Business
MarCom Collective engage clients on sustaining a strong and healthy advertising eco system
Left – Right: Roshan Wijeyaratne – President, MarCom Collective and President, Event Management Association of Sri Lanka, Tharaka Ranwala First Vice President, MarCom Collective and President, International Advertising Association (IAA) – Sri Lanka Chapter and Sugiban Sathiayamoorthy – Second Vice President, MarCom Collective and President, Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies, Sri Lanka (4As)
Makes request to temporarily suspend calling for pitches and competitive bids
The MarCom Collective recently made an appeal to clients on behalf of marketing communication industry, requesting them to refrain from calling for pitches and competitive quotations with concepts and to continue to work with their existing partners until the current situation eases for all. The proposed timeframe is 18 months, commencing from 1st July 2021.
In the event a pitch is unavoidable, the Collective has proposed a series of steps for Companies to consider. 1. Decide on an agency based on credentials submissions 2. The proposed minimum limit that defines a project as large enough to be called for a pitch should yield a net ad spend that exceeds Rs 10 million per annum in respect of creative production for ad agencies, a spend of Rs. 5 million per event in respect of event companies, a spend of Rs. 25 million per annum in respect of digital companies, a spend of Rs. 100 million in respect of media independent companies. In addition, it proposes that clients evaluate credentials of all suitable agencies but limit the final selection to 3 agencies/companies only for pitch submissions. Lastly, it proposes that clients consider paying a minimum fee of 150,000 for the pitch work presented by the two unsuccessful bidders. In the case of event companies and outdoor companies it requests clients to ask for cost proposals only.
The Collective stated that, at present the marketing communications industry is under tremendous pressure as a result of the ongoing pandemic and many agencies have had to take drastic measures in order to survive. The added burden of a pitch and uncertainty associated with it, only increases the pressure they face. This request comes because of the significant increase in pitches being called for by clients which are considered arbitrary in nature.
Commenting on the appeal that is being made to clients, Roshan Wijeyaratne – President, MarCom Collective and President, Event Management Association of Sri Lanka said, “The marketing communications industry has been quite challenged due to the prevailing global health and financial crisis. We believe that it is important for us to join hands and use our time and talent productively and not wastefully. The marketing communications industry thrives on relationships, as such we are confident that by working together in partnership over the next 18 months, will only enable companies to recoup some of the losses that have been incurred during the past 15 months. Pitches cost money and time, which Agencies, Event companies Media independents, Printing companies, Research and Outdoor Advertising companies can ill afford.”
”As a member of the IAA, which represents clients, media, and advertising agencies, I believe the request being made is timely. It is only fitting for us to come together as members of the business community and be mindful of the current situation and lend our support in ways that we can. Engaging and remaining with our current partners we feel is reasonable, as it can only strengthen and build the working relationship when facing such a challenging time.” said, Tharaka Ranwala – First Vice President, MarCom Collective and President, International Advertising Association (IAA) – Sri Lanka Chapter.
By Ifham Nizam
As Sri Lanka gears up for a transformative shift in its energy sector, the Results Delivery Framework (RDF) 2025-26 lays out a strategic roadmap toward a cleaner, more sustainable and people-centric energy future.
Eng. Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage, Director General, Power Sector Reforms Secretariat and a member of the Energy Committee, emphasizes the critical role of public awareness and global integration in achieving these ambitious goals.
“The success of our energy transition depends on people being on the same page, says Hedigallage. “We need a unified approach where policies align with public interest, ensuring energy security while reducing our carbon footprint.”
The RDF focuses on three main pillars:
Affordable and Secure, Cleaner Energy Supply
Smart and Sensible, People-Centric Energy
Strategic Global Integration in the Energy Sector
To achieve energy security and affordability, Sri Lanka is set to establish a National Energy Policy & Planning Office (NEPPO) in the first half of 2025. This office will serve as the central body for policy formulation and planning, ensuring a structured approach to clean energy adoption.
A key initiative is the “Rivi Bala Punarudaya” solar program, aiming to add 2,000 MW of solar energy within five years. “Solar power is one of the most viable solutions for Sri Lanka. It’s time to accelerate large-scale adoption, Hedigallage asserts.
Additionally, the government plans to begin competitive procurement for 1,000 MW of wind energy along the Puttalam-Jaffna coastal belt by mid-2025.
Hedigallage stresses the importance of policy reforms to align industrial and regulatory frameworks. “Introducing the Energy Transition Act in late 2025 will harmonize all sector-related laws, ensuring smoother implementation of new initiatives, he explains.
Other people-centric initiatives include:
Amendments to the Electricity Act to facilitate restructuring within the energy sector.
A Demand Response Program, developed with the Ministry of Digital Economy, to optimize energy consumption.
A techno-commercial collaboration program connecting universities, industries and utilities to drive innovation.
The Women-in-Energy National Program, launching in late 2025, to increase female participation in the sector.
Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, the RDF aims to position Sri Lanka as a key player in the global energy market.
A state agency for green hydrogen initiatives will be established in late 2025 to explore hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
By early 2026, a digital risk management dashboard will be launched to monitor reservoir levels, fuel inventories, and energy demand in real time.
The Green Energy Certification Unit, to be established in 2026, will authenticate renewable energy usage with Renewable Energy Certificates (REC).
ESG (Environment, Sustainability, and Governance) frameworks will be introduced to ensure sustainable energy sector practices.
A global energy forum will be launched in 2026 to connect Sri Lanka to international energy value chains.
With these ambitious plans, Sri Lanka is set to become a leader in clean energy in the region. “Our energy future is not just about technology and infrastructure; it’s about people, policy, and partnerships, Hedigallage added.
Mintpay, a pioneering financial app reshaping how people pay in Sri Lanka, has announced a landmark partnership with Softlogic Restaurants. This collaboration aims to enhance the dining experience for food enthusiasts by offering convenient, secure, and flexible payment options. Softlogic Restaurants, renowned for its portfolio of beloved brands such as Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Crystal Jade, Delifrance, and Baskin Robbins, will now enable customers to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines through Mintpay’s seamless digital payment solution.
Mintpay Account Manager Sasra Wickrama Arachchi stated, “At Mintpay, we aim to transform every payment into a rewarding moment, and we believe this partnership with Softlogic Restaurants delivers on that promise, making every meal more rewarding.”
Mintpay Senior Business Development Executive Faziha Farhan added, “At Mintpay, we’re always expanding our network by partnering with brands that share our vision for seamless and rewarding payments. We’re excited to welcome Burger King, the first global QSR brand in Sri Lanka to integrate Mintpay, alongside other renowned Softlogic restaurants. This partnership marks another step in transforming the dining experience for all our customers, offering greater flexibility and convenience whenever they use Mintpay.”
Business
Haleon partners Sri Lanka Dental Association as Official Sponsor for World Oral Health Day 2025
Haleon Sri Lanka formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare; the first multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing organization in Sri Lanka, which commenced manufacturing in 1956 with the flagship brands Panadol, Iodex Eno etc., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) as the official sponsor of World Oral Health Day 2025 in Sri Lanka. The formal signing ceremony took take place on Friday, February 28, 2025. The global theme for this year is “A happy mouth is … a happy mind” which emphasises the importance of oral health on quality of life and wellbeing.
The partnership between SLDA and Haleon; Marketers of Sensodyne aims to transform the conventional methods of celebrating World Oral Health Day. The landmark agreement reimagines World Oral Health Day with an awareness-driven approach themed “#BeSensitiveToOralHealth: Take the first step.” The month-long March campaign will educate Sri Lankans about proactive oral healthcare through strategic messaging across traditional and digital platforms, encouraging everyone to prioritize their oral health. The collaboration represents a significant commitment to improving oral health awareness and access to dental care across Sri Lanka.
Haleon and SLDA will work together to extend awareness that results in tangible healthcare benefits nationwide. Free dental screening facilities will be provided across the island, benefiting approximately 50,000 Sri Lankans.
Beginning March 20th, World Oral Health Day, will take place as a national event at Galle Face, Colombo will serve as the campaign centrepiece, offering free dental screenings, oral cancer assessments, and teeth sensitivity tests to increase public understanding of good oral health practices. All SLDA members will actively participate in this nationwide health initiative making quality dental care accessible to communities throughout the country.
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