Business
DFCC Bank provides exclusive free access to DOC 990 for DFCC Aloka accountholders
In an effort to provide women with convenient access to digital healthcare solutions, DFCC Bank Aloka, the Bank’s women’s-centric banking proposition, entered into an exclusive partnership with Doc990, Sri Lanka’s pioneering digital health solutions service provider powered by Dialog Axiata PLC. Through this partnership, DFCC Aloka savings accountholders will now enjoy free access to Doc990’s services, helping them to quickly and easily access medical consultations and other services when required. This facility will also be available to all new DFCC Aloka accountholders, increasing the value proposition presented by DFCC Aloka.
Commenting on the initiative, Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank said, “We are very pleased to enter this exclusive partnership with DOC 990. Through Aloka, we’re offering more than just financial services to the women of Sri Lanka. Amidst a greater need for access to healthcare, with the pandemic and other health issues, together with rising transport costs, our Aloka savings accountholders can quickly access medical assistance in an emergency and effectively manage minor ailments without having to rush to a hospital. With women playing multiple roles in their lives, while also providing care for children and or aging parents, this facility will be a great enabler. Furthermore, it also helps them to minimize risk and increase safety by having access to high-quality medical assistance from wherever they are.”
Doc990, operated by Digital Health Private Limited, is Sri Lanka’s pioneering digital health solutions service provider, offering medical services to subscribers from the convenience of their mobile phone. Launched in 2016, Doc990, a subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC, connects users with more than 5000 doctors in over 140 hospitals through its digital health platform which is accessible to users via www.doc.lk, by dialling 990 or via the Doc990 app, available on Android and iOS. Doc990 offers a range of medical services including doctor channelling sessions at hospitals island-wide for physical consultations while connecting users virtually with qualified Doctors, quality pharmacies and laboratories through digital health tech, with the aim of transforming the delivery of integrated healthcare through home-based solutions.
Expressing his support of for the initiative, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC added, “With the increasing need for innovative and accessible health solutions, Doc990 is pleased to join hands with DFCC Aloka to offer women in Sri Lanka easily accessible digital health support round the clock throughout the year. Doc990 is pleased to facilitate women with progressive digital health technology that will enable them to conveniently and confidently address any health-related concern.”
This initiative is yet another step forward in DFCC Aloka’s commitment to partnering with the aspirations of Sri Lanka’s women, as it works towards continuing to serve and support its female customers.
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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