Technology News — Lanka News Room | Lanka News Room

Technology news (en)

Sampath Bank launches Google Pay for Visa and Mastercard cardholders
Sampath Bank PLC has introduced Google Pay for Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cardholders, enabling contactless payments through Android devices. The bank said tokenization will protect card information while allowing in-store, in-app and online transactions locally and abroad.
AWS to charge 18% VAT on unregistered Sri Lankan customers, implementation date pending
Amazon Web Services has notified Sri Lankan customers that it will begin applying 18% VAT to AWS cloud and Marketplace invoices unless customers are VAT-registered and have submitted a valid Tax Registration Number. The company has asked account holders to update tax details by July 31, 2026, but has not yet confirmed the exact invoice date for implementation.
TRC reactivates special investigation unit after three-year hiatus
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has reactivated a special investigation unit that had been suspended since 2022. NewsFirst reported that the unit includes CID personnel and will focus on financial and technical matters, including identifying and taking legal action against mobile phone sellers operating without valid TRC licences after a one-month grace period.
GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO
GovTech Sri Lanka has appointed Shevan Goonetilleke as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2026. The agency said he will lead the next phase of Sri Lanka's national digital transformation agenda, including digital infrastructure, interoperable government systems and citizen- and business-focused public services.
Exterminators launches ‘MACCP X’ mosquito intelligence platform
Exterminators PLC and Sentario UK Limited have launched MACCP X, an AI-powered mosquito intelligence platform for disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, risk mapping and predictive mosquito management across Sri Lanka. The platform covers all provinces and districts under an AI for Social Good initiative and is intended to help public health authorities, organisations and mosquito-management professionals identify risks earlier while keeping human oversight in decision-making.
SLT-MOBITEL unveils ‘Lankakonect’ app with Foreign Affairs Ministry
SLT-MOBITEL and the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry have launched the LankaKonect mobile app as a complaint-management platform for Sri Lankans living and working overseas. The app lets migrant workers submit and track grievances with the SLBFE and consular authorities, with ILO support noted in related ministry material.
GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO
GovTech Sri Lanka appointed Shevan Goonetilleke as Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 August 2026. The agency said he will lead national digital infrastructure, secure government systems and citizen-centred digital public services, drawing on more than 25 years of technology leadership experience.
Majestic Electric transforms BOC Head Office with modern facade lighting system
Majestic Electric completed a modern facade lighting system for the Bank of Ceylon Head Office in Colombo. The project uses LED technology to highlight the building's architecture, improve energy efficiency and allow colour-changing lighting for national events and corporate milestones.