Business
‘Unique, vast, uninterrupted view of the ocean at EKHO Surf, Bentota’
EKHO Surf, Bentota emerges from a transformative renovation, inviting travelers, holidaymakers, and ocean-lovers to savor its unique, vast, uninterrupted ocean view. Officially relaunched on December 19, 2023, the hotel narrates a story of resilience, evolution, and the timeless allure of Sri Lanka’s pristine coastline, perfectly timed for the peak of the December tourist season.
EKHO Surf combines golden sunsets, soft sand, and a sprawling lawn with well-appointed rooms and the freshest seafood, offering a truly authentic tropical escape.
Reflecting on the hotel’s journey, which began in 1972 and continues today as”EKHO Surf” and it’s journey has been a labor of love; a commitment to creating not just a hotel but an immersive experience that reflects the beauty and warmth of Sri Lanka. The relaunch symbolizes our dedication to offering a retreat that stands the test of time, inviting guests to create their own memories on Sri Lanka’s golden shores. Through the decades, we have written different chapters suitable for the times, and we are excited about the one we have just begun!”
In December 2023, EKHO Surf unveiled a fresh chapter in its storied history, marked by a comprehensive refurbishment. The hotel now stands as an icon of style, inviting guests to experience a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and coastal charm.
The contemporary lobby design and beach-inspired touches in the rooms evoke a sense of tradition while embracing modern sensibilities. This transformation goes beyond appearances, introducing enhanced amenities, wellness, and an oceanfront trendy bar is becoming Firebeach, a sister outlet at the Galle Face Hotel.
Established in 1972 as Lihiniya Surf, the hotel has undergone a remarkable journey, evolving with the ebb and flow of tourism trends. Spearheaded by the vision of Mr. Kumara Maliyarachchi, Chairman of the Associate Hotels Group, the inaugural government-owned tourist complex quickly became a cherished destination along Bentota beach, known as the longest stretch of beach on the southwest coast.
The hotel’s popularity soon surged, attracting those in search of the perfect fusion of sun, sea, and sand. Over the years, and subsequent to its parent company merging with Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC, Lihiniya Surf transformed into ‘The Surf’ in 2012 and later evolved into EKHO Surf in 2016, encapsulating the essence of a renewed identity inspired by Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture.
The relaunch of EKHO Surf, Bentota was made official with a special event held on December 19, and the hotel is now welcoming cherished guests, both returning and new. The relaunch celebration was an eclectic fusion of tradition and modernity, mirroring the hotel’s commitment to providing an unforgettable tropical escape.
Guests can anticipate a captivating experience, alongside a kilometer-long stretch of pristine sandy beach, a sprawling lawn, well-appointed rooms, the freshest seafood, warmest hospitality, and the latest modern amenities, making for the quintessential Sri Lankan beach getaway.
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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