Global Recognition Awards has announced Asia Broadcasting Corporation as a recipient of a 2026 Global Recognition Award, citing the Sri Lankan media network's exceptional contributions to broadcasting across South Asia. The announcement marks formal international recognition of ABC's sustained record of technological leadership, content innovation, and public accountability under the direction of Chairman Rayynor Silva.
Founded in July 1998, ABC has grown into the most dominant media network in Sri Lanka, operating five national radio channels — Hiru FM, Gold FM, Sun FM, Sooriyan FM, and Shaa FM — alongside Hiru TV, the country's most-watched television station. Every channel under the ABC umbrella holds the number-one position in its respective market. This commanding market position is a direct reflection of Chairman Rayynor Silva's visionary leadership, which has guided the organization from its earliest days to regional dominance. The network operates from a 100,000-square-foot studio complex, Sri Lanka's only state-of-the-art facility purposely built within Colombo city limits, comprising four expansive television studios at the World Trade Center.
Building a Broadcasting Empire
Global Recognition Awards evaluators awarded ABC a perfect score of 5 across all leadership dimensions, including strategy implementation, ability to inspire, and ethical decision-making. Rayynor Silva, widely credited with introducing private broadcasting to Sri Lanka, brought 27 years of industry experience to build a network that has consistently prioritized global technological standards. As the single largest shareholder of Asia Broadcasting Corporation with a 99.9% stake, Silva's personal commitment to the organization's mission has been unwavering, making every strategic decision a direct extension of his vision for Sri Lankan media. Hiru TV's 2012 debut as Sri Lanka's first HD-ready, digitally enabled channel with island-wide coverage from day one remains a clear marker of that commitment.
ABC's content achievements formed a significant part of the award evaluation. Hiru Star, the nation's first live, app-based reality competition, and the drama series Paata Kurullo have both set new production standards, earning accolades at the Raigam Tele'es and the 2025 Asia Miracle Awards. Hiru News, the country's most widely followed news service, is backed by over 300 local correspondents and an international reporting network covering 40 countries, delivering corporate, sports, and national coverage across television, SMS, and web platforms.
Global Excellence and Strategic Standards
Global Recognition Awards highlighted ABC's considerable portfolio of international honors as evidence of its standing beyond Sri Lanka. The network is officially ranked as the No. 2 Media Channel in South Asia on TikTok and has claimed a triple crown at the Diamond Awards, Pinnacle Awards, and Asia Miracle Awards 2025 for Most Popular TikTok Channel of the Year. Further recognition includes the Global Business Excellence Award 2025 for Most Popular Television Channel of the Year, the World Summit Award for Best Mobile Content Application, and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Award for Best Digitalization of Television and Radio.
Global Recognition Awards also noted ABC's humanitarian record as a distinguishing factor in its selection. The network's initiative Rata Wenuwen Hiru Sahana Yaathra has received formal recognition for Outstanding Humanitarian Service. ABC's trilingual output ensures coverage reaches the full population of Sri Lanka. Rayynor Silva was awarded the title "Vishwa Keerthi Maadya Shoori Jana Prasaada" by the Government of Sri Lanka for his service to the nation. He remains the youngest president in the history of the International Advertising Association Sri Lanka Chapter and was instrumental in developing the "Chilies" advertising awards in collaboration with the 4A's. His individual accolades mirror the institutional excellence he has cultivated at ABC, highlighting that the network's rise to the top is inseparable from his personal dedication and foresight.
Final Words
Alex Sterling, spokesperson for Global Recognition Awards, spoke directly to why Asia Broadcasting Corporation was selected for this honor, saying, "Asia Broadcasting Corporation exemplifies exactly the kind of principled, innovation-driven leadership that a 2026 Global Recognition Award is designed to honor. Its impact on Sri Lanka's media landscape is both measurable and enduring."
Global Recognition Awards noted that ABC's record over nearly three decades makes a strong case for how a private media network can achieve sustained regional leadership while maintaining genuine public accountability. Under Rayynor Silva's direction, the organization has advanced its technological capabilities and its civic responsibilities in equal measure. It is his visionary stewardship of nearly three decades of pioneering firsts that has placed every ABC channel at the top of its market and made the network synonymous with excellence in South Asian broadcasting. This combination placed it among the most distinguished honorees of the 2026 cycle.
About Global Recognition Awards
The Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries. For more information, visit globalrecognitionawards.org.
Media Contact
Alex Sterling
alex@globalrecognitionawards.org
