Business
AFC raises LKR 1 bn in subordinate debt to strengthen the Tier II Capital
Alliance Finance Co PLC (AFC) has successfully raised LKR 1 billion in Tier II capital, with the aim of strengthening the regulatory capital of the Company to financially empower and facilitate the development of the Micro, Small and Medium enterprise sector in Sri Lanka. The Tier II Subordinated Debt has a tenure of 5 years and has been structured and arranged by Capital Alliance Ltd (CAL), a leading investment bank in the country.
Commenting on this important milestone, Mr Romani de Silva, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of AFC stated that “This is a reflection of the confidence our investors have in our sustainable business philosophy. Due to the covid 19 pandemic, Sri Lankan micro, small & medium entrepreneurs need more support than ever before and raising of LKR 1 Bn as Subordinate Debt strengthened our Tier II capital which gives us an enormous capacity to develop micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka using our proven business models. Furthermore, we extend our sincere appreciation for the investor, (CAL) for the trust placed in us. Subsequent to an internal restructure with the technical assistance of IFC (private sector arm of the World Bank Group) in 2019,all of the performance metrics of the Company have improved tremendously outperforming its peers in the industry with a Loan book growth of 1.6% ,Profit growth of 169 % and a highly commendable reduction in NPL’s by 23 % for the financial year ended 2020/21, validating the impact of the restructure. As the oldest finance company in Sri Lanka and as a net lender to the rural economy, AFC is focussing on financial inclusivity and sustainable development of all communities.”.
AFC’s approach to sustainability is holistic and goes beyond economic empowerment with an equal emphasis placed upon social and environmental sustainability as well. AFC has institutionalised the values of its founding fathers by adopting the Triple Bottom Line Approach in 2012, followed by numerous other actions to become the sustainable financial institution it is today. In 2020, AFC became the first financial institution in South Asia to be certified for holistic sustainability under the pioneering Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI). SSCI is governed under the International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions, Germany. This has resulted in an even greater focus on this unwavering commitment of the Company and better measurements of the impact created.
AFC is also amongst the highest contributors of net profits towards sustainability initiatives in the industry. The Company has dedicated an annual allocation of 4% of profits for sustainability and CSR initiatives. The Company has many initiatives including the “1 Mn trees for Unity” flagship project that aims to plant one million trees by 2024 whilst meeting social and environmental objectives. To date the Company has contributed over 350,000 plants to the nation. In addition, conserving biodiversity, empowering social entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable products and undertaking CSR practices that ensure social and environmental wellbeing remain as AFC’s key priorities under its sustainability mandate.
The AFC business powered by a dynamic and empowered young team of 1300 visionary individuals will continue to support the global and local sustainable development agenda, with its high impact goals in place to ensure focused value creation in line with the UN SDG’s and National Development Agenda. AFC believes that synergistic partnerships with its foreign financing partners such as IFC, FMO, DWM, Tridos Bank and other impact investors will add further value to its approach and facilitate value distribution to a wider range of stakeholders in the country. AFC is eager to uphold these partnerships and collaborations that facilitate sustainable development in Sri Lanka and have confidence that they will undoubtedly accelerate its journey of “making the world a better place through sustainable finance”.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
