Business
Driving value through mastering Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process
By Rajith Perera, Partner/Principal, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Ernst & Young, Sri Lanka
COVID-19 pandemic represents the biggest test of the financial stability to the financial services sector. Pandemic constitutes unprecedented local as well as global macro-economic stress leading to slowed down economic conditions. Financial system in the country faces the dual challenge to sustain the flow of credit amidst declining growth and to manage the increased risks resulting due to changes in the economic landscape.
The depth and severity of financial shocks are often amplified by inadequate and low-quality capital in the financial services sector. On the other hand, many risks were not appropriately covered by a commensurate amount of capital, owing to weaknesses in banks’ risk identification and assessment. It is therefore of paramount importance to raise the resilience of individual credit institutions in periods of stress by seeking improvements in their forward-looking internal capital adequacy assessment processes (ICAAPs), including comprehensive stress testing and capital planning.
To help banks to navigate these ambiguities, we have thoroughly analyzed the ICAAP practices of the financial services sector in Sri Lanka combined with our own experience in ICAAP reviews and implementations. The analysis will help banks to understand current practice and serves as a guide to the widespread adoption of leading practices to assist them grapple with ICAAP:
• Most banks can benefit substantially from greater connection between internal risk and capital models combined with a transparent management process. To enable this, banks could consider close involvement of leadership in formulation of the risk strategy, consider the use of dashboarding of critical metrics to enable the banks to translate risk appetite in to operational risk limits.
• Achieve closer alignment of capital planning and corporate strategy to ensure the banks achieve the best possible use of their capital.
• Enhance stress testing and scenario analysis and regularly revisit the approach to modelling pillar 1 and pillar 2 risk types.
In order to deliberate this topic further, join us for the discussion with Sanath Fernando & Rajith Perera ” A Likely Story?” a quick guide to practical application of ICAAP and stress testing organized by the Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) Academy of training of Ernst & Young, Sri Lanka, on 30th September 2020 from 9.00am to 12.00 noon, at Jaic Hilton Colombo. For Registrations Please contact Thilini Perera on Thilini.perera1@lk.ey.com or 0115578859
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.”