Business
HNB Assurance PLC hits record-breaking 37% GWP growth during H1 – 2022
HNB Assurance PLC., (HNBA) one of the fast-growing Life Insurance Companies in the country recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of 4.3 Bn during the first half of 2022 which is an impressive growth of 37% compared to the comparative period last year. Whilst this growth is well over that of the industry which grew at 18%, it is also the highest growth recorded amongst the top 10 life insurers in the country.
Sharing his views, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA Lasitha Wimalaratne stated, “I’m extremely impressed to see this growth moment of the Company despite the challenges we had to face during the first half of the year, which is a reaffirmation of and a testament to the robust strategies that have been employed by the Company as we chart our course during these trying times. Both business lines of the Company, namely the Agency and the Partnership Channel have made great headway in tapping into diverse customer pools to offer a very robust full-bodied insurance proposition addressing the financial protection needs of a very discerning clientele. The business is also retooling itself with the latest in terms of technological capability to ensure that we stay reachable and relevant to the various markets that we operate in”. Wimalaratne also noted with deep appreciation the contribution of the Company’s Advisor Force, Bancassurance Team, Alternative Sales Team and the Distribution Management Team for their sheer hard work and unwavering determination which has delivered these impressive results in the most arduous of conditions.
Chief Business Officer/ General Manager – Advisor Distribution Channel of HNBA, Harindra Ramasinghe expressed his views stating, “Amidst many challenges and negative impact caused by the economic turbulence of the country, the Advisor Force of HNBA has gone the extra mile to keep the business steady and growing, and I am extremely delighted to elaborate on the achievements we have recorded as a result of it. During the first half of the year 2022, the Advisor Channel recorded a total GWP of LKR 2.4 Bn. The business continued to seize new and potential market segments across the country. The Advisor Channel showed a steady growth as several recruitment campaigns continued throughout the country. Whilst appreciating the dedication and efforts of the entire Advisor Force, Branch Network and Distribution Management Teams, with the direction of the Management, I’m sure the Advisor Channel will continue its growth trajectory during the second half of 2022”.
Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer/ General Manager – Partnership of HNBA expressed his views stating, “The Partnership Channel delivered an exceptional performance during 1H 2022, setting new benchmarks in the market recording a GWP of LKR 1.8 Bn. As one of the key business channels of the Company the overall partnership network has grown and contributed immensely to the business, and I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to the entire Bancassurance, Broker and Alternate Teams for their continuous dedication. I also record our most heartfelt appreciation of all our Bancassurance partners without whose support achievements such as this would not have been possible. I’m confident that, with the solid business strategies in place the Partnership Channel will continue to grow to new heights”.
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
