Dialog Axiata steps in to assist Sri Lanka’s Fishing Community with Sayuru Mobile App

By: Staff Writer

September 23, Colombo (LNW): Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading connectivity provider, has launched the Sayuru mobile app to support the country’s fishing communities.

Available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, the app is specifically designed for day-boat fishermen and offers critical real-time weather updates and other essential services. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Meteorology, the app builds on the success of the original SMS and voice-based Sayuru service introduced in 2020.

The app offers features such as “Today’s Weather,” “Mark My Route,” “Saved Locations,” “Department Services,” “Awareness Programmes,” a digital compass, SOS alerts, and a fuel calculator.

While the Sayuru SMS and voice service remains free, the app provides a 90-day free trial for its advanced features, after which a daily subscription fee of Rs. 2 + tax applies. The app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store, and Dialog customers benefit from data-free access.

This initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 9, and 13, focusing on reducing poverty, promoting sustainable industry and infrastructure, and combating climate change.

It has already received recognition, including the NBQSA Award for Inclusion and Community in 2023. Since its inception, the Sayuru voice and SMS service has gained over 100,000 active users, issued 2.1 million weather alerts via SMS, and facilitated an average of 800,000 emergency calls annually.

Douglas Devananda, former Minister of Fisheries, commended Dialog Axiata’s efforts, stating that the Sayuru app is a timely solution that enhances the safety and livelihoods of Sri Lanka’s fishermen.

Dialog’s Head of Sustainability, Asanga Priyadharshana, emphasized the company’s commitment to using technology to support marginalized communities and help mitigate the risks faced by day-boat fishermen due to unpredictable weather conditions.

“In an era when information about the lives and safety of fishing boats on one-day journeys was inaccessible, Dialog Axiata PLC introduced the Sayuru 828 Service,”

The launch of the Sayuru mobile app is both timely and vital, and we extend our gratitude to Dialog for implementing solutions that safeguard the lives and livelihoods of more than 100,000 Sri Lankan fishermen.”

Asanga Priyadharshana, Head of Sustainability and Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, added, “We are proud to introduce the Sayuru Mobile App, which underscores our commitment to using technology to uplift and empower Sri Lanka’s fishing communities.

This app is a valuable extension of our ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities, and we believe it will significantly mitigate the risks posed by unpredictable weather conditions to day-boat fishermen’s livelihoods.”