Business
NSB wins Gold at the Technovation Awards – 2022
The Fourth Technovation Awards organised by LankaPay dedicated to rewarding innovations and achievements in the Payment Technology Industry was concluded at a Gala event held at the Shangri-La, Colombo on the 29th of March 2022.
The National Savings Bank was awarded two golds at the latest iteration of the Technovation Awards, being ranked Bank of the Year for Excellence in Customer Convenience Category C and being ranked the Best Common ATM Enabler of the Year Category B.
Both of these gold awards are a testament to the NSB’s commitment to bring the latest in cutting edge technology to the banking and finance industry and thereby innovate the delivery of financial services across a growing demography. Further, these awards were the result of a fierce competition amongst all established players in the Banking and Finance industry, in twelve categories, evaluated in two stages by a panel of judges consisting of leaders of independent established bodies such as ICTA, CIMA, CA Sri Lanka and the CSE. The strict criterion considered the performance of these entities from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 in delivering financial services to an otherwise sedentary population facing hitherto unknown quarantines and lockdowns.
The Technovation Awards unveiled in 2017 by LankaPay, is dedicated to recognising the contribution rendered to the entirety of society by Banks, Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFI) & Financial Technology (FinTech) entities which work silently in the background to bring financial inclusivity to a great segment of society. Without these unsung heroes, society at large would not be able to seamlessly conduct financial transactions at the convenience of their fingertips today.
This year’s theme was “Honouring the Digital Superheroes” is especially relevant in today’s backdrop given the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. Actions taken to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus had negative implications on the economic growth of the global economy and is especially detrimental to the Banking & Finance Industry. It could be said that keeping abreast of technological innovations have ensured the survival and growth of the Banking and financial institutions during this challenging period.
As such, this year’s awards were appropriately focused on entities who have strived to bring financial services without interruption to the people whilst facing hitherto unknown challenges and yet overcoming them via innovation.
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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