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ADB names ComBank its ‘Leading Partner Bank’ in Sri Lanka for 3rd year

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Commercial Bank’s Head of Exports Lawrian Somanader accepts the ADB TSCFP award on behalf of the Bank.

Recognises Bank for highest number of transactions in country’s trade and supply chain finance domain between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again been declared the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) ‘Leading Partner Bank’ in Sri Lanka for trade and finance transactions, in a significant reaffirmation of the Bank’s contributions in that sphere to the national economy.

This is the third consecutive year that Commercial Bank has been honoured with this title at the ADB Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme (TSCFP) Awards that recognise the contributions of leading partner banks to trade in Asia and the Pacific. The 2023 awards ceremony took place in Singapore at Jen Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La.

The award was presented to Commercial Bank for recording, with the ADB’s assistance, the highest number of transactions in Sri Lanka’s trade and supply chain finance domain between 1st July 2022 and 30th June 2023. Commercial Bank was among 25 banks that were recognised in 15 categories at the ADB TSCFP Awards ceremony.

Commenting on this latest accolade, Commercial Bank’s Assistant General Manager – Corporate Banking Mr B. A. H. S. Preena said: “Commercial Bank is among the biggest facilitators of trade in Sri Lanka, offering the tools, techniques and instruments that help protect both buyers and sellers from trade-related risks and making it easier for businesses to transact with one another. This award is an important endorsement of this role we play.”

Commercial Bank’s partnership with the ADB contributes to the growth of the Bank’s trade finance portfolio via increased credit lines, expanded relationships with correspondent banks, reduced cash collateral requirements, enhanced ability to maintain or attract new clients, critical support during times of crisis, low-risk access to new and challenging markets, expanded geographic coverage to service export clients and the ability to leverage existing country line and issuing bank limits, the Bank said.

Commercial Bank is the largest private sector bank is Sri Lanka and channels more than 18% of the country’s export volumes and over 11 % of import volumes. The Bank’s robust relationship with the Trade clientele that routed trade transactions through the Bank, contributed towards winning the ADB award. Additionally, Commercial Bank’s global banking network that enabled it to deliver trade instruments to any destination and offer innovative trade solutions, the expertise of trade staff, its tech solutions in processing trade transactions, commitment to improving trade service standards, resilience in the face of the current financial crisis and the Bank’s financial stability were all factors considered for the accolade.

The Bank said products and services such as documentary credit, issuing of letters of guarantee, providing expert advice on forward exchange contracts, document collection, providing shipping guarantees, marine insurance, and advance payments, and assistance with entrepot trade shipments among others, have strengthened its performance in the trade and supply chain finance sphere. The Bank also recently launched ‘Combank Trade Club’ as an ecosystem to stimulate business growth for the Banks’ trade customers and ‘Combank LEAP GlobalLinker’ – a comprehensive digital business ecosystem set up in collaboration with the IFC and Global Linker to expand networking opportunities for trade customers.

The Asian Development Bank’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme Awards are some of the most prestigious accolades in the banking and financial industry in Asia, presented to institutions that work passionately to foster economic growth through sustainability measures. The Awards recognise outstanding contributions of TSCFP partner banks that boost trade and supply chain finance in Asia and the Pacific. The TSCFP fills market gaps for trade finance by providing guarantees and loans to banks to support trade. Backed by its AAA credit rating, the programme works with partner banks to provide companies with the financial support they need to engage in import and export activities in Asia’s most challenging markets. TSCFP works with over 200 international banks from more than 90 countries around the world.

Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon neutral bank and the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World, Commercial Bank operates a network of 271 branches and 957 automated machines in Sri Lanka. Commercial Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 20 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.



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AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024

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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.

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Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness

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Kotaro Katsuki, Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan

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.

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HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024

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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.”

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