Business
LOLC Al-Falaah secures ‘Best Islamic Leasing Provider – Global’ for the third consecutive year at IFN Awards 2022\
Reaffirming its status as the most adorned Alternate Financial services brand in Sri Lanka, LOLC Al-Falaah emerged as the Best Islamic Leasing Provider, once again, in the annual Islamic Finance News-Non Banking Financial Institution (IFN-NBFI) Global Polls for 2022. LOLC Al-Falaah has brought glory to the organization by retaining this prestigious IFN-NBFI award for the 3rd consecutive year.
Maintaining consistency in its compliance, innovation and demand-based product offerings, has placed the brand on the spotlight over the years. Global winners of various categories listed in the IFN-NBFI Global Poll were announced on the 5th of December 2022. The prestigious awarding ceremony will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in mid-January 2023.
The annual IFN Best NBFI Poll recognizes the industry leading providers of Islamic financial services across global markets and varied sectors, where votes are casted by readers of IFN, Islamic finance investors, issuers, banking & non-banking financial intermediaries with majority representation from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North American regions. This annual global poll is known for their impartiality, independence and inclusiveness in honouring the most outstanding leaders in the global Islamic finance industry.
Speaking about this prestigious win, Head of Alternate Financial Services of LOLC Finance PLC, Shiraz Refai said, “LOLC Al-Falaah has re-established its brand strength yet again with another global level recognition. These constant achievements signify the success in our applications and practices beyond the shores of Sri Lanka in establishing the confidence of our overseas investors and customers. Our record of accomplishments, year after year, demonstrate our passion, persistent efforts and the global standards that we continue to uphold. We are extremely pleased with the results and take humble pride in representing Sri Lanka in a global platform.”
Also sharing his views, Ilsam Awfer, Chief Manager Alternate Financial Services of LOLC Finance said, “This is the third consecutive year that Al-Falaah was recognized at the top-tier ranks at the IFN-NBFI Global Poll. This achievement resembles our commitment towards developing Islamic Finance within Sri Lanka and adopting best practises to serve our valuable stakeholders. I would like to appreciate my team for their tireless efforts and contribution; further would like to thank the top management, members of the Scholarly Supervisory Board and our valued customers for their assistance and patronage. As a result, we have been able to pull through and record these impressive results, year-on-year, and this is a testament to that effort”.
LOLC AL-Falaah is the alternate financial services brand of LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified multinational conglomerate with operations in 22 countries in Asia and Africa. LOLC Al-Falaah functions directly under the auspices of LOLC Finance PLC, with a total network of 210 branches, and an active customer base of over 600,000, a total lending portfolio amounting to over Rs. 200 Bn, coupled with a deposit base of over Rs. 180 Bn. LOLC Finance which is a Regulated Finance Company of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is rated [SL] A STABLE by ICRA Lanka Limited.
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.”