Business
DFCC Bank offers Special Deposit Accounts to aid Sri Lanka in a time of need
The government in consultation with the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) introduced the Special Deposit Accounts on the April 8, with the objective of increasing foreign currency inflows to the country and to aid in overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. DFCC Bank was one of the first banks in the country to launch the DFCC Special Deposit Account in compliance with CBSL guidelines with the objective of making a significant contribution towards the national cause of aiding Sri Lanka in this hour of need.
With the country’s economy still struggling to recover from this global crisis, DFCC launched the product and gained traction on various platforms including online, digital, and social media in order to encourage Sri Lankans residing in international territories to invest their funds back into the country.
Customers were able to place their funds in a fixed deposit for 6-month and 12-month periods in multiple designated currencies covering LKR, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, SGD, CAD and CHF. Promising unparalleled service to customers and the best interest rates possible, those who placed a fixed deposit for 6 months were entitled to received 1% above the normal interest rate and customers who placed fixed deposits for 12 months were entitled to receive 2% above the normal interest rate. The funds are also freely convertible and repatriable upon maturity with customers having the option of transferring the money back overseas through an outward remittance or withdrawing the funds in Sri Lanka at maturity.
Any Sri Lankan individual resident in or outside Sri Lanka including dual citizens, citizens of other states with Sri Lankan origin, and any person resident outside Sri Lanka including funds, corporate bodies, association and other well-wishers are permitted to open and maintain the Special Deposit Account. These accounts can be opened during a 6-month period from the 08th of April 2020 to the 08th of October 2020 with funds received from abroad to Sri Lanka via inward remittances through the banking system during the mentioned 6-month period. Foreign currency legitimately acquired and brought by the account holder to Sri Lanka with proper declaration after 01st January 2020 can also be placed in Special Deposit Accounts up to a predetermined limit. Ensuring that customers enjoy higher returns for their investments and simultaneously contribute towards aiding the Sri Lankan economy, the DFCC Special Deposit Account proves to be a valuable investment for both local and international customers.
DFCC Bank Vice President Liabilities & Trade Business Development, Mr. Anton Arumugam Stated, “The response has been very encouraging with many customers from different countries across the world opening SDA accounts with DFCC and investing their funds. As the first mover, we gained the advantage of generating more deposits from various countries due to the unparalleled customer service offered by DFCC Staff members. They have been working 24×7 to respond to customers who are living overseas by using digital communication modes and assisting them to open the accounts and remit the funds while complying with the relevant requirements.”
This is an excellent opportunity for customers to enjoy higher returns for their investment by opening DFCC Special Deposit Account and also contribute towards the national cause.
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.”