Business
SLID and IFC organize webinar on ‘Women on Boards: The Power of Networking’
The Women Directors Forum (WDF) of Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Women Corporate Directors Foundation (WCD), recently organized a webinar on “Women on Boards: The Power of Networking” commemorating International Women’s Day. Moderated by Dinesh Weerakkody, chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, the webinar comprised of an eminent panel of speakers – Sri Lankan and international women corporate leaders – who shared their thoughts and insights on the significant role of women board directors.
The panel comprised of keynote speaker Susan C. Keating – Chief Executive Officer of WCDF, Marie-Lawrence Guy – IFC Nominee Director Support Center, Premila Perera – INED John Keells Holdings, and Hajar Alafifi – chairperson, Unilever Sri Lanka.
Welcoming the panel and the audience, Aroshi Nanayakkara – chair of the Women Directors Forum, Vice Chairperson of SLID, CEO of Global Consulting Company and INED of Sampath Bank PLC and Hela Clothing (Pvt) Ltd, said that the WDF, which is a pioneering SLID initiative launched in 2019 to increase the number of women on corporate Boards together with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, was instrumental in introducing a progressive quota for women on Boards of public listed companies with the aim of having 30% of Board seats occupied by women.
Introducing the WCD as a leading resource on high governance programming and thought leadership and a true global peer community of seasoned female corporate directors, Susan C. Keating said that the Foundation also serves as a catalyst in supporting global board diversity. She also iterated that WCD is clearly focused on stronger emphasis on diversity which is becoming an important focus for investors and committees that are looking at board composition.
“Over time, boards have recognized the importance of diversity – especially through the companies with diverse boards. This also showcases that there will be more opportunities for women and diverse candidates to serve on company boards” said Keating.
On ways of increasing the number of women directors on boards in a sustainable manner, panelist Premila Perera said that senior corporate women need to build a specialization or professional brand which assists them in being invited to serve on boards. She also emphasized that global networks play a critical role in helping build the professional brand and specialization.
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.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
