Business
ComBank offers career guidance to female undergraduates of Colombo University
Shattering the glass ceiling, career strategies and entering into entrepreneurship were among the focal points of a programme conducted by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently for a group of female undergraduates of the University of Colombo (UoC) in commemoration of International Women’s Day.
The programme was organised by Commercial Bank under the ‘Anagi’ Women’s Banking initiative in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit of the Faculty of Arts of the University. It included two panel discussions, one led by female corporate management members of Commercial Bank and the other by several leading female entrepreneurs who are also customers of the Bank.
The Bank said that the programme was designed after an assessment of the need for non-financial services more than the traditional financial services offered by the Bank to this segment.
In the first panel, Commercial Bank Assistant General Managers (AGMs) Personal Banking – Ms Mithila Shamini and Ms Dharshanie Perera, AGM Legal – Ms Namal Gamage, and AGM Corporate Banking – Ms Tamara Bernard shared their experiences and insights about beginning a career and climbing up the corporate ladder.
Panelists of the second session were Deshabandu Dr. Thushari Koralage (Ph.D.), Founder & Principal of Asian Grammar School and Giggles International, Ms. Achala Samaradivakara, Co-founder & Managing Director of Good Market Global, Ms. Vindya Perera, Managing Director of Brilliant Cuts (Pvt) Ltd., and Ms. Niro M. Peris, Founder of Eli Products which manufactures natural local alternatives to imported food and beverages. The panelists shared their experiences and insights from their successful entrepreneurial journeys with the audience.
Commenting on the programme, Commercial Bank Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Mr S. Renganathan said: “The Bank has been focusing on supporting sustainable economic development in the country. This also means supporting the women who make up close to 35% of the labour force in Sri Lanka. We are fully aware that sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without women in the equation, and programmes like the recent one with university students are designed with this in mind.”
Participating students were given the opportunity to ask questions after each panel. This event which was held at the NewArts Theater of the Colombo University also saw the participation of members of the Bank’s Corporate Management, including Mr Delakshan Hettiarachchi – Deputy General Manager Personal Banking and Mr S. Ganeshan – Assistant General Manager Personal Banking. The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor of the UoC, Senior Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne. The Dean of the Arts Faculty, Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu and members of the Career Guidance Unit were also present.
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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