Business
LOLC Finance tops the ‘Most Valuable Consumer Brand’ in the financial services sector
LOLC Finance PLC, the premier Non-Banking Financial Institute (NBFI) in Sri Lanka, has demonstrated exceptional resilience and remarkable growth, a true testament to their resolute dedication and innovative strategies. Positioning impressively on the esteemed Brand Finance Index 2023, the institution has secured a prestigious fourth-ranking position among the nation’s top 10 Fastest Growing Brands, displaying an impressive 18% surge in brand expansion.
The narrative of LOLC Finance’s remarkable expansion owes itself to their proactive stance in furnishing pioneering financial solutions. Their earnest focus on customer-centricity, adaptability, and forward-looking strategies has been pivotal in propelling the ascent of their brand’s worth. This has consequently translated into noteworthy advancements across the entirety of the Brand Index score.
The numerical achievements underscore the profound success achieved by LOLC Finance. Boasting a robust brand valuation of 8.2 billion, the institution has realized a remarkable 18% surge from the preceding year’s 7 billion, culminating in an elevation of their overall brand rating from AA- to AA+. This accomplishment assumes even greater significance when considering the adversities faced by Sri Lankan brands in 2022, a period characterized by a substantial 16% contraction in the combined value of the top 100 brands featured in the ranking. Notably, LOLC Finance is also towering its position as the top most brand within the Financial Services Sector.
LOLC Finance’s stellar growth trajectory and unyielding resilience radiates within a challenging financial landscape, positioning them as a frontrunner in Sri Lanka’s financial services arena.
Their steadfast commitment to delivering resolute value and cultivating trust bears testimony to their positive influence on the nation’s economy. As they persist on their voyage of advancement, the future holds immense promise for LOLC Finance, firmly solidifying their role as a catalytic force within the corporate environment of Sri Lanka.
The Director/ CEO of LOLC Finance PLC, Mr. Krishan Thilakaratne, stated, “Our success story stands as an inspiring testament to the entire industry, showcasing our steadfast dedication to our customers’ needs, flexibility, and forward-thinking approach, especially, following the largest merger of an NBFI in the history of Sri Lankan corporates”.
He continued, “We believe our brand comes with complete substance and value that we bring to the consumer, industry, public and economy at large. The public confidence and industry stability which LOLC Finance brings to the NBFI arena is absolutely vital for the long term progress, evolution and sustainability of the entire industry. At present we are the most dynamic catalyst in the NBFI industry, creating financial inclusion and essential capital to critical productive sectors.”
Remarkable is the consistent trend of LOLC Finance garnering awards, a practice that endures across both local and global levels. Amplifying these achievements is their ambitious digital strategy, aimed at expanding and enriching the digital presence, in combination with their extensive network of 230 branches spanning in the island.
The company is also the largest SME Financier, Personnel and Micro Financier, Islamic Finance service provider, Factoring and Receivable provider and Agricultural Equipment Financier in the industry. LOLC Finance today is the most technologically advanced NBFI with its own home-grown lifestyle payment application ‘Ipay’, its own series of Credit Cards and its own Online and Mobile Banking Services. LOLC Finance also presents an entire range of Lending and Deposit products that an NBFI can offer to its customers.
By attaining a profit of LKR 15.4 Billion during the fiscal year 2022/23, LOLC Finance PLC has secured its position as the second most profitable privately owned financial institution in the nation. Additionally, it contributes to over 20% of the combined assets, liabilities, and equity within the Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) sector.
Brand Finance Lanka, a renowned entity specializing in brand valuation and strategic insights, has just presented its 20th annual assessment of the top 100 most valuable brands in Sri Lanka. This annual review, orchestrated by Brand Finance Lanka, amalgamates tailored market research with publicly accessible financial information, resulting in an all-encompassing inspection of Sri Lanka’s brand landscape. The Brands Annual by LMD offers an sophisticated discussion of the approach and evaluation techniques employed for both product and service brands showcased within the index.
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.”