Business
Sampath Bank introduces cycling club, encouraging employees to ride to work
Sampath Bank just introduced ‘Cycle to Work,’ a program promoting an eco-friendly, healthy and economical mode of transportation for all employees. The Cycle to Work initiative was launched with a ceremonial event at Diyatha Uyana on Thursday, June 16. The enthusiastic participation of nearly 100 cyclists signaled an auspicious beginning to this program.
Sampath Bank employees–not just in Colombo, but at all 229 branches islandwide–are being encouraged and incentivized to adopt this alternative mode of transportation and ride to work. Riders who join will receive a complimentary cycling kit and will be provided with special training for safer riding on city streets. Safe parking spaces in security-patrolled areas are being provided, as are facilities for showering and changing. Bank employees who would like to invest in a bicycle can purchase one through a six-month 0% installment plan for those holding a Sampath Mastercard, Visa or American Express credit card. As an added incentive, the Bank has authorized flexible working hours for all cyclists to avoid riding during peak traffic times.
“This is another example of a simple intervention that has the potential to pay huge environmental dividends, and is part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s the first of many such initiatives the Bank has planned,” said Nanda Fernando – Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC. “The more people who ride bicycles to work, the fewer cars, trucks, buses and three-wheelers there will be to clog traffic. And fewer vehicles mean safer roads for all. We all need to rethink our approach to our daily commute. The Sampath Bank Cycle to Work program grew out of that realization.”
“Our employees might even find themselves getting to work sooner. It’s easier to get from one place to another on a bicycle, and it’s arguably a far better use of your time than sitting helplessly in traffic jams,” pointed out Lalith Weragoda – Group Chief Human Resource Officer, Sampath Bank PLC.
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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