Business
Seylan Bank conducts knowledge sharing event for women employees
Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, recently conducted a knowledge sharing programme for all its women employees. Dr. Linda Speldewinde, Founder and Chairperson – Design Corp Group of Companies and Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayake, Chairperson and Trustee – Indira Cancer Trust were the guest speakers at the event.
Speaking to the participants, Dr. Linda Speldewinde drew attention to the fact that gender equality and empowerment of women and girls have long been part of the development process of this country. She explained how the Design Group of Companies provides a platform to empower women in Sri Lanka to initiate innovative plans that will support them to sustain themselves in the current context and be economically successful. A visionary leader with global experience, Dr. Speldewinde looks to exchange new knowledge, with Academy of Design as a globally accessible learning center for design and innovation from South Asia.
Speaking on a different yet equally important topic, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayake educated the attendees about prevention of cancer. “There are ample advocacy campaigns available for prevention of cancer, targeting healthy lifestyles, with clear messages about healthy diets, physical activities and mental exercises among others. Early detection of cancer is very much important for females, especially for the common cancers such as breast cancer,” she explained. Dr. Jayasuriya-Dissanayake currently serves as the Chairperson and Trustee of the Indira Cancer Trust, a non-governmental organization that supports patients with cancer and their families through over 20 projects.
The talks received positive feedback from the participants with the opportunity to raise concerns and discuss ways to overcome challenges in self-development and healthy living. Women empowerment is not a novel concept to Seylan Bank, which has been at the forefront in growing female leaders within its ranks since inception. The women employees of the Bank number at 45% currently, women also make up 27% percent of the Board of Directors and almost half of the board committees. In addition, 20 % out of the total staff cadre is managed and led by women. Seylan Bank was recognized as one of the Best Women Friendly Workplaces in Sri Lanka in 2021 by Great Place to Work, a testament to the culture of equality that is perpetuated in the Bank.
Appreciating the contribution of the women at the Bank during the event, Amanthi Motha, Chief HR Manager, Seylan Bank said, “Today we have empowered our Seylan female employees by putting them at the center of our decision making, planning and action, in order to entrust them with more responsibilities for the betterment of the future of the bank. Many of the ladies who have joined at entry level jobs, have successfully managed to climb up the ranks to management level positions. Even before ‘Equality’ and ‘Inclusivity’ became buzz words in the corporate sector, Seylan Bank had embodied this spirit since inception, and will continue to do so”.
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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