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Five Sri Lankan startups take flight with Uber Springboard

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COLOMBO, July 31, 2025: Uber, the global ride-hailing and delivery platform, today concluded the second edition of Uber Springboard – an initiative designed to support the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs through mentorship, guidance, and international exposure. In collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy, Government of Sri Lanka, five promising startups were selected for a dedicated mentorship experience at Uber’s Tech Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad, India.

This year’s edition follows on the success of the inaugural edition last year, with a broader cohort and even stronger representation across sectors. After engaging with over 25 Sri Lankan startups, Uber’s leadership, along with external experts, selected five high-potential ventures for this immersive opportunity.

Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Government of Sri Lanka, said: “Uber Springboard is a strong example of the industry-government collaboration we strive to build in Sri Lanka’s innovation landscape. Startups are vital problem-solvers, and connecting them with experienced mentors gives them a stronger foundation to scale. I congratulate Uber for continuing to invest in our startup talent and helping unlock the creativity and ambition of our tech community.”

Uber Springboard 2025 Startup Cohort

AnyBanq: A digital banking marketplace helping users compare and apply for financial products across banks, while enabling banks to digitize and streamline customer onboarding.

PayMedia: A Fintech company delivering payment solutions across banking, finance, telecom, and startup sectors, while bridging legacy infrastructure with new-age financial technologies.

Helios P2P: A peer-to-peer lending platform that aims to expand access to credit by connecting borrowers and lenders through secure, tech-enabled credit assessment models.

Articom.io: An agentic AI platform helping businesses build, deploy, and manage intelligent customer support assistants, supported by a developer marketplace and enterprise-grade tools.

Ceylon Speechie: A MedTech venture offering web and mobile applications for children at risk of autism to access speech therapy services, with AI-enabled progress tracking and a global clinical network.

The selected startups will now travel to Uber’s Tech Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad for a week-long mentorship program that includes sessions on product development, growth strategy, fundraising, and team building. The initiative builds on Uber’s long-standing commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem.

Varun Wijewardene, Country Manager, Delivery – Uber Sri Lanka, said: “Uber has always believed in the power of entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change. With Springboard, we’re backing Sri Lankan startups not just with mentorship, but with exposure to real-world insights, practical tools, and industry perspective. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing local innovation and helping founders build for scale, resilience, and long-term success.”

Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Manager, Mobility – Uber Sri Lanka, said: “Uber made a remarkable journey as a startup, so we understand both the grit and the guidance it takes to grow. That’s why we’re proud to support a new wave of Sri Lankan founders through Springboard – this year, across an even broader range of sectors. We’re grateful to the Ministry of Digital Economy for their partnership in making this possible, and excited to see how these entrepreneurs turn ambition into impact.”

Since launching in Sri Lanka in 2015 (Mobility: 2015 & Delivery: 2018), Uber has grown its presence across the island nation, and continues to invest in programs that enable mobility, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the region.

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Evolution Auto Unveils the AVATR 07 Luxury Intelligent SUV in Sri Lanka

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Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd officially unveiled the all new AVATR 07 at an exclusive launch event held at the Sangam Ballroom, ITC Ratnadipa, introducing a new expression of luxury intelligent mobility to Sri Lanka.

Presented under the philosophy “Built for those who notice,” the AVATR 07 combines distinctive design, sophisticated comfort, advanced digital intelligence and innovative electric vehicle technology. Its introduction further strengthens Evolution Auto’s premium vehicle portfolio and reflects the company’s commitment to bringing globally recognised new energy vehicles to Sri Lankan motorists.

AVATR is built on the combined strengths of three globally established technology leaders: Changan Automobile, Huawei and CATL. Changan brings more than 160 years of automotive engineering and manufacturing heritage, while Huawei contributes advanced smart cabin technology, intelligent driving systems and connected vehicle capabilities. CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, supports the brand with advanced battery and energy technology.

Designed under the direction of Chief Design Officer Nader Faghihzadeh, the AVATR 07 features elegant golden ratio proportions, sculpted bodywork and a confident road presence. Its aerodynamic exterior achieves an ultra low drag coefficient of 0.259, helping enhance efficiency while creating a sleek and futuristic appearance.

The AVATR 07 is powered by a rear mounted electric motor that produces 365 Nm of torque and is paired with an 82.16 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate battery. It delivers a driving range of up to 575 kilometres under NEDC testing conditions, providing the flexibility required for both everyday urban travel and longer journeys.

As the automotive industry moves towards Software-Defined Vehicles, computing power is becoming increasingly important. TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) indicates a vehicle’s theoretical AI processing capability, with the AVATR 07 offering 100 TOPS, reinforcing its position as one of the smartest SUVs available in Sri Lanka. The system works together with a comprehensive 27 sensor array to continuously interpret the vehicle’s surroundings in real time.

Inside, the AVATR 07 presents a carefully crafted cabin designed around comfort, technology and personalisation. The interior features premium Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof with an electric sun shade and industry-leading optical surround ambient lighting, creating a refined atmosphere for both drivers and passengers.

Dual zero gravity front seats equipped with an eight point SPA massage function provide enhanced comfort, particularly during longer journeys. The vehicle’s digital experience is led by a 35.4 inch 4K panoramic display and a 15.6 inch central touchscreen, giving occupants convenient access to information, entertainment and vehicle functions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable seamless smartphone connectivity, while optional smart digital rear view mirrors further enhance visibility and the vehicle’s advanced driving experience. A 16 speaker Avatr Premium 7.1 sound system completes the cabin with an immersive audio experience.

Commenting on the launch, Group CEO of Evolution Auto, Mr. Virann De Zoysa, said:

“The introduction of the AVATR 07 represents an important milestone for Evolution Auto and Sri Lanka’s premium electric vehicle market. It brings together exceptional automotive engineering, intelligent technology, advanced battery innovation and a truly refined luxury experience. Through AVATR, we aim to offer discerning Sri Lankan customers a new standard of intelligent mobility, paired with the trusted sales and after sales experience of Evolution Auto.”

Customers of the AVATR 07 will be supported through Evolution Auto’s dedicated multi brand showrooms, specialised electric vehicle after sales facilities and nationwide Sterling After Care support network. This integrated support structure is designed to provide customers with professional guidance, reliable maintenance and greater confidence throughout their electric vehicle ownership journey.

With the launch of the AVATR 07, Evolution Auto continues to strengthen its position within Sri Lanka’s rapidly developing electric mobility sector while expanding the range of premium and technologically advanced vehicles available to local customers.

Combining sophisticated design, refined interior comfort, intelligent safety systems and advanced electric performance, the AVATR 07 introduces a bold new benchmark for luxury intelligent mobility in Sri Lanka.

Customers interested in experiencing the AVATR 07 may contact Evolution Auto for further information, call 0744112132 or visit www.avatr.lk for test drive reservations.

Evolution Auto: Sri Lanka’s largest Premium EV Portfolio

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TicketsMinistry Becomes the First Sri Lankan Built Ticketing Platform to Launch in the Gulf

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Sri Lankan online ticketing platform TicketsMinistry has launched operations in the United Arab Emirates, becoming the first Sri Lankan-built ticketing platform to enter the Gulf market.

Developed by Tickets M (Pvt) Ltd, TicketsMinistry has sold over 500,000 tickets across more than 1,000 events in Sri Lanka and works with over 600 event partners. The platform allows organisers to sell tickets online, manage entry and track sales in real time.

With the UAE launch, organisers of concerts, cultural shows, sporting events and community gatherings in the Emirates can now use the platform. The move is also expected to give the UAE’s large Sri Lankan community easier access to Sri Lankan concerts and cultural events.

“This is a proud moment for Sri Lankan innovation. Our platform was built by Sri Lankan talent, and it is now competing in one of the world’s most dynamic event markets. The UAE is the first step in our plan to grow TicketsMinistry into a global ticketing brand,” said Bhanuka Weerasinghe, Director of TicketsMinistry.

The company said it plans to expand into further international markets following the UAE launch.

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“Sri Lanka has my heart,” says youngest traveler to visit 195 countries

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Cameron Mofid, widely recognized as the youngest person to have visited all 195 countries, has praised Sri Lanka, describing it as a destination offering diverse experiences despite its relatively small size.

Speaking in a podcast episode shared on his social media, Mofid said he preferred his experience in Sri Lanka to those in Nepal and Malaysia.

“Sri Lanka has my heart. It’s like lush landscapes, beautiful. So much nature, wildlife, very underrated,” Mofid said.

“Sri Lanka is awesome. It’s so small but there is so much to do and see, it’s inexpensive and the people are awesome,” he added.

He also said he did not encounter pollution or scams during his time in Sri Lanka, unlike some other countries he visited.

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