Dialog Axiata and H Connect International emerged as the big winners at the Grand Finale of the inaugural DEI Champion Awards 2025, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) programme, on 5th August at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams.
Dialog was crowned the corporate sector champion, while H Connect was adjudged champion in the MSME sector.
The event marked a national first – a platform solely dedicated to recognising and celebrating Sri Lankan businesses – both corporates and MSMEs – that are integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into their core operations, workplace cultures, and leadership practices.
Held under the patronage of Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and Hon. Muneer Mulaffer, Deputy Minister of National Integration, and Chairman of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mr. Krishan Balendra, the event brought together over 250 participants including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners, reaffirming the growing national focus on inclusive and responsible business.
The DEI Champion Awards 2025 were presented across national, regional, and thematic categories, covering areas such as gender equality, youth and inclusive hiring, disability inclusion, and workplace culture. Special Jury Awards were also presented to recognise outstanding efforts that may not fall within standard categories but exemplify a strong commitment to DEI.
Over 160 applications were received from companies representing a wide range of sectors – from manufacturing and hospitality to ICT, retail, and agriculture – demonstrating a growing interest in embedding DEI principles into business strategy and everyday practice.
As part of a broader initiative titled Advancing DEI in SMEs, implemented by the Ceylon Chamber in collaboration with Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) programme, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, implemented by GIZ Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, the award ceremony culminated months of awareness-raising, and engagement across the island, bringing together over 700 participants from the public, private, and civil society sectors.