HelaGo, Sri Lanka’s emerging ride-hailing platform, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sri Lanka Social Security Board to introduce a government-backed pension scheme for taxi drivers, marking a significant step toward improving the long-term financial security of gig economy workers in the country.

The initiative seeks to address a long-standing structural gap faced by taxi drivers, who, despite earning a livelihood during their active working years, have historically lacked access to formal retirement benefits such as pensions, EPF, or ETF, leaving their financial future uncertain. By introducing a structured and accessible pension mechanism, the partnership aims to bring greater stability and dignity to drivers operating within Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing digital mobility sector.

Under the proposed scheme, HelaGo will act as a technical facilitator, integrating pension contributions seamlessly into its platform. Drivers will be able to voluntarily opt into the scheme and allocate a portion of their ride earnings toward their retirement, with contributions securely deducted and transferred directly to the Sri Lanka Social Security Board. As the authorized government body, the Board will oversee fund management and ensure the provision of pension benefits once drivers reach the eligible retirement age of 60 years and above.

Designed as a fully voluntary and flexible program, the scheme allows drivers to participate based on their individual financial capacity, ensuring inclusivity while encouraging long-term financial planning. The model combines the efficiency of digital platforms with the institutional reliability of a government-backed system, creating a sustainable framework tailored to the needs of independent workers.

This collaboration reflects HelaGo’s broader commitment to building a fair, transparent, and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Sri Lanka. From its inception, the platform has focused on addressing both passenger and driver challenges, and this initiative further reinforces its role as a responsible industry player that prioritizes the long-term welfare of its driver community.

The partnership also represents a forward-looking alignment between the private sector and public institutions, contributing to the evolution of social protection mechanisms within Sri Lanka’s gig economy. By enabling access to structured retirement benefits, the initiative sets a new benchmark for how technology-driven platforms can support inclusive economic growth.

HelaGo stated that the necessary technical integrations are currently underway, and detailed information regarding enrollment and participation will be communicated to drivers in the near future.

The post HelaGo Partners with Social Security Board to Launch Pension Scheme for Sri Lanka’s Taxi Drivers appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka officially launched Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025 under the inspiring theme ‘Together We Build,’ commencing a nationwide celebration of innovation, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an annual worldwide movement celebrating innovators and entrepreneurs, promoting creativity, collaboration, and economic growth. This year, Sri Lanka continues the island’s engagement as part of the global network, with ICTA once again serving as the National Host Organization.

‘Together We Build’ champions the initiative to unite Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, empower communities, and drive sustainable growth through innovation. GEW 2025 unfolds countrywide, and Sri Lanka is poised to amplify its voice on the global stage, advocating creativity, resilience, and collaboration.

The launch was held at Temple Trees on November 14th, 2025, under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The event renewed Sri Lanka’s commitment to cultivate entrepreneurship as a catalyst for national development.

Supporting the entrepreneurial spirit around the nation, parallel launch events were simultaneously held throughout all nine provinces, within the first two hours of the Colombo ceremony, including the Prime Minister’s keynote address, live streamed to all provincial venues, guaranteeing inclusive participation from every corner of Sri Lanka.

Commenting, Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister, Digital Economy said, “Global Entrepreneurship Week Sri Lanka 2025 is a celebration of innovation and collaboration. By empowering entrepreneurs in every province, we are building the foundation for a digitally driven, inclusive economy where every Sri Lankan has the opportunity to create, connect, and grow. For the first time, we are launching Global Entrepreneurship Week simultaneously across all nine provinces ensuring that innovation is not limited to Colombo but embraced at every corner of our island. True progress happens when opportunity reaches everyone.”

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman of ICTA, delivered the welcome address. Suresh de Mel, GEN Global Representative also spoke.

A special segment titled, ‘Empowering the Future: The Gig and Digital Economy’ showcased impactful private sector partnerships and financial empowerment initiatives for startups and SMEs. The panel discussion ‘The 2035 Playbook: How Sri Lanka Builds Its Next Era of Entrepreneurs’ focused on partnerships, innovation, and startup growth.

A thematic video screening captured the energy of GEW 2025 and previewed district-level activities, were followed by closing remarks, a media briefing, and networking.

The GEW Sri Lanka 2025 launch extended from ceremonial to an activated movement. It heralded a nationwide mobilization. This year, the initiative is targeting rolling out 900 events throughout the country in all 25 districts. The campaign aims to onboard 250 partners and engage over 30,000 participants islandwide, creating an unprecedented entrepreneurial engagement in Sri Lanka.

To achieve these ambitious targets, national partners joining the campaign include Vidatha, NEDA, SED, IDB, NYC, and NYSC. Notable, many other partners have already joined the movement demonstrating strong support.

The launch aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s innovation and startup ecosystem, building a platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors, academia, and government. The initiative also ensures entrepreneurship opportunities reach grassroots level, with district-level committees working alongside ICTA to coordinate activities and engage local communities. The programme will engage students, startups, and business leaders through workshops, forums, and innovation showcases.

For more information on GEW Sri Lanka 2025 activities, visit https://gew.icta.lk/

The post Sri Lanka launches GEW 2025 with national unity and entrepreneurial spirit appeared first on Newswire.