HUTCH marked a significant milestone with its annual Pinnacle Awards, a one-of-a-kind employee recognition event for the year ended 2025. The awards placed a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, moving away from traditional departmental silos and individual recognition.
The glamorous celebration, held at the prestigious Monarch Imperial, brought together employees and leadership from across the organization to honor those whose dedication and impact drove HUTCH’s remarkable growth in 2025.
HUTCH has been on a dynamic growth trajectory, challenging industry norms while fostering innovation, cross-collaboration, collective performance, empowerment, resilience, and employee fulfilment. The company has recorded consecutive double-digit growth for the last three years, distinguishing itself as the only telecom operator in Sri Lanka to achieve this feat.
The Pinnacle Awards featured a wide array of categories, including Innovation, Process Enhancement, Execution, Unity, Customer Impact, Digital Transformation, Culture Impact, Value Creation, and Best Project. A highlight of the evening was the New Horizon Award, recognizing the team that ventured beyond the company’s core operations, demonstrating vision, courage, and long-range thinking. Nominations were open to all staff, and finalists were determined through a transparent judging process, ensuring inclusivity and credibility.
Beyond recognition, the event celebrated unity, pride, and the diverse talents within the HUTCH community. Attendees enjoyed vibrant entertainment and opportunities for teams to showcase their creative skills beyond professional roles, creating an atmosphere that blended achievement with celebration. The Pinnacle Awards provided a platform for colleagues to connect, reflect on shared milestones, and celebrate the collective progress that defines HUTCH’s culture.
Commenting on the event, Saumitra Gupta, CEO of HUTCH, said:
"The HUTCH Pinnacle Awards represent more than recognition; they reflect our belief that our people are the driving force behind our success. By celebrating all those who go above and beyond, we reinforce a culture where excellence is valued, performance is appreciated, and every contribution is acknowledged. Our people have made a turnaround making us proud, and this pride should fuel ambition and hunger for even greater success."
SLIIT and MAS Athlete Training Academy Join Forces to Empower Sri Lankan Athletes
The MAS Athlete Training Academy and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) have entered a landmark partnership to advance holistic athlete development in Sri Lanka. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025, SLIIT has become the Academy’s official Higher Education Partner.
The collaboration aims to ensure that promising Sri Lankan athletes no longer have to choose between academic ambition and sporting excellence. Instead, the initiative establishes a structured dual pathway, enabling athletes to pursue higher education while continuing high-performance training.
As part of the agreement, SLIIT will offer five full bachelor’s degree scholarships annually for eight years to eligible MAS Athlete Training Academy athletes. These scholarships provide meaningful academic access and stability, supporting athletes as they build qualifications alongside their sporting careers.
Prof. Lalith Gamage, Vice-Chancellor of SLIIT, said:
"This partnership between SLIIT and MAS to support young athletes is of great importance. Nurturing sporting talent fosters discipline, resilience, and national pride among our youth. Our ambition is to develop international-standard medalists, achieving success at the Olympics and other major tournaments, bringing glory to Sri Lanka. This initiative reflects our dedication to holistic growth, empowering the next generation to reach their full potential and contribute positively to our nation’s future."
Beyond financial support, the collaboration provides a comprehensive approach to athlete welfare and performance. MAS Athlete Training Academy’s structured coaching, competition pathways, sports science support, nutrition guidance, and mental wellbeing initiatives will now be complemented by SLIIT’s academic resources, learning environment, and career development opportunities. Together, the institutions aim to nurture balanced, resilient, and future-ready individuals.
The partnership also aligns with a broader national ambition: preparing athletes capable of representing Sri Lanka at major international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. By combining academic progression with high-performance training, the initiative strengthens the foundation for sustained international competitiveness.
HUTCH Pinnacle Awards Celebrate the People Driving the Company’s Rapid Growth
