Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
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In a move to elevate customer service, People’s Bank proudly announces the launch of its AI-powered Chatbot feature on its website, www.peoplesbank.lk. This innovative addition harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to provide quick and seamless responses to customer inquiries anytime, anywhere, and any day.
With a robust knowledge base and natural language understanding, the integrated chatbot addresses customer queries effortlessly, ensuring an enhanced banking experience. The chatbot is not only accessible on the web but also supports multilingual engagement, offering assistance in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Commenting on the Feature, the People’s Bank’s Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse stated: “People’s Bank is committed to leveraging technology to redefine the banking landscape and enhance customer satisfaction. The AI Chatbot is a testament to our strategy of using technology to provide an added level of convenience and a world-class customer service experience,”
People’s Bank has future plans to expand the chatbot’s availability to popular messaging platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp. This strategic move aims to further streamline customer interactions, making banking services more accessible and user-friendly.
People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka said, “This latest value addition reinforces People’s Bank’s position as the leader in digital banking in Sri Lanka. We are dedicated to pushing the limits of innovation, developing digital solutions of international standards while staying customer centric in all our endeavors”





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In an era of transformation for Sri Lanka’s plantation sector, Kahawatte Plantations PLC (KWPL) has emerged as a formidable force, redefining the parameters of agricultural excellence, sustainability and inclusive growth. As a Regional Plantation Company operating across the landscapes of Nawalapitiya and Sabaragamuwa, KWPL manages 16 estates spread across 12,356 hectares. The company’s diverse crop mix includes tea, rubber, cinnamon, coffee, coconut, pepper, durian, macadamia and commercial forestry which highlights its commitment to diversification and resilience.
Operating under the stewardship of the MJF Group of Companies, globally recognized for the Dilmah Tea brand, KWPL is nurturing innovation, integrity, and long-term impact. Since its acquisition by the MJF Group in 2002, KWPL has undergone a strategic transformation. Moving away from traditional plantation practices, the company has adopted cutting-edge agri-innovation and sustainable business models. With an ambitious focus on reversing profit erosion and boosting margins, KWPL has implemented lean cost structures, rigorous KPI monitoring, mechanization, and high-efficiency operations across its estates. These strategies have delivered tangible results. The company’s investment in solar and hydro energy systems now saves over Rs. 4 million each month, while the Rs. 120 million solar project at Imboolpittia Estate is expected to generate consistent income for the next two decades. Notably, 70% of this project is funded through grants from the MJF Charitable Foundation.
The tea factory of Houpe Estate
Houpe Estate of Kahawatte located at the foothills of the historic Balangoda hills
Quality, Certification and Market Leadership of Kahawatte
KWPL’s transformation also includes a bold push towards product excellence and diversification. With over 336 hectares under cinnamon cultivation, it became Sri Lanka’s first plantation company to achieve Global GAP certification for cinnamon. The company is also officially registered under the Ceylon Cinnamon Geographical Indication, marking a significant milestone in elevating the credibility of Sri Lankan produce on the global stage. This focus on quality and innovation has paid off handsomely. In 2023 and 2024 alone, KWPL secured over 550 top prices at weekly tea auctions, with estates like Craighead, Queensberry and Kataboola regularly leading in the mid-grown category. Specialty teas such as “Rilagala Curls (Westhall)” and “Silver Green Needles” set records at charity auctions, fetching prices of up to Rs. 1.6 million per lot. KWPL is also breaking new ground through its partnership with the Industrial Technology Institute to commercialize Pentadesma Butter (Kpangnan Butter), derived from a previously underutilized fruit. This venture positions the company at the cutting edge of natural product innovation in the plantation industry.
Environmental Leadership Beyond Compliance
Environmental stewardship is embedded into KWPL’s operations which certainly is not treated as a peripheral responsibility. The company has developed a tea-based agroforestry model in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute, Rajarata University and the University of Peradeniya, which integrates biodiversity conservation with productive land use. KWPL’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its management of over 2,000 hectares of timber plantations and 1,600 hectares of conservation forest. One of its standout environmental achievements is the creation of a 3-kilometre biodiversity corridor near the Sinharaja rainforest, developed in partnership with Dilmah Conservation. This project was recognized with the Best Sustainability Project Award at the 2023 Best Corporate Citizen Awards. Adding to its environmental credentials, KWPL also established the One Earth Climate Research Centre at Queensberry Estate which is the first private-sector climate adaptation research station in Sri Lanka, highlighting the company’s leadership in environmental science and policy engagement.
Pentadesma flowers grown in Hunuwella Estate
People-Centered Progress
At the heart of KWPL’s mission is its unwavering commitment to community empowerment. Reflecting the values of the MJF Group, the company’s comprehensive CSR programme supports more than 6,000 plantation workers and their families. Its initiatives encompass early childhood education, elder care, women’s health and scholarships, building a cohesive framework for social upliftment. KWPL has distributed over 2,000 ergonomically designed tea plucking baskets to improve worker wellbeing and safety. It provides scholarships for over 130 students each year, demonstrating a long-standing belief that prosperity must be shared. During the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, KWPL responded with compassion, distributing Rs. 25 million worth of dry rations to help workers and their families weather the crisis. The company also runs innovative community programmes such as the “Ray of Hope” initiative for children and promotes livelihood diversification through beekeeping enterprises. Further, the “Savings Passbook Programme” for newborns encourages financial literacy from birth, offering families a tangible stake in their children’s future.
Visioning the Future of Plantations
Kahawatte Plantations is investing in a transformative roadmap that seeks to redefine what a modern, responsible plantation company can be. Plans are underway for end-to-end digitization through the implementation of a new ERP system, yield forecasting via drone and multispectral imaging, and the production of biochar from tea waste as a sustainable alternative to inorganic fertilizers. The company also envisions turning its estates into tourism gateways, with initiatives already in motion at Denawaka and Imboolpittia. Expanding its renewable energy footprint and exploring direct-to-consumer channels are further steps in a future oriented strategy that aligns with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, carbon neutrality goals and consumer-centric innovation.
As one of the largest landholders in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector, Kahawatte Plantations PLC is leading the industry into a new era. At a time when the sector faces scrutiny around sustainability, profitability and ethical practices, KWPL offers a compelling and transparent model rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and long-term vision.

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Sakura Products & Exports (Pvt) Ltd. has been awarded at the Entro Queen Excellence Awards 2025 – Leading Ladies in Business. Based in the rural village of Pitakanda in the Kolonna Division of the Ratnapura District, the company has built a strong reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s top producers and exporters of food products. Managing Director Manjula Janaki and Mr. Gamini Jayasinghe received the award.
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What does one say when someone who has been a dear friend for half a century leaves you bereft? What does one write about a person who has never had a negative thought or word about another? How do you even begin to describe a friendship of a lifetime during which there was never a disagreement, never a difference of opinion, never a secret withheld or a moment of hesitation. In other words the perfect friendship!
I met Jayantha when we were both involved in Christian youth ministry as volunteers. Those demands and challenges brought the two of us along with Richard Brohier and Somnath Ekanayake together, as a close knit team that worked in harmony. Moulding us together for a lifetime!
That was also when Jayantha and Nilanthi met and I would often tease her that she bagged and spirited away the best young man going, right from under my nose! And Nilanthi, my opinion on that issue hasn’t changed!
Our friendship, that of my wife Anne and me with Jayantha and Nilanthi, continued as the years passed and we got married and raised our families. In 1990 both our families migrated to Perth and our children grew up alongside Sumangi – a relationship that would span a second generation.
***
What made Jayantha a fascinatingly interesting person was his interest in everyone and everything. He had an inquiring and challenging mind. And throughout his life he wanted to learn, discuss and understand people and events across a range of issues.
We shared a common interest in national and world affairs; he and I formally studied International Affairs, and had similar views on political and global developments.
***
My friendship, admiration, respect and affection for Jayantha was grounded in and moulded by his intrinsic values and character. He was never daunted by setbacks and obstacles. His singular courage and faith was what enabled him to cope with the demands of his long illness and its debilitating consequences. And this made it that much easier and meaningful for Nilanthi and Sumangi to care for him, look after him and make him happy and comfortable.
Jayantha would therefore not complain, feel sorry for himself, or blame his lot in life – that was the strength of his character, his example and his exemplary nature.
Jayantha, you taught us how we must live, a valuable lesson no doubt. You taught us how to cope with life. How to shoulder its demands and how to triumph over circumstances. You will remain our role model, our example; because of your exemplary life.
***
I am blessed to have been able to call you my friend.
Good bye dear Jayantha.
May the angels lead you into paradise,
May the martyrs receive you on your arrival,
May you find everlasting life in the eternal presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jayantha Somasundaram
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