Business
ACL Cables creates history as first local company to receive SLS 1504 -3-31 standard compliance for fire rate cables
Creating history and proving its dominance in the cable industry once again, ACL Cables PLC announced it had been awarded the SLS 1504-3-31 accreditation certification for its Low smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) non-sheathed cables by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) recently.
SLSI is the highest local authority that awards quality standardizations for products sold locally. Upon complying with the requisite standards ACL Cables PLC has become the first company in the country to obtain this certification.
Moreover, ACL Cables is currently the only company that manufactures LSHF cables locally. The certification was awarded for cables with voltage up to 450/750 volts.
The official title of the standard is known as ‘Low voltage single core non – sheathed halogen free low emission of smoke thermoplastic insulated special fire performance electric cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750V’. The equivalent British Standard (BS) for the above local certification is BS EN 50525-3-31.
The certification was handed over by Ms. Dhammika Senaratne, Director General of SLSI to Suren Madanayake, Managing Director ACL Cables PLC at the presence of delegates from both SLSI and ACL cables.
Notably, there are two cable categories that fall under SLS 1504-3-31. These are – 1. Non flexible cables for fixed wiring, specified conductor cross sectional area range is starting from 1.5mm² and up to 630mm² and 2. Flexible cables for fixed wiring, specified conductor cross sectional area range is starting from 1.5mm² and up to 240mm².
In order to receive this standard ACL Cables was required to complete the following three quality tests: Fire propagation test on vertical bunched cables in accordance with BSEN 60332-3-24, low emission of smoke test in accordance with BSEN 61034-2 and assessment of halogen gases (acid gas) for all non-metallic materials in accordance with BSEN 60754-1.
Based on the process, ACL had to initially study and follow the respective BS that complies with the above criteria. Following which presentations were made to the SLSI, who then awarded the equivalent Product Quality Certification as per local regulations and standards.
The tests were conducted at ACL in-house laboratories located at their factory premises under the supervision of the SLS audit committee. Moreover, ACL Cables PLC is the only company in Sri Lanka that has a comprehensive lab facility for testing the above test parameters.
Commenting on this landmark award, Suren Madanayake, Managing Director said, “I am very proud that ACL Cables has achieved this prestigious local status. We have once again demonstrated to the market our quality and dominance. I appreciate the effort of my technical and quality assurance teams for their untiring efforts to ensure this Product Quality Certification process was a success.”
Madanayake added, “Since our inception in 1962, ACL Cables has always been the trendsetter in introducing new products and receiving proper certification. This is one such milestone. Our next step is to develop our scope and gain the certification for 600,000V LSHF power cables. I am confident that this too would be achieved shortly. Currently we are processing a considerable number of orders for LSHF cables and this is the main reason to push ourselves towards gaining this certification. The certification enables customers to have more confidence when they purchase LSHF cables from us. I am convinced that as the recipient of the SLS 1504-3-31 standard, we will be able to grow our market share further with this product and strengthen our top and bottom lines.”
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
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