Business
SLT-MOBITEL implements akazaLMS training platform for Unilever Sri Lanka sales force
SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT solutions and Mobile Services Provider is supporting Unilever Sri Lanka, one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods companies in the country to empower and motivate staff by providing a flexible and comprehensive online training platform through SLT-MOBITEL’s cloud e-learning solution, akaza Learning Management Solution (LMS).
The launch was successfully held via a virtual platform recently with the participation of Unilever and SLT-MOBITEL personnel.
The akazaLMS solution was selected by Unilever Sri Lanka to launch its Customer Development Academy Platform to train its sales force. akazaLMS is a one-stop e-Learning solution catering to all training needs and recognised as Sri Lanka’s No 1 training platform. It is also the only fully automated ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) offering hosted locally on multiple cloud platforms and offered inclusive of the platform, infrastructure, and support.
The solution was developed in partnership with I-Context, an innovative digital education technology specialist. Notably, Unilever Sri Lanka is one of akazaLMS’s first customers to be deployed on the Azure Stack Cloud.
Implementing akazaLMS via the Azure stack cloud provides robust infrastructure and greater flexibility. Azure Stack also provides necessary governance and compliances Enterprises are looking for with data residing inside the country. In addition, Akaza MultiCloud powered by Azure stack offers better latency and faster access to users spread across the country.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Janaka Abeysinghe, Chief Enterprise & Wholesale Officer of SLT said, “We are pleased that Unilever Sri Lanka has selected akazaLMS to drive its eLearning initiatives. Enterprises in Sri Lanka are now conscious of the value delivered by cloud services. We are witnessing a significant surge in the cloud adoption across various industry sectors and SLT-MOBITEL is excited to support Unilever’s journey in utilizing the akazaLMS platform to deliver an integrated learning experience to their modern workforce, across all stages.”
Elaborating on the partnership, Aruna Mawilmada, Customer Development Director of Unilever Sri Lanka stated, “As a leading FMCG company with an active sales force, it is vital for us to equip our people with updated skills and knowledge, and elevate their capabilities to drive our business. With the prevailing pandemic and safety guidelines in place, the best way to drive our training and development goals and lead our purpose building platforms is by developing virtual training portals. As such, we consider it a great opportunity to partner with SLT- MOBITEL, to achieve these ambitions seamlessly.”
With akazaLMS, the Unilever Training and Development team will be able to optimize their training delivery. Trainings in compliance to standards and certifications can be offered to staff across multiple locations via distance learning, reducing logistical costs incurred as a result of programmes conducted at physical locations. Staff can also be provided with immediate access to resources, and the flexibility to learn at their own pace, which not only supports them in achieving their business goals but also serves to empower and motivate them.
AkazaLMS offers a series of dynamic features and benefits to support corporates to establish an eLearning environment within their organisation. With its SaaS offering and self-care portal, akazaLMS can be rapidly deployed online with no capital investment and is cost efficient with pricing based only on consumption. Interested corporates can easily set up a trial account immediately and test the product in-house at no extra charges. AkazaLMS also offers multi-device support and enables corporates to conduct online examinations and award online certifications. Information on offerings and details to sign-up may be obtained by visiting http://akazalms.lk/.
Business
AIA delivers strong first half results in 2026; double-digit growth across key financial metrics
The Board of AIA Group Limited (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the Group’s financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026. Growth rates are shown on a constant exchange rate basis unless otherwise stated:
New business performance and embedded value
Value of new business (VONB) of US$3,212 million, up 10 per cent overall and 14 per cent excluding Thailand(1)
Record high annualised operating ROEV of 18.0 per cent, up from 15.8 per cent in full year 2025
EV Equity of US$83.4 billion, up 6 per cent per share over the first half on an actual exchange rate basis
IFRS earnings
Operating profit after tax (OPAT) of US$4,163 million, up 13 per cent per share
AIA now expects to exceed OPAT per share CAGR target of 9 to 11 per cent from 2023 to 2026(2)
Record high annualised operating ROE of 17.5 per cent, up from 15.5 per cent in full year 2025
Cash generation and capital returns
Underlying free surplus generation (UFSG) of US$3,935 million, increased by 10 per cent per share
Net free surplus generation (net FSG) of US$2,758 million, up 12 per cent per share
US$3.6 billion returned to shareholders in the first half through dividend and share buy-back
Interim dividend increased by 10 per cent to 53.90 Hong Kong cents per share
Lee Yuan Siong, AIA’s Group Chief Executive and President, said:
“AIA has delivered another strong performance in the first half of 2026, with double-digit growth across our key financial metrics, while continuing to return substantial capital to shareholders. VONB reached a record high of US$3.2 billion with growth across all distribution channels, and all reportable segments excluding Thailand. The Group has achieved 17 per cent CAGR since the first half of 2023(3), demonstrating consistently strong demand for AIA’s professional advice and differentiated products.
“At the core of our unrivalled distribution platform is our market-leading Premier Agency. I am delighted that AIA has once again been ranked the number one Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) multinational company globally. We have held this position for a record 12 consecutive years and we have more than double the number of MDRT members of our nearest competitor. In the first half of 2026, our Premier Agency achieved strong VONB growth of 11 per cent excluding Thailand(1). Our extensive network of strategic distribution partners further expands our market reach and generated an 18 per cent increase in VONB, supported by very strong performance in both the bancassurance and independent financial adviser (IFA) and broker channels.
“Strong new business, together with disciplined management of our in-force portfolio, has supported sustained growth in recurring earnings with OPAT per share up by 13 per cent in the first half. As a result, we expect to exceed our 9 to 11 per cent OPAT per share CAGR target for 2023 to 2026(2). UFSG, the Group’s core measure of operating cash generation, increased by 10 per cent per share. After allowing for new business investment, net FSG increased by 12 per cent per share. In accordance with our prudent, sustainable and progressive dividend policy, the Board has declared a 10 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 53.90 Hong Kong cents per share. These achievements demonstrate that our financial strategy is working as intended.
“Asia remains the most compelling growth opportunity for life and health insurance. Powerful structural tailwinds across the region continue to create substantial demand for our professional advice and differentiated products and underpin the exceptional long-term prospects for AIA’s business. I am confident that AIA’s disciplined execution of our strategic priorities will continue to deliver long-term sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”
Business
British Council Sri Lanka launches soft skills workshops to elevate learning and empower communication
The British Council Sri Lanka has launched Corporate English Solutions (CES), tailored to the Sri Lankan corporate and education ecosystem, aimed at helping organisations strengthen workplace communication and professional development.
The launch event took place recently at the NH Collection, Colombo 3, gathering corporate partners, clients and education stakeholders throughout the country.
CES extends the British Council’s long-standing work in English language education and teacher training into a dedicated offering for the corporate sector. The launch introduced two new components to the British Council’s presence in Sri Lanka such as public workshops and teacher training programmes, open to learners and educators beyond the organisation’s existing corporate and academic partners. Guests at the event were shown a short video introducing Corporate English Solutions before the formal proceedings began.
Talal Meer, British Council Regional Business Development Director, South Asia, welcomed guests and introduced the British Council’s team in Sri Lanka. In his remarks, Meer set out the scope of the CES launch, covering the introduction of public workshops in Sri Lanka, the rollout of teacher training programmes, and an overview of the CES product portfolio. Meer’s role covers educational partnerships in the South Asia region, and his address framed the Sri Lanka launch within the British Council’s broader regional strategy.
Business
Ogilvy Group tops award tally at ‘Dragons of Sri Lanka’ 2026
Ogilvy Group Sri Lanka delivered a standout performance at the recently concluded Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026 Awards, securing a total of nine awards comprising two Gold Dragons, one Silver Dragon and six Black Dragons, among the festival’s highest overall award tallies. Gold Dragon wins for Phoenix Ogilvy and Ogilvy Digital, together with the seven additional recognitions across multiple categories, highlighted Ogilvy’s ability to combine creativity, strategic thinking and commercial effectiveness to deliver business results.
Organised by the 4As Sri Lanka, the third edition of Dragons of Sri Lanka shortlisted more than 50 agencies and corporates, making it one of the country’s most competitive marketing communications awards. These local awards, along with the chapters in Malaysia and Pakistan are part of the Dragons of Asia platform, one of the region’s leading programmes for marketing communications effectiveness, with entries being judged on strategy, originality, execution and measurable results.
Ogilvy Digital accounted for eight awards in total, including a Gold Dragon in the Business & Trade Marketing category, and a Silver Dragon in the Innovative Idea or Concept category. The Agency additionally received six Black Dragons across the categories of Innovative Idea or Concept, Business & Trade Marketing, Content Creation, Small Budget, Event or Experiential, and Brand Trial or Sales Generation.
Commenting on the achievement, Sajith Weerasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of Ogilvy Digital, said, “These recognitions reflect the breadth of capabilities we’ve built across strategy, creative, content, experience design, technology and performance marketing. The fact that the work was recognised across so many different disciplines demonstrates our ability to apply creativity to a wide range of business challenges and objectives. We’re proud that this achievement spans multiple clients, categories and types of work, reflecting both the versatility of our people and our commitment to delivering results.”
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