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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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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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