Its pursuit of diversification as a corporate strategy has enabled Diesel & Motor Engineering(DIMO) to expand and grow, ensuring it records revenue growth. As a result of theseinitiatives, diversification of the group’s revenue streams has enabled it to report stablegross profits despite the adverse macroeconomic circumstances. Additionally,spurred by the imposition of import restrictions, DIMO was compelled toplace greater focus on its agri, projects and retail businesses.

Q: Could you shed light on how corporates can forge ahead and pursue growth when faced with challenging macroeconomic conditions?
A: Macroeconomic conditions will never be perfect or ideal and will always affect our businesses.

Corporates must have effective scenario planning in place, be agile and have the pulse at the ground level to forge ahead. Moreover, organisations must be very focussed when it comes to seeking opportunities to get the best and mitigate threats.

Much of the world’s governments are easing restrictions, people are becoming more mobile and a strong economic recovery is underway. The biggest source of trouble in the economy during the pandemic has been the sharp decline in activity in many industries – especially in the services sector.

The ability of the global economy to rebound will depend in part on whether the consumer facing services sector is able to garner strong support from consumers.

Q: In your opinion, what are the most vital pillars of building brand respect in international markets?
A: The country of origin matters – acceptance of the country and Sri Lanka’s image in the global market matter, and should be conducive to business.

As a group, foreign partners from various countries work with us. In view of this, how we work with them and our business ethics will determine how much respect they have for us. To this end, integrity and accountability in our business processes and relationships will determine how well we are respected by others.

Q: How would you describe the role of social responsibility endeavours such as sustainability initiatives and community engagement when it comes to the ‘corporate respect’ equation?
A: Over the past eight plus decades, social responsibility has been a prime focus for our group, and we continue to include sustainability initiatives and community engagement projects in our ongoing plans.

All our products come from the most advanced principals in the world and adhere to the latest environmental guidelines. Moreover, our operations are governed by strict guidelines.

Our sustainability goals encompass diverse topics such as gender equality, carbon emissions, road safety, vocational educational opportunities and smart agriculture among others.

Q: In what way can the quality of products and services garner respect for corporates over the long term?
A: We firmly believe in delighting customers. Our products and solutions touch the lifestyles of Sri Lankans multiple times a day, and have positive impacts on their lives. The experience we provide has a direct bearing on how consumers perceive us.

Q: Could you outline the importance of stakeholder perceptions – especially where customers are concerned?
A: I firmly believe that ‘perception is reality’ as stated by the late Prof. Uditha Liyanage. We have to be sensitive to the perceptions of all stakeholders and act accordingly. For example, customer perceptions enrich the brand value and introduce more possibilities for business.

Q: What do you consider to be the main attributes of DIMO’s image – and how have they impacted stakeholder perceptions?
A: DIMO has a unique culture, holding fast to it over the group’s eight decades of history – it is in our genes.

At DIMO, we walk the talk. We consciously set our parameters, earn respect and behave responsibly. Our purpose is to fuel the dreams and aspirations of all stakeholders. Furthermore, our corporate values are at the core of all our decisions.

We believe that stakeholders admire us for these reasons.

Over the last eight decades, DIMO has blazed new trails across not only Sri Lanka but the world; and it has emerged as one of the country’s most respected and admired organisations. It says a distinct and memorable customer experience begins with a distinctive corporate culture, which is essential for any business to succeed with one of the prime determinants being its values.

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