From pioneering Sinhala digital communication to Helakuru SuperApp, Bhasha celebrates 15 years of innovation

Sri Lankan technology company Bhasha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd celebrated its 15th anniversary in October 2026, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a university-led Sinhala language innovation to a growing ecosystem of digital solutions spanning communication, information, payments, commerce, entertainment and mobility.

Founded in 2011 by technology entrepreneur Dhanika Perera, Bhasha has built its journey around the vision of “Empowering Masses Digitally.” Celebrated under the theme “Vision, Innovation & Impact,” the anniversary brought together employees, customers, business partners, investors and early supporters who contributed to the company's growth.

Bhasha's journey began with SETT Browser, developed by Perera while studying at the University of Moratuwa. At a time when Sinhala content was not reliably supported on Android smartphones, the browser enabled users to access online information in their native language. The innovation received international recognition through the mBillionth South Asian Award in 2011.

The breakthrough subsequently attracted commercial interest from Etisalat Sri Lanka, whose then CEO Dumindra Ratnayaka approached Perera regarding the technology. This led Perera, then a third-year university student, to establish Bhasha Lanka in 2011, with Etisalat becoming its first customer through a per-user licensing arrangement, providing the foundation for further innovation.

Building on this success, Bhasha introduced Helakuru, initially developed to simplify Sinhala typing on smartphones. Over time, Helakuru evolved into a Sri Lankan SuperApp integrating language input, information, digital payments and other everyday services. With over 18 million downloads, Helakuru has become one of the company's most significant innovations, demonstrating the potential of locally developed technology to address everyday digital needs.

Bhasha's entrepreneurial journey expanded into financial technology with the establishment of PayHere in 2016. Recognised as Sri Lanka's first Central Bank-approved aggregated payment gateway, PayHere simplified online payment acceptance for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Having grown into a separately incorporated business, PayHere now serves over 6,000 merchants, supporting the country's expanding digital commerce ecosystem.

The company's innovation ecosystem also includes Esana, delivering real-time news and information; HelaPay, facilitating bank-account-based digital transactions, utility payments, mobile reloads and fund transfers; and HelaRoo, providing access to Sri Lankan digital entertainment.

More recently, HelaGo, launched in January 2026, extended this locally driven innovation approach into ride-hailing, focusing on improving convenience and creating fairer experiences for passengers and drivers.

While these platforms share a common entrepreneurial foundation, certain businesses have evolved into separately incorporated entities, reflecting the wider growth and diversification of the Bhasha innovation ecosystem.

The anniversary celebrations also recognised the people behind the company's achievements. Addressing the gathering, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dhanika Perera reflected on the commitment of employees, trust of customers and continued support of partners who helped transform an emerging university innovation into a technology business serving millions of Sri Lankans.

Long-serving employees were honoured for their contributions, while promotions recognised individual performance and professional development.

Looking ahead, Bhasha aims to embrace emerging technologies and transform new possibilities into practical innovations that make everyday life easier for Sri Lankans. Building on its existing digital platforms, the company remains focused on developing locally relevant solutions that address the evolving needs of society.

Fifteen years after its establishment, Bhasha continues to demonstrate how homegrown innovation can contribute to digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and technological advancement, guided by its founding vision: “Empowering Masses Digitally.”