JKH signs first-ever technology transfer agreement with 4Ever Skin Naturals

John Keells Group Chairman Krishan Balendra with 4Ever Chairperson Chandani Bandara in the presence of (from left) John Keells Research Head of IP, Tech Strategy and Business Development Chathuri Yatawara, John Keells Group Assistant Manager Group Legal Shehara Gunasekera, John Keells Head of Research Dr. Muditha Senarath-Yapa, Deputy Chairman and Group Finance Director Gihan Cooray, John Keells Group President Consumer Foods Daminda Gamlath, 4Ever Skin Naturals Legal Consultant Kanchana Senanayake, 4Ever Skin Naturals Chief Executive Officer Ruwen Liyanagamage and 4Ever Skin Naturals Head of Sales and Marketing Venura Koralagamage

John Keells Research (JKR), the research and development and innovation arm of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), signed an agreement with 4Ever Skin Naturals (Pvt.) Ltd on March 15, 2022 and entered into its first-ever technology licensing agreement. 

JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra and 4ever Skin Naturals (Pvt.) Ltd Founder and Chairperson Chandani Bandara signed on behalf of the respective companies.

JKR operates with the mandate of creating commercially viable intellectual property for not only John Keells Group but also for Sri Lanka and JKR Head Dr. Muditha Senarath-Yapa together with a team of multidisciplinary scientists work on the four areas of composites,

energy storage, biomaterials and mechatronics. 4Ever Skin Naturals (Pvt.) Ltd is one of Sri Lanka’s leading herbal-based cosmetic manufacturing companies, which specialises in products ranging from personal care, healthcare and safe care that are trusted by both local and international markets. 

Balendra speaking at the occasion said, “Innovation is one of the group’s core values, through which we seek to add value to our offering of products and services across all our businesses. We believe that the benefits of nanotechnology will surpass its current applications and the technology transfer today will pave way for more innovative and sustainable products in the market.”

JKR’s proprietary Silmetic technology will be exclusively utilised by 4Ever to develop a range of skin care products with enhanced properties. Silmetic is a cosmeceutical and cosmetic additive containing silver nanoparticles developed and trademarked by JKR. The licensed cosmetic product line will be launched under 4Ever’s sub brand DermaPRO. 

Bandara said, “Nano silver is different from other nanoparticles and it has been known for decades for its use in various applications including consumer products. It’s a pleasure to partner with John Keells to develop unique nano silver products at our ultra-modern production plant under optimum hygienic conditions, according to ISO 9001: 2015, cosmetic GMP 22716: 2007, HACCP and Sri Lankan Ayurvedic standards at the BOI Industrial Zone in Pallekele, Kandy.”