Echelon

Erandi Thennakoon has transformed a hobby into a thriving social enterprise empowering rural women Supported by USAID Sri Lanka

JOHN KEELLS IT Chief Executive Ramesh Shanmuganathan shares how digitization has decreased the degrees of separation between people, enabling consumers more power, as they now have access to the same information as sellers. Read more of this insightful discussion:

At DIMO Engineering Solutions regular skill audits are conducted among its workforce to assess current capabilities, identify skill gaps and to plan effectively for future training needs. With its technology integrated learning strategy, it utilizes VR and simulation-based training to help employees develop practical skills in a safe and controlled environment. Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya, Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer of DIMO, delves into DIMO’s people-centric approach that prioritizes employee empowerment, strategies for fostering a supportive workplace, and re-evaluating training for career growth. Read more here:

Abisheka Fernando is an award-winning journalist committed to fighting misinformation and misconceptions and nurturing independent journalism. Supported by USAID Sri Lanka Platinum Sponsor Seylan Bank PLC

Nestlé , the manufacturing powerhouse behind household brand names such as NESTOMALT, MILO, MAGGI noodles, MAGGI Coconut Milk Powder and local NESCAFÉ variants, works with over 10,000 dairy farmers and sources coconuts from approximately 8,000 farmers. Its production of coconut milk powder not only supports local farmers but also contributes to the economy through exports, bringing in nearly Rs14 billion worth of foreign currency in 2023 alone. Read more of these insights from Managing Director of Nestlé Sri Lanka Bernie Stefan:

Sri Lanka is in sight of targeting 70% renewable energy dependency by 2030 and is phasing out fossil fuels, with no plans for new diesel or coal plants, though LNG remains an option. Sri Lanka has also surpassed 1,000MW in solar installations, with 250MW under Hayleys Solar , making it the largest solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) among registered solar EPCs in Sri Lanka. As the nation approaches its 2030 renewable goals, Chief Executive and Director of Hayleys Solar Roshane Perera explains how it aims to expand its share, playing a critical role in the energy transition. Read more:

As the Founder of Kayamai Studio, Aadhitya’s studio is a ""third space"" for young people, offering a platform for creative expression, activism, and community building. Neon and Echelon’s Shine 50 lists fifty young women between 18 and 35 years making a positive economic and social impact in diverse fields across Sri Lanka. Supported by USAID Sri Lanka Platinum Sponsor Seylan Bank PLC

Meet Pulani Ranasinghe: The founder of Loons Lab, Pulani leads digital transformation projects and co-developed Kraydel, a monitoring system for the elderly, focusing on social impact and digitizing Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system. Supported by USAID Sri Lanka

For Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC, Sri Lanka's increased credit growth in the last quarter, lower interest rates and the stabilization of the exchange rate bodes a sense of positivity for the future. Deputy General Manager of Credit Gayanath De Silva discusses how a SME and corporate-oriented strategic approach at Pan Asia Bank aims to foster long-term partnerships, expand credit operations and support broader economic growth. Read more:

Three and a half years ago, after a change in management and on-boarding a strategic partnership with the British multinational retailer Next Sourcing, Ritz Clothing made a series of strategic investments amidst an economic crisis. Chief Executive Nalin Amarasena details a journey of redefining Ritz's production ethos, attracting new business from competitor markets, and garnering international accolades and a strong reputation among clients. Read more of this fascinating journey here: