Business
Bank of Ceylon appoints Veteran Banker K.E.D Sumanasiri as its General Manager
Veteran banker K.E. D Sumanasiri has assumed duties as General Manager of Bank of Ceylon (BoC) . He assumed duties as General Manager of the bank commencing from 16th August 2021.
Sumanasiri who joined the bank in 1990 rose up in the different grades as a career banker and has been a Deputy General Manager, that is a member of the Bank’s Corporate Management Team since 2013. His experience and industry acumen as a banker ranges across many key areas of banking. His contribution in retail banking, micro and corporate finance and human resource development has contributed immensely to the bank’s development. Over the years he has played many roles such as Area Manager, Operations Manager and Assistant General Manager leading him to gain a deep insight into banking in practice.
After his Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Degree in Business Administration from University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) Sri Lanka, Sumanasiri persevered in his efforts to be an effective professional banker thus gained the Associate Membership of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and the Chartered Institute of Personal Management Sri Lanka.
He has undergone many professional and career trainings. Among them the following stand out “The Linkage 20 conversations Leadership Program” conducted by Harvard Business School of USA, and “Management Development Programme for Key Management Personal”, the “Special Management Course of higher Management and Public Policy for Business Leadership” conducted by Post Graduate Institute of Management (PIM).
Sumanasiri has been a noteworthy contributor towards the career development of aspiring bankers. His contribution as the faculty member of the bank’s training institute is well acclaimed by the industry peers. As the manager training, his services towards uplifting the knowledge, professional acumen, career, and skill development of the staff is immeasurable.
With the dawn of the peace time in the north after 30 long years of conflict he was given the responsibility of uplifting the livelihood of the resettled population and to inject the business confidence and financial management hitherto grief-stricken and panicked masses of the region. As the Assistant General Manager Northern province, he played a remarkable role in achieving this. He saw the successful upward trend in the economic activities of the area and was able to boost the delivery channels of the area considerably. Micro finance and retail bank took an unprecedented turn around during his tenure as the AGM North.
As the Senior Deputy General Manager Human resources, he was very quick in adopting the health guidelines recommended by health authorities effectively in all BoC branches and head office. This minimized exposure to the pandemic for both customers and employees. His focus on safety of the lives of all stake holders of the bank was remarkable. The human first HR policy successfully adopted by the bank gave BOC the edge as the people- centric bank in the financial landscape of the country.The competence and potential demonstrated by him over the years both as a professional banker and a compassionate human being within the Bank’s Corporate Management led to him being the choice for the task chief helmsman for steering Bank of Ceylon ahead as “Bankers to the Nation”.
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.”