Business

Dialog Axiata Ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand by Brand Finance for the 5th Consecutive Year

Published

2 years ago

2023/08/6

In its 20th annual review, Brand Finance, the world’s foremost independent brand valuation consultancy, bestowed the prestigious title of ‘Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand’ upon Dialog Axiata PLC, the country’s premier connectivity provider, for the fifth consecutive year, with a brand value of Rs. 52 billion. Dialog emerged as the strongest brand in Sri Lanka, earning the esteemed AAA+ brand rating. The Company was also accorded the title of ‘Most Valuable Telecommunications Brand’ for the 16th consecutive year.

These coveted accolades along with being named the ‘Most Loved Telecommunications Brand’ for the 7th consecutive year, reflect the unwavering trust and confidence placed in Dialog by over 17 million Sri Lankans, and the Company’s steadfast dedication to its purpose of empowering and enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through sustainable digital ecosystems. Staying true to its brand promise, “The Future. Today.”, Dialog remains resolute in delivering state-of-the-art technology and connectivity that is inclusive, affordable, and accessible to all, while propelling the country’s transformation into a thriving digital nation.

With a steadfast commitment to its core value of ‘Service from the Heart,’ the Company prioritises delivering unparalleled customer experiences, exemplified by its digital care ecosystem, including the ‘DIA’ virtual assistant, MyDialog App and Google Assistant integration to facilitate voice assistance. As part of its unwavering dedication to creating a positive impact in communities and the nation at large, the Company spearheaded the groundbreaking efforts to resolve the acute fuel shortage crisis through the pioneering ‘National Fuel Pass’ solution, developed in collaboration with its partners. In addition, Dialog, together with its corporate partners, provided much-needed emergency aid to over 120,000 families in-need across the country through ‘Manudam Mehewara,’ a multi-corporation humanitarian alliance. The launch of ‘Karuna.lk,’ Sri Lanka’s first cause-verified crowdfunding platform, further showcases Dialog’s enduring dedication to driving meaningful change through technology.

Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are grateful for the unwavering loyalty and patronage of over 17 million Sri Lankans and enterprises that helped achieve this recognition. As the most valuable and strongest brand in Sri Lanka, we will continue to leverage the transformative power of technology to empower and enrich Sri Lankan lives and enterprises.”

Ruchi Gunewardene, Chairman of Brand Finance Lanka stated, “We congratulate Dialog for being able to sustain its position at the top of our table. It’s the benchmark brand to be followed by others. Its ability to build brand strength across many indicators we measure in the telecommunications sector enables it to maximize the value of the Dialog brand”.

Brand Finance is the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, with offices in over 25 countries including Sri Lanka. Brand Finance bridges the gap between marketing and finance by quantifying the financial value of brands. Brand Finance calculates the values of the brands in its league tables using the Royalty Relief approach – a brand valuation methodology compliant with the industry standards set in ISO 10668. It involves estimating the likely future revenues that are attributable to a brand by calculating a royalty rate that would be charged for its use, to arrive at a ‘brand value’ understood as a net economic benefit that a brand owner would achieve by licensing the brand in the open market.

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Business

CEB urged to revise Draft Long Term Generation Expansion Plan, in view of renewable energy needs

Published

5 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Damitha Kumarasinghe

By Ifham Nizam

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to revise its Draft Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) 2025-2044, incorporating more robust projections for renewable energy and battery storage, while also reassessing LNG infrastructure and procurement strategies.

The Island Financial Review reliably learns PUCSL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe emphasized the need for “more robust and realistic cost assumptions for Renewable Technologies and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).”

The Commission stressed that BESS should be valued not just as a renewable integration tool but also for its potential to mitigate power shortages.

The directive also calls for revisions in LNG infrastructure planning, including “a comprehensive analysis covering LNG fuel cost calculation, infrastructure development, procurement contracting options, and risks associated with supply and procurement.” PUCSL has specifically highlighted the importance of evaluating the financial and economic feasibility of a natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa.

Kanchana Siriwardena, Deputy Director General – Industry Services, reinforced the Commission’s stance on renewable energy, stating that “further reductions in renewable energy curtailment should be explored by incorporating more BESS.”

The PUCSL’s instructions also mandate incorporating clauses from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petronet India, which includes a temporary LNG supply for the Sobadhanavi Plant. The revised LTGEP must also factor in infrastructure costs related to the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and pipeline networks as part of the overall LNG cost calculation.

The CEB is expected to resubmit the revised plan for PUCSL’s approval, ensuring alignment with Sri Lanka’s long-term energy security and sustainability goals.

The PUCSL directive also calls for a comprehensive evaluation of various LNG procurement options and associated risks. These include:

LNG infrastructure development and expansion

Contracting options for LNG procurement

Risks related to LNG supply and procurement stability

Robustness of natural gas demand calculations

Economic feasibility of the proposed natural gas pipeline from Kerawalapitiya to Kelanitissa, given the low plant factors of power stations at Kelanitissa.

Business

Nations Trust Bank ends 2024 with strong performance, achieving 24% ROE

Published

5 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024, achieving a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 17 Bn, up 46% YoY.

Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 showcases our continued growth and expansion across diverse customer segments. Our solid capital position, strong liquidity buffers, effective risk management frameworks, and steadfast commitment to service excellence and digital empowerment remain the key drivers of our success.”

Improvements in the macro-economic environment and successful management of the Bank’s credit portfolio resulted in total impairment charges decreasing by 69% and the Net Stage 3 ratio reducing to 1.6%.

The Bank’s financial performance is supported by its strong capital buffers, with Tier I Capital at 21.47% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 22.66%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.

A strong liquidity buffer was maintained with a Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 320.56% against the regulatory requirement of 100%.

The Bank reported a Return on Equity (ROE) of 24.22%, while its Earnings Per Share for the twelve months ending 31st December 2024 increased to LKR 50.82, against LKR 34.70 recorded during the same period last year.

Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through multi-channel customer touch points spanning both physical and digital. The Bank is focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.

Business

Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry: JAAF drives industry dialogue

Published

5 hours ago

2025/02/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with Monash Business School and the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) successfully hosted the International Conference on the Apparel Industry 2025 recently in Colombo. This was the second time the event was held, following its inaugural edition in 2018, as part of JAAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global apparel sector.

Themed “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry”, the three-day event brought together industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts to discuss pressing issues such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, circular economy strategies, technological advancements, and workforce transformation.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Current Actions and Their Impact on ESG-Related Outcomes in the Apparel Industry,” featuring:

Felix A. Fernando – CEO, Omega Line Ltd.

Nemanthie Kooragamage – Director Group Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings

Gayan Ranasinghe – Control Union,

Chamindry Saparamadu – Director General/CEO, Sustainable Development Council

Pyumi Sumanasekara – Principal Partner, KPMG Sri Lanka

Discussions emphasized how Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is adapting to global ESG standards, incorporating sustainable production methods, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks.