Helakuru’s Rise: How Bhasha Lanka Redefined Sri Lanka’s Digital Language and Tech Landscape

In the midst of Sri Lanka’s fast-growing digital economy, Bhasha Lanka has emerged as a pioneering force, reshaping how people interact with technology in their own language. At the heart of this transformation lies Helakuru—a platform that began as a simple solution to a widespread communication barrier and has since evolved into an essential part of the country’s digital ecosystem.

The Vision Behind the Innovation
The driving force behind this success story is Dhanika Perera, a visionary entrepreneur whose passion for technology took root during his school years. His early innovations earned national recognition, paving the way for his academic journey at the University of Moratuwa, where he pursued a degree in Computer Science & Engineering.

It was during his undergraduate years in 2011 that Perera founded Bhasha Lanka, with a mission to eliminate language barriers in digital communication. Recognizing the limitations faced by Sinhala-speaking users on mobile devices, he introduced Helakuru—an innovation that would go on to transform digital inclusivity. He later strengthened his business acumen with an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

From Typing Tool to Digital Powerhouse
Helakuru’s initial success stemmed from enabling millions of Sri Lankans to type in Sinhala seamlessly on smartphones. However, the platform’s growth did not stop there. Today, with over 15 million downloads, Helakuru has evolved into a localized “super app,” integrating real-time news, digital payments, and everyday digital services into a single ecosystem.

Building on this momentum, Perera expanded his ventures beyond language technology into fintech and digital commerce. Among these innovations are PayHere—the country’s first Central Bank-approved payment aggregator, supporting thousands of businesses—as well as HelaPay and ShopHere, which further strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital transaction landscape. Meanwhile, Esana delivers real-time curated news to users nationwide.

A Homegrown Team Driving Innovation
Behind Bhasha Lanka’s continued success is a focused and highly skilled team of local engineers, designers, and operational experts. Supported by key technical leaders such as Karvin Mendis, the team continues to innovate across software localization, fintech solutions, and user-centric design.

By prioritizing local user needs and building technology tailored to Sri Lankan realities, Dhanika Perera and his team have not only revolutionized digital communication but also demonstrated that globally competitive, high-impact technology can be created right here at home.