Business
BOC celebrates 84th anniversary, nurturing Sri Lankan economy
Pledges new SME loan scheme of Rs. 5 billion to be disbursed at 12.5% interest rate
Launches BOC ‘Flexi Investor’ account to introduce goals-based investment plan
The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) yesterday celebrated its 84th Anniversary at a ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office in Colombo.
The event was held with the patronage of the Bank’s Chairman President’s Counsel Ronald C. Perera and General Manager Russel Fonseka.
BOC Chairman President’s Counsel Ronald C. Perera speaking at the event said,” British Governor Sir Andrew Caldecott when he inaugurated BOC on the 1″ of August 1939 had stated that BOC would become the top bank in Sri Lanka and his prediction has become a reality today. BOC is today the number 1 bank in Sri Lanka in terms of its asset base and customer service excellence,” he said.
“Today BOC is a thoroughly modern bank with technology forming the backbone of its operating infrastructure. With the domestic debt optimisation programme easing the pressures on the Bank, we will be able to bring the lending rates further down going forward to boost the economy,” he noted.
The Chairman and the General manager revealed that BOC is in the process of establishing a loan scheme amounting to Rs. 5 billion to be disbursed among SME exporters, viable startups and women-led businesses to take their businesses to the next level.
“A lot of businesses have put their expansion plans on hold due to the pandemic and the economic crisis, so the bank now wants to support them to reignite their plans and put them into action. Each eligible SME entity can receive up to Rs. 25 million through this fund,” they said.
In addition to that, BOC unveiled a novel banking product named “BOC Flexi Investor” account to commemorate its 84 th Anniversary.
“This novel savings account comes with special features that enables the eligible account holder to have a goal-based investment plan to achieve financial goals in the way he or she desires. Flexibility is designed to set their own investment plan based on the goal, tenure and the affordable deposit with a wide range of investment options with attractive interest rates. It also gives the option to open multiple investment plans simultaneously and there will be no penalty for missed deposits,” a BOC spokesman said.
“These novel concepts bank introduces are aimed at assisting customers comprehensively being more responsive to their dynamic needs. Having served the country for 84 years as the leading banking institution rendering an impeccable service to its customers and community, the Bank of Ceylon has further sharpened its capabilities to ready to strive for many years to come,” he said.
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.”
