Business
SLT-MOBITEL unveils new ESG theme ‘Co-Connection’
Reaffirming its commitment to excellence in carrying out responsible initiatives to reduce human impact on the environment, empowering communities through digitalisation and streamlined operations, SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, unveiled its new ESG theme ‘Co-Connection’.
The new ‘Co-Connection’ theme recognises the vital role businesses play today in shaping a sustainable future and aims to take a holistic approach to ESG in nurturing a harmonious co-existence between the organisation’s operations, environment, and society.
‘Co-Connection for the Environment’ focuses on reducing SLT-MOBITEL’s ecological footprint and promoting conservation practices. It includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy and natural resources, and promoting a sustainable future.
As the National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL has proactively reduced its environmental impact by successfully cutting down GHG emissions by 18 million metric tonnes across all scopes. Additionally, the company has made significant strides in addressing e-waste, managing over 300 metric tonnes of electronic waste.
Making a positive impact on communities’ island-wide, ‘Co-Connection for Society’ focuses on improving the wellbeing of communities and workers. Initiatives include supporting communities by providing educational and health aid, supporting diversity and inclusion, and reducing poverty and inequality.
Understanding the massive toll on the economy during the pandemic, SLT-MOBITEL invested over Rs. 350 million during the crisis to ensure connectivity and respond to community needs. Additionally, to deliver long-term value and nature-positive outcomes, the company supported the regeneration of 15 acres of SLT-MOBITEL owned bare land for cultivation.
The ‘Co-Connection for Governance’ pillar is where the company will focus on improving the transparency, accountability, and integrity of the organisation. Initiatives include implementing strong ethical standards while promoting responsible corporate operations and stakeholder interactions while creating a corporate culture that works towards a sustainable future.
To further the company’s programs, it has adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for social responsibility practices. Compliance with the goals stems from a global call to action to ensure a more sustainable future for people and the planet.
Linking corporate governance with whistleblowing procedures, the company has improved measures to enable company employees, any stakeholder, or the public to report concerns that may adversely affect the company and forming a governance board such as strategic investment, products, project and IT governance.
Businesses can no longer ignore the importance of a strong ESG foundation. Through ‘Co-Connection,’ SLT-MOBITEL is taking a comprehensive approach, recognising its pivotal role in driving long-term value creation. ‘Co-Connection’ aims to create real change, promote positive transformation for the benefit of society, its employees, and all stakeholders, and support meaningful impacts on global sustainability.
In a significant move for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, NKAR, a stalwart in the industry for over 45 years, has announced a partnership with Holiday Max, Australia’s largest tour operator. Based in Perth, Holiday Max has ventured into Sri Lanka for the first time, marking a promising expansion for both entities.
This collaboration aligns with NKAR’s strategic vision to enhance the country’s appeal to international travelers. Nilmin Nanayakkara, Chairman and Managing Director of NKAR says, “Our policy has always been to promote Sri Lanka to new markets by attracting new operators, rather than competing through price undercutting or making unrealistic promises.” This statement encapsulates NKAR’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth by focusing on quality over cost.
By prioritsing service excellence and maintaining high health and safety standards, NKAR aims to elevate the overall travel experience for visitors. This approach not only positions Sri Lanka as a premium destination but also attracts reputable operators like Holiday Max, who are drawn to the island’s unique experiences and NKAR’s dedication to quality service.
The partnership represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings to Australian travelers, potentially opening new avenues for tourism growth. As NKAR continues to innovate and adapt, this collaboration is set to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing as a sought-after travel destination, steering the industry away from aggressive price competition towards sustainable growth through authentic experiences.
By focusing on attracting new operators and markets, NKAR is paving the way for a revitalised tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, one that values quality, safety, and the unique charm of the island. NKAR is recognised as one of the top five destination management companies in Sri Lanka. The company recently won 3 major awards at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
LOLC Finance secured five Gold Awards and one Merit Award at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2025, including the prestigious Overall Excellence in Digital Payments Gold Award for the sixth consecutive year.
The company dominated both bank and NBFI categories, winning Best Digital Strategy Gold Award, proving its superiority over traditional banks in digital finance.
Awards won were as follows.
Gold Awards:
Best Digital Payment Strategy (Banks & NBFI)
Best Mobile Application for Retail Payments via JustPay (Banks & NBFI)
Excellence in Customer Convenience (NBFI)
Financial Inclusivity (NBFI)
Overall Excellence in Digital Payments (NBFI)
Merit Award: Most Popular Digital Payment Product (iPay)
CEO Krishan Thilakaratne emphasized digitalization as core to LOLC Finance’s operations, enabling seamless, 24/7 financial access through platforms like LOLC Real Time and iPay.
Chairman Conrad Dias highlighted the audited, performance-based recognition and iPay’s mission to solve real-world financial challenges with cutting-edge tech.
iPay & JustPay innovations were Recognized for leading digital payment adoption with 1M+ downloads, 1.8M monthly transactions, and 65% JustPay market share, featuring biometric security and AI fraud detection.
Financial Inclusivity was recognized for Bridging gaps via multi-lingual services, cashless processes, and rural outreach programs.
Customer Convenience was recognized for real-time solutions (SLIPS, CEFTS) eliminating branch visits for payments and transfers.
Tree House International, located in Dehiwala, has been recognised as the Most Evidence-Based Special Needs School of the Year at BWIO Awards. The only international school in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to children with special needs, 75% of its students relocate from abroad for its high-quality, result-driven education.
Last semester, 100% of students transitioned to mainstream or vocational training.
The school is led by Dr. Anton James, a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with over 20 years of global experience.
His evidence-based approach earned the highest honour from the British Psychological Society, and he was elected a Chartered Scientist. Co-directed by Chrystal Honsaker, an expert with 15 years of international special needs experience, the school also offers an accredited British curriculum alternative to GCSEs.
We aspire to build a nation where all citizens coexist in peace and resilience for the future generation -PM
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