Business
Dialog Axiata becomes the first Telco in South Asia to adopt SASB & GSMA Standards
Dialog Sustainability Report 2022 Confirms to GRI, SASB and GSMA Guidelines on ESG and Sustainability Reporting
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, reached a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability and transparency by becoming the first telecommunications service provider in South Asia to comply with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) reporting standards in addition to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
Building on a legacy of 15 years of adherence to the GRI standards, which is recognised as a gold standard for sustainability reporting worldwide, Dialog also adopted the SASB and GSMA standards in 2023, which are specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the telecommunications industry. By embracing these additional reporting frameworks, Dialog aims to further enhance its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda and reporting practices. As a leading ESG champion, Dialog is committed to driving positive change, exemplified by the Company’s ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Dialog’s latest sustainability report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s sustainability performance in 2022, highlighting significant progress in areas such as climate action, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are proud to set a pioneering example in South Asia by embracing the SASB and GSMA reporting standards alongside our longstanding commitment to GRI standards. This milestone exemplifies our dedication to ESG excellence and reflects our unwavering dedication to sustainability and transparency, driving positive change in our industry and beyond. We are honored to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future.”
Dialog has received multiple accolades for its dedication to sustainability and transparency. The Company was recognised as the Overall Winner and the Winner of the General Services category at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards for its outstanding commitment to sustainability reporting in the 2021/2022 reporting cycle. Further, the company was recognised at the e-Swabhimani Awards 2021 for its digital inclusion and community investment initiatives, including Sayuru, Yeheli, and Saru, which promote inclusion, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Karuna.lk, powered by Dialog, received the National Award for ‘Best TECH FOR GOOD Software Innovation or Product’ at the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2023 for its exceptional use of technology for positive impact.
Dialog’s Sustainability Reports can be accessed via – https://dlg.lk/3sJqvkt
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”