Business
IFC provides US$150 million funding package to Dialog Axiata towards broadband infrastructure development in SL
Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC (Dialog), is set to expand and improve broadband connectivity across the country with International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) support, a Dialog press release said.
The release added: IFC’s loan of up to $150 million will help Dialog expand and improve its network capacity through the upgrading of existing sites and the construction of new 4G sites. Dialog also seeks to increase its fibre optic network footprint and implement upgrades to increase both capacities and efficiencies in core network operations.
As the leading telecommunication services provider in Sri Lanka, Dialog represents over 50 percent of both the mobile and fixed broadband market in the country and is well equipped to effectively expand quality connectivity options to underserved areas in Sri Lanka.
With over 32 million mobile subscribers, Sri Lanka has made substantial progress in terms of penetration of mobile services, with 149 percent mobile penetration versus an average 85 percent of its South Asian peers. While Sri Lanka ranks amongst the top 20 countries for Broadband affordability, the internet quality and speed has been weak with Sri Lanka ranking 125th globally (among 141 countries) in download speed. This significant quality gap in the market is mainly due to heavy reliance on mobile services for data usage and use of older technologies such as 3G.
“Quality and reliable telecommunication infrastructure has a multiplier effect on a country’s economic growth. It provides the opportunity to unlock new and innovative sources of growth and jobs—spurring digital economy, trade, and entrepreneurship—while bringing communities closer,” said Hector Gomez Ang, IFC’s Regional Director for South Asia. “IFC’s investment in this partnership shows our commitment to support the development of Sri Lanka’s private sector, even amid current uncertainties.”
Speaking at the occasion, David Nai Pek Lau, Chairman of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “It is heartening to note the continuing collaboration between IFC, Axiata and Dialog. We are grateful to IFC for their faith in Dialog and Sri Lanka over the years, and their steadfast support to help address some of the biggest challenges we are currently facing in our journey of advancing the country’s connectivity infrastructure in line with our mission of empowering and enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises. IFC’s funding will be critical in meeting Sri Lanka’s future digital connectivity needs, which is fundamental in helping people and businesses flourish during these challenging times.”
Dialog, part of a leading regional telecom service provider Axiata Group Berhad, has been a longstanding client of IFC. Apart from previous debt and equity investments in 2004 and 2007, IFC also helped strengthen the business skills of Dialog’s retail distributors in Sri Lanka, benefitting more than 3,000 small business owners from rural and post conflict regions of the country. Axiata Group has been a key partner for IFC in Asia—including in Bangladesh—promoting the development of digital infrastructure and digital economy in markets where it operates.
Commenting, Director/Group Chief Executive, Supun Weerasinghe of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Dialog’s association with IFC goes back to 2004, and we’re grateful for their continued confidence placed in Dialog and Sri Lanka as a nation. Today, we’re at a crucial juncture as a country, as well as an organization. With the support of IFC and Axiata, we are able to initiate this next phase of connectivity infrastructure development in the country and continue our commitment to delivering uninterrupted services and world-class technology to all Sri Lankans and Enterprises.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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