Business
Berendina bags Silver at the CA Sri Lanka 56th Annual Report Awards
Berendina Micro Investments Company Limited, better known as BMIC among its microfinance clientele and partners, won the Silver award at the 56th Annual Report Awards organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), under the category of Finance Companies and Leasing Companies (total assets up to Rs. 20 Billion). Over 70 companies, ranging from conglomerates, multinationals to non-profit organisations, and SMEs, were honoured at this year’s competition for their excellence in financial reporting. The gala event of this year held on 09th December 2021 at BMICH. Being the first Microfinance Company licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, BMIC is no stranger to this annual competition having won a prestigious Gold Award in 2017 and Merit Award in 2018.
The award from CA Sri Lanka is the fourth award to be won by BMIC during the financial year 2021, having won 3 international awards, namely, ‘The Best Microfinance Company in Sri Lanka’ and ‘The Best Agricultural Lending Company in Sri Lanka’ awards from the UK based Global Banking and Finance Review magazine as well as ‘Donor’s Choice Award’ at the international competition conducted by SCALE Green Creative Adaptation Awards in USA in 2021. Focused on poverty alleviation, BMIC as a Microfinance Institution (MFI) extends micro-credit facilities and enterprise development services that ensure long term sustainability and growth of business ventures of its clients, providing loans at the lowest interest rate compared to other MFIs in Sri Lanka. At present, BMIC manages a loan portfolio of over Rs. 3.1 billion and an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 900 million. It supports well over 70,000 microfinance clients through its 30 Branches in 11 districts. The CA award bestowed on BMIC is another testament to its commitment in continuously supporting its clients to overcome the obstacles during difficult times, while preserving its transparency in reporting, corporate governance, sustainability and social responsibility.
AIA Sri Lanka’s ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign, in partnership with animal welfare groups, inspired 500+ adoptions of stray pets. The initiative highlighted adoption, responsible ownership, and compassion, tackling Sri Lanka’s stray animal crisis. AIA thanks all supporters for their life-changing impact.
The campaign served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness like adopting a stray can make a big impact. It also provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and the importance of compassion toward all creatures.
Calton Sweet House Pvt. Ltd., a key part of Calton Group, was honored as the Best National Industry Brand in the Medium-Scale Food and Beverage Sector at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Industrial Development Board. Deshamanya Mahesh De Silva, Director of Finance and IT at Calton Group, accepted the award.
Established in 1991, Calton Sweet House has over 30 years of excellence, specializing in cakes, snacks, and frozen bakery items, with 20+ outlets across Negombo, Katunayake, and Colombo, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The company holds ISO, HACCP, and GMP certifications, ensuring top-quality standards.
Starting as a small store in 1983, Calton Group now employs 300+ staff and operates multiple businesses, including Calton Hyper Market and Calton Catering, while partnering with global brands like Unilever and Upfield. The group remains committed to serving customers with high-quality, safely packaged food products.
Total investments now exceed $3.37B, maintaining lead as top foreign investor
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and a member of the Dialog Axiata Group – the country’s largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) operating under the guidance of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) – announced a USD 100 million investment to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure. With cumulative investments now exceeding USD 3.37 billion, Dialog reaffirms its commitment to inclusive connectivity, superior service delivery, and advancing the nation’s digital future.
The investment comprises USD 81 million by Dialog Axiata PLC (DAP) and USD 19 million by Dialog Broadband Networks (Private) Limited (DBN), formalised through two Supplementary Agreements with the BOI. These funds will be channelled into enhancing Dialog’s mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies, and expanding digital platforms that underpin the country’s connectivity and service ecosystem.
The Supplementary Agreement for DAP was signed by David Lau, Chairman, Dialog Axiata PLC, and Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC, while the Agreement for DBN was signed by Supun Weerasinghe and Viranthi Attygalle, Group Company Secretary, Dialog Axiata PLC. Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, signed both agreements on behalf of the BOI. Also present at the signing were Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, and Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Axiata Group Berhad.
“This investment is a reaffirmation of Axiata’s deep-rooted confidence in Sri Lanka’s future,” said Mr. Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Axiata Group Berhad. “We are proud to continue enabling our operating companies to deliver world-class connectivity and look forward to allocation of commercial 5G spectrum to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital economy.”
“Dialog’s long-standing presence in Sri Lanka reflects our unwavering commitment to building infrastructure that not only supports economic growth but also enhances the lives of millions,” said David Lau, Chairman, Dialog Axiata PLC. “This investment will ensure Dialog continues to play a leading role in shaping the country’s digital future.”
“We will continue investing in Sri Lanka’s digital journey, empowering individuals, enterprises, and communities through next-generation connectivity,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC. “This latest commitment strengthens our resolve to deliver inclusive, future-ready infrastructure that supports national progress and positions Sri Lanka for a connected tomorrow.”
AIA Sri Lanka ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign
Calton wins National Industry Brand Excellence award
Dialog pumps another $100M into Sri Lanka’s digital growth
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