Marking 65 years in Sri Lanka, Coca-Cola continues to maintain its connection with consumers while evolving to meet changing expectations, earning recognition at the Calin Popular Awards 2026 and SLIM DIGIS 2.6.
Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka was named ‘Most Popular Beverage Brand of the Year’ at the Calin Popular Awards 2026, reaffirming the brand’s enduring appeal among Sri Lankan consumers. Meanwhile, at SLIM DIGIS 2.6, Coca-Cola’s Real Magic campaign received recognition for ‘Best Use of Experiential & On-Ground Digital Amplification’, highlighting the brand’s approach to combining real-world experiences with digital engagement.
The awards come in a milestone year for Coca-Cola, which celebrates 65 years in Sri Lanka in 2026. Over the decades, the brand has become part of generations of family gatherings, celebrations, meals and everyday moments. Its anniversary campaign, ‘Thank You for Always Picking Coca-Cola’, celebrates this longstanding relationship with Sri Lankan consumers.
“These recognitions are especially meaningful as we celebrate 65 years in Sri Lanka. Generations of Sri Lankans have continued to choose Coca-Cola, and that trust is something we never take for granted. At the same time, remaining relevant means continuously evolving how we connect with consumers. The recognition from both Calin Popular Awards and SLIM DIGIS reflects that balance between an enduring relationship and creating experiences that resonate with consumers today,” said Mario Perera, Country Head, Sri Lanka and Maldives, The Coca-Cola Company.
MAS Secures Record Eighth Consecutive Title at 41st Mercantile Athletics Championship
MAS Holdings continued its dominance at the Mercantile Athletics Championship, securing its eighth consecutive overall title at the 41st edition of the competition organised by the Mercantile Athletics Federation of Sri Lanka at Diyagama Stadium.
MAS topped the standings with 548 points, winning a total of 253 medals, comprising 82 gold, 99 silver and 72 bronze. The company finished 242 points ahead of runners-up Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), further strengthening its position in the history of mercantile athletics.
A total of 2,188 athletes competed across 338 events at this year’s championship, which saw 27 meet records established. The event also marked two significant milestones: it received recognition as a World Athletics Ranking competition, while private universities and higher educational institutions participated for the first time in the championship’s history.
Overall Team Standings
The leading teams in the 41st Mercantile Athletics Championship were:
Champions: MAS Holdings – 548 points
Runners-up: SLT – 306 points
Third place: Sampath Bank – 274 points
Fourth place: CDB Finance – 242 points
Fifth place: HNB – 178 points
MAS Holdings Medal Tally
MAS secured 253 medals across the championship, comprising:
Gold: 82
Silver: 99
Bronze: 72
Category Awards
MAS Holdings also achieved success in several categories, earning the following honours:
Overall Masters Champions – Women
Overall Novices Champions – Women
Overall Champions – Women
Overall Runners-up – Men
Outstanding Individual Performers
Two MAS athletes were recognised for their performances in the individual categories:
Best Athlete – Men Over 35: Nadeera Viyanage (MAS Fabric Park)
Best Athlete – Women Over 30: Ushani Madushika (Bodyline 1)
MAS Holdings’ eighth consecutive championship victory highlights the organisation’s continued strength in mercantile athletics and the collective efforts of its athletes across a wide range of events.
Coca-Cola Secures Double Recognition at Calin Popular Awards 2026 and SLIM DIGIS 2.6
