Business
Amana Takaful Insurance reinforces people-centricity through Leadership Excellence Programme in partnership with PIM
Embracing its commitment to continuously strengthen and invest in its employees, Amana Takaful Insurance recently embarked on a new project to fortify the skills and competencies of its senior managers. By partnering with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), selected members from the senior management tiers of Amana Takaful Insurance will undergo a rigorous leadership excellence program, that is expected to further strengthen the Company’s strategic foundation while standing a testament to its devotion towards its workforce, amidst times of adversity.
The Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) was envisioned with the purpose of grooming the Company’s current and future leadership, enabling them to re-learn and bridge gaps by equipping them with adequate resources and technical know-how. The initial batch comprises 20 members of the Company’s senior management who will undergo a series of sessions, over a 6-months period. The learning experience includes exposure to various strategic aspects of management covering Decision Making & Problem Solving, Change Management, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Personal Excellence and more.
Commenting on the initiative, Head of Human Resources and Secretary to the Board of Directors, Farhan Jabir said, “Amana Takaful Insurance has always been a company which thrives on a collaborative and people-centric culture. Over the years, we have focused on executing multiple personal development and support initiatives, which have been widely appreciated among our employees. Thus, it was a no-brainer when we introduced the opportunity for our senior management to enroll for this Leadership Excellence Program, lectured by renowned industry experts from the esteemed Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka. While our senior management already have decades of experience up their sleeve, we believe this program will support a refreshed perspective for application, in order to stay up-to date and relevant with the modern world. Following the completion of the first batch, this valuable opportunity will eventually be extended across other levels in the organization too.”
Gehan Rajapakse, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amana Life shared his thoughts at the launch event of this partnership between Amana Takaful Insurance and PIM: “As a truly caring, supportive and nurturing employer, we feel utmost importance in empowering our diverse workforce and grooming future leaders to take the Company forward. Sri Lanka is currently facing a challenging period, where most businesses and people are struggling to survive. As a responsible employer, we are sensitive to the daily plights our employees face and through this program, we hope to provide some solace and encourage them to pursue their personal development without worry”. He further stated, “A company’s success is parallel to the growth of its employees, and we at Amana Takaful Insurance fully understand that the organization is only as good as its powerhouse of employees. Thus, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to being an employer of choice for Sri Lanka’s aspiring youth and career professionals.”
Persevering through national crises since 2020, Amana Takaful Insurance has always stood by its people and focused on providing them the confidence to face any challenge with positivity and strength. With a ‘purpose beyond profit’ approach, Amana Takaful Insurance remains one of the few employers in Sri Lanka who have not conducted any type of retrenching, furlough or remuneration-adjustment initiatives as a result of the crisis. The Company has gone above and beyond to ensure job security, social and emotional support networks and equal opportunities for all, at all times.
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
