Business
AIA Insurance continues to support the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, with third year of partnership
AIA Sri Lanka announced the renewal of its partnership with the Sri Lanka Cancer Society for the third consecutive year, for 2021. AIA will continue to donate Rs 100/- on behalf of every new policy sold in the year, to the Sri Lanka Cancer Society. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in this regard was signed between AIA CEO Nikhil Advani and Cancer Society chairperson Nihal Rodrigo.
In 2019, AIA reached out to the Cancer Society in honour of it being AIA Group’s centennial year. A MOU was signed, with AIA pledging to donate Rs. 100 for every new policy sold that year, resulting in a donation of almost Rs. 5 mn at the end of the year. The MOU was renewed in 2020 and again in 2021, despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic and AIA continued to honour its pledge, resulting in a donation of almost Rs. 4.7 mn for the year. The funds donated are being used by the Cancer Society for the provision of care and solace to needy cancer patients as well as increasing awareness on the prevention and treatment of cancer, which is a rapidly growing concern in Sri Lanka.
AIA CEO Nikhil Advani explained, “As the best life insurance company in Sri Lanka (awarded by the Global Banking and Finance Review 2019, 2020), we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of Sri Lankans. We prioritize our promise of helping people live heathier, longer, better lives and community service is a huge part of bringing that promise to life.”
He added, “Non–Communicable Diseases, such as cancer remain a very real problem in Sri Lanka and are responsible for approx. 80% of deaths, which is well above the global rate of 63%. Cancer is one of the nation’s leading health concerns and requires specialised treatment and more so, a dedicated care and support system for the patients and their families-and we truly appreciate the good work that the Sri Lanka Cancer Society are doing in this regard. It gives all our staff, wealth planners and partners great purpose to know that we are helping the battle against this dreaded illness, physically, financially and emotionally.”
He added, “We use the significant contributions made by AIA largely towards the operation and upkeep of ‘Shantha Sevana’ a 32 bed hospice care facility as well as the ‘Bandaranayake Memorial Homes’, which provides a transit home and care facilities to needy patients seeking treatment at the National Cancer Institute, the Apeksha Hospital. We rely on external support to provide direct care for patients who are undergoing this ordeal while doing everything possible to ensure they receive the best of care and support, both medically and emotionally. So, it means a lot to us to have AIA come forward and continue their support for our cause.”
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.”