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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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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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