Business
DFCC Bank, first SL entity of Green Climate Fund
DFCC Bank, the Bank for Everyone, is proud to announce its accreditation by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), making it the first Sri Lankan entity to achieve this significant milestone. This accreditation empowers DFCC Bank to access concessionary funding for projects with a value of up to USD 250 million from the GCF, enabling the financing of climate mitigation and adaptation projects across Sri Lanka. Having undergone the rigorous process to secure GCF accreditation, DFCC Bank has joined the ranks of 118 respected institutions worldwide that are at the forefront of combating climate change and building a sustainable future. With DFCC Bank now joining this esteemed group, it reinforces the Bank’s reputation as a leading player in sustainable finance.
The GCF, established in 2010 by 194 countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is dedicated to supporting developing nations in their efforts to address the challenges of climate change. The fund focuses on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience while prioritising the needs of countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts. The 118 institutions to have achieved GCF accreditation represent a diverse range of international, regional, and national entities committed to driving climate action.
Discussing this significant milestone that puts Sri Lanka on the map, J. Durairatnam, Chairman at DFCC Bank said, “We are honoured to become the first Sri Lankan entity to be accredited by the Green Climate Fund. This achievement is a testament to DFCC Bank’s commitment to sustainability, guided by our sustainability strategy and vision of creating a resilient world for everyone. We are excited to leverage this accreditation to mobilise climate finance and spearhead impactful projects that address the urgent climate challenges facing Sri Lanka.”
“Sri Lanka is facing rising temperatures and extreme weather events attributable to climate change. As the world’s largest climate fund dedicated to helping developing countries take climate action, GCF is pleased to welcome DFCC Bank as a Direct Access Entity, the first in Sri Lanka. We look forward to a fruitful and long-term partnership to ensure a low emission and climate resilient future for people across the nation” said by Henry Gonzalez, Executive Director a.i.Green Climate Fund.
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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