Business
The new 4A’s board to drive a 3R strategy to revive the advertising industry
The Sri Lankan Chapter of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As) recently elected its new president and the Board of Directors for 2023/2024 at its annual general meeting (AGM). The advertising industry and marketing fraternity can look forward to a revived and re-energized 4As under the new leadership of its new board.
Hailing from diverse disciplines of advertising, the dynamic and street-savvy team is poised to tackle the ever-evolving landscape of advertising in Sri Lanka. The new 4A’s board consists of President Alann Lopez, Vice President Alvin Gomesz, Vice President Selonica Perumal, General Secretary Nathasha Martyn, Treasurer Subodha Pilimatalawwe, and Directors Chrishantha Jayasinghe, Dilshara Jayamanna, Varuni Jayasekera, Wasaam Ismail, and Ahmed T. Hassan. With a commitment to improving the industry’s standards, the 4A’s board is well-positioned to lead and inspire the advertising fraternity in Sri Lanka.
The 4A’s board has recently launched its new 3R strategy – Resource, Revenue, and Reputation – with the aim of revitalizing the association’s energy and reputation. Through this strategy, the board seeks to improve its resource management, generate more revenue for the industry, and enhance its reputation by forming strategic partnerships with other organizations.
With a focus on retaining, nurturing, attracting, and rewarding talent, the Resource initiative will see the implementation of various programs. The board believes these initiatives will help bring career development, raising the bar of creativity and encourage the young talent to join the advertising industry.
Within the last few years, the industry was hardest hit by COVID, the economic crisis, and government taxes. Under the Revenue initiative, the board aims to implement the right mix of initiatives that will help improve the revenue of the member agencies.
The board recognizes that Reputation is crucial in the advertising industry and strategic partnerships with other bodies, institutions, and other stakeholders will help the industry gain learning, recognition and foster reputation.
The board is confident that its 3R strategy will revive the industry and restore 4A’s as a leading industry association.
The 4A’s is a non-profit organization committed to advancing the Marketing Communications and Advertising industry in Sri Lanka with a mission to elevate the industry’s stature by nurturing talent, creativity, and promoting ethical advertising practices. We aim to provide leadership to better understand the usefulness and scope of advertising and other marketing communication tools for advertisers and the public in today’s fast-paced business world. Through the work, 4As strive to drive excellence in the industry while safeguarding members’ interests and being their voice.
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.”