UK, Sri Lanka business leaders explore digital growth opportunities at Colombo forum

Business leaders from Sri Lanka’s retail, banking, telecommunications, hospitality and public sectors joined representatives from the United Kingdom’s digital sector at a forum in Colombo to discuss how businesses can harness digital technology to drive growth, improve customer engagement and increase operational efficiency.

The event, titled “Turning Digital Assets into Growth Engines,” was hosted by British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick at Westminster House, his official residence in Colombo, and featured UK digital product consultancy Apadmi. The forum marked Apadmi’s first official event in Sri Lanka since establishing its Colombo office in 2025.

Organised in partnership with the British High Commission, the event formed part of broader efforts to strengthen commercial and technology ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

Addressing participants, High Commissioner Andrew Patrick said digital innovation is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the long-standing relationship between the two countries. He noted that Apadmi’s decision to establish a presence in Colombo reflected confidence among UK companies in Sri Lanka’s digital economy and expressed optimism about further growth in bilateral technology partnerships.

The event featured a keynote address by Niresh Muthuratnanandan, Head of Omni Commerce, Digital and Loyalty at Keells Supermarkets, who discussed the launch of the Keells Nexus app and the modernisation of a loyalty programme serving 2.9 million members.

A panel discussion moderated by Apadmi Chief Growth Officer Mark Collin brought together Malik Induruwana, Chief Information Officer at HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, Jiffry Zulfer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PickMe, Uthpala Pinnaduwahewa of Hatton National Bank and Apadmi Chief Strategy Officer Marcus Hadfield.

Discussions focused on the commercial opportunities arising from Sri Lanka’s rapid adoption of mobile technology. Participants noted that mobile data usage in the country reached 1.03 million terabytes during the second quarter of 2026, representing a 31 per cent increase from a year earlier, while the country recorded 29.4 million mobile subscriptions. With smartphones and tablets accounting for 71 per cent of devices, speakers explored ways businesses could turn increasing digital engagement into customer loyalty, new revenue streams and greater efficiency.

Mark Collin said the gathering demonstrated the ambition within Sri Lanka’s business community and reaffirmed Apadmi’s long-term commitment to the country. He noted that the company established its Colombo office because of its confidence in Sri Lanka’s digital potential and skilled workforce.

The forum brought together representatives from leading businesses and institutions to exchange views on strengthening digital innovation, fostering investment and supporting technology-driven economic growth in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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