Business
Softlogic Life sweeps board at SLIM Digis 2024 becoming most awarded brand along with coveted Grand Prix
Further cementing its position as the most innovative insurer that is close to the heartbeat of the nation, Sri Lanka’s second largest life insurer Softlogic Life Insurance PLC took home nine awards at the SLIM Digis 2.4 Awards held on Oct 29, including the top most award of the night “The Grand Prix, a company news release said.
This top award which was won by Softlogic Life created a first for the insurance industry, which was to recognize the creativity, innovation and impact of its trailblazing and innovative ‘Legends’ Campaign. Additionally, the company won four Golds, three Silvers and a Bronze for ‘Dengeez’, Legends’ and ‘Sri Lanka’s Inspiring Crowd sourced Christmas Tree of Hope’ campaigns.
The award-winning ‘Legends’ campaign saw Softlogic Life launch Sri Lanka’s first-ever artificial intelligence (AI) TV commercial, recreating four iconic music legends—H.R. Jothipala, Milton Mallawarachchi, Clarence Wijewardena, and Sunil Perera—using deepfake technology. In a creative and bold move, the commercial featured these beloved artists, all of whom were also “Dads,” emphasizing that life insurance provides a safety net and peace of mind during uncertain times.
Softlogic Life conveys a message of support and reassurance creatively, letting viewers know that they are not alone in navigating these challenging times. performing the iconic ‘Leda Leda’ tune while expressing empathy for the financial challenges Sri Lankans face during troubled economic times, dominating digital platforms, the ‘Legends’ campaign earned Softlogic Life the prestigious Grand Prix award, along with two Golds for ‘Best Use of AI Technologies’ and ‘Cross Media Integration,’ and a Silver for ‘Best Digital Marketing Campaign in Insurance.’
Another set of accolades also came in for the ‘Dengeez’ campaign, which garnered widespread attention by creatively using reverse psychology to raise dengue awareness, which garnered significant attention and widespread discussion among Sri Lankans. The campaign had a creative twist that said not to prevent dengue but to spread it. The use of reverse psychology worked creatively on Sri Lankans who were sensitized to year-long dengue communications. The campaign’s catchy music video humorously encouraged the public to create breeding grounds, urging action against dengue in a fresh, memorable way. Its impact earned Softlogic Life the Gold Award for CSR, Purpose-Driven Digital Marketing, a Silver for Best Use of Digital Creative Content, and a Bronze for Best Digital Marketing Campaign in Insurance.
Softlogic Life also won another Silver Award for Cross Media Integration for the ‘Sri Lanka’s Inspiring Christmas Tree of Hope’ campaign, the country’s first crowd-sourced Christmas tree made from vegetable plants. Starting with Softlogic Life distributing seeds for home gardens, the campaign culminated in a massive Christmas tree assembled at Galle Face Roundabout, Colombo 1. Commenting on these wins, Softlogic Life Managing Director, Iftikar Ahamed said, “Our wins at SLIM Digis reflects our commitment to strategically leveraging innovation to build stronger connections with our communities and address real challenges. From pioneering AI in local advertising to impactful, purpose-driven campaigns, we aim to set new benchmarks in Sri Lanka’s digital landscape.
“This ethos of ours is not only reflected through our communication but also through everything we do. We have in a short span of five years become the youngest insurance brand in Sri Lanka that has challenged decades old giants and moved four market places to become the second largest life insurer in Sri Lanka while also claiming our spot as the market leader in health insurance.”
Expressing her views, Softlogic Life Head of Marketing, Chamindri Pilimatalauwe said, “These remarkable achievements at SLIM Digis 2024 are a testament to the power of creative collaboration and strategic innovation. We are incredibly grateful to our core agency partners —Mullen Lowe, Digibrush, Shift Integrated, New Media Solutions and Third Shift Media whose dedication helped bring these ambitious campaigns to life.
“Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance and digital engagement in Sri Lanka, creating impactful narratives that resonate with the heart of our nation. This recognition fuels our commitment to further elevate our approach, blending purpose with creativity to engage meaningfully and in ways that are relevant for today and to deliver value in ways that resonate deeply with the people we serve.”
Global oil prices have jumped above $100 (£75.11) a barrel for the first time since 2022 as the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran has fuelled fears of prolonged disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran on Sunday named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader, signalling that a week into the conflict hardliners remain in charge of the country.
The US and Israel launched fresh waves of airstrikes across Iran over the weekend, hitting multiple targets including oil depots.
Major disruption to energy supplies from the region threatens to push up prices for consumers and businesses around the world.
Early on Monday in Asia, Brent crude was around 15.5% higher at $107.16, while Nymex light sweet was up by more than 17% at $106.77.
Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region fell sharply in early trading on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 index down by more than 5% and the ASX 200 in Australia more than 3.5% lower.
Many in the markets predicted that oil would hit the $100 a barrel mark this week.
In the event it took about a minute to jump 10%, and then another 15 minutes to rise a further 10% in early Asian trading.
Last week the markets had been relatively relaxed about the seeming nightmare scenario for millions of barrels of crude and liquefied natural gas trapped in the Gulf, unable or unwilling to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
But the escalations over the weekend, alongside scenes of destruction of energy infrastructure both in Iran and across the Gulf, saw the markets take rapid fright.
The question now is where does this go? Some analysts argue that if the shutdown in the strait lasts until the end of March, we could see record oil prices above $150 a barrel.
The existing rise is likely to further increase petrol prices, and those of important derivative products such as jet fuel and vital precursors for fertilisers.
The physical supplies from the Gulf are mainly consumed in Asia.
Already however there are signs that Asian consumers are bidding up prices for US gas, with some tankers originally heading for Europe turning around in the mid-Atlantic.
US President Donald Trump responded to the jump in prices by saying that short term rises were a “small price to pay” for removing Iran’s nuclear threat.
His energy secretary told US broadcasters on Sunday that Israel, not the US, was targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, amid some concern about rising domestic pump prices caused by the war.
(BBC)
The Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA) has issued a stark cautionary note to prospective vehicle buyers, warning that the initial price advantage of reconditioned imports often masks significant long-term financial risks.
By highlighting a “structural imbalance” in the current duty valuation system – which allows near-identical vehicles to be imported under a 15% automatic depreciation bracket – the CMTA argues that the lack of manufacturer-backed warranties and tropicalised specifications in the grey market could lead to a “reconditioned trap” for unsuspecting consumers. For the savvy buyer, the association suggests that the true cost of ownership is increasingly tilting the scales in favour of brand-new vehicles from authorised agents.
If two identical 2026 models are sitting on different lots, and one is significantly cheaper because it was technically “registered and de-registered” abroad, the frugal buyer’s instinct is to take the discount. But the CMTA argues that this 15% depreciation benefit – intended for genuine used cars – is being leveraged as a loophole for zero-mileage vehicles.
For the savvy buyer, this raises a fundamental question of transparency. If the entry price of a vehicle is built on a “procedural” technicality rather than actual wear and tear, where else is the transparency lacking? Does the lower price reflect a genuine saving passed to the consumer, or does it mask a lack of manufacturer-backed after-sales support?
When a buyer chooses an authorised agent, they are essentially purchasing an insurance policy against the unknown. With a five-year manufacturer warranty, the financial burden of a faulty transmission or a software glitch stays with the global giant that built the car, not the local owner. In an era where vehicles are increasingly “computers on wheels,” the technical specialised tools and genuine parts held by authorised agents are no longer a luxury – they are a necessity for longevity.
The CMTA’s perspective also invites the buyer to look at the “Big Picture.” Every time a vehicle is imported under an under-declared value or an artificial depreciation bracket, it isn’t just a loss for the Treasury; it is a blow to the country’s foreign exchange discipline.
“A savvy buyer today is more informed than ever. They realize that a “cheap” import with no service history and no tropicalised specifications may eventually become a “minus” on the balance sheet. Frequent repairs and lower resale value can quickly evaporate the initial few lakhs saved at the point of purchase. Ultimately, the choice between brand new and used is a choice between certainty and speculation,” the Association says.
The CMTA is advocating for a level playing field where duty is based on true transaction value. Until that day comes, the burden of due diligence rests on the consumer. To be a “savvy buyer” in 2026 means looking past the showroom shine and asking: Who stands behind this car if something goes wrong tomorrow?
In conclusion, CMTA says,” For those seeking long-term peace of mind, the “brand new” path – supported by a transparent duty structure and a solid warranty – remains the gold standard for steering Sri Lanka’s complex automotive landscape.”
Before signing the papers on a reconditioned vehicle, the CMTA suggests buyers evaluate the four “minus” factors against a “brand new” purchase:
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Spa Ceylon has unveiled ‘Her Business Matters’, a nationwide initiative running throughout March 2026 to provide growth support for women-led businesses in Sri Lanka.
The program will select five women entrepreneurs weekly for brand amplification through Spa Ceylon’s marketing reach, influencer partnerships, and community network. Eligible applicants must be female founders manufacturing or producing locally.
Selected participants will attend a development workshop in Colombo featuring business leaders and industry experts covering social media strategy, advertising, compliance, brand positioning, and scaling. Spa Ceylon resource personnel will also host category-specific fringe events.
Co-Founder & Group Director Shalin Balasuriya stated the initiative moves “beyond surface-level marketing” to create lasting community impact, inspired by the brothers’ upbringing with an entrepreneurial mother.
Applications are accepted via Spa Ceylon’s social media platforms throughout this month.
Iran names Khamenei’s son as new supreme leader after father’s killing
Oil prices jump above $100 for first time in four years
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FSP warns of possible coal shortage
Repatriation of Iranian naval personnel Sri Lanka’s call: Washington
Indian Ocean must remain peace zone: Sajith
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