Business
Asia Asset Finance celebrates yet another milestone with its 75th branch opening in Homagama as part of its strategic expansion drive
Asia Asset Finance PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading gold-focused financial solutions provider, has reached a significant milestone by opening its 75th branch in Homagama. This achievement is part of the company’s strategic network expansion drive, and the Company has announced its plans to inaugurate 15 more branches across the country over the next 09 months.
Following on with its network expansion strategy, during 2022 alone, Asia Asset Finance PLC expanded its island-wide network to 70 locations, adding 15 new branches in diverse locations across the country, namely Wattegama, Pusellawa, Bogawanthalawa, Grandpass, Kanthale, Potuvil, Welimada, Haputale, Agarapathana, Achchuveli, Cheddikulam, Mattakkuliya, Manipai, Elakanda, and Hawaeliya. These locations were strategically chosen with the objective of women empowerment and financial inclusion , while also being home to vibrant populations of Sri Lankans aspiring to achieve their dreams in life. AAFs main customers consist of females with 51% and over 40% of its customers serviced are banking in the regulated financial sector for the first time. This is a remarkable achievement and underscores Asia Asset Finance PLC’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive financial services in Sri Lanka. Moving from strength to strength, driven by the company’s expansion efforts, Asia Asset Finance PLC’s staff community also grew by 20%, while the Company’s asset base exceeded LKR 25 billion for the first time as well.
With over 52 years of experience, Asia Asset Finance PLC is the only gold-focused financial solutions provider in Sri Lanka, and is backed by its parent company, Muthoot Finance, a global financial services giant based in India. Muthoot Finance is one of the world’s largest gold financing companies, with assets worth nearly LKR 3 trillion. larger than most commercial banks in Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the Company’s network expansion efforts, CEO Rajiv Gunawardena said ” We are proud to have achieved 75 Branches during this challenging period, our objective is to ensure we have sufficient reach amongst Sri Lankans to allow them to access our unique and customer friendly financial products, which will assist them to improve their livelihoods. We expect to continue this expansion plan for the year 2023.”
Asia Asset Finance PLC is a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) and a Licensed Finance Company (LFC), registered with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, having commenced operations in 1970, with a focus on Gold-Based Financial Products and Services, catering to both depositors and borrowers. Asia Asset Finance’s wide array of financial services includes Gold Loans, Fixed Deposits, Mortgages and Digital Financial Services via the Asia Asset Finance App.
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.”
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