Business
CFA Society Sri Lanka announces appointment of new CEO, Aruna Alwis
CFA Institute has earned an important reputation as a professional organization providing finance education to investment professionals. Recently, CFA Society Sri Lanka (CFASL) announced the appointment of Aruna Alwis as its new Chief Executive Officer to help drive its vision forward.
Prior to joining CFASL, Aruna Alwis served as Chief Executive Officer/Secretary of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Director Operations of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Sri Lanka, and CEO of the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka. Aruna Alwis received his Executive Education from INSEAD, IIM Bangalore, Open University UK, and DCAAP Philippines. He is a professional member of the British Computer Society, UK and holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Colombo and a MBA from Warnbourgh University, UK.
CFASL is set to play a more influential role locally under his Executive Leadership in the coming months, with a series of new programs helping to further strengthen the Finance and Investment industry. It is believed that these initiatives will help reinforce the industry locally and enhance its regional and international links further.
The Capital Market Awards, Research Challenge competition, Women in Finance initiatives, Candidates council events and 20th Anniversary Celebrations are some of the league events being organised by CFASL to support the enhancement of skills and competencies of the country’s Finance and Investment professionals and the industry as a whole.
President of CFASL Dinesh Warusavitharana commented on the appointment of Aruna Alwis: “The appointment of the new CEO marks an exciting time for growth and development as CFASL celebrates its 20th Anniversary.” He said, “Aruna is the right leader for CFASL due to his extensive corporate relationships spanning Finance, Accounting, ICT, Education, Media, and the Government. This ties together with his wide international exposure and proven business development skills. We have no doubt that his expertise will help CFASL strengthen its position both locally and internationally, and develop strategic alliances, as well as foster the Finance and Investment industry in Sri Lanka.”
Brenda Hou, CFA Institute’s Senior Director of Society Relations, Asia Pacific, said, “This senior executive appointment marks an important milestone in CFA Society Sri Lanka. Our CFA Societies primarily operate as volunteer-run, not-for-profit organizations. This appointment allows CFA Society Sri Lanka to expand its engagement with members, candidates and the industry more broadly, to fulfil our shared mission of promoting the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence across the financial services industry.”
Aruna Alwis said he is excited to join CFASL, which, he said, comes at a very critical time, with the Investment industry rooting for development in leaps and bounds. “I am looking forward to working with all the stakeholders to develop a portfolio of services that attracts, retains and involves members at all stages and supports the Finance and Investment, and business community, including the Government of Sri Lanka,” he said.
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.”