Business
ICRA reaffirms UB Finance’s [SL]BB Issuer Rating, revises Outlook to “Positive”
UB Finance Co Ltd, one of Sri Lanka’s premier licensed finance companies (LFCs) and a subsidiary of Union Bank PLC, has announced that ICRA Lanka has reaffirmed its Issuer Rating of [SL]BB, while revising its outlook upwards from “Stable” to “Positive”.
This gives UB Finance Co Ltd an Issuer Rating of [SL]BB (Positive), a development that comes as the Company prepares to embark on an aggressive plan for future growth and expansion, having recently received a capital infusion of LKR 1.98 billion from its parent company, Union Bank PLC, making it one of the highest capitalized LFCs in Sri Lanka. ICRA Lanka is a premier credit rating agency in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of global credit rating giant, Moody’s Investors Service.
Commenting on the positive revision to the Company’s Issuer Rating, Asanka Udugama, DGM Finance said, “The upward revision of our Issuer Rating from [SL]BB (Stable) to [SL]BB (Positive) is very welcome as we stand at the threshold of an ambitious journey to expand our operations. Through our expansion strategy, we intend to drive new customer acquisition and invite increased public participation, which will help us to serve our customers better and continue to help Sri Lankans achieve their goals and objectives. Backed by a well-designed marketing strategy, next-level customer service and various other public engagement initiatives, UB Finance is set to emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the near to medium term in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector, steadfastly delivering on our commitment to providing a unique economic and social value proposition to all Sri Lankans.”
UB Finance Co Ltd is a finance company licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka providing a range of financial products and services to customers, including fixed deposits, savings, leasing, loans, mortgages and gold loans solutions. UB Finance is rated [SL]BB with a Stable Outlook by ICRA, and operates on the basis of integrity and customer empowerment, creating new opportunities for all Sri Lankans.
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
