Biography of Kanishka Weeramunda: Founder of PayMedia, Pay & Park and DirectPay
Biography of Kanishka Weeramunda:
Building a Legacy of Innovation
Kanishka Weeramunda is an experienced entrepreneur with a
passion for creating and scaling innovative businesses. His career journey
began with a solid academic foundation, having studied at prestigious
institutions such as the Singapore Campus for Research Excellence and
Technological Enterprise (CREATE) and the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology’s (MIT) Global Startup Labs. During his time at MIT, Kanishka was
involved in pioneering initiatives aimed at developing technology entrepreneurs
in emerging regions. His focus was particularly on information and
communication technologies (ICTs), an area that would shape much of his later
entrepreneurial endeavors.
Entrepreneurial Vision
Kanishka's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found
several ventures, each aiming to solve real-world problems through technology.
One of his most notable roles is as the founder of PayMedia Pvt Ltd, a company
that operates globally to offer customized solutions for the finance and
telecommunication sectors. PayMedia specializes in providing financial
services, including payment solutions, cash deposit ATMs, and kiosk hardware,
which streamline financial transactions for businesses and consumers alike. His
leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and expanding the company’s
reach worldwide.
Founding SquareHub: A New Way of Working
In addition to PayMedia, Kanishka is the founder of
SquareHub, a co-working space in Sri Lanka. SquareHub is designed to cater to
the evolving needs of modern-day professionals, particularly millennials, who
seek more than just a place to work. It is a community-driven platform where
like-minded individuals from diverse industries come together to collaborate
and innovate. The goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that
fosters professional growth while providing access to exclusive events, mentorship,
and a network of entrepreneurs.
Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship
At SquareHub, Kanishka has curated a community where
entrepreneurs can thrive, offering mentoring sessions with business experts and
professionals from various fields. These services are particularly valuable for
start-ups and young companies looking to scale their operations. The access to
resources like financial services, business guidance, and an expansive
entrepreneur network positions SquareHub as a nurturing ecosystem for those who
want to grow their businesses.
Park & Pay: Revolutionizing Parking Solutions
As a visionary in the tech space, Kanishka co-founded Park
& Pay, a mobile application designed to tackle parking problems. The app
simplifies the parking experience for drivers by providing real-time data on
parking availability in public and private spaces. Additionally, it offers
users the ability to book parking slots and even rent out their private parking
spots when not in use. This solution not only eases the parking experience but
also creates a sustainable income stream for users who have spare parking
spaces.
Biography of Kanishka Weeramunda: Founder of PayMedia, Pay & Park and DirectPay/mobile payment solutions/entrepreneur/age/net worth/Pay & Park story
Innovating Payment Solutions with DirectPay
Another venture Kanishka co-founded is DirectPay, a fintech
startup in Sri Lanka that is redefining how payments are processed. DirectPay
focuses on providing innovative solutions for low-value transactions through
smartphones. By scanning a QR code, customers can complete payments quickly and
securely. DirectPay’s approach eliminates the need for costly third-party
payment verification agencies and expensive equipment, making it an affordable
and efficient alternative for both consumers and merchants.
Advancing Technology for the Financial Sector
DirectPay's services are built to meet the demands of the
modern financial landscape, with a focus on compliance and security. The
company adheres to Baseline Security Standards (BSS) for mobile applications,
ensuring that its solutions are safe and reliable for users in the financial
sector. DirectPay’s cutting-edge technology aims to make mobile payments more
accessible, enabling consumers to make transactions directly through their
smartphones without relying on traditional payment methods.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Kanishka's involvement with MIT's Global Startup Labs and
his role as a national trainer for the International Trade Centre (ITC) have
helped him foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a trainer, Kanishka
has coached young entrepreneurs, including those who went on to win
international accolades. His expertise in the field of ICT and entrepreneurship
has enabled him to provide valuable guidance to budding entrepreneurs, helping
them navigate the complexities of building and scaling businesses.
Recognition and Achievements
Kanishka’s work in the tech and entrepreneurship space has
earned him several prestigious awards. He was named ICT Entrepreneur of the
Year at the National Best Software Quality Awards in 2018, and he also received
recognition as the Best CEO of the Year at the CMI Management Excellence
Awards. His contributions to the industry and his leadership in driving
innovative solutions have made him a respected figure in Sri Lanka’s tech
ecosystem.
A Global Perspective
Kanishka's ventures are not limited to Sri Lanka. His
companies, especially PayMedia, have expanded globally, offering software
solutions and applications to clients across various regions. This global
perspective has allowed Kanishka to understand the unique challenges and
opportunities in different markets, helping him develop solutions that cater to
diverse customer needs. His international experience has also provided him with
a broader view of the rapidly changing landscape of technology and entrepreneurship.
Shaping the Future of Startups
Through his various ventures, Kanishka continues to
influence the startup ecosystem, both in Sri Lanka and beyond. Whether it’s
through SquareHub, PayMedia, DirectPay, or Park & Pay, his work revolves
around creating innovative solutions that solve real-world problems. His
approach to business is holistic, focusing not only on the product but also on
building a strong community, providing mentorship, and fostering collaboration
among entrepreneurs. This comprehensive approach has allowed him to leave a
lasting impact on the industries he works in.
Looking Forward: A Legacy of Impact
Kanishka Weeramunda’s journey as an entrepreneur is one that
highlights the importance of innovation, community-building, and mentorship. As
he continues to lead his ventures, he remains dedicated to empowering
entrepreneurs, driving technological advancements, and creating solutions that
make life easier for people worldwide. His legacy is one of impact, not only in
the tech industry but also in the lives of the individuals and businesses he
has helped along the way. Through his work, Kanishka is shaping the future of
entrepreneurship and technology in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Timeline for story
Studied at CREATE and MIT: Gained expertise in ICTs and
entrepreneurship.
Co-founded PayMedia: Offers payment solutions for finance
and telecom sectors.
Founded SquareHub: Created a co-working space in Sri Lanka
for entrepreneurs.
Co-founded Park & Pay: Developed a mobile app for
real-time parking solutions.
Co-founded DirectPay: Innovated mobile payment solutions for
low-value transactions.
National Trainer for ITC: Mentored young entrepreneurs,
helping them achieve success.
2018: Awarded ICT Entrepreneur of the Year at National Best
Software Quality Awards.
Ongoing: Continues to expand and lead global ventures, fostering innovation and mentorship.
