Global CEO Magazine recently had the opportunity to interview Mr Prabhath Dahanayake, Chief Marketing Officer of SLT-MOBITEL Group.
In this insightful discussion, Prabhath Dahanayake shares the leadership strategies, innovations, and technological advancements that have shaped SLT-MOBITEL’s journey through market disruptions and economic uncertainties.
He provides valuable perspectives on how the company has maintained its competitive edge while meeting evolving customer needs and positioning itself for future growth in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Mr Prabhath Dahanayake has played a pivotal role in advancing the telecommunications industry in Sri Lanka. A Chartered Engineer at SLT-MOBITEL with a BSc in Electronics and Telecommunications from the University of Moratuwa and an MBA from the University of Ruhuna, Prabhath Dahanayake’s career spans expertise in engineering, project management, and business operations.
He has held several leadership positions, significantly shaping the company’s strategic direction and operational execution.
As Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of SLT-MOBITEL Group, Mr Dahanayake leads the company’s product strategy, focusing on both mobile and fixed wireless sales, while overseeing broadband-centred service development.
Having pioneered an IoT innovation lab at the University of Moratuwa and contributed to Sri Lanka’s eSports sector, he remains committed to fostering research and development in emerging technologies that have the potential to advance the nation’s digitisation journey.
Q: What key leadership strategies has SLT-MOBITEL employed to help the business overcome the significant challenges posed by recent economic or market disruptions?
A: At SLT-MOBITEL, as the National ICT Solutions Provider, our approach to navigating shifts in the market landscape is fundamentally rooted in agility. We prioritise staying ahead of evolving customer needs, allowing us to pivot effectively, especially in response to the rising demands of Gen Z. Our significant investments in enhancing our fibre optic and 4G infrastructure not only help us improve service reliability but also lay the groundwork for future technological advancements such as 5G. We have also prioritised enhancing customer experience, exemplified by our increase in FTTH speed to industry leading 300 Mbps, allowing users to enjoy superior streaming and online experiences.
We have proactively taken the initiative to customise and personalise our products for our diverse customer base. For our retail customers, we offer affordable, customisable plans and promotions tailored to various lifestyles and budgets.
For businesses, we provide solutions that cater to companies of all sizes, from SMEs to enterprises, empowering them to better serve their customers. Our mobile services are designed to be user-centric and personalised, addressing the unique use cases and needs of our customers.
Our strategy for addressing economic fluctuations is further strengthened by our culture of continuous innovation and cross-functional collaboration. We foster an environment where mentorship and empowerment are cornerstones, reinforcing positive leadership and providing platforms for our employees to develop essential analytical and creative skills for navigating a dynamic landscape. This approach streamlines decision-making and is complemented by data-driven strategies informed by customer behaviour and market analysis, enabling us to adapt our actions in response to market changes.
Q: Can you share any innovations or adjustments your company has made to adapt to the rapidly changing market conditions? How have these changes impacted your business’s operations and growth?
A: The market landscape is evolving at unprecedented speeds, and at SLT-MOBITEL, we have proactively adapted by closely monitoring these changes and responding accordingly.
Recognising the significance of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies, we have prioritised technological advancement to drive the nation’s future in digitisation. A landmark initiative in this direction is our collaboration with the University of Moratuwa to establish the IoT Design Innovation Laboratory, dedicated to research and development in IoT technologies. Through such initiatives, we create platforms that foster innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for accelerating the nation’s economy towards a more inclusive digital landscape.
We also recognise the immense economic potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which contribute over 52% to Sri Lanka’s economy and provide 45% of employment opportunities and are a vital customer segment to SLT-MOBITEL. To support this sector, we tailor our solutions to empower SMEs to thrive locally and compete globally, thereby bolstering economic development and global competitiveness.
At SLT-MOBITEL, we understand that 5G and AI are core technologies that will shape the future. Last year, we took the lead in 5G technology, particularly in sports broadcasting. Our successful trial of 5G technology at the 86th Nuwara Eliya Golf Club Championship demonstrated our ability to harmonise technology with sports, offering an immersive experience through real-time broadcasting. We also continued to expand our 5G trial developments to create platforms for 5G-based low-latency application developments in Sri Lanka.
Q: During periods of uncertainty, what specific leadership qualities do you believe are the most important for guiding your team and maintaining business stability?
A: The keys to staying afloat during times of uncertainty are adaptability and empathy. Everything else flows from these qualities, as they inform our ability to swiftly adjust strategies and operations in response to changing circumstances. Staying focused and motivated in the face of adversity is vital—not just for leaders but also for inspiring the entire team to embrace change with confidence.
By maintaining a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations and aligning our services accordingly, we not only enhance our customer relationships but also strengthen our internal culture. At SLT-MOBITEL, the resilience of our teams is bolstered by our ability as leaders to help them persevere. Understanding and addressing the needs of our employees and customers enables us to adapt and develop a clear, long-term vision for navigating challenges.
Q: How do you see the future of Sri Lanka’s business environment evolving over the next five years. What key factors do you think will drive growth and success?
A: Sri Lanka’s business environment is poised for significant evolution, largely driven by digital innovation and technological advancements. The country’s ambitions to become a regional AI hub are underscored by the recent approval of the National AI Strategy. In parallel, SLT-MOBITEL is committed to supporting the nation’s broader efforts towards digital advancement and innovation.
To remain at the forefront of this evolving environment, we have embarked on a strategic approach built around six pillars: The Network of The Nation, The Network of Firsts, The Network of Strength, The Network of Opportunity, The Network of Hearts, and The Network of The Future. This framework allows us to cater to a diverse range of customers, addressing both urban-centric quality seekers who prioritise advanced technology and rural-centric value seekers looking for affordability. This ensures that SLT-MOBITEL not only leads the nation’s digital transformation but also delivers solutions tailored to meet the varying demands of Sri Lanka’s diverse population.
Looking ahead, continued investment in digital infrastructure will be a cornerstone of business growth and innovation. Sustainable and ethical business practices, including the integration of green technologies, will also become key drivers of success as industries increasingly prioritise environmentally conscious operations.
Q: In the context of global business, how do you plan to position your company to stay competitive while balancing local challenges and global opportunities?
A: With a rich history of over 165 years, SLT-MOBITEL deeply understands the dynamic nature of the market and evolving customer needs. As we navigate the rapidly changing business environment, we remain committed to adapting, staying proactive, and ensuring seamless connectivity and lasting success for our customers. Moving forward, SLT-MOBITEL will continue to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) innovation and advancing technology.
Our primary focus will be on building next-generation infrastructure, particularly in high-growth areas such as IoT, eSports, and 5G. Continued investment in research and development will drive these innovations. We also plan to form strategic partnerships with global leaders to introduce cutting-edge solutions to our local market while exploring opportunities to export our innovations internationally. Staying attuned to global digital trends, especially those embraced by younger generations, will be essential to maintaining our relevance and competitiveness.
At SLT-MOBITEL, through our products and services, we aim to position ourselves and our customers to excel at local, regional, and global levels, solidifying our role as a key player in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications industry.
