Business
Smart Factory Turnaround, to provide significant bottom-line improvements
XdotO Concepts, the pioneering industry 4.0 solutions provider, and the Center for Lean Excellence (CLE)– a certified process innovator & people empowerment solution provider, are poised to revolutionise and shape the future of manufacturing industries with the launch of the Smart Factory Turnaround initiative. This ground-breaking program empowers manufacturers to experience a substantial enhancement in their financial performance. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these collaborative entities, the program aims to revolutionise the manufacturing sector and drive remarkable advancements in overall profitability.
“The primary objective of this partnership is to establish a business that aligns with the principles of Industry 4.0 while incorporating cutting-edge infrastructure and adopting data-driven decision-making processes. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, driving industry advancements, and providing exceptional value to our clients,” says Indika Karunarathne, Chief Executive Officer of XdotO Concepts. XdotO Concepts is a cutting-edge industry 4.0 solutions provider in Sri Lanka that is making great strides in enabling smart-connected factories in the region. Their recent participation at ITMA 2023 is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation in the manufacturing industry on a global level.
Director of CLE Lapitha Gunasinghe commented on the partnership saying: “We aim to foster a cohesive environment where people and processes work in harmony while promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, we aim to establish a unified and reliable source of information, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the organisation. By pursuing these goals, we anticipate building a robust and forward-thinking enterprise that remains at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices.” CLE is a registered training and consulting provider specialising in process innovation and people development. The organisation is ISO 18404:2015 certified and collaborates with Toyota Engineering Corporation (TEC) in Japan to offer training programs on the Toyota Production System (TPS) in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration between these two companies offers customers a unique advantage by enabling the creation of a Smart Factory Turnaround that encompasses crucial aspects for optimising manufacturing operations. First and foremost, a substantial positive impact on the bottom line can be achieved through this program, whilst the implementation of an automated and technologically advanced factory eliminates the reliance on paper-based processes.
“The focus on the development of a workforce that is adept at upskilling and motivated at all levels will empower the manufacturers with a smart workforce who will be aligned to continuous improvement. The creation of an optimised process-driven culture will seamlessly drive organisations towards their goals. Furthermore, the Payback facet guarantees that clients will witness tangible results within a 12–18 month time frame, offering manufacturers an unparalleled opportunity to transform their manufacturing operations into intelligent, efficient, and environmentally conscious entities,” adds Asanka Henegedara, Director People’s Excellence, CLE.
Dulantha Balasooriya – Director of Business Operations at XdotO Concepts also expressed his excitement stating: “The partnership between XdotO Concepts and the Center for Lean Excellence presents an exceptional opportunity for potential customers to access a truly unique solution. By combining the expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies of both companies, they are poised to deliver an unparalleled offering that addresses the specific needs and challenges of manufacturing organisations. With our shared vision and collaborative approach, we are confident in our ability to revolutionise the manufacturing industry and deliver transformative results. We are excited to see our potential customers joining us on this exciting journey and experience the benefits of our powerful partnership firsthand.”
The unveiling of the Smart Factory Turnaround initiative has already sparked overwhelming interest in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other regional countries, and is poised to pave the way for a future of intelligent manufacturing.
Business
Dialog delivers strong growth, stronger national contribution in FY 2025
Dialog Axiata PLC announced, Friday 6th February 2026, its consolidated financial results (Reviewed) for the year ended 31st December 2025. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).
Group Performance
The Group delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line and Digital Pay Television businesses recording a positive Core Revenue growth of 16% Year to Date (“YTD”). Group Headline Revenue reached Rs179.6Bn, up 5% YTD, despite the continued strategic scaling down of low-margin international wholesale business. In Q4 2025, Revenue was recorded at Rs46.5Bn up 2% Quarter-on-Quarter (“QoQ”) and 2% Year-on-Year (“YoY”).
The Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) reached Rs86.0Bn up 30% YTD supported by Core Revenue performance and Cost Rescaling Initiatives. On a QoQ basis Group EBITDA demonstrated a modest growth to record at Rs23.0Bn up 2% QoQ with an EBITDA margin of 49.5% in line with the Revenue performance. Group EBITDA margin reached 47.9% for FY 2025, up 9.2pp.
Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) reached Rs20.8Bn for FY 2025, up 67% YTD mainly resulting from robust EBITDA growth, despite higher tax and net finance costs. Normalized for forex impact, NPAT growth was recorded at +>100% YTD to reach Rs22.1Bn. On a QoQ basis NPAT grew 3% to reach Rs5.9Bn resulting from strong EBITDA performance.
On the back of strong operational performance, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”)
of Rs49.3Bn for FY 2025 up >100% YTD.
Dividend Payment to Shareholders
In line with the dividend policy and financial performance of the Group and taking into account the forward investment requirements to serve the nation’s demand for Broadband and Digital services, the Board of Directors of Dialog Axiata PLC at its meeting held on 6th February 2026, resolved to propose for consideration by the Shareholders of the Company, a dividend to ordinary shareholders amounting to Rs1.50 per share. The said dividend, if approved by shareholders, would translate to a Dividend Yield of 5.0% based on share closing price for FY 2025. The dividend so proposed will be considered for approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company, the date pertaining to which would be notified in due course.
Company and Subsidiary Performance
At an entity level, Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) continued to be the primary contributor to Group Revenue (76%) and Group EBITDA (74%). Aided by sustained growth in the Data segment and cost-rescaling initiatives, Company revenue was recorded at Rs135.8Bn for FY 2025, up 18% YTD, EBITDA rose 32% YTD to reach Rs63.6Bn. On a QoQ basis, Q4 2025 Revenue was recorded at Rs34.8Bn, down 1% QoQ due to a reclassification of Hubbing Revenue, while EBITDA decline 1% QoQ to record Rs17.0Bn, largely attributable to network restoration costs and donations made in relation to the Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts. Furthermore, NPAT was recorded at Rs15.6Bn for FY 2025, up 41% YTD. Normalised for forex impacts, the company NPAT was up +>100% YTD to reach Rs17.0Bn. On a QoQ basis, Company NPAT was recorded at Rs4.5Bn, down 6% QoQ.
Business
Ceylinco Life’s Pranama Scholarships reach 25-year milestone
Ceylinco Life has announced the launch of the 25th consecutive edition of its flagship Pranama Scholarships programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence among the children of its policyholders.
Under the 2026 programme, the life insurance market leader will present scholarships with a total cumulative value of Rs. 22.7 million, continuing a rewards initiative that has now been conducted without interruption for a quarter of a century. Since its inception, the Ceylinco Life Pranama Scholarships programme has benefitted 3,466 students across the country, representing a total investment of Rs. 240 million in nurturing academic achievement and outstanding performance in sports, arts and other extracurricular pursuits.
Business
Sri Lankans’ artistic genius glowingly manifests at Kala Pola ‘26
The artistic genius of Sri Lankans was amply manifest all over again at ‘Kala Pola ‘26’ which was held on February 8th at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha Colombo 7; the usual, teeming and colourful venue for this annual grand exhibition and celebration of the work of local visual artists.
If there is one thing that has flourished memorably and resplendently in Sri Lanka over the centuries it is the artistic capability or genius of its people. It is something that all Sri Lankans could feel a sense of elation over because from the viewpoint of the arts, Sri Lanka is second to no other nation. With regard to the visual arts a veritable dazzling radiance of this inborn and persisting capability is seen at the annual open air ‘Kala Pola’.

A bird of Sri Lanka created from scraps of iron waste.
All capable visual artists, wherever they hail from in Sri Lanka, enjoy the opportunity of exhibiting their work at the ‘Kala Pola’ and this is a distinctive ‘positive’ of this annual event that draws numberless artists and viewers. There was an abundance of paintings, sketches and sculptures, for instance, and one work was as good as the other. Ample and equal space was afforded each artist. Its widely participatory and open nature enables one to describe the exhibition as exuding a profoundly democratic ethos.
Accordingly, this time around at ‘Kala Pola ‘26’ too Sri Lankans’ creative efforts were there to be viewed, studied and enjoyed in the customary carnival atmosphere where connoisseurs, local and foreign, met in a sprit of camaraderie and good cheer. Many thanks are owed once again to the George Keyt Foundation for the presentation of the event in association with the John Keells Group and the John Keells Foundation, not forgetting the Nations Trust Bank, which was the event’s Official Banking Partner. The exhibition was officially declared open by Chief Guest Marc-Andre Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.
By Lynn Ockersz
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