DFCC Bank PLC (“DFCC Bank”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding Business Sale Agreement with Standard Chartered Bank, United Kingdom, acting through its branch in Sri Lanka (“SCB Sri Lanka”), to acquire the wealth and retail banking business of SCB Sri Lanka.

The proposed acquisition covers all of SCB Sri Lanka’s wealth and retail banking business, which includes Priority Banking, credit cards, retail lending, deposits and SME. The transaction ensures that all SCB Sri Lanka’s wealth and retail banking employees will be provided comparable roles and opportunities to continue to grow and further their careers within DFCC Bank. Together, DFCC Bank and SCB Sri Lanka will ensure seamless transition of both customers and staff, and continuity of service and relationships throughout the integration process.

The proposed acquisition forms part of DFCC Bank’s long-term strategy to strengthen its retail and wealth management proposition, broaden its customer base, and build scale in key growth segments. The transaction will be funded entirely through internally generated capital, reflecting DFCC Bank’s strong financial foundation and disciplined approach to expansion.

Thimal Perera, Director/Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank, said, “We look forward to welcoming customers and colleagues of Standard Chartered Bank’s retail banking and wealth management operations in Sri Lanka into the DFCC Bank family. As we mark 70 years of banking, this strategic milestone deepens our conviction in Sri Lanka’s potential and reinforces our long-standing commitment to supporting the economy and, most importantly, all Sri Lankans. This acquisition is not merely about scale. It is about extending our purpose: to enable meaningful growth, deliver real value, and uphold the trust of every stakeholder we serve – from individuals and businesses to the SMEs that form the backbone of our nation’s economy.” (DFCC Bank)

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, in partnership with the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), under the Ministry of Environment, has unveiled Sri Lanka’s first 5G-enabled autonomous water-surface cleaning robot. Designed to collect floating waste and monitor environmental conditions in real time, this pioneering innovation demonstrates the transformative potential of 5G in enabling intelligent, sustainable solutions that protect Sri Lanka’s waterways and ecosystems.

The robot combines 5G connectivity, AI, and robotics to navigate lakes, rivers, and canals, collecting floating debris such as plastic bottles, bags, and leaves. It can clean 50–100 acres of surface water per mission and collect up to 50 kg of waste per run, preventing plastics from entering the ocean while supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The launch event, held at Beira Lake on 11 November, was graced by Hon. Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment; Mr. Samantha Gunasekara, Chairman – Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA); Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC; and representatives from the Ministry of Environment, MEPA, and Dialog. The event served as a live demonstration of how advanced technologies such as 5G, AI, and robotics can be harnessed to address pressing environmental challenges.

“Initiatives such as this reflect the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving our environmental objectives,” said Hon. Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment. “We commend Dialog and MEPA for leveraging technology to support the national mission of protecting Sri Lanka’s waterways and preserving them for generations to come.”

“The 5G-enabled autonomous cleaning robot represents a new frontier in marine conservation and reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to using innovation for environmental resilience,” said Mr. Samantha Gunasekara, Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority. “We extend our sincere appreciation to Dialog Axiata for partnering with us to bring this pioneering initiative to life — a collaboration that sets an inspiring example of how technology and collective effort can drive a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Enabled by ultra-low latency of Dialog’s 5G network, the robot offers real-time HD video streaming, and remote controlling over the network, allowing operators to guide it remotely from anywhere in the country. Its AI-based garbage detection, obstacle avoidance, and centimetre-level positioning ensure efficient and safe operations, powered entirely by a carbon-neutral electric system.

“This is a powerful example of how 5G can serve a purpose far greater than connectivity,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC. “We are proud to collaborate with MEPA and national institutions in applying next-generation technology to address environmental challenges, reflecting our shared vision of building a smarter, greener, and more sustainable Sri Lanka.”

By combining 5G, AI, and sustainability, Dialog continues to redefine the role of innovation in safeguarding the environment — paving the way for smarter, greener, and more resilient urban ecosystems across Sri Lanka.

Siyapatha Finance PLC has once again emerged victorious, securing the title of “Best Employer Brand” for the third consecutive year at the recently concluded Employer Branding Awards 2025. The accolade recognizes the company’s outstanding practices and innovative strategies in employer branding, reaffirming its strong commitment to employee engagement, retention, and creating an inspiring workplace culture.

“Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed evolving employee needs and expectations alongside rapidly changing market dynamics and customer priorities,” stated Mr. Sumith Cumaranatunga, Chairman of Siyapatha Finance PLC. “As a company that constantly seeks to encourage innovation, collaboration, and growth, our foremost priority has been to build trust among our employees – a key pillar behind the success of our Company. This has required a deep understanding of change and a proactive, strategic approach to transformation.”

Presented by the Employer Branding Institute – India in collaboration with the World HRD Congress, the 20th edition of the awards ceremony, was held at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, brought together some of the leading and most progressive organizations across a vast range of industries in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the recognition, Ananda Seneviratne, Managing Director of Siyapatha Finance PLC, noted: “We are truly honoured to be recognized with this prestigious award for a third consecutive year. Positive employer branding is integral to sustainable growth and long-term value creation. We believe that initiatives such as the Employer Branding Awards play a vital role in inspiring organizations to reinforce their purpose and push new boundaries in human resource excellence.”

Sharing his insights, Prasad Udugampola, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Siyapatha Finance PLC, remarked:

“We see employer branding as a heartfelt promise of purpose and connection – something that reaches far beyond designations and compensation. Being recognized as the ‘Best Employer Brand’ for 2025, for the third consecutive year, is a powerful reflection of our unwavering commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Our team remains dedicated to fostering an exceptional workplace where our people can thrive – today and in the years to come.”

The Employer Branding Institute serves as a global platform connecting senior HR professionals, with a focus on recognizing their contributions to Talent Management, Talent Development, and Talent Innovation.