Business
Deutsche Bank makes historic move to Shangri-La’s One Galle Face Tower
Deutsche Bank AG has moved to the prestigious One Galle Face Tower (OGFT) marking a historic step in the bank’s journey in Sri Lanka. “Our move to this new and sustainable premises provides us with flexibility and scalability to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the business. The brand new & modern workspace with all employees located on the same floor supports us in running a more efficient operation, enabling us to provide world
class products and services to institutions and corporates in the country,” said Vikas Arora, Chief Country Officer, Deutsche Bank Sri Lanka.
Deutsche Bank, who are celebrating 150 years in Asia Pacific this year, have been a strong partner to Sri Lanka since 1980. The bank’s Corporate Bank division serves as the hub for corporate and commercial clients. At the core of this division is the Global Transaction Banking business, which is an established market leader in Europe with on the ground presence in 60 countries, including an extensive footprint in Asia Pacific. The Investment Bank division provides strategic advice to corporate and institutional clients, focusing on the bank’s traditional strengths in financing, advisory, fixed income and currencies, together with a focused equity capital markets business.
Multinational Corporates have been actively upgrading to premium office spaces in OGFT to cater to their distinguished clientele whilst also engaging their immensely talented pool of professionals by empowering them through hybrid work experiences for improved synergies and innovation. OGFT is fast-becoming Colombo’s most coveted and prestigious office address, continuously adding big names to its list of tenants.
Inaugurated in 2019, OGFT comprises approximately 531,000 square feet of luxury Grade ‘A’ office space spread over 32 floors. OGFT is the only ready-to-move-in Grade ‘A’ office building in Colombo built to Green Mark Gold standards and offers landlord-operated flexible office options and meeting facilities specifically for its tenants. The internationally developed and managed mixed-use development is a project by Shangri-La, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group with over 100 hotels and resorts around the world.
General Manager of One Galle Face and Shangri-La Colombo Herve Duboscq stated, “We are delighted to welcome Deutsche Bank to One Galle Face Tower after a lengthy and rigorous selection process. Their entry into the building adds to the stellar lineup of world-renowned banks, financial institutions, and MNCs already here. We continue to see a strong interest from savvy corporates for One Galle Face Tower who wish to upgrade premises and be a part of this prestigious development.”
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.”