SLT-MOBITEL, Sri Lanka’s National ICT Solutions Provider and the country’s leading integrated telecommunications brand, has been honoured as the Winner in the Sustainable Telecommunication Service Provider category at the prestigious Sri Lankan Sustainability Awards (SSA) 2026. This significant recognition reaffirms SLT-MOBITEL’s unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability at the heart of its business while driving the nation’s digital transformation.

As the country’s most trusted ICT brand, SLT-MOBITEL continues to lead by integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations, investments and digital innovations. The award reflects the company’s long-standing dedication to creating sustainable value for customers, communities and the environment while shaping a smarter, greener and more connected Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Sustainability Awards (SSA) is a premier national platform that celebrates organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and measurable impact in advancing sustainability. Aligned with global climate goals and national development priorities, the awards recognize excellence across more than 50 categories spanning technology, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, education, media and community development.

Winning the ICT category underscores SLT-MOBITEL’s leadership in delivering future-ready digital solutions while championing responsible business practices. Through strategic investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, digital inclusion, climate action, responsible governance and community empowerment initiatives, the company continues to set industry benchmarks for sustainable growth.

Guided by internationally recognized sustainability frameworks and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SLT-MOBITEL remains committed to leveraging technology as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact. Sustainability is deeply embedded within the company’s long-term strategy, ensuring that innovation and responsible growth go hand in hand.

This prestigious accolade further strengthens SLT-MOBITEL’s position as Sri Lanka’s leading sustainable ICT brand, reinforcing its commitment to empowering the nation through innovative digital connectivity while building a resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible future for generations to come.

Softlogic Life Insurance announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 60 percent controlling stake in Bangladesh-based Diamond Life Insurance Company Limited for approximately US$ 1.9 million.

The deal follows a Share Purchase Agreement signed by the Sri Lankan life insurer to acquire the majority stake in the licensed Bangladeshi life insurance entity.

‘The acquisition is in line with the company’s regional expansion strategy and represents entry into the Bangladesh life insurance market, Softlogic Life sources said.

Meanwhile, the CSE yesterday performed well, especially it noted a steady buying interest.

Amid those developments both indices moved downward. The All Share Price Index went down by 0.13 points while the S and P SL20 rose by 5.04 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.45 billion with 11 crossings. Top seven crossings were: United Motors 38 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs one billion, its shares traded at Rs 29, HNB 452,000 shares crossed for Rs 174 million; its shares sold at Rs 385, Commercial Bank 554,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 111 million; its shares sold at Rs 201, Softlogic Life Insurance 1.1 million shares crossed for Rs 92 million; its shares sold at Rs 80, HNB (Non-Voting) 200,000 shares for Rs 63 million; its shares sold at Rs 317, Access Engineering 714,000 shares crossed for Rs 54 million; its shares traded at Rs 76.10 and NDB 452,000 shares crossed for Rs 48 million; its shares traded at Rs 107.

In the retail market; companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Hayleys Rs 75 million (332,000 shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 55 million (11 million shares traded), Ceylon Grain Elevators Rs 51 million (109,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 33 million (86000 shares traded), LMF Rs 28 million (334,000 shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 26 million (281,000 shares traded) and Sampath Bank Rs 25 million (183,000 shares traded). During the day 93.6 million share volumes changed hands in 14657 transactions.

It is said that banking and manufacturing sectors counters performed well. Banking sector counters, especially HNB, performed well while the manufacturing sector, especially Hayleys, performed well too.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted flat at Rs 336.20/30 to the US dollar in the spot market, while bond yields were quoted slightly higher, dealers said.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Pan Asia Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLECIC) to further enhance its Remit Max Pre-Departure Loan Scheme to enhance its Remit Max overall package for migrant workers, by incorporating the APARA Guarantee Cover, providing aspiring Sri Lankan migrant workers with greater access to structured financing for pre-departure and migration-related expenses. The inclusion of the SLECIC APARA Guarantee Cover strengthens the proposition by helping eligible applicants obtain the pre-departure financial support required to meet expenses associated with securing employment abroad.

The Pre-Departure Loan Scheme, as part of its Remit Max package for migrant workers, was introduced by Pan Asia Bank to ease the financial burden faced by individuals seeking overseas employment, offering a dedicated financing solution for costs incurred prior to departure. The addition of APARA Guarantee Cover offers an enhanced level of financial support, enabling more prospective migrant workers to access funding with greater confidence while promoting safe and responsible worker migration. The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of Pan Asia Bank and SLECIC to empowering Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families while contributing to the country’s foreign remittance inflows, which remain an important pillar of the national economy.