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SLT-MOBITEL reigns ‘Number One’ for Telecom industry in Business Today TOP 40 2021-2022 rankings

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SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, reigns as the number one of the telecom industry in the Business Today TOP 40 rankings for the year 2021-2022, receiving accolades for its exceptional performance, positive financial growth and contribution to the development of the Sri Lankan economy.

During 2021 – 2022, the nation faced unprecedented challenges. Despite several crises and demanding market socio-economic environment during the past two years, SLT-MOBITEL has resolutely been able to overcome these challenges and position itself as the leader in the telecom industry, and this recognition is a testament to its continued commitment to excellence.

Moreover, despite the pandemic SLT-MOBITEL was successful in providing uninterrupted services and supporting the migration of thousands of businesses and individuals to digital platforms. Additionally, key to its performance was its digital transformation strategy and becoming future-ready overseeing timely technology expansion. Today, SLT-MOBITEL has positioned itself as a leader in the telecommunications industry,

Today, as the national telco, SLT-MOBITEL plays a crucial role in connecting the people of Sri Lanka, businesses, and government entities through its extensive network infrastructure and a wide range of innovative services. With its comprehensive coverage and advanced telecommunications solutions, SLT-MOBITEL serves as the backbone of the country’s communication ecosystem, supporting connectivity, digital transformation, and the overall development of Sri Lanka’s telecommunications industry.

SLT-MOBITEL’s receipt of this prestigious honour also demonstrates the company’s delivery of cutting-edge technology and high-quality services, dedication to innovation, customer service, and sustainability.

“We are honoured to be the sole telecom entity in the top ten of the Business Today TOP 40 rankings for the year 2021-2022. Through 2021 and 2022 we have been proud to post a remarkable performance, undeterred by the social and economic challenges. This prestigious award confirms our strong market position, but also testifies to the company’s consistent implementation of an effective business strategy, even during the difficult period of the pandemic. Our team is driven by a shared passion to make a difference in the lives of our customers by providing them with innovative solutions that meet their evolving needs,” stated, Rohan Fernando, SLT Group Chairman.

The Business Today TOP 40 is an annual event and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards. The 2021-2022 winners were recognized as the top corporate performers who reported positive financial growth amidst the turbulent situation of the country showcasing resilience, passion, and dedication while gracefully embracing the challenges.

The winners were recognized at a high profile Awards Ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat graced by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest. SLT Group Chairman, Rohan Fernando received the award on behalf of the company. Also in attendance at the gala event were politicians, distinguished dignitaries, and corporate representatives.



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Exporters warn against ‘backdoor charges’, urge government to uphold transparent trade practices

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Sean Van Dort, Chairman

The Joint Chambers of Commerce urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy. The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling charges (THC) through misleading claims to policymakers.

Calls were made to reinstate THC, citing alleged adverse impacts on the Port of Colombo. However, the Joint Chambers strongly reject this assertion, clarifying that there is no legal or operational void to “reinstate.” Port terminal handling charges are already paid by shipping lines under existing market contracts, and any further charges imposed on exporters or importers would constitute a reversion to pre-2014 cartel-like practices that hurt competitiveness and transparency.

Sean Van Dort, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, condemned the move, stating:

“This is yet another attempt by powerful intermediaries in the shipping and logistics sector to reintroduce anti-competitive fees through the backdoor. Exporters and importers already pay all-inclusive freight based on market terms. There is no free service being provided. What we are seeing is a push to extract surcharges from non-contracting parties, which is against global trade norms and local regulation.”

He added that since the 2014 regulation, introduced with support from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and based on INCOTERMS best practices, the Port of Colombo has seen volume growth and an increase in licensed agents—contrary to claims that the regulations have harmed the sector.

Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), also expressed concern:

“The apparel industry cannot afford renewed cost pressures or uncertainty due to policy shifts driven by narrow interests. Sri Lanka’s export sector is already under strain, and the Government must ensure that any regulatory changes are made with full industry consultation. Fragmented lobbying only undermines our national competitiveness.”

The Joint Chambers warned that unbundling freight charges to reintroduce THC would raise costs for manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately burden consumers through hidden costs. They reiterated that Sri Lanka’s competitiveness hinges on transparent and predictable trade policy.

The Chambers further cautioned that such attempts, often timed around transitions in political leadership or changes in ministerial portfolios, aim to exploit gaps in regulatory oversight. They urged the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, to act with integrity and consult all stakeholders—not just intermediaries with vested interests.

As the country focuses on rebuilding exports and attracting investment, the Joint Chambers reaffirm their commitment to protecting the interests of Sri Lankan businesses, exporters, and consumers alike, and called on the Government to uphold regulatory clarity and market fairness.

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LOLC Life Assurance signs strategic MoU with SMIB to strengthen Bancassurance services

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Jayantha Kalinga COO (L) / Thushara Asuramanna, CEO (R)

LOLC Life Assurance, a fully owned subsidiary of LOLC Holdings, has entered into a strategic partnership with the State Mortgage and Investment Bank (SMIB), one of the longest standing banks in Sri Lanka, to offer life endowment insurance solutions through its bancassurance channel.

With ownership of the most extensive bancassurance channel in Sri Lanka’s insurance industry, LOLC Life Assurance aims to provide SMIB customers across Colombo and its suburbs with innovative life endowment insurance solutions that seamlessly integrate with comprehensive protection, ensuring that SMIB customers have seamless access to high-quality life insurance solutions.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the presence of senior leadership teams from both organizations, marking a significant milestone in the development of LOLC Life Assurance’s Bancassurance channel. This collaboration aligns with LOLC Life Assurance’s commitment to providing tailored life assurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of SMIB’s customers.

Sharing his views on this landmark partnership, Jayantha Kalinga, COO of LOLC Life Assurance, stated, “This partnership with SMIB signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility to comprehensive life insurance solutions through strategic banking collaborations. We are excited to work closely with SMIB to offer tailored protection plans that enrich the lives of their customers with security and financial peace of mind.”

Thushara Asuramanna, CEO/General Manager of SMIB, also shared his thoughts, saying, “At SMIB, our goal is to enhance the value we provide to our customers through integrated financial solutions. Partnering with LOLC Life Assurance enables us to expand our offerings and provide customers with convenient access to trusted life insurance solutions that ensure their long-term financial security.”

Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to make a lasting positive impact on their customers’ financial well-being and life protection. By offering reliable, accessible, and trusted life insurance protection, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of SMIB’s customers in today’s dynamic financial landscape, reinforcing our shared vision for a secure and prosperous future.

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SLIIT launches new BA (Hons) in English Studies enabling students to master linguistic and communicative skills

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Setting a new benchmark for English language education in Sri Lanka, SLIIT’s Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, has launched a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Studies degree programme.

This comprehensive four-year programme offers students unparalleled opportunities to master linguistic and communicative skills while accessing guaranteed career pathways in high-demand sectors. Unlike traditional English programmes, SLIIT’s degree uniquely combines theoretical excellence with practical industry applications, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. The programme’s distinctive tri-fold approach consisting of Language, Literature, and Communication, incorporated with 120 UGC-approved credits, positions students ahead of competitors in today’s challenging employment market. The programme’s key differentiators include an industry-integrated curriculum that connects academic learning with practical experience along with a research component as well. Students benefit from technology-enhanced learning environments that incorporate cutting-edge media technology integration, developing essential 21st-century communication skills.

The course also provides a captivating journey through diverse literary genres, periods, movements, and communities, featuring British, American, Commonwealth, European, and Sri Lankan contributions. From medieval classics to postmodern innovations, students develop a refined literary perspective. Additionally, the degree maintains a strong professional skills focus through specialized training in journalism, digital media, corporate communication, and strategic marketing, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in the modern communications environment. Programme highlights include an in-depth exploration of English grammar, academic writing, historical development, and diverse linguistic theories such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and discourse stylistics. Students acquire expertise in the use of media technology in language communication.

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