Business
Allianz Annual Awards 2023, “Excellence of the Extraordinaire”, recognizes key performers
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Allianz Lanka, one of Sri Lanka’s leading insurers and a member of the global insurance giant Allianz SE, recently concluded the successful Allianz Annual Awards 2023. Held under the theme “Excellence of the Extraordinaire,” the awards honoured the remarkable achievements of the sales staff in a glamorous event of celebration and fellowship. The prestigious event took place on June 27, 2023, at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, attracting over 700 participants and recognizing more than 150 award winners for their exceptional performance.
The Allianz Annual Awards honours the dedication and excellence of the sales staff from both Life and General entities. This grand celebration commemorates the remarkable milestones achieved by the respective sales force, highlighting their tireless efforts in providing outstanding service to customers and driving the company’s success, as one of Sri Lanka’s leading insurers.
The presence of key officials from global and regional bodies, including Renate Wagner – Member of the Board of Management at Allianz SE, Anusha Thavarajah – Regional CEO of Allianz Asia Pacific, and Melanie Gillig – Regional Chief Human Resources Officer at Allianz Asia Pacific, added further significance to the occasion, demonstrating Allianz Lanka’s importance in the region, and the commitment of the Group, globally, to continue to invest positively in its talent, and in recognizing their achievements.
Alan Smee – CEO and Country Manager of Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited, and Jayalal Hewawasam – CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Limited, were also present as Guests of Honour, underscoring Allianz Lanka’s deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts of its sales team.
“The remarkable success of Allianz Lanka is a testament to the unwavering dedication and exceptional performance of our award winners. They have embraced pressure as a challenge, transforming it into an opportunity for growth and success. The outstanding performances of these individuals inspire us all to push boundaries and strive for excellence. We extend our heartfelt wishes to the winners for their extraordinary accomplishment and encourage them to continue inspiring others with their ambitious standards. Together, they embody the spirit of excellence that propels us forward and sets us apart in the industry,” said Alan Smee, acknowledging the impressive achievements of the top performers.
The award winners walked away with trophies, cash prizes, foreign tours, hotel stays, and plaques in recognition of their exceptional contributions. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two special awards, namely the “Champion of Champions Award” in the Life category and the “CEO’s Award” in the General category.
This year, the “Champion of Champions Award” was received by W. Nihal Sheridan Fernando for his outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to excellence. This prestigious accolade highlights his exceptional skills and dedication. Meanwhile, the “CEO’s Award” was presented to Udara Ginthota, recognizing his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the company’s growth and success. His visionary approach and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in driving the General vertical to new heights.
Jayalal Hewawasam also commented saying, “The Allianz Annual Awards is an important event in our calendar. Tonight, we celebrate these extraordinary individuals who have risen above challenges, shattered limits, and redefined what is possible. I take this opportunity to appreciate the Life team and the agents for their unwavering commitment in delivering unparalleled services to our customers.
Business
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.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
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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
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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.”