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TAMAP workshop on e-Agriculture and Digital Market Platforms to strengthen knowledge and initiatives for digital transformation

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To provide stakeholders a platform to gain further understanding of current applications and initiatives of e-agriculture systems, the European Union-funded ‘Technical Assistance to the Modernisation of Agriculture Programme’ (TAMAP) conducted a workshop on e-Agriculture and Digital Market Platforms in Colombo .

TAMAP in collaboration with the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) brought together private and public sector entities to discuss digital solutions for farmers. Participants were provided with information regarding new agricultural technology applications to expand markets and market opportunities. The current COVID-19 crisis underscored the need to harness e-agriculture solutions to provide real-time information while practicing physical distancing.

Welcoming the participants both at the venue and those joining the workshop online, Dr Christof Batzlen, TAMAP Team Leader indicated that, “TAMAP has started to analyse the demand for e-agriculture solutions in Sri Lanka. TAMAP and HARTI have initiated this discussion to take stock of who is doing what and to examine the nature of the long term plans. The workshop is an entry point for further discussions, regarding the facilitation of e-agriculture and intended to provide direction and recommendations for e-agriculture and digital market platforms in Sri Lanka.”

Joining the workshop via Zoom, Sebastian Balcerak of TAMAP provided a market perspective on What is e-Agriculture? Overview on Various e-Agriculture Systems and Applications in the Global World. He elaborated on the EU’s existing support for e-agriculture, current players, large and small, and interactions between both buyers and sellers.

Explaining FAO’s Digital Agriculture Strategy, Approach and Plan for e-Agriculture in Sri Lanka, Dr Xuebing Sun, FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and Maldives, said, “e-Agriculture is one of the major strategies used by the FAO to promote transformational change in the agricultural sector. FAO is committed to assist the government and its partners to support an emerging digital society. The goal is to develop a national approach: A holistic digital-agriculture approach with a national vision and overall strategic objectives. This to be achieved by identifying the digital-agricultural priorities of the nation and defining the areas of intervention, as well as stakeholders’ responsibilities and necessary resources.”

As the agency responsible for dissemination of appropriate agriculture technologies to farming communities, the National Agriculture Information & Communication Centre, Department of Agriculture’s representative at the workshop, S. Periyasamy, Director, elaborated on What are GoSL’s requirements for an e-agriculture system in Sri Lanka.

He stated that although NAICC encountered challenges to engage stakeholders in an action plan, several ICT initiatives designed by the Department of Agriculture are being successfully implemented. These include management information systems, mobile applications, sharing information through websites, radio broadcasting, call center solutions, social media-based solutions, and digital and printed publications.

Prof. Ranjith Premalal De Silva, Director/CEO, HARTI, while expressing his views on Digital Market Platforms – Issues and Expectations, asked if farmers are prepared to undertake this change and move towards virtual interaction. He considered that, “From farm-gate to food plate, the length of the supply chain can be minimized through digital market platforms”. Prof De Silva elaborated on some constraints to the introduction of the platforms such as farmers’ perspectives, buyer/consumer concerns, retaining the middleman’s legacy, e-product deliverables and the technological backdrop.

Subsequently several digital market platforms for the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka were presented. Mr H.M.J.K. Herath of the GIS Unit of HARTI, presented the HARTI platform and Govipola of Croptronix, Helaviru of Epic and Govi Mithuru of Dialog provided information about their platforms and product offerings. The participants were also updated on the development challenges of these platforms and the future directions for strengthening their user value.

This was followed by a vibrant panel discussion looking into strategies to unlock key bottlenecks for e-agriculture development. Prof Buddhi Marambe of Peradeniya University of Agriculture facilitated the entire workshop and the panel discussions.

Dr Olaf Heidelbach, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation concluded the workshop by stating: “It is amazing to see what has been developed over the past years by the private sector while working in cooperation with the government. My main recommendation for the future – on the country’s e-agriculture strategy – is to identify the comparative advantages of different stakeholders by establishing who is doing what, best. The development of e-Agriculture in Sri Lanka depends to a large extent on private sector initiatives. Dr Heidelbach expressed his satisfaction over the view from the government that “it wishes to play an enabling role as a regulator and ensuring a level playing field.”

 



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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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