Business
CEOs Forum organized by CIPM highlights the significance of ‘People First Culture’ inspired by CEOs: A trend setting move in Sri Lanka’s HRM landscape
The CIPM Sri Lanka successfully held a CEOs’ Forum on “People First Culture inspired by CEOs” on 23rd March 2023 at the Shangri-La hotel. The event emerged as a grand success, with 100+ CEOs from multiple industries gracing the occasion.
The keynote speaker, Bingumal Thewarathanthri, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka, delivered an inspiring and excellent keynote address focusing on the People First Culture emphasizing on the role of HR in Business particularly at a time when Sri Lanka had experienced a pandemic followed by the most recent episodes such as political unrest, economic downturn, high inflation which had far-reaching consequences on the country. He shared several HR practices which had been introduced at Standard Chartered Bank during these difficult times. Particularly work from-home arrangements, employee well-being, laptops for staff, etc. had strengthened motivation within the workforce. He cited his experience in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa and gave insights on what he had experienced while working overseas. Elaborating on the “People First Culture”, he specially endorsed the view that the people factor is of the highest importance in difficult times particularly. He touched on flexible working hours, leadership roles, and CSR projects which are key aspects of Human Resource Management priorities.
The salient aspect of the keynote speaker’s presentation inspired the rest of the panel members who also made strong contributions during interactive discussions with a highly knowledgeable audience of CEOs from multiple organizations.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of CIPM Sri Lanka, expressed the view that the People First Cultures should be driven by CEOs as they are aware of the inner workings and the company culture within which employees must work. He further said that the CIPM is successfully shouldering the task of moulding HR professionals who can be future CEOs.
Sharing their valuable ideas and experience, the CEOs emphasized that a “People First Culture” prioritizes the need for employee satisfaction and fulfillment with the understanding that a happy workforce translates to better productivity and higher business outcomes. It was emphasized that Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability play a vital role in delivering better performance results.
The panel of experts comprised of Mr. Bingumal Thewarathanthri, the CEO –of Standard Chartered Bank PLC, Dr Samitha Perera, CEO – of CBL Foods International Pvt Ltd, Ms Shiromal Cooray, Chairman and Managing Director – of Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd, and Mr Chevaan Daniel, Executive Group Director – Capital Maharaja Group. The discussion was moderated by Dr Nalin Jayasuriya – Chairman & Managing Director, Mcquire Rens & Jones (Pvt) Ltd.
The President of CIPM Sri Lanka, Mr Ken Vijayakumar, and the Vice President and Chairman of the CEOs’ Forum of CIPM, Mr Priyantha Ranasinghe, welcomed the delegates. The Immediate Past President, Office Bearers, and council members of the Executive Council, Members of the Standing Committee on HR Profession as a Leading Strategic Partner for Organizational Excellence were also present alongside with CEO, Directors, and Senior Management of CIPM.
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
