Business
HNB supports digital payments adoption drive in Negombo
Extending it’s support to the rapid development of a vibrant cashless payments ecosystem, Sri Lanka’s leading private bank, HNB PLC, participated in the latest edition of the ‘Rata Purama LANKAQR’ campaign of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), held recently in Negombo.
HNB interacted with merchants, including small businesses, educating them on the advantages and strengths of its LANKAQR-integrated HNB SOLO payment app during the day-long event. Given the strong interest displayed by them, HNB representatives also onboarded a significant number of these merchants to the HNB SOLO platform.
The event held at the Kadolkale Grounds in Negombo was attended by CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal as the Chief Guest, together with CBSL Assistant Governor Dharmasiri Kumaratunga and senior officials from leading commercial banks.
The first to introduce multiple technological developments to the Sri Lankan banking sector, HNB has played a prominent role in increasing public awareness of the benefits of digital payments in the country. The bank has continued to amplify and ramp up these efforts, both through its own programmes and by extending its steadfast support to CBSL’s ‘Rata Purama LANKAQR’ initiative.
“A vibrant cashless payment ecosystem has the potential to drastically enhance economic activity at the grassroots of the Sri Lankan economy. These systems help accelerate the speed of business, and particularly for small businesses, they can help establish new markets and carry out transactions securely and conveniently,” HNB Head of Digital Business, Chammika Weerasinghe said.
Launched in late 2020, the ‘Rata Purama LANKAQR’ campaign seeks to increase the usage of Sri Lanka’s national common Quick Response (QR) code standard developed by the CBSL. This initiative, which eliminates the need for merchants to have multiple QR codes for different platforms, facilitates fast, secure and affordable digital payments, benefiting customers and merchants. Financial institutions and telecommunication companies are supporting the CBSL in its efforts to transition towards a cashless society.
HNB aims to make mobile phones and digital payments the standard for day-to-day transactions throughout the country and has played a prominent role in driving the country’s cashless QR-code based payments revolution.
HNB SOLO merchant (Good Food & Body Care- Negombo), Mr & Mrs Kapila Paliyakkara at the event.
HNB SOLO merchant (Good Food & Body Care- Negombo), Mr & Mrs Kapila Paliyakkara at the event.
HNB SOLO, launched in 2019, facilitates enhanced efficiency in payments and transactions, while eliminating the need for physical contact. QR-code based-payments through HNB SOLO are more cost-effective, when compared to alternative payment solutions available in the market. The intuitive, user-friendly and sophisticated app has significantly increased the convenience of making a wide range of QR-based payments. Users can make payments via LANKA QR by scanning the code using SOLO. Upon completion, merchants will receive an instant SMS notification, confirming the receipt of payment.
HNB has been continuously enhancing the app’s features and functionality, by further improving its user interface.
Going even further in its digital payments journey, the bank has also introduced Dynamic QR technology in partnership with both Keells Supermarkets and Singer, in which a unique code is generated for each transaction. This allows customers using an app linked with the LANKAQR to make contactless purchases at stores by simply scanning the Dynamic QR, which appears on the display screen of the Point of Sale (PoS) machine. By eliminating the need to manually enter the payment value, this mechanism increases customer convenience and avoids errors.
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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