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Tag: Sri Lanka

  • Sri Lanka Surges into Digital Future with Dialog’s Revolutionary 5G Ultra Launch

    Sri Lanka Surges into Digital Future with Dialog’s Revolutionary 5G Ultra Launch

    Dialog Axiata PLC has made a significant stride in propelling Sri Lanka’s digital revolution with the commercial launch of Dialog 5G Ultra. This significant development represents a quantum leap in the nation’s digital transformation and its progression into the 5G era. Dialog’s 5G network, bolstered by over 220 active 5G sites, caters to more than 1.5 million subscribers, making it the pioneer in offering commercial 5G services in Sri Lanka. This underscores its leadership in the provision of next-generation connectivity across the country. The commercial launch comes on the heels of Dialog’s acquisition of a 100 MHz block in the 3500 MHz band and a 200 MHz block in the 27 GHz band during the 5G spectrum auction conducted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

    Advancements in Connectivity

    Dialog 5G Ultra delivers superior 5G connectivity marked by ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and enhanced network performance. This sets the stage for augmented digital experiences for Sri Lankan consumers and offers advanced capabilities for businesses and industries. By employing the 3500 MHz spectrum for broad-area mobile coverage and the 27 GHz spectrum for high-capacity, gigabit-speed applications, Dialog is strategically poised to support future-proof consumer and enterprise applications.

    Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, said:

    The introduction of Dialog 5G Ultra signifies a crucial stride in fortifying Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure for the future. Beyond faster connectivity, 5G is a vital catalyst of innovation, productivity, and inclusion across the digital economy. As Sri Lanka’s largest 5G network, we are committed to investing USD 100 million over the next two years to expand 5G connectivity across the country and ensure that individuals, businesses, and industries can fully participate in a digital Sri Lanka. We are grateful to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and the Government of Sri Lanka for conducting a transparent auction process to allocate 5G spectrum.

    Continuing the Journey into 5G

    Dialog’s foray into 5G builds upon a robust history of innovation. They were the pioneers in introducing 2G, 3G, and 4G in South Asia, spearheaded early 5G demonstrations, and have operated the country’s most extensive 5G trial network for several years. The commercial launch of Dialog 5G Ultra now makes these advancements widely accessible, integrating high-performance connectivity into daily life and business operations.

    In celebration of the launch, Dialog has unveiled a series of 5G-related promotions, including devices, data plans, and content, enabling customers to fully experience the potential of 5G in mobile and entertainment.

    Dialog also provides the most comprehensive 5G roaming network from Sri Lanka, offering 5G connectivity in 76 countries through collaborations with 155 global mobile operators. This allows Dialog customers with 5G-compatible devices to enjoy uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity while travelling abroad, reinforcing Dialog’s leadership in providing a world-class mobile experience for both Sri Lankans overseas and visitors to the country. As a pioneer in introducing future technologies to Sri Lanka, Dialog is committed to advancing national digital transformation and delivering world-class connectivity experiences that enhance lives, empower businesses, and underpin the country’s long-term development.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the launch of Dialog 5G Ultra?

    Dialog 5G Ultra is a milestone towards digital transformation for Sri Lanka as it provides high-speed, low-latency connectivity, thereby enhancing digital experiences for consumers and businesses.

    How is Dialog Axiata planning to expand its 5G services?

    Dialog Axiata has committed to investing USD 100 million over the next two years to extend 5G connectivity across Sri Lanka.

    How does Dialog 5G Ultra benefit customers travelling abroad?

    Dialog provides the most comprehensive 5G roaming network from Sri Lanka, enabling customers with 5G-compatible devices to enjoy seamless, high-speed connectivity in 76 countries.

  • Coconut Prices Surge in Asia Amid Climate Impact on Supply

    Coconut Prices Surge in Asia Amid Climate Impact on Supply

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    Vina T&T, a major player in the fruit export sector, is making headlines as it offers a staggering VND 220,000 (approximately US$8.47) for a dozen coconuts—the highest recorded price to date. With prices more than doubling year-on-year, this surge reflects broader trends impacting the coconut market worldwide, influenced by supply disruptions and rising consumer demand.

    Coconut Prices on the Rise

    Industry experts indicate that coconut prices are increasing at an alarming rate, paralleling the volatility seen in gold prices. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, highlighted the challenges in supply, revealing that the company currently exports seven containers of coconuts weekly, which only meets two-thirds of its international buyers’ needs.

    Global Trends Impacting Supply

    The surge in coconut prices is not confined to Vietnam. Countries like Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Thailand—significant exporters of the nut—are experiencing a similar escalation in prices, with increases ranging from 50% to 100% year-on-year. For instance, coconuts now retail for $2.90 per kilogram in Thailand and up to $4.28 in the Philippines.

    Supply chain disruptions due to extreme weather events are primarily responsible for this instability. El Niño is causing heatwaves and droughts, while La Niña brings excessive rainfall and storms, adversely affecting coconut yields. Additionally, pest outbreaks have further complicated production, as demand from key markets—particularly China and the United States—continues to push prices upward.

    Vietnam’s Growing Coconut Export Market

    Despite the challenges, Vietnamese coconuts are carving out a strong niche in global markets thanks to their competitive pricing and exceptional quality. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reports robust growth in fresh coconut exports from Vietnam in the first four months of this year, particularly to the U.S. and China.

    As the world’s fifth-largest coconut exporter, Vietnam boasts 200,000 hectares of orchards, producing approximately two million tons annually. Last year alone, the value of coconut exports and related products reached nearly $1.1 billion, with coconuts accounting for $390 million. Following the U.S. opening its market to Vietnamese coconuts in August 2023, exports skyrocketed eleven-fold within less than a year.

    The formal export protocol signed with China in August 2024 has also dramatically increased shipments, positioning Vietnam as a key supplier in a market that consumes an estimated four billion coconuts annually.

    Future Outlook

    According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, Vietnamese coconuts are gaining popularity, especially in summer among consumers in the U.S. and China. He predicts that fresh coconut exports could reach an unprecedented $500 million by the end of this year, highlighting the brand’s potential for expansion and establishing itself as a significant player in the international market.

    The recent trends in the coconut market, marked by soaring prices and growing demand, signal a shifting landscape for both producers and consumers. As demand continues to rise, the potential for Vietnam’s coconut industry to grow and expand is substantial, making this a crucial moment in retail news.

    Questions & Answers:

    1. Why are coconut prices rising so dramatically? Coconut prices are climbing due to supply chain disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions such as droughts and excessive rainfall, alongside increased global consumer demand.

    2. How is Vina T&T responding to the rising prices? Vina T&T has increased its farm gate price to a record VND 220,000 for a dozen coconuts, but it still struggles to meet the high demand from international buyers.

    3. What does the future hold for Vietnam’s coconut exports? With strong growth anticipated, Vietnamese coconut exports are projected to reach $500 million this year, bolstered by access to key markets like the U.S. and China.

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  • Dialog Completes Sri Lanka’s First Live 5G VoNR Trial

    Dialog Completes Sri Lanka’s First Live 5G VoNR Trial

    This trial showcased a fully native 5G voice experience with uninterrupted connectivity. Expanding on its innovative work in 5G technology, Dialog had previously conducted a lab-based VoNR proof of concept (PoC) in 2023 using a PoC Core setup.

    This recent achievement on Dialog’s live 5G standalone (5G SA) core network demonstrates the practicality of VoNR services in real-world scenarios. VoNR offers clearer voice quality, faster call connections, and enhanced security compared to older 2G/3G or VoLTE services. It also paves the way for future features, such as 5G New Calling (5G NC), and boosts network efficiency by utilizing 5G spectrum more effectively.

    Ranga Kariyawasam, Group Chief Technology Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, stated, “This milestone highlights Dialog’s dedication to advancing Sri Lanka’s 5G technology. Successfully testing VoNR on our live 5G network brings us closer to fully utilizing next-generation connectivity, providing seamless, high-quality voice services over 5G.”

    This achievement adds to Dialog’s list of 5G accomplishments, including the first 5G trial network in the region, the initial 5G SA network trial, Sri Lanka’s first standards-based 5G fixed-wireless pilot transmission, and its achievement of over 6 Gbps on its 5G-Advanced trial network. These milestones showcase the potential of next-generation 5.5G technology. Dialog remains committed to leading technological advancements, speeding up the adoption of next-generation connectivity, and bringing ‘The Future. Today.’ to Sri Lanka.

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  • Sri Lanka’s Growing Remote Work Ecosystem

    Sri Lanka’s Growing Remote Work Ecosystem

    The telecom sector is playing an essential role in this transition by providing the necessary infrastructure and services for remote workers to thrive. With advancements in high-speed broadband, affordable mobile data plans, and co-working spaces, the country is building a robust ecosystem for remote professionals.

    Historically, the shift began with the expansion of broadband access and investments in IT services, particularly after the country’s digital transformation strategy launched in 2017. Today, Sri Lanka boasts 61.48% internet penetration, with initiatives like “Digital Sri Lanka” enhancing connectivity even in rural regions.

    Interestingly, data from Sri Lankan job portal, XpressJobs, showed a 45% increase in remote job postings in 2023, particularly in sectors like IT, customer service, and digital marketing.

    The rise of remote work in Sri Lanka is being driven by factors such as affordability, scenic locales, and an influx of digital nomads seeking a balance between work and leisure. That being said, Sri Lanka’s proposed digital nomad visa, gingerly approved in 2021, is yet to be launched. In the meantime, digital nomads can apply for a 30-day Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which can be extended for 30-90, 90-180, or 180-270 days.

    Bolstering the essential connectivity needed for remote work is Sri Lanka’s telecom industry, which is, similarly, evolving rapidly, through investments in 4G LTE, fiber optics, and early explorations into 5G. Telecom operators like Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT-MOBITEL) and Dialog Axiata have introduced Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services, affordable mobile data plans, and public Wi-Fi zones, ensuring widespread connectivity essential for remote work success.

    Sri Lankan telecom companies have made significant strides in enhancing remote work infrastructure through strategic partnerships and innovations. Dialog Axiata PLC, Axiata Group Berhad, and Bharti Airtel Limited recently agreed to merge their Sri Lankan operations, a move expected to strengthen the country’s telecommunications sector. This merger aims to boost network capacity, ensuring more reliable and faster connectivity for remote workers across the nation.

    Dialog Axiata has been at the forefront of innovation, launching Sri Lanka’s first eSIM service, enhancing flexibility for mobile users. Additionally, Dialog Enterprise collaborated with Microsoft and H One to introduce Operator Connect—a pioneering service that integrates directly with Microsoft Teams. This launch marks a significant step forward in providing seamless communication tools essential for remote work environments.

    Similarly, SLT-MOBITEL has embraced digital transformation to cater to the growing demands of remote work by deploying Microsoft 365 productivity and security solutions. By integrating tools like Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 F3, E3, and E5, SLT-MOBITEL has created a seamless and secure environment for its employees to collaborate remotely. This shift has empowered frontline workers and executives alike, allowing real-time access to essential applications and secure data protection from anywhere.

    Furthermore, SLT-MOBITEL is leading the way in 5G development, laying the groundwork for next-generation remote connectivity. Moreover, partnerships with companies like Nokia have accelerated nationwide fiber network expansion, ensuring broader access to high-speed internet. Another key development includes the groundbreaking Maldives-Sri Lanka Cable project, completed in 2020, which enhanced regional telecom infrastructure, improving international connectivity through a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) subsystem and an 863-kilometer fiber optic cable.

    Further strengthening its position, Dialog Axiata partnered with Rakuten Viber in 2021, becoming Sri Lanka’s largest A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging provider. These advancements collectively demonstrate Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering a robust telecom ecosystem, essential for supporting the growing remote work sector. The partnership enabled more than 300 Rakuten Viber carrier partners to comfortably communicate with more than 16 million Dialog Axiata customers using the Rakuten Viber A2P bilateral service, further enhancing remote working capabilities.

    Dialog Axiata has significantly advanced rural connectivity in Sri Lanka, presenting new opportunities for remote work by deploying its 4000th LTE network tower in the Thihawa village (located within the Kurunegala District). Since March 2020, the company has invested LKR 50.9 billion (USD 255.8 million) to address rising connectivity demands, particularly during the pandemic, when mobile data traffic doubled, and fixed broadband usage tripled.

    Dialog Axiata upgraded over 2,800 4G towers and added spectrum capacity to meet these demands. By year-end, it plans to increase capacity across 75% of its sites and deploy 450 new towers in rural areas to achieve 4G coverage for 95% of Sri Lanka’s population, supporting the government’s Gamata Sanniwedanaya initiative to enhance connectivity in remote regions.

    Sri Lanka’s unique value proposition as a remote work destination is further enhanced by its diverse landscapes and affordable living costs. Sri Lanka aptly captures this phenomenon, showcasing how reliable telecom services have enabled professionals to transition from boardrooms to beaches, balancing productivity and leisure.

    Co-working spaces in cities like Colombo and Kandy now offer high-speed internet, video conferencing tools, and cloud storage, ensuring seamless collaboration for global teams. However, challenges like inconsistent connectivity in rural areas and the high cost of importing telecom equipment need to be addressed to fully harness the potential of remote work.

    In addition to infrastructure, digital literacy is key to Sri Lanka’s success in the remote work economy. As emphasized, developing skills in fields like web development, digital marketing, and graphic design is crucial for locals to tap into remote job opportunities. Telecom companies can play a pivotal role by partnering with educational institutions, creating awareness campaigns, and facilitating access to e-learning platforms. These initiatives can not only empower Sri Lankans with global opportunities but also position the country as a competitive player in the remote work market.

    Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring consistent connectivity across rural areas. These challenges present opportunities for targeted investments in broadband expansion and innovations such as 5G. Government collaboration with telecom operators, coupled with policies incentivizing innovation and tax breaks, can accelerate technological advancements.

    The economic benefits of remote work for Sri Lanka are immense. A strong telecom infrastructure can increase foreign exchange earnings by attracting digital nomads, create new jobs in sectors like IT and hospitality, and alleviate urban congestion by enabling professionals to work from less crowded areas. Moreover, remote work can provide resilience in times of economic uncertainty, offering diverse income opportunities for Sri Lankans. With continued investment in digital and physical infrastructure, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to emerge as a global hub for remote work.

    Looking ahead, the telecom sector will remain central to Sri Lanka’s remote work ambitions. Innovations in connectivity, such as the rollout of 5G, will enhance remote work experiences, while government policies supporting digital entrepreneurship will drive long-term growth. It was highlighted that Sri Lanka already has the elements needed to thrive in the remote work landscape, provided it continues to invest in its digital capabilities. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging its strengths, Sri Lanka can unlock new pathways to economic prosperity.

    Sri Lanka’s telecom sector is at the forefront of this transformation, enabling a new generation of workers to embrace flexibility and connectivity. From fiber-optic networks to mobile data plans, the industry is laying the foundation for a thriving remote work ecosystem. With strategic investments and skill-building initiatives, Sri Lanka can position itself as a global leader in

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  • Dilmah Tea founder passes away

    Dilmah Tea founder passes away

    The founder of popular Sri Lankan tea company Dilmah has died at the age of 93.

    Merrill J Fernando was surrounded by his sons and grandchildren when he passed away on Thursday in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    He known for his iconic ‘do try it’ slogan.

    The tea company announced Mr Fernando’s death saying his ‘greatness was in his invincible faith, his integrity and love for tea & family’.

    ‘With devotion and urgency he pursued his desire for integrity and quality with humility and kindness,’ the company said.

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  • Axiata expands network leadership with commercial Open RAN across Asia

    Axiata expands network leadership with commercial Open RAN across Asia

    Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata” or “the Group”) has embarked on an ambitious network transformation program, leveraging Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) as a key technology for mobile networks designed to narrow the digital divide and enhance rural connectivity across Asia.

    Eyeing large-scale commercial deployments by year-end, the Group has successfully conducted Open RAN commercial field pilots in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka through strategic partnerships with leading global network solutions providers Mavenir and Parallel Wireless and supported by Infosys as systems integrator (SI).

    Through its strategic partnership with Mavenir, the industry’s end-to-end network software provider, Axiata has deployed the MAWair Open vRAN solution including all G Open RAN, Packet Core and Mobile Network applications at selected sites, in Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. To simulate non-ideal backhaul conditions, especially for rural areas, the sites selected are connected with non-ideal backhaul (microwave links), and in some cases satellite, making this the first satellite backhaul powered Open vRAN sites in the world.

    During the testing phase, Axiata was also able to achieve the first live commercial service integration of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP)’s Evenstar 4G Radio through Mavenir’s MAVair O-RAN based solution for Open RAN. Axiata is a participant of the TIP initiative in which a global community of companies and organizations are working together to accelerate the development and deployment of open, disaggregated, and standards-based technology solutions that deliver high quality, low-cost connectivity.

    Axiata’s commercial pilot also encompassed a collaboration with Parallel Wireless, the US-based Open RAN company delivering all G, cloud-native Open RAN solutions. Axiata successfully demonstrated commercial deployment of 2G and 4G Open RAN connectivity within its network in Sri Lanka which is operated by Dialog Axiata.

    Parallel Wireless’s solutions enabled 2G and 4G technology to be installed on the same radio units, with baseband deployed on a x86 commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platform, and all other applications deployed on Axiata’s OpenStack cloud infrastructure. The field trials now elevated to commercial availability, included 3-Sector, 4-Sector and 6-Sector sites, and demonstrated high-quality network performance.

    End user experience was demonstrated to be seamless and, in some cases, superior in terms of mobile broadband experience including next generation voice services. Commercial deployment encompassed rural, sub-urban and urban environments.

    The paradigm shift in telco networks towards Open RAN requires system integration capabilities to bring together the ecosystem of disaggregated components using standardized open interfaces on general-purpose hardware and ensuring interoperability in a carrier grade environment. Axiata was supported by Infosys in executing multi-faceted system integrations required to demonstrate the comprehensive coverage of Open RAN configuration options.

    Thomas Hundt, Axiata’s Group Executive Vice President – Technology said, “Open RAN is the future for mobile networks, and it will be critical for 4G expansions as well as the 5G evolution that Axiata’s markets will soon embrace. Aligning with our vision to become The Next Generation Digital Champion, the benefits from open networks will enable Axiata to better serve rising connectivity needs across the region, especially in rural and underserved areas, whilst ensuring sustainable value creation for our stakeholders.”

    “Together with our partners Mavenir, Parallel Networks and Infosys, and in line with the global connectivity push under the Telecom Infrastructure Project, Axiata is committed towards embracing fully automated infrastructure to boost the open network’s ecosystem in Asia. Our successful trials in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia prove that Open RAN solutions enable greater operational and cost efficiencies using advanced technologies, whilst also meeting the needs of our digital inclusion efforts across the region. We look forward to taking the next step towards commercialization in our pursuit of catalyzing game-changing advancements across emerging Asia,” he said.

    Pardeep Kohli, Mavenir President and CEO said, “Mavenir is delighted to work with Axiata on their radio network transformation initiative and to achieve excellent results in the live everyday environment, proving the extreme flexibility of Open vRAN. The collaboration will transform existing networks into a dynamic, agile and cloud-native based platform where Mavenir and Axiata will build the Networks of the Future.”

    Keith Johnson, President of Parallel Wireless said, “We are honored to partner with Axiata, replacing their incumbent vendors equipment with our leading-edge Open RAN Solution to enable 2G and 4G broadband services in Sri Lanka and other Axiata subsidiaries. We are thrilled that the trials are successful, and we look forward to the commercial deployments in 2021.”

    Anand Swaminathan, EVP & Global Industry Leader, Communications, Media & Technology Infosys said, “Open RAN is transforming the wireless architecture and is enabling Telecom operators to be more competitive and innovative, while providing them flexibility in RAN component suppliers’ ecosystem. The successful completion of the field trial on live network was a major milestone for accelerating the scaled deployment of virtual and Open RAN networks. Infosys is excited to be the SI partner to Axiata in this transformational journey and is committed to stand together to achieve many more milestones in the near future.”

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  • Sri Lanka holds great potential to become a leading hub in Asia

    Sri Lanka holds great potential to become a leading hub in Asia

    Sri Lanka is a gateway to almost 3 billion people in Asia and has a perfect geographical location. According to the Norwegian ambassador in Sri Lanka, Trine Joranli Eskedal the country has great potential to become a leading trade and maritime hub in Asia.

    Sri Lanka – NORDIC Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was the event where the ambassador was addressing the audience.

    Mr Eskedal also noted that developing a bilateral partnership with Sri Lanka was one of the top priorities for the country, including business, trade, and investment.

    The ambassador added that cooperation between these two countries is strong because it is based on mutual respect and understanding. He also talked about the project called ‘Match-Making Programme’ which is aimed at incentivizing Norwegian businesses to invest and initiate commercial co-operation with Sri Lankan partners.

    Fertile ground for future cooperation

    One of the main aspects that Norway can help Sri Lanka is the tourism industry. Although there was a massive loss this year due to the pandemic there is no more room to grow. An essential part of the tourism industry is the gambling industry which the Sri Lankan government recently took care of by releasing a new set of laws to better regulate the environment.

    However, Norway can support this matter by providing its own system of regulation, but many have said it’s not the best way to revive the industry. Based on the information gathered through the Nye casino website, Norway has quite a controversial gambling landscape. The government essentially owns the whole industry. However, Sri Lanka is quite similar in ways it governs the country so there could be some similarities. But those similarities are also to be addressed soon. Based on the news source here, we can see that Norway is soon to change its gambling laws or at least start thinking about changing them.

    The role of the Bilateral Business Councils

    The Bilateral Business Councils is considered to be a pivotal part of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and it has a massive role in promoting international business. The main activity of the Councils is the expansion of business between Sri Lanka and its partner country. The Ceylon Chamber operates 20 Bilateral Business Councils with the prime objectives of promoting trade and investment, joint ventures, services including promotion of tourism between Sri Lanka and the respective countries. 

    How did Sri Lanka deal with the pandemic?

    Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has decided to ban all mass events in the island nation as the number of patients with COVID-19 exceeded the 7,000 mark after a new cluster of infections was detected in the suburbs of the capital, Colombo. 

    The Ministry’s statement clarifies that all celebratory events, conferences, seminars, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, marches, demonstrations, and any other non-binding meetings are prohibited until further notice, as tests for coronavirus infection of more than 700 people – employees of a garment factory in the village of Minuvangoda – have shown a positive result.

    “The occurrence of COVID-19 cases in one area requires vigilance by the public to comply with strict precautions against COVID-19 to limit any further transmission,” the document states.

    As of 26 October, the total number of COVID-19 infections in Sri Lanka had plummeted to more than 7 thousand after 707 people in Gampaha District had been confirmed with coronavirus, leading to a decision by the authorities since the evening of 6 October to impose a curfew there. This case was the first cluster of infections detected in one locality of the country in recent months. Police said all movements inside Gampaha are restricted. Local residents were urged not to leave their homes until further notice.

     

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  • Kerry Logistics forms new joint venture in Sri Lanka

    Kerry Logistics forms new joint venture in Sri Lanka

    Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics’; Stock Code 0636.HK) announced a new joint venture, Kerry Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (‘Kerry Lanka’), formed with IAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd in Sri Lanka to strengthen its international freight forwarding (‘IFF’) capabilities in South Asia.

    Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Kerry Lanka sits at the strategic crossroads of East Asia, South and South East Asia, Africa and Europe. As part of Kerry Logistics’ South Asia operation, Kerry Lanka operates an office in Colombo, as well as a bonded facility and office for export purposes at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

    In 2019, 46% of the total export of Sri Lanka derived from the textiles and garments industry, amounting to US$5.6 billion, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s external sector performance review. There are more than 300 apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka, which are well connected to the super brands in Europe and the US. Kerry Logistics’ expansion to Sri Lanka will enable it to tap into the opportunities therein by offering a suite of services consisting of air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, inland trucking, multi-country consolidation, project cargo, warehousing and value-added services such as pick/pack, purchase order management, quality control, packaging and labelling, garment-on-hangers and entrepôt services.

    Patrick Cheah, Executive Director – Global Air of Kerry Logistics, said, “Located in Sri Lanka, the intersection of freight routes in South Asia, Kerry Lanka will become a significant hub for Kerry Logistics and give a strong boost to our global connectivity. Plans are also in place to aggressively focus on the upstream of the supply chain to support the fashion industry vertical. The forming of the joint venture also marks the deepening of our presence in the South Asian subcontinent, rounding out our full suite of services in the region.”

    In addition to Kerry Indev Logistics in India, Kerry Logistics has also established a subsidiary in Pakistan in 2018 to extend its footprint in the Indian subcontinent.

  • Dialog Axiata enters partnership with Netflix

    Dialog Axiata enters partnership with Netflix

    Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata has announced a strategic partnership involving the provision of carrier billing for the popular streaming platform.

    Under the agreement, all Dialog postpaid mobile customers will be able to add their Netflix subscription fee to their monthly bill.

    These customers will also be provided with 5GB of uncharged data per month for Netflix streaming.

    Netflix features including downloads for offline viewing, screen switching and others will be available to Dialog subscribers.

    “Our partnership with Netflix gives our customers access to their stellar catalog of original and licensed content, thereby strengthening the content portfolio offered by Dialog ViU, “Dialog Axiata senior GM for global and content services Mangala Hettiarachchi said.

    “Dialog customers can now watch the best of content available on Netflix on the best video network in Sri Lanka ad free – anytime, anywhere, and on any Internet-connected screen. Customers can activate the service on their mobile and watch on any screen including their smart television.”

  • DHL Global Forwarding appoints Fabian Rybka to head Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

    DHL Global Forwarding appoints Fabian Rybka to head Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

    DHL Global Forwarding, the leading international provider of air, sea and road freight services, has appointed Fabian Rybka as Cluster Head for DHL Global Forwarding’s operations in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with partner operations in Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives.

    Rybka brings to the role more than 10 years of experience at DHL Global Forwarding in both Asia and Europe, serving most recently as Head of Business Strategy and Development for DHL Global Forwarding ASEAN and South Asia, where he spearheaded successful growth initiatives in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka amongst other markets. Previous roles saw him specialize in designing and executing growth plans for DHL Global Forwarding’s high-potential markets including Italy, India, Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as key operations in European markets.

    “Fabian has built up a formidable track record for turning even the most challenging business situations into environments of high growth and customer satisfaction,” said Thomas Tieber, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding ASEAN and South Asia. “He has already proven that ability in guiding our teams in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to significant results while understanding the nuances of the local market operations. I can think of no better individual to lead these growth markets and further build on our strong market position.”

    In the new role, Rybka will apply his extensive business development expertise to further boost productivity and expand DHL Global Forwarding’s range of services in the markets under his leadership, focusing particularly on developing key products in ocean freight and value-added services like customs and integrated warehousing. He also continues to lend his business turnaround skills to projects throughout the broader South Asia and Asia Pacific regions.

    “I firmly believe Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the surrounding markets of Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal hold opportunity for substantial growth. We have a role to play to connect these economies to the rest of the world, supporting foreign businesses to invest in these markets, and also encouraging exports from local businesses overseas,” Rybka said. “Bangladesh’s GDP is growing faster than almost anywhere else in Asia at 7.3% per annum, while Sri Lanka continues to see steady increases in both imports and exports[2] that point to its growing connectedness and market opportunity within the global economy. As business optimism grows, my goal is to ensure we make our world-class logistics services as accessible and reliable as possible to enterprises of all sizes throughout the cluster.”

    Rybka holds an MBA from the University of Cooperative Education in Stuttgart, Germany, as well as a Global DHL CEO Award for his work in CSR and sustainability. Formerly one of Germany’s top junior football coaches, he also organizes and hosts youth football competitions — including one of the world’s largest, in Switzerland — to support the community work of SOS Children’s Village, a DHL GoTeach partner organization with whom he has volunteered for more than 10 years.

    Read more at https://vietnamnews.vn/media-outreach/505358/dhl-global-forwarding-appoints-fabian-rybka-to-head-bangladesh-and-sri-lanka-operations.html#qzaaIQjDkqMUVr8X.99

  • Dialog Axiata to establish 5G innovation center

    Dialog Axiata to establish 5G innovation center

    Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata has teamed up with Ericsson to establish the market’s first 5G innovation center.

    The new center will seek to encourage Sri Lankans to develop innovative IoT and ICT technologies and solutions. It will engage in collaborative research with local universities and global institutions.

    Researchers and entrepreneurs will be able to use the center’s facilities to design and develop prototypes and conduct verification testing. Developers, academics and ecosystem partners will also be able to test 5G capabilities on-site.

    The center will be backed by investments of over 500 million rupees ($2.89 million) in connectivity, equipment and infrastructure, the two companies said.

    “The 5G Innovation Center is another milestone in Dialog’s Technology leadership as we prepare to commercially launch 5G, ahead of the rest of South Asia,” Dialog Axiata group CEO Supun Weerashinghe said.

    “5G sets a capable environment to help fast track IoT developments along with next generation video and robot/manufacturing automation. Advancing the transformational technology of 5G in Sri Lanka will enable exciting possibilities across education, health, agriculture and manufacturing and also harness entrepreneurship and provide a springboard for in-country talent.”

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  • Spar Continues Global Expansion with Entry in Sri Lanka

    Spar Continues Global Expansion with Entry in Sri Lanka

    SPAR International, the world’s largest food retail voluntary chain, is delighted to announce the brand’s entry into the Sri Lankan retail market. SPAR Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, a partnership between SPAR South Africa and Ceylon Biscuits Limited has announced ambitious plans to open 50 new SPAR stores in Sri Lanka by 2023 primarily by developing independent SPAR retailers.

    With the opening of SPAR in Sri Lanka, SPAR International celebrates the launch of the brand in 6 countries across Asia and the 48th country worldwide. The newly established SPAR Sri Lanka benefits from the globally renowned SPAR Brand, providing shoppers with an international shopping experience adapted to local needs.

    The partnership was launched at an official opening of the first SPAR Supermarket in Colombo on the last week. The 1,000m2 SPAR Supermarket offers customers a great shopping experience with its emphasis on fresh foods, including a wide range of fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and an instore bakery. The development of the first SPAR neighborhood supermarket has been built on tried and tested international SPAR best practice setting the benchmark for future growth of the SPAR Brand in Sri Lanka. 

    The high-quality SPAR stores currently being developed will offer great value and a wide range of choice, with an emphasis on freshness and service. SPAR Sri Lanka will also be offering shoppers an extensive range of exclusive SPAR Own Brand products sourced both internationally and locally. 

    SPAR Sri Lanka has been able to utilize the global expertise of SPAR International and SPAR South Africa to support the extensive training of the new store colleagues over the past two months. 

    Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR International, said: “We are delighted to partner with Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. and to bring the SPAR Brand to this dynamic market. The distinct global but local SPAR approach will create excellent growth opportunities for Sri Lankan SPAR independent retailers. The opening of the first SPAR supermarket marks the beginning of a new, world class retail experience for consumers in Sri Lanka.” 

    Wayne Hodson, CEO of SPAR Sri Lanka, said “This is a very exciting period in the ever-changing food retail environment. Our mission is to develop and grow local, independent retailers, supporting them through the implementation of efficient supply chain management, stock procurement, promotional and marketing support, IT and retail leadership”.

     

  • PastaMania flagship opens in Colombo

    PastaMania flagship opens in Colombo

    PastaMania, Singapore’s largest Italian casual-dining restaurant chain, has opened its first restaurant in Sri Lanka.

    The PastaMania Sri Lanka flagship is located in Colombo on R A De Mal Mawatha, Colombo 3 (otherwise known as Duplication Road).

    Sri Lanka is the company’s 14th international market and it now has more than 50 outlets, with plans to continue expansion.

    Finding the right location and building the restaurant in Colombo took more than a year.

    “Our architect and contractors work with the PastaMania international design team from external facade to interior space planning. PastaMania’s brand elements from the Italian grocery shop ‘Alimentari’, open-kitchen ‘Pasta Al Dente’, newspaper stand ‘Edicola’ to details like the mural wall and signage are all carefully designed and fabricated,” said Hilme Azeez, MD (F&B business) of licensee Azeez Brothers.

    “The PastaMania Sri Lanka flagship is designed to reflect Italy’s piazza concept, creating the ambience of the day-to-day public life of an Italian ‘City Square’.

    “The timing is right as we see a lot potential for casual dining in Sri Lanka. We want to bring a ‘piece of Italy’ and the pleasure of ‘living like an Italian’ to the local and expatriate communities in Sri Lanka.”

    Wilson Lim, executive director, international business, with PastaMania’s parent, Commonwealth Capital Group, said the restaurant will use top-grade ingredients from Italy, such as high-protein durum wheat pasta, extra virgin olive oil, coffee and gelato.

    PastaMania Sri Lanka, will roll out the ‘Doughworkz’ programme whereby young children will be taught how to make their own ‘pasta and pizza’ and to work within a community. They will also be taught on healthy eating habits and living through our series of ‘PastaMons’ characters and story books aimed at educating the young generation in a ‘Learn-as-You-Play’ mode.

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  • Axiata share price down slightly after buying stake in Sri Lankan data centre firm

    Axiata share price down slightly after buying stake in Sri Lankan data centre firm

    Axiata Group Bhd’s share price fell 0.18% this morning following news that its unit is acquiring a 35% stake in data centre company Digital Reality (Private) Ltd (DRPL) for 262.5 million Sri Lankan rupees (RM6.55 million) cash to form a data centre business in Sri Lanka.

    At 11.08am, Axiata stood at RM5.48 with 882,800 shares changing hands.

    The group yesterday said Dialog Broadband Networks (Private) Ltd (DBN) has entered into a deal with St Anthony’s Property Developers (Private) Ltd (SAPD) for the stake acquisition.

    DBN, which is Sri Lanka’s second largest fixed telecommunications provider, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dialog Axiata Plc which in turn is an 83.32% subsidiary of Axiata.

    SAPD is a member of St Anthony Group and is the main developer of Sri Lanka’s largest privately held IT park, “Orion City”.

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  • Mobitel launches LTE on 900-MHz spectrum

    Mobitel launches LTE on 900-MHz spectrum

    Sri Lanka’s Mobitel has enhanced its LTE network with the nation’s first deployment of LTE over re-purposed 900-MHz spectrum.

    The operator said the deployment will significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s LTE coverage and make Mobitel the top network for LTE broadband in the nation.

    Mobitel chairman P G Kumarasinghe Sirisena said the deployment will particularly help the operator bring affordable LTE broadband services to rural areas of the country.

    This will also help the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka meet its objective of bridging the digital divide between citizens in urban and rural areas.

    Mobitel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom. The operator launched Sri Lanka’s first LTE services in the 1800-MHz band in 2013.

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