Barista, Sri Lanka’s largest café chain, has launched Tap Grab Go, a new mobile application designed to deliver a faster, more convenient takeaway experience for customers across the island.

Developed to suit today’s fast-paced lifestyles, the app allows customers to place orders in advance and collect them from their preferred Barista outlets nationwide, helping reduce waiting times and improve overall convenience. The service caters to a wide range of users, including students, working professionals, commuters, and customers sending food and beverages to friends, family, or colleagues.

The platform features order-ahead functionality, islandwide pickup, and exclusive app-only promotions. It is also fully integrated with Barista’s existing Loyalty Crown programme, enabling customers to automatically earn loyalty points on every purchase made through the app, creating a more seamless and rewarding experience.

Commenting on the launch, Barista Chief Executive Officer Dilupa Pathirana said:

“As a company that has consistently pioneered new customer experiences, we continuously look for opportunities to use technology to make life easier for our customers. Internal customer data revealed that takeaway orders placed through our counters account for 21% of all transactions, with customers spending an average of 9.5 minutes waiting for their orders. Having identified this opportunity, we wanted to help reduce waiting times for these busy customers by creating a simpler way to order. Tap Grab Go enables customers to place orders in advance and collect them at their convenience, transforming valuable waiting time into time they can spend on what matters most. Beyond this, the app strengthens our digital ecosystem by connecting customers to Barista’s existing Loyalty Crown programme while creating more personalised interactions with the brand.”

Adding to this, Brand Head Theekshana Mapatuna said the platform has been designed around speed, simplicity, and flexibility to fit naturally into customers’ daily routines.

She noted that the app enhances the overall Barista experience by making ordering smoother, faster, and more rewarding for customers on the move.

The launch marks another milestone in Barista’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing its focus on innovation and customer-centric service. Through Tap Grab Go, Barista continues to enhance how customers interact with the brand while adapting to evolving lifestyle needs. The app is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
People’s Insurance PLC strengthens industry leadership through international recognition and sales excellence
People’s Insurance PLC has reaffirmed its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurers, achieving a prestigious international accolade alongside continued recognition for strong sales performance and financial growth.

The company was named Best General Insurance Company of the Year 2026 – Sri Lanka at The Global Economics Awards, a globally recognised platform that honours organisations demonstrating excellence in performance, governance, innovation, and industry leadership. This marks the third consecutive year People’s Insurance has received this award, underscoring its consistent focus on operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and sustainable value creation.

The recognition comes alongside a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2026. The company recorded a 34% growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP) to Rs. 2,856.54 million, outperforming the industry growth rate of 27%. Profit before tax stood at Rs. 230.52 million, while profit after tax increased to Rs. 156.40 million, reflecting year-on-year profitability growth of 18%.

During the period, the company also settled claims amounting to nearly Rs. 1 billion, reinforcing its commitment to prompt and reliable customer service. The Non-Motor segment recorded strong growth of 25%, significantly above the industry average of 13%, while the Motor portfolio—remained the largest contributor to GWP—grew by 38%. The insurer maintained strong liquidity and capital adequacy levels, comfortably above regulatory requirements.

Commenting on the achievement, Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda said:

“Receiving the Best General Insurance Company of the Year 2026 – Sri Lanka award for the third consecutive year is a proud milestone for People’s Insurance. This recognition reflects the strength of our strategic direction, sound governance practices, and the unwavering commitment of our employees. Our continued growth and resilience in a competitive market demonstrate the confidence placed in us by our customers, business partners, and stakeholders. As we move forward, we remain focused on strengthening our market leadership, delivering sustainable growth focusing on insurance inclusivity, and creating lasting value for all stakeholders.”

Through sustained performance and international recognition, People’s Insurance PLC continues to strengthen its position as a key player in Sri Lanka’s general insurance industry while reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.
Barista launches ‘Tap Grab Go’ mobile app for customers on the move