Year: 2023

As more and more people enjoy high-end mobile games that have become comparable to PC and console games, optimized smartphone performance for handling mobile games has become increasingly important. In line with this trend, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is meeting the needs of avid mobile gamers, offering powerful performance, faster reaction speeds, immersive graphics and a long-lasting battery. One UI 5.1, the latest Galaxy software, provides a more personalized experience and convenient usability than before, all on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

To experience the powerful performance, innovative features and revamped gaming capabilities of the Galaxy series, Samsung Newsroom tried out the Galaxy S23 Ultra, providing more colorful and vivid mobile experiences for users.

Enjoy thrilling mobile games, such as the action-packed racing game Wreckfest,1 on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, enabling fast and smooth gameplay.

A powerful graphics rendering technology called Ray tracing has also been applied to the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s GPU. The technology enhances immersion and creates realistic in-game play just like that of a PC game by displaying lighting, light reflection and shadows in the game more realistically. Thanks to this, you can experience more realistic graphics and in-game action on mobile, just as you can on a PC. Moreover, Samsung Electronics plans to continue collaborating with various global game distributors and game engine companies on GPU-based technology.

Nothing has as much impact on your gaming experience as the screen. The Galaxy S23 Ultra display comes with an upgraded Vision booster that automatically adjusts the brightness of the display gradually based on the user’s lighting environment. Even in strong sunlight, users can see their display clearly and brightly.

The CPU performance of the Galaxy S23 series has also been improved by about 30% compared to the previous model, resulting in faster processing speeds. In fact, even when multiple apps are active, it showed smooth and fast processing speed without interruption.

These powerful chipsets increase efficiency, allowing multitasking capabilities to be utilized faster and more efficiently. The Galaxy S23 series offers smooth and fast response speeds even while performing CPU-heavy functions, such as video calling while playing a game or watching a movie while checking social media. In addition, the usability of the Multi-window functionality has been enhanced, and frequently used apps are displayed under Recent apps, making it more convenient to quickly launch and switch between apps.

The Galaxy S23 series also comes with greatly improved battery life. The battery capacity of the Galaxy S23 is 3,900mAh, increased by 200mAh from the previous generation. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by a 5000mAh battery and can be charged up to 65% in 30 minutes with a 45W power adapter.3 In other words, users can spend less time worrying about their device’s battery life and more time enjoying their favorite apps and activities.

One UI 5.1, which has been updated for more Galaxy devices worldwide, helps you customize your smartphone to better suit your taste. Users can easily select part of a recorded video and set it as their phone’s lock screen, taking wallpaper customization to the next level. Various widget functions have also been added, allowing users to toggle settings and apps from the convenience of their home screen. In addition, users can check the battery level of various Galaxy devices, such as Galaxy Watches and Galaxy Buds, at a glance in the new battery widget, and you can also get Spotify music and playlist recommendations that match your activities in the Smart suggestions widget.

In addition, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, creating and spreading your thoughts and ideas has never been easier thanks to the improved S Pen. The new One UI 5.1 easily extracts text for storing for later use and allows you to utilize what you want from an image easily. One UI 5.1 also converts handwritten text into type when inputting information in the search bar on sites such as Google and YouTube, enabling easy search. One UI 5.1 will be updated sequentially for other devices to continue offering the best mobile experience for Galaxy users.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra allows users to be fully immersed in daily activities while making the device experience more convenient and easier-to-use. For those looking for enhanced usability yet a high-performing mobile device, the Galaxy S23 Ultra makes the perfect companion for everyday life.

Always at your Service, wherever, whenever. Enjoy peace of mind when you choose to buy a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The interactive diagnostics and optimization on the Samsung Members app make it easy to tune up the performance of your devices, while our helpline lets you troubleshoot problems when you need the extra support.

Purchase the Samsung Galaxy S23 series 5G most advanced camera, next-level gaming performance and more eco-conscious design come together in Samsung’s most innovative Galaxy S series yet ! Purchase the Samsung Galaxy S23 series 5G and get Free 300 GB data offer for 2 months from Dialog and Free 300 GB for one month from Mobitel. Get 100 GB offer for 6 months on OneDrive and 3 months free Spotify Premium Subscription !

Rs 399,999 upwards, TC Apply.

Now available at island-wide authorized dealers of John Keells Office Automation and Softlogic Mobile Distribution which can be easily identified by the Samsung logo placed outside the shop. It is also available at authorized partners; Softlogic Retail, Singer and Singhagiri. Network Partners Dialog and Mobitel, and via the online portals; Samsung EStore (samsungsrilanka.lk), MySoftlogic.lk, Daraz.lk.

Always at your Service, wherever, whenever. Enjoy peace of mind when you choose to buy a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The interactive diagnostics and optimization on the Samsung Members app make it easy to tune up the performance of your devices, while our helpline lets you troubleshoot problems when you need the extra support.

In Sri Lanka, Samsung has been recognized as the ‘Most Loved Electronics Brand’ for three consecutive years by Brand Finance Lanka’s review of the country’s most valuable brands. As Sri Lanka’s No.1 smartphone brand, Samsung’s customer base in the country spans across all age groups, particularly the Gen Z and Millennial segments.

Sri Lanka’s undisputed market leader in project logistics and heavy cargo transportation, Advantis –
Project Logistics, a subsidiary of the Advantis Group, the transportation, logistics, and construction
arm of Hayleys PLC, announced a major expansion to its solutions portfolio following its investment
in five state-of-the-art tower cranes, which include two of the tallest (180 meters) tower cranes in
the country.
With the addition of tower cranes to its portfolio, the Unit is now a one-stop shop for equipment
rental and operates one of the largest construction, lifting and transportation fleets in Sri Lanka. The
deployment of tower cranes offers numerous benefits, including amplified site coverage, enhanced
precision, optimal use and increased access to inaccessible/remote construction sites, along with
unmatched flexibility.
“Our organisation is deeply committed to elevating the capabilities of the Sri Lankan logistics and
construction sector. At a time when infrastructure development has become significantly more
expensive, our investment in state-of-the-art tower cranes will support the construction industry to
move ahead with critical projects by helping to mitigate costs while enhancing safety and efficiency.
As a result, we are fully equipped with the machinery, manpower, and expertise to tackle even the
largest and most complex customer requirements,” said Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director of
the Advantis Group.
Notably, the Project Logistics arm has already leveraged its tower cranes to support and accelerate
development on major infrastructure projects of national significance, including the Bandaranaike
International Airport (BIA) Expansion Project.
Furthermore, the tower cranes feature best-in-class safety technology, including lightning arresters,
automated movement limiters and collision prevention mechanisms – a critical feature in projects
requiring the simultaneous precision operation of multiple cranes in close proximity.
The expansion of the Unit’s portfolio follows the successful completion of several major
undertakings by the company, including the provision of specialised project logistics and heavy cargo
transportation services for the North Central Province Canal Project (NCPCP), also known as the
Upper Elahera Canal project, which included the delivery of two of the largest Tunnel Boring
Machines (TBM) ever to be deployed in Sri Lanka and also the construction work done for the New
Kelani Bridge project. Similarly, the company has contributed to several of Sri Lanka’s largest civil
infrastructure development projects.

“As Sri Lanka’s dominant leader in project logistics, we take pride in delivering innovative solutions
for some of the most complex challenges in the industry. We are also expanding our horizons and
exploring new opportunities in regional markets. Our superior technical knowledge and highly
experienced team has enabled us to provide critical support to numerous infrastructure
development projects, while our focus on technology and innovation ensures we stay at the
forefront of the industry” said Shadil Rizan, Director/CEO of the Project Logistics arm of Advantis.
About Advantis – Project Logistics
With nearly 20 years of experience, the Unit offers services in project logistics, heavy-cargo
transport, heavy-cargo lifting, container transportation, laden transportation, low bed and special
transportation, custom clearance, project cargo storage, and jacking and sliding operations, with a
proven track record, a technology-driven approach and adherence to industry best practices.
The Project Logistics Unit, a fully owned subsidiary of the Advantis Group, constantly strives to
provide innovative project logistics and heavy lift solutions for various industries. Operating with the
latest technology applications, the company has expanded its service offering over the years,
ensuring that best-in-class project logistics solutions are available in Sri Lanka.
About Advantis
Advantis is Sri Lanka’s most diversified transportation, logistics and construction provider, with over
six decades of experience and operations spread across Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Maldives,
Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand. Backed by the blue-chip multinational conglomerate Hayleys PLC,
Advantis is at the forefront of the logistics and construction industries providing end-to-end
solutions covering Integrated Logistics, Projects and Engineering, Marine and Energy, International
Freight Management and Travel and Aviation.

As more Sri Lankans face concerns over their personal financial security, and that of the country,
HNB is working to help raise awareness on the opportunities that every Sri Lankan can access, in
order to develop their savings habits, and help drive an effective savings culture nationwide.
A useful historic indicator in measuring the depth of Sri Lanka’s savings culture can be found in the
level of domestic savings as a percentage of GDP. Historically, Sri Lanka has tended towards a
relatively low national savings rate, which currently stands at approximately 26.1%. By way of
comparison, Singapore stands at 44.2% while India stands at 29.3% and Bangladesh at 25.3%.
Given that a higher level of domestic savings links directly to the development of a nation, the
closing of this savings gap may be one of the most important contributions that every Sri Lankan can
make to the nation, and their own financial independence.
Accordingly, HNB is working to help reverse the national savings rate and foster a culture of
financial responsibility from the ground-up, both by incentivizing savings, and raising awareness about
the importance of a vibrant savings culture.
“Creating a culture of savings at every level of society, and age, is integral to securing Sri Lanka’s
economic revival, which is why we are working to educate the public on responsible financial
practices and the importance of investing in your future, all while streamlining and optimizing our
total product portfolio in order to channel maximum value into the hands of our customers,” HNB
DGM Retail and SME Banking, Sanjay Wijemanne said.
As a testament to their efforts, HNB offers one of the widest range of savings accounts that Sri
Lanka has to offer, as they remain focused on providing the most optimal service possible to their
wide range of clients.
For instance, you can plan for your child’s future by opening a Singithi Kirikatiyo account. The
Singithi Kirikatiyo account offers a range of benefits, including attractive interest rates and zero
account maintenance fees. Additionally, account holders will receive a free gift on account opening,
and a special gift on their birthday every year. Once your child has reached five years old, your
child’s account will be automatically transferred to a HNB Singithi account, wherein they are eligible
for all the benefits tailored for their age group.
The Singithi savings account is available to children from new-borns to 12 years of age.

It offers a range of benefits, including attractive gifts, cash rewards of up to Rs. 10,000 for children
who excel in the grade 05 scholarship examination (Diri Daru – Scholarship Scheme), and free
standing order guarantee insurance cover.
The Singithi savings account will then be automatically converted to a HNB Teen Account on the
child’s 12th birthday, providing a smooth transition for parents and guardians to continue cultivating
a savings habit for their children.
With the goal of providing a secure and reliable savings account for children whose parents earn in
foreign currency, Singithi Surakum allows immediate family members or guardians to make deposits
on behalf of the child.
The account can be opened with an inward remittance or fund transfer from a Personal Foreign
Currency account, and aims to encourage parents and guardians to save in the aforementioned
currency, which can be beneficial in the long run. As the Sri Lankan economy becomes more
integrated with the global economy, this savings account can serve as an ideal way to ensure that
children have a secure financial future.
“We understand the importance of financial literacy and the role it plays in shaping a child’s future,”
Wijemanne continued. “The Singithi and Kirikatiyo accounts are designed to make savings fun and
engaging for children while also providing a secure and reliable platform for parents to save for their
child’s future, also facilitating a frictionless transition to our accounts designed for young adult
customers.”
HNB’s minor savings account comes with a range of exciting benefits, including cash rewards for
academic excellence in GCE O/L, London O/L, GCE A/L, and London A/L exams, where the top 100
best-performing HNB Teen account holders in the GCE O/L and London O/L exams will receive a
cash prize of Rs. 25,000, while the top 50 best-performing account holders in the GCE A/L and
London A/L exams will receive a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 as part of the HNB Diri Daru Scholarship
Scheme.
Meanwhile, the HNB TEEN+ Account, offers next-generation savings accounts designed specifically
for teenagers between 12 and 18 years. The account comes with a range of exciting features,
including a high-interest savings rates, a branded HNB TEEN+ Tap & Go Debit Card, and free digital
banking facilities.
HNB TEEN+ also offers personalization of debit cards, special seasonal discounts and offers on debit
card transactions, SMS alerts for transactions, and an e-statement facility.

“The HNB Teen and Teen+ Accounts are part of HNB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the
next generation of leaders in Sri Lanka. The bank has partnered with several schools and universities
to provide financial literacy workshops, mentorship programs, and career guidance,” Wijemanne
elaborated.
Upon reaching adulthood, customers will be transferred to a HNB Youth account. Tailored for
customers between the ages of 18-30, the HNB Youth Savings Account offers higher interest rates,
free internet and mobile banking through the HNB Digital Banking App, an HNB Credit Card with
no joining fee and first-year annual fee waived off, and special benefits including educational, home,
vehicle, and entrepreneurial loans at lower interest rates. The HNB Youth Salary Smart Account
also offers 3 times the salary as an overdraft facility or personal loan, while HNB Credit Cardholders
can enjoy up to 12 months of 0% instalment payments at selected educational institutes.
For those focused on more immediate returns, the bank offers the HNB Savings+ Account, which is
designed to help customers achieve their short-term savings goals while benefiting from the highest
interest rates.
These rates, coupled with a range of unparalleled benefits, make this account the perfect choice for
anyone looking to take their savings to the next level. HNB Savings+ offers a free shopping debit
card, unlimited withdrawals, and cash-backed facilities of up to 90% of the deposit, as well as free
internet banking and mobile banking facilities.
In recognition of the paramount importance that savings play from adulthood into old age, the bank
also offers the HNB Senior Citizen’s Scheme, packed with special benefits and privileges tailored for
senior citizens.
Benefits for the above include a premium interest rate on savings and fixed deposits, priority service,
HNB International Debit Cards, and a 25% discount on annual credit card fees. Additionally, there
are no service charges on current accounts, and depending on the minimum balance maintained in
the Senior Savings Account, may be eligible to receive gift vouchers worth up to Rs. 10,000.
For those who require hospitalization cover, the Senior Citizens Health Plus scheme provides peace
of mind, leveraging a scheme which reimburses surgical and hospitalization expenses up to Rs.
70,000 for 7 days per year, against actual bills.
HNB also offers a range of other savings accounts for customers, each tailored to specific needs. For
HNB’s customers who are overseas or planning to migrate, the Adhishtana Package for Migrants offers a range of financial products and services tailored to the specific requirements of Sri Lankan
migrant workers, including remittance services, savings and investment options, and affordable loan
facilities for their families in Sri Lanka.
Another Savings option is the HNB Salary Smart account, a one-of-a-kind banking product that
empowers customers to get 3 times their salary as a loan directly from the bank. The HNB Salary
Smart account is a comprehensive solution that offers a range of benefits, and HNB Salary Smart
customers are also eligible for special interest rates for leasing, personal and home loans, loan
buyback options at special rates, and a 50% net salary advance with no guarantors required.
With 256 customer centres, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative
private banks. Consolidating its legacy in sustainability, good governance and corporate excellence,
HNB was crowned the Best Corporate Citizen for 2022 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best
Corporate Citizen Awards. The bank further secured four additional accolades, including being
among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens and taking home the Governance category and
Sustainability Champion for the Finance sector titles.
Similarly, HNB was ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-
based Banker Magazine for the sixth consecutive year in 2022, in addition to being crowned the Best
Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 12th occasion at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail
Financial Services Awards 2022 hosted by the Asian Banker Magazine.

Celebrates employees for enduring legacy of winning amid adversity

Celebrating a decade of excellence in innovation, Hayleys PLC hosted its 10th annual Chairman’s
Awards to recognise the inspiring achievements and initiatives of its teams across 16 diverse
business sectors.
A total of 205 employees from 25 project teams were felicitated at the diversified conglomerate’s
apex recognition platform. Projects included value-added export innovations that continued to drive
foreign exchange earnings, cutting-edge digital transformations from raw material supply chains to
robotic process automation, and ground-breaking, unique solutions to diverse industry challenges.
“The Hayleys Chairman’s Awards began in 2012 with the intention of building a culture of excellence
and recognition across our diversified conglomerate, and is today a highly anticipated hallmark of our
corporate culture.
“As a Sri Lankan corporate with 145 years of heritage, we are no stranger to periods of immense
challenge. It has been the enduring passion of our people – our greatest asset – that has helped us
successfully navigate through the ages to overcome tremendous adversity. This year’s award-winning
projects demonstrate the resilience and relentless spirit of our talented employees to create value
for our diverse stakeholders,” Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive, Mohan Pandithage said.
A new series of Category Awards recognised top initiatives across Environmental, Social and
Governance (ESG), Innovation, Quality and Lean Management and Service Excellence.
Dipped Products PLC (DPL) received the flagship Overall Winner Award for launching patented
hand-protection solutions designed with five unique technological platforms for six export markets.
Backed by deep customer insights from clients all over the world, DPL delivered a superior solution
to differentiate its value propositions in the competitive, global nitrile glove market. The team’s in-
house engineering team was also recognised with the Innovation Category Award for their ground-
breaking ‘fully integrated robot dipping automation’, created within a limited space.
Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTEL) was acknowledged as the Quality and Lean Management
Category Award-winner for its ‘Eco-friendly green zip line’ project. The novel idea was implemented
during fuel shortages and escalating prices, to transport fresh leaves to the factory. The initiative
resulted in a decrease in emissions anchored to a significant decrease in transportation costs, and
has supported a better work-life balance for the team on-ground.

The Group’s leading consumer brand, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, won the Service Excellence Category
Award for meeting the surge in consumer demand for ‘work-play-and-study-from-home’ solutions
during the pandemic. Singer not only successfully met the demands from the work-from-home
front but captured the hearts of gamers in Sri Lanka with the biggest and most watched gaming
tournament – the Singer Esports Premier League as well. 
Hayleys Fabric was recognised as the ESG Award-winner for its efforts to restore the Lagenandra
Kalugalaensis, a critically endangered plant species, endemic to a single location on the periphery of
the Kalugala Forest Reserve. The collaborative initiative with the Central Environmental Authority
(CEA) and the Universities of Peradeniya and Wayamba seeks to conserve the rare aquatic plant
from extinction through field research and seed germination.
On this night, employees also had the chance to showcase their hidden talents on stage through four
entertaining segments. These included a live instrumental band, group and solo singing, and a fashion
show exclusively designed by Hayleys Fabric, featuring garments made out of ocean waste (recycled
nylon) and PET bottles (recycled polyester).