Sri Lanka’s digital marketing industry gathered at Monarch Imperial, Colombo, on 22 September 2026 for the grand finale of SLIM DIGIS 2.6, recognising the brands, agencies, campaigns and professionals driving some of the country’s most impactful digital initiatives.
Held under the theme ‘Mission to Extraordinary’, this year’s awards attracted more than 550 entries, marking the highest participation in the history of SLIM DIGIS. The strong response highlighted the growing competitiveness of the industry, with brands and agencies presenting work that combined creativity, strategic thinking, technology, innovation and measurable results.
The entries were assessed by a panel of more than 70 industry experts led by Shalendra Mendis, Head of Jury for SLIM DIGIS 2.6. The judging panel brought together experienced professionals from marketing, advertising, digital, business, technology and creative disciplines to recognise campaigns and initiatives that demonstrated excellence and delivered meaningful impact.
A major milestone in this year’s awards was the introduction of international participation for the first time. This development broadened the scope of SLIM DIGIS, creating an opportunity for Sri Lankan digital talent to be recognised alongside international work and advancing the platform’s ambition to showcase local digital excellence on the global stage.
Mr Sandun Hapugoda, Chief Guest and Country Manager for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka at Mastercard, said, “Digital transformation is reshaping how businesses connect with consumers, create value and compete in an increasingly connected world. SLIM DIGIS 2.6 provides an important platform to recognise the talent and innovation driving this transformation in Sri Lanka. The scale and quality of participation demonstrate the strength of the country’s digital marketing ecosystem and its potential to engage with global opportunities.”
Enoch Perera, President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, said, “SLIM DIGIS 2.6 represents more than the successful conclusion of another awards cycle. It reflects the growing maturity, creativity and capability of Sri Lanka’s digital marketing industry. With more than 550 entries and, for the first time, participation from international markets, we have taken an important step towards creating a platform that can benchmark Sri Lankan talent against global standards. As SLIM, our ambition is clear — to create greater opportunities for our marketers, brands and ideas to move beyond our borders and contribute to a stronger global presence for Sri Lankan marketing.”
Jaffna Bulls Make History as Champions of the First-Ever Next XV Rugby Tournament
The Jaffna Bulls have made their mark on Sri Lankan rugby history, claiming the title of champions in the inaugural Next XV rugby tournament following an impressive performance in a high-intensity Grand Final.
The historic triumph capped a groundbreaking campaign for the Bulls, whose innovative approach combined AI-driven draft selections, drone-assisted training analysis and high-performance athlete care. These initiatives contributed to the team’s success, culminating in a memorable victory on the field.
The final against the Galle Lions, who entered the contest on an unbeaten run, delivered an enthralling encounter marked by pace, discipline and dramatic momentum shifts.
From the opening whistle, the Bulls asserted their authority through a formidable forward pack, strong defensive organisation and precise execution at the scrum and lineout. Their tactical preparation proved effective early in the contest, allowing them to control territory and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence through quick, well-coordinated attacking phases out wide.
Patient build-up play and effective game management by the team’s leaders helped the Bulls establish an early advantage. By keeping the Lions under pressure in their own half, the Bulls created scoring opportunities and converted their territorial dominance into crucial points.
As the match entered its closing stages, the Bulls’ physical conditioning and composure became decisive factors. The team held firm under pressure, won important turnovers and managed the clock effectively to secure a historic victory at the final whistle.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dhovika Senevirathne, Co-owner of Jaffna Bulls, praised the commitment and collective effort behind the team’s success.
“To be crowned the very first champion of the Next XV tournament is an incredible feeling, but more than anything, it is a validation of the effort put in behind the scenes. From our coaches to our recovery staff, management, and sponsors, everyone worked tirelessly with a single vision. Most of all, the boys gave everything on the field. They trusted the process, bought into our culture from day one, and delivered when it mattered most,” she said.
Beyond the championship title, the Bulls’ victory underscores the potential of the Next XV tournament to support the development of youth rugby in Sri Lanka. Designed to bridge the gap between school-leaver rugby and high-performance competition, the tournament provides emerging players with a platform to test their abilities at a higher level and gain valuable experience.
SLIM DIGIS 2.6 Raises the Bar for Digital Excellence in Sri Lanka
