Business
BOC & SLIC collaborate to introduce dynamic LANKAQR payments
Expanding the frontiers of National Quick Response (QR) payment scheme, Bank of Ceylon; Bankers to the Nation, introduces QR based Life Insurance premium payments in partnership with Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, the largest insurance provider to the nation.
Bank of Ceylon, with an unparalleled history of 81 years ever to be more resilient and agile towards futuristic banking, has taken many initiatives to uplift the digital payment landscape of the country. LANKAQR standard was introduced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Lanka Clear (Pvt) Ltd to strengthen and regulate the QR payment solutions which will facilitate users to make payments from their own mobile device simply by scanning the LANKAQR code of the merchant or biller. Introduction of a national standard for QR payments has enabled inter-operability between banks, finance companies and e-money wallets with clear operational guidelines given by Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Bringing the revolution to next level, BOC has introduced dynamic LANKAQR based utility bill payments to popularize the concept of ‘Scan and Pay’ which is simple and convenient for users. It was initially implemented with Sri Lanka Telecom, and BOC further widens its scope by affiliating with Sri Lanka Insurance to facilitate the national insurer’s valued life insurance policy holders with the ease of paying their insurance premiums via dynamic LANKAQR, thus enabling seamless digital payment experience.
The addition of LANKAQR convenient cashless payment option is another important milestone of SLIC’s digital journey. SLIC has introduced wide array of digital payment options such as mobile wallet, Digital banking and bill settlements through supermarket chains and banks to provide convenient customer experience. The recent introduction of ‘SLIC’ customer mobile app has enabled customers to conveniently interact with SLIC on Life and General insurance policy details, online payment options, Claim Details and the Motor Plus loyalty and partner network benefits. The digital technology partnership between the two industry leaders, BOC and SLIC with introduction of LANKAQR cashless payment option will enable the Sri Lankan Insurance consumer to enjoy the latest cashless digital payment experience.
BOC SmartPay mobile QR payment app was introduced as a simple applet for merchant QR payments has performed beyond expectations and thus far amassed users exceeding 150,000 across the country. The latest version of SmartPay app will be released soon with enhanced features to offer our valuable clients a new user experience.
The tides are changing rapidly with change in mindset of customers embracing digital banking doing away with traditional banking. Bank of Ceylon thrives on developing synergies with other corporate entities to optimize digital inclusivity and contributing to the national vision of “digital economy”, empowering the nation in line with initiatives and directions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
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
