Business
AIA makes Asia list of ‘Best Workplaces’
AIA Insurance last week announced that it had been recognized in the Best Workplaces™? in Asia list – Large Category, making it the first time AIA Sri Lanka is recognized in this prestigious international list.
Awarded by the Great Place to Work®, the internationally acclaimed list follows a strict criterion in acknowledging the best of the best in terms of workplaces in the Asia region.
The international recognition follows hot on the heels of AIA being recognized as a Best Workplace by Great Place to Work® in Sri Lanka for the ninth consecutive year. AIA was inducted into the Great Place to Work® Hall of Fame in 2017, in its fifth straight year of winning the award and has thereby been established as a leading employer in Sri Lanka, a company news release said.
Apart from the main recognition of being a Best Workplace, AIA Sri Lanka has received many category awards from Great Place to Work® institute over the years and has also been recognised as a Best Workplace for Women for 3 consecutive years, it added.
AIA’s CEO Nikhil Advani said in this regard, “For us at AIA, employee’s trust and pride towards the workplace are of primary importance – to that end we focus on ensuring an equal opportunity, safe environment where people can enjoy a balance between personal wellbeing, career growth, sense of community and adding value to themselves and our shareholders. Being recognised a ‘Best Workplace’ for nine consecutive years is testament that we are doing this right!”
He added, “To be recognised for the first time in the Best Workplaces™? in Asia list is an immense honour for us, especially amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic. As we work hard towards enabling high levels of staff engagement during Work from Home and ensuring a safe working environment for staff at office, this award is a tribute to all our employees for making us what we are today.”
AIA’s Director HR Thushari Perera also commented, “We are delighted to add these world class accolades to our credentials as we continue to prioritize employee happiness, care, development and wellbeing. Winning these prestigious awards, both locally and internationally reaffirms AIA’s success in differentiating itself as a great workplace for our employees, having established ourselves as a superlative employer of choice.
She added, ” 2020 was a challenging year due to the pandemic but yet, we were able to successfully carry out over 90 online employee engagement activities that served to keep staff excited and enthused, and connected as a community despite working from home. We completed 27 projects out of the planned 28 digital projects for the company and totaled 12,476 learning hours, including virtual and physical. We continue to give employees freedom and empowerment for creativity and innovation with greater ownership to improve effectiveness and efficiency in all aspects of the workplace, resulting in better products and processes with high quality services to customers. All in all, despite the challenges, its safe to say that AIA continues to thrive with our employees at the very heart of our success.”
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.”