Business
Clive Fonseka to lead People’s Bank into the next phase of growth and success
The Board of Directors of People’s Bank announced the appointment of Clive Fonseka as the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager (CEO/GM), effective from August 1st, 2023. He has been functioning as Acting CEO/GM of the bank since 1st January 2023. Fonseka’s extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the financial industry make him the ideal candidate to lead People’s Bank into the next phase of growth and success.
A veteran in the industry, Clive Fonseka is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and holds an MBA from the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Over the course of his illustrious career spanning 30 years, Fonseka has demonstrated exceptional expertise in Treasury Management, garnering respect from peers and industry experts alike.
During his tenure as President of the Association of Primary Dealers from 2018 to 2020, Fonseka showcased outstanding leadership and spearheaded significant contributions to the financial sector. His active involvement in numerous esteemed committees, including the National Payment Council and Financial System Stability Consultative Committee, demonstrates his commitment to the advancement and stability of the financial ecosystem.
Fonseka’s deep understanding of financial markets and benchmark interest rates led to his pivotal role in the Market Working Group on the Domestic Financial Market Infrastructure Development Project at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). His insights and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the country’s financial landscape.
Presently, Fonseka serves as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director at various esteemed institutions, including People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, People’s Leasing Property Development Limited, and LankaPay (Pvt) Limited, among others. His involvement in these organizations further underscores his commitment to fostering excellence within the industry.
The Board of Directors is confident that under Clive Fonseka’s guidance as the CEO/GM, People’s Bank will continue to strengthen its position as a premier financial institution, offering innovative solutions and unparalleled service to its customers and stakeholders.
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.”