Business
Volt Charge: A visionary JAT Holdings joint venture redefining the Global EV charger industry
JAT Holdings proudly introduces Volt Charge (VC), an ambitious joint venture that signifies a remarkable collaboration between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, poised to revolutionize the global Electric Vehicle (EV) charging landscape. In partnership with Saudi-based Safari Group, QSS Robotics, and Sri Lankan tech trailblazer Cyrus, Volt Charge is on a mission to set new industry standards, with JAT Holdings PLC at the helm of this visionary initiative.
Aelian Gunawardene, Founder & Managing Director at JAT Holdings PLC expressed his enthusiasm saying, “Volt Charge embodies our vision of pioneering innovation. This joint venture represents the convergence of diverse talents and resources from Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to reshape the EV charging industry worldwide. We are proud to be leading the charge, change and transformation towards a greener transportation infrastructure together with like-minded partners, in keeping with our commitment to a sustainable future.”
Cyrus, a brand owned by Cyrus EV Charger Pvt Ltd, leads the frontier of innovation in Sri Lanka in EV charging and charger manufacturing. Promising to redefine the way the world powers its electric vehicles, Cyrus boasts a dedicated team led by Dr Beshan Kulapala, the pioneer behind manufacturing Sri Lanka’s and South Asia’s first-ever electric supercar, which was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2020. A trailblazing tech entrepreneur focused on developing high-tech solutions on a global scale, Dr Kulapala has created Sri Lanka’s largest EV charging network with homegrown EV Chargers.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr Kulapala added, “We’re excited to be part of this endeavour not only as a technology partner but also as a shareholder of a global enterprise to shape the future of EV charging. Volt Charge will not only provide advanced technology but also contribute significantly to the global sustainability cause, thanks to our breakthroughs in innovation in the field.”
The joint venture, Volt Charge, symbolizes JAT Holdings’ unwavering commitment to shaping the future and diversifying its portfolio to meet the ever-growing demands of the world while expanding its global presence. Bolstered by substantial multimillion-dollar investments from JAT, Safari, and QSS, and harnessing Cyrus’s expertise in EV charging technology, this partnership aims to carve a significant niche in the expansive $90 billion global EV charging industry.
Volt Charge is making an impressive entrance with its state-of-the-art 22kW Level-2 charger, featuring an industry-leading interactive user interface. In a bid to exceed current competitors, Volt Charge envisions a charging experience that resonates profoundly with customers, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Its ambitious roadmap includes a range of fast-charging technologies and visionary pursuits, such as wireless and robotics charging solutions, designed to anticipate the needs of the future.
The first set of Volt Charge EV chargers is slated for commercialization and launch with the commencement of Volt Charge’s manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia by March 2024, ensuring a steady supply of cutting-edge chargers for the global market.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”