Business
‘BOC takes highest rank for a Sri Lankan bank’
Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 banking brand was once again listed among the world’s top 1,000 banks listing, with a ranking of 800, up 53 places from the previous year, making BOC the highest ranked Sri Lankan bank in the listing’s history, a BOC press release said.The release added: ‘Highlighting the Bank’s capital health, the inclusion in the ranking by The Banker Magazine UK once again reaffirms Bank of Ceylon’s robust Tier 1 capital adequacy and asset base, further cementing the Bank’s standing as the No. 1 bank in Sri Lanka as announced by Brand Finance Lanka this year.
Compiled annually from a database of over 5,000 banking entities from across the globe, The Banker Magazine’s Top 1,000 World Banks listing is considered as the most comprehensive guide to a bank’s standing globally.
Reviewed against the backdrop of the aftermath of the global pandemic and recession that has financial institutions hard hit, the ranking showcases Bank of Ceylon’s asset base and the steps taken to mitigate the fallout, which are once again, reflected in the Bank’s performance indicators as at March 2022.
“Bank of Ceylon’s stellar performance as a resilient leader amidst a highly volatile environment overcoming many challenges is a clear indicator of both the Bank’s robust performance and role as the clear leader in the banking industry in Sri Lanka. We are justifiably proud of this global recognition and achievement, so richly deserved,” commented Kanchana Ratwatte, chairman of Bank of Ceylon.
As reported in the Group’s interim financial results, Bank of Ceylon is the first local bank to post assets in excess of 4 trillion rupees and deposits of over 3 trillion rupees.Highlighting the contribution of the Bank’s loyal customer base, General Manager of Bank of Ceylon, K. E. D. Sumanasiri said: “much of the success for our continued performance over eight decades of operation are our loyal customers who continue to choose Bank of Ceylon as their preferred financial services provider. We are humbled and thankful for their unstinted loyalty over the years and are pledged to continue to innovate for greater inclusivity as we surge forward.”
With over 2,000 touchpoints spread across the nation, BOC operates over 645 branches connected online, and an ATM/CDM/CRM network of over 1350 located in all 25 districts of the country.
‘As the leading local bank, Bank of Ceylon continues to deliver on its mandate of fostering the SME sector and ensuring funding of large infrastructure development in the nation, furthering the lives of all Sri Lankans.’
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.”


