Business
Dialog Axiata Ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand by Brand Finance for the 5th Consecutive Year
In its 20th annual review, Brand Finance, the world’s foremost independent brand valuation consultancy, bestowed the prestigious title of ‘Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand’ upon Dialog Axiata PLC, the country’s premier connectivity provider, for the fifth consecutive year, with a brand value of Rs. 52 billion. Dialog emerged as the strongest brand in Sri Lanka, earning the esteemed AAA+ brand rating. The Company was also accorded the title of ‘Most Valuable Telecommunications Brand’ for the 16th consecutive year.
These coveted accolades along with being named the ‘Most Loved Telecommunications Brand’ for the 7th consecutive year, reflect the unwavering trust and confidence placed in Dialog by over 17 million Sri Lankans, and the Company’s steadfast dedication to its purpose of empowering and enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through sustainable digital ecosystems. Staying true to its brand promise, “The Future. Today.”, Dialog remains resolute in delivering state-of-the-art technology and connectivity that is inclusive, affordable, and accessible to all, while propelling the country’s transformation into a thriving digital nation.
With a steadfast commitment to its core value of ‘Service from the Heart,’ the Company prioritises delivering unparalleled customer experiences, exemplified by its digital care ecosystem, including the ‘DIA’ virtual assistant, MyDialog App and Google Assistant integration to facilitate voice assistance. As part of its unwavering dedication to creating a positive impact in communities and the nation at large, the Company spearheaded the groundbreaking efforts to resolve the acute fuel shortage crisis through the pioneering ‘National Fuel Pass’ solution, developed in collaboration with its partners. In addition, Dialog, together with its corporate partners, provided much-needed emergency aid to over 120,000 families in-need across the country through ‘Manudam Mehewara,’ a multi-corporation humanitarian alliance. The launch of ‘Karuna.lk,’ Sri Lanka’s first cause-verified crowdfunding platform, further showcases Dialog’s enduring dedication to driving meaningful change through technology.
Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are grateful for the unwavering loyalty and patronage of over 17 million Sri Lankans and enterprises that helped achieve this recognition. As the most valuable and strongest brand in Sri Lanka, we will continue to leverage the transformative power of technology to empower and enrich Sri Lankan lives and enterprises.”
Ruchi Gunewardene, Chairman of Brand Finance Lanka stated, “We congratulate Dialog for being able to sustain its position at the top of our table. It’s the benchmark brand to be followed by others. Its ability to build brand strength across many indicators we measure in the telecommunications sector enables it to maximize the value of the Dialog brand”.
Brand Finance is the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, with offices in over 25 countries including Sri Lanka. Brand Finance bridges the gap between marketing and finance by quantifying the financial value of brands. Brand Finance calculates the values of the brands in its league tables using the Royalty Relief approach – a brand valuation methodology compliant with the industry standards set in ISO 10668. It involves estimating the likely future revenues that are attributable to a brand by calculating a royalty rate that would be charged for its use, to arrive at a ‘brand value’ understood as a net economic benefit that a brand owner would achieve by licensing the brand in the open market.
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has underscored the critical role of sovereign credit rating agencies in helping debt-distressed nations smoothly transition out of default status after successful debt restructuring.
Speaking at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, Dr. Weerasinghe shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring experience.
He highlighted that while restructuring is a crucial step toward economic recovery, rating agencies must play a proactive role in reassessing countries’ creditworthiness fairly and promptly once restructuring is completed.
The GSDR, co-chaired by the IMF, World Bank, and G20 Presidency, serves as a key platform for debtor nations and creditors to address debt challenges.
Sri Lanka, a country which has undergone complex debt negotiations, has been an active participant in these discussions.
Governor Weerasinghe’s remarks come at a pivotal time, as Sri Lanka seeks to restore international investor confidence post-restructuring.
His call aligns with broader discussions at the GSDR on improving coordination between debtors, creditors, and financial institutions to ensure sustainable debt solutions, and help restore international investor confidence in countries such as Sri Lanka.
The roundtable also highlighted the newly introduced Sovereign Debt Restructuring Playbook, designed to guide countries through restructuring processes.
The Central Bank’s push for more responsive and supportive rating agency policies could set an important precedent for other debt-distressed economies as well.
Speaking at the GSDR, Treasury Secretary K M M Siriwardana acknowledged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as instrumental in stabilising Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy, as the country prepares to receive its fifth IMF tranche of $344 million in the coming weeks.
Siriwardana reflected on Sri Lanka’s ‘extremely challenging journey’ since its 2022 economic collapse marked by severe shortages, public unrest, and a loss of confidence in governance.
“Seeking IMF support was a strength, not a weakness,” he asserted, crediting the Fund’s policy framework and technical assistance for reversing the economic freefall.
He highlighted over 200 IMF training programmes conducted to strengthen institutional capacity, stating, “The IMF laid the foundation for stability.”
Notably present at the discussion was Peter Brewer, the IMF’s former Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, underscoring the close collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Fund.
Siriwardana traced the roots of the crisis to political instability between 2017–2019, the 2019 Easter attacks, and contentious tax policies, which collectively deepened Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerabilities. “Yet,” he noted, “Difficult reforms are now yielding positive results.”
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Calcey, a global software services provider, has achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification, the international benchmark for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification highlights Calcey’s strong measures in safeguarding client data and managing security risks.
The rigorous audit covered Calcey’s security protocols, risk management, and operational processes across its offices in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.
Mangala Karunaratne, CEO of Calcey Technologies, stated that this milestone underscores their dedication to top-tier data security, reinforcing trust among clients in the U.S., Europe, and the Nordic regions.
The certification ensures compliance with global security standards, benefiting Calcey’s diverse clientele, from startups to large enterprises.
Chinese Dragon Café, a leading Sri Lankan-style Chinese restaurant, has announced that its temporary outlet at Alpine Hotel in Nuwara Eliya will remain open until April 30, catering to both loyal customers and tourists during the Avurudu season.
The seasonal branch has already gained popularity among locals and visitors, offering signature dishes like seafood fried rice, fried noodles, tom yum soup, hot butter cuttlefish, and crispy spring rolls. To enhance convenience, the café provides free delivery within Nuwara Eliya for hotel guests and holidaymakers.
This marks the brand’s first seasonal expansion to Nuwara Eliya, capitalizing on the influx of tourists especially from Colombo, enjoying the cool climate and festive atmosphere.
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts
People have now started to think of themselves as Sri Lankans sans ethnic or religious divisions- PM
Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kurunegala districts.
-
News6 days agoOrders under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruptions Act No. 9 of 2023 for concurrence of parliament
-
Features6 days agoRuGoesWild: Taking science into the wild — and into the hearts of Sri Lankans
-
Business1 day agoPick My Pet wins Best Pet Boarding and Grooming Facilitator award
-
News5 days agoProf. Rambukwella passes away
-
Opinion6 days agoSri Lanka’s Foreign Policy amid Geopolitical Transformations: 1990-2024 – Part IX
-
Features1 day agoKing Donald and the executive presidency
-
Business1 day agoACHE Honoured as best institute for American-standard education
-
Features3 days agoThe Truth will set us free – I