Business
Breaking the Bias: Celebrating the women at Samsung
With International Women’s Day taking on greater meaning for many of us this year, Samsung asked their women colleagues of various backgrounds to share what motivates and empowers them to be their best.
In sharing everyone’s unique experiences, the overarching lesson we all came to realize is that great ideas can come from anyone, no matter their skill level, gender or background — an important revelation at a company whose mission it is to help people everywhere defy barriers.
Gender diversity in technology remains an obstinate problem despite the growing voices pushing for gender equality in the industry. Reports show that as women make up 59% of the total workforce, they present only 30% in major tech companies.
When it comes to economic access, women entrepreneurs also face significant barriers and are behind in the race for economic opportunities. Declination over the past few years of women’s participation in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline is another factor making females away from technology. In this way, there is a need to empower and build strategies to unlock growth and prosperity for women in technology. For companies to achieve gender equality, recruiting more women in their IT team can be an obvious solution.
Samsung’s unwavering commitment to women’s equality is evidenced by the action we take to create positive change both within our organization and in the communities where we live. That action is reflected across the board from our citizenship programs that foster girls’ interest in STEM to our Women in Samsung Electronics (WISE) Employee Resource Group (ERG), a network created to promote and encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
From software backgrounds to service marketing, Samsung’s women have been empowered to be the best version of themselves.
Anjalee Erathna- Manager, Software Quality Assurance
The culture at Samsung Sri Lanka has allowed us to be our best versions and thrive at the workplace. With constant training, supportive management and teammates, Samsung Sri Lanka is a key driver in women empowerment.
Kumudi Panditharathna- Asst. Manager, Finance
I know many women have faced prejudices throughout their career however I, very positively, cannot say that I have faced any. My career has definitely seen a great positive change ever since I joined Samsung and I look forward to furthering my career and skills through Samsung.
Nilanga Ranagala- Manager, Finance
You don’t need to be at the top at Samsung to have a strong female voice. All employees are heard and valued at Samsung Sri Lanka.
Judith Jansz- Manager,
Product IM
Samsung is a progressive workplace with an inclusive and equal environment. In a time where women are achieving great heights in many industries in Sri Lanka, it is a privilege to be a part of this change.
Nilusha Wanasinghe- Manager, Marketing, IM
We would love to see more archetypal women holding up a chain of smaller female figures who climb up a mountain together, helping each other on the way and raising their flag – reflecting the strong female voices and unstoppable leadership potential, which is the culture that is cultivated in Samsung Sri Lanka.
Pawani Lakshani- Executive, Marketing
I am seeing a positive change in Samsung Sri Lanka with regards to equality and diversity. In the beginning, it wasn’t uncommon for me to be the only woman in the room. It was a little intimidating at first, but I was persistent because I knew I had the talent to continue on my career path.
Natalie Goonawardene- Manager, Service Marketing
At more senior levels in the tech industry, certainly, there are more challenges. While working through them, it is important to raise visibility and pave the path for others. The industry at a large is slowly learning to judge people based on their work, rather than who they are or where they come from.
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
