Saturday Oct 24, 2026
Saturday Oct 24, 2026
Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
iDealz Lanka Founder and Chairman Mohammed Rifkhan (right) with Indian actress and model Yashika Aannand at the launch of the iPhone 18 series in Colombo yesterday
India’s YouTube vlogger Mohamed Irfan (left) with Stephanie Siriwardhana
By Nisthar Cassim
Leading retailer in smartphones iDealz Lanka Ltd. yesterday took the hitherto uncharted route of luring Indian and local celebrities to launch the latest iPhone sensation, the 18 series.
In an initiative branded “Hello18”, the launch at The Kingsbury saw the active presence of Indian stars. Especially flown in for the launch were Mohamed Irfan, India’s YouTube vlogger with over 5 million subscribers, and Indian actress and model Yashika Aannand.
Technology enthusiasts, customers, content creators and the media were in attendance, placing the latest generation of iPhone technology at the centre of an immersive product experience.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max deliver an advanced pro camera system and improved battery life and performance. Alongside the iPhone Duo, they form the twentieth generation of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The formal Sri Lanka launch yesterday followed the US release last month.
By creating a dedicated platform for customers to experience the devices firsthand, iDealz demonstrated its emphasis on making technology more approachable while strengthening the connection between the brand and its customers.
iDealz Lanka Founder and Chairman Mohammed Rifkhan said: “Technology is best understood when people have the opportunity to experience it for themselves. With HELLO18, our vision was to go beyond introducing a new range of devices and create an experience that brings customers closer to the technology they value.”
“We believe that meaningful customer engagement, supported by knowledgeable guidance and firsthand product discovery, is an essential part of the modern retail experience,” added Rifkhan, a software engineer who began iDealz as a start-up in 2012 and grew it organically to be now recognised as the most awarded multi-brand mobile retailer in Sri Lanka.
HELLO18 also further underscored the role of experiential launches in building consumer confidence and creating stronger connections between technology brands and their audiences. Through its combination of product presentation and direct engagement, the event provided a platform for customers to explore the iPhone 18 series in an interactive setting.
With an established presence in Sri Lanka’s mobile and technology retail sector, iDealz said it continues to connect consumers with smartphones and related accessories through its showrooms and digital channels. The HELLO18 launch reflected the company’s ongoing commitment to customer engagement and its focus on delivering accessible, informative and engaging technology retail experiences.
– Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera
