Business
Ensuring financial security for women in Sri Lanka
AIA Insurance’s Womens Programme, ‘ඇය සුරකින AIA’ (Aya Surakina AIA) marks yet another milestone in collaboration with Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) under its IFC-DFAT Women in Work programme to empower Sri Lankan women across the island by enhancing their financial stability with life insurance protection.
This initiative with CBC offers an array of affordable life insurance solutions and wellness solutions for CBC’s ‘Anagi’ women account holders and their loved ones with an aim of empowering women and improving their long-term financial stability which will significantly contribute to the Sri Lankan economy in the long run.
Under the terms of the MOU, AIA Insurance will offer tailor made life insurance solutions worth LKR 1 million to 5 million starting from as very low as Rs. 1,100 annually for all ‘Anagi’ women customers and their spouses. The life insurance plan covers both natural and accidental death of the life insured. Additionally, all customers who purchase AIA’s life insurance solution will be eligible for 12 free online fitness classes every month via the Fitzky app from the safety and comfort of their homes and will also be eligible to avail a 15% discount on dental consultations at any ‘My Dentist’ clinic island wide.
AIA’s Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Advani commented, “AIA is proud to partner with Commercial Bank of Ceylon, one of the leading private banks in Sri Lanka to jointly increase financial security and protection for their women customers. The partnership with Commercial Bank exemplifies how two strong organisations can collaborate to make a huge difference to society. We are also grateful to IFC for their support and partnership in developing AIA’s gender inclusion strategy for its employees, distribution and customers.
Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. S Renganathan commented “Women are one of our key focus groups and we are extremely pleased to add this unique benefit to our Anagi Women’s Banking portfolio. I believe this collaboration between the Bank, IFC and AIA will offer a secure financial future for women, who are the livewire behind the economic growth of our country.”
Remarking on this latest initiative under the IFC-DFAT Women in Work program, Lisa Kaestner, IFC Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives said, “Realizing the untapped potential of the women’s insurance market is significant in helping build resilience to shocks, grow businesses, and increase the economic participation of Sri Lankan women. The Commercial Bank of Ceylon and AIA Insurance are longstanding partners of IFC, and we are delighted to collaborate with them to raise awareness about the insurance needs so they can better serve Sri Lankan women, helping them secure a financially stable future.”
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”