Business
Sri Lankan Airlines integrates with BOC Internet Payment Gateway facility
Sri Lanka’s No.01 Bank, Bank of Ceylon together with the National Carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines (SLAL) geared to introduce BOC Internet Payment Gateway (BOC IPG) facility in offering seamless digital payment experience to customers of SLAL by enabling secure payments across multiple channels and in multiple currencies.
The Agreement Signing Ceremony was held on 30th of August 2022 under the patronage of the Bank’s General Manager K E D Sumanasiri, Deputy General Manager (Product and Banking Development) Mr. Ajith Karunarathne, Assistant General Manager (Electronic Banking Centre) Eranga Bandara, Assistant General Manager (Digital Products Promotion) S A N C Piumal, Assistant General Manager (IT) Haritha Rajapakshe. Representing the National Carrier, it was joined by the Airline’s Chief Exeutive Officer (CEO) Richard Nuttall, Head Of Worldwide Sales & Distribution Dimuthu Tennakoon, Group Head Of Information Technology Chamara Perera, Senior Manager (Commercial Services & Support) Conrad Reshantha, Manager ( IT Passenger Services & Cargo Systems) Priyanga Weeraratne,Manager ( Revenue Accounting) S Surendra, Manager (E-Business Development) Bimali Malalasekara.
“The partnership will facilitate the National Carrier to offer seamless online payment experience across different time zones and geographies. BOC IPG facility is set to support the National Carrier to reach a wider customer base and to enhance its business turnover in line with their business expansion plans while adding convenience and ease to its global clientele. We are delighted to partner with SLAL’s digital journey,” BOC General Manager Mr. K E D Sumanasiri said.
BOC IPG enables SLAL to accept multiple payment brands in multiple payment channels using a wide range of digital payment methods from computer to mobile phone. It facilitates MasterCard and VISA cardholders to make payments in their own currencies and the National Carrier to receive payments in major foreign currencies. It further supports the EMV3D secure verification processes with ‘Verified by Visa’ and ‘MasterCard Secure Code’.
Further, BOC IPG is also Integrated with all key online platforms and mobile apps of SLAL including booking engine, Charika App, IVR, Holidays, Plusgrade and Aviation College.BOC is the pioneer in introducing payment cards to Sri Lanka in 1989. Presently, it maintains strong relationships with leading global payment schemes such as Visa International, MasterCard International, Chinese Union Pay and JCB. In addition, the Bank has commenced numerous initiatives to facilitate new developments of payment cards and mobile payments in order to safeguard the interest of general public while unlocking growth paths for cooperates. The Bank has been instrumental in leading and shaping the country’s digital payment landscape. As a recognition for its contribution towards promoting digital inclusivity in banking, BOC was recently awarded the prestigious “Overall Gold Award for Excellence in Interbank Digital Payments” at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2022 organized by the Lanka Clear Pvt Ltd.
Over the past 83 years in operations, Bank of Ceylon continued to cement its position as the No.01 Bank in the country while serving the national interest, as reflected by numerous global and local accolades. Bank of Ceylon was yet again recognized among world’s top 1,000 banks by ‘’The Banker Magazine UK”. Despite various challenges, BOC maintains a strong balance sheet comprised of an asset base of over Rs.4 trillion and deposit base of over Rs.3 trillion in commanding its local peers. Bank of Ceylon captured the No.1 Banking Brand in Sri Lanka for the 14th consecutive year in the “Brand Finance Lanka’s – Brand Annual” for the year 2022,
while also becoming the sole Banking brand to surpass a brand value over Rs. 50 billion. With over 2,000 touch points spread across the nation, BOC operates over 645 branches connected online and an ATM/CDM/CRM network of over 1350 located in all 25 districts of the country. Bank of Ceylon leads the trade finance and inward remittances market in serving the national interest. Its overseas presence consists of foreign branches in Chennai, Male, Hulhu-Male, Seychelles and a banking subsidiary in London as well as a strong affiliation with the international banking network developed over the years.
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.”