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LOLC on a Rs.500m humanitarian project

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The unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka is spiralling further, unfolding a humanitarian emergency, attacking societies at their core, claiming people’s livelihoods. The crippling civil unrest is now sparked by the economic crisis causing to worsen the potential longer-term effects on the local household income and their food security.

Responding to the crisis emergency instantaneously, LOLC launched LOLC Divi Saviya, an island wide humanitarian effort in early May this year. The phase one of this project supported needy household units covering all 25 districts of the country within a period of one month. This also enabled LOLC to further discover millions of people across the country, who are already below the poverty line and are facing major disruption by the loss of livelihoods, food shortage, and the amplifying cost of essential items. During this initial drive, number of Divisional Secretariats with extensive demands were marked while a number of vulnerable untapped segments were also identified.

This time, committing for an on-going and a broader exertion, LOLC has renewed their strengths to another season of Divi Saviya commenced in July 2022 and will cover the 25 districts over a period of 3 months in 3 different cycles, tossed back-to-back. The road map to Divi Saviya phase two recognises the essentiality to cushion the knock-on effects on people’s lives at this critical juncture while envisioning for a longer recovery effort.

Identifying the sharp decline in food security for the most vulnerable segments of the country, Divi Saviya phase two focuses on organising direct provision of food resources to support the elder’s homes, children’s facilities and visually impaired units in addition to the selected households. The immediate critical relief, is estimated to distribute a total number of 125,000 packages valued at Rs.500 Million. Each package will carry the basic staples and dry rations weighing 10 kilograms inclusive of the items ranging from rice, flour, dhal, sugar, noodles, tea, salt, soya-meat to spices.

The entire project is strengthened by the partnership between LOLC and News First in stabilising the clarity and transparency of the distribution network. The programme is curated through the Divisional Secretariats, with the support of the News First provisional correspondents in assembling the most poverty-stricken families to be entitled for the Divi Saviya scheme.

Divi Saviya phase two was ceremonially inaugurated on the 07th of July 2022, at Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, Ratmalana. The event was graced by Mr. Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director/CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC and Mr. Kithsiri Gunawardhana, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC, Mr. Jaliya Yasarathne, District Secretary Colombo, Ms. Himali Karunarathne, Divisional Secretary Ratmalana, Mr. Roshan Watawala, Director News First, Mr. Yasarath Kamalasiri, General Manager News First, key officials and staff members from the LOLC Group, officials from MTV/ MBC Network and other well-wishers.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

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.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the 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.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

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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