single smooth end-user experience to enable numerous Fintech infrastructure workflows for diverse use cases, such as expense management, credit program management, gig economy, digital wallet, rewards, fuel and fleet management, teen and campus cards, travel cards. These APIs can support the entire journey including instant digital onboarding, underwriting, KYCs, physical and virtual card issuance, transactions, card controls, risk management, rewards and customer support workflow.

The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held on 26 September, at the Taj Samudra, Colombo.

The proceedings were followed by a fireside chat moderated by ILCCI Immediate Past President Romesh David. The distinguished panel included Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, and Brandix Apparel Ltd. Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne.

During the discussion, the High Commissioner emphasised the importance of India and Sri Lanka investing in each other’s economies-not as competitors but as partners in regional growth and expansion. He also discussed Sri Lanka’s role as a transshipment hub and underscored the need to broaden cooperation in the energy sector through joint investments and initiatives.

M. Raghuraman was re-elected as President of the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI). Addressing the membership, he stated that, ‘Over the past year, the relationship between India and Sri Lanka has reached unprecedented heights. The historic visits of President Disanayake to India and Prime Minister Modi to Sri Lanka have reaffirmed our deep bonds and ushered in a new era of cooperation in energy, defence, digital infrastructure, and trade.’

At the AGM, Carson Management Services Director Krishna Selvanathan, and Lanka IOC PLC Managing Director Dipak Das were elected as Vice Presidents, while South Asia Gateway Terminals CEO Romesh David continues as Immediate Past President.

The current Committee of ILCCI comprises Hemas Holdings PLC, Indian Bank, John Keells Holdings PLC, Lanka Ashok Leyland PLC, MAC Holdings Ltd., PGP Glass Ceylon PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, TAL Lanka Hotels PLC, together with ILCCI Founder President Mano Selvanathan, the Counsellor – Commercial a

Fabric and Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association (FAAMA) held its Annual General Meeting recently, with Husni Salieh of Noyon Lanka appointed as the new Chairman. He will be supported by Vice Chairmen Niroshan Samarasinhe of Stretchline Ltd., and Shahid Sangani of Dynawash Ltd.

The Chief Guest at the event was Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath, while Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

FAAMA represents a diverse membership of key suppliers to the apparel export industry, including manufacturers of fabric, lace, zippers, elastics, bra cups, and packaging materials, etc. In support of Sri Lanka’s ambition to build a robust backward supply chain, the sector has made significant investments in local manufacturing capabilities. Today, FAAMA members contribute close to $ 1 billion in direct and indirect exports and play an essential role in value addition, which currently exceeds 55% in the apparel industry.

In his address, outgoing Chairman Samal Dissanaike raised the growing concerns of his members regarding the impact of the new VAT Act and the scheduled withdrawal of the Simplified VAT (SVAT) system on 1 October. He also stressed on the point that both the BOI and EDB should make every effort to look after the interests of the exporters and the supply chain in the country if the Government’s ambitious export growth targets are to be met in the future.

Dissanaike highlighted two major implications for FAAMA members. Firstly, significant amounts of cash would now be tied up in VAT payments to the IRD as payment for any particular month would now be due on or before the 20th day of the following month. He pointed out that given most companies have their prior agreed customer settlement credit periods of 60, 75, 90 days, etc., the system change would further strain working capital issues and increase financing costs.

Secondly, local suppliers risk becoming less attractive compared to direct imports sourced by apparel manufacturers as this method would prevent their cash being blocked with IRD for a minimum 45-day period. If this trend catches on the locally sourced portion of approx. $ 1 billion could drastically reduce and could also hamper employment in the country in the future.

FAAMA has been in continuous dialogue with both the EDB and BOI on this matter, seeking an equitable resolution.

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, while acknowledging the concerns raised by Dissanaike emphasised that FAAMA should focus on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) already available and try to boost exports. He also mentioned of ongoing efforts for a new FTA with Japan.

Also addressing the gathering, BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath indicated that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is giving positive consideration to the inclusion of indirect exporters in the ‘eligible exporter’ category. He emphasised that such a move would be critical to sustaining operations and ensuring the continued viability of businesses within the sector.

With the removal of the SVAT scheme just days away, exporters remain anxious about the IRD’s readiness to process refunds efficiently – a delay that could pose significant challenges to industry cash flow.

However, Herath’s remarks offered FAAMA members a glimmer of hope.