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Dialog announces strategic partners for pioneering national innovation challenge

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From left: Viranga Seneviratne, Senior GM Ideamart, Dialog Axiata PLC, Arjun Jeger, Vice President, Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka, Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, President, Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, Chairman, Information and Communication Technology Agency, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sanath Senanayake, CEO/ Executive Director, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, Varatharaja Kumaragurru, Senior Programme Manager, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Cyril Suduwella, Commissioner, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission and Dr. Sachie Panawala, Additional Chief Innovation Officer, National Innovation Agency

ICTA, IESL and Ceylon Chamber among other key partners

Move geared for shaping the nation’s digital future

Prize pool of Rs. 5 million with opportunity to pitch for more funds

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider has announced its esteemed partners of the Dialog Innovation Challenge, an initiative towards developing scalable, innovative digital solutions that can spearhead nation-wide digital transformation.

The recent partner induction marks a significant milestone in this national endeavor, fostering collaboration across various sectors. The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) assumes the role of National Technology Partner, anchoring the challenge’s technological foundation. Joining forces as Technology Ecosystem Partners are The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), The Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), and The National Innovation Agency (NIA). As Business Knowledge Partners, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), and Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka (DMASL) bring unparalleled industry insight to the initiative.

Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, Chairman of The Information and Communication Technology Agency said, “On behalf of ICTA, we’re delighted to partner with Dialog in the Innovation Challenge. Whether in the private or public sector, we believe in collaboration for positive outcomes. The National Fuel Pass initiative exemplifies our successful partnership with Dialog in the past. We wish Dialog success in reaching and engaging a large number of Sri Lankans in this national endeavour. ICTA is committed to supporting Dialog and the national community to ensure the success of this initiative”.

Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with our esteemed partners for the National Dialog Innovation Challenge. In collaboration with our partners, we are set to drive digital innovation across Sri Lanka. This strategic partnership is a testament to our commitment to shaping the nation’s digital future. Together, we invite all Sri Lankans to join us in this pioneering initiative, as we harness the power of technology to create positive change for individuals, businesses, and communities nationwide”.

The Dialog Innovation Challenge invites all Sri Lankans to contribute to the country’s digital future. Individuals and teams are encouraged to submit innovative solutions leveraging technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and more. With a generous prize pool of Rs. 5 million and opportunity for selected winners to pitch for a part of the 500Mn DIF (Dialog Innovation Foundry) investment fund, mentorship, and access to Dialog’s innovation ecosystem, participants have a unique opportunity to propel their ideas forward.

To participate, visit www.dialog.lk/ic



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Sri Lanka’s EWIS makes history: First homegrown laptops shipped to Zimbabwe

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Top photo: EWIS dispatches the first-ever overseas export of locally manufactured laptops to Zimbabwe. Bottom photo shows the media briefing: (from left) - Nirmal Peiris - Director International Relations & Business Development EWIS, Roseanne Wijayanayaka – Director EWIS, Sanjeewa Wickramanayake – Chairman EWIS, Chamara Sahabandu - General Manager, EWIS.

Company stresses ambition to surpass this milestone

Eyes markets across Africa and beyond

In a groundbreaking achievement for Sri Lanka’s IT and electronics manufacturing industry, EWIS Colombo Ltd, the country’s first and only local computer manufacturer, has successfully exported its first consignment of locally built laptops to Zimbabwe.

This landmark event not only positions Sri Lanka as an emerging force in global IT hardware manufacturing but also highlights EWIS’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence on the international stage.

This historic shipment, dispatched from EWIS’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Samajasewapura, Sooriyawewa, underscores the company’s dedication to delivering world-class technology solutions. With over 11 years of expertise in manufacturing and assembly, EWIS Colombo Ltd has played a pivotal role in driving Sri Lanka’s ICT sector forward. As a Board of Investment (BOI) Section 17-approved company, EWIS has established the country’s first and only local computer manufacturing plant, paving the way for the nation’s growth in high-tech exports.

Speaking on this momentous achievement, Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, Chairman of EWIS Colombo Ltd, said: “This milestone is not just for EWIS but for Sri Lanka as a whole. It proves that our country has the talent, capability, and ambition to manufacture and export high-quality IT products, competing confidently on the global stage. As we continue expanding beyond local markets, we take immense pride in showcasing Sri Lanka’s excellence in technology and innovation to the world. EWIS’s commitment to world-class quality is reinforced by its ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications, ensuring compliance with international quality, safety, and environmental standards.”

Speaking further he said:

“For nearly four decades, EWIS has been a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s ICT sector, delivering cutting-edge solutions for education, businesses, and government enterprises.

With over 11 years of local manufacturing and assembly expertise, EWIS has continuously refined its capabilities to produce high-quality, internationally competitive IT hardware. The successful export to Zimbabwe represents a bold step toward expanding EWIS’s global footprint, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s potential as a world-class technology and manufacturing hub.”

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Dialog Television and Emerging Media Introduce one-stop advertising solution

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From left: Yamith Anuradha, Product Manager - Advertising Business, Dialog Axiata PLC; Jeffrey Baldsing, Head of Channel Advertising – DTV, Dialog Axiata PLC; Pubudu Aluthgedara, Head of Business - Media and Content, Dialog Axiata PLC; Harsha Samaranayake, Vice President - Brand and Media, Dialog Axiata PLC; Lim Li San, Group Chief Operating Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC; Sanjeewa Rajapakshe, Founder / Managing Director, Emerging Media; Tyner Fernando, Co-Founder / Director, Emerging Media; N. Hearath, Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Media; Rohantha Weerasekera, Cooperate Sales Manager - Local Channels, Dialog Axiata PLC.

Dialog Television, Sri Lanka’s #1 Pay-TV service provider, has partnered with Emerging Media to enhance the convenience and effectiveness of advertising. This collaboration brings together Dialog Television’s world-class entertainment, featuring 18 advertisable channels across genres such as movies, edutainment, kids, music, sports, and local content, with Emerging Media’s expertise in digital advertising and targeted marketing. This synergy creates a seamless platform for businesses to maximize brand exposure across multiple channels.

With a reach of over 1.7 million households, Dialog Television provides advertisers with a powerful avenue to engage diverse audiences. Brands can place advertisements on leading international and local channels such as &flix, Star Movies, TLC, Animal Planet, AXN, Zee Café, Comedy Central, Star Plus, A+, Nickelodeon, Star Vijay, Zee Tamil, Star Sports, Ten Cricket, Sony SIX, ThePapare TV, Channel One, Citi Hitz and Channel C. Through this partnership, Emerging Media will facilitate advertising sales, allowing businesses to target specific viewer segments while simplifying the media buying process with a single point of contact.

Commenting on the partnership, Lim Li San, Group Chief Operating Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC, stated, “As Sri Lanka’s premier Pay-TV service provider, we serve more than 1.7 million households with over 6 million pairs of captive eyeballs across Sri Lanka. Today, we are excited to embark on this partnership with Emerging Media to avail our Dialog Television platform and brand strength to provide quality advertisement exposure and customer engagement to local businesses across Sri Lanka.”

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IIHS partners with University of Surrey to transform healthcare education

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Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe (CEO / Co-Founder / Director - IIHS), Minnell Vanderpoorten (Director Operations - GHC), Stephanie Gloria Anthony (Campus Director - IIHS) with other academics

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), a pioneer in healthcare training for over 23 years, has partnered with the University of Surrey, UK, to revolutionise healthcare education in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. This will create a world-class academic pathway for aspiring nursing and healthcare professionals, as well as young individuals seeking careers in the field. Under this agreement, IIHS and the University of Surrey will introduce a series of academic initiatives to enhance healthcare training and accessibility.

These include delivering internationally recognised nursing programmes that allow Sri Lankan and regional students to earn globally competitive qualifications in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the move, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO & Dean of Undergraduate Studies at IIHS, said: “This MOU marks a significant step in our mission to deliver world-class healthcare education to Sri Lanka and the region. IIHS remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare professionals and fostering global healthcare leadership.” Dr. Shelini Surendran, Associate Dean (International) at the University of Surrey, emphasised: “Sri Lanka is establishing itself as a regional education hub, and this partnership ensures students across Asia can access top-tier UK healthcare education at IIHS. By bridging academic excellence with accessibility, we provide students with a clear pathway to their professional goals.”

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