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Singer continues to focus on the preservation of Ozone Layer

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The ozone layer acts as a shield for life on earth, absorbing most of the sun’s ultra violet radiation to protect the human beings from harmful rays. The ozone layer, being an essential aspect for human existence has been a much talked of topic during the recent past while many initiatives have been taken to protect it for future generations. The United Nations General Assembly in 1994 declared 16th September as the International Day for the preservation of ozone layer acceding to the Montreal protocol of 1987 and the Vienna convention for the protection of ozone layer.

Rifa Wadood, Director – Air Resource Management at National Ozone Unit, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment said, ‘’Being an Article 5 country of the Montreal Protocol for substances that deplete the ozone layer, Sri Lanka has successfully phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is committed to phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and phasedown hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants. As a country, we are highly vulnerable to climate change, a global environmental externality. Considering the global warming impact of ozone layer depletion and the use of HFCs, I urge all the stakeholders including corporates to be responsible for their consumption and production, and choose appropriate alternatives that are less harmful to the environment.

The theme of World Ozone Day 2021 is ‘Montreal Protocol: Keeping Us, Our Food and Vaccines Cool’. On this day, let us celebrate our success of working together for humanity. Let us think globally and act locally!’’

SINGER, the country’s premier consumer durables retailer who is renowned for its eco-friendly product line up stepped forward to address this pressing issue with the launch of its trademark R600a refrigerant back in 2012. This innovation saw SINGER becoming the first company in Sri Lanka to adopt R600a technology in the refrigerant manufacturing process, in fact the first to do so in South Asia. Our efforts in early conversion of all our refrigerators to CFC free gases compelled the entire industry to follow-suit making total Sri Lankan Refrigerator Market almost zero ozone impact refrigerators. Since the introduction, SINGER’s R600a refrigerant has a success story of selling more than 1.25 million units, which accounts for a total energy saving of 1.3 Billion kWh. The introduction of R600a refrigerant goes down as one of the significant contributions to the ozone layer protection from a Sri Lankan company. Having identified the potential benefits of R600a gas over CFC gas, SINGER continued to expand its R600a refrigerant range.

SINGER owns a state-of-the-art refrigerator manufacturing facility, REGNIS (Lanka) PLC which utilizes cutting edge technology to manufacture high quality R600a refrigerants. SINGER’s R600a refrigerants are highly renowned for low energy consumption and save a considerable amount of money spent on electricity bill. Most importantly, R600a refrigerants are eco-friendly, making them the ideal solution for environment protection.

Sharing a timely message for the International Ozone Layer preservation Day, Shanil Perera, Director – Marketing, SINGER (Sri Lanka) PLC said, ‘’As we celebrate the World Ozone day, it is high time that we focus our attention to environment protection at all costs. We are witnessing an influx of natural disasters, environment pollution and threat to the ozone layer. It takes a collective effort from all of us to address these concerns. I take pride in saying that 100% of refrigerators marketed by SINGER are with eco-friendly Non-Ozone Impact gases. SINGER, being an environmentally conscious company is taking all possible measures to contribute to the overall environment preservation.”

SINGER in its continuous efforts towards green concepts, is trying to create awareness about the persistent threat of ozone layer depletion and encourage people to act responsibly and help save the planet. SINGER invites the public to think wisely and choose eco-friendly products, which are both beneficial for the environment as well as for the end consumer.



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Dialog delivers a strong first quarter performance

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Dialog Axiata PLC announced its consolidated financial results for the three months ended 31st March 2025. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).

The Group delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line, Digital Pay Television and Tele-infrastructure businesses recording a positive Revenue growth of 4% Year on Year (“YoY”) to reach Rs43.3Bn for Q1 2025. On a Quarter on Quarter (“QoQ”) basis Revenue declined by 5% owing to conscious scaling down of low margin international wholesale business amounting to Rs1.7Bn for Q1 2025. Group Core Revenue was recorded at Rs41.4Bn for Q1 2025, up 20% YoY albeit declining 2% QoQ due to days impact. Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) recorded a growth of 45% YoY to reach Rs19.7Bn albeit declining 7% QoQ due to moderate decline in core Revenue.

Headline EBITDA margin improved 12.8 percentage points as compared to Q1 2024. The Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) was recorded at Rs4.1Bn for Q1 2025 up 49% YoY albeit declining 39% QoQ. Dialog Group continued to be a significant contributor to state Revenues, remitting a total of Rs14.8Bn to the Government of Sri Lanka (“GoSL”) during Q1 2025. Total remittances included Direct Taxes and Levies amounting to Rs4.5Bn as well as Rs10.3Bn in Consumption Taxes collected on behalf of the GoSL. The Group continues to remain steadfast to meet growing demand from both retail and corporate sectors, whilst also ensuring seamless experience and leadership in Sri Lankas’ Broadband and ICT sectors. Dialog mobile network was recognised by third party network monitoring platform as the leader across 5G Experience, Coverage and Overall Experience. The Capital expenditure (“Capex”) for Q1 2025 reached Public

Rs3.7Bn representing an increase of 36% YoY. As a result of improved performance and controlled Capex, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”) of Rs12.3Bn for Q1 2025 up 71% YoY and >+100% QoQ.

In the recent quarter, Dialog was honoured as the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 14th consecutive year and the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the 4th time at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2025, held on March 18, 2025. This recognition, awarded based on the voice of the people, reflects the strong affinity with Sri Lankans over the years. Dialog was also recognized at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024, winning the ‘Non-Financial Services Category’ for its exemplary commitment to sustainability and transparency. This achievement reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its business strategy and operations.

At an entity level, the Company continued to contribute a major share of Group Revenue (74%) and Group EBITDA (72%) during the quarter. Company Revenue was recorded at Rs32.3Bn up 26% YoY due to consolidation of Airtel business and stable pricing in the consumer space. On a QoQ was down 1% owing to days impact. EBITDA was recorded at Rs14.2Bn for Q1 2025 representing a growth of 63% YoY on the back of strong revenue performance and moderation in cost increase. On a QoQ basis EBITDA declined by 21% due to higher Network and Manpower costs. The Company NPAT was recorded at Rs2.9Bn for Q1 2025, up 78% YoY albeit declining 64% QoQ. Dialog Television (“DTV”), continued to consolidate its leadership position in the Digital Pay Television space, maintaining a strong subscriber base of over 1.6Mn as of end Q1 2025. DTV Revenue reached Rs3.1Bn for Q1 2025, remaining stable YoY albeit declining 6% QoQ due to slow down in subscription revenue and days impact. DTV EBITDA was recorded at Rs475Mn a growth of 3% YoY whilst declining 29% QoQ largely in line with the revenue movement. NPAT was recorded at a negative Rs367Mn for the quarter. Dialog Broadband Networks (“DBN”) featuring the Group’s Fixed Telecommunications, Broadband and International Businesses recorded Revenue of Rs9.0Bn for Q1 2025, down 38% YoY and 17% QoQ. The headline Revenue decline was due to the scaling down of low margin international wholesale business. The Core Fixed Business recorded a Revenue of Rs7.8Bn for Q1 2025, up 6% YoY and 2% QoQ. The EBITDA Public for DBN grew 24% YoY and 82% QoQ to record at Rs5.0Bn for Q1 2025, driven by decline in Network and Manpower costs. NPAT reached Rs1.6Bn for Q1 2025 increasing 72% YoY. More details are available at the following links:

Dialog Axiata PLC direct weblink: https://www.dialog.lk/financial-report-archives#quaterly-reports

CSE direct weblink: https://www.cse.lk/pages/company-profile/company-profile.component.html?symbol=DIAL.N0000

Dialog sustainability: https://www.dialog.lk/sustainability

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Hachajah puts Sri Lanka on the global music map with double win at the CARAs

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hachajah - Double-Award Winner at CARA 2025. (From left) Alexander Koutzoukis, BOSS executive producer - CASA; hachajah; Anthony Pulido, Chief of Staff - CASA; and Jessica Chen, Director of Awards - CASA

Sri Lanka celebrates a moment of immense national pride as hachajah – the artistic moniker of Colombo-born singer, songwriter and producer Charith Peris — secures two prestigious accolades at the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), hosted by the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA). These global awards, considered the highest honour in recorded a cappella music, have previously recognised internationally acclaimed acts like Pentatonix, now a household name in the genre.

hachajah’s debut EP, No Place Like, was awarded Best Semi-Professional Post-Collegiate Album or EP, while his poignant single Colombo Sky earned Best Song by a Solo Performer. With eight nominations and runner-up honours in two additional categories, this debut marks a breakout moment for the artist – and a significant cultural win for Sri Lanka.

“Winning a CARA was a personal dream. To win two with my first EP is surreal,” hachajah shares. “These awards are an honour to receive, as they recognise my journey, my Sri Lankan roots, and the stories I carry through music.”

Known for his distinctive fusion of pop a cappella with traditional Sri Lankan narratives and musical elements, hachajah crafts songs that are both deeply personal and widely resonant. Drawing from his experiences growing up in Colombo during the civil war, his music explores themes of identity, longing, and cultural memory.

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An innovative Rotary program to promote values in children

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Season 4 Honda Purudu Championship Finals were held at the Temple Trees Auditorium on the 27th of April, with the Rotary district governor, Sushena Ranatunga, as the chief guest. The governor enlightened the audience, filled with teachers, principals and other educators the importance of bringing back the lost values in our country. He thanked the children for learning and expressing these important values using performing arts and advised them to make them part of their daily lives.

Children in Sri Lanka are navigating a world filled with complex moral dilemmas and often lack the guidance to cultivate essential values like kindness, honesty, and respect. Honda Purudu Championship is part of the Little Minds Strong Values (LMSV) program, conceptualised by Rotarian Rukshan Perera, supported by the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan, and collaborated with the Ministry of Education to roll out to schools around the country. LMSV attracts the children with engaging, value-embedded, video-animated songs that teach core values while inspiring the child

ren to express these values and perform skits in school and join the Honda Purudu Championship through the performing arts. This process aspires to place values education at the forefront of children’s lives (in school and at home) and mould the next generation to become compassionate and responsible leaders.

HONDA PURUDU CHAMPIONSHIP: The annual Honda Purudu Championship further encourages children and schools to participate and sustain these values while winning Awards & Certificates. It is open to preschoolers, primary and secondary schoolers in the Solo and Group categories. As a byproduct, the children continue to enhance their talents in the performing arts.

Season 4 LMSV Championship has made remarkable strides with more than 11,000 children showcasing active engagement nationwide, with schools embracing LMSV values in various innovative ways, benefiting thousands of children. The professional judges selected 140 children, and they were invited to the finals in Colombo. They came from North, South, East and West – Jaffna, Ampara, Batticaloa, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Badulla, and several other big cities and small towns. Children selected LMSV songs of their choice to eagerly express these values via Song, Dance, Speech, and Drama. In the process, they surprised the audience with their fabulous talents, wearing beautiful costumes, expressing these values in the mediums they enjoy, and elevating the afternoon to an impressive event.

The principals, teachers and other educators spoke very highly of the event; “We are thankful to the Ministry of Education and Rotary for introducing LMSV to schools”, “This is an innovative program for children to build future leaders with good morals”, “Every child must be exposed to the LMSV program to build the future of our country”…etc.

COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITE TO DRIVE THE PROCESS: LMSV website WWW.LMSV.LK provides a comprehensive platform that connects educators with integrated tools in one seamless experience. It’s a one-stop shop for teachers, parents, students, and the community to learn the program via online tutorials, guides, and presentations.

This is an annual event organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan, and we welcome all school principals, teachers and parents around the country to help the children join the Honda Purudu Championship and learn these important values for life. Season 5 will begin in May 2025.

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