Business
DFCC Bank marks World Environment Day with beach clean-up to #BeatPlasticPollution
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DFCC Bank marked World Environment Day by furthering its “Life to Marine” initiative, one of the bank’s flagship environmental sustainability initiatives, which focuses on the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. This initiative aligns with the Environment pillar, which is one of the 6 Es that the Bank focuses on, in addition to Elderly, Education, Exercise, Emergency Relief and Entrepreneurship, as outlined in its Sustainability Strategy. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), in particular SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Accordingly, commemorating World Environment Day and World Ocean Day 2023, DFCC Bank, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy and Eco Spindles Private Limited, organized an intensive beach clean-up programme at Preethipura Beach, Uswetakeiyawa. Staff, families, customers and locals from the area participated in this event, which successfully raised awareness about the importance of minimizing plastic and polythene waste in the ocean, aligning with the theme of World Environment Day 2023, #BeatPlasticPollution.
On World Environment Day, DFCC Bank also took the opportunity to proudly reaffirm its unwavering dedication to preserving the environment for future generations. Under the guidance of Thimal Perera, CEO at DFCC Bank and Management Ambassador driving initiatives under the Environment Pillar, the bank has implemented a comprehensive approach that encompasses an environmentally-friendly business model, environmental responsibility programmes, and initiatives to ensure resource efficiency.
Each of the pillars of the 6Es is driven by a member of the Senior Management Team at DFCC Bank to ensure a cohesive, holistic and effective approach. All of this is driven by DFCC Bank’s Sustainability Framework and Strategy 2030, which envisions establishing DFCC Bank as the Bank for Green Finance, fostering sustainable work lifestyles and its emergence as the most sustainable bank in Sri Lanka by 2030.
Highlighting the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Thimal Perera said, “At DFCC Bank, we believe that sustainable practices are paramount to our success as a corporate entity. By adopting an environmentally-friendly business model, investing in environmental responsibility initiatives, and ensuring resource efficiency, we aim to make a positive impact on the environment while contributing to achieving global sustainability goals.”
In addition to these efforts, DFCC Bank encourages its staff members to participate in home gardening through its “Rise & Shine” programme. The bank firmly believes that engaging in sustainable practices at an individual level contributes to the collective effort of creating a greener future. As part of its commitment to waste management, DFCC Bank also adheres to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) to effectively manage paper waste, with a view to minimising its ecological footprint by promoting responsible waste management.
DFCC Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Working towards multidimensional sustainability — across economic, social, and environmental spheres—DFCC Bank is setting benchmarks in sustainable finance and business in Sri Lanka, whilst actively working towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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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
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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
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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.”