Business
People’s Leasing appoints Two Senior Deputy General Managers
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) has recently announced the appointment of two veterans from financial backgrounds as Senior Deputy General Managers. Udesh Gunawardena was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer whilst Laksanda Gunawardena was appointed as Head of Branch Network of PLC, effective from October 31, 2022.
Udesh Gunawardena possesses over 25 years of experience in finance with particular emphasis on accounting, auditing, financial management, and treasury operations. He has held senior positions in the finance industry, demonstrating his abilities as a leader. He has played a key role at the Lankan Alliance Finance Limited Bangladesh which is a subsidiary of PLC on a secondment basis.
Udesh also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Lankan Alliance Finance Limited Bangladesh. He is an Associate Member of CA Sri Lanka and an Associate Member of Certified Management Accountants (Sri Lanka). He possesses a Diploma in Treasury, Investments and Risk Management (IBSL). He has also been awarded the World Prize Winner of the Australian Computer Society.
Laksanda Gunawardena has over 27 years of experience in corporate and SME financing. He is versatile in the areas of Credit, Marketing, Portfolio Management, Branch development, and Operations. He has functioned as the Head of Corporate Leasing for 10 years and Head of Marketing for three years with his leadership qualities. He has a track record of success in challenging leadership roles, achieving transformational change, and sustainable business growth.Laksanda serves as a of Director of People’s Micro Commerce Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of People’s Leasing & Finance PLC.
He possesses an MBA from University of Wales and is a certified management accountant of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, Australia and holds an MSc in Strategic Marketing from Asia e University. He is qualified for CMA (Australia) and CPM (Asia). Further, he is an Associate Member of the Institute of Credit Management Sri Lanka and holds a Diploma in Credit Management from the Sri Lanka Institute of Credit Management. Laksanda is a certified member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing and a member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka.
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC is a leading Non-Bank Financial Institution in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of People’s Bank, one of the largest State-owned banks in the country. Commencing operations in 1996 as a specialized leasing company, People’s Leasing was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2011. People’s Leasing has grown to become a diversified non-banking financial powerhouse with six subsidiaries in allied areas of specialization including a venture overseas in Bangladesh.
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
