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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 GunaratneCountry 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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LUXN (Pvt) Ltd Marks 4 Years of Transforming Professional Networking in Sri Lanka

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LUXN (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading NFC-based solution provider, celebrates four years of innovation and growth this October. Since launching Sri Lanka’s first NFC-powered Smart Business Card in 2021, LUXN has transformed how professionals and corporates connect – offering seamless, app-free, and eco-friendly digital networking.

Over the years, LUXN has empowered more than 25,000 professionals and 50+ leading corporates, including DFCC Bank, Prime Group, Toyota Lanka, City of Dreams, and Cinnamon Hotels, positioning itself as a key player in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey.

Beyond its flagship product, the company has introduced several NFC-powered innovations, including LUXN Reviewy, a customer feedback solution now used by brands such as Barista, Celsius Bedding, and Kangaroo Cabs. In 2024, LUXN further expanded with the launch of LUXN IT, a subsidiary specializing in custom software, web, mobile, and IoT solutions.

Co-founded by Sahan Muramudalige (CEO), Limashi Karunasekara (COO), and Kalhara Gunawardhana (CTO), LUXN continues to pioneer smart, connected, and sustainable technology solutions, driving Sri Lanka toward a more digitally empowered future.

While LUXN was officially incorporated as a private limited company in April 2023, the company proudly recognizes October 23, 2021, as its true founding date marking the moment its flagship product transformed from concept to reality and began reshaping Sri Lanka’s digital networking landscape.

Today, LUXN remains committed to its founding vision to empower people and businesses through smart, connected, and sustainable technology paving the way for a new era of innovation and digital progress in Sri Lanka.

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Ceylon Tea Sets Guinness World Record

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Sri Lanka has secured a place in the Guinness World Records after the New Vithanakande Tea Factory was officially recognized for producing the world’s most expensive tea.

The milestone was achieved with its premium Ceylon Black Tea (FFExSp), which sold in Japan for Rs. 252,500 per kilogram (around ¥125,000).

Industry experts noted that this accomplishment underscores the global appeal of high-quality Ceylon tea while boosting Sri Lanka’s image in the luxury tea market.

New Vithanakande is already renowned for setting record-breaking auction prices, especially for its OP1 grade, but this latest achievement marks a new era in branding Ceylon tea at the highest international level.

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From Muddy Paths to Mountain Views: The Story of the Pekoe Trail

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Arjuna Samarakoon and team pictured at the completion of the Pekoe Trail

Arjuna Nayanka Samarakoon, better known as Arj Samarakoon, has built a reputation as an investor, reform advocate, and philanthropist. For him, Sri Lanka’s most ambitious long-distance walking route, the Pekoe Trail, is not simply a path through the hills but a reminder of how persistence and preparation shape both journeys and reforms.

The Trail as a Teacher

In his Pekoe Trail Guide, Samarakoon reflects on the lessons he drew from the experience. Keeping a light pack, setting a steady pace, and learning to embrace discomfort all became reminders that progress comes step by step. He often describes how conversations with villagers along the way were just as meaningful as the sweeping views, a reminder that development is most powerful when it connects people.

A Shared Journey for Communities

As highlighted in the Daily Mirror Feature the Pekoe Trail offers more than scenery. It creates opportunities for communities across the central highlands, from tea estate workers to small guesthouse owners. Samarakoon has consistently stressed that reform is not only about policy but about real benefits for families and villages who carry Sri Lanka forward every day.

500K Steps of Endurance

The The Financial Times reports that the Pekoe Trail is now the focus of the 500K Steps campaign, aiming to raise LKR 20 million for conservation and community development. For Samarakoon, joining this effort is both personal and symbolic. Every kilometre walked represents the persistence needed to reform systems, rebuild credibility, and create opportunities.

Reform as a Long Walk

Samarakoon often frames reform as scaffolding, delivery as the building, and competitiveness as the stage where people choose to live and invest. In many ways, the Pekoe Trail reflects the same truth. It is not conquered in one stride, but by consistent steps, preparation, and resilience.

Looking Ahead

By sharing his experience on the Pekoe Trail and supporting the 500K Steps campaign, Arjuna Nayanka Samarakoon highlights that Sri Lanka’s future will not be built overnight. It will take the same qualities the trail demands — endurance, patience, and a willingness to walk together. His message is simple but powerful: progress begins when people commit to the journey, one step at a time.

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