Business
Sampath WePay presents first Man of the Match Award digitally at Sri Lanka vs South Africa series
Sampath Bank became the first bank in Sri Lanka to present a Man of the Match award digitally at a cricket match, giving away a prize purse of Rs.300,000 through its widely popular digital wallet, Sampath WePay, at the recently held first ODI of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, received this sum through an electronic fund transfer made in real time, using Sampath WePay during the presentation ceremony.
This is quite possibly the first instance of a digital transfer such as this being done by a bank for a Man of the Match award, anywhere in the world.
Sampath Bank is the co-sponsor of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka. As part of the partnership, the Bank is sponsoring the Man of the Match award prize money and digitally transferring the sum to the award winners through Sampath WePay. Furthermore, the bank has also invited all Sri Lankans to predict the Man of the Match in each of the games in the series and stand a chance to win exciting cricket memorabilia.
This initiative is part of Sampath Bank’s continued efforts to raise greater awareness about digital payment solutions like Sampath WePay and drive the adoption of the same in line with the Government and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s vision for digital payments.
“At Sampath Bank, we share the nation’s passion for the game of cricket. As a bank that has been committed to offering innovative digital payment solutions such as Sampath WePay, we view the sport as a great vehicle to engage and educate all Sri Lankans about digital payments and their added significance during this global pandemic. Hence, it is our privilege to be the first bank in Sri Lanka, and possibly the world, to present the Man of the Match award prize money digitally, through Sampath WePay,” said Tharaka Ranwala, Senior DGM – Operations / Group Chief Marketing Officer, Sampath Bank PLC. “Going beyond digitizing the Man of the Match purse, we are also inviting cricket fans around the island to predict the Man of the Match winners for each game and stand a chance to win cricket memorabilia. As part of our efforts to add greater value to the nation and present its future, we will continue to transform the nation’s financial services landscape with more such innovative solutions.”
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.”
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