Business
CIPM and SLIM organized webinar on “Future of Work”
CIPM Sri Lanka – the Nation’s leader in human resource management together with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) organized a webinar on “World of Work is Changing, the Future of Work is Hybrid” recently to deliberate the pros and cons and implications to organizations, the workforce and the regulators and government of the new world of work being driven and accelerated by the pandemic gripping the world since early 2020. Jayantha Amarasinghe – President CIPM, Ken Vijayakumar – Vice President CIPM, Thilanka Abeywardena – President SLIM and Dr. Thesara Jayawardane – Executive Committee Member SLIM participated as panelists. The webinar was moderated by Janaka Kumarasinghe – Past President of CIPM Sri Lanka.
Introducing the topic, the moderator said that the pandemic was able to accelerate the digital transformation which was prolonging for several years, overnight and the world found new ways of working emphasizing that the sustenance of hybrid models of working can lead to better outcomes for many stakeholders.
“The way we work is extremely critical for the country to move forward due to multiple and fundamental reasons. We realize the challenges the corporate society, organizations, people and industries are facing due to the pandemic which has been dictating and controlling our lifestyles, the way we work, how we work, the number of people allowed to report to work. However, organizations cannot compromise on delivery of the core values being offered to our customers. The customers are demanding, the regulators are controlling, and health authorities are insisting on health & safety. Employees do not come to office when there is a life-threat. Hence, we need to adapt by adopting new operating models around a sustainable work arrangement solution to ensure business continuity and to support customer demands and society” said Jayantha Amarasinghe-President CIPM Sri Lanka adding that the hybrid way of working provides a host of benefits.
Sharing her thoughts Thilanka Abeywardena – President SLIM said that the pandemic has led to a complete change of the marketers’ role in terms of how to market, sell, handle branch operations, assessing the customer experience leading to changes in all elements of the profession with the advent of the hybrid workplace adding “can we work the way we used to work? For example, prior to the pandemic digital channels may have been a competitive advantage. However, now it is a bare minimum or a ‘hygiene’ factor – a must have. This also means that our customers/consumers expectations are being raised. In response to the pandemic, companies were changing their business models and transforming themselves to cater to customer demands”. She added that HR and marketing should work together to figure out how to handle front-liners, sales, brands, channels which play a significant role in a pandemic situation.
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.”