The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing has announced the 2026 edition of its flagship Brand Excellence Awards, marking a quarter-century of recognising marketing and branding excellence. The anniversary edition features updated award categories, a two-round judging process, and an expanded scope to include digital,…
The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has launched the 2026 edition of its Brand Excellence Awards, commemorating 25 years of recognising excellence in branding and marketing across the nation. The platform, which has evolved alongside Sri Lanka's marketing landscape, now encompasses a broader range of categories including digital, B2B, innovative, and sustainability-led sectors, alongside more traditional brand classifications and emerging SME businesses.
The 25th edition reflects significant changes in how brand performance is evaluated. Rather than focusing primarily on brand visibility, the revised judging methodology emphasises the substance behind brand success, assessing both actual performance and strategic brand development. According to SLIM leadership, the evaluation process examines how brands identify consumer insights, translate these into purposeful strategies, execute effectively, and deliver measurable results.
The awards will employ a two-stage process: an initial screening phase comparing entries against specified criteria, followed by a Senior Jury Panel assessment of main categories conducted by seasoned marketing and industry professionals. The process will include a presentation round, allowing brand custodians to articulate the thinking and outcomes that have guided their brand's trajectory. The 25th edition will also introduce Lifetime Recognition Awards honouring industry figures who have shaped Sri Lanka's branding and marketing landscape.
SLIM leadership has positioned the awards as serving a broader developmental function beyond recognition. Officials stated that participation offers invaluable benchmarking opportunities and learning experiences for organisations of all sizes, regardless of whether they secure awards. The 2026 edition emphasises brand agility, sustainable innovation, and meaningful business impact, reflecting current market demands and the profession's evolution driven by technological advancement and changing consumer expectations.
