Business
BOC City Office reopens at historic location in Colombo
The historic “City Office” building of the country’s No.1 Bank was ceremonially opened after being refurbished to add more glamour and modernity to its historic value.
The ceremony took place in line with the bank’s 83rd anniversary held August 1, with the participation of the chairman .Kanchana Ratwatte, General Manager K.E.D. Sumanasiri, the Additional General Manager Russel Fonseka, members of the corporate and Executive Management and other distinguished guests including long standing customers of the bank. The DGM, Branch Operations and Development banking Priyal Silva, AGM Western Province Central Mrs.Ruchindra Perera and staff members of the City branch officiated in the ceremony.
The building is the premise to the first bank-branch of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) where, Sri Lanka’s first indigenous modern bank was established by Sir Andrew Caldecott, the Governor of Ceylon on August 1, 1939 located at No 41, Bristol Street, Colombo 01. Hence the building itself has a long historic value that enriches BOC’s 83 year-long heritage.
The City Office building is solely owned by Bank of Ceylon and is one of historical buildings located in Colombo fort area as recognized by the Department of Archaeology. Bank of Ceylon takes pride in maintaining this historical building for more than eight decades, preserving its historical values for the nation. (BOC)
As part of preserving its historic value for further more while adding the sophistication required for modern customers the bank took steps to fully renovate the City Office building with careful attention to its originality. By now the City Office has reinstated in the new refurbished building that has come back to life with its original prestige and added digital convenience to serve all its invaluable customers with the same warmth and care as ever before.
With over 2000 customer touch points across the country, the Bank of Ceylon, the No.1 banking brand in the country awarded by the Brand Finance Lanka. It was also awarded the coveted title of “Bank of the Year 2021 – Sri Lanka” by “The Banker Magazine UK”. The prestigious award was bestowed in recognition of the bank’s contribution to uplifting the lives of all Sri Lankans, while fulfilling its duty as the premier state bank. This award adds yet another title to the multi-award-winning bank that has been listed in the Top 1,000 Banks in the World ranking, with a country ranking of No. 1, again by “The Banker” magazine, UK. Brand “BOC”. (BOC)
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.”


