Dialog Axiata PLC has partnered with Rime Labs to launch Arcana, Sri Lanka’s first enterprise-ready Sinhala text-to-speech (TTS) model, purpose-built for the local market. The AI-powered solution is now live and positioned as one of the most accurate and reliable Sinhala TTS platforms available for businesses in Sri Lanka.
Developed through a collaboration that combined Dialog’s deep local market expertise with Rime Labs’ advanced voice AI capabilities, Arcana delivers highly natural Sinhala speech with accurate pronunciation and prosody. While Rime Labs managed the end-to-end TTS model development process — from data pipeline design and training to deployment — Dialog contributed Sinhala language expertise, quality validation, and localisation support tailored to Sri Lankan users.
The platform also offers advanced enterprise features, including custom brand voices and domain-specific terminology tuning, enabling organisations to create more personalised voice experiences. Prior to launch, the model was benchmarked against leading global TTS providers.
With Sinhala spoken by nearly 16 million people, Arcana addresses a longstanding gap in voice AI, where most global platforms have largely focused on high-resource languages. The solution allows developers and enterprises to integrate high-quality Sinhala voice capabilities into digital applications without relying on English-based alternatives or low-quality synthesis tools.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Romesh Ranawana said local-language AI is key to making digital services more accessible and practical for Sri Lankan users, while Lily Clifford highlighted the technical complexity involved in building a production-ready Sinhala voice model and praised the partnership with Dialog in delivering a solution designed for real-world users.
German Automotive Brand to Re-Enter Sri Lankan Market Through Continental Cars & Commercials Pvt Ltd
Sri Lanka’s automotive industry is set for a notable boost as Continental Cars & Commercials Pvt Ltd prepares to reintroduce a leading German automotive brand to the local market later this month.
The company said the move marks the return of German engineering to Sri Lanka, bringing a strong emphasis on innovation, advanced technology, precision engineering, and the premium service standards associated with globally respected European automotive brands.
Continental Cars & Commercials Pvt Ltd described the initiative as a long-term investment in the country’s automotive sector, backed by an experienced management team from the premium vehicle industry. The company aims to deliver an international-standard ownership experience that goes beyond vehicle sales to include comprehensive aftersales support and customer engagement.
As part of the launch, the company is developing a modern showroom and fully equipped service workshop designed to global standards. The facility will include advanced diagnostic systems, genuine spare parts support, and enhanced aftersales services focused on reliability and customer convenience.
The company also stated that a professionally trained team will manage operations across sales, technical services, and customer relations, supporting its goal of building a premium automotive ecosystem centered on quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
In addition, Continental Cars & Commercials plans to introduce an exclusive customer loyalty programme designed to connect vehicle owners and enthusiasts through lifestyle experiences, networking opportunities, and partner collaborations across multiple sectors.
Industry observers expect the return of a major German automotive marque to spark renewed interest among Sri Lankan motorists, particularly those drawn to European standards of safety, performance, design, and engineering excellence.
The official launch event is scheduled to take place in Colombo later this month, and is expected to bring together business leaders, diplomats, media representatives, and members of the local automotive community.
Dialog and Rime Labs Unveil Arcana, Sri Lanka’s First Enterprise-Grade Sinhala Text-to-Speech AI Model
