Founded 159 years ago, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC is one of the country’s most prominent and enduring blue-chip brands, deeply embedded in the lives of Sri Lankans. The company recognizes the critical role that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays in driving both economic and social prosperity, and as such, has committed itself to empowering citizens through ICT initiatives. Its community development efforts are aligned with the national government’s vision and are integrated into its role as a key telecommunications operator.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Framework
Sri Lanka Telecom’s CSR and sponsorship activities are coordinated by its Corporate Relations Section, supported by staff across all regional telecom offices throughout the country, and in collaboration with select external partners. The company allocates a significant annual budget to support its CSR programs, ensuring that community engagement remains a cornerstone of its operations.
Employee Engagement and Corporate Culture
Sri Lanka Telecom fosters a strong sense of community responsibility within its workforce. Activities are often initiated by employees themselves, reflecting the company’s ingrained culture of service. Internal communication channels, such as company-wide emails and the bi-monthly magazine, serve as platforms to encourage peer support for various initiatives. This culture of community service is not only driven from the top but also by the staff, enabling them to engage with and contribute to societal causes outside of their formal roles.
By embedding this community service mentality into its corporate culture, Sri Lanka Telecom has fostered an environment where employees are motivated to engage with their communities in meaningful ways. This approach has made sensitivity to social needs an integral part of the company’s identity and its interactions with the public.
Tangible Benefits of Community Engagement
Beyond the intrinsic benefits of fostering a socially responsible culture, Sri Lanka Telecom enjoys tangible advantages from its community outreach. The company’s positive contributions to social causes improve its visibility and reputation, reinforcing the public’s perception of Sri Lanka Telecom as a brand committed to its communities.
Measuring Impact and Effectiveness
Sri Lanka Telecom utilizes various methods to measure the effectiveness of its CSR initiatives, including engagement metrics, outreach levels, public opinion formation, and post-programme assessments. These tools help the company understand the impact of its programs and fine-tune its approach to community care.
A Collective Force for Good
Through its commitment to community care, Sri Lanka Telecom has demonstrated how corporate responsibility can drive positive change. The company’s initiatives galvanize individuals and teams to come together for the collective good, impacting communities beyond the company’s business interests. Sri Lanka Telecom’s legacy of giving back to its communities highlights the power of corporate social responsibility in shaping a better future for all.
