PORTFOLIO

CORPORATE PROFILE

1. FLAGSHIP PUBLICATION

Our corporate profile revolves around the company’s flagship publication Lanka Monthly Digest (LMD). Today, it is the only magazine with Superbrand status in Sri Lanka, the only magazine to be ranked among the top 100 unlisted brands in the country and the only Sri Lankan magazine to win a Global Commerce Excellence Award.

2. CORPORATE STATEMENTS

VISION STATEMENT

“To become the nation’s most respected and influential media organisation.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To be a benchmark for business in this country, cultivate a team of committed professionals, enhance the quality of life of team members who contribute to team performance, and contribute to the nation’s big picture.”

3. BUSINESS AGENDA

Sri Lanka’s ‘Voice Of Business’ strives to achieve excellence in business journalism that is comparable with the best magazines in the world. In Sri Lanka, it has pioneered concepts that are now benchmarks for other publications. LMD’s focus is uniquely on the big picture of Sri Lanka’s business landscape. This encompasses most of the burning issues that confront the nation – i.e. winning the peace, bribery and corruption, professionalism and ethics, politicisation, law and order, infrastructure, technology, productivity and poverty among others. LMD was the only publication of its kind in Sri Lanka at the time it was launched and it continues to blaze a trail across the corporate landscape of this country.

4. READERSHIP

LMD enjoys a monthly readership of around 30,000-40,000 (a print run of 5,000 copies on average, read by six plus people a copy). LMD’s target readership comprises business and opinion leaders, and senior managers and professionals. It is increasingly read by the academic and diplomatic communities, and civil-society organisations. LMD’s CYBER EDITION is available on the Web at www.LMD.lk

5. CONTENT

LMD covers the gamut of business, politics, current affairs and management, catering to corporate leaders, directors, managers and executives, as well as anyone who is interested in both Sri Lankan and international corporate, economic, financial, political and current affairs. The layout of the magazine is in the form of a digest of business with a lifestyle section (LMD Life) added for good measure.

BUSINESS

Contains Key Biz Indicators that include economic indicators such as stock market indices, interest and forex rates, and commodity prices to name a few.

The LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (or BCI) is the only measure of corporate sentiment in Sri Lanka. LMD’s monthly update is compiled in association with PepperCube Consultants and has been tracked for over two decades. The exclusive poll is based on a survey of 100 businesspeople in the City of Colombo, and compiled from answers to a series of questions on the business environment and expectations.

The magazine contains in-depth unbiased analyses and interviews with leading personalities in the corporate world, opinion shapers, thought leaders, respected public figures and the next generation of business leaders.

LMD’s Business Forum segment focusses on critical issues that arise in Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape including unbiased opinions on problems that exist in major sectors of the economy and how they can be overcome.

In addition, LMD provides in-depth analyses of local and regional markets, and monthly industry updates.

The magazine also covers the latest trends in management including regular columns on leadership, IT, human resources, education and marketing.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

In-depth accounts of local and international current affairs including an up-to-date news briefing from AFP.

POLITICS

LMD provides an unbiased analysis of international and national political affairs, painting a broad picture of state proceedings and international events. Political perspectives are compiled by both local commentators and through foreign correspondents.

6. ADVERTISER PROFILE

LMD boasts what is arguably the most high profile combination of advertisers in the nation’s print media (Refer ADVERTISER INDEX in LMD).

7. SUBSCRIBERS

Readers are entitled to substantial discounts on books via the LMD-VIJITHA YAPA BOOK CLUB.

Some of the biggest names in business are LIFETIME SUBSCRIBERS to LMD, a unique concept pioneered by Media Services in July 2001. This subscription base now exceeds 2,300.

Regular competitions in the magazine offer hotel and retail vouchers, and numerous gifts to winners.

8. CORPORATE SUBSCRIBERS

LMD’s corporate subscribers include AIA Insurance Lanka, HSBC, Nations Trust Bank, Nestlé Lanka, Pan Asia Bank, and Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education.

9. IN-FLIGHT READERSHIP

LMD is available in flight to Business Class passengers on SriLankan Airlines.

10. RETAIL SALES

The magazine is sold at leading bookstores and supermarkets islandwide.

11. VALUE FOR MONEY

Advertisers in LMD enjoy exclusive monthly coverage of company news via the magazine’s Advertiser Forum segment. This consists of exclusive press releases of new products, launches and activities of media interest.

12. PRE-PRESS AND PRINTING

Our chief printer Softwave has won awards for both excellence and merit in selected categories including the coveted Master Printer award. Both LMD and Living have featured prominently in these awards.

13. INNOVATIONS

LMD has gained a reputation for innovation over the years. Its pioneering concepts and publications include the following.

LMD-PEPPERCUBE BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX (BCI) The LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (or BCI) is the only measure of corporate sentiment in Sri Lanka. LMD’s monthly update is compiled in association with PepperCube Consultants and has been tracked since January 1997. The exclusive poll is based on a survey of 100 businesspeople in the City of Colombo, and compiled from answers to a series of questions on the business environment and expectations.

SRI LANKAN OF THE YEAR Launched in January 1996, this has been an annual feature ever since. Nominees have included Sri Lankabhimanya Lakshman Kadirgamar (1995 and 2005), Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga and the Sri Lankan cricket team (1996), Deshamanya Ken Balendra (1998), Jayantha Dhanapala (2006) and Kumar Sangakkara (2011 and 2019).

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SRI LANKAN BUSINESSPEOPLE – THE A-LIST

Our annual list of leading Sri Lankan Businesspeople was based on nominations received from LMD’s contributors, as well as an in-house think tank led by the editorial and senior management teams. Launched in 2010 as Businesspeople Of The Year (BOTY), ‘Sri Lankan Businesspeople – The A-List’ featured a compilation of businesspeople that have gone the extra mile to do their country and organisations proud. Our annual hall of fame showcased 50 leaders from among the best in Sri Lanka’s corporate community.

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THE 50 GREATEST SRI LANKANS SINCE INDEPENDENCE

A celebration of the achievements of Sri Lankans and Sri Lanka in the February 1998 issue of LMD to coincide with the nation’s golden jubilee.

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LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTIONS

Lifetime subscriptions were introduced on LMD’s seventh anniversary in July 2001.

14. OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Other Media Services publications include or have included the following.

LMD INTERNATIONAL Launched in April 2023, the international edition of LMD features Sri Lankans residing overseas. This quarterly magazine – the first of its kind in this country – invites the diaspora to engage with their motherland. Its mission is to “connect and engage with Sri Lankans across the world – and rekindle an inseparable connection with their land of birth or ancestry.”

LIVING A glossy monthly roundup of leisure and entertainment, and travel destinations across the globe, Living was launched in September 2005. The self-styled ‘celebration of life’ features one-on-one interviews with Hollywood icons and local celebs, travel destinations, fashion spreads, interior decor and architecture, food fads by celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, motor and sport reviews, health and wellness advice from experts, and a touch of humour to put things into perspective – all of which make it a ‘must read.’

LMD 100 A ranking of the leading listed companies in Sri Lanka, the LMD 100 has come to be known as ‘Sri Lanka’s version of the Fortune 500.’ First published in May 1995 as The LMD 50, it was the first of its kind in ranking listed companies in Sri Lanka. From financial year 2003/04, the annual rankings have been published as a stand-alone edition.

MOST RESPECTED This stand-alone edition is published annually and represents yet another pioneering venture by Media Services. Launched in 2005, the rankings of Sri Lanka’s most respected entities are based on a survey of working people undertaken by research firm PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services.

BRANDS ANNUAL A Media Services publication, Brands Annual presents a comprehensive profile of LMD readership’s most loved brands. The one of a kind Brands Annual survey is conducted by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. This stand-alone edition, launched in 2009, sets yet another benchmark for business media in Sri Lanka.

MOST AWARDED Launched in April 2020, LMD’s groundbreaking special edition pioneered a unique approach to showcasing Sri Lanka’s most awarded entities. This innovative publication highlights the achievements and recognition bestowed on businesses across diverse sectors, offering readers comprehensive insights into their exceptional performance and contribution to the country’s economic and social fabric.

ESSENCE Debuting on International Women’s Day in March 2021, Essence is a tribute to the trailblazing women who have defied conventional norms, and risen to prominence in Sri Lanka’s corporate and professional spheres. The magazine serves as a source of inspiration for women throughout the island, empowering them to navigate societal and cultural obstacles as they seek to break the so-called ‘glass ceiling.’

THE GREEN COVER An annual publication to coincide with World Environment Day, The Green Cover serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for sustainability across the social, economic and environmental domains by advocating for responsible stewardship. Through insightful commentaries and impactful narratives, this publication underscores the need for corporates to prioritise sustainability by fostering a balance between business development and environmental preservation.

VIBE Targeting the vibrant Gen Z demographic, the digital edition of Vibe magazine offers a diverse array of content spanning travel, technology, cuisine, fashion, fitness, entertainment and more. With its pulse on trending topics, Vibe serves as a ‘go-to’ resource for Zoomers seeking inspiration, whether they’re planning their next adventure, revamping their living spaces or curating a weekend movie marathon! Since its launch in March 2021, Vibe has emerged as a popular publication catering to the dynamic interests and lifestyle preferences of today’s youth.

THE ARCHITECT A collaborative venture with the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), The Architect is a quarterly journal that delves into the dynamic arena of contemporary architecture in this country. Through a combination of in-depth analyses and exclusive interviews, this publication enables readers to explore the evolving landscape of architectural designs, trends and innovations.

THE HUB The launch edition of the Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) – The Hub – was released in March 2024. Published in collaboration with Media Services, the magazine featured a mix of personalities from within the profession and beyond – including residents of both Kuwait and Sri Lanka.

NOWArchitecture This glossy coffee-table book explores the many facets of architecture in Sri Lanka by featuring the unique designs of both commercial buildings and private residences. NOWArchitecture – which is published in association with the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) – includes special features that have been showcased in The Architect and Living magazines, in addition to profiling prominent architects and their achievements over the years.

REFLECTIONS A commemorative coffee-table book honouring 75 years of independence, Reflections narrates the captivating tale of the island’s transformation from Ceylon to Sri Lanka. It features 75 pivotal events and chronicles the nation’s remarkable journey since gaining independence.

LEGENDS OF BUSINESS Legends of Business is a limited edition coffee-table book, which pays tribute to 83 iconic businesspeople and the timeless leadership lessons gleaned from their journeys through the ages.

SUPERBRANDS Media Services published all Sri Lankan editions of Superbrands – for Superbrands Lanka. In order to be considered for Superbrand status, a brand needs to satisfy the criteria of exceptional quality, achievement of consumer trust and confidence, and consistency in delivering on its promise. Our flagship publication LMD was among the 50 superbrands selected by the Superbrands Council in the inaugural edition of Consumer Superbrands – it is the only publication in Sri Lanka to garner this honour.

THE LMD STORY A one of a kind coffee-table publication that recorded the inside story of Sri Lanka’s pioneering business magazine, and the team behind LMD and its publishing house Media Services since its launch in August 1994. This coffee-table commemorated LMD’s first 15 years.

CORPORATE HERITAGE This coffee-table publication showcases Sri Lanka’s corporate heritage and was published in September 2013. The special edition explores the evolution of business in Sri Lanka, harking back to the country’s first trading practice established by George Steuarts in the 1830s to turn of the century entities such as C. W. Mackie, and Perera and Sons, and others with a corporate legacy spanning over 50 years at the time.

LMD CLASSICS A limited edition coffee-table book, LMD Classics was released in August 2014 to commemorate the magazine’s 20th anniversary. The publication features the best of the best from the first Cover Story published by Lanka Monthly Digest (LMD) to current affairs and sporting events across the globe. The book also features interviews with such luminaries as Sri Lankabhimanya Lakshman Kadirgamar and Sir Arthur C. Clarke, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Imran Khan, Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga and Kumar Sangakkara, to heads of state, business leaders and corporate giants. LMD Classics celebrated the organisation’s historic 20 year journey from 1994 to 2014.

LIVING ICONS Living Icons was published in August 2015 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Media Services’ lifestyle magazine Living. A coffee-table book featuring many of the best celebrity interviews published in Living over the decade since 2005, Living Icons is a limited edition publication.

AMBIENCE Capturing the essence of modern architecture while linking it to the roots of the past, Ambience showcases smart homes where just about everything is remotely controlled. This annual edition also takes readers back in time to the ancestral homes of Ceylon that have been reinstated to their former glory. Published by Media Services – in collaboration with the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) – Ambience opens a window to the world of architectural marvels and utopian-like spaces.

INVEST SRI LANKA First published in March 2018, INVEST Sri Lanka showcases the island’s investment potential while presenting must-have information to international investors – from administrative procedures  such as visa formalities and the tax regime, to a directory of useful contacts, and the facilities and services the country offers. In the foreword to the first edition of this coffee-table book, the then Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Deshamanya Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy notes: “The island’s resilient economy, together with its strategic advantages in terms of geographical position and well-educated workforce, sets the stage for the next chapter of economic progress as a knowledge based export oriented economic hub.” Captioned as showcasing ‘a hub in the making,’ this one of a kind investor guide features interviews with a number of Sri Lanka’s highly placed businesspeople.

DRIVE A mandatory addition to the bookshelves of motoring enthusiasts, Drive made its mark on Media Services’ LMD Coffee-Tables arm in 2018. From classic cars and collectors’ wheels, to racing legends and 21st century gadgets, this publication is a must-have for motor buffs. And for movie buffs, the sleek Bentleys, Aston Martins, Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz cars that have been featured in James Bond films add a touch of Hollywood to its pages.

MADE IN SRI LANKA In collaboration with the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), Media Services published Made in Sri Lanka – a coffee-table book dedicated to Sri Lankan exports – the first such publication focussing on the island’s export sector. Published in December 2018, Made in Sri Lanka covers important areas relating to exports such as international trade relations, issues affecting the sector and new developments, as well as profiles of leading exporters, interviews with state organisations in relation to international trade and other information. This unique publication also highlights ‘Brand Sri Lanka’ from a Sri Lankan perspective while showcasing the services offered by the chamber to the exporter community – as the ‘voice of the exporter.’

LIONS OF SRI LANKA Lions of Sri Lanka traces the island’s cricketing history and pays tribute to the country’s 30 greatest cricketers since 1932. A fascinating look back in time to when cricket took hold in Sri Lanka in the pre-Test era as well as a number of milestones of the modern era – including the historic 1996 ICC World Cup victory in Lahore and 2014 ICC T20 World Cup win in Dhaka – this coffee-table book is a keepsake for Sri Lankan cricket fans.

THE 100 CLUB The 100 Club turned the spotlight on Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies in the quarter-century from 1994 to 2018, to coincide with LMD’s 25th anniversary. This special commemorative edition pays homage to the star performers of corporate Sri Lanka who have stood the test of time; it features 100 listed corporations from among an array of sectors ranging from diversified holdings and banking, to trade, finance and insurance, and manufacturing. Also on offer in this volume are insights into market movements and economic indicators over a period of 25 years.

FOOTPRINT This represents a captivating coffee-table book that turns the spotlight on CSR and sustainability in Sri Lanka. Through a diverse range of insights and interviews, the publication explores the profound benefits of implementing these practices in both the corporate and philanthropic domains.

SRI LANKA-ADB PARTNERSHIP Published in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this coffee-table book celebrated the ADB’s 50 years of operations in Sri Lanka. Since its first loan to the island in 1968, the lending institution has partnered successive governments in Sri Lanka, helping to uplift a range of industries and sectors by way of grants, concessionary loans and technical assistance over the many decades since its establishment in the island in 1966. From rural electrification and road development, to projects covering education, transport and small industries, this coffee-table book illustrates ADB’s longstanding association with Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO CLUB History, heritage and luxury converge in Colombo Club – Media Services’ special coffee-table edition on behalf of the exclusive club in celebration of its 150th anniversary, which traces its illustrious journey through numerous milestones. This commemorative edition highlights the club’s integral role in the fabric of British Ceylon, from its origins as a crown colony to the island’s transition into a democratic republic.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL PLANNER Media Services was appointed as the official publisher of this annual travel publication by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board for a period of three years. The first two editions of Sri Lanka Travel Planner were published in 1999 and 2000. The third edition was renamed Sri Lanka Travel Manual and released in 2001.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL MANUAL In 2001, the nation’s official travel manual was published by Media Services; it was Sri Lanka’s guide for international tour operators and travel agents. The venture followed the appointment of Media Services as publisher by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Media Services was commissioned to publish the journal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) in 2004.

ABACUS The quarterly journal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), Abacus was published by Media Services for many years. Featuring insights from leading figures and chartered accountants in the country on a range of topics of interest to accounting professionals, as well as others in the business sphere, the journal covered current affairs, tech trends, travel destinations, key economic indicators and technical inputs.

CINNAMON Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ bimonthly publication Cinnamon made its debut in October 2015. Published in collaboration with Media Services, the lifestyle magazine catered to guests enjoying the hospitality of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

INSPIRE Rocell’s quarterly magazine – published in collaboration with Media Services – illustrated the timeless elegance of its range of sanitaryware, surface coverings and kitchens.

CONSTRUCT Published in collaboration with the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL), Construct offered readers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of the island’s construction industry. Through insightful analyses and informative features, the magazine offered a glimpse into emerging trends shaping the construction industry.

BENCHMARKING COMPETITIVENESS Published in November 1999 in association with J. E. Austin Inc. (USA), the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and ORGMARG SMART (subsequently, NielsenIQ), this special issue focussed on competitiveness in South Asia and the global challenge.

CRICKET WORLD CUP SPECIAL ISSUES LMD’s 1999 World Cup Special Issue featured contributions from David Frith (the former Editor of Wisden), Sidath Wettimuny and Anura Tennekoon among other cricketing stalwarts.

ANNUAL REPORTS Media Services produced the annual report of People’s Leasing Company (PLC) for two consecutive years.

15. DIGITAL PRODUCTS

LMD WIRE Media Services’ LMD Wire – an integrated platform for smartphone users – is an easy to use mobile gateway to articles published in LMD, Living, Discover Sri Lanka and Dirimaga, along with Benchmark, BizTalk and Shutter Buzz videos. The LMD Mall can also be accessed on LMD Wire. Available for free download on Google Play Store, LMD Wire operates on Android phones.

THE LMD MALL Launched in 2015 as a fledgling e-commerce site, The LMD Mall offers books, magazines, clothing, electronics, home appliances, mobile phones and tabs, as well as vouchers from star class hotels and service establishments, at discounted prices.

BENCHMARK/LMDtv A half-hour business programme that was aired online and on television, Benchmark was launched in August 2001 in collaboration with the nation’s leading production house – the wrap factory. The programme aired on Peo TV and Dialog TV, in addition to running on LMD’s website (www.LMD.lk). LMD provided and presented the content for the show, which included interviews, the week’s key business indicators, regular survey segments on public life especially issues affecting the corporate sphere. The weekly programme is now aired digitally (on Facebook and YouTube) as LMDtv.

LIVING GETS REAL A biweekly talk show segment that airs candid interviews with some of Colombo’s prominent personalities, Living Gets Real (LGR) revolves around the vibrant leisure sector, gaining insights and perspectives from celebs, artistes and scores of others. The programme offers an engaging and informative glimpse into the heartbeat of the city’s entertainers.

BIZTALK BizTalk brings industry experts and biz personalities closer to viewers through one-on-one interviews that focus on corporate performance, and the economic outlook and dynamics of the business world. These videos run for around 10 minutes and BizTalk provides Media Services’ advertisers a platform to reach out to target audiences through its online channels, which include LMD’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

LMD PODCASTS In a day and age when reading time has shrunk while commuting from one place to another is taking longer, LMD Podcasts offers an easy listening option for the magazine’s target audience who pride themselves on staying abreast of current affairs and corporate news. Made available for online streaming through SoundCloud, LMD Podcasts offers selected articles from the pioneering magazine that readers and subscribers can listen to while they’re on the go.

LMDInternational.lk Launched in August 2023 with a vision to extend our flagship publication’s reach beyond borders, LMD International’s online edition has emerged as a reliable digital platform featuring an array of content targeting Sri Lanka’s overseas.

LMD100.LK The pioneering rankings of the leading listed companies in Sri Lanka, the LMD 100 – also known as ‘Sri Lanka’s version of the Fortune 500’ – assumes a web avatar through LMD100.lk, which means that the stand-alone edition is only a click away!

LIVINGMAGAZINE.LK The popular online destination for a roundup of leisure, entertainment and travel – courtesy LMD’s sister publication Living. LivingMagazine.lk is a vibrant celebration of life, offering a diverse lineup of content to browse through.

DISCOVERSRILANKA.LK Supplementing the Discover Sri Lanka magazine with its own original content, the discoversrilanka.lk website plays host to an image gallery that draws inspiration from the sights and sounds of the island, a blog forum and a schedule of major events, as well as competitions catering to intrepid travellers who enjoy exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka.

VIBEFORGENZ.LK At VIBEFORGENZ.LK, readers can explore the latest trends, draw inspiration for their next vacation, interior makeover or weekend movie marathon, and connect with like-minded individuals. The online edition highlights the vibrant spirit and unique interests of Gen Z.

DIRIMAGA.LK Media Services’ foray into the Sinhala language medium aims at a wider audience of Sri Lankans covering both urban and rural communities, as well as a growing diaspora. Launched as Vyápárika Handa in June 2010 – as the ‘Best of LMD’ in Sinhala – Dirimaga is now an online publication.