Business
Nations Trust Bank’s CYCOLOGY #OfficeByBike2022 initiative encourages employees to ride to work
In an effort to encourage employees to ride to work while promoting an eco-friendly, healthy and economical mode of transportation, Nations Trust Bank recently launched its CYCOLOGY #OfficeByBike2022 initiative, which has since seen high levels of staff participation and enthusiasm.
Following its introduction in June 2022, over 100 cyclists across all verticals including the senior management to junior staff have participated in this initiative kickstarted by the Bank’s Sports & Welfare Club. Nations Trust Bank has also committed to supporting its employees by providing riders with a complimentary cycling kit as well as continuous training and workshops on bike maintenance and safety to ensure safer riding on city streets.
Speaking on the camaraderie built around this initiative, Ramanika Unamboowe, Executive Vice President – Human Resources at Nations Trust Bank said, “Nations Trust Bank made a collective decision that rising above the ongoing crisis through novel concepts will ensure that our staff are content, healthy and able to continue serving the nation. A huge thank you goes out to our Sports & Welfare Club for establishing this timely initiative and their continued efforts to bring the Nations team closer together. #OfficeByBike2022 and all its encompassing elements is the culmination of the Bank’s spirit, especially during a time where hybrid work has become the norm.”
Safe parking spaces in security-patrolled areas and facilities for showering and changing are also offered to riders on top of the authorised flexible working hours to avoid riding during peak traffic times. Standing as an additional motivator for staff to reclaim their independence to move around, a special bicycle loan will also be offered to all staff to purchase standard or electric bicycles at a concessionary rate.
“The amount of excitement and participation showcased by the bank staff for CYCOLOGY #OfficeByBike2022 has been beyond our expectations. I am truly humbled to see how the group of riders has evolved from just riding to work to organized fun rides as well as endurance rides out of the city. We look forward to introducing more initiatives to boost our staff’s physical health as well as their mental health,” said Chamila Sumathiratne, the President of the Sports & Welfare Club.
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.”