Business
Sampath Bank rises to Top 5 in Sri Lanka’s Most Respected Entities listing
Sampath Bank PLC has been ranked 5th in LMD’s Most Respected Entities in Sri Lanka 2021 rankings based on a survey commissioned and conceptualized by LMD and conducted by Nielsen.
The rankings are based on ratings received from a sample of 800 respondents – managers and above – from listed companies on a set of 12 different attributes.
Continuing its steady year-on-year rise in one of the country’s most prestigious corporate leaderboards, the Bank has moved up from 9th place in 2018 to 5th place in 2021, despite challenging market conditions during this period.
Furthermore, Sampath Bank has emerged as the highest rated bank in 9 out of 12 of the attributes surveyed for this year’s rankings, viz., Corporate Culture, Dynamism, Honesty, HR and People Management, Innovation, Management Profile, National Perspective, Quality Consciousness and Vision. The Bank has been ranked ahead of larger, older players in the banking industry in these areas.
These outstanding ratings given to Sampath Bank by representatives of some of the country’s leading enterprises are a testament to the high esteem in which the corporate sector and the nation at large holds the Bank. This is shaped largely by the Bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering greater value to the nation through its focus on innovation and service excellence.
It is worth noting that Sampath Bank has consistently been rated particularly high on Honesty and National Perspective. This reflects the brand’s trustworthiness and its significant contributions to nation building.
“We are honoured to see our peers in corporate Sri Lanka rate us amongst the Top 5 Most Respected Entities in the country. It is our honour to emerge as the highest rated bank in 9 out of 12 attributes being surveyed. Earlier this year, we were ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Loved Bank Brand.’ We are grateful to our customers, business partners and the nation at large for their love, respect, and trust,” said Nanda Fernando, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC. “These rankings are a result of the vision and guidance of our Board of Directors and the commitment and relentless efforts of my team at Sampath Bank. Inspired by these awards and recognition, we look forward to delivering innovative solutions that add value to the nation, as we continue to present the future of all Sri Lankans.”
Continuing to transform the market and deliver greater value to all stakeholders through its novel financial solutions, Sampath Bank has earned the trust and respect of consumers and businesses across the island. This can be seen in its steady rise across the multitude of corporate leaderboards that it is featured on. Most recently, Sampath Bank was recognized as Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Commercial Bank’ for the 8th consecutive year at the esteemed World Finance Banking Awards organized by the World Finance magazine based in the UK. The Bank has been rated as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Bank Brand and ranked amongst the Top 10 ‘Most Valuable Consumer Brands’ in the Country by LMD’s Brands Annual Rankings for four years in a row (2018 to 2021).
Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including the introduction of ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours and slip-less banking to name a few. The Bank continues to steadily transform itself into a technology-driven financial services provider whilst keeping true to our traditions and values.
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.”