Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading connectivity provider and a long-standing supporter of sports, has honoured Rumesh Tharanga and Palitha Bandara in recognition of their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
As part of the public parade held on 5 August 2026 to celebrate Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games heroes, the two athletes visited the Dialog Axiata head office, where Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, presented them with special commemorative gifts.
Rumesh Tharanga made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan track and field athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal, marking a landmark achievement for the country’s athletics.
Palitha Bandara also brought further recognition to Sri Lanka by securing a silver medal in para-athletics, adding to the country’s achievements on the international sporting stage.
Dialog’s recognition of the two athletes reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting Sri Lankan sporting talent and celebrating athletes who bring international recognition to the country.
As the Official Telecommunications Partner of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, Dialog continues to support Sri Lanka’s Olympic aspirations and empower athletes such as Rumesh Tharanga in their pursuit of excellence.
Dialog has also supported the development and advancement of para sports in Sri Lanka for 26 years, serving as the principal sponsor of the country’s para sports movement and helping athletes such as Palitha Bandara pursue their sporting ambitions.
The recognition of Tharanga and Bandara further highlights Dialog’s commitment to empowering Sri Lankan athletes and contributing to the continued growth of both mainstream and para sports in the country.
Sri Lanka Strengthens Business Confidence with New Commercial Mediation Framework
Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards strengthening business confidence with the introduction of a modern commercial mediation framework, providing businesses with a faster, confidential and internationally aligned mechanism to resolve disputes while preserving valuable commercial relationships.
The development was highlighted at the inaugural Corporate Mediation Pledge Ceremony, organised by the International Alternative Dispute Resolution Center, Sri Lanka (IADRC) at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery. During the event, 25 corporates pledged to consider mediation as an option when resolving disputes arising from their business engagements.
The initiative follows the implementation of the Mediation (Civil and Commercial Disputes) Act, No. 13 of 2026, which came into effect on June 30. The legislation formally recognises mediation as a mainstream mechanism for resolving civil and commercial disputes while establishing standards governing mediation processes, mediator responsibilities and service providers.
The Act also provides for the recognition and enforcement of mediated settlement agreements, strengthening the legal foundation for businesses seeking alternatives to conventional litigation.
The new framework gives companies an alternative to potentially lengthy legal proceedings by encouraging confidential, collaborative and practical dispute resolution. This can help businesses minimise operational disruptions while maintaining long-term commercial relationships.
Industry stakeholders have highlighted the potential of efficient dispute resolution mechanisms to enhance Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as an investment destination. A predictable and effective system for resolving commercial disputes can provide greater certainty and confidence for both local and international businesses operating in the country.
The IADRC, established to promote alternative dispute resolution in Sri Lanka, has developed institutional mediation rules and maintains a panel of trained and accredited mediators.
The organisation also works alongside institutions including CC Sri Lanka, the National Arbitration Center and Udecide to advance mediation services and strengthen the country’s alternative dispute resolution ecosystem.
The introduction of the commercial mediation framework represents an important development in Sri Lanka’s business environment, supporting a more efficient and relationship-focused approach to resolving commercial disputes while contributing to greater confidence among businesses and investors.
Dialog Honours Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games Medal Winners
