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Sri Lanka Needs Sector-Specific Labour Reforms to Unlock Growth, Says Plus94 Fund’s Arj Samarakoon

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Labour reform in Sri Lanka cannot be approached as a uniform policy, according to Arj Samarakoon of Plus94 Fund, who argues that the country needs a more nuanced strategy to unlock growth and attract investment.

Speaking at the Labour Reforms Vital to Attract Investment and Develop the Export Sector forum, Samarakoon said that sectors such as ICT, logistics, mining and manufacturing face distinct challenges and should not be regulated under the same rigid framework.

He pointed to the Shop and Office Employees Act, which still prevents women from working after 6 p.m., as an example of how outdated provisions can limit progress. While originally intended for a manufacturing economy, the law now restricts the growth of 24-hour ICT and knowledge industries.

“These rules belong to a different era,” Samarakoon told the forum. “If Sri Lanka wants to compete in a knowledge economy, we must modernise the law while protecting workers’ rights. Removing barriers, especially for women, is essential if we are to strengthen the workforce and attract global investment.”

Samarakoon added that reforms should not be seen as reducing protections but as aligning them with modern realities. Sector-specific policies, he argued, could empower employees, expand opportunities for women and give ethical employers the flexibility to compete internationally.

Analysts note that Sri Lanka lags behind regional peers in female workforce participation, a factor that has weighed on economic competitiveness. According to Samarakoon, tackling this issue through inclusive reforms would boost investor confidence while creating broader opportunities across high-value industries such as ICT, logistics and advanced manufacturing.

About Plus94 Fund
Plus94 Fund is a Singapore-based investment advisory and private equity firm with operations in Sri Lanka, focused on building dollar-denominated revenue and driving sustainable growth. In January 2025, Plus94 launched the Crewstone Plus94 Technology Fund, a US$75 million initiative targeting early-stage tech companies across South and Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit Plus94 Fund

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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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