Business
BOC’s market leadership position in foreign remittances helps uplift national economy in crisis period
BOC’s Deputy General Manager (International, Treasury & Investment), R. M. N. Jeewantha, recently discussed BOC’s lead role in foreign remittances in Sri Lanka amid the COVID-19 pandemic, plus the bank’s role in offering uninterrupted banking services at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The following are some excerpts from his presentation.
“The importance of foreign worker remittances to the national economy cannot be overstated. Remittance-generated income has become even more crucial currently, owing to the ongoing health crisis.”
With over 2 million Sri Lankans residing and working in foreign countries, they amount to approximately 10% of the country’s population and 25% of the local workforce. In the year 2019, a total of USD 6.7 Billion was generated in foreign currency remittances, corresponding to 8.03% of our total GDP. This is indicative of the significance of the contributions by migrant workers, particularly in Middle Eastern, East Asian and Western countries, to our national economy.”
“Of the above stated total in 2019, a notable 40% market share of foreign currency remittances was garnered by Bank of Ceylon, which the bank has consistently maintained over numerous years. An institution that has formed a reputation as Bankers to the Nation, BOC has helped Sri Lankans send money home reliably, safely, and promptly for many decades. The impact that the ability to securely transfer money has on our citizen’s social well-being, is incalculable.”
“Despite remittances being hard hit in the months of April and May by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, and extended periods of lockdown as a result, foreign remittances in Sri Lanka reached a high of USD 703 Million in September 2020. BOC has maintained market leadership position in foreign remittances in 2020 as well, while managing to retain 40% market share once more.”
“Additionally, for conversion of remittances to rupees plus for foreign currency deposits, BOC provides the most attractive exchange rates market-wide. These benefits feature heavily when Sri Lankans working abroad opt for BOC to facilitate their money transfers.”
“BOC also maintains over 100 direct relationships with exchange houses worldwide. These partnerships are facilitated by BOC business promotion officers across the world in countries such as Qatar, South Korea, Oman, UAE, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Kuwait, and Israel. It is important to note that even amidst the current global pandemic, these BOC business promotion officers have not requested to come back home, and they continue to serve Sri Lankans in those countries and the country as a whole.”
“The bank’s resolve to continue serving the nation even in times of adversity, ensured state corporations, private entities and the country as a whole could operate and continue as before. This fully captures the spirit of Bank of Ceylon, and its determination to lead the country forward.”
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.”
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