FOREWORD
The annual guide to Sri Lanka’s most valuable brands turns 20
BY Ruchi Gunewardene
The 20th edition of Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brands is being published during what could easily be recorded as the most tumultuous period for the country’s economy. This commenced with the nation declaring bankruptcy in April 2022, and the resultant financial, political and social fallout has touched everyone.
It’s a defining moment, in that the actions the government, business leaders and entrepreneurs take in the foreseeable future will have a lasting impact in determining the future sustainability of our nation.
In this context, our approach to value-based brand management offers brand owners important strategic insights for the future. These include how brands perform in times of crisis and a future economic recovery; deliver stability to a business and reduce risk; restart economies while building consumer confidence; and most importantly, collectively improve the national competitiveness of Sri Lanka.
The leading brands of a country are shaped by their consumers, and reflect their priorities and spending power. It mirrors the robustness of the economy being grounded on the many businesses that operate successfully. As economic prosperity increases, there are shifts in choice – for example, the move from physical retailers to online platforms with digital technology sophistication.
And the 20 year journey of the Most Valuable Brands is a reflection of the path that Sri Lanka has taken.
Our index is not a mere historical assessment; it is future focussed and mindful of upcoming trends. The transparent methodology we adopt represents an independent review that ensures accountability to internal and external stakeholders of a business.
We thank all the clients we’ve worked with over the two decades and the team at LMD with whom we have collaborated to publish this comprehensive review of Sri Lanka’s brand landscape. We look forward to continuing these engagements for many more years into the future.
