Business
Dialog takes the lead in Anti-Bribery Governance with ISO 37001 certification
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has become the first company in Sri Lanka to achieve the ISO 37001:2016 certification for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). This internationally recognised standard reflects Dialog’s steadfast commitment to promoting ethical business practices and effectively managing bribery risks, while ensuring full compliance with global anti-bribery regulations.
The company’s achievement of ISO 37001 certification reflects its steadfast commitment to Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) excellence, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy through a comprehensive ABAC programme and rigorous anti-bribery measures. This internationally recognised standard provides a clear framework for implementing anti-bribery controls, enabling organisations to comply with global regulations, reduce legal risks, and bolster credibility with stakeholders. For Dialog, the certification further cements its dedication to fostering a culture of trust and transparency, enhancing internal controls and processes. As part of its proactive approach, Dialog has also instituted mandatory training on ABAC for all staff to ensure the highest standards are upheld across the organisation.
“Over the years, Dialog has maintained a strong commitment to Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption. Building on this foundation, we elevated ABAC to a strategic priority four years ago—fully integrating it into our operations,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive at Dialog Axiata PLC. “Achieving ISO 37001 certification is an important milestone in our ABAC journey, and as Sri Lanka’s first company to receive this certification, we are not only setting a new benchmark for corporate governance but also reinforcing our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all our dealings.”
Dialog recently ranked first in the 2023 Transparency in Corporate Reporting (TRAC) assessment by Transparency International Sri Lanka, reflecting its commitment to integrity and anti-corruption efforts. This is further highlighted by Dialog’s invitation to the United Nations Global Compact’s Think Lab on Business Integrity, where it was the only company from Sri Lanka selected out of 25 global organisations. The Think Lab focuses on updating the ‘Anti-Corruption Ethics and Compliance Programme for Business’ handbook, setting strategies to prevent and combat corruption through a transformational governance approach to prevent and combat corruption within organisations, and across value chains globally.
Business
Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Business
Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
Business
GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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