Business
Asian Banker recognises HNB as Best Managed Bank during COVID-19 in Sri Lanka
Bank’s MD/CEO recognised for delivering the best CEO response
Hatton National Bank (HNB) was recently recognized as the ‘Best Managed Bank During COVID19 in Sri Lanka’ by the prestigious Asian Banker Magazine, while the Bank’s Managing Director and CEO Jonathan Alles, was awarded the Leadership Achievement Award for having delivered the Best CEO response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.
“I am indebted to my staff for their sacrifices and tremendous dedication in ensuring smooth continuity of business at such a critical moment when our customers needed us the most. Our strategy during this time was focused on providing essential support to those who were most severely impacted by the COVID crisis, while extending our assistance to all customers to rapidly transition into digital banking channels”.
“We are proud to say that these efforts have been very successful. As a nation, we still have a tough road ahead, but we remain optimistic that if we continue to work together, we can overcome any challenge and support a grassroots recovery in key sectors of the national economy,” Alles stated.
HNB stepped up to provide essential relief to over 85,000 customers, covering approximately 40% of the bank’s lending portfolio, through moratoriums and has thus far approved working capital financing of approx. Rs 24 billion under the Central Bank relief schemes. The Bank also setup a Rs 5 billion fund to support the SME customers who were not eligible under the CBSL schemes. This scheme was launched utilizing bank’s own funds.
Recently HNB launched a Rs 20 million fund to provide assistance by way of a grant to 200 microfinance customers. The grant will enable customers who have been affected by the on-going COVID pandemic to revive their businesses.
HNB’s strategic focus on being future ready and early adoption of digitalization enabled the Bank to support the customers within the social distancing guidelines. The customers were offered the convenience of carrying out their routine transactions such as balance enquiry, bill payments, fund transfers, opening fixed deposits etc. from any location, through the ebanking platform, which is being revamped currently. The support required continued to be provided through the 24×7 Contact Centre.
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
