PickMe has launched Colombo Connect, the first city-wide destination under its newly introduced PickMe Explore platform, a national digital ecosystem designed to bring attractions, experiences, events, and communities together through a single technology platform.
The initiative was officially launched at Colombo Lotus Tower, with Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof attending as Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Chairman of Colombo Lotus Tower Shirantha Peries, travel writer, photojournalist and author Juliet Coombe, along with other distinguished guests and representatives from PickMe and Colombo Lotus Tower.
Developed in partnership with Colombo Lotus Tower, the first destination to join the Colombo Connect ecosystem, the initiative aims to transform how residents and visitors experience Colombo by digitally connecting attractions, restaurants, entertainment, retail, cultural experiences, and mobility services into one seamless journey.
PickMe estimates that once fully developed, the ecosystem could generate more than Rs. 30 billion in annual economic activity by encouraging visitors to discover more of Colombo and spend more time exploring the city.
Speaking at the launch, PickMe Chief Executive Officer Jiffry Zulfer said, “Colombo already has everything it needs to become one of South Asia’s most exciting urban destinations. What has been missing is a platform that brings those experiences together. Today, attractions promote themselves. Restaurants promote themselves. Museums, events and entertainment venues all operate independently. Colombo Connect changes that by helping present the city as one connected destination where every discovery leads to another.”
As part of the launch, PickMe also announced that its digital event discovery and ticketing platform, PickMe Events, will now operate under the name PickMe Explore. The new identity reflects an expanded vision that goes beyond event discovery to connect destinations, attractions, experiences, and communities through a single digital platform.
Designed as a national platform, PickMe Explore will connect destinations and experiences across Sri Lanka through one digital interface. Colombo Connect serves as its first city-wide destination, demonstrating how technology can make entire cities more discoverable while creating new economic opportunities for local businesses.
Through PickMe Explore, users will be able to discover curated experiences, purchase attraction tickets, access exclusive offers, and explore destinations through a seamless digital experience.
As the first partner under Colombo Connect, Colombo Lotus Tower serves as the platform’s first digital gateway, providing visitors with a connected entry point to discover and experience Colombo.
Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 Launched Under the Theme ‘AI Amplified’ by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL
Building on the success of Sri Lanka’s inaugural National AI Expo & Conference held last year, the Ministry of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka and SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, have announced Sri Lanka AI Week 2026, an expanded national initiative aimed at turning the country’s artificial intelligence ambitions into measurable and meaningful outcomes.
Held under the theme “AI Amplified,” Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 will bring together policymakers, business leaders, researchers, startups, students, and technology professionals to accelerate the development of a dynamic AI ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The programme will feature thought-provoking discussions, demonstrations of emerging AI technologies, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors.
Scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 4, 2026, across multiple venues in Colombo, Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 will feature four major events designed to engage stakeholders across the country’s AI landscape.
One of the key highlights will be AI Leaders Night, an exclusive networking dinner bringing together global technology leaders, policymakers, and C-suite executives. The AI Conference will feature a two-day programme of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops covering areas such as AI policy, enterprise transformation, and emerging technologies.
The AI Expo will provide a multi-zone exhibition open to businesses, students, and the general public, showcasing practical AI solutions across key industry verticals and demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be applied to address real-world challenges.
Recognising outstanding achievements in AI, the National AI Awards will honour enterprises, startups, academic institutions, and public-sector organisations and individuals delivering meaningful AI-driven impact in Sri Lanka. The awards will cover more than 16 sectors across four categories: National Awards, Industry Excellence, Innovation & Future, and AI for Content.
The announcement press conference highlighted the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and the importance of building on the progress achieved through last year’s inaugural event. The expanded 2026 initiative is expected to further encourage AI adoption, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and help translate Sri Lanka’s AI ambitions into tangible and measurable outcomes.
The event was attended by Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka; Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy of Sri Lanka and Chairman of GovTech Sri Lanka; Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Chairman of SLT Group; and Riyaaz Rasheed, CEO of SLT-MOBITEL, together with senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Digital Economy, GovTech, and SLT-MOBITEL.
With its expanded programme and national focus, Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 is positioned to provide a platform for advancing AI innovation, strengthening industry collaboration, and supporting Sri Lanka’s transition towards a technology-driven digital economy.
PickMe Launches Colombo Connect as First Flagship Destination Under New PickMe Explore Platform
