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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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Sri Lankan-founded startup Logical accepted into Y Combinator, raises over Rs. 150 Mn

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A Sri Lankan founded artificial intelligence startup has achieved a major international milestone after being accepted into Y Combinator (YC), one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators, while also raising more than Rs. 150 million in initial funding to accelerate its global expansion.

Logical, founded by Sri Lankan engineers Samurdhi Karunaratne (Sam Karu) and Anushka Idamekorala, is believed to be the first startup established entirely by a Sri Lankan founding team to join the highly selective Silicon Valley accelerator. The investment provides the company with a strong platform to develop a globally competitive artificial intelligence product from the United States.

The company is developing a proactive desktop AI copilot designed for knowledge workers. Unlike conventional AI chatbots, Logical understands a user’s work context across multiple applications and proactively assists with drafting emails, preparing documents, summarising meetings, identifying action items and streamlining workflows with minimal prompting.

Chief Executive Officer Samurdhi Karunaratne said acceptance into Y Combinator reinforces the belief that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs should aspire to build globally significant technology companies. Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer Anushka Idamekorala added that the team’s ambition is to demonstrate that world class AI products can be created by Sri Lankan engineers competing on the global stage.

The two founders first met at Dharmaraja College, Kandy, before pursuing engineering degrees at the University of Peradeniya and the University of Moratuwa respectively. Both later continued advanced studies in the United States before launching Logical in Silicon Valley.

The achievement represents an important milestone for Sri Lanka’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting the country’s growing capability to produce globally competitive technology entrepreneurs and reinforcing its reputation as an emerging source of AI talent and deep technology innovation.

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First Fuel Station to be Established in Delft Island

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says a fuel station will be established for the first time on Delft Island in Sri Lanka.

CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said the initiative is expected to boost tourism development and support livelihoods on the island.

He added that the current fuel distribution process in the Delft Island has been disorganised and the new facility aims to improve efficiency and access.

Dr. Neththikumarage further stated that the foundation stone for the fuel station was laid on the Delft Island today, with construction expected to be completed within the next few months.

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Evolution Auto Launched the Xpeng G6 in Sri Lanka Marking a New Era in Premium Electric Mobility

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Evolution Auto Private Limited the authorised distributor for Xpeng in Sri Lanka, officially launched the New Generation Xpeng G6 at its multi brand showroom in Colombo 05 on 22 May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.

The launch event brought together media representatives, industry stakeholders, and invited guests for the official unveiling of the premium intelligent electric SUV. The evening featured a formal vehicle reveal, live demonstrations, and opportunities for test drives, allowing attendees to experience the Xpeng G6 firsthand.

The introduction of the Xpeng G6 arrived at a crucial moment for Sri Lanka’s New Energy Vehicle market. While consumer interest in electric mobility continues to grow, the segment has faced challenges including range anxiety, limited premium offerings, and concerns over aftersales support. The arrival of the G6 aimed to directly address these gaps by introducing a globally competitive intelligent EV backed by advanced technology and strong international partnerships.

Speaking at the launch, Ashan Wickramasinghe Head of Marketing Evolution Auto stated:

“We are not just bringing a car to Sri Lanka. We are bringing a new standard in technology, in ownership experience, and in what Sri Lankan consumers should expect from a modern electric vehicle.”

Positioned as a premium electric SUV competing in the global mid to upper EV segment, the Xpeng G6 offered a WLTP certified driving range of up to 480 kilometres. The vehicle was powered by an electric motor delivering 110 kW of output and 440 Nm of torque, providing a balance of efficiency, performance, and everyday usability.

A key highlight of the G6 was XPILOT, Xpeng’s proprietary Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System. The system included Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, automated parking, and remote summon functionality. Designed to enhance safety and convenience, XPILOT supported drivers while maintaining full driver responsibility in accordance with Level 2 autonomy standards.

Inside, the Xpeng G6 showcased a strong emphasis on digital integration and comfort. The cabin featured a 15.6 inch central touchscreen infotainment system, the XOPERA 2.0 premium sound system with 18 speakers, ventilated and massaging front seats, and dual glazed soundproof glass with active noise cancellation. These features collectively positioned the vehicle as a technologically advanced and comfort focused electric SUV.

Xpeng, the manufacturer of the G6, is a globally listed technology company headquartered in Guangzhou China and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker XPEV. The company has evolved beyond traditional automotive manufacturing, expanding into artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced mobility systems.

Its strategic partnership with the Volkswagen Group further reinforces its global positioning. In 2023, Volkswagen acquired a 4.99 percent stake in Xpeng and entered a joint development agreement focused on next generation electric vehicle platforms, highlighting strong industry confidence in Xpeng’s technological capabilities.

The Xpeng G6 is part of a broader innovation ecosystem developed by the company, which includes autonomous mobility research, humanoid robotics under its IRON platform, and flying vehicle development through its ARIDGE division. These initiatives reflect Xpeng’s long term vision of integrating physical AI across multiple modes of transport and intelligent systems.

For Sri Lanka, the launch of the G6 represents more than the introduction of a new vehicle model. It signals the entry of a globally significant technology brand into the local market, bringing with it advanced mobility solutions and new expectations for the EV ownership experience.

Evolution Auto emphasized that the introduction of the Xpeng G6 aligns with its long term commitment to expanding premium electric mobility options in Sri Lanka. The company noted that full aftersales support, service infrastructure, and customer experience enhancements would accompany the brand’s entry into the market.

As Sri Lanka continues its transition toward sustainable transportation, the arrival of the Xpeng G6 is expected to play a key role in shaping consumer expectations and accelerating adoption of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment.

Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd

Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd is the sole authorized distributor for Xpeng electric vehicles in Sri Lanka. The company operates a multi-brand showroom at R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 05, and provides full aftersales service through a dedicated multi-brand workshop with a fully stocked parts inventory.

Contact evolution auto on 0744112132 or visit www.xpeng.lk to learn more about evolution auto & Xpeng. 

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