Business
Seylan Bank redefines FinTech collaboration as exclusive processor on Helakuru
Representing its continued efforts to enable efficient partnerships and collaborations within the FinTech ecosystem of Sri Lanka, Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, recently partnered with Bhasha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd in an effort to become the direct-debit payment processor for the Helakuru Superapp.
This development means that any Helakuru user who uses the app to make payments towards utilities, services or merchants, will do so via Seylan Bank’s use of LankaPay’s JustPay service. As JustPay enables users to withdraw funds from any bank. any bank account for these transactions, Helakuru users have a world of convenience at their fingertips.
Seylan Bank has understood that mobile banking applications have inherent limitations where account access is provided only to Account holders of the relevant bank. However, identifying the need to enrich the eco system by further developing the FinTech platform, Seylan Bank identified the need and enabled the customers to add bank accounts from any bank to carry out their transactions on Helakuru, all of which will be processed by Seylan Bank.
“Seylan Bank constantly looks at wholistically understanding the needs of all customers and thereby enabling products and services that will empower them with better access to financial and banking facilities. This partnership re-defines how we look at collaborations because we are not limiting our facilities to Seylan customers only. It is yet another step towards using relevant technology to offer better services to our people,” stated Chaminda Senewiratne, Head of Digital Banking, Seylan Bank.
“We are elated to have one of Sri Lanka’s leading banking institutions join hands with us in our journey to empower the lives of masses with simplified digital services. Seylan Bank is the ideal partner for us as their efforts to push towards the digitalisation of our society has been more than apparent in recent times. I am confident that this is only the start of a fruitful and longstanding partnership within the digital payment ecosystem in the country,” said Dhanika Perera, CEO, Bhasha Lanka Pvt Ltd.
In addition to its efforts towards driving a complete digital lifestyle among Sri Lanka’s citizens, this partnership allows for Seylan Bank to reach and enrich a large segment of customers within and outside the Banks’ ecosystem, ultimately leading to a more digitally inclusive nation.
Helakuru Superapp currently has over 4 million active users which is the largest active user base for a home-grown mobile app, translating to an even larger customer base that is now empowered with the ability to make payments via the app. As Seylan Bank looks forward to a cashless future, efforts such as this stand as a testament to the importance of collaborations with the many FinTechs present in Sri Lanka. The partnership between Helakuru and Seylan Bank will certainly add to the platform which offers multiple digital services, leading to a more digitally empowered citizenry.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”