Business
ComBank crowned ‘People’s Private Bank of the Year’ at SLIM Kantar People’s Awards
By popular vote, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been crowned the ‘People’s Private Bank of the Year’ at the SLIM Kantar People’s Awards 2023, positioning it as the Bank that is closest to the hearts of the Sri Lankan people.
The Bank was conferred this noteworthy accolade following the results of a survey to determine consumer preferences across multiple sectors. Commercial Bank is the largest private sector commercial bank in Sri Lanka with Group assets approaching Rs 2.5 trillion, gross income of Rs 280 billion, deposits of Rs 1.9 trillion, a loan book of Rs 1.2 trillion and a customer base exceeding 3.5 million as at 31st December 2022.
‘Commenting on the award, Commercial Bank Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking & Marketing Hasrath Munasinghe said: “We are humbled that the Sri Lankan people have chosen us as their preferred private bank. This award is a testament to the strength of our brand and top of the mind recall, and affirms our commitment to providing innovative and personalised banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We will continue to strive towards excellence and to provide our customers with the best possible choices and solutions to help them achieve their financial goals.’
This recognition motivates us to continue to provide exceptional service to our customers, especially in these tough economic conditions, and we remain committed to living up to the trust placed in us and the loyalty shown to us.”
This year, the theme of the SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards was “Choices define us.” A scientific research methodology is used to identify the most popular brands, personalities, organisations, advertisements, and artists that resonate deeply with the people of Sri Lanka, and the primary feature of the awards programme is its people-led jury system, to recognise institutions that have captured the hearts of the consumers. For the purpose of these awards, the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) partners with Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company. Kantar conducts country-wide research and the award recipients are exclusively determined by people’s votes, with respondents to the survey invited to name their preferred brands and personalities across various categories, thereby honouring Sri Lanka’s most exceptional brands.
Notably, Commercial Bank was also named the CSR Brand of the Year by the same awarding body – SLIM, in 2022.
Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon neutral bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 12 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 270 branches and 950 automated machines in Sri Lanka. Commercial Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 20 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.
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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