Business
DFCC Bank stands out in the new normal with its innovative management practices
DFCC Bank, one of the premier commercial banks in Sri Lanka, conducted a number of value-creating activities included within a multi-pronged effort consisting of newly introduced initiatives, platforms and engagement activities towards safeguarding stakeholders and conducting better business amidst the many challenges brought about by the pandemic.
DFCC Bank focused on enhancing productivity and securing the welfare and well-being of employees while adapting to the new norm. The Bank developed and implemented a number of inclusive community investments and engagements focused on assisting the nation in these times of socio-economic uncertainty, and showcased the significant economic value created by the Bank’s customer empowerment initiatives consisting of financial concessions and specialised digitisation drives. DFCC Bank ensured innovation was at the core of all activities, as the unprecedented challenges imposed by the pandemic required sustainable and innovative solutions to ensure business continuity and stability.
The Bank even received an accolade as one of the top 10 organisations in the ‘Back to Business in the new normal; Best Management Practices’ award by the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka (CPM), for its comprehensive, multifaceted approach to securing the health and safety of all internal and external stakeholders, while ensuring efficient operation and the highest levels of customer convenience and satisfaction amidst the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the severity of the socio-economic impact of lockdowns and the deadly nature of the virus itself.
The practices consisted of a range of human resource-focused, operational, business-focused and health and safety-oriented initiatives, all with the aim of ensuring business continuity and stakeholder well-being while striving to create social and economic value. The multifaceted approach involved the comprehensive digitisation of nearly all services and processes, an organisation-wide effort to protect staff and customers alike from the negative impacts of the pandemic, special concessionary schemes to empower an economic recovery, and significant, inclusive, community investment focused on securing the health and well-being of the nation.
Commenting on the Bank’s approach, DFCC Bank Director / CEO, Thimal Perera, stated, “We are proud that our extensive efforts to secure a resilient recovery as we return back to business have been acknowledged at the inaugural ‘Back to Business’ awards organised by the CPM. As the Bank for Everyone, and one of Sri Lanka’s premier commercial banks, DFCC Bank’s comprehensive approach, supported by its newly introduced, future-looking sustainability strategy, has notably succeeded in positively impacting the lives of the many stakeholders engaged with the Bank, by empowering all and creating an abundance of social and economic value for all.”
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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