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ISOBAR Sri Lanka sweeps the boards at SLIM Digis 2.2 as the Most Awarded Agency

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Adding yet another milestone in 2022, ISOBAR Sri Lanka, the digital arm of the premier advertising agency group, Dentsu Communications, recorded a historic win as the Most Awarded Advertising Agency in Sri Lanka at the SLIM Digis 2.2 awards for 2022.

The digital agency recorded a stellar performance by securing 15 awards, with its Grand Theft Kottu (Sera Kottu Kottu) campaign being bestowed with 6 key awards at the ceremony – making it also the most awarded single campaign at Digis 2.2. It is the first gaming campaign to be awarded a Gold award in Sri Lanka. ISOBAR Sri Lanka’s clutch of 15 key awards at the SLIM Digis 2.2 event comprised of 2 Golds, 7 Silvers, 1 Bronze and 5 Merits; ensuring that the agency broke many records in the history of the SLIM Digis awards. Amongst the winning campaigns were Sera Kottu Kottu, Softlogic Life, FriMi, Elephant House Beverages and YouLead.

Commenting on the win, Mohenesh Chamith Buthgumwa – Vice-President, Dentsu Communications said, “We are constantly recalibrating our understanding of where consumers are, and we always take a step back to understand and learn as we go and explore what we can do differently in the future. The overwhelming success of our campaigns demonstrated the importance of being in the right place at the right time with the right message. It is because of this understanding and rigour that ISOBAR Sri Lanka is easily the most awarded agency in Sri Lanka for 2022.”

Adding further, Neela Marikkar – Chairperson, Dentsu Communications stated, “ISOBAR Sri Lanka’s victory at SLIM Digis 2.2 leaves no doubt that our digital agency has catapulted ahead to the forefront of the industry in terms of its digital innovation, ideation, and implementation within a short span of 4 years. As the Dentsu Grant Group we have always embraced the new and pre-empted trends, which are reflected in ISOBAR Sri Lanka’s industry-best campaigns, which are delighting clients and winning awards. I applaud the ISOBAR Sri Lanka team on their triumph and our valued clients for placing their trust in us.”

ISOBAR Sri Lanka is the only Sri Lankan agency to receive a Global Rank of 93 amongst the TOP 100 agencies in the world in the Effie 2021 Global Rankings and is featured as No. 24 in the Top 25 APAC List. The Effie Index identifies and ranks the most effective agencies, marketers, brands, networks, and holding companies by analyzing finalist and winner data from Effie Awards competitions around the world.



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IMF staff team concludes visit to Sri Lanka

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An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Evan Papageorgiou visited Colombo from April 3 to 11, 2025. After constructive discussions in Colombo, Mr. Papageorgiou issued the following statement:

“Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda supported by the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) continues to deliver commendable outcomes. The post-crisis growth rebound of 5 percent in 2024 is impressive. Inflation declined considerably in recent quarters and has fallen to ‑2.6 percent at end-March 2025. Gross official reserves increased to US$6.5 billion at end-March 2025 with sizeable foreign exchange purchases by the central bank. Substantial fiscal reforms have strengthened public finances.

“The recent external shock and evolving developments are creating uncertainty for the Sri Lankan economy, which is still recovering from its own economic crisis. More time is needed to assess the impact of the global shock and how its implications for Sri Lanka can be addressed within the contours of its IMF-supported program.

“The government’s sustained commitment to program objectives is ensuring policy continuity and program implementation remains strong. Going forward, sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguard the hard-won gains of the program and put the economy on a path toward lasting macroeconomic stability and higher inclusive growth.

“Against increased global uncertainty, sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution in line with Budget 2025 are critical to preserve the limited fiscal space. Boosting tax compliance, including by reinstating an efficient and timely VAT refund mechanism, will help contribute to revenue gains without resorting to additional tax policy measures. Avoiding new tax exemptions will help reduce fiscal revenue leakages, corruption risks and build much needed fiscal buffers, including for social spending to support Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable. Restoring cost recovery in electricity pricing will help minimize fiscal risks arising from the electricity state-owned enterprise.

“The government has an important responsibility to protect the poor and vulnerable at this uncertain time. It is important to redouble efforts to improve targeting, adequacy, and coverage of social safety nets. Fiscal support needs to be well-targeted, time-bound, and within the existing budget envelope.

“While inflation remains low, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure sustained price stability and support macroeconomic stability. Against ongoing global uncertainty, it remains important to continue rebuilding external buffers through reserves accumulation.

“Discussions are ongoing, and the authorities are encouraged to continue to make progress on restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing, strengthening the tax exemptions framework, and other important structural reforms.

“The IMF team held meetings with His Excellency President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya ; Honorable Labor Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Honorable Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Mr. K M Mahinda Siriwardana, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, and other senior government and CBSL officials. The team also met with parliamentarians, representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.

“We would like to thank the authorities for the excellent collaboration during the mission. Discussions are continuing with the goal of reaching staff-level agreement in the near term to pave the way for the timely completion of the fourth review. We reaffirm our commitment to support Sri Lanka at this uncertain time.”

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ComBank unveils new Corporate Branch at Head Office

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Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO, Sanath Manatunge, Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar, Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking Hasrath Munasinghe, Corporate Branch Chief Manager -Ruvini Samarasinghe and representatives of the Bank’s corporate and senior management at the opening of the new Corporate Branch

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.

The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.

Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.

Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”

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Fits Retail and Abans PLC Unveil Exclusive DeLonghi Premium Coffee Experience

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The iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at Abans showroom

Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.

At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.

Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”

“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.

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