Nestlé Lanka’s flagship malted food drink brand, NESTOMALT, and Ogilvy Digital have won a Gold Dragon at the Dragons of Asia Awards 2026 for their Avurudu campaign, “Our Very Own New Year Filled with Power, Strength and Energy.”
The campaign brought NESTOMALT’s longstanding brand values of Power, Strength and Energy to a new generation, celebrating everyday Sri Lankans who embody these qualities. The initiative offered the brand a distinctive way to connect with consumers during Avurudu, one of Sri Lanka’s most competitive marketing periods.
The award was presented at the 2026 ceremony in Malaysia, organised under the Dragons of Asia platform, one of the region’s leading programmes recognising marketing communications effectiveness. Entries are evaluated on strategy, originality, execution and measurable results.
Commenting on the achievement, Nestlé Lanka Senior Brand Manager – NESTOMALT Keashan Wijayasinghe said, “Avurudu has long been a defining moment for NESTOMALT to celebrate the power, strength and energy that have connected the brand with Sri Lankans for generations. Drawing on this long-standing association, the campaign reimagined these enduring brand values as a contemporary celebration of the resilience and determination of the Sri Lankan people, recognising those who embody them through their everyday actions. For a brand that has been part of the nation’s life for over six decades, recognition at the Dragons of Asia is especially meaningful. It is a testament to NESTOMALT’s ability to remain true to its heritage while continually evolving the way it connects with and inspires new generations of Sri Lankans.”
The campaign placed fishermen, farmers, tea pluckers, tuk-tuk drivers, municipal workers, security personnel and other communities who keep the country moving at the centre of NESTOMALT’s Avurudu celebrations. Their individual skills, dedication and expertise inspired a fresh interpretation of familiar New Year traditions, highlighting the everyday people who demonstrate power, strength and energy through their work.
Ogilvy Digital Director – Digital Rohan Perera said, “The opportunity was to take a brand truth that Sri Lankans have known for generations and find a fresh, culturally relevant way to bring it to life. We realised that Power, Strength and Energy were already all around us in the people whose skills and effort keep the country moving every day. By making them the focus of the idea, we could move beyond simply communicating the brand promise and let people experience it for themselves.”
Janashakthi Life Named Among Sri Lanka’s Top 20 Great Workplaces for Young Talent
Janashakthi Life, the flagship company of JXG (Janashakthi Group), has been recognised among Sri Lanka’s Top 20 Great Workplaces for Young Talent 2026 by Great Place To Work Sri Lanka, highlighting its commitment to fostering an environment where young professionals can develop their skills, contribute meaningfully and build successful careers.
The recognition is based on the globally recognised Great Place To Work For All model, which evaluates organisations through the Trust Index Employee Experience Survey and Culture Audit. The Trust Index measures employees’ experiences in areas such as trust, pride and camaraderie, while the Culture Audit assesses the workplace practices and initiatives that contribute to a positive employee experience.
At Janashakthi Life, developing young talent remains a key priority within the company’s broader people strategy, which acknowledges the different needs, expectations and aspirations of its workforce. The organisation strives to cultivate a values-driven culture where young professionals are encouraged to share ideas, take ownership of their responsibilities and make meaningful contributions to business objectives.
Through coaching, mentoring, continuous learning and career development opportunities, the company supports young employees in strengthening their capabilities and realising their potential. These initiatives are reinforced by an open and collaborative workplace culture that encourages diverse perspectives, prioritises employee wellbeing and promotes a strong sense of belonging.
Commenting on the recognition, Janashakthi Life Director/Chief Executive Officer Ravi Liyanage said, “Young professionals bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and the potential to shape the future of our business. Creating an environment where they can develop their capabilities and take accountability for the organisation’s strategic priorities remains a key pillar of our internal culture.”
Janashakthi Life Head of Human Resources Danushka Seneth D. Samarasinghe added, “The expectations of young professionals are evolving. Beyond career progression, they increasingly seek opportunities to make meaningful contributions, place greater importance on organisational values and culture, and value coaching and guidance to develop their potential. Our people strategy recognises these changing expectations and focuses on creating an environment where young talent feels valued, empowered, and supported to grow.”
NESTOMALT and Ogilvy Digital Clinch Gold at the Dragons of Asia Awards
